[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 78 (Friday, April 21, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21454-21464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10018]



[[Page 21454]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. CFDA 93.576]


Technical Assistance to Special Programs

AGENCY: Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of FY 2000 discretionary funds for 
technical assistance in six categories of programs that assist 
refugees.

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SUMMARY: ORR invites eligible entities to submit competitive 
applications for cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance 
to agencies that serve in the following program areas:
    Program Area 1--Technical assistance for special programs in 
designated initiatives;
    Program Area 2--Technical assistance for employment services;
    Program Area 3--Technical assistance to English language training 
providers;
    Program Area 4--Technical assistance to agencies with Individual 
Development Account (IDA) projects for refugees;
    Program Area 5--Technical assistance for refugee child welfare 
services; and
    Program Area 6--Technical assistance for refugee housing services.
    Applications will be screened and evaluated as indicated in this 
program announcement. Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the 
competition and the availability of funds.
    Applications will be accepted pursuant to the Director's 
discretionary authority under section 412(c) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1522), as amended.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is June 20, 
2000. See Part IV of this announcement for more information on 
submitting applications.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Program Areas 1 and 5--Marta Brenden 
at (202) 205-3589, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b2629190e050f0e052b2a282d452f232338452c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="39747b4b5c575d5c5779787a7f177d71716a177e766f">[email protected]</span></a>; Program Areas 2, 4 and 6--
Henley Portner at (202) 401-5363, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7038201f02041e1502303133365e343838235e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a627a45585e444f586a6b696c046e626279046d657c">[email protected]</span></a>; Program Area 
3--Nguyen Kimchi at (202) 401-4556, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#89c7c2e0e4eae1e0c9c8cacfa7cdc1c1daa7cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2fcf9dbdfd1dadbf2f3f1f49cf6fafae19cf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>. Application 
materials are also available from Marta Brenden at the Office of 
Refugee Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Washington DC 20447 
and on the ORR website at www.acf.dhhs.gov/program/orr.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of four 
parts:
    Part I: Background, legislative authority, funding availability, 
CFDA Number, applicant eligibility, project and budget periods, length 
of application, and for each of the six program areas: purpose and 
scope, allowable activities, and review criteria.
    Part II: General instructions for preparing a full project 
description.
    Part III: The Review Process--Intergovernmental review, initial ACF 
screening, competitive review, and funding reconsideration.
    Part IV: The Application--Application materials, application 
development, application submission information and certifications, and 
regulations and reporting.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

    Public reporting burden for each collection of information is 
estimated to average 8 hours, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing 
the collection of information. The following information collections 
are included in the program announcement: OMB Approval No. 0970-0139, 
ACF UNIFORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION (UPD) which expires 10/31/2000. An 
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

Part I: Background

    In recent years, ORR has supported the work of its grantees in 
various program areas through several ``technical assistance'' grants 
with organizations uniquely qualified to advance the field, improve 
program achievement and develop organizational capacity to improved 
performance. ORR has supported technical assistance for employment, 
English language training, microenterprise, services to the elderly, 
and the impact of welfare reform on refugees. Under this announcement, 
ORR continues its practice of providing technical assistance to the 
field of grantees in several new or expanded categories. ORR's intent 
through this support is to equip grantees with the best technical help 
for continuous improvement in programs, in their capacity to serve 
refugees, and in their impact on refugee lives and economic 
independence.
    Legislative Authority: This program is authorized by Section 
412(c)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)(8 U.S.C. 1522 
(c)(1)(A)), as amended, which authorizes the Director ``to make grants 
to, and enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit agencies 
for projects specifically designed--(i) to assist refugees in obtaining 
the skills which are necessary for economic self sufficiency, including 
projects for job training, employment services, day care, professional 
refresher training, and other recertification services; (ii) to provide 
training in English where necessary (regardless of whether the refugees 
are employed or receiving cash or other assistance); and (iii) to 
provide where specific needs have been shown and recognized by the 
Director, health (including mental health) services, social services, 
education and other services.'' The FY 2000 Appropriation Act for the 
Department of Health and Human Services (Pub. L. 106-113) appropriates 
funds for refugee and entrant assistance activities authorized by these 
provisions of the INA.
    Funding Availability: ORR expects to make available approximately 
$2 million for up to 6 cooperative agreements one for each program 
area.
    The Director reserves the right to award less, or more, than the 
funds described, in the absence of worthy applications, or under such 
other circumstances as may be deemed to be in the best interest of the 
government.
    CFDA Number: 93.576.
    Applicant Eligibility: Eligible applicants are public and private 
non-profit organizations and agencies of State governments that are 
responsible for the refugee program under 45 CFR 400.5.
    Project and Budget Periods: This announcement invites applications 
for project periods up to 3 years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will 
be for a one-year budget period, although project periods may be for 3 
years. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards 
beyond the one-year budget period but within the 3 year project period 
will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, 
subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee 
and a determination that continued funding would be in the best 
interest of the Government.
    Length of Application: Applicants are encouraged to limit program 
narratives to 25 pages (double-spaced on standard, letter-size paper, 
in 12-point font) plus no more than 25 pages of appended material. This 
limitation of 25 pages per program area should be considered as a 
maximum, and not necessarily a goal.

