Developmental Disabilities: Availability of Financial Assistance for Projects of National Significance for Fiscal Year 1995

SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities,

Administration for Children and Families, announces that applications

are being accepted for funding of Fiscal Year 1995 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 priorities

under which ADD solicits applications for Fiscal Year 1995 funding of

projects. Part V describes in detail how to prepare and submit an

application. All of the forms and instructions necessary to submit an

application are published as part of this announcement following Part

V.

No separate application kit is either necessary or available for

submitting an application. If you have a copy of this announcement, you

have all the information and forms required to 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 3, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Applications should be mailed to: Department of Health and

Human Services, ACF/Division of Discretionary Grants, Sixth Floor, 370

L'Enfant Promenade SW, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--Projects

of National Significance.

Hand-delivered applications are accepted during the normal working

hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on or prior to the

established closing date at: Administration for Children and Families,

Division of Discretionary Grants, 6th Floor OFM/DDG, 901 D Street, SW,

Washington, DC 20447.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adele Gorelick, Program Development

Division, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, (202) 690-5982.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. Introduction

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:

Families and individuals empowered to increase their own

economic independence and productivity;

Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive

impact on the quality of life and the development of children;

Partnerships with individuals, front-line service

providers, communities, States and Congress that enable solutions which

transcend traditional agency boundaries;

Services planned and integrated to improve client access;

and

A strong commitment to working with Native Americans,

persons with developmental disabilities, refugees and migrants to

address their needs, strengths and abilities.

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.

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 and integration and inclusion

into the community.

The Act points out that:

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

and inclusion into the community;

Individuals whose disabilities occur during their

developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are

likely to continue indefinitely;

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 finds that:

Individuals with developmental disabilities, including

those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of

achieving independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion

into the community, and often require the provision of services,

supports and other assistance to achieve such;

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;

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

It is in the nation's interest for people with

developmental disabilities to be employed, and to live

[[Page 32047]] 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.

Programs funded under the Act are:

Federal assistance to State developmental disabilities

councils;

State system for the protection and advocacy of individual

rights;

Grants to University Affiliated Programs for

interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance,

and information dissemination; and

Grants for Projects of National Significance.

Part II. Background Information

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:

Data collection and analysis;

Technical assistance to enhance the quality of State

developmental disabilities councils, protection and advocacy systems,

and university affiliated programs; and

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 1995 Proposed Priority Areas

The notice soliciting comments on the FY 1995 proposed priority

areas was published in the Federal Register on January 11, 1995 (60 FR

2760). A 60-day period was required to allow the public to comment on

the proposed areas. After review and analysis of these comments, ADD is

publishing its final priorities in this announcement.

The public comment notice requested specific comments and

suggestions on the proposed funding priorities, in addition to

recommendations for additional priority areas which would assist in

bringing about the increased independence, productivity, and

integration into the community of people with developmental

disabilities.

ADD received a total of 62 letters and 193 inquiries by the closing

date in response to the public comment notice. Commentary was from the

following sources:

Advocacy agencies, which includes national organizations

and associations, national advocacy groups and State/local advocacy

groups;

Service organizations, which includes 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;

Educational systems, which includes schools, colleges, and

universities, programs located within a university setting and

University Affiliated Programs;

Private agencies, which includes national, State, and

local nonprofit organizations;

Government agencies, which includes Federal, State,

county, and local government agencies;

Private individuals; and

Foundations.

The comments ranged from requests for copies of the final

application solicitation to general support to substantive, insightful

responses for this year's proposed funding priorities and

recommendations for other priority areas. The vast majority were

supportive of and expanded upon what we proposed in the announcement,

in addition to relating specifically to the program goals and

priorities of the particular agencies submitting the comments.

The comments received were helpful in highlighting the concerns of

the developmental disabilities field and have been used in refining the

final priority areas.

Comment: Six letters were submitted to ADD recommending additional

funding priorities for FY 1995. Suggestions included projects

addressing the need for accessible and inclusive programs within the

developmental disabilities network; the needs of aging persons with

developmental disabilities and their families, especially those in

rural areas; the need for research and training on Abusive Head Trauma,

which includes Shaken Baby Syndrome; and transportation needs related

to accessing jobs and services. There was a recommendation for priority

areas for potential grantees to propose their own issues and for small,

grassroots organizations to have the opportunity to develop their own

solutions in their local communities.

Response: ADD continues to press for accessible and inclusive

programs and project products. Through funding criteria, site visits,

and monitoring of reports this principle is conveyed and its

implementation evaluated.

ADD has funded projects related to aging in the past and continues

to support projects and activities in this area through the University

Affiliated Program. We share concerns that were expressed about the

aging of individuals with developmental disabilities, which is

reflected in our mission to promote the independence, productivity,

integration, and inclusion of all people with developmental

disabilities in their communities.

ADD will consult with the Administration on Aging and others to

identify the need and opportunity for future focused efforts in this

area.

We welcome the sharing of information with regard to medical

conditions having implications for projects addressing abuse, violence,

the need for early assessments and intervention, and family-centered

approaches. The specifics regarding Abusive Head Trauma, Shaken Baby

Syndrome, and Failure-to-Thrive will be included in appropriate

priority areas.

ADD sees the element of transportation as a crucial factor in the

success of any program. In stressing outcome-oriented approaches and

ongoing mechanisms for evaluation and identification of barriers, ADD

will include transportation concerns.

ADD is committed to inclusion and input from advocates and

grassroots efforts. It has funded projects to strengthen families

through national and grassroots strategies, partnerships in

policymaking, and People First self-advocacy. Future priority areas

will include opportunities for design options and local community

initiatives.

