Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability
Federal RegisterApr 20, 2004
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability
Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and
Families (ACF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB).
Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2004 Basic Center Program (BCP).
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CY-0011.
CFDA Number: 93.623.
Due Dates for Applications: The due date for receipt of
applications is June 4, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Background: Basic Center Program
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974 was a response to
widespread concern regarding the alarming number of youth who were
leaving home without parental permission, crossing State lines and who,
while away from home, were exposed to exploitation and other dangers of
street life. The purpose of Part A of the RHY Act is to establish or
strengthen locally-controlled, community-based and faith-based programs
that address the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and
their families. Services must be delivered outside of the law
enforcement, child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice systems.
The Basic Center Program was one of the programs authorized under
Part A of the Act to address the runaway and homeless youth problems.
The goals of the Basic Center Program are as follows:
Alleviate problems of runaway and homeless
youth;
Reunite youth with their families and encourage
the resolution of intra-family problems through counseling and other
services;
Strengthen family relationships and encourage
stable living conditions for youth; and
Help youth decide upon constructive courses of
action.
Each Basic Center program is required to provide outreach to
runaway and homeless youth; temporary shelter for up to fifteen (15)
days; food; clothing; individual, group and family counseling;
aftercare and referrals, as appropriate. Basic Center programs are
required to provide their services in residential settings. Some
programs also provide some or all of their shelter
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services through host homes (usually private homes under contract to
the centers) with counseling and referrals being provided from a
central location. Basic Center programs shelter youth through 18 years
of age at risk of separation from the family and who have a history of
running away from the family. Basic Centers must provide age
appropriate services or referrals for homeless youth ages 18-21.
The primary presenting problems of youth who receive shelter and
non-shelter services through FYSB-funded Basic Centers include: (1)
Family conflicts; (2) physical, sexual and emotional abuse; (3)
divorce, death or sudden loss of income; and (4) personal problems such
as drug use, problems with peers, school attendance and truancy, bad
grades, inability to get along with teachers and learning disabilities.
The Family and Youth Services Bureau has worked to promote a
positive youth development framework for all FYSB funded grant programs
(including the Basic Center Programs) and activities. Applicants are
advised to be mindful of this fact in responding to the evaluation
criteria.
The positive youth development approach is predicated on the
understanding that all young people need support, guidance and
opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change.
With this support, they can develop self-assurance and create a
healthy, successful life.
Key elements of positive youth development are:
Healthy messages to adolescents about their
bodies, their behaviors and their interactions;
Safe and structured places for teens to study,
recreate and socialize;
Strengthened relationships with adult role
models, such as parents, mentors, coaches or community leaders;
Skill development in literacy, competence, work
readiness and social skills; and
Opportunities to self-esteem.
If these factors are being addressed, young people can become not
just ``problem free'' but ``fully-prepared'' and engaged constructively
in their communities and society.
These key elements result in the following outcomes:
Increased opportunities and avenues for the
positive use of time;
Increased opportunities for positive self-
expression; and
Increased opportunities for youth participation
and civic engagement.
It is FYSB's hope and expectation that awareness of this positive
youth development approach and its importance for serving youth will
increase. The FYSB publication, Understanding Youth Development:
Promoting Positive Pathways of Growth and Reconnecting Youth and
Community: A Youth Development Approach is widely distributed as source
documents for positive youth development concepts and applications. It
is currently available from FYSB National Clearinghouse on Families and
Youth (NCFY) at http://www.ncfy.com (301-608-8098). Additionally, a
recent Statement of Principles for Positive Youth Development, endorsed
by a broad range of agencies, institutions and organizations, may be
found in the brochure: Toward A Blueprint For Youth: Making Positive
Youth Development A National Priority. Multiple copies of this resource
are available from NCFY or it can be found online at http://
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb.
B. Legislative Authority
Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth programs are authorized by
the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (Title III of the Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974), as amended by the Runaway,
Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003, Public Law 108-
96. Text of the statute may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/fysb.
C. Definitions
These definitions may be found at section 387 of the RHY Act, as
amended in 1999.
Homeless Youth--The term ``homeless youth'' means an individual who
is not more than 21 years of age, in the case of a youth seeking
shelter in a center under part A, not more than 18 years of age, and
for the purposes of part B, not less than 16 years of age, for whom it
is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative; and who
has no other safe alternative living arrangement.
Street Youth--The term ``street youth'' means an individual who is
a runaway youth; or indefinitely or intermittently a homeless youth;
and spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas
that increase the risk to such youth for sexual abuse, sexual
exploitation, prostitution, or drug abuse.
Youth at Risk of Separation from the Family--The term ``youth at
risk of separation from the family'' means an individual who is less
than 18 years of age; and who has a history of running away from the
family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not
willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at
risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as
a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such
needs.
Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Services--The term ``drug abuse
education and prevention services'' means services to runaway and
homeless youth to prevent or reduce the illicit use of drugs by such
youth; and may include individual, family, group, and peer counseling;
drop-in services; assistance to runaway and homeless youth in rural
areas (including the development of community support groups);
information and training relating to the illicit use of drugs by
runaway and homeless youth, to individuals involved in providing
services to such youth; and activities to improve the availability of
local drug abuse prevention services to runaway and homeless youth.
Home-Based Services--The term ``home-based services'' means
services provided to youth and their families for the purpose of
preventing such youth from running away, or otherwise becoming
separated, from their families; and assisting runaway youth to return
to their families; and includes services that are provided in the
residences of families (to the extent practicable), including intensive
individual and family counseling; and training relating to life skills
and parenting.
Street-Based Services--The term ``street-based services'' means
services provided to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth, in
areas where they congregate, designed to assist such youth in making
healthy personal choices regarding where they live and how they behave;
and may include identification of and outreach to runaway and homeless
youth, and street youth; crisis intervention and counseling;
information and referral for housing; information and referral for
transitional living and health care services; advocacy, education, and
prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse; sexual
exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault.
Transitional Living Youth Project--The term ``transitional living
youth project'' means a project that provides shelter and services
designed to promote a transition to self-sufficient living and to
prevent long-term dependency on social services.