[[Page 21455]]

Program Area 1

Technical Assistance for Special Programs in Designated Initiatives
Program Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement for the purpose of providing technical assistance 
to designated programs of special interest to the Director. For fiscal 
year 2000 funds, three special programs have been designated: 
microenterprise development; model projects for comprehensive cash 
assistance and employment services; and projects for refugees who have 
experienced long-term difficulties in assimilation. Through this award, 
ORR intends to provide technical planning and assistance to grantees 
for multiple purposes: to strengthen organizational capacity; to share 
policies, procedures, and materials through a grantee network; to 
collaborate on performance measures; to report program performance; and 
to assist grantees in their efforts at continuous performance 
improvement and its impact on refugee economic self-sufficiency.
    Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement may be awarded for one national project. 
Successful applicants will have demonstrated expertise in both 
organizational and community development as well as more specialized 
experience in the field of micro-finance and the development of 
microenterprise projects.
    Through this cooperative agreement, ORR intends to review and 
approve (1) A technical assistance plan, including proposed site visits 
and technical assistance activities and schedules; (2) all written 
materials developed and proposed for dissemination to the field; and 
(3) locations of proposed workshops, proposed topics and formats, and 
agendas.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or some combination of the following, as 
well as other innovative strategies for technical assistance:
    <bullet> Assessing technical assistance and training needs in 
agencies and communities;
    <bullet> Disseminating information, materials and technical advice 
related to employment, subsidized employment, self-employment, 
effective case management, financial management systems, and micro-
finance;
    <bullet> Collecting and summarizing data and information on program 
performance;
    <bullet> Facilitating the electronic exchange of information 
through a network website, listserve, and through the collection and 
reporting of program performance, performance measurement, and impact 
information;
    <bullet> Providing on-site or group training or technical 
assistance meetings and workshops;
    <bullet> Developing training curricula and materials;
    <bullet> Conducting on-site program reviews;
    <bullet> Maintenance of a database of characteristics and 
achievements of the programs and preparation and dissemination of 
reports on the program characteristics and achievements.

Program Area 1

Application Review Criteria
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable. 
The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in detail the 
manner in which the applicant will assess the need for technical 
assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed activities 
are expected to address known technical assistance needs of agencies 
and communities. (20 points)
    2. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    3. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing are appropriate for the proposed 
project. (30 points)
    4. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to refugee programs and communities. (20 
points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 2

Technical Assistance for Employment Services
Purpose and Scope
    The primary goal of refugee resettlement is to assist refugees in 
becoming self-sufficient. Two factors critical to achieving this goal 
are attachment to the labor force and the opportunity to earn a living 
wage. ORR proposes to award one cooperative agreement to an agency that 
will provide technical assistance to ORR employment service providers.
    This announcement continues ORR's longstanding support for 
technical assistance to refugee employment service providers for 
multiple purposes: to identify model and best practices and to 
disseminate this information broadly; to assist local programs in 
implementing performance measures under the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA); to develop and conduct training and on-site peer 
reviews; and to perform on-site analysis of employment services in such 
areas as staff training, multi-agency collaboration, and employer and/
or refugee involvement in the design of services.
    Approximately $275,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement may be awarded for one national project. 
Through this cooperative agreement, ORR intends to review and approve 
(1) the technical assistance plan, including proposed site visits and 
technical assistance activities and schedules; (2) all written 
materials developed prior to the release of such documents; and (3) 
locations of proposed workshops, proposed topics and formats, and 
agendas.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below. Applicants may also propose new or innovative 
approaches to providing technical assistance for employment services.
    <bullet> On-site visits to assess technical assistance needs, to 
provide technical assistance and training directly to agencies, and to 
ascertain best practices in providing employment services;
    <bullet> Preparation of a variety of reports to be distributed to 
agencies to assist them in providing employment services, including 
site visit reports and best practices reports;
    <bullet> Organization and operation of workshops for agencies in 
the area of employment services, to include facilitated discussions, 
training, and presentations; and
    <bullet> Provision of technical assistance, both in writing and by 
telephone, to agencies.
    <bullet> Maintenance of a database of characteristics and 
achievements of the programs and preparation and dissemination of 
reports on the program characteristics and achievements.

