ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

**REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS**

**AGENCY:** U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families (ACF)

**ACTION:** Announcement of availability of funds and request for
applications to sponsor a Head Start program in **Hampshire County,
Massachusetts**.

**SUMMARY:** The Administration for Children and Families solicits
applications from local public or private non-profit (including faith
based organizations) or local for-profit organizations that wish to
compete for funds which are available to provide Head Start services for
pre-school children living in **Hampshire County, Massachusetts**. The
Head Start Act authorizes the Secretary to designate as a Head Start
agency any local public or private nonprofit or local for-profit agency
within a community. In the remainder of this document the term "Head
Start program" means a program for pre-school children ages 3 to 5.

The intent of this announcement is to provide for the continuation of
services in **Hampshire County, Massachusetts** previously provided by
Hampshire County Community Action Commission, Inc. Funds in the amount
of **\$1,639,763** annually will be available to provide Head Start
program services to eligible children and their families.

The former grantee was funded for a total enrollment of **216 children**
and families to operate a Head Start program for children living in
Hampshire County. Head Start regulations allow for a variety of program
options and designs. Applicants should propose a design or designs that
best address the needs of the proposed service area. Applicants have
flexibility in determining the appropriate number of children to be
served by the various program options (center-based, home-based, or
combination) and program designs (hours per day, days per week, weeks
per year.)

**CLOSING**

**DATE:** The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is [**September 29, 2005 at** **5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time.**]{.mark}

**APPLICATION**

**RECEIPT**

**POINT:** ACYF Operations Center

118 Q St. N.E.

Washington, DC 20002-2132

ATTN: Tanyanic Brown

\(866\) 796-1591

**Envelopes should be clearly marked \"Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Replacement Application.\"**

Hand delivered applications are accepted at the above address during the
normal working hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
on or before the closing date.

**MEETING**

**NOTICE/FOR**

**FURTHER**

**INFORMATION:** Please call Louise Eldridge at (617) 565-1150 in the
Region I Office to get information about the **pre-application
meeting**. For additional information or questions about the application
process please call the ACYF Operations Center at (866) 796-1591.

Copies of grant documents, forms, assurances and certifications are
found at:

<http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>

Copies of Head Start legislation, regulations and policies are found
at:\
\
<http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/index.htm>

Copies of OMB circulars are found at:

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html>

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**INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:**

**A. Table of Contents**

This announcement is divided into five sections:

Part I is an introductory section which discusses the purpose and goals
of the Head Start program.

Part II contains key program information such as a description of
eligible applicants, project periods and applicable Head Start
regulations.

-   Part III contains a project description overview.

Part IV presents the criteria upon which applications will be reviewed
and evaluated.

Part V contains instructions for preparing and submitting the
application.

The forms to be used for submitting an application are referenced at the
end of this announcement. No additional forms are needed to submit an
application. The Head Start Act, Head Start Regulations and other useful
information are also referenced.

**PART I. PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:**

> The purpose of this Request for Applications is to announce and
> solicit applications from local public and private non-profit
> (including Faith Based organizations) or local for-profit
> organizations to provide Head Start services for children living in
> Hampshire County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Head Start is a national program whose purpose is to promote school
readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of
low-income children through the provision, to low-income children and
their families, of health, educational, nutritional, social and other
services. The Head Start program is based on the premise that all
children share certain needs, and that children of low income families,
in particular, can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to
meet those needs.

The program embodies a comprehensive approach which includes health,
education, nutrition, social services and parent involvement, and is
based on the philosophy that a child benefits from a comprehensive
interdisciplinary program which fosters optimum growth and development
and which remedies problems through a broad range of services.
Involvement of the child\'s entire family, as well as the community, is
critical. The program recognizes that the family is the principal
influence on the child\'s development. The parents are also supported in
pursuing their own self-sufficiency goals. The recent changes in the
welfare system have a direct effect on many of the children and families
served by Head Start. The need for collaboration with child care
providers is critical as parents will, in many cases, need to secure
full-day, full year services for their children in order to meet the
work requirements under the welfare reform legislation, as well as reach
the goal of self-sufficiency.