ADD appreciates the suggestions for additional priority areas. With

the [[Page 32048]] proposed fiscal year 1995 priority areas we have

developed our most extensive array of project possibilities and will

make concentrated efforts to support effective work in these areas. The

suggestions have been considered significant and have been incorporated

where appropriate.

Comment: ADD received 8 comments on Proposed Priority Area 1,

Collaboration Between Youth Service Providers and Disabilities

Advocates to Enhance Services to Youth With Developmental Disabilities.

There was strong support for collaborative efforts, including memoranda

of understanding and fiscal participation, and a recommendation to

expand the scope of this priority area. Suggestions included language

regarding information sharing and networking efforts that include all

stakeholders, the identification of barriers, and the development of

materials and strategies and the resources of technology and assistive

devices.

One comment urged inclusion of the capability to address and

correct the breakdown in the school-to-work transition process and

another stressed the importance of completing school as imperative for

employment.

A comment from one State was that there was only minuscule risk in

that particular State of youth with developmental disabilities running

away or becoming involved with delinquent behavior.

Response: ADD is committed to collaborative efforts whenever

possible, with or without fiscal participation, and we feel the focus

of this priority area is appropriate at this time. It builds on the

Family and Youth Services Bureau efforts with respect to at-risk youth

and expands to include ADD's concerns. Prevention of and response to

these issues will in fact necessitate a holistic approach.

Both agencies regard employment as a major goal, which must be

addressed much earlier in the school experience than has been done, as

well as attention to the principles of the Americans with Disabilities

Act. The comments on project criteria contributed an appreciated

refinement of announcement language.

As for the numbers of youth at risk, ADD feels strongly that such

youth with developmental disabilities are particularly vulnerable and

inadequately served. It is therefore essential that we explore and

devise models which hold more promise for these young people.

Comment: ADD received 14 comments on Proposed Priority Area 2,

Americans With Developmental Disabilities and the Criminal Justice

System. The comments received in this priority area were supportive of

what ADD proposed in the published notice. There was strong support for

programs to institute ongoing training for law enforcement and court

personnel and to address prevention strategies as well. Involving self-

advocates was strongly urged as essential, with projects directed by

self-advocates and conducted by and through organizations of self-

advocates in collaboration with the developmental disabilities network.

One comment noted that this area would not impact a large segment of

the population of the writer's State.

It was also suggested that there be a component emphasizing the

need for mental health services to children in the criminal justice

system. Other comments recommended funding for the transition from

incarceration to the community, the inclusion of legal and safety

concerns during enforcement, training with respect to impaired judgment

resulting from fetal alcohol syndrome, and a study of the factors

contributing to delinquency.

Response: ADD is committed to supporting leadership and direction

by self-advocates, whose experience and perspective will ensure

effective projects, a major goal along with ongoing and replicable

projects. The specific concerns regarding mental health and transition

to the community will clearly be identified in a required analysis of

barriers to effective programs and desirable outcomes. ADD hopes to

address these components in future PNS projects.

Medical issues should be an element of any proposed project so that

justice system personnel are aware of symptoms and of indications of

abuse and violence as well as substance abuse. As for the suggested

numbers of individuals who may be impacted by the issues of this

priority area in a particular State, ADD reiterates its commitment to

the vulnerable individuals with developmental disabilities and to the

inadequately served among them.

Comment: ADD received 11 comments on Proposed Priority Area 3,

First Jobs--Introducing Young Persons With/Without Developmental

Disabilities to the World of Work and Community Service. There was

strong support for moving from segregated work settings to supported

employment programs and a comment urging that individuals with the most

severe disabilities who have not benefitted from supported employment

not be ignored and remain unserved. There was support for ADD's

approach with regard to its Americorps projects, which include

individuals with and without disabilities, and for collaboration among

nonprofit agencies, Head Start, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Job

Training Partnership Act Program (JTPA), and other public resources.

Meaningful vocational assessments and a focus on consumer choice and

quality of life were stressed, as was the importance of planning and

partnerships so that first jobs lead to second jobs and ultimate career

paths. One commenter had concerns about the Jobs Opportunities and

Basic Skills (JOBS) program and training for JOBS staff unaccustomed to

working with individuals with developmental disabilities, about the

necessary long-term investment, and about funding for modifications to

automated systems.

Comments from individuals involved concerns regarding personal

assistance services. There was also a suggestion that this priority

area be combined with the priority area for youth at risk for running

away who need access to supports and services which lead to

independence. Another suggestion was that people with developmental

disabilities receive training to be personal assistants.

Response: ADD is in agreement with the movement toward a cultural

shift to recognition of abilities and choice and away from control of

employment resources by providers of employment and vocational

services. We feel the community as a whole benefits from inclusion of

individuals with developmental disabilities in the workplace. The

benefits of diversity are seen in supported employment, which includes

the development of natural supports reflecting participation of all co-

workers.

Collaborative linkages are also critical as we strive to expand

access to earlier educational/vocational experiences for children and

youth with disabilities. Maximum efforts should be made to assure that

individuals with the most severe disabilities are afforded these

essential opportunities. Consideration of assistive technology,

transportation needs, and accommodations for personal assistance

services are essential components.

While there is some overlap with the issues addressed in Priority

Area 1, ADD intends to fund each of these areas with their particular

foci and demonstrate its commitment to contributions to the community

that individuals with developmental disabilities make. ADD would

consider, however, funding projects which effectively address essential

requirements of both areas. [[Page 32049]]

Comment: ADD received 18 comments on Proposed Priority Area 4,

Child Care and Early Intervention: Linkages for Successful Inclusion of

Young Children With Disabilities. All were supportive and many offered

recommendations for project design or additional components. There were

suggestions for including effective advocacy strategies and protection

of ADA rights, for addressing the needs of children with severe

disabilities, for training on the condition of nonorganic failure to

thrive as well as the sequelae of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head

Trauma, for prevention of secondary disabilities, and for broadening

the priority to include life-span services and ``seamless'' interagency

collaboration.