[[Page 21456]]

Program Area 2

Application Review Criteria
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate; and the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable. 
The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in detail the 
manner in which the applicant will assess the need for technical 
assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed activities 
are expected to address known technical assistance needs of agencies 
that provide employment services. (30 points)
    2. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    3. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of employment 
services and in the provision of technical assistance are described and 
are appropriate and adequate for the proposed project. (20 points)
    4. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing employment services and in providing technical assistance. 
(20 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 3

Technical Assistance to English Language Training Providers
Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement in the amount of $275,000 for a project to 
provide technical assistance and training to providers of English 
language training (ELT). Technical assistance may be proposed for the 
following purposes:
    <bullet> Design and improvement of employment-related ELT. 
Technical assistance and training may be provided both to teachers and 
to programs; the technical assistance and training may be focused on 
curricula, teaching strategies, and/or program development such as 
integrating ELT with employment-focused services, work-site ELT, and 
family literacy.
    <bullet> Training in the areas of cultural adjustment, learning 
disabilities, and mental health and in the use of new or innovative 
classroom technologies. Training may include topics such as identifying 
cultural adjustment/learning disabilities/mental health issues, 
accommodating such issues in the classroom and/or seeking professional 
consultation, and developing appropriate curricula. Training may also 
include introducing teachers to new and/or innovative ELT technologies, 
such as using software programs in classroom instruction.
    <bullet> Organization and facilitation of consultative and 
information-sharing sessions. Such sessions may include staff from 
similar types of agencies or from agencies serving similar groups of 
refugees. The purpose of the sessions would be to provide an 
opportunity for ELT staff to share experiences. These sessions may also 
provide opportunities for different types of staff--ELT teachers, case 
managers, employment specialists, public health professionals--to meet 
to develop strategies for effective working relationships.
    Applicants should propose technical assistance projects that are to 
be implemented nationally. Under the cooperative agreement for these 
projects, ORR intends to review and approve: (1) The technical 
assistance plan, including proposed sites and participants; (2) 
assessment tools to be used to evaluate technical assistance needs; (3) 
subject areas for which technical assistance curricula will be used; 
and (4) materials prepared for use in the delivery of the technical 
assistance.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below. Applicants may also propose additional or innovative 
approaches for technical assistance for ELT providers.
    <bullet> Assessment of ELT technical assistance needs in agencies 
and communities;
    <bullet> Organization and operation of training and facilitated 
sessions on identified ELT technical assistance needs. These sessions 
may include both single agency and multi-site or multi-project training 
and facilitated discussion;
    <bullet> Provision of technical assistance, both in writing and by 
telephone, to ELT providers;
    <bullet> Review of existing materials and recommendations on 
usefulness/appropriateness for use in refugee-oriented ELT; and 
preparation and distribution of materials relevant to identified ELT 
needs;
    <bullet> Development of, or participation in the development of, 
employment-based ELT curricula;
    <bullet> Facilitation of a network of providers to share 
information and to resolve problems.

Program Area 3

Review Criteria for Technical Assistance to Organizations Providing 
English Language Training
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate; and the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable. 
The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in detail the 
manner in which the applicant will assess the need for technical 
assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed activities 
are expected to address known ELT technical assistance needs. (30 
points)
    2. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    3. Organization Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to achieve 
the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. Organizational 
expertise and experience in the provision of ELT and/or in ELT 
technical assistance to ELT staff and to agencies are described and are 
appropriate and adequate for the proposed project. (20 points)
    4. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing ELT services and in providing ELT and cross-cultural 
communication technical assistance. (20 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly 
presented, detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 4

Technical Assistance to Agencies With Individual Development Account 
(IDA) Refugee Projects
Purpose and Scope
    ORR invites eligible entities to submit competing applications for 
a cooperative agreement to provide technical assistance and information 
sharing activities to providers of Individual Development Account (IDA) 
Programs for Refugees. Under the cooperative agreement, the grantee 
would implement various activities intended to assist ORR-funded IDA 
grantees in the administration of their projects.

[[Page 21457]]

Allowable Activities
    Allowable activities could include:
    <bullet> On-site visits to assess technical assistance needs, 
provide technical assistance and training directly to grantees, and to 
ascertain best practices in both administering IDA programs and 
addressing the specific needs of refugees participating in these 
programs;
    <bullet> Preparation of a variety of reports to be distributed to 
IDA grantees to assist them in administering their IDA programs, 
including site visit reports and best practices reports;
    <bullet> Organization and operation of workshops for IDA grantees, 
to include facilitated discussions, training, and presentations;
    <bullet> Provision of technical assistance, both in writing and by 
telephone, to IDA grantees;
    <bullet> Facilitation of a network of IDA grantees to share 
information and to resolve problems, through, for example, the 
maintenance of a listserve, conference calls, etc.; and
    <bullet> Maintenance of a database of characteristics and 
achievements of IDA programs and preparation and dissemination of 
reports on IDA program characteristics and achievements.
    Applicants may propose additional techniques for providing 
technical assistance and information sharing activities to IDA 
grantees.
    Approximately $250,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
Under the cooperative agreement(s), ORR intends to review and approve: 
(1) Proposed site visits and technical assistance activities; (2) all 
written materials developed prior to the release of such documents; (3) 
locations of proposed workshops, proposed topics and formats, and 
agendas; and (4) database program and structure. ORR expects that 
applicants for the cooperative agreement(s) for technical assistance 
will demonstrate in their applications expertise in the areas of 
administering financial programs such as IDA programs, providing 
financial training to low-income populations, and in providing 
technical assistance and information-sharing activities.