Head Start began in 1965 in the Office of Economic Opportunity and is
now administered by the Administration for Children and Families, one of
the principal components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.

Since 1965, Head Start has served more than 20 million children and
their families. Head Start plays a major role in focusing attention on
the importance of early childhood development. Head Start currently
serves approximately 905,000 children nationally through a network of
more than 1,525 grantees.

**PART II. PROGRAM INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS**

**A. Statutory and Regulatory Authority:**

The Head Start program is authorized by Title VI, Subtitle A, Chapter 8,
Subchapter B, of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Public
Law 97-35 as amended, (42 USC 9831 *et. seq*.).

This Act was amended by the:

> Head Start Supplemental Authorization Act of 1989, Pub. L. 101-120;
>
> National Health Service Corps Revitalization Amendments of 1990, Pub.
> L. 101-597;
>
> Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990, Title I, Pub. L. 101-501,
> as amended;

-   Head Start Act Amendments of 1994, Pub. L. 103-252; and

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-   Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and ACYF
    Operations Center Act of 1998 (also referred to as the Coats Human
    Services Reauthorization Act of 1998).

Minor amendments to the Head Start Act were also made by the
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
Amendments of 1993, Pub. L. 103-218.

**The regulations relevant to Head Start are:**

45 CFR Part 1301, Head Start Grant Administration

45 CFR Part 1302, Policies and Procedures for Selection, Initial Funding
and

Refunding of Head Start Grantees, and for Selection of Replacement
Grantees

45 CFR Part 1303, Appeal Procedures for Head Start Grantees and Current
or

Prospective Delegate Agencies

> 45 CFR Part 1304, Program Performance Standards for the Operation of
> Head Start Programs by Grantees and Delegate Agencies
>
> 45 CFR Part 1305, Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and
> Attendance in Head Start

-   45 CFR Part 1306, Head Start Staffing Requirements and Program
    Options

-   45 CFR Part 1308, Head Start Program Performance Standards on
    Services for Children with Disabilities

-   45 CFR Part 1309, Head Start Facilities Purchase

> 45 CFR Part 1310, Head Start Transportation

-   45 CFR Part 1311, Head Start Fellows Program

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-   45 CFR Part 74, Administration of Grants

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-   45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
    Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments

Copies of Head Start legislation, regulations and policies are found at:

<http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/index.htm>

-   Administrative Requirements

> OMB Circular A-102
>
> OMB Circular A-110

-   Cost Principles

> OMB Circular A-21
>
> OMB Circular A-87
>
> OMB Circular A-122

-   Audits

> OMB Circular A-133 and Compliance Requirements
>
> Copies of OMB Circulars are found at:
>
> <http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html>

**B. Eligible Applicants:**

Any *local* public or private non-profit or *local* for-profit agency or
organization, *within a community*, is eligible to apply for funding to
establish a Head Start program under this announcement. Applicants
should provide documentation and an explanation as to how they meet this
eligibility requirement. The Head Start Act defines a community as:

-   a city, county or multicity or multicounty unit within a State, an
    Indian reservation (including Indians in any off-reservation area
    designated by an appropriate tribal government in consultation with
    the Secretary), or a neighborhood or other area (irrespective of
    boundaries or political subdivisions) which provides a suitable
    organizational base and possesses the commonality of interest needed
    to operate a Head Start program.

