[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 131 (Thursday, July 9, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37214-37229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-18154]



[[Page 37213]]

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Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





_______________________________________________________________________



Administration for Children and Families



_______________________________________________________________________



Developmental Disabilities: Final Notice of Availability of Financial 
Assistance and Request for Applications to Support Demonstration 
Projects Under the Projects of National Significance Program; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 131 / Thursday, July 9, 1998 / 
Notices

[[Page 37214]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. 93631-98-02]


Developmental Disabilities: Final Notice of Availability of 
Financial Assistance and Request for Applications to Support 
Demonstration Projects Under the Projects of National Significance 
Program

AGENCY: Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Invitation to apply for financial assistance.

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SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families, announces that applications 
are being accepted for funding of Fiscal Year 1998 Projects of National 
Significance.
    This program announcement consists of five parts. Part I, the 
Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of ACF and ADD. Part 
II provides the necessary background information on ADD for applicants. 
Part III describes the review process. Part IV describes the priority 
under which ADD requests applications for Fiscal Year 1998 funding of 
projects. Part V describes in detail how to prepare and submit an 
application.
    Grants will be awarded under this program announcement subject to 
the availability of funds for support of these activities.

DATES: The closing date for submittal of applications under this 
announcement is August 10, 1998. Mailed or handcarried applications 
received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be classified as 
late.
DEADLINE: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade 
SW, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Joan Rucker.
    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.
    Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
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, ACF/Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade SW, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor (near loading dock), 
Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, between 
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must 
appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the note 
``Attention: Joan Rucker''. Applicants using express/overnight services 
should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of 
applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.) Any applications received 
after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for 
competition.
    ADD cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ADD 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. ADD shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

EXTENSION OF DEADLINES: ADD may extend the deadline for all applicants 
because of acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or when there is 
widespread disruption of the mails. However, if ADD does not extend the 
deadline for all applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline 
for any applicants.

ADDRESSES: Application materials are available from Pat Laird, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20447, 202/690-7447; <a href="http://
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add">http://
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add</a>; or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#70111414301113165e141818035e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4d5d0d0f4d5d7d29ad0dcdcc79ad3dbc2">[email protected]</span></a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Pat Laird, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, 
D.C., 20447, 202/690-7447; or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b1a1f1f3b1a181d551f131308551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9d8ddddf9d8dadf97ddd1d1ca97ded6cf">[email protected]</span></a>.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: If you intend to submit an 
application, please send a post card with the number and title of this 
announcement, your organization's name and address, and your contact 
person's name, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address to: 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade 
SW., Washington, DC, 20447, Attn: Projects of National Significance.
    This information will be used to determine the number of expert 
reviewers needed and to update the mailing list to whom program 
announcements are sent.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. General Information

A. Goals of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located 
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Although different from the other 
ACF program administrations in the specific populations it serves, ADD 
shares a common set of goals that promote the economic and social well-
being of families, children, individuals and communities. Through 
national leadership, ACF and ADD envision:
    <bullet> Families and individuals empowered to increase their own 
economic independence and productivity;
    <bullet> Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive 
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
    <bullet> Partnerships with individuals, front-line service 
providers, communities, States and Congress that enable solutions which 
transcend traditional agency boundaries;
    <bullet> Services planned and integrated to improve client access;
    <bullet> A strong commitment to working with Native Americans, 
persons with developmental disabilities, refugees and migrants to 
address their needs, strengths and abilities; and
    <bullet> A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on 
the resources and benefits of diversity.
    Emphasis on these goals and progress toward them will help more 
individuals, including people with developmental disabilities, to live 
productive and independent lives integrated into their communities. The 
Projects of National Significance Program is one means through which 
ADD promotes the achievement of these goals.

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B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead 
agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering 
programs which promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities.
    The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
(42 U.S.C. 6000, et seq.) (the Act) supports and provides assistance to 
States and public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations to 
assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families participate in the design of and have access to culturally 
competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities 
that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into 
the community.
    In the Act, Congress expressly found that:
    <bullet> Disability is a natural part of the human experience that 
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, 
integration and inclusion into the community;
    <bullet> Individuals whose disabilities occur during their 
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely;
    <bullet> Individuals with developmental disabilities often require 
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated 
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, 
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers 
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families;
    The Act further established as the policy of the United States:
    <bullet> Individuals with developmental disabilities, including 
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of 
achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into 
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports 
and other assistance to achieve such;
    <bullet> Individuals with developmental disabilities have 
competencies, capabilities and personal goals that should be 
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such 
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent 
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
and capabilities of the individual;
    <bullet> Individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and 
supports such individuals and their families receive; and play decision 
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such 
individuals and their families; and
    <bullet> It is in the nation's interest for people with 
developmental disabilities to be employed, and to live conventional and 
independent lives as a part of families and communities.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks: to enhance the capabilities of 
families in assisting people with developmental disabilities to achieve 
their maximum potential; to support the increasing ability of people 
with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination; to engage in leadership activities in their communities; 
as well as to ensure the protection of their legal and human rights.
    The four programs funded under the Act are:
    <bullet> Federal assistance to State developmental disabilities 
councils;
    <bullet> State system for the protection and advocacy of 
individuals rights;
    <bullet> Grants to University Affiliated Programs for 
interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance, 
and information dissemination; and
    <bullet> Grants for Projects of National Significance.

C. Statutory Authorities Covered Under This Announcement

    The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
1996, 42 U.S.C. 6000, et. seq. The Projects of National Significance is 
Part E of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 
Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 6081, et. seq.

Part II. Background Information for Applicants

A. Description of Projects of National Significance

    Under Part E of the Act, grants and contracts are awarded for 
projects of national significance that support the development of 
national and State policy to enhance the independence, productivity, 
and integration and inclusion of individuals with developmental 
disabilities through:
    <bullet> Data collection and analysis;
    <bullet> Technical assistance to enhance the quality of State 
developmental disabilities councils, protection and advocacy systems, 
and university affiliated programs; and
    <bullet> Other projects of sufficient size and scope that hold 
promise to expand or improve opportunities for people with 
developmental disabilities, including:

--Technical assistance for the development of information and referral 
systems;
--Educating policy makers;
--Federal interagency initiatives;
--The enhancement of participation of minority and ethnic groups in 
public and private sector initiatives in developmental disabilities;
--Transition of youth with developmental disabilities from school to 
adult life; and
--Special pilots and evaluation studies to explore the expansion of 
programs under part B (State developmental disabilities councils) to 
individuals with severe disabilities other than developmental 
disabilities.