Public Agency--The term ``public agency'' means any State, unit of
local government, Indian tribe and tribal organization, combination of
such States or units, or any agency, department, or
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instrumentality of any of the foregoing. This definition applies to all
runaway and homeless youth programs funded under this announcement.
Shelter--The term ``shelter'' includes host homes, group homes and
supervised apartments. As currently understood in the field: ``Host
homes'' are facilities providing shelter, usually in the home of a
family, under contract to accept runaway and/or homeless youth assigned
by the RHY service provider and are licensed according to State or
local laws. ``Group homes'' are single-site residential facilities
designed to house RHY clients who may be new to the program or may
require a higher level of supervision. These dwellings operate in
accordance with State or local housing codes and licensure.
``Supervised apartment'' is a single unit dwelling or multiple unit
apartment house operated under the auspices of the TLP service provider
for the purpose of housing program participants.
Street Based Outreach and Education--The term ``street-based
outreach and education'' includes education and prevention efforts
directed at youth that are victims of offenses committed by offenders
who are and are not known to the victim.
Temporary Shelter--The term ``temporary shelter'' means the
provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core
crisis intervention services on a 24-hour basis.
State--The term ``State'' means any State of the United States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas.
Training--The term ``training'' means the provision of local,
State, or regionally based instruction to runaway and homeless youth
service providers in skill areas that will directly strengthen service
delivery.
Technical Assistance--The term ``technical assistance'' means the
provision of expertise, consultation and/or support for the purpose of
strengthening the capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver
services.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $17.4 million in FY2004.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 180.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $200,000 per budget period.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $128,000 per budget period.
Project Periods: This announcement invites applications for project
periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a
competitive basis for a one-year budget period. Applications for
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the three year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
County governments, city or township governments , special district
governments, State controlled institutions of higher education, Native
American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American
tribal organizations (other than federally-recognized tribal
governments), nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits that do
not have a 501(c) with the IRS, other than institutions of higher
education, and faith-based organizations.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Faith-based organizations are eligible applicants.
Current Basic Center grantees with project periods ending on or
before September 29, 2004, and all other eligible applicants not
currently receiving Basic Center funds may apply for a new competitive
Basic Center grant under this announcement.
Current Basic Center Program grantees (including subgrantees) with
one or two years remaining on their current grant and the expectation
of continuation funding in FY 2004 may not apply for a new Basic Center
grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will
receive instructions from their respective ACF Runaway and Homeless
Youth (RHY) Regional Office contacts on the procedures for applying for
noncompetitive continuation grants. Current grantees that have
questions regarding their eligibility to apply for new funds, should
consult with the appropriate Regional Office Youth Contact, listed in
Part VIII, Appendix B, to determine if they are eligible to apply for a
new grant award.
The funds available for new awards and continuations in each State
and insular area are listed in the Table of Allocations by State (Part
VIII, Appendix D). In this Table, the amounts shown in the ``New
Awards'' column are the amounts available for competition under this
announcement. The number of new awards made within each State depends
upon the amount of the State's total allotment less the amount required
for non-competing continuations, as well as on the number of acceptable
applications. Therefore, where the amount required for non-competing
continuations in any State equals or exceeds the State's total
allotment, it is possible that no new awards will be made in the State.
However, agencies in States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected on
the BCP Table of Allocation are highly encouraged to apply for grant
funding in the event that additional funding becomes available.
All applicants under this competitive grant area will compete with
other eligible applicants in the State in which they propose to deliver
services. In the event that there are insufficient numbers of
applications approved for funding in any State or jurisdiction, the
unused funds will be reallocated to other Basic Center Program
applicants.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Yes.
Applicant Share of Project Costs: The applicant must provide a non-
Federal share or match of at least ten percent (10%) of the Federal
funds awarded. (There may be certain exceptions for tribes with ``638''
funding pursuant to Pub. L. 93-638, under which certain Federal grants
may qualify as matching funds for other Federal grant programs, e.g.,
those which contribute to the
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purposes for which grants under section 638 were made.) 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 three-year project costing $600,000 in
Federal funds (based on an award of $200,000 per 12-month budget
period) must provide a match of at least $60,000 ($20,000 per budget
period).
3. Other
All applicants must have a DUNS & Bradstreet Number. On June 27,
2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide
a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Information
ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; telephone: 1-866-796-1591, e-mail:
[email protected].
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and two copies must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized
representative, have original signatures and be submitted unbound. All
applications must be stapled well in the upper left corner to prevent
separation of any part of the complete application and submitted in a
single package. Applicants have the option of omitting from the
application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts
for individuals specified in the application budget.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://
www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via http://www.Grants.Gov.
Electronic submission is voluntary.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will
find information about submitting an application electronically through
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR
registration.
You will not receive additional point value
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application
from Grants.
We may request that you provide original
signatures on forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for
this program on http://www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application
package by the CFDA number.
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Application Requirements
Each application will be duplicated, therefore, do not use or
include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, folded
maps, brochures or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation.
Project Description: Each application may include only one proposed
project. Describe the project clearly in 40 pages or less (not counting
budget narrative justification, supplemental documentation, letters of
support) using the outline and guidelines for each program area. The
description must be 12-point Times Roman font, double spaced, and
single-sided on 8\1/2\ x 11 inches plain white paper with at least 1
inch margins. Pages over the limit will be removed from the application
and will not be reviewed.
Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum): Clearly mark this page
with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the SF 424 and the
service area as shown in item 12 of the SF 424. Also, include telephone
number and e-mail address. The summary description is limited to one
page. Care should be taken to produce a summary which accurately and
concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results and
benefits expected.
Supplemental Documentation: The maximum number of pages for
supplemental documentation is 10 pages. The supplemental documentation,
subject to the 10-page limit, must be numbered and may include brief
resumes, position descriptions, maps, organization charts, etc.
Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will not be reviewed.