There were also recommendations for inclusion of training for staff

in after-school programs, assistive technology, and systems conversion.

Because of high staff turnover there is a need for ongoing program

support, possibly through mentorship, and there is good opportunity for

young adults with disabilities to work as educational aides.

There were requests that preference be given to projects addressing

the needs of families with low income or living in poverty, migrant

families, and homeless families, with a specific suggestion that the

Early Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program be

utilized.

There were several comments urging attention to multicultural

issues and the need for early intervention with respect to children

with developmental disabilities at risk for delinquent behavior. Also

suggested was establishment of a national task force to assist states

and local communities in implementing policies and services and

combining this priority area with Children at Risk: The Impact of Abuse

and Violence on Children with Disabilities.

Response: ADD was pleased to see the point made that the experience

of inclusion has benefits for children with and without disabilities.

The community benefits of diversity are an ongoing focus of ADD. We are

also committed to the development of tools and strategies for the

implementation of the ADA for all children, with focused attention on

those who have been unserved and inadequately served, such as

individuals with severe disabilities, families with low income or

living in poverty, migrant or homeless families, those living in rural

areas, and immigrant and refugee families.

We appreciate the information and suggestions regarding failure to

thrive, Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma, and prevention

concerns, which will be incorporated in appropriate priority areas, as

well as attention to after-school personnel and the implementation of

assistive technology. We have introduced the collaboration of

individuals with and without disabilities in projects with the Family

and Youth Services Bureau and our Americorps projects.

ADD will fund separate projects under the youth service providers

and disabilities advocates and abuse and violence priority areas. As

for a focus on multicultural issues, ADD includes this requirement in

the design of all projects and will have a major funding priority area

(Priority 5) addressing the development of models for technical

assistance.

Comment: ADD received 15 comments on Proposed Priority Area 5. All

but one agreed with the need for this proposed priority and many

offered recommendations on the design and operation of projects, while

others had concerns about sufficient funding and the need for ongoing

projects in a multicultural network.

There was agreement that it is time for innovative approaches to

identifying areas of need and developing action strategies to meet

those needs. Advocacy groups hoped to be included when the various

components are collaborating. Nationwide technical assistance within

the developmental disabilities network was recommended to implement

programs for training service coordinators from culturally diverse

backgrounds to guide individuals with developmental disabilities and

their families. It was suggested that coalition building and

recruitment and retention efforts outside the network depend on the

achievement of cultural competence within the network. The dissenting

commenter felt that the Commissioner has already begun to build this

network and these issues should not be in a separate priority area.

Another commenter felt that if the goal is to provide agency-

integrated, comprehensive services to families, the multicultural theme

should be a strong, clearly developed part of each project. Another

suggestion with regard to this issue proposed a state project targeted

for demonstrating model practices for further development of

collaboration among the network components.

There was also commentary on including all ages, including young

adults, middle aged, and older parents of aging individuals with

developmental disabilities in multicultural communities, and on the

need for training in self-advocacy and empowerment to address effective

actions for overcoming identified barriers.

Response: The issue of building a strong, effective multicultural

network within the developmental disabilities system is a major concern

of ADD. The Commissioner's Forum as well as the careful consideration

of the discussions of the ADD Multicultural Committee and numerous

other entities and individuals, including grassroots and larger

advocacy groups, are reflections of the high priority of this area of

proposed funding.

ADD continues to emphasize cultural competency and recognition of

the value of cultural diversity to individuals, families, and the

larger community. This will be a required element in the design of

projects to be funded. The suggestions for inclusion of all ages will

be added to inclusion of unserved and inadequately served individuals.

In proposing to fund three State projects, ADD feels that models will

be developed for utilizing the resources of appropriate organizations

including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and that these

intense efforts will provide replicable practices and strategies for

focused efforts by others.

Comment: ADD received 12 comments on Priority Area 6, Accessing

Telecommunication Services for Persons With Developmental Disabilities.

They were supportive and one suggested that a requirement of funding be

that grantees establish electronic communication with other recipients.

The ideal outcome of projects in this area would be a clearinghouse

system that is interactive, assistive, and empowering of individuals

seeking services and information including, for example, location of

accessible housing, availability of assistive technology, details of

Social Security programs, medical developments, and best practices.

Response: ADD agrees that the fast-growing capabilities occurring

in cyberspace are going to be factors in communications for previously

unserved and inadequately served individuals. Working out how

individuals access this technology is the challenge. ADD is funding one

Training Initiative Project under its University Affiliated Program

which is exploring this issue, and ADD does already link its grantees

through teleconferences, Internet, meetings, and forums. We would like

to see more consumers, families, and providers accessing and sharing

information, calendars, [[Page 32050]] concerns, and strategies for

removal of barriers.

We will consider funding this priority area in future years. All

newly funded PNS initiatives are expected to develop the capacity to

communicate and disseminate information and technical assistance

through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of

electronic communication.

Comment: ADD received 12 comments on Priority Area 7, Meeting the

Mental Health Needs of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities. ADD

received many commendations for including a priority area on the mental

health aspects of mental retardation and other developmental

disabilities issues. Comments cited lack of training in this area and

the critical need for partnerships to stimulate interagency agreements

and other needed projects. It was recommended that single points of

entry be established and that services follow the individual into the

community.