Program Area 4

IDA Review Criteria
    Proposed projects to provide Technical Assistance and Information-
Sharing Activities to Individual Development Account Programs will be 
evaluated according to the following criteria:
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate; the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable and 
feasible. The plan describes in detail how the proposed activities will 
be accomplished. (30 points)
    2. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's goals. Staff 
qualifications show experience in providing technical assistance and 
information-sharing activities in the areas of administering financial 
programs and providing financial training to low-income populations. 
(20 points)
    4. Organization Profiles. The applicant demonstrates the capacity 
of the organization to achieve the project's objectives. Organizational 
expertise and experience in the provision of technical assistance and 
information-sharing activities is described. (20 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is reasonable, 
clearly presented, and cost-effective. (15 points)

Program Area 5

Technical Assistance for Refugee Child Welfare Services
Program Purpose and Scope
    Well-being of refugee families is an important contributing factor 
to family self-sufficiency. ORR proposes to award one cooperative 
agreement to an agency that will provide technical assistance to public 
and private agencies in promoting collaboration among refugee 
communities, the network of refugee resettlement services, and the 
child and youth services including child protective services to promote 
the well-being of refugee families.
    Refugee families residing in U.S. communities may encounter 
significant differences in child rearing practices compared to the 
ethnic or national customs of their country of origin. First, 
traditional cultures with a strong authoritarian parental role may 
frequently conflict with the more egalitarian American family, 
resulting, for example, in differences in refugee youth's desire for 
early independence. Second, refugee families may experience trauma as a 
result of the persecution or flight, the effects of which may be 
destabilizing to family life. Third, refugee families may need income 
from both parents, unlike the practice of their home country, to 
adequately provide for their needs. Fourth, single parent families face 
similar stresses that U.S. single parent families face in addition to 
the trauma from their refugee experiences. Finally, they may live in 
low income neighborhoods with high crime rates and without the benefit 
of an ethnic community to provide information, guidance, protection and 
support.
    As a result of these factors, a small number of refugee families 
encounter and may require the assistance of child protective services 
and other services of the judicial system. These experiences may not be 
easily understood by the refugee family and the larger refugee 
community and serve to make the whole refugee community insecure with 
the U.S. child welfare and child protective systems. This may result in 
difficulties for refugee families to establish homes that promote the 
well-being of its members, where parents are secure in their role of 
providing a nurturing and educational environment for their children 
and youth. Children may also confront conflicts in meeting the 
expectations of their parents, fitting in with their peers or finding a 
sense of belonging in the schools and social groups.
    Many U.S. community public services do not have the cultural 
expertise or language capability to work effectively with refugee 
families. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandates equal access to 
public services, frequently public resources are limited, and cultural 
and linguistic capacity is seldom available for refugee families.
    In recent years, ORR has funded initiatives for recreation for 
refugee youth, crime prevention among refugee youth, parenting classes, 
and intergenerational activities. Currently, ORR has approximately 30 
grantees in these program areas, but is likely to award funds to 
additional grantees during this fiscal year. It has become clear over 
time that a productive relationship with child welfare services, child 
protective services, youth shelters and other youth transitional 
services is also needed to promote the refugee families' capacity to 
care for their children and youth in their new communities.
    ORR is interested in supporting a national technical assistance 
effort to promote collaboration among refugee families, refugee service 
providers and the children and youth service agencies that promote the 
welfare of refugee families, refugee youth and children. The 
cooperative agreement is also intended to promote cultural and 
linguistic services or access to services for refugee families. ORR is 
interested in the grantee selecting approximately six specific 
communities in which to concentrate assessment and training activities 
with child welfare services

[[Page 21458]]

and refugee families. Approximately $400,000 has been allocated for 
this program area.
    Through this cooperative agreement, ORR intends to review and 
approve: (1) A technical assistance plan (such as the site selection of 
specific communities for concentrated activities), including proposed 
additional site visits and technical assistance activities and 
schedules; (2) all written materials developed and proposed for 
dissemination to the field; (3) locations of proposed workshops, 
proposed topics, formats and agendas; and 4) other innovative 
activities that may be proposed by the grantee.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or some combination of the following, as 
well as other innovative strategies for technical assistance:
    <bullet> Provision of technical assistance to refugee communities, 
refugee service providers, school systems, school counselors, and child 
welfare and youth services agencies both in writing and through 
telephone consultation;
    <bullet> Facilitating the electronic exchange of refugee child 
welfare information through a network website and listserv;
    <bullet> Providing on-site group training or technical assistance 
meetings and workshops;
    <bullet> Promoting refugee families as foster parents;
    <bullet> Locating or developing training curricula and materials;
    <bullet> Conducting on-site reviews of refugee child welfare 
services.