Letters of Support: Applicants are encouraged to provide letters of
support, if appropriate or applicable, in relationship to the project
description. Letters of support are limited to 10.
Sub-grant/Contractual Agreements: Applicants should provide brief
summaries of proposed sub-grants or contractual agreements. Applicable
agreements are those between the grantee and cooperating entities which
support or complement the provision of mandated services to runaway and
homeless youth as reflected in the project description. Summaries of
agreements are not counted as part of the 40-page project description
limit,
[[Page 21125]]
nor the 10-page supplemental documentation limit.
Forms and Certifications
An Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) must be
fully completed and submitted by the due date to the address stated
above. If more than one agency is involved in submitting a single
application, one entity must be identified as the applicant
organization which will have legal responsibility for the grant. Use
the addition guidance below to complete the form:
Item 6: Insure the accuracy of Employer
Identification Number (EIN). This number is provided to an organization
by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Item 10: clearly state the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number (93.623) and title of the program
(Basic Center Program).
Item 13: Proposed Project Start Date is 09/30/
2004; End Date is 09/29/2007.
Item 14: Include the Congressional District
where the applicant is located in (a) and other district(s) affected by
the project in (b). An applicant may insure the accuracy of its
district(s) via the following Web site address: http://www.house.gov/
writerep/. Once in the site: Select your State, enter your zip code,
including the 4-digit zip code extension, then click ``contact my
representative''.
Standard Form 424A (Budget Information Form and Budget
Justification): The budget justification includes a detailed budget and
a narrative justification. Refer to the ``Budget and Budget
Justification'' evaluation criteria in Part II for more guidance. The
budget justification should be typed on standard size plain white
paper. The detailed budget must include breakdowns for major budget
categories. In the budget narrative, describe and justify all costs.
List amounts and sources of all funds, both Federal and non-Federal,
proposed for this project.
Note: Applicant should refer to the UPD Requirement guidance
when preparing the budget and narrative budget justification. Place
the budget/narrative budget justification after form 424A. These
documents do not count against any page limitation.
Assurances Form: Applicants requesting financial assistance for
non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B,
``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and
return the Standard Form 424B with their applications.
Certification Regarding Lobbying, Standard Form LLL Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities: Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on
the form when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants
who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection
with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Applicants are
not required to return a signed certification. As stated on the
certification, by signing and submitting an application , the applicant
certifies compliance with the requirements of Pub. L. 103227, part C,
Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Availability of Forms and Other Materials
Legislation referenced in section I of this announcement may be
found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/grant.htm (click on the
link to
``Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children Protection Act'').
Additional copies of this announcement may be downloaded from this
Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb.
Many standard forms can also be downloaded and printed from the
following ACF Web page: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/
form.htm.
3. Submission Date and Time
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on June 4, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late. Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline
time and date at the following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o the
Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132;
telephone: 1-866-796-1591.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applications hand carried 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 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the following address:
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.
Required Forms and Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Description................ Responsive ness to Format described in Part V; By application due
Evaluation Criteria. 40-pages limit, 12 font, date.
Times Roman, double
spaced, single sided, 1
inch, margin.
Project Summary/Abstract........... Summary of application One page limit.............
request.
SF 424, SF 424A.................... Per required form..... May be found on http:// By application due
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
SF 424B, Assurances--Non- Sign and submit....... May be found on http:// By application due
Construction Programs. www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding Lobbying Sign and submit if May be found on http:// By application due
and asssociated Disclosure of applicable. www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
Lobbying Activities (SF LLL). ofs/forms.htm.
[[Page 21126]]
Proof of Non-Profit Status......... As described in Format described in Section By application due
Section IV. IV. date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per Required Form..... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
Grant Applicants. programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.htm.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant funds are not allowable for construction of a facility.
Grant funds are not allowable for pre-award costs.
A minimum of $100,000 will be awarded to each State, the District
of Columbia and Puerto Rico. A minimum of $45,000 will be awarded to
each of the four insular areas: Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Marianas and the Virgin Islands.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Electronic Address to Submit Application: http://www.Grants.Gov.
Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the
deadline time and date at:
ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; telephone: 1-866-796-1591.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Hand Delivery: Applications hand-carried 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 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at ACYF Operations Center,
c/o the Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-
2132, telephone: 1-866-796-1591, between Monday and Friday (excluding
Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package
containing the application. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed. ACF cannot
accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Electronic Submission: Please see ``Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission,'' for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Hard Copy Address Submission: ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public Reporting Burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing
[[Page 21127]]
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing
the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB Control No. 0970-
0139.
General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
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.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example,
describe how the intermediary's assistance to faith-based and community
organizations will increase their effectiveness, enhance their ability
to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and create
collaborations to better serve those most in need.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated. Supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources''
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: First column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
[[Page 21128]]
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
Statement purposes, or (b) $5,000.
(Note:
Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of
equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments,
accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for
the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as
taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and
installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost
in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting
practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are
required to use part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C.
403(11) (currently set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to
make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such
as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost
estimates, etc.
Note:
Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project
to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and
budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along
with the required supporting information referred to in these
instructions.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
Self-explanatory.
Evaluation Criterion I: Approach (Maximum: 35 points)
The Program Performance Standards in Appendix A define the minimum
standards of which RHY Basic Center projects funded by ACF must
conform. They address operational features such as outreach, individual
intake and group counseling, family counseling, service linkages,
recreational program, case disposition, aftercare, individual client
files, staffing and staff development, youth participation, ongoing
center planning, periodic reports to the Secretary of HHS and Board of
Directors/Advisory Body.
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description of the factors below and plans and/or procedures for
assuring all Basic Center Program Performance Standards are met.