There was a suggestion that ADD consider as a funding requirement a

letter of agreement between the State mental health system and the

State developmental disabilities system. There were suggestions for

projects aimed at improving both the community and social presence and

social skills of persons with dual diagnoses and for involvement in

arts and leisure programming. Training was urged for all network

participants in such issues as inclusion, psychoactive medications,

anger management, and legal aspects. There was also strong support for

consumer outcome measures to evaluate program impact.

Response: ADD has long felt strongly that the mental health needs

of persons with developmental disabilities do not receive adequate

attention. ADD was at the forefront of promoting nonaversive approaches

and has funded a Project of National Significance to develop training

materials for mental health professionals to help bridge the gap

between systems. A number of ADD-funded University Affiliated Programs

and Developmental Disabilities Councils have projects in their local

areas. Community inclusion requires understanding on the part of

providers and network participants and individuals and families as

well. There is also great need to raise the general standard of

practice regarding psychoactive medications.

The next stage of addressing this issue will be broader

implementation of strategies and best practices. Effective advocacy

through recruitment and training will contribute toward appropriate

systems change.

Comment: ADD received l5 comments on Priority Area 8, Children at

Risk: The Impact of Abuse and Violence on Children With Disabilities,

all of which were supportive of the overall approach. Many commenters

noted the great need for this area to be addressed. Some commented that

the issue involves both the abuse of children with disabilities and

disabilities caused by abuse and neglect of children. Many stated that

a comprehensive multi-system, multi-agency approach must be taken to

adequately address the significant issue of prevention, intervention,

and treatment of abuse and neglect of children with, and at risk of,

disabilities. Many commenters noted the need for coordination among a

wide variety of State and local agencies in abuse cases. Several

recommendations specifically stressed the need for coordinated

investigations, including the importance of sharing data among agencies

when abuse or neglect of a child is alleged. One commenter reported

that Child Advocacy Centers throughout the country are attempting to

coordinate all of the investigating entities involved in child abuse

cases.

One organization noted that non-organic failure-to-thrive typically

results from neglect, abuse, and poor knowledge of care giving. Another

commenter recommended the need for training of professionals and

research on the incidence and prevalence of Abusive Head Trauma,

including Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), which was reported as the leading

cause of disability among abused children.

One commenter noted that provision of adequate child care can help

to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect and that child care

workers are a good source of identifying children at risk of abuse and

neglect. Another commenter stated that a ``safety net'' could be

designed to identify and enroll families at risk of abusing their

children. Such families would then be provided with education and

training designed to increase their parenting skills and reduce the

risk of abuse and neglect.

One commenter recommended funding a group of local projects in a

given State to bring about a coordinated strategy from the ``bottom

up'' rather than from a Statewide demonstration which then filters

change down to the local level. Another organization stressed the need

for information, education, and training of a variety of audiences,

disciplines, and professions, including children and youth themselves.

ADD was also urged to collaborate with appropriate agencies at the

Federal level to address the abuse problem.

One commenter reported how well a comprehensive Statewide approach

very similar to the one described by ADD in this priority area is

working in one State to prevent child abuse of children with

disabilities. The strategy being used involves a wide range of agencies

including the State Departments of Education, Human Resources, Mental

Health and Mental Retardation, as well as the State Developmental

Disabilities Planning Council and Protection and Advocacy Agency,

Children's Trust Fund, Corporate Foundation for Children, a major

university, and several other agencies. Besides including these

entities, another organization recommended also involving the State

Child Care, Health and Criminal Justice systems as well as Head Start

programs.

Response: ADD is pleased to see the very favorable response to this

priority area and the comprehensive approach we selected. ADD has

worked over the last year, in collaboration with other Federal

agencies, to help focus national attention on the problem of abuse of

children with disabilities and the fact that abuse often causes

disabilities. We believe that a multi-system, multi-agency coordinated

approach must be used at the local, State, and national level in order

to adequately address this serious problem. In this announcement, ADD

will stress the need for coordination and collaboration among all

agencies involved in allegations of abuse as well as in prevention

activities, including the need to share data among all agencies.

We appreciate the information regarding non-organic failure to

thrive and Abusive Head Trauma, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, and

will address these in this announcement. ADD agrees that appropriate

child care may help reduce abuse and neglect, and we will address the

need for inclusive child care in Priority Area 4. Moreover, we hope

child care agencies will be involved as relevant agencies in any

comprehensive State or local child abuse strategy. Concerning the

recommendation that a ``safety net'' approach be used of enrolling and

training parents at risk of abusing their children, ADD agrees that

parent skill training can help reduce the risk of abuse and neglect,

but we leave the individual elements of any strategy selected to the

State or local community involved.

ADD believes that with limited funds it is best to demonstrate the

comprehensive, coordinated strategy at a State level first, especially

given the flow of Federal funds for the various agencies involved which

usually go to [[Page 32051]] the State level first and then to local

communities. However, if a State wishes to develop a grant application

which is focused on developing a comprehensive multi-system, multi-

agency statewide strategy and then proposes to test implementation of

the strategy in a number of local communities before implementation

statewide, we would be interested in considering funding for this

approach. ADD urges any State applying for funds to include all the

relevant agencies, systems, disciplines, and other pertinent entities

in its proposed strategy and grant application.

In addition to this PNS priority area, ADD will continue its

interagency and interdepartmental activities to prevent and reduce the

incidence of abuse of children with disabilities and all other children

who are abused, many of whom develop disabilities.

Comment: ADD received 9 comments on Proposed Priority Area 9,

Technical Assistance Projects. The hope was expressed that ADD could

continue to provide the catalyst to generate advocacy and support for

individuals to protect their legal and human rights under the ADA,

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the

Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 (Pub.L. 102-569), and the

Constitution. Efforts such as the Advocacy Training/Technical

Assistance Center were reported to have provided valuable technical

assistance to the protection and advocacy systems. One commenter

proposed a national technical assistance project independent from the

existing Protection and Advocacy System.