B. Comments on FY 1998 Proposed Priority Areas

    ADD received 39 letters in response to the public comment notice. 
Commentary was from the following sources:
    <bullet> Advocacy agencies, including national organizations and 
associations, national advocacy groups and State/local advocacy groups;
    <bullet> Service organizations, including agencies that provide 
services for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as 
providing advocacy services on behalf of a particular disability, 
including developmental disabilities councils;
    <bullet> Educational systems, including schools, colleges, and 
universities, programs located within a university setting and 
University Affiliated Programs;
    <bullet> Private agencies, including national, State, and local 
nonprofit organizations;
    <bullet> Government agencies, including Federal, State, county, and 
local government agencies; and
    <bullet> Private individuals.
    Comments ranged from requests for copies of the final application 
solicitation, to general support, to informative, clarifying responses 
for this year's proposed funding priorities and recommendations for 
other priority areas. The vast majority supported and expanded upon 
what we proposed in the announcement. Other comments relate 
specifically to the program goals and priorities of the particular 
agencies who responded to the announcement.
    The comments helped highlight the concerns of the developmental 
disabilities field and have been used in refining the final priority 
areas.
    Comment: 10 letters recommended additional or other funding 
priorities for FY 1998. Suggestions included projects addressing: 
health care issues; housing; personal assistance/respite services;

[[Page 37216]]

employment; youth-related issues; waiting lists; adults living with 
aging parents; basic supports for jobs and other on-going supports; 
transportation; and research issues related to existing PNS projects. 
Six letters specifically expressed that the proposed areas were not 
critical areas in their states in the field of developmental 
disabilities, and did not relate to ADD's efforts in meeting the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).
    Response: ADD appreciates the comments it receives concerning other 
areas needing attention. Comments refine our understanding of the 
realities occurring with individuals with developmental disabilities 
and their families, and they are often a sobering reminder of the 
unfulfilled goals that require our collective attention as a society. 
The comment process expands our awareness level and provides the basis 
for new priority areas.
    Some of the areas suggested as priorities have been funded 
previously or are currently funded projects. Employment and the basic 
supports necessary to perform a job were the objectives of our six 
natural support projects which ended last year; strategies for securing 
first jobs, especially by young people, are two projects that will end 
this year. ADD is also collaborating with the U.S. Department of 
Education on a major interagency employment initiative concerning the 
development of model systems change approaches. In June, ADD was a co-
sponsor of the first national forum on careers in the arts and 
disability. Also, three of the proposed areas have implications for 
employment, that is, teenage pregnancy prevention, healthy lifestyles, 
and domestic violence.
    In the area of health and related issues, ADD funded five personal 
assistance services projects; and is funding both a clearinghouse on 
managed care and a project on child abuse and neglect. Three of the 
proposed areas will have direct impact on the health care system: 
healthy lifestyles is concerned with maintaining health and preventing 
secondary disabilities and improving access to health care; teenage 
pregnancy prevention will require interventions involving health care 
personnel; and domestic violence prevention efforts must deal in part 
with the individual's psyche and self-esteem.
    The majority of comments received were very supportive of the five 
proposed funding areas; many stated that the issues within these areas 
have tremendous impact on the self-determination and productivity of 
people with developmental disabilities and have received limited 
attention at state and national levels. The purpose of the Projects of 
National Significance program is not only to provide technical 
assistance to the developmental disabilities councils, the protection 
and advocacy systems, and the university affiliated programs, but to 
support projects ``that hold promise to expand or improve opportunities 
for people with developmental disabilities.'' Representing only 4% of 
ADD's federal dollars, these PNS funds have initiated cutting edge 
projects, such as the ``Home of Your Own'' housing initiative, that are 
at the forefront of the developmental disabilities field challenging 
traditional thinking and practices. These priority areas directly 
relate to ADD's outcomes contained in its ``Roadmap to the Future,'' 
our plan for implementing GPRA: (1) All are intended to increase 
community support and promote self-determination, (2) The priorities on 
healthy lifestyle, future partnerships by minority institutions and 
consumer organizations and teenage pregnancy prevention will increase 
employment opportunities and/or promote quality health care service 
delivery; and the priorities on future partnerships and teenage 
pregnancy prevention will help eliminate educational disparities.

Part III. The Review Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Before applications under this Announcement are reviewed, each will 
be screened to determine that the applicant is eligible for funding as 
specified under the selected priority area. Applications from 
organizations which do not meet the eligibility requirements for the 
priority area will not be considered or reviewed in the competition, 
and the applicant will be so informed.
    Only public or non-profit private entities, not individuals, are 
eligible to apply under any of the priority areas. All applications 
developed jointly by more than one agency or organization must identify 
only one organization as the lead organization and official applicant. 
The other participating agencies and organizations can be included as 
co-participants, subgrantees or subcontractors.
    Nonprofit organizations must submit proof of nonprofit status in 
their applications at the time of submission. One means of 
accomplishing this is by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in 
the Internal Revenue Service's 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.
    ADD cannot fund a nonprofit applicant without acceptable proof of 
its nonprofit status.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Timely applications under this Announcement from eligible 
applicants received by the deadline date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside of 
the Federal government, will use the appropriate evaluation criteria 
listed later in this Part to review and score the applications. The 
results of this review are a primary factor in making funding 
decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal government 
or the applicant. It may also solicit comments from ADD Regional Office 
staff, other Federal agencies, interested foundations, national 
organizations, specialists, experts, States and the general public. 
These comments, along with those of the expert reviewers, will be 
considered by ADD in making funding decisions.
    In making decisions on awards, ADD will consider whether 
applications focus on or feature: services to culturally diverse or 
ethnic populations among others; a substantially innovative strategy 
with the potential to improve theory or practice in the field of human 
services; a model practice or set of procedures that holds the 
potential for replication by organizations administering or delivering 
of human services; substantial involvement of volunteers; substantial 
involvement (either financial or programmatic) of the private sector; a 
favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds available for 
the proposed project; the potential for high benefit for low Federal 
investment; a programmatic focus on those most in need; and/or 
substantial involvement in the proposed project by national or 
community foundations.
    This year, 5 points will be awarded in scoring for any project that 
includes partnership and collaboration with the 112 Empowerment Zones/
Enterprise Communities.
    To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure 
that funding

[[Page 37217]]

decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance among the 
States and geographical regions of the country, rural and urban areas, 
and ethnic populations. In making these decisions, ADD may also take 
into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.

C. Evaluation Process

    Using the evaluation criteria below, a panel of at least three 
reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will 
review the applications. To facilitate this review, applicants should 
ensure that they address each minimum requirement in the priority area 
description under the appropriate section of the Program Narrative 
Statement.
    Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide 
comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value following each 
criterion heading indicates the maximum numerical weight that each 
section may be given in the review process.