Factors: a. Application describes the program's positive youth
development philosophy and approach and indicate how it underlies and
integrates all proposed activities, including provision of services to
runaway and homeless youth and involvement of the youth's parents or
legal guardians. Specific information must be provided on how youth
will be involved in the design, operation and evaluation of the
program.
b. Application states the expected or estimated ratio of staff to
youth and explain how it will be sufficient to ensure adequate
supervision and treatment.
c. Application describes how runaway and homeless youth and their
families will be reached and how services will be provided consistent
with the Basic Center Program Performance Standards listed in Part V,
Appendix A.
d. Application describes the strategies and activities for
encouraging awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse needs of
runaway and homeless youth who are persons of low English proficiency,
or represent particular ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual
orientations, or who are street youth.
e. Application describes plans for conducting an outreach program
that, where applicable, will attract members of ethnic, cultural, and
racial minorities and/or persons with limited ability to speak English.
f. Application proposes to serve a specific RHY population (e.g.,
single-sex
[[Page 21129]]
programs, gay and lesbian youth, a particular ethnic group, etc.) and
describe plans for providing focused services to meet the special needs
of this population and how the applicant will make referrals or
otherwise provide for the needs of RHY youth who are not in the
specific population the applicant will serve.
g. Application describes the plans for ensuring coordination with
schools to which runaway and homeless youth will return and for
assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula of these
schools.
h. Application describes procedures for dealing with youth who have
run from foster care placements and from correctional institutions and
must show that procedures are in accordance with Federal, State and
local laws.
i. Application describes procedures for maintaining confidentiality
of records on the youth and families served. Procedures must insure
that no information on the youth and families is disclosed without the
consent of the individual youth, parent or legal guardian. Disclosures
without consent can be made to another agency compiling statistical
records if individual identities are not provided or to a government
agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an
individual youth.
j. To provide optional home-based services, an applicant must
include assurances that in providing such services the applicant will:
Provide counseling and information to youth and
the families (including unrelated individuals in the family households)
of such youth, including services relating to basic life skills,
interpersonal skill building, educational advancement, job attainment
skills, mental and physical health care, parenting skills, financial
planning, and referral to sources of other needed services;
Provide directly, or through an arrangement made
by the center, 7 day, 24-hour service to respond to family crises
(including immediate access to temporary shelter for runaway and
homeless youth, and youth at risk of separation from the family);
Establish, in partnership with the families of
runaway and homeless youth, and youth at risk of separation from the
family, objectives and measures of success to be achieved as a result
of receiving home-based services;
Provide initial and periodic training of staff
who provide home-based services; and
Ensure that (a) caseloads will remain
sufficiently low to allow for intensive (5 to 20 hours per week)
involvement with each family receiving such services; and (b) staff
providing such services will receive qualified supervision.
k. To provide optional drug abuse education and prevention
services, an applicant must provide a description of:
The types of such services that the applicant
proposes to provide;
The objectives of such services;
The types of information and training to be
provided to individuals providing such services to runaway and homeless
youth; and
An assurance that in providing such services the
applicant must conduct outreach activities for runaway and homeless
youth.
l. To provide optional street-based services, the applicant must
include assurances that in providing such services the applicant will:
Provide qualified supervision of staff,
including on-street supervision by appropriately trained staff;
Provide backup personnel for on-street staff;
Provide initial and periodic training of staff
who provide such services; and conduct outreach activities for runaway
and homeless youth, and street youth.
Evaluation Criterion II: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 20
points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description of the following factors:
Factors: a. Application specifies the annual number of qualifying
runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and their families expected to be
directly served (e.g., sheltered and counseled), the number of beds
available for runaway and homeless youth (at least 4 youth and a
maximum capacity of not more than 20 youth, except where the applicant
assures that the State or local law or regulations that requires a
higher maximum to comply with licensure requirements for child and
youth serving facilities; and a ratio of staff to youth that is
sufficient to ensure adequate supervision) and the types and quantities
of services to be provided. (Runaway and homeless youth are distinct
from other youth, e.g., youth currently in foster care or other
systems.)
b. Application describes the anticipated changes in attitudes,
values and behavior of the youth served and improvements in individual
and family functioning that will occur as a consequence of the services
provided.
c. Application describes the criteria to be used to evaluate the
results and success of the program.
Evaluation Criterion III: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum:
15 points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description of the following factors:
Factors: a. Application specifies the goals and objectives of the
project and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the
legislation described above in the ``Background''
b. Application states the need for assistance by describing the
conditions of youth and families in the area to be served and the
estimated number and characteristics of runaway and homeless youth and
their families. The discussion must include matters of family
functioning and the health, education, employment and social conditions
of the youth, including at-risk conditions or behaviors such as drug
use, school failure and delinquency.
c. Application proposing to focus services on a specific RHY
population (e.g., single-sex programs, gay and lesbian youth, a
particular ethnic group, etc.) identifies the youth to be served.
Additional information on ``focused'' services is requested under
``Approach'' criteria.
d. Application discusses the existing support systems for ``youth
at risk of separation from the family'' in the area, with specific
references to law enforcement, health and mental health care, social
services, schools and child welfare. In addition, other agencies
providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless youth in the
area must be identified. Supporting documentation of need from other
community groups may be included. Additional information about other
organizations is requested under ``Organizational Profile'' Criteria.
It must be clear that the applicant will complement or enhance, not
duplicate, existing available services.
e. Application describes the area to be served, indicate the
precise locations of program services and demonstrate that the services
will be located in an area which is frequented by and/or easily
accessible by runaway and homeless youth. Maps or other graphic aids
may be included as part of the supplementary documentation 10-page
limit.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Staff and Position Data (Maximum: 10 points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description of the following factors:
Factors: a. Application discusses key staff experience in working
with runaway, homeless, and the street youth populations.
[[Page 21130]]
b. Application includes information on skills, knowledge and
experience of the project director and other key project staff.
Biographical sketches or brief resumes of current and proposed staff,
as well as job descriptions, should be included. Resumes must indicate
what position the individual will fill and position descriptions must
specifically describe the job as it relates to the proposed project.
Such documents count against the 10-page supplemental documentation
limit. They do not count against the overall 40-page project
description limit.
c. Application lists consultants who will work on the program along
with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
d. Application provides information on plans for training project
staff as well as staff of cooperating organizations and individuals.