There was a recommendation that ADD direct its resources not only

to improve each component of the ADD network (Protection and Advocacy

Systems, University Affiliated Programs, and Developmental Disabilities

Councils) but to realize the impact of cooperative and coordinated

activities focused on common goals. Commenters urged ADD to include in

any training the application of the 14 principles of quality

improvement developed by W. Edwards Deming for private industry, which

are seen as applicable to disability issues, as well as the nine

principles delineated in Reinventing Government, which reinforce such

goals as outcome orientation, responsiveness to consumers, empowerment,

and teamwork.

There was encouragement to separate technical assistance from

program monitoring and to allow program components to direct the

technical assistance provided to them. Exploring different methods of

utilizing stipends or vouchers for technical assistance when needed

from recognized experts was also suggested. There was also strong

support for collaborative network efforts at the Federal level through

memoranda of understanding and fiscal participation, which, along with

deliverable products, will enable progress to go far beyond

communication toward realization of supports and service benefits at

the local level.

Response: The thoughtful commentary on this priority area is timely

and appreciated. ADD will closely consider the input received and seek

out additional consultations with the network and other stakeholders on

this issue.

Comment: ADD received 27 general comments on the priority areas.

They were vastly supportive of what had been proposed. Several comments

were received that commended us for the way in which we approached this

year's priorities through considerable consultation, discussion, and

reflection and the inclusion of such issues as increasing interagency

collaboration and outcome measurement methodology, consumer

empowerment, system conversion, strategies for addressing abuse and

violence, employment opportunities through community service, unserved

and inadequately served individuals, and individuals with developmental

disabilities in the criminal justice system.

There was strong support for giving highest priority to the areas

of cultural diversity, consumer involvement, and technical assistance

and for recognizing that collaboration and cooperation are not outcomes

in themselves but means to successful programmatic results. Focusing on

deliverable products, such as model memoranda of agreement, training

curricula, procedural plans, or memoranda for joint funding, and on

outcomes was seen as increasing the replicability of the proposed

priorities.

ADD was urged to seek assurance that people with disabilities are

included in implementation of funded projects through participation in

advisory bodies and quality management and evaluation teams. ADD was

also urged to promote culturally appropriate approaches with respect to

information dissemination and recruitment of professionals and

nonprofessionals.

In addition, there was strong support for ADD's continued funding

of national data collection and analysis projects and a recommendation

that data should reflect current best thinking of the developmental

disabilities network about housing and individual supports, not

facilities, and about jobs, not sheltered employment, and that

duplication of effort be avoided. One commenter wished to see increased

government incentives, such as tax credits, for the promulgation of

charitable donations of time, assets such as housing or equipment, and

funds to advance the concerns of the Projects of National Significance

and other efforts.

Two comments reflected regret over lack of continuation of projects

in leadership initiatives and personal assistance services and another

would like to have seen more latitude for choice of project design

within priority areas. More focus was called for on the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) through a dynamic model of empowerment for ADA

compliance at the grass roots level utilizing the significant

Protection and Advocacy resource.

There were some questions about targeting specific priority areas

to address concerns that should already be under development by

Councils and about creating or enhancing specialized structures instead

of providing appropriate supports from within generic service systems.

Response: The unusual depth and range of commentary on the proposed

FY 1995 funding priorities reflects an impressive intensity and

commitment. ADD expended considerable energy to develop these

initiatives, utilizing the resources of its network and staff, and we

have applied the same diligence in consideration of comments,

suggestions, and recommendations. We believe the final priority areas

reflect the input received from the public comment process and a

sensitivity to the concerns expressed in each of the letters received.

Clearly, not every issue raised can be addressed and incorporated.

When in the past we proposed only a few priority areas, it was

thought by some that the full range of needs was ignored. Proposing

several priority areas has been seen by some as attempting too much.

The purpose of the ADD Projects of National Significance is to chart

courses that others can follow. A component of all Projects of National

Significance is the development and implementation of programs and

approaches that will be ongoing beyond funding periods. We have been

challenged by the call to reinvent government and charged by our

constituencies to promote systems change for effective response to

identified needs.

ADD hopes that the description of comments received and its

responses will be viewed as a forum, for we have seen an unusual range

of feedback which tells us and those who read this announcement what

the best thinking is [[Page 32052]] by those who share our interests

and concerns. In the course of responding to proposed ADD priority

areas, numerous coalitions have been formed and/or strengthened. The 62

comment letters received by the close of the comment period, the 5

letters postmarked after that date, and the 193 telephone inquiries

indicate a growing nationwide force. Though we cannot fund every

proposal, we will not allow the intense efforts to consult and

collaborate to dissipate if a project is not funded. ADD will seek ways

to create linkages so that the energy in this repository can become an

ever greater resource.

Part III. The Review Process

A. Eligible Applicants

Before applications 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. On all applications

developed jointly by more than one agency or organization, the

applications 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.

Any nonprofit organization submitting an application must submit

proof of its nonprofit status in its application at the time of

submission. One means of accomplishing this is by the nonprofit agency

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

Applications from eligible applicants that meet the deadline date

requirements under Part V, Section C 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 may give preference to

applications which focus on or feature: Culturally diverse minority or

ethnic populations; 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 involved in the administration or delivery

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 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 Criteria

Using the evaluation criteria below, a panel of at least three

reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will

review the applications. 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

proposal in terms of the evaluation criteria, 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.