> Applicants (including faith based organizations) will be required to
> submit: (1) proof of legal or corporate status (2) proof of non-profit
> status if a non-profit agency; (3) certification of the
> organization\'s last audit report or other similar evidence of
> financial capability; (4) a copy of its personnel policies and
> procedures; and (5) resumes of key staff in the organization and
> proposed Head Start program.
>
> To be eligible for funding, applicants must provide evidence of their
> legal status and financial viability to meet the requirements of 45
> CFR 1302.1 and 1302.2. In order to receive Federal grant funds, the
> applicant must have an [Employer Identification Number
> (EIN)]{.underline} established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
> and a [Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS)**.**]{.underline} DUNS is the
> acronym for Data Universal Numbering System. If you do not have a DUNS
> number, you can get one by calling [(800) 333-0505**.**]{.underline}

For-profit agencies must agree to waive their fee/profit. For-profit
agencies should also know that a significant cost (10-20%) of operating
a Head Start program is food for snacks and meals served to
participating children. Head Start programs receive cash or commodities
for this function from the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA). USDA regulations, however, do not permit assistance to
for-profit entities, regardless of whether profit is actually earned in
the activity for which assistance is available.

> Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit
> proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of
> submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a
> copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's
> (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in
> Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the
> currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or by providing a copy
> of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in
> which the corporation or association is domiciled.
>
> "Legal status\" means being established as a public agency or
> non-profit or for-profit agency under applicable State or Federal law.
> For the purposes of this announcement, \"financial viability\"
> means: 1) having the capability to furnish the non-Federal share of
> the cost of operating a Head Start program; 2) being financially
> stable; and 3) demonstrating the capability to assume accountability
> for the fiscal management of the grant.
>
> **ACF reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant that is
> presently designated as "high risk," probationary or not in good
> standing; or has been debarred or defunded by any Federal agency. In
> addition, ACF may elect not to fund applicants that have management or
> financial problems that make it unlikely that the applicant would be
> able to provide effective Head Start services.**

**C. Eligible Participants**

Head Start is intended primarily for children from the age of three to
the age when children enter kindergarten and whose families who have
incomes at or below the poverty line or are eligible for public
assistance. The law permits up to10 percent of the Head Start children
to be from families that do not meet these low-income criteria.

> Head Start also requires that a minimum of 10 percent enrollment
> opportunities be made available to children with disabilities. Such
> children are expected to be enrolled in a full range of Head Start
> services and activities in an inclusive or mainstream setting with
> their non-disabled peers, and to receive needed special education and
> related services.

**D. Project Period and Funding:**

A total of approximately **\$1,639,763** in ACF funds will be available.
Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one- year budget period.
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond
the first one year budget period, will be entertained in subsequent
years on a non-competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, and
satisfactory progress of the grantee. The program will be thoroughly
reviewed at the end of the first year to determine its suitability for
receiving continued funding.

In most cases, the grantee selected under this announcement will spend
some portion of the first year on start-up activities. Applicants may
submit a separate budget for start-up costs to clearly separate them
from ongoing operational costs. ACF expects that this grantee will work
with the current grantee and/or the interim grantee, and the funding
office in the transition process. The grantee will be expected to begin
serving eligible children and families as soon as possible.

Applicants are advised that the Head Start Act and implementing
regulations at 45 CFR 1301.32 limit the cost of administration and
development in a grantee's budget to a reasonable level as determined by
the responsible HHS official or to no more than 15% of the total
approved costs of the program. Applicants that have an approved indirect
cost rate are advised that this statutory limit may reduce the rate
applied to the Head Start grant if the approved rate would result in
administrative and development costs that exceed 15%.

**E. Required Grantee Share of the Project**

Section 640(b) of the Head Start Act requires that at least 20 percent
of the total cost of Head Start projects come from sources other than
the Federal government. The non-Federal share may be in cash or in-kind,
including facilities, equipment or volunteer services. Therefore, a
project requesting **\$1,639,763** in Federal funds must include a match
of at least **\$409,941** (20% of total project costs of **\$2,049,704**
including the Federal and non-Federal shares). Grantees may request a
waiver to the required match if they meet one or more of the criteria
for such a waiver specified in Section 640(b) of the Act.

**PART III. THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW**

## PURPOSE

The project description provides a major means by which an application
is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications for available
assistance. The project description should be concise and complete and
should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested.
Supporting documents should be included where they can present
information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.