D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions

    The priority area description is composed of the following 
sections:
    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of 
organization which is eligible to apply under the particular priority 
area. Specific restrictions are also noted, where applicable.
    <bullet> Purpose: This section presents the basic focus and/or 
broad goal(s) of the priority area.
    <bullet> Background Information: This section briefly discusses the 
legislative background as well as the current state-of-the-art and/or 
current state-of-practice that supports the need for the particular 
priority area activity. Relevant information on projects previously 
funded by ACF and/or other State models are noted, where applicable.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: This section presents the basic set 
of issues that must be addressed in the application. Typically, they 
relate to need for assistance, results expected, project design, and 
organizational and staff capabilities. Inclusion and discussion of 
these items is important since the information provided will be used by 
the reviewers in evaluating the application against the evaluation 
criteria.
    <bullet> Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This section 
presents the basic set of issues that must be addressed in the 
application. Typically, they relate to project design, evaluation, and 
community involvement. This section also asks for specific information 
on the proposed project. Inclusion and discussion of these items is 
important since they will be used by the reviewers to evaluate the 
applications against the evaluation criteria. Project products, 
continuation of the project after Federal support ceases, and 
dissemination/utilization activities, if appropriate, are also 
addressed.
    <bullet> Project Duration: This section specifies the maximum 
allowable length of the project period; it refers to the amount of time 
for which Federal funding is available.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: This section specifies the 
maximum amount of Federal support for the project.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: This section specifies the minimum 
non-Federal contribution, either cash or in-kind match, required.
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: This section 
specifies the number of projects ADD anticipates funding under the 
priority area.
    <bullet> CFDA: This section identifies the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number and title of the program under which 
applications in this priority area will be funded. This information is 
needed to complete item 10 on the SF 424.
    Please note that applications under this Announcement that do not 
comply with the specific priority area requirements in the section on 
``Eligible Applicants'' will not be reviewed.
    Applicants under this Announcement must clearly identify the 
specific priority area under which they wish to have their applications 
considered, and tailor their applications accordingly. Experience has 
shown that an application which is broader and more general in concept 
than outlined in the priority area description is less likely to score 
as well as an application more clearly focused on, and directly 
responsive to, the concerns of that specific priority area.

E. Available Funds

    ADD intends to award new grants resulting from this announcement 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, subject to the 
availability of funding. The size of the awards will vary. Each 
priority area description includes information on the maximum Federal 
share of the project costs and the anticipated number of projects to be 
funded.
    The term ``budget period'' refers to the interval of time (usually 
12 months) into which a multi-year period of assistance (project 
period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. The term 
``project period'' refers to the total time a project is approved for 
support, including any extensions.
    Where appropriate, applicants may propose shorter project periods 
than the maximums specified in the various priority areas. Non-Federal 
share contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the various 
priority areas.
    For multi-year projects, continued Federal funding beyond the first 
budget period, but within the approved project period, is subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

F. Grantee Share of Project Costs

    Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested in Federal funding to 
reach 25% of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved 
cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal 
share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind 
contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match 
requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project 
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per 
budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 (total project 
cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    An exception to the grantee cost-sharing requirement relates to 
applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications from 
these areas are covered under Section 501(d) of P. L. 95-134, which 
requires that the Department waive ``any requirement for local matching 
funds for grants under $200,000.''
    The applicant contribution must generally be secured from non-
Federal sources. Except as provided by Federal statute, a cost-sharing 
or matching requirement may not be met by costs borne by another 
Federal grant. However, funds from some Federal programs benefitting 
Tribes and Native American organizations have been used to provide 
valid sources of matching funds. If this is the case for a Tribe or 
Native American organization submitting an application to ADD, that 
organization should identify the programs which will be providing the 
funds for the match in its application. If the application successfully 
competes for PNS grant funds, ADD will determine whether there is 
statutory authority for this use of the funds. The Administration for 
Native Americans and the DHHS Office of General Counsel

[[Page 37218]]

will assist ADD in making this determination.

G. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

    The following ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been 
approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139.
    1. Introduction: Applicants are required to submit a full project 
description and must prepare the project description statement in 
accordance with the following instructions.
    2. Project summary/abstract: Provide a summary of the project 
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request. 
Clearly mark this separate page with the applicant name as shown in 
item 5 of the SF 424, the priority area number as shown at the top of 
the SF 424, and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF 
424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. These 300 
words become part of the computer database on each project.
    Care should be taken to produce a summary description which 
accurately and concisely reflects the proposal. It should describe the 
objectives of the project, the approaches to be used and the outcomes 
expected. The description should also include a list of major products 
that will result from the proposed project, such as software packages, 
materials, management procedures, data collection instruments, training 
packages, or videos (please note that audiovisuals should be closed 
captioned). The project summary description, together with the 
information on the SF 424, will constitute the project ``abstract.'' It 
is the major source of information about the proposed project and is 
usually the first part of the application that the reviewers read in 
evaluating the application.
    3. 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 testimonies 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. The application must identify the precise location of the 
project and area to be served by the proposed project. Maps and other 
graphic aids should be attached.
    4. Results or Benefits Expected: Identify the results and benefits 
to be derived; the extent to which they are consistent with the 
objectives of the application, and the extent to which the application 
indicates the anticipated contributions to policy, practice, theory 
and/or research. The extent to which the proposed project costs are 
reasonable in view of the expected results.
    5. Approach: Outlines 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. Cites 
factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work, and state your 
reasons 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 involvements.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. 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.
    Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and 
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs 
identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits 
identified are being achieved.
    6. Organization Profile: 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. The application identifies the background of 
the project director/principal investigator and key project staff 
(including name, address, training, educational background and other 
qualifying experience) and the experience of the organization to 
demonstrate the applicant's ability to effectively and efficiently 
administer this project. The application describes the relationship 
between this project and other work planned, anticipated or under way 
by the applicant which is being supported by Federal assistance. This 
section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) background 
description of how the applicant organization (or the unit within the 
organization that will have responsibility for the project) is 
organized, the types and quantity of services it provides, and/or the 
research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include 
descriptions of any current or previous relevant experience, or 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to produce a final product that is readily comprehensible and 
usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project 
to the current organization should be included.

G. Cooperation in Evaluation Efforts

    Grantees funded by ADD may be requested to cooperate in evaluation 
efforts funded by ADD. The purpose of these evaluation activities is to 
learn from the combined experience of multiple projects funded under a 
particular priority area.

H. Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

    Applicants are encouraged to include ``closed captioning'' in the 
development of any audiovisual products.

[[Page 37219]]

Part IV. Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Areas for Projects of National 
Significance--Description and Requirements

    The following section presents the final priority areas for Fiscal 
Year 1998 Projects of National Significance (PNS) and solicits the 
appropriate applications.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 1: Unequal Protection Under the Law, 
Invisible Victims of Crime--Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private 
nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a 
consortia of some or all of the above.
    <bullet> Purpose: ADD is interested in awarding grant funds that 
will facilitate the elimination of physical and attitudinal barriers 
experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities when they 
encounter the criminal justice system as victims of crime. These 
projects should provide direction and assistance to public and private 
entities serving victims of crime on their responsibilities under the 
Americans with Disabilities Act. Agencies involved with people with 
developmental disabilities have a major role to play in the prevention 
and detection of victimization, and criminal prosecution. This is 
crucial to ensuring citizens with developmental and other disabilities 
are treated equally under the criminal justice system.
    <bullet> Background Information: Persons with developmental 
disabilities have a significantly higher risk of becoming crime victims 
than persons without disabilities. Differences in victimization rates 
are most pronounced for the crimes of sexual assault and robbery. There 
is also a high probability of repeat victimization, because over time 
those who victimize individuals with disabilities come to regard them 
as easy prey--where crimes can be committed against them with little 
chance of detection or punishment.
    A recent analysis combining these victimization probabilities with 
data from the U.S. National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that 
roughly 5 million serious crimes are committed against persons with 
developmental disabilities in the U.S. each year.
    Research shows that offenders seek victims with disabilities 
specifically because they are considered to be vulnerable and unable to 
seek help or report the crime. More than half of the crimes committed 
against victims with developmental disabilities are never reported to 
justice authorities, and when they are reported, they are often handled 
administratively rather than through criminal prosecution. 
Administrative actions such as licensing sanctions against a group home 
or the firing of the suspect are common. Such administrative sanctions 
represent a separate and unequal ``justice'' system.
    When crimes are reported, there are lower rates of police follow-
up, prosecution and convictions. When convictions occur, studies show 
that sentences for crimes committed against individuals with 
disabilities are lighter, particularly for sexual assault. Possible 
explanations offered for this are the difficulty of investigating these 
cases, lack of special police training, no provision of reasonable 
accommodations for victims, and the negative stereotype held by some 
toward people with developmental disabilities.
    This is ADD's second initiative in the area of criminal justice 
which we began three years ago. The two funded projects are:

Austin Resource Center for Independent Living (Jeri Houchins, 512/255-
1465)
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (Barbara Ransom, 215/627-
7100)

These successful projects have contributed to our knowledge base about 
the enormity of the problem, prompting our continued focus on 
additional aspects of the problem.
    <bullet> Minimum Requirements for Project Design: To build on these 
and other efforts and to further foster the equal treatment of 
individuals with developmental disabilities as victims of crime ADD 
would support activities that include the following.
    <bullet> Information and training of agents of the criminal justice 
system and health and human services providers including, law 
enforcement, community services, health, legal and others on 
appropriate responses, methods and strategies, and effective 
accommodations per ADA for people with developmental disabilities, 
especially cognitive and speech disabilities;
    <bullet> Community public awareness and training about domestic 
violence, sexual assault, and other crimes committed against people who 
have developmental disabilities;
    <bullet> Data collection of anecdotal information regarding the 
incidence of crimes, the types of crime, the perpetrators of crime, and 
the settings where crimes occur against people with developmental 
disabilities;
    <bullet> Training of people with developmental disabilities about 
their legal rights, advocacy, and community resources;
    <bullet> Developing appropriate training materials and curricula;
    <bullet> Promoting understanding of victims' issues specific to 
people with developmental disabilities;
    <bullet> Research on the nature and extent of crimes committed 
against this population, risk factors associated with these victims, 
how the justice system responds to these crimes, and other topics;
    <bullet> Establishing collaborative partnerships and networks among 
communities and systems providers; and
    <bullet> Describe measurable outcomes.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those proposals 
for projects that incorporate the following elements:
    <bullet> Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
    <bullet> Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
    <bullet> Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
    <bullet> Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
    <bullet> Cultural competency.
    <bullet> A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    <bullet> Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
    <bullet> Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-569).
    <bullet> Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
    <bullet> Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be 
used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area. 
Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description 
section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review

[[Page 37220]]

process. The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description.
    Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).
    Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points).
    Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).
    Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).
    <bullet> Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods up to three years under this priority 
area. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-
year budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a 
minimum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met 
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 
(the total project cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is 
anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to 
availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of 
acceptable applications received as a result of this program 
announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for 
the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications 
submitted for FY 1998 funds.
    <bullet> CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 
424.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 2: Domestic Violence and Women With 
Developmental Disabilities--The Hidden Violence

    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private 
nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a 
consortia of some or all of the above.
    <bullet> Purpose: Under this priority, ADD will fund model 
demonstration projects that address the needs of women with 
developmental disabilities, especially cognitive disabilities, who are 
or have experienced intimate/domestic violence. Any project should have 
as its goals not only the safety of these women, but their ability to 
be self-determining over their lives.
    <bullet> Background Information: In a special report, ``Violence 
Against Women: Estimates from the Redesigned Survey'', which presented 
1995 data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, it was reported 
that women were attacked about six times more often by offenders with 
whom they had an intimate relationship than were male violence victims 
during 1992 and 1993. During each year women were the victims of more 
than 4.5 million violent crimes, including approximately 500,000 rapes 
or other sexual assaults. Women from 19-29 years of age were more 
likely than women of other ages to be victimized by an intimate party. 
Women of all races were about equally vulnerable to attacks. However, 
women in families with incomes below $10,000 per year were more likely 
than other women to be violently attacked.
    Persons with developmental disabilities have a 4 to 10 times higher 
risk of becoming crime victims than persons without disabilities. 
Differences in victimization rates are pronounced for the crime of 
sexual assault.
    The rates of sexual assault on this population is very alarming. 
One study found that 83% of women and 32% of men with developmental 
disabilities in their sample had been sexually assaulted. Other studies 
have found from 86%-91% of women in their samples had been sexually 
assaulted. Another study found that of those who were sexually 
assaulted, 50% had been assaulted 10 or more times.
    Although women with disabilities are at higher risk for all types 
of violence, there are no dedicated resources being devoted on a 
Federal level to decrease or eliminate the violence experienced by 
these women. The U.S. Department of Justice has just begun to consider 
people with disabilities in general as targets of violence in regard to 
hate crimes and victim's assistance.
    <bullet> Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This issue will 
require collaborative partnership between the criminal justice system, 
domestic violence service entities, and disability/advocacy 
organizations to develop strategies, resources and awareness that will 
support the capabilities and community participation of women with 
developmental disabilities. It is ADD's expectation that these women 
will be actively involved in the design and implementation of 
activities of this effort. Any project should include the following 
components:
    <bullet> Development of a victim safety planning process that is 
tailored to respond to abuse that has occurred;
    <bullet> Training of adult protective and crisis services program 
staff on working with women having developmental disabilities 
(especially cognitive and speech disabilities), providing reasonable 
accommodations, developing backup personal assistant support, and 
methods to outreach;
    <bullet> Training of women with developmental disabilities, 
particularly young women and girls, about abusive behaviors and 
available services ;
    <bullet> Strategies that will inform and encourage the reporting of 
violence by not only the victim but by family members, caregivers, and 
others who provide services;
    <bullet> Training of criminal justice and health care professionals 
in appropriate protocols, techniques, methods which foster the legal 
and health needs of women with developmental disabilities;
    <bullet> Creation of manuals, curricula, best practices materials 
targeted at professionals in the various systems and a plan of 
dissemination;
    <bullet> Data collection on the types of violence committed, 
characteristics of the victim, the settings where crimes occur, the 
nature of the offender;
    <bullet> Approaches that encourage the identification and 
demonstration of strategies and policies that support the capacities of 
these women to express control and self-determination in their 
management of violence;
    <bullet> Community public awareness and training about domestic 
violence, sexual assault, and other abusive behaviors committed against 
women who have developmental disabilities;
    <bullet> Strategies for the deterrence and prevention of caregiver 
violence which includes family members, friends, paid providers; and
    <bullet> Describe measurable outcomes.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those proposals 
for projects that incorporate the following elements:
    <bullet> Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

[[Page 37221]]

    <bullet> Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
    <bullet> Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
    <bullet> Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
    <bullet> Cultural competency.
    <bullet> A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    <bullet> Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
    <bullet> Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-569).
    <bullet> Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
    <bullet> Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be 
used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area. 
Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description 
section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. 
The specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description.
    Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).
    Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points)
    Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).
    Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).
    <bullet> Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods up to three years under this priority 
area. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-
year budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a 
minimum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met 
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 
(the total project cost is $133,333, of which your $33,333 share is 
25%).
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is 
anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to 
availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of 
acceptable applications received as a result of this program 
announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for 
the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications 
submitted for FY 1998 funds.
    <bullet> CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 
424.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 3: Healthy Lifestyles and Recreation--
Factors Contributing Towards a Quality of Life for Persons With 
Developmental Disabilities