1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

The extent to which the application pinpoints any relevant

physical, economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems

requiring a solution; demonstrates the need for the assistance; states

the principal and subordinate objectives of the project; provides

supporting documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests

other than the applicant; and includes and/or footnotes relevant data

based on the results of planning studies. 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.

2. Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

The extent to which the application identifies the results and

benefits to be derived, the extent to which they are consistent with

the objectives of the proposal, 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.

3. Approach (35 Points)

The extent to which the application outlines a sound and workable

plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project, and details how

the proposed work will be accomplished; cites factors which might

accelerate or decelerate the work, giving acceptable reasons for taking

this approach as opposed to others; describes and supports any unusual

features of the project, such as design or technological innovations,

reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community

involvements; and provides for projections of the accomplishments to be

achieved. Activities to be carried out should be listed in

chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of accomplishments

and target dates.

The extent to which, when applicable, the application identifies

the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, and discusses the

criteria to be used to evaluate the results and successes of the

project. The extent to which the [[Page 32053]] application describes

the evaluation 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. The application also lists each

organization, agency, consultant, or other key individuals or groups

who will work on the project, along with a description of the

activities and nature of their effort or contribution.

4. Staff Background and Organization's Experience (25 Points)

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.

D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions

Each priority area description is composed of the following

sections:

Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of

organization which is eligible to apply under the particular priority

area.

Purpose: This section presents the basic focus and/or

broad goal(s) of the priority area.

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.

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 in evaluating the

applications against the evaluation criteria. Project products,

continuation of the project effort after the Federal support ceases,

and dissemination/utilization activities, if appropriate, are also

addressed.

Project Duration: This section specifies the maximum

allowable length of time for the project period; it refers to the

amount of time for which Federal funding is available.

Federal Share of Project Costs: This section specifies the

maximum amount of Federal support for the project.

Matching Requirement: This section specifies the minimum

non-Federal contribution, either through cash or in-kind match, that is

required to the maximum Federal funds requested for the project.

Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: This section

specifies the number of projects that ADD anticipates it will fund in

the priority area.

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 that do not comply with the specific

priority area requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants''

will not be reviewed.

Applicants must clearly identify the specific priority area under

which they wish to have their applications considered, and tailor their

applications accordingly. In addition, previous 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 one which is 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 1995, subject to the

availability of funding. The size of the actual 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 project periods which are

shorter than the maximums specified in the various priority areas. Non-

Federal share contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the

various priority areas when the applicant is able to do so.

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 provide at least 25% percent 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 (25% total project cost).

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 Pub. 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 will assist ADD

in making this determination.

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. [[Page 32054]]

H. Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

Applicants are encouraged to include ``closed captioning'' in the

development of any audiovisual products.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 1995 Priority Areas for Projects of National

Significance

The following section presents the final priority areas for Fiscal

Year 1995 Projects of National Significance (PNS) and solicits the

appropriate applications.

Fiscal Year 1995 Priority Area 1: ADD and ACYF, Family and Youth

Services Bureau Collaboration Between Youth Service Providers and

Disabilities Advocates to Enhance Services to Youth With Developmental

Disabilities

Eligible Applicants: Basic Center Programs for Runaway and

Homeless Youth (RHY), Transitional Living Programs for RHY, Drug Abuse

and Prevention Programs for RHY, and Youth Gang Drug Prevention

Programs currently funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau and

University Affiliated Programs, State Developmental Disabilities

Councils, and Protection and Advocacy Programs currently funded by the

Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

Purpose: Under this priority area, the Administration on

Developmental Disabilities (ADD) and the Family and Youth Services

Bureau (FYSB) of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families

(ACYF) will jointly award demonstration grant funds to foster

collaboration between its grantee programs. The purpose of these grants

will be to provide improved access to services and supports for youth

with developmental disabilities who are at risk of running away or

becoming involved in gang activities or delinquent behavior. Both ADD

and FYSB are interested in applications that will support a youth

development approach to serving young people. The FYSB encourages local

youth service agencies to offer a holistic service approach that

acknowledges young people's strengths and contributions while

responding to their needs. ADD advocates for services that enable young

people with developmental disabilities to live independently through

employment. This goal is achieved by drawing on both the support of the

community and the youth's own resources. Employment is an important

outcome for all youth with developmental disabilities.

These projects, to be conducted jointly by ADD and FYSB funded

grantees, would strengthen the ability of at-risk youth with

developmental disabilities (12-21 years of age) to achieve their full

potential and grow to be successful, independent adults. Specifically,

ADD and FYSB are seeking applications that explore methods for

assisting their respective grantees to ensure access to appropriate

services and supports by youth with developmental disabilities who

participate in their programs.

Background Information: Youth with developmental

disabilities face enormous odds. Too often, as with all people with

developmental disabilities, they lack the basics of American life: A

good education, a job, and a real home. Tagged with diagnostic labels

and segregated and discriminated against, many lack the information,

assistance, and support they need to make informed choices. Their

abilities are not recognized; and their differences set them apart,

even from family members who love them but cannot afford or manage

their special needs. Situations such as these increase the odds that

youth with developmental disabilities will join the ranks of other

runaway and homeless youth and youth involved in gangs or negative

behaviors, thereby increasing their vulnerability.

To address these needs, FYSB and ADD established a three-year

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance coordination between the

two agencies with the goal of increasing access to generic and

specialized services for youth with developmental disabilities.

The FYSB administers the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, the

Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth, the Drug Abuse

Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth, and the Youth Gang

Drug Prevention Program. These programs were created in response to

widespread concern about the alarming number of runaway and homeless

youth and youth at-risk of gang involvement. Today, an estimated

500,000 to 1.5 million youth run away from, or are forced out of their

homes, and an estimated 200,000 are homeless. While there are no

reliable estimates of youth at-risk of becoming involved or involved in

gangs, all States have reported the rise of youth gangs and their

illegal activities.