## 

## GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length.
Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross referencing should be used
rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities
that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does
not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant funded activity
should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of
contents should be included for easy reference.

### 

### 

### INTRODUCTION

Applicants are required to submit a full project description and shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expand and clarify more
program-specific information that is needed.

### 

### PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT

Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.

###  

### OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.

### 

### APPROACH

Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of how the
proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or
activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.

If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any \"collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.\"

List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.

#### 

#### 

#### STAFF AND POSITION DATA

Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a job
description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch will
also be required for new key staff as appointed.

##### 

##### ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating
partners such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit
reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer
Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and
telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of
professional accreditation, information on compliance with
Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in
the program area, and other pertinent information. Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its
non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the
applicant\'s listing in the Internal Revenue Service\'s (IRS) most
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.

### 

### 

### BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.

# 

# GENERAL

The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes of
preparing the budget and budget justification, \"Federal resources\"
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non‑Federal
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.

#### 

#### PERSONNEL

**Description**: Costs of employee salaries and wages.

**Justification:** Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person (including the Executive
Director), provide the title, time commitment to the project (in
months), time commitment to the project (as a percentage or full-time
equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, wage rates, etc. Do not
include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate agencies
or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

#### FRINGE BENEFITS

**Description**: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.

**Justification:** Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.

# 

# TRAVEL

**Description:** Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).

**Justification:** For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend
ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.

# 

# EQUIPMENT

**Description:** \"Equipment\" means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) \$5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance,
freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from
acquisition cost in accordance with the organization\'s regular written
accounting practices.)

**Justification:** For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a
copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment
definition.

#### 

#### SUPPLIES

**Description:** Costs of all tangible personal property other than that
included under the Equipment category.

**Justification**: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.

#####  

##### CONTRACTUAL

**Description:** Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Third‑party evaluation contracts (if
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.

**Justification:** All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 403(11)
(currently set at \$5,000). Recipients might be required to make
available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as
request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost
estimates, etc.

Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to
another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget
narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along with the
required supporting information referred to in these instructions.

#### 

#### CONSTRUCTION

**Description:** Costs of construction by applicant or contractor.

**Justification:** Provide a detailed budget and narrative in accordance
with the instructions for other object class categories. Identify which
construction activities/costs will be contractual and which will be
assumed by the applicant.

#### 

#### OTHER

**Description:** Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (non-contractual),
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and stipends,
staff development costs, and administrative costs.

**Justification:** Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.

#### 

#### INDIRECT CHARGES

**Description:** Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be
used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division
of Cost Allocation, or other cognizant Federal agency.

**Justification:** An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency\'s guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency.
Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also
request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an indirect cost
rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should
not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant
is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the
program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization
must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a
lower rate than allowed.

# 

# PROGRAM INCOME

**Description:** The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.

**Justification:** Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.

# 

# NONFEDERAL RESOURCES

**Description:** Amounts of non‑Federal resources, in cash or in-kind,
that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of
the SF-424.

**Justification:** The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.

TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS.

\[Self-explanatory\]

**PART IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR COMPETITIVE REVIEW OF PROPOSALS**

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated competitively against the
following criteria:

**Criterion 1. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE (20 Points)**

The applicant must identify the geographic location to be served by the
program. The applicant must define the area(s) of greatest need and show
how it will direct Head Start resources to these areas.

The following factors will be used to assist in the review and
evaluation of applicants under this criterion:

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that services will be
provided to those families and children who have the most urgent need
for Head Start services, including those receiving services from the
former grantee.

The extent to which the applicant addresses how it will ensure a smooth
transition of Head Start program operations from the current grantee to
the applicant agency to meet the need for services. The applicant should
also include a time frame for completing this transition and becoming
fully operational.

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the need for child
development services for Head Start eligible children and families,
including the estimated number of eligible children by geographic
location, racial and ethnic composition, and non-English language
children. Include data regarding the education, health, nutrition,
social, child care and other service needs of the proposed children and
families.