Program Area 5

Refugee Child Welfare Services Application Review Criteria
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable. 
The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in detail the 
manner in which the applicant will assess the need for technical 
assistance, the proposed activities, and how the propose activities are 
expected to address known technical assistance needs of agencies and 
communities. (25 points)
    2. Results and Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (20 points)
    3. Organizational Capacity. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing are appropriate for the proposed 
project. (25 points)
    4. Staff. Staff qualifications are clearly presented and are 
appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. The description of 
staff qualifications demonstrates experience providing technical 
assistance to refugee programs and communities. (15 points)
    5. Budget. The budget is clearly presented and is detailed, 
reasonable and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 6

Technical Assistance for Refugee Housing Services
Purpose and Scope
    The primary goal of refugee resettlement is to assist refugees in 
becoming self-sufficient. One factor that is critical to achieving this 
goal is access to affordable and decent housing. ORR proposes to award 
one cooperative agreement to an agency that will provide technical 
assistance to ORR service providers in the provision of this essential 
service.
    This program area is intended to assist both service providers and 
refugees in gaining access to affordable and decent housing for refugee 
singles and families. In locations throughout the U.S. where the 
majority of refugees are resettled, rent levels are being pushed to 
record highs; and there is a dwindling supply of affordable and decent 
housing. In many areas, rents are increasing faster than wages; and 
recent energy price hikes have exacerbated an already critical 
situation. There is a need to assist resettlement and service agencies 
in developing innovative approaches to the housing crisis so that 
refugees can live as well-informed consumers in safe and decent homes 
and communities.
    A grantee in this category will provide technical planning and 
assistance to promote access to housing that meets acceptable standards 
for health, safety, affordability, good repair and maintenance.
    Approximately $250,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement may be awarded for one national project.
    Through this cooperative agreement, ORR intends to review and 
approve (1) The technical assistance plan, including proposed site 
visits and technical assistance activities and schedules; (2) all 
written materials developed prior to the release of such documents; and 
(3) locations of proposed workshops, proposed topics and formats, and 
agendas.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below. Applicants may also propose new or innovative 
approaches to providing technical assistance in the area of housing 
assistance and services.
    <bullet> On-site visits to assess technical assistance needs, to 
provide technical assistance and training directly to agencies, and to 
ascertain best practices in providing services for counseling refugees 
about housing;
    <bullet> Provision of information to agencies on relevant available 
services and programs in the area of housing assistance, including 
programs designed for low-income first time home buyers;
    <bullet> Preparation of a variety of reports to be distributed to 
agencies to assist them in providing housing services, including site 
visit reports and best practices reports;
    <bullet> Organization and operation of workshops for agencies in 
the area of housing services, to include such subjects as effective use 
of Section 8 vouchers, energy assistance, and other local assistance 
programs as available;
    <bullet> Assistance in developing collaborative agreements with 
employers, housing non-profit agencies, landlords, and other Federal 
and State agency programs;
    <bullet> Training of case workers in orienting refugees to be 
responsible tenants including timely payment of rent, maintenance of 
apartments, building good credit and negotiating with landlords;
    <bullet> Provision of technical assistance, both in writing and by 
telephone, to agencies.

Program Area 6

Refugee Housing Services Application Review Criteria
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate; and the proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable. 
The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in detail the 
manner in which the applicant will assess the need for technical 
assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed activities 
are expected to address known technical assistance needs of agencies 
that provide housing assistance and services. (30 points)
    2. Results and Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (20 points)
    3. Organizational Capacity. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly

[[Page 21459]]

demonstrated. Organizational expertise and experience in the provision 
of housing assistance and in the provision of technical assistance are 
described and are appropriate and adequate for the proposed project. 
(25 points)
    4. Staff. Staff qualifications are clearly presented and are 
appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. The description of 
staff qualifications demonstrates experience in providing housing 
assistance services and in providing technical assistance. (10 points)
    5. Budget. The budget is clearly presented and is detailed, 
reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Part II: General Instructions for Preparing a Full Project 
Description

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. Applicants are encouraged 
to provide information on their organizational structure, staff, 
related experience, and other information considered to be relevant. 
Awarding offices use this and other information to determine whether 
the applicant has the capability and resources necessary to carry out 
the proposed project. It is important, therefore, that this information 
be included in the application. However, in the narrative the applicant 
must distinguish between resources directly related to the proposed 
project from those that will not be used in support of the specific 
project for which funds are requested.

General Instructions

    Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. 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. (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.

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.

Results or Benefits Expected

    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, when 
applying for a grant to establish a neighborhood child care center, 
describe who will occupy the facility, who will use the facility, how 
the facility will be used, and how the facility will benefit the 
community which it will serve. For example, when applying for 
microenterprise development assistance, describe the prospective 
clients in terms of numbers, national origin, interest in 
microenterprise and what business opportunities are available to 
refugees in the community.

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 microloans 
made. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or 
disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management 
and Budget might be needed prior to a ``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.

Geographic Location

    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.

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.

Organization 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.

Third-Party Agreements

    Include written agreements between grantees and subgrantees or 
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must 
detail

[[Page 21460]]

scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other 
terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

Letters of Support

    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding.

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, 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: Costs of tangible, non-expendable, personal property, 
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of 
$5,000 or more per unit. However, an applicant may use its own 
definition of equipment provided that such equipment would at least 
include all equipment defined above.
    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.