ADD grantees are involved in a variety of State and local efforts

which specifically address this population. For example, addressing the

transition of youth from school to the workplace is a priority for

virtually all State Developmental Disabilities Councils. The Protection

and Advocacy agencies advocate for the inclusion of youth with

disabilities in regular classrooms and other community activities. In

addition, University Affiliated Programs have as one of their mandated

activities the provision of training and technical assistance to

community agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities,

including youth.

FYSB and ADD are accepting applications developed jointly by at

least one ADD and one FYSB funded grantee to demonstrate the need for

and effectiveness of collaborations between the FYSB and ADD grantee

programs to enable at-risk youth with developmental disabilities to

make a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Agencies interested in submitting applications under this priority

area should contact FYSB at (202) 205-8060 or ADD at (202) 690-6897 for

information regarding their respective programs and existing grantees.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: These projects

must be conducted collaboratively between at least one ADD and one

FYSB-funded grantee. Both collaborating agencies must be located in the

same or neighboring communities to facilitate collaboration.

Collaborations should be functional; letters of agreement are not

enough. Each collaborating agency should be actively involved and

should provide an essential component of service to the program.

Applications should be culturally sensitive, family based, and

community focused. The population to be served by the projects should

include both youth who are and who are not at-risk of running away from

home or becoming involved in gang activity or delinquent behavior. In

addition, both youth who have and who do not have a developmental

disability should be included in the target population.

ADD and FYSB are particularly interested in supporting projects

which plan to undertake the following activities:

Improve coordination of services through increased

networking and information sharing among Federal, State, and local

organizations involved in providing services. These efforts should

include all stakeholders, with at-risk youth and their families at the

center of the collaborative partnerships.

Identify existing programs that are providing effective

services to at-risk youth with developmental disabilities.

Enhance service delivery through the identification of the

risks, issues, problems and needs of at-risk youth with developmental

disabilities.

Enhance service delivery through the identification of the

existing barriers to full collaborative partnerships

[[Page 32055]] designed to advance the independence, individual choice,

and empowerment of at-risk youth with disabilities and their families

and break the dependence these youth may ultimately have on the service

delivery system.

Improve access to supports and services through the

identification and development of collaborative and comprehensive

systems of support including training materials and strategies for

technical assistance in state-of-the-art services and supports which

promote the independence of at-risk youth with disabilities. The

activities of these projects may include a technology component for

youth for whom assistive devices become the key to independence.

As a general guide, we will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that are

Family focussed.

Community based.

Culturally competent.

In 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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $150,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $450,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 $150,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $150,000 per

budget period) must include a match of at least $50,000 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to three (3) projects will be funded.

CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance)

number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National

Significance. FYSB's CFDA numbers are 93.623, Runaway and Homeless

Youth Program, 93.550, Transitional Living Program, and 93.660, Youth

Gang Drug Prevention Program.

Fiscal Year 1995 Priority Area 2: Americans With Developmental

Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System

Eligible Applicants: Self-advocacy groups, independent

living centers, private nonprofit organizations, or agencies.

Purpose: Under this priority area, ADD will award

demonstration grant funds for projects addressing the consequences of

becoming involved in the criminal justice system by individuals with

developmental disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act

requires police to take steps, including training when necessary, to

avoid discriminatory treatment on the basis of disability. States and

localities require direction and assistance to carry out these

provisions.

Background Information: Both as victims and those accused

and convicted of committing crimes, individuals with developmental

disabilities (especially mental retardation) are becoming increasingly

involved in the criminal justice system. Moreover, these individuals

often face unequal justice at the hands of police and the courts

precisely because the current system is not educated or prepared to

respond or adapt to their disabilities and self-advocates have not been

considered as essential elements of the educational process.

Advocates, scholars, and others argue that people who have been

very carefully taught all their lives to trust and please authority

figures sometimes confess to crimes they have not and could not have

committed. Police, prosecutors, and the public need to learn about the

raw vulnerability of many of these citizens.

Much more focused effort must be placed on identifying and

replicating best and promising practices in this area. This is

especially true if the critical concept of community policing is going

to be applied to individuals with disabilities in a fair and effective

manner throughout our Nation.

Greater emphasis, therefore, must be placed on providing current

police and new recruits with the training and technical assistance

needed to afford people with disabilities who are victims or alleged

perpetrators of crime with equal justice under the law.

The input and participation of people with developmental and other

disabilities is crucial for familiarizing police and others with the

unique range of needs and abilities of such individuals.

Additional training is needed to better prepare individuals with

disabilities to avoid conduct that might place them at risk of becoming

victims or accused perpetrators of criminal activities and to negotiate

in the criminal justice system should they become involved with it. An

understanding of Miranda rights and responses is crucial.

ADD is particularly interested in receiving applications from

national, State, and local self-advocacy networks, with the capacity to

work collaboratively with the developmental disabilities network,

service providers, law enforcement officials, criminal justice

agencies, the civil rights community, and others, who would be able to

spearhead such efforts.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD is

particularly interested in supporting projects which include the

following:

Initiation and coordination by a self-advocacy network

working collaboratively with the developmental disabilities network,

disability groups, Mentally Retarded Defendants Programs, and those

agencies included in the criminal justice system.

A survey and list of programs, materials, curricula that

have been developed and implemented, including relevant legal statutes.

The implementation of an ongoing procedure for soliciting

discussion, exploring experiences and perceptions, and strategizing

steps for prevention, for dealing with sexual harassment, and for

navigating through legal procedures, which may include focus groups,

interviews following incarceration, and video presentations with a view

toward receiving input and direction from individuals with

developmental disabilities.