The extent to which the applicant provides evidence of community
support. Describe the process for involvement of currently served
parents and parents to be served in the future, service providers,
organizations and other members of the community in determining the need
for services in the geographic locations proposed by the applicant.

**Criterion 2. APPROACH (40 Points)**

The applicant must describe the design and approach of the proposed
program and how it will meet the needs of the population it plans to
serve. Program services must meet the Head Start Program Performance
Standards, the Head Start Staffing Requirements and Program Options, and
the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Children with
Disabilities.

The following factors will be used to assist in the review and
evaluation of applicants under this criterion:

-   The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that the proposed
    program will provide comprehensive, high quality educational,
    health, mental health, nutritional, social and other services to
    children and their families.

-   The extent to which the applicant proposes to demonstrate the
    capacity to measure child outcomes.

-   The extent to which the applicant describes how children and
    families will be recruited and selected for the program to ensure
    that services will be provided to those who have the most serious
    need for Head Start services. The applicant should describe how the
    program will ensure that at least 10 percent of enrollment
    opportunities will be available to children with disabilities and
    how the full range of Head Start services and activities will be
    provided in a mainstream setting.

-   The extent to which the applicant's plan: proposes to include
    non-English language children and their families; proposes to offer
    families substance abuse counseling, including information on
    drug-exposed infants and fetal alcohol syndrome; and proposes to
    inform custodial parents about the availability of child support
    services and refer eligible parents to State and local child support
    services.

-   The extent to which the applicant's plan proposes to collaborate and
    cooperate with the State's Child Care and Development Fund program.

-   The extent to which the applicant justifies the program option or
    options most appropriate for the communities in which it proposes to
    provide services (e.g., part or full day center-based, home-based or
    combination option). The applicant should specify the planned number
    of hours per day, days per week, and weeks per year of program
    operations. Describe how the program option(s) and services are
    responsive to the child care needs of Head Start-eligible families
    who are employed, in education or training programs, or
    participating in welfare reform initiatives designed to enhance
    family self-sufficiency. The applicant should discuss the approaches
    which would be used to assure that the activities are
    developmentally appropriate and how multicultural principles will be
    implemented within the program.

-   The extent to which the applicant indicates how the Policy
    Council/Committee will be organized and how the Policy
    Council/Committee will participate in the operation of the program,
    as required by 45 CFR Part 1304.50, Appendix A, Governance and
    Management Responsibilities.

-   The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it will provide
    experiences and activities that support and enhance the parental
    role as the principal influence in their child\'s education and
    development.

-   The extent to which the applicant proposes to enter into
    partnerships or cooperative agreements with other public or private
    agencies which would assist the applicant in providing high quality
    child health and developmental services and program management
    services. Such partnerships must include a plan to coordinate the
    proposed Head Start program with other child care and preschool
    programs, programs under part C and Section 619 of the Individuals
    with Disabilities Education Act, and with the educational programs
    that children to be served will enter upon leaving Head Start.

-   The extent to which the applicant describes the proposed
    organizational structure that supports the accomplishment of program
    objectives and will assure high quality services. Applicant should
    discuss the following: assignment of key management functions;
    assignment of content area expertise; the organization\'s
    supervisory structure, including support staff.

-   The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the existence of
    management systems for program planning, internal and external
    communication, recordkeeping, issuance of internal and external
    reports and program self assessment and monitoring.

-   The extent to which the applicant describes an ongoing strategy for
    professional development, peer support, supervision, and evaluation
    of staff and program managers, oriented to improving skills,
    knowledge, effectiveness, and career opportunities of all employees.

-   The extent to which the applicant proposes to provide employment
    opportunities for existing Head Start staff and target area
    residents, and career development opportunities for paraprofessional
    and other staff.

**Criterion 3. STAFF AND POSITION DATA/ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES (20
Points)**

This section measures the qualifications and experience of the applicant
and the applicant\'s staff in planning, organizing and providing
comprehensive child development services at the community level. The
following factors will be used to evaluate this criterion:

The extent to which the applicant proposes a clear plan for reviewing
the qualifications and effectiveness of existing qualified Head Start
staff employed by the current grantee and making decisions on their
continued employment.