Other

    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 (noncontractual), 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) or 
another 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 acknowledgment 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.

Non-Federal Resources

    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources 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.

[[Page 21461]]

Part III: The Review Process

Intergovernmental Review: 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.

    Note: State/territory participation in the intergovernmental 
review process does not signify applicant eligibility for financial 
assistance under a program. A potential applicant must meet the 
eligibility requirements of the program for which it is applying 
prior to submitting an application to its SPOC, if applicable, or to 
ACF.

    In accordance with Executive Order #12372, ``Intergovernmental 
Review of Federal Programs,'' this listing represents the designated 
State Single Points of Contact. The jurisdictions not listed no longer 
participate in the process but grant applicants are still eligible to 
apply for the grant even if your state, territory, commonwealth, etc. 
does not have a ``state single point of contact.'' Jurisdictions 
without ``state single points of contacts'' include: Alabama; Alaska; 
American Samoa; Colorado; Connecticut; Kansas; Hawaii; Idaho; 
Louisiana; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Montana; Nebraska; New Jersey; 
Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Palau; Pennsylvania; South Dakota; Tennessee; 
Vermont; Virginia; and Washington.
    This list is based on the most current information provided by the 
States. Information on any changes or apparent errors should be 
provided to the Office of Management and Budget and the State in 
question. Changes to the list will only be made upon formal 
notification by the State. Also, this listing is published biannually 
in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance.
    Jurisdictions that participate in the Executive Order process have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule. When comments are submitted directly 
to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee 
Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 6th Floor, Washington DC, 
20447 Attn: Ms. Daphne Weeden.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
follows:

OMB State Single Point of Contact Listing

Arizona
Joni Saad, Arizona State Clearinghouse, 3800 N. Central Avenue, 
Fourteenth Floor, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, Telephone: (602) 280-1315, 
FAX: (602) 280-8144, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bed4d1d0d7cdfedbce90cdcadfcadb90dfc490cbcd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4aeabaaadb784a1b4eab7b0a5b0a1eaa5beeab1b7">[email protected]</span></a>
Arkansas
Mr. Tracy L. Copeland, Manager, State Clearinghouse, Office of 
Intergovernmental Services, Department of Finance and Administration, 
1515 W. 7th St., Room 412, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, Telephone: 
(501) 682-1074, FAX: (501) 682-5206
California
Grants Coordinator, Office of Planning and Research/State 
Clearinghouse, 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121, Sacramento, California 
95814, Telephone: (916) 323-7480, FAX: (916) 323-3018
Delaware
Francine Booth, State Single Point of Contact, Executive Department, 
Office of the Budget, 540 S. du Pont Highway, Suite 5, Dover, Delaware 
19901, Telephone: (302) 739-3326, FAX: (302) 739-5661
District of Columbia
Charles Nichols, State Single Point of Contact, Office of Grants 
Management and Development, 717 14th Street, NW--Suite 1200, 
Washington, D.C. 20005, Telephone: (202) 727-6537, FAX: (202) 727-1617, 
e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ffcf7feedf3faecf1f6fcdfe6fef7f0f0b1fcf0f2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4878c85968881978a8d87a49d858c8b8bca878b89">[email protected]</span></a> or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#60030e0903080f0c134d0f070d04200403070f164e0f1207"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e0d00070d0601021d430109030a2e0a0d09011840011c09">[email protected]</span></a>
Florida
Cherie L. Trainor, Coordinator, Florida State Clearinghouse, Department 
of Community Affairs, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 
32399-2100, Telephone: (850) 922-5438 or (850) 414-5495, FAX: (850) 
414-0479, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#117279746378743f656370787f7e63517572703f62657065743f777d3f6462"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a79727f68737f346e687b737475685a7e797b34696e7b6e7f347c76346f69">[email protected]</span></a>
Georgia
Debra S. Stephens, Coordinator, Georgia State Clearinghouse, 270 
Washington Street, SW.--8th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, Telephone: 
(404) 656-3855, FAX: (404) 656-7901, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5b6b6a1a485a8a4aca9ebaab5a7ebb6b1a4b1a0eba2a4ebb0b6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6b5b5a2a786aba7afaae8a9b6a4e8b5b2a7b2a3e8a1a7e8b3b5">[email protected]</span></a>
Illinois
Virginia Bova, State Single Point of Contact, Illinois Department of 
Commerce and Community Affairs, James R. Thompson Center, 100 West 
Randolph, Suite 3-400, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Telephone: (312) 814-
6028, FAX: (312) 814-1800
Indiana
Frances Williams, State Budget Agency, 212 State House, Indianapolis, 
Indiana 46204-2796, Telephone: (317) 232-5619, FAX: (317) 233-3323
Iowa
Steven R. McCann, Division for Community Assistance, Iowa Department of 
Economic Development, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, 
Telephone: (515) 242-4719, FAX: (515) 242-4809
Kentucky
Kevin J. Goldsmith, Director, John-Mark Hack, Deputy Director, Sandra 
Brewer, Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the 
Governor 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Telephone: 
(502) 564-2611, FAX: (502) 564-2849
Maine
Joyce Benson, State Planning Office, 184 State Street, 38 State House 
Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, Telephone: (207) 287-3261, FAX: (207) 
287-6489
Maryland
Linda C. Janey, JD, Manager, Clearinghouse and Plan Review Unit, 
Maryland Office of Planning, 301 W. Preston Street--Room 1104, 
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2305, Telephone: (410) 767-4491, FAX: (410) 
767-4480 e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#460a2f282227062b272f2a682936683532273223682b22683335"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="df93b6b1bbbe9fb2beb6b3f1b0aff1acabbeabbaf1b2bbf1aaac">[email protected]</span></a>