    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private 
nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a 
consortia of some or all of the above.
    <bullet> Purpose: The prevention or alleviation of regressive 
symptoms that prevent adults with developmental disabilities from 
functioning at their maximum level and the barriers that hinder their 
inclusion into their communities is the primary focus of projects that 
ADD would fund under this priority. Maintaining healthy lifestyles that 
reinforce independence and choice is an important theme that should be 
reflected in any project.
    <bullet> Background Information: As more and more people with 
disabilities in general are having increased life spans due to 
advancements in medical technologies and innovative scientific 
research, attention must be given to healthy lifestyles and methods to 
reduce the effects of aging with a disability. Americans with 
disabilities strive for equal access to opportunities, programs and 
services that enable them to experience a quality lifestyle comparable 
to other Americans and to maintain their independence and function. As 
some individuals with certain disabilities have experienced physical 
weaknesses, loss of function, and pain, it has raised questions about 
what constitutes optimal levels of physical activity or exercise, 
dietary requirements, and therapies that are helpful in sustaining 
their standard of life.
    A recent ADD report, ``Aging and Cerebral Palsy: The Critical 
Needs'', based on a roundtable meeting, articles, research papers, and 
other publications summarized the major issues of concern of people 
with cerebral palsy. Some of the issues expressed were related to (1) 
exercise--inability to determine what type of exercise(s) is best 
suited to maintain cardio-pulmonary conditioning, physical strength, 
bone density, coordination, joint mobility and weight control; (2) 
women's issues--inability to find accurate information and competent 
medical care (including counseling) when they were younger such as 
reproductive health care, and as they are aging on menopause; (3) 
quality of medical care--few medical professionals, especially 
dentists, are familiar with cerebral palsy, making it difficult to 
obtain treatment; (4) emotional and psychological issues--the aging 
process begins early as overstressed muscles and joints wear out 
relatively quickly, and people in their 30s and 40s are often ill-
equipped to deal with problems that their peers will often not 
encounter for two more decades; and (5) managed care--these 
organizations have a mixed history of providing appropriate and timely 
services to individuals with disabilities, have many financial 
incentives that may not be congruent with the needs of individuals with 
disabilities or the philosophy of the disability rights movement, and 
long-term supports and services may be at particular risk in a managed 
care environment. Some of these issues are transferable to other types 
of disabilities. For instance, in one study on breast and cervical 
cancer screening it was reported that women with disabilities tend to 
be less likely

[[Page 37222]]

than women without disabilities to receive pelvic exams on a regular 
basis, and women with more severe functional limitations are 
significantly less likely to do so. Women with physical disabilities 
are at a higher risk for delayed diagnosis of breast and cervical 
cancer, primarily for reasons of environmental, attitudinal, and 
informational barriers. There are few studies on women with mental 
retardation or other cognitive disabilities.
    At this time there is little research that can provide answers to 
these questions. Yet the concerns cannot be ignored. There are an 
estimated 54 million people with a disability within the United States, 
almost half of whom are considered to have a severe disability. An 
estimated 4% age 5 and over need personal assistance with one or more 
activities; over 5.8 million people need assistance in ``instrumental 
activities of daily living'' (IADL), while 3.4 million need assistance 
in ``activities of daily living'' (ADL). As one ages, activity 
limitations increase along with the need for assistance. Reviewing this 
data from a purely economic standpoint it makes sense to dedicate some 
resources to the prevention or alleviation of regressive symptoms that 
prevent individuals with developmental and other disabilities from 
functioning at their maximum level.
    <bullet> Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD is 
particularly interested in supporting projects which include the 
following:
    <bullet> Partnerships between consumer/advocacy organizations, 
research foundations, physical education/recreation fields, sports/
athletic associations, health care entities, and others such as aging 
to develop and test guidelines for exercise regimens, to examine 
alternative forms of medicine, foster training programs, coordinate and 
disseminate consumer education materials and other activities that lead 
to personal wellness;
    <bullet> Self-help models that address those individuals with 
developmental disabilities living in rural areas;
    <bullet> Research and dissemination on factors that contribute 
towards personal wellness as defined by individuals with developmental 
disabilities, particularly with cognitive disabilities;
    <bullet> Innovative strategies for broader distribution and access 
to specialized equipment for use by people with developmental 
disabilities who are non-athletes as a means to exercise or for 
leisure, and the dissemination of this information to generic fitness 
centers;
    <bullet> Promotion and technical assistance on compliance by 
fitness and recreational programs with the Americans with Disabilities 
Act; and
    <bullet> Describe measurable outcomes.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those proposals 
for projects that incorporate the following elements:
    <bullet> Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
    <bullet> Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
    <bullet> Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
    <bullet> Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
    <bullet> Cultural competency.
    <bullet> A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    <bullet> Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
    <bullet> Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-569).
    <bullet> Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
    <bullet> Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be 
used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area. 
Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description 
section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. 
The specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description.
    Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).
    Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points).
    Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).
    Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).
    <bullet> Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods up to three years under this priority 
area. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-
year budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a 
minimum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met 
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 
(total project cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is 
anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to 
availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of 
acceptable applications received as a result of this program 
announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for 
the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications 
submitted for FY 1998 funds.
    <bullet> CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 
424.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 4: Promoting Future Partnerships by 
Minority Institutions and Consumer Organizations With ADD Through 
Participation in the Projects of National Significance Program

    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private 
nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a 
consortia of some or all of the above.
    <bullet> Purpose: ADD will award demonstration grants to build the 
capacity and skills of consumer/disability and minority organizations/

[[Page 37223]]