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates potential for
administering a Head Start program effectively and exercising sound
fiscal management, based on experience. Applicants that served as
delegate agencies to the former grantee and operated programs that met
or exceeded the performance standards and measures should provide
appropriate information.

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to provide
timely and efficient implementation of all program components and
services, including planning during the start-up period, the
availability of classroom space which meets required standards, the
ability to provide necessary transportation and the ability to recruit
eligible children and families. All applications must include an
implementation timetable which expressly states when children will begin
receiving Head Start services.

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how the applicant\'s
experience and history document an ability to effectively and
efficiently administer a project of this size, complexity and scope with
the proposed program director and proposed key project staff should be
included.

The extent to which the applicant outlines plans and demonstrates
capacity in its senior executive managers and governing board to: (1)
exercise effective oversight of program operations and accountability
for Federal funds; (2) include the Policy Council in the planning and
decision-making process; (3) assure representation of the diverse
community served; (4) set and monitor overall agency priorities and
operational systems; and (5) conduct self-assessments and outcome-based
evaluations.

**Criterion 4. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION (20 Points)**

This section will evaluate the extent to which the project\'s costs are
appropriate and reasonable in view of the activities to be carried out
and the anticipated outcomes.

The following factors will be used to assist in the review and
evaluation of applications under this criterion:

The extent to which funds are budgeted to provide all required
comprehensive Head Start services to eligible children and families in a
cost-effective manner as indicated in the application narrative.

The extent to which the applicant provides evidence that start-up costs
are reasonable. Start-up costs include ensuring that proposed facilities
comply with State and local requirements and are adequately equipped,
both indoors and outdoors. Where facilities are not available, a plan to
acquire them should be presented.

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it will contribute
the required non-federal share of the total project cost.

The extent to which the applicant shows its ability to meet the 15
percent limitation on development and administrative costs.

Where the applicant proposes combining Head Start resources with other
early childhood funding sources, systems to track, manage, and account
for multiple funding streams and allocate costs to different funding
sources are clearly described.

**PART V. THE APPLICATION PROCESS**

**A. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995**

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), the
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record- keeping
requirements or program announcements. This program announcement meets
all information collection requirements approved for ACF grant
applications under OMB Control Number 0970-0139.

**B. Required Forms**

Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit all of
the required forms referred to in this section and described below.

Copies of grant documents, forms, assurances and certifications are
found at:

<http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>

In order to be considered for a grant under this announcement, an
application must be submitted on the Standard Form 424 which has been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control
Number 0348-0043. The form is available from the web sites referenced at
the end of this announcement (see Reference 01). Each application must
be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant and to
assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and
conditions of the grant award. In order to receive Federal grant funds,
the applicant must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
established by the Internal Revenue Service.

Applicants are required to submit Standard Form 424A \"Budget
Information - Non Construction Program\" and the Standard Form 424B,
\"Assurances: Non-Construction Programs\" with their application.

Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to
receiving an award in excess of \$100,000, applicants shall furnish an
executed copy of the lobbying certification, a copy of which is
available from the web sites referenced at the end of this announcement
(see Reference 05. Applicants must sign and return the certification
with their application.

Applicants must certify their compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace
Act of 1988 and submit a copy of the certification form as part of the
application. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements is included
with the references at the end of this announcement (Reference 06) By
signing and submitting its application, the applicant is providing the
certification required by 45 CFR Part 76.

Applicants must certify that they are not presently debarred, suspended
or otherwise ineligible for an award. The form titled \"Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters -
Primary Covered Transactions" is included with the references at the end
of this announcement (see Reference 04) By signing and submitting its
application, the applicant is providing the certification required by 45
CFR Part 76.

Applicants must provide evidence of fiscal integrity. This must be in
the form of an opinion or other professional attestation by an
independent auditor.