The development of self-produced materials in such media

as dramatic presentations, artwork, or music to convey issues regarding

prevention of involvement and negotiating involvement with the criminal

justice system.

The development or adaptation of model programs at the

local level, including coverage of sexual harassment, for

implementation with individuals with developmental

[[Page 32056]] disabilities, family members, service providers, police,

court personnel, health and rehabilitation liaison, and others involved

with the criminal justice system. Materials should be developed in

easy-to-understand language.

The development of strategies for establishing a pre-trial

intervention program providing counseling, education, and family

support.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

Cultural competency.

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.

Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals,

having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural

backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant, homeless, and

refugee families.

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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

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.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network.

Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting

applications for a three-year project period 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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $70,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $210,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 $70,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $70,000 per

budget period) must include a match of at least $23,333 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to two (2) projects will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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 1995 Priority Area 3: First Jobs--Introducing Persons With/

Without Developmental Disabilities to the World of Work and Community

Service

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, independent living

centers, public or private nonprofit organizations, the AmeriCorps

program of the Corporation for National and Community Service,

institutions or agencies.

Purpose: Under this priority area, ADD will award model

research and demonstration funds on introducing young people to the

world of work and community service. The initiative intends to target

young people with/without developmental disabilities and other

significant disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds to enable

them to gain first time job or community service experience that will

lead to second jobs and ultimate career paths. We are particularly

interested in applications that explore job opportunities for young

adults (15-25 years of age).

These projects should encourage the inclusion of matches with

individuals with developmental disabilities and those without

developmental disabilities in job settings which would lead to a

stronger workplace and community for the future.

Background Information: Nationally, the employment outlook

for young Americans with developmental disabilities is bleak. Progress

is being made supporting people with significant disabilities in real

jobs, but the following facts speak for themselves:

1. Only about 10 percent of students with developmental

disabilities graduating from school go on to competitive or supported

employment.

2. In 1990, only about half of people with developmental

disabilities surveyed indicated they had any choice in what job they

held.

3. Last, 90 cents of every Federal dollar and 80 cents of every

State dollar spent on providing services to people with developmental

disabilities during the day is spent on keeping individuals in

segregated, non-productive settings.

The cultural change that needs to occur is a redirection of the

efforts of service providers and a shifting of focus onto the abilities

and skills of individuals with disabilities. First-time job support can

result from partnerships with young people without disabilities. This

emphasis on inclusion provides mutual benefit as young people in their

first community service or employment experiences benefit from the

resources of diversity.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: The projects must

address [[Page 32057]] strategies for first jobs that will lead to

second jobs and ultimate career paths. Research should include

assessments of current practices and of necessary supports, such as

transportation, adaptive technology, and personal assistance services.

Collaborative linkages among service/support providers should be

explored as well as matches with individuals with developmental

disabilities and those without developmental disabilities in job

settings. Strategies for success should include and stress consumer

choice and empowerment as essential approaches in the development and

implementation of projects that will be culturally competent, ongoing,

and have measurable outcomes.

The strategy should include the following components:

The identification of the barriers encountered in putting

young people to work and strategies found effective in doing so.

The development of model memoranda of understanding among

schools, businesses, and agencies at the local level as called for in

the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994.

The development of policy recommendations on transitions

from school-to-work.

The development of recommendations on needed technical

assistance at local and State levels.

The development of recommendations on what roles

Developmental Disabilities Councils, University Affiliated Programs,

and Protection and Advocacy systems can play in increasing school-to-

work opportunities.

The evaluation of whether job sharing among young people

with and without disabilities is an effective strategy for increasing

the employment opportunities for both groups.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

Cultural competency.

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.

Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals,

having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural

backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant, homeless, and

refugee families.

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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

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.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network.

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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to two (2) projects will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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 1995 Priority Area 4: Child Care and Early Intervention:

Linkages for Successful Inclusion of Young Children with Disabilities

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public and private

nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies.

Purpose: ADD will award demonstration grant funds for

projects which will increase the capacity of child care and development

programs to meet the needs of young children with disabilities. Child

care services need to be included among the essential partner agencies

in the provision of early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive

child development and family support services to children with

disabilities and their families. The primary goals of projects would be

increasing access to quality child care services for children with

disabilities birth through age 5 and increasing the delivery of early

intervention and related services to children in natural and inclusive

environments.

Background Information: Although inclusion of children

with disabilities within child care is not a new occurrence, few formal

mechanisms support effective coordination between the child care and

disability communities. These systems remain separate and apart even as

they are called upon to provide services to the same children and

families. Families of [[Page 32058]] young children with disabilities

continue to rank child care among the highest of their unmet needs.

Furthermore, early findings of the Part H Early Intervention Program

for infants and toddlers show no significant number of young children

receiving these services within child care or other natural

environments outside the home.

Access to quality child care services for children with

disabilities was significantly strengthened and is protected by the

passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1992. The

ADA explicitly prohibits discrimination of children with disabilities

in public and private child care settings. The ADA opens many doors and

provides the legal protections to assure access to children with

disabilities, but this prohibition of discrimination, in and of itself,

is limited in its ability to increase the capacity of child care

programs to successfully include children with disabilities. Even when

providers understand their obligations under the ADA, they continue to

need ongoing access to training, technical assistance, mentorship, and

consultation to implement meaningful and inclusionary policies and

programs.

Furthermore, the linkages between childhood disability and poverty

have long gone unnoticed and unaddressed. Nearly 8 percent of children

on AFDC have disabilities. Without intervention and support, children

in poverty are also at risk for disability. Often overlooked by the

child care system are children from homeless shelters. There