Evaluation Criterion V: Organizational Profiles (Maximum 10 points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description of the following factors:
Factors: a. Application discusses organizational experience in
working with runaway, homeless and street youth populations. As
required by the RHY Act, priority for funding shall be given to
organizations with demonstrated experience providing long-term
residential services to runaway, homeless and street youth. Application
documents the services it provides to this specific population and the
length of time the applicant has been involved in the provision of
these services.
b. Application provides a short description of the applicant
agency's organization; the types, quantities and costs of services it
provides and must identify and briefly describe the role of other
organizations or multiple sites of the agency that will be involved in
direct services to runaway and homeless youth through this grant. List
all these sites, including addresses, phone numbers and staff contact
names if different from the address on the SF 424. If the agency is a
recipient of funds from the Administration on Children and Families for
services to runaway and homeless youth for programs other than that
applied for in this application, show how the services supported by
these funds are or will be integrated with the existing services.
Organizational charts may be provided.
c. Application provides a plan for project continuance beyond grant
support, including a plan for securing resources and continuing project
activities after Federal assistance has ceased and a listing of
applicant's funding sources. Applicant must describe how the activities
implemented under this project will be continued by the agency once
Federal funding for the project has ended and must describe specific
plans for accomplishing program phase-out in the event the applicant
cannot obtain new operating funds at the end of the 36-month project
period.
d. Application includes letters of support and statements from
community, public and commercial leaders and organizations that support
the project proposed for funding.
(Note: Letters of support are limited to 10. They do not count
against the 40-page project description limit nor the 10-page
supplemental documentation limit.)
Evaluation Criterion VI: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 10
points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the acceptability of the
description the following factors:
Factors: a. Application provides a proposed detailed line item
budget related to the types and quantities of activities to be
implemented as discussed in the full project description for the first
year (12 months) of the proposed project . The detailed line items must
be consistent with the Budget Categories listed on standard form 424A,
Section B. In this section of the form reflect total costs for each of
the following categories: personnel, fringe benefits, travel,
equipment, supplies, contractual, other, total direct charges, indirect
charges, and total budget. Non-Federal share must also be reflected
among the same categories where appropriate.
b. Application includes a narrative budget that describes how each
category of costs are derived, i.e., detailed calculations that include
estimation methods, quantities unit costs, etc., that equate to the
total costs proposed in a particular category. Applicants must adhere
to the following additional guidance in preparing the budget
justification:
Note: Proposed indirect costs must be supported by a current
indirect cost rate (IDC) agreement. Indirect Costs cannot be
proposed as direct costs too. Place the budget/ narrative budget
justification after grant application form 424A. These documents do
not count against any page limitation. Applicant must include brief,
concise summaries of proposed written agreements, if applicable,
between grantee and sub-grantee or contractor or other cooperating
entities which support or complement the provision of mandated
services to runaway and homeless youth. Summaries of agreements do
not count against the 40-page project description limit.)
c. Application describes the fiscal control that will be used to
ensure prudent use, proper disbursement and accurate accounting of
funds received under this program announcement.
(Note: Do not submit an entire audit report. If available, an
applicant may provide an executive summary of the organization's
current audit report.)
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part V
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
(scores) of this review will be a primary factor in making funding
decisions. ACF may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff.
ACF may consider a variety of factors in addition to the review
criteria identified above, including geographic and types of applicant
organizations, in order to ensure that the interests of the Federal
Government are met in making the final selections. Please note that
applicants that do not comply with the requirements in the section
titled ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be included in the review
process.
Approved but Unfunded Applications: In cases where more
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed
in rank order along with other applications in the later competition
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicant will be notified through the issuance of a
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) document, signed by an authorized
Grants Officer, which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the
terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the
budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal
share to be provided and the total project period for which support is
contemplated.
[[Page 21131]]
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing by the Administration on Children, Youth and
Families. The Compilation of Reviewers' Comments will also be made
available to unsuccessful applicants as a means of providing technical
assistance for preparing future proposals.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Runaway Youth Program Administration Requirements (45 CFR part
1351). Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grant Awards (45 CFR
parts 74 and 92).
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually with final report due 90 days
after project end date.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually with final report due 90 days
after project end date.
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Program Office Contact
Dorothy W. Pittard, Family and Youth Services Bureau, 330 C Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20447.
E-mail: [email protected], telephone number: 202-205-8906.
2. Grants Management Office Contact
William Wilson, Office of Grants Management, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447.
E-mail: [email protected], telephone number: 202-205-8913.
All Basic Center grants are managed out of the ACF Regional
Offices. See ACF Regional Office Youth Contacts in your area listed in
Appendix B.
VIII. Other Information
1. Special Requirements
By signing and submitting an application, the applicant is agreeing
to the following special requirements:
RHYMIS (Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System)--
Applicant must agree to keep adequate statistical records profiling the
youth and families served under the Federal grant and to gather and
submit program and client data required by FYSB. This information is
required by the RHY program legislation and defined in user-friendly
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS or
RHYMIS-LITE). Recipients of a FYSB grant are required and expected to
submit the data via RHYMIS or in an approved format which RHYMIS can
receive. Grantees have the option of using RHYMIS for internal
management improvement or for research and other program needs. A
RHYMIS hotline/help desk is available at 888-749-64, and/or at rhymis--
[email protected].
The Family and Youth Services Bureau will fund computer software
for RHY program data collection through RHYMIS. An applicant lacking
the computer equipment for RHYMIS data collection must include an
estimated cost for such equipment in their proposed budget. If the
applicant already has such equipment, this fact must be noted.
(Note: Existing grantees generally report that their staff has
been able to easily train themselves to operate RHYMIS due to its
user-friendliness, prompts and help features, and FYSB's technical
support service.)
Research or Evaluation--Applicant must agree to
cooperate with any research or evaluation efforts sponsored by the
Administration for Children and Families.
Annual Report--Applicant must agree to submit
data required for the Family and Youth Services Bureau Annual Report to
the Secretary of HHS on program activities and accomplishments with
statistical summaries describing the number and characteristics of
runaway and homeless youth, and youth at risk of family separation, who
participate in the project and the services provided to such youth by
the project.