Applicants must submit the qualifications for board members, Executive
Director, Head Start Director, and Financial Manager/Chief Financial
Officer.

Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, The
Pro-Children\'s Act of 1994. The Federal Register notice which
implements the smoking prohibition is included with the references at
the end of this announcement (see Reference 07).

**C. Executive Order 12372 - Notification Process**

STATE SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPOC)

> This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
> \"Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,\" and 45 CFR Part 100,
> \"Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
> Programs and Activities.\" Under the Order, States may design their
> own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal
> assistance under covered programs.
>
> The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has elected not to participate in
> the Executive Order process and has not established a Single Point of
> Contact. Therefore, applicants need not take action regarding
> Executive Order 12372.

**D. Application Format**

Applications should be organized according to the evaluation criteria in
Part IV of this announcement. The project description of the application
should be double-spaced and single-sided on 8 ½" x 11" plain white
paper, with 1" margins on all sides. Use only a standard font no smaller
than 12 pitch throughout the application. All narrative sections of the
application (including appendices, resumes, charts,
references/footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially
numbered, beginning on the first page after the table of contents.

> The length of the narrative portion of the application should be
> limited to 100 pages (including the abstract, budget forms and budget
> justification), with an additional limit of 100 pages for all
> appendices and resumes. Anything over 200 pages will be removed and
> not considered by the reviewers. The narrative section page length is
> based on double-spacing, and will be halved if single-spacing is used.
> One signed original and two copies of the grant application, including
> all attachments, are required. ACF encourages the submission of 5
> additional copies to facilitate the review process
>
> Each application will be duplicated, therefore, please do not use or
> include colored paper, colored ink, separate covers, binders, clips,
> tabs, plastic inserts, over-sized paper, videotapes, or any other
> items that cannot be easily duplicated on a photocopy machine with an
> automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way
> separate subsections of the application, including the supporting
> documentation. Applicants are advised that a copy (not the original)
> of the application as submitted will be reproduced by the Federal
> government for review by the panel of evaluators.

**E. Checklist for a Complete Application**

The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application
package has been properly prepared.

\(1\) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424 package which includes
SF-424 \[Application for Federal Assistance,\] SF-424A \[Budget
Information - Non Construction Programs\], and SF-424B \[Assurances -
Non Construction Programs\]);

\(2\) Table of Contents;

\(3\) Budget justification for Section B-Budget Categories, including
subcontract agency budgets;

\(4\) Project Summary;

(5) Application Narrative and Appendices;

(6) Documentation and explanation regarding being local within the
    community;

\(7\) Résumés of key staff in the organization and proposed Head Start
program;

\(8\) Proof of legal or corporate status;

\(9\) Proof of non-profit status (for non-profit organizations).

(10) Certification of the organization\'s last audit report or other
     similar evidence of financial capability;

(11) Executive Order 12372 State Point of Contact Project Notification
     Certification;

(12) A copy of the applicant's personnel policies and procedures;

(13) Certification Regarding Lobbying;

(14) Indirect Cost Negotiated Agreement.

     **F. Closing Date for the Receipt of Applications**

The closing date for submission of applications is [**September 29, 2005
at** **5:00 p.m. ET.**]{.mark} Applications received after the closing
date will be considered as late.

**Deadline:** Applications mailed through the U.S. Postal Service shall
be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are postmarked on
or before the deadline date and received by ACF in time for the
independent review.

> Envelope must be clearly identified as **Hampshire County,
> Massachusetts Replacement Application.**

Applicants are cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service
postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier
or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be
acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

> Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by
> overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an
> announced deadline if they are received on or before **[September 29,
> 2005]{.mark}** between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday
> through Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or through
other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF
electronically will *not* be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt.

**Late applications:** Applications which do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

**Extension of deadlines:** ACF may extend an application deadline for
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or
when there is widespread disruption of the mails.