institutions to compete as equal participants for federal funding or 
other types funding. The creation or further development of 
organizations of people of color with developmental disabilities is an 
intention of this priority. The foundations for working partnerships 
between people of color with developmental disabilities and their 
families and minority organizations and disability service providers is 
a key element for any project. Armed with the knowledge of funding it 
will give these groups the ability to address issues critical to their 
communities.
    <bullet> Background Information: In a 1993 report from the National 
Council on Disability (NCD), ``Meeting the Unique Needs of Minorities 
with Disabilities'', it stated that ``Persons with disabilities who are 
also members of minorities face double discrimination and a double 
disadvantage in our society. They are more likely to be poor and 
undereducated and to have fewer opportunities than other members of the 
population.''
    The 1990 Census confirmed America's rapidly changing cultural 
ethnic profile. According to the census data there are 30 million 
African Americans (an increase of 13.2% since 1980); 22.4 million 
Hispanic Americans (an increase of 53%); 7.3 million Asian Americans 
(an increase of 107.8%); and 2.0 million Native Americans (an increase 
of 37.9%). In comparison, the European American population grew only 
6.0% since 1980. By the year 2000, the nation will have 260 million 
people, one of every three of whom will be either African-American, 
Latino, or Asian-American.
    As a result of factors such as poverty, unemployment, and poor 
health status, persons of minority backgrounds are at high risk of 
disability. Based largely on population projections and substantial 
anecdotal evidence, it is clear that the number of persons from these 
minority populations who have disabilities is increasing. Moreover, 
based on similar projections, the proportion of minority populations 
with disabling conditions will probably increase at even faster rates 
than that of the general population.
    This priority represents ADD's continued effort to support our 
program components in serving and involving children and adults with 
developmental disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds. The 
following are current and past projects funded under PNS:
    <bullet> University of Nebraska, ``Sharing the Vision: Establishing 
Statewide Coalitions for Promoting the Full Participation of Persons 
with Developmental Disabilities from Culturally Diverse Populations,'' 
(John McClain, 402/559/6357).
    <bullet> Children's Hospital/University of Southern California, 
``California Consortium on Cultural Diversity and Developmental 
Disabilities,'' (Chana Hiranaka, 213/669-2300).
    <bullet> University of Puerto Rico, ``Self Advocacy and Empowerment 
of Individuals in Puerto Rico Culture,'' (Margarita Miranda, 809/758-
2525).
    <bullet> People First of Tennessee, Inc., ``The Lift Every Voice 
Leadership Project,'' (Ruthie Beckwith, 615/256-8002).
    <bullet> Minimum Requirements for Project Design: To be seriously 
considered for funding projects must demonstrate collaborative working 
relationships with people of color with developmental disabilities and 
minority organizations and disability service providers. Activities 
applicants should consider are the following:
    <bullet> Training and technical assistance on the grants 
development process, including developing the financial and managerial 
capacity to administer a grant;
    <bullet> Develop training and resource materials;
    <bullet> Utilize existing local and national foundations and/or 
corporations for their expertise on grant making;
    <bullet> Utilize national and local organizations that have a 
strong track record working with cultural minority populations and 
persons with developmental disabilities;
    <bullet> Facilitate a network of entities and individuals 
interested in empowering people of color with developmental 
disabilities, including for example ADD's program components and a 
Historically Black College/University;
    <bullet> Develop a mini-grants program to fund pilot projects for 
smaller, grassroots organizations;
    <bullet> Mentoring opportunities for individuals of color with 
developmental disabilities with experts in grant development that 
provide fellowships or stipends and other necessary supports for full 
participation; and
    <bullet> Describe measurable outcomes.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those proposals 
for projects that incorporate the following elements:
    <bullet> Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
    <bullet> Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
    <bullet> Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
    <bullet> Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
    <bullet> Cultural competency.
    <bullet> A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    <bullet> Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
    <bullet> Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-569).
    <bullet> Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
    <bullet> Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: The five criteria that follow will be 
used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area. 
Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description 
section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. 
The specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description.
    Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).
    Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points).
    Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).
    Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).
    <bullet> Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods up to three years under this priority 
area. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-
year budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget

[[Page 37224]]

period or a minimum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met 
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 
(total project cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is 
anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to 
availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of 
acceptable applications received as a result of this program 
announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for 
the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications 
submitted for FY 1998 funds.
    <bullet> CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 
424.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 5: Girl Power! Moving From Despair to 
Empowerment of Girls With Developmental Disabilities

    <bullet> Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private 
nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a 
consortia of some or all of the above.
    <bullet> Purpose: ADD is interested in awarding model demonstration 
grants that address the multiplicity of issues involved with 
pregnancies among teenagers with developmental disabilities. These 
projects should be collaborative efforts by disability organizations, 
family planning agencies, and other public/private community entities 
that are addressing this issue.
    <bullet> Background Information: Unplanned and unwanted pregnancies 
continue to be one of the most prevalent problems of our society, 
involving social, economic, health and education issues. Babies born to 
teenagers are often low weight, something which can increase the 
likelihood of disabilities. Teenage girls who become pregnant often do 
not have strong academic backgrounds, sophisticated coping skills or 
confidence to believe that they can influence their futures.
    Teachers, parents, and community leaders are aware of the 
importance of a wide range of developmental experiences for young 
people. However, young women and young people with disabilities 
continue to experience isolation, fewer opportunities, and lower 
expectations from their families and communities. Young women with 
disabilities are especially likely to be denied, in sometimes subtle 
but significant ways, the experiences that provide them with the tools 
for self-determination. This very point is raised in the ``Report from 
the National Longitudinal Transition Study of Special Education 
Students.'' It was found that female 12th-graders with disabilities 
were much less likely than males to have competitive employment as 
their postschool goal, a pattern that reflects in their postschool 
reality. Despite higher academic performance while in school, young 
women with disabilities were just as likely as young men to drop out of 
school, and almost 25% did so because of pregnancy or childrearing 
responsibilities. Within 3 to 5 years after high school, 30% of young 
women with disabilities were married and 41% were mothers, a rate that 
was significantly higher than the reported parenting rate for young men 
with disabilities (16%) or for young women of the same age in the 
general population (26%). This raises significant questions about the 
frequency with which these young women were mothers in their early 
years after leaving school and why other options such as further 
schooling or employment were not pursued. School programs chosen by or 
provided to many young women with disabilities support a postschool 
path involving home and child care more likely than postsecondary 
education or employment.
    <bullet> Minimum requirements for Project Design: ADD is 
particularly interested in supporting projects which address issues 
contributing to unwanted pregnancies among teenagers with developmental 
disabilities and provide models that empower these girls. Listed below 
are appropriate activities for such projects:
    <bullet> Initiatives to identify girls with developmental 
disabilities in elementary and secondary school who are experiencing 
academic difficulties and providing them with remedial help in 
improving basic mathematics, reading, writing and other communication 
skills as well as computer and other technological skills;
    <bullet> Targeting pregnancy prevention activities toward teenage 
girls who have developmental disabilities, including those considered 
to have mild or moderate disabilities and not needing other specialized 
services;
    <bullet> Develop mentoring programs for teenage girls with 
developmental disabilities that utilize women with disabilities;
    <bullet> Develop job training programs, internship programs and 
other activities to provide positive work exposure and experiences to 
teenage girls with developmental disabilities who are at risk. These 
programs must be substantive and have the potential of leading to 
careers or assisting in the development of skills needed in the current 
job market;
    <bullet> Collaborate with community organizations to ensure that 
teenage girls with developmental disabilities are included in academic, 
social, job training, mentoring and other activities for teenagers at 
risk;
    <bullet> Conduct research focusing on the prevalence of 
unidentified disabilities among girls in elementary and secondary 
schools who are experiencing academic or other school-related 
difficulties, but who have not been identified as needing special 
education and the relationship to the prevalence of unwanted teenage 
pregnancy;
    <bullet> Describe measurable outcomes. As a general guide, ADD will 
expect to fund only those proposals for projects that incorporate the 
following elements:
    <bullet> Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
    <bullet> Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
    <bullet> Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
    <bullet> Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
    <bullet> Cultural competency.
    <bullet> A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    <bullet> Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
    <bullet> Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-569).
    <bullet> Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

[[Page 37225]]

    <bullet> Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
    <bullet> Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be 
used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area. 
Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description 
section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. 
The specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description.
    Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).
    Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points).
    Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).
    Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).
    <bullet> Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods up to three years under this priority 
area. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-
year budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    <bullet> Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period of a 
three-year project period or a maximum of $300,000 for a three-year 
project period.
    <bullet> Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met 
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 
(total project cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    <bullet> Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is 
anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to 
availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of 
acceptable applications received as a result of this program 
announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for 
the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications 
submitted for FY 1998 funds.
    <bullet> CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 
424.