Other Reports--Applicant must also agree to
submit other required program and financial reports, as instructed by
FYSB.
2. Appendices
Appendix A: Basic Center Program Performance Standards.
Appendix B: Administration for Children and Families Regional
Office Youth Contacts.
Appendix C: Training and Technical Assistance Providers.
Appendix D: Table of Basic Center Program Allocations by State.
Dated: April 9, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Appendix A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards
I. Background, Purpose, Goals and Objectives
The Program Performance Standards established by the Family and
Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) are minimum standards for its funded
basic centers. They relate to the basic program components
enumerated in section 312 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act as
reauthorized and as further detailed in Regulations and other
guidance from FYSB governing the implementation of the Act. They
address the methods and processes by which the needs of runaway and
homeless youth and their families are being met, as opposed to the
outcome of the services provided to the clients served. Nine of
these standards relate to service components (outreach, individual
intake process, temporary shelter, individual and group counseling,
family counseling, service linkages, aftercare services,
recreational programs, and case disposition), and six to
administrative functions or activities (staffing and staff
development, youth participation, individual client files,
reporting, ongoing project planning, and board of directors/advisory
body).
Although fiscal management is not included as a program
performance standard, it is viewed by FYSB as being an essential
element in the operation of its funded projects. Therefore, as
validation visits are made, the Regional ACF youth specialist and/or
staff from the Office of Fiscal Operations will also review the
project's financial management activities.
The standards are designed to serve as a developmental tool for
use by the project staff and the Regional ACF staff specialists in
identifying those services and administrative components of projects
which require strengthening through internal action on the part of
staff or through the provision of external technical assistance.
II. Basic Center Program Performance Standards
The following are the program performance standards applicable
to funded basic centers:
1. Outreach
The project shall conduct outreach efforts directed towards
community agencies, youth and parents based on a written plan that
takes diversity into consideration.
2. Individual Intake Process
The project shall conduct an individual intake process with each
youth seeking services from the project. The individual intake
process shall provide for:
a. Direct access to project services on a 24-hour basis.
b. The identification of the emergency service needs of each
youth and the provision of the appropriate services either directly
or through referrals to community agencies and individuals.
c. An explanation of the services which are available and the
requirements for participation, and the securing of a voluntary
commitment from each youth to participate in project services prior
to admitting the youth into the project.
d. The recording of basic background information on each youth
admitted into the project.
e. The assignment of primary responsibility to one staff member
for coordinating the services provided to each youth.
f. The contact of the parent(s) or legal guardian of each youth
provided temporary shelter within the timeframe established by State
law or, in the absence of State requirements, preferably within 24
but within no more than 72 hours following the youth's admission
into the project.
[[Page 21132]]
3. Temporary Shelter
The project shall provide temporary shelter and food to each
youth admitted into the project and requesting such services.
a. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall be
in compliance with State and local licensing requirements.
b. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall
accommodate at least 4 youth and no more than 20.
c. Temporary shelter funded by the Basic Center program shall
not be provided for a period exceeding 15 days during a youth's
given stay at the project.
d. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall
ensure nutritional needs are met as appropriate for individual
youth.
e. At least one adult shall be on the premises whenever youth
are using the temporary shelter facility.
f. The shelter shall maintain a ratio of staff to youth that is
sufficient to ensure adequate supervision and treatment.
4. Individual and Group Counseling
The project shall provide individual and/or group counseling to
each youth admitted into the project.
a. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available daily
to each youth admitted into the project on a temporary shelter basis
and requesting such counseling.
b. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available to each
youth admitted into the project on a non-residential basis and
requesting such counseling.
c. The individual and/or group counseling shall be provided by
qualified staff.
5. Family Counseling
The project shall make family counseling available to each
parent or legal guardian and youth admitted into the project.
a. Family counseling shall be provided to each parent or legal
guardian and youth admitted into the project and requesting such
services.
b. The family counseling shall be provided by qualified staff.
6. Service Linkages
The project shall establish and maintain linkages with community
agencies and individuals for the provision of those services which
are required by youth and/or their families but which are not
provided directly by the centers.
a. Arrangements shall be made with community agencies and
individuals for the provision of alternative living arrangements,
medical services, psychological and/or psychiatric services, and the
other assistance required by youth admitted into the project and/or
by their families which are not provided directly by the project.
b. Specific efforts shall be conducted by the project directed
toward establishing working relationships with law enforcement and
other juvenile justice system personnel.
7. Recreational Program
The project shall provide a recreational/leisure time schedule
of activities for youth admitted to the project for residential
care.
8. Case Disposition
The project shall determine, on an individual case basis, the
disposition of each youth provided temporary shelter, and shall
assure the safe arrival of each youth home or to an alternative
living arrangement.
a. To the extent feasible, the project shall provide for the
active involvement of the youth, the parent(s) or legal guardian,
and the staff in determining what living arrangement constitutes the
best interest of each youth.
b. The project shall assure the safe arrival of each youth home
or to an alternative living arrangement, following the termination
of the crisis services provided by the project, by arranging for the
transportation of the youth if he/she will be residing within the
area served by the project; or by arranging for the meeting and
local transportation of the youth at his/her destination if he/she
will be residing beyond the area served by the project.
c. The project shall verify the arrival of each youth who is not
accompanied home or to an alternative living arrangement by the
parent(s) or legal guardian, project staff or other agency staff
within 12 hours after his/her scheduled arrival at his/her
destination.
9. Aftercare Services
The project shall provide for continuity of services to all
youth served on a temporary shelter basis and/or their families
following the termination of such temporary shelter both directly
and through referrals to other agencies and individuals.
10. Individual Client Files
The project shall maintain an individual file on each youth
admitted into the project.
a. The client file maintained on each youth should, at a
minimum, include an intake form which minimally contains the basic
background information needed by FYSB; counseling notations;
information on the services provided both directly and through
referrals to community agencies and individuals; disposition data;
and, as applicable, any follow-up and evaluation data which are
compiled by the center.
b. The file on each client shall be maintained by the project in
a secure place and shall not be disclosed without the written
permission of the client and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian
except to project staff, to the funding agency(ies) and its (their)
contractor(s), and to a court involved in the disposition of
criminal charges against the youth.