**G. Application Submission:**

Interested agencies and organizations should return completed
applications to:

> ACYF Operations Center
>
> 118 Q St. NE
>
> Washington, DC 20002-2132
>
> ATTN: Tanyanic Brown
>
> \(866\) 796-1591

**H. Application Consideration**

Applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described
in Part III and Part IV above. The review will be conducted by reviewers
knowledgeable about the Head Start program and early childhood
development.

The results of the competitive review will be taken into consideration
by ACF in deciding the project to be funded but are not in themselves
binding. The responsible HHS official will consider other relevant
factors, some of which are described below, in making the final
decision.

ACF may elect not to fund applicants who have management or financial
problems that make it unlikely that the applicant would be able to
provide effective Head Start services. Also, ACF may decide not to fund
projects with what it regards as unreasonably large initial start-up
costs for facilities or equipment, or projects with unreasonably high
operating costs.

> Applications which do not meet the Head Start Act's criteria for an
> agency which is a local agency "within a community" will be screened
> out and not reviewed by the review panel. See Section 641(a) of the
> Head Start Act. To be considered, applicants should clearly have the
> organizational base and commonality of interest with the
> community(ies) to be served. This could be established by virtue of
> the grantee being a provider of services in the community or having a
> clear relationship to the community as evinced, for example, by board
> representation from the community or by evidence of the support of
> community leaders, including, but not limited to mayors, city council
> members, school principals, presidents of local chambers of commerce,
> county government officials, social service provider organizations,
> community organizations representing low income, minority or other
> relevant sectors of the community, and child care providers and
> organizations.
>
> For-profit agencies which wish to apply for Head Start funding should
> be aware that there are regulatory and statutory provisions that
> relate specifically to them. The most important of the regulations is
> at 45 CFR Part 74, Subpart E "Special Provisions for Awards to
> Commercial Organizations," which states that "no HHS funds may be paid
> as profit to any recipient." As a result, applications from
> for-profit, nonprofit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the
> same manner. For-profit applicants should also be aware that the Head
> Start Act at Section 641(g) states that in designating a Head Start
> agency, the Secretary may give priority to a nonprofit agency when a
> for-profit agency has an application of equivalent quality. This
> Section also states that priority will be given to agencies which have
> "demonstrated capacity in providing comprehensive early childhood
> services to children and their families."

Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants
will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award
which sets forth the amount of funds awarded, the terms and conditions
of the grant, the budget period for which support is given, the
non-federal share to be provided, and the total period for which support
is provided.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified of
that decision in writing within 30 days after final funding decisions
are made.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 93.600, Project
Head Start.)

Dated:

*Joan E. Ohl*

Commissioner

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

**References**

(1) Application For Federal Assistance (SF-424 package which includes
    SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget
    Information - Non-Construction Programs) and SF-424B (Assurances -
    Non-Construction Programs))

<http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/sf424.pdf>

<http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/sf424a.pdf>

(2) Head Start Act

[http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/index.htm#head](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/index.htm#head )

\(03\) Head Start Regulations (45 CFR Parts 1301-1311)

> <http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/performance/index.htm>

(4) If needed, Executive Order 12372 State Points of Contact Project
    Notification Certification and State Single Points of Contact
    Address Listing\
    <http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html>

(5) Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other
    Responsibility Matters - Primary Covered Transactions

[http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oa/debar.htm](http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/oa/debar.htm)

\(06\) Certification Regarding Lobbying

[http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oa/lobby.htm](http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/oa/lobby.htm)

\(07\) Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

[http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oa/drugfree.htm](http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/oa/drugfree.htm)

\(08\) The Smoking Prohibition included with P.L. 103-277, The
Pro-Children\'s Act of 1994.

<http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/464119.htm>

\(09\) Family Income Guidelines (2005 HHS Poverty Guidelines)

<http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im05/im05_01.htm>

\(10\) 45 CFR Part 74, Administration of Grants

<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/45cfr74_04.html>

\(11\) 45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative

> Agreements to State and Local Governments

<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/45cfr92_04.html>