[[Page 21462]]

Michigan
Richard Pfaff, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, 660 Plaza 
Drive--Suite 1900, Detroit, Michigan 48226, Telephone: (313) 961-4266, 
FAX: (313) 961-4869
Mississippi
Cathy Mallette, Clearinghouse Officer, Department of Finance and 
Administration, 455 North Lamar Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39202-
3087, Telephone: (601) 359-6762, FAX: (601) 359-6764
Missouri
Lois Pohl/Carol Meyer, Federal Assistance Clearinghouse, Office Of 
Administration, P.O. Box 809, Room 915, Jefferson Building, Jefferson 
City, Missouri 65102, Telephone: (573) 751-4834, FAX: (573) 522-4395
Nevada
Heather Elliott, Department of Administration, State Clearinghouse, 
Capitol Complex, Carson City, Nevada 89710, Telephone: (702) 687-6367, 
FAX: (702) 687-3983
New Hampshire
Jeffrey H. Taylor, Director, New Hampshire Office of State Planning, 
Attn: Intergovernmental Review Process, Mike Blake, Office of State 
Planning, 2\1/2\ Beacon Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, 
Telephone: (603) 271-2155, FAX: (603) 271-1728
New Mexico
Nick Mandell, Local Government Division, Room 201, Bataan Memorial 
Building, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503, Telephone: (505) 827-4991, FAX: 
(505) 827-4948
New York
Marsha Roth, New York State Clearinghouse, Division of the Budget, 
State Capitol, Albany, New York 12224, Telephone: (518) 474-1605, FAX: 
(518) 486-5617
North Carolina
Chrys Baggett, Director, North Carolina State Clearinghouse, Office of 
the Secretary of Administration 116 West Jones Street--Suite 5106, 
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603-8003, Telephone: (919) 733-7232, FAX: 
(919) 733-9571
North Dakota
Jim Boyd, North Dakota Single Point of Contact, Office of 
Intergovernmental Assistance, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 
105, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0170, Telephone: (701) 328-2094, FAX: 
(701) 328-2308
Rhode Island
Kevin Nelson, Review Coordinator, Department of Administration, 
Division of Planning, One Capitol Hill, 4th Floor, Providence, Rhode 
Island 02908-5870, Telephone: (401) 222-2656, FAX: (401) 222-2083
South Carolina
Omegia Burgess, State Single Point of Contact, Budget and Control 
Board, Office of State Budget, 1122 Ladies Street--12th Floor, 
Columbia, South Carolina 29201, Telephone: (803) 734-0494, FAX: (803) 
734-0645
Texas
Tom Adams, Single Point of Contact, State of Texas, Governor's Office 
of Budget and Planning, Director, Intergovernmental Coordination, P.O. 
Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711-2428, Telephone: (512) 463-1771, FAX: 
(512) 936-2681, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4531242124283605222a3320372b2a376b36312431206b313d6b3036"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c382d282d213f0c2b233a293e22233e623f382d382962383462393f">[email protected]</span></a>
Utah
Carolyn Wright, Utah State Clearinghouse, Office of Planning and 
Budget, Room 116 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, Telephone: 
(801) 538-1535, FAX: (801) 538-1547
West Virginia
Judith Dryer, Chief Program Manager, West Virginia Development Office, 
Building #6, Room 645, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305, 
Telephone: (304) 558-0350, FAX: (304) 558-0362
Wisconsin
Jeff Smith, Section Chief, State/Federal Relations, Wisconsin 
Department of Administration, 101 East Wilson Street--6th Floor, P.O. 
Box 7868, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, Telephone: (608) 266-0267, FAX: 
(608) 267-6931
Wyoming
Matthew Jones, State Single Point of Contact, Office of the Governor, 
200 West 24th Street, State Capital, Room 124, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002, 
FAX: (307) 632-3909

Territories

Guam
Mr. Giovanni T. Sgambelluri, Director, Bureau of Budget and Management 
Research, Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 2950, Agana, Guam 96910, 
Telephone: 011-671-472-2285, FAX: 011-671-472-2825
Puerto Rico
Norma Burgos/Jose E. Caro, Chairwoman/Director, Puerto Rico Planning 
Board, Federal Proposals Review Office, Minillas Government Center, 
P.O. Box 41119, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00940-1119, Telephone: (809) 727-
4444 or (809) 723-6190, FAX: (809) 724-3270 or (809) 724-3103
Northern Mariana Islands
Mr. Alvaro A. Santos, Executive Officer, Office of Management and 
Budget, Office of the Governor, Saipan, MP 96950, Telephone: (670) 664-
2256, FAX: (670) 664-2272