11. Periodic Reports to the Secretary, HHS
The project shall meet its data reporting requirements via the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) or
in an approved form which RHYMIS can receive and shall submit
reports as required by FYSB, including an annual report for the
Secretary of HHS no later than 3 months after the end of each year
in which Federal RHY funds were received.
a. The report to the Secretary shall include information
regarding the activities carried out with RHY funds, the
achievements of the project carried out by the applicant and
statistical summaries describing the number and the characteristics
of the runaway and homeless youth and youth at risk of family
separation who participate in such project, and the services
provided to such youth by such project, in the year for which the
report is submitted.
b. The project shall submit timely and complete program and
financial reports, and data reports under RHYMIS requirements,
according to the instructions of FYSB.
12. Staffing and Staff Development
Each center is required to develop and maintain a plan for
staffing and staff development.
a. The project shall operate under an affirmative action plan.
b. The project shall maintain a written staffing plan which
indicates the number of paid and volunteer staff in each job
category.
c. The project shall maintain a written job description for each
paid and volunteer staff function which describes both the major
tasks to be performed and the qualifications required.
d. The project shall provide training to all paid and volunteer
staff (including youth) in both the procedures employed by the
project and in specific skill areas as determined by the project.
e. The project shall evaluate the performance of each paid and
volunteer staff member on a regular basis.
f. Case supervision sessions, involving relevant project staff,
shall be conducted at least weekly to review current cases and the
types of counseling and other services which are being provided.
13. Youth Participation
The center shall actively involve youth in the design and
delivery of the services provided by the project.
a. Youth shall be involved in the ongoing planning efforts
conducted by the project.
b. Youth shall be involved in the delivery of the services
provided by the project.
14. Ongoing Center Planning
The center shall develop a written plan at least annually.
a. At least annually, the project shall review the crisis
counseling, temporary shelter, and aftercare needs of the youth in
the area served by the center and the existing services which are
available to meet these needs.
b. The project shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of the impact
of its services on the youth and families it serves.
c. At least annually, the project shall review and revise, as
appropriate, its goals, objectives, and activities based upon the
data generated through both the review of youth needs and existing
services (13a) and the follow-up evaluations (13b).
d. The project's planning process shall be open to all paid and
volunteer staff, youth, and members of the Board of Directors and/or
Advisory Body.
15. Board of Directors/Advisory Body (Optional)
It is strongly recommended that the centers have a Board of
Directors or Advisory Body.
a. The membership of the project's Board of Directors or
Advisory Body shall be composed of a representative cross-section of
[[Page 21133]]
the community, including youth, parents, and agency representatives.
b. Training shall be provided to the Board of Directors or
Advisory Body designed to orient the members to the goals,
objectives, and activities of the project.
c. The Board of Directors or Advisory Body shall review and
approve the overall goals, objectives, and activities of the
project, including the written plan developed under standard 14.
Appendix B. Administration for Children and Families Regional Office
Youth Contacts
Region I: Maryellen Connors, Administration for Children and
Families, John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Room 2011, Boston, MA
02203, (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), (617) 565-1119.
Region II: Junius Scott, Administration for Children and
Families, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 4114, New York, NY 10278, (NJ, NY,
PR, VI), (212) 264-2890, Ext. 145.
Region III: Dick Gilbert, Administration for Children and
Families, 150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 864, Philadelphia, PA
19104-3499, (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV), (215) 861-4031.
Region IV: Ruth Walker, Administration for Children and
Families, 61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 4M60, Atlanta, GA 30303,
(AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN), (404) 562-2901.
Region V: Bill Clair, Administration for Children and Families,
233 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60601, (IL, IN,
MI, MN, OH, WI), (312) 353-0166.
Region VI: Ralph Rogers, Administration for Children and
Families, 1301 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75202, (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX),
(214) 767-2977.
Region VII: Dale Scott, Administration for Children and
Families, Federal Office Building, Room 384, 601 East 12th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64106, (IA, KS, MO, NE), (816) 426-5401, Ext. 181.
Region VIII: Al Martinez, Administration for Children and
Families, Federal Office Building, 1961 Stout Street, 9th Floor,
Denver, CO 80294, (303) 844-1172, (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY), (303)
844-1167.
Region IX: Deborah Oppenheim, Administration for Children and
Families, 50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102, (AZ, CA,
HI, NV, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia), (415) 437-8426.
Region X: Steve Ice, Administration for Children and Families,
2201 Sixth Avenue, RX 32, Seattle, WA 98121, (AK, ID, OR, WA), (206)
615-2210.
Appendix C. Training and Technical Assistance Providers
The Family and Youth Services Bureau funds 10 regionally based
organizations to provide training and technical assistance to
programs funded under the Basic Center, Transitional Living and
Street Outreach Programs, and to other agencies serving runaway and
homeless youth.
Each of the training and technical assistance providers offers
on-site consultations; regional, State and local conferences;
information sharing and skill-based training.
For more information, contact the training and technical
assistance provider in your region.
Region I
New England Network, 156 College Street, Suite 302, Burlington,
VT 05401-8423.
Contact: Melanie Goodman, (802) 658-9182, Fax (802) 951-4201;
[email protected]. CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
Region II
Empire State Coalition of Youth and Family Services, 121--6th
Avenue, Room 507, New York, NY 10013-1505.
Contact: Margo Hirsch, (212) 966-6477, Ext. 307, Fax (212) 226-
6817; [email protected]. NJ, NY, PR, VI
Region III
Mid-Atlantic Network of Youth and Family Services, 135
Cumberland Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Contact: Nancy Johnson, (412) 366-6562, Fax (412) 366-5407;
[email protected]. DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV
Region IV
Southeastern Network of Youth and Family Services, 3780 C Via
Del Rey, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.