Part V. Instructions for the Development and Submission of 
Applications

    This Part contains information and instructions for submitting 
applications in response to this announcement. Application forms and 
package along with a checklist and other materials can be obtained by 
any of the following methods: Pat Laird, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade 
SW, Washington, DC, 20447, 202/690-7447; http://www.acf.dhhs. gov/
programs/add; or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#21404545614042470f454949520f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8898c8ca8898b8ec68c80809bc68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>. Please copy and use these forms in 
submitting an application.
    Potential applicants should read this section carefully in 
conjunction with the information contained within the specific priority 
area under which the application is to be submitted. The priority area 
descriptions are in Part IV.

A. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

    All applications under the ADD priority areas are required to 
follow the Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 process, ``Intergovernmental 
Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, ``Intergovernmental 
Review of Department of Health and Human Services Program 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.
    As of September 22, 1997, all States and territories, except 
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington, American Samoa and Palau, have elected to 
participate in the Executive Order process and have established a State 
Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Applicants from these jurisdictions or 
for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes need 
take no action regarding E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions.
    Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC as soon 
as possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC 
comments as part of the award process. It is imperative that the 
applicant submit all required materials and indicate the date of this 
submittal (or date SPOC was contacted, if no submittal is required) on 
the SF 424, item 16a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
However, there is insufficient time to allow for a complete SPOC 
comment period. Therefore, we have reduced the comment period to 30 
days from the closing date for applications. These comments are 
reviewed as part of the award process. Failure to notify the SPOC can 
result in delays in awarding grants.
    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, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--Projects of National Significance.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC is found in the 
application package.

B. Notification of State Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils

    A copy of the application must also be submitted for review and 
comment to the State Developmental Disabilities Council in each State 
in which the applicant's project will be conducted. A list of the State 
Developmental Disabilities Councils is included in the application 
package.

[[Page 37226]]

C. Deadline for Submittal of Applications

    One signed original and two copies of the application must be 
submitted on or before August 10, 1998 to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Joan Rucker.
    Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered. Hand-delivered 
applications are accepted during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. 
to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications shall be considered 
as meeting an announced deadline if received by the deadline date at 
the ACF Grants Office (Close of Business: 4:30 p.m., local prevailing 
time).
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criterion 
stated above are considered late applications. ACF/ADD shall notify 
each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the 
current competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend the deadline for all 
applicants due to acts of God, such as floods, hurricanes, or 
earthquakes; or when there is a widespread disruption of the mails. 
However, if the granting agency does not extend the deadline for all 
applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline for any applicants.

D. Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing 
Application Forms

    The SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424A-Page 2 and Certifications/Assurances 
are contained in the application package. Please prepare your 
application in accordance with the following instructions:
1. SF 424 Page 1, Application Cover Sheet
    Please read the following instructions before completing the 
application cover sheet. An explanation of each item is included. 
Complete only the items specified.
    Top of Page. Enter the single priority area number under which the 
application is being submitted. An application should be submitted 
under only one priority area.
    Item 1. ``Type of Submission''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier'' --Date 
application is submitted to ACF and applicant's own internal control 
number, if applicable.
    Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
    Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
    Item 5. ``Applicant Information''.
    ``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For 
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization 
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
    ``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within 
the applicant organization which will actually carry out the project 
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If 
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the 
organizational unit blank.
    ``Address''--Enter the complete address that the organization 
actually uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all 
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and 
P.O. box number unless both must be used in mailing.
    ``Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on 
matters involving this application (give area code)''--Enter the full 
name (including academic degree, if applicable) and telephone number of 
a person who can respond to questions about the application. This 
person should be accessible at the address given here and will receive 
all correspondence regarding the application.
    Item 6. ``Employer Identification Number (EIN)''--Enter the 
employer identification number of the applicant organization, as 
assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, including, if known, the 
Central Registry System suffix.
    Item 7. ``Type of Applicant''--Self-explanatory.
    Item 8. ``Type of Application''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 9. ``Name of Federal Agency''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 10. ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and 
Title''--Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 
assigned to the program under which assistance is requested and its 
title. For all of ADD's priority areas, the following should be 
entered, ``93.631--Developmental Disabilities: Projects of National 
Significance.''
    Item 11. ``Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project''--Enter the 
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the 
project, not the priority area title.
    Item 12. ``Areas Affected by Project''--Enter the governmental unit 
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only 
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If 
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.
    Item 13. ``Proposed Project''--Enter the desired start date for the 
project and projected completion date.
    Item 14. ``Congressional District of Applicant/Project''--Enter the 
number of the Congressional district where the applicant's principal 
office is located and the number of the Congressional district(s) where 
the project will be located. If Statewide, a multi-State effort, or 
nationwide, enter ``00.''
    Items 15. Estimated Funding Levels. In completing 15a through 15f, 
the dollar amounts entered should reflect, for a 17-month or less 
project period, the total amount requested. If the proposed project 
period exceeds 17 months, enter only those dollar amounts needed for 
the first 12 months of the proposed project.
    Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the 
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
    Items 15b-e. Enter the amount(s) of funds from non-Federal sources 
that will be contributed to the proposed project. Items b-e are 
considered cost-sharing or ``matching funds.'' The value of third party 
in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as 
applicable. For more information regarding funding as well as 
exceptions to these rules, see Part III, Sections E and F, and the 
specific priority area description.
    Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any, 
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or 
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item 
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program 
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
    Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
    Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? Yes.''--Enter the date the applicant contacted the 
SPOC regarding this application. Select the appropriate SPOC from the 
listing provided at the end of Part IV. The review of the application 
is at the discretion of the SPOC. The SPOC will verify the date noted 
on the application.
    Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the 
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been 
selected by the State for review.
    Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''--
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant 
organization, not the

[[Page 37227]]