    Please direct all questions and correspondence about 
intergovernmental review to:

Ms. Jacoba T. Seman, Federal Programs Coordinator, Telephone: (670) 
664-2289, FAX: (670) 664-2272
Virgin Islands
Nellon Bowry, Director, Office of Management and Budget, #41 Norregade 
Emancipation Garden Station, Second Floor, Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands 
00802

    Please direct all questions and correspondence about 
intergovernmental review to:

Daisey Millen, Telephone: (809) 774-0750, FAX: (809) 776-0069

Initial ACF Screening

    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions 
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding.

Competitive Review

    Applications which pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific 
evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria are designed to assess the 
quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its 
success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered 
as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are 
awarded only to applications which are responsive to the evaluation 
criteria within the context of this program announcement.

Funding Reconsideration

    After Federal funds are exhausted for this grant competition, 
applications which have been independently reviewed and ranked but have 
no final disposition (neither approved nor disapproved for funding) may 
again be considered for funding. Reconsideration

[[Page 21463]]

may occur at any time funds become available within twelve (12) months 
following ranking. However, ACF does not select from multiple ranking 
lists for a program. Therefore, should a new competition be scheduled 
and an application remain ranked without final disposition, applicants 
are informed of their opportunity to reapply for the new competition, 
to the extent practical.

Part IV: Application Submission

    In order to be considered for a grant under this program 
announcement, an application must be submitted on the forms supplied 
and in the manner prescribed by ACF. Application materials including 
forms and instructions are available from the contact named under the 
ADDRESSES section in the preamble of this announcement.
    Each application should include one signed original and two 
additional copies.
    Each application narrative portion should not exceed 25 double-
spaced pages in a 12-pitch font. Attachments and appendices should not 
exceed 25 pages and should be used only to provide supporting 
documentation such as maps, administration charts, position 
descriptions, resumes, and letters of intent for partnership 
agreements. Please do not include books or video tapes as they are not 
easily reproduced and are therefore, inaccessible to the reviewers. 
Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the attachments or 
appendices.

A. Application Materials

    Applicants for financial assistance under this announcement must 
file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF 
424A, Budget Information--Non-construction Programs; SF 424B, 
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for 
use in submitting applications. An application with an original 
signature and two copies is required.

B. Application Submission Information and Certifications

    The closing date for submission of applications is June 20, 2000. 
Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are either received on or before the 
deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by 
ACF in time for the independent review to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Refugee Resettlement, Attention: Ms. Daphne Weeden.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application(s). To be acceptable as proof of timely mailing, a postmark 
from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the 
commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package 
was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant. 
Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely 
mailing. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services 
do not always deliver as agreed.)
    Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, 6th Floor, Aerospace 
Building, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447 between Monday and 
Friday (excluding Federal holidays). The address must appear on the 
envelope/package containing the application with the note ``Attention: 
Ms. Daphne Weeden.'' (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 application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    For Further Information on Application Deadlines Contact: Ms. 
Daphne Weeden, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Refugee Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 6th Floor, Washington, 
DC 20447, (202) 401-4577.
Standard Language Concerning the Certifications, Assurances, and 
Disclosure Required for Non Construction Programs
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for non construction 
projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the Standard 
Form 424B with their applications.
    Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form 
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who 
have used non Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with 
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a 
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the 
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and 
submitting the application, the applicant is providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
applications. Applicants must make the appropriate certification that 
they are not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for 
an award. By signing and submitting the application, the applicant is 
providing the certification need not mail back the certification with 
the applications.
Applicable Regulations
    Applicable DHHS grant administration regulations can be found in 45 
CFR Part 74 or 92.
Reporting Requirements
    Grantees are required to file the Financial status Report (SF-269) 
and Program Performance Reports on a semi-annual basis. Funds issued 
under these awards must be accounted for and reported upon separately 
from all other grant activities. Although ORR does not expect the 
proposed projects to include evaluation activities, it does expect 
grantees to maintain adequate records to track and report on project 
outcomes. The official receipt point for all reports and correspondence 
is the ORR Grants Officer, Ms. Daphne Weeden, Administration for 
Children and Families/Office of Refugee Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: (202) 401-
4577. An original and one copy of each report shall be submitted within 
30 days of the end of each reporting period directly to the Grants

[[Page 21464]]

Officer. The mailing address is: Ms. Daphne Weeden, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. A final Financial and 
Program Report shall be due 90 days after the budget expiration date or 
termination of grant support.

    Dated: April 18, 2000.
Lavinia Limon,
Director, Office of Refuge Resettlement.
[FR Doc. 00-10018 Filed 4-20-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P


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