Contact: Sherry Allen, (239) 949-4414, Ext. 14, Fax (239) 949-
4911; [email protected]. AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
Region V
Youth Network Council, 200 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400,
Chicago, IL 60601.
Contact: Denis Murstein, (312) 704-1257, Fax (312) 704-1265;
[email protected]. IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Region VI
Southwest Network of Youth Services, Inc., 2525 Wallingwood
Drive, Suite 1503, Austin, TX 78746.
Contact: Theresa Tod, (512) 328-6860, Fax (512) 328-6863;
[email protected]. AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
Region VII
M.I.N.K Youth Services Network, 9082 Parkhill, Lenexa, KS 66215.
Contact: Amy Gray, (913) 888-5992, Fax (913) 888-5774;
[email protected]. IA, KS, MO, NE
Region VIII
Mountain Plains Network for Youth, 410 E. Thayer Avenue,
2, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Contact: Linda Garding, (701) 355-0721 or 1-800-665-8682, Fax
(701) 255-0848; [email protected]. CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY
Region IX
Western States Youth Services Network, 1309 Ross Street, Suite
B, Petaluma, CA 94954.
Contact: Nancy Fastenau, (707) 763-2213, Fax (707) 763-2704;
[email protected]. AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, NMI, MI, MICRONESIA
Region X
Northwest Network for Youth, 603 Stewart Street, Suite 609,
Seattle, WA 98101.
Contact: Gary Hammons, (206) 628-3760, Fax (206) 628-3746;
[email protected]. AK, ID, OR, WA
Appendix D: Table of Basic Center Program Allocations by State
FY 2004 Basic Center Program: Allocation By State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuations New Awards Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region I:
Connecticut............................................. 255,000 244,645 499,645
Maine................................................... 134,371 53,974 188,345
Massachusetts........................................... 705,892 203,145 909,037
New Hampshire........................................... 0 190,923 190,923
Rhode Island............................................ 221,382 0 221,382
Vermont................................................. 99,992 8 100,000
------------------
Region I Total...................................... 1,416,637 692,695 2,109,332
==================
Region II:
New Jersey.............................................. 571,721 627,086 1,198,807
New York................................................ 2,315,166 500,328 2,815,494
Puerto Rico............................................. 344,149 303,452 647,601
Virgin Islands.......................................... 0 45,000 45,000
------------------
[[Page 21134]]
Region II Total..................................... 3,231,036 1,475,866 4,706,902
==================
Region III:
Delaware................................................ 37,857 80,744 118,601
District of Columbia.................................... 50,000 50,000 100,000
Maryland................................................ 300,000 510,672 810,672
Pennsylvania............................................ 673,568 1,103,956 1,777,524
Virginia................................................ 680,175 369,188 1,049,363
West Virginia........................................... 0 251,054 251,054
------------------
Region III Total.................................... 1,741,600 2,365,614 4,107,214
==================
Region IV:
Alabama................................................. 315,000 368,053 683,053
Florida................................................. 1,076,639 1,130,646 2,207,285
Georgia................................................. 708,974 585,472 1,294,446
Kentucky................................................ 350,000 253,070 603,070
Mississippi............................................. 447,299 0 447,299
North Carolina.......................................... 724,578 451,943 1,176,521
South Carolina.......................................... 328,906 290,779 619,685
Tennessee............................................... 568,981 274,827 843,808
------------------
Region IV Total..................................... 4,520,377 3,354,790 7,875,167
==================
Region V:
Illinois................................................ 526,501 1,414,832 1,941,333
Indiana................................................. 407,255 546,119 953,374
Michigan................................................ 1,181,542 392,199 1,573,741
Minnesota............................................... 640,272 145,984 786,256
Ohio.................................................... 1,129,219 621,512 1,750,731
Wisconsin............................................... 320,790 525,580 846,370
------------------
Region V Total...................................... 4,205,579 3,646,226 7,851,805
==================
Region VI:
Arkansas................................................ 301,070 111,023 412,093
Louisiana............................................... 728,489 0 728,489
New Mexico.............................................. 281,920 0 281,920
Oklahoma................................................ 165,060 379,807 544,867
Texas................................................... 2,417,036 1,084,111 3,501,147
------------------
Region VI Total..................................... 3,893,575 1,574,941 5,468,516
==================
Region VII:
Iowa.................................................... 337,239 117,740 454,979
Kansas.................................................. 203,844 229,893 433,737
Missouri................................................ 500,000 370,927 870,927
Nebraska................................................ 265,475 0 265,475
------------------
Region VII Total........................................ 1,306,558 718,560 2,025,118
==================
Region VIII:
Colorado................................................ 447,881 211,687 659,568
Montana................................................. 0 144,106 144,106
North Dakota............................................ 56,425 46,060 102,485
South Dakota............................................ 100,000 0 100,000
Utah.................................................... 415,000 0 415,000
Wyoming................................................. 0 100,000 100,000
------------------
Region VIII Total................................... 1,019,306 501,853 1,521,159
==================
Region IX:
American Samoa.......................................... ............... ............... ...............
Arizona................................................. 615,265 192,725 807,990
California.............................................. 2,829,188 2,437,297 5,266,485
Guam.................................................... 45,000 0 45,000
Hawaii.................................................. 174,214 0 174,214
Northern Marianas....................................... ............... 45,000 45,000
Nevada.................................................. 171,878 123,832 295,710
------------------
Region IX Total..................................... 3,835,545 2,798,854 6,634,399
==================
Region X:
[[Page 21135]]
Alaska.................................................. 94,835 19,360 114,195
Idaho................................................... 0 224,955 224,955
Oregon.................................................. 698,521 0 698,521
Washington.............................................. 830,965 85,803 916,768
------------------
Region X Total...................................... 1,624,321 330,118 1,954,439
==================
FY 2004 BCP TOTAL................................... 26,794,534 17,459,517 44,254,051
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Agencies in States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected
on the BCP Table of Allocation are highly encouraged to apply for
grant funding in the event that additional funds becomes available.
[FR Doc. 04-8787 Filed 4-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.