person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of debt 
include audit disallowances, loans and taxes.
    Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this 
application/preapplication are true and correct. The document has been 
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the 
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is 
awarded.''--To be signed by the authorized representative of the 
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature 
of this application by this individual as the official representative 
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from 
the applicant.
    Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title, 
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the 
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
    Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative''--Signature of 
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of 
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not 
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
    Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was 
signed by the authorized representative.
2. SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
    This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, 
Sections A, B, C, E and F are to be completed. Section D does not need 
to be completed.
    Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering (1) the total project 
period of 17 months or less or (2) the first year budget period, if the 
proposed project period exceeds 15 months.
    Section A--Budget Summary. This section includes a summary of the 
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total 
non-Federal costs, including third party in-kind contributions, but not 
program income, in column (f). Enter the total of (e) and (f) in column 
(g).
    Section B--Budget Categories. This budget, which includes the 
Federal as well as non-Federal funding for the proposed project, covers 
(1) the total project period of 17 months or less or (2) the first-year 
budget period if the proposed project period exceeds 17 months. It 
should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under column 
(5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-Federal) 
by object class category.
    A separate budget justification should be included to explain fully 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
For multiple year projects, it is desirable to provide this information 
for each year of the project. The budget justification should 
immediately follow the second page of the SF 424A.
    Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of 
applicant/grantee staff. Do not include the costs of consultants, which 
should be included on line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project 
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time 
allocated to the project, the individual annual salaries, and the cost 
to the project (both Federal and non-Federal) of the organization's 
staff who will be working on the project.
    Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, etc.
    Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel 
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for 
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included 
on Line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of 
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and 
subsistence allowances.
    Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be 
acquired by the project. For State and local governments, including 
Federally recognized Indian Tribes, ``equipment'' is tangible, non-
expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
    Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be 
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and 
the applicant organization or its subgrantees must not have the 
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The 
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends.
    Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable 
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs.
    Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts, 
including (1) procurement contracts (except those which belong on other 
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.) and (2) contracts with 
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies. Also 
include any contracts with organizations for the provision of technical 
assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. If the 
name of the contractor, scope of work, and estimated total costs are 
not available or have not been negotiated, include on Line 6h, 
``Other.''
    Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names 
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated 
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification. 
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or all of the 
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this 
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by 
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of 
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide 
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of 
contract, and major cost elements.
    Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not 
allowable.
    Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where 
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: insurance; 
medical and dental costs; noncontractual fees and travel paid directly 
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does 
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment 
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, 
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage 
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff 
development costs. Note that costs identified as ``miscellaneous'' and 
``honoraria'' are not allowable.
    Justification: Specify the costs included.
    Total Direct Charges--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through 
6h.
    Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges 
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' Generally, 
this line should be used when the applicant (except local governments) 
has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department 
of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency.

[[Page 37228]]

    Local and State governments should enter the amount of indirect 
costs determined in accordance with HHS requirements. When an indirect 
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost 
pool and should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
    In the case of training grants to other than State or local 
governments (as defined in title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, part 
74), the Federal reimbursement of indirect costs will be limited to the 
lesser of the negotiated (or actual) indirect cost rate or 8 percent of 
the amount allowed for direct costs, exclusive of any equipment 
charges, rental of space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training 
allowances, contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    For training grant applications, the entry under line 6j should be 
the total indirect costs being charged to the project. The Federal 
share of indirect costs is calculated as shown above. The applicant's 
share is calculated as follows: 
    (a) Calculate total project indirect costs (a*) by applying the 
applicant's approved indirect cost rate to the total project (Federal 
and non-Federal) direct costs.
    (b) Calculate the Federal share of indirect costs (b*) at 8 percent 
of the amount allowed for total project (Federal and non-Federal) 
direct costs exclusive of any equipment charges, rental of space, 
tuition and fees, post-doctoral training allowances, contractual items, 
and alterations and renovations.
    (c) Subtract (b*) from (a*). The remainder is what the applicant 
can claim as part of its matching cost contribution.
    Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement. 
Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal reimbursement of 
indirect costs for training grants should specify this.
    Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
    Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount of income, if 
any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract 
this amount from the total project amount.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of 
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
    Section C--Non-Federal Resources. This section summarizes the 
amounts of non-Federal resources that will be applied to the grant. 
Enter this information on line 12 entitled ``Totals.'' In-kind 
contributions are defined in title 45 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, Parts 74.51 and 92.24, as ``property or services which 
benefit a grant-supported project or program and which are contributed 
by non-Federal third parties without charge to the grantee, the 
subgrantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant or subgrant.''
    Justification: Describe third party in-kind contributions, if 
included.
    Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs. Not applicable.
    Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed For Balance of 
the Project. This section should only be completed if the total project 
period exceeds 17 months.
    Totals--Line 20. For projects that will have more than one budget 
period, enter the estimated required Federal funds for the second 
budget period (months 13 through 24) under column ``(b) First.'' If a 
third budget period will be necessary, enter the Federal funds needed 
for months 25 through 36 under ``(c) Second.'' Columns (d) and (e) are 
not applicable in most instances, since ACF funding is almost always 
limited to a three-year maximum project period. They should remain 
blank.
    Section F--Other Budget Information.
    Direct Charges--Line 21. Not applicable.
    Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate 
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect 
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which 
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
    Remarks--Line 23. If the total project period exceeds 17 months, 
you must enter your proposed non-Federal share of the project budget 
for each of the remaining years of the project.
3. Project Description
    The Project Description is a very important part of an application. 
It should be clear, concise, and address the specific requirements 
mentioned under the priority area description in Part IV. The narrative 
should also provide information concerning how the application meets 
the evaluation criteria, using the following headings:
    (a) Objectives and Need for Assistance;
    (b) Results and Benefits Expected;
    (c) Approach; and
    (d) Organization Profile.
    The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description.
    The narrative should be typed double-spaced on a single-side of an 
8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides, using 
black print no smaller than 12 pitch or 12 point size. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, 
exhibits, etc.) must be sequentially numbered, beginning with 
``Objectives and Need for Assistance'' as page number one. Applicants 
should not submit reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet 
the size requirement.
    The length of the application, including the application forms and 
all attachments, should not exceed 60 pages. This will be strictly 
enforced. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\'' x 11'' sheet of paper. 
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures or other 
printed material along with their application as these pose xeroxing 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process if they exceed the 60-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
4. Part V--Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to file an SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Both 
must be signed and returned with the application. Applicants must also 
provide certifications regarding: (1) Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; 
and (2) Debarment and Other Responsibilities. These two certifications 
are self-explanatory. Copies of these assurances/certifications are 
reprinted at the end of this announcement and should be reproduced, as 
necessary. A duly authorized representative of the applicant 
organization must certify that the applicant is in compliance with 
these assurances/certifications. A signature on the SF 424 indicates 
compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Requirements, and Debarment and 
Other Responsibilities certifications, and need not be mailed back with 
the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding

[[Page 37229]]

the applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for Research 
Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 496-7041.

E. Checklist for a Complete Application

    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.
    ______One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies. 
Applications for different priority areas are packaged separately;
    ______Application is from an organization which is eligible under 
the eligibility requirements defined in the priority area description 
(screening requirement);
    ______Application length does not exceed 60 pages, unless otherwise 
specified in the priority area description.
    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:
    ______Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    ______A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable.
    ______Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 
4-88);
    ______Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    ______Table of Contents;
    ______Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
    ______Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate 
agreement, if appropriate;
    ______Project Description (See Part III, Section C);
    ______Any appendices/attachments;
    ______Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, 
REV 4-88);
    ______Certification Regarding Lobbying; and
    ______Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary.
    ______Certification of the Pro-Children Act of 1994; signature on 
the application represents certification.

F. The Application Package

    Each application package must include an original and two copies of 
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front 
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must be 
sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. In order to facilitate 
handling, please do not use covers, binders or tabs. Do not include 
extraneous materials as attachments, such as agency promotion 
brochures, slides, tapes, film clips, minutes of meetings, survey 
instruments or articles of incorporation.

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

    The Uniform Project Description information collection within this 
announcement is approved under the Uniform Project Description (0970-
0139), Expiration Date 10/31/2000.
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
reviewing the collection of information.
    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.

(Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 Developmental 
Disabilities--Projects of National Significance)

    Dated: June 30, 1998.
Sue Swenson,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 98-18154 Filed 7-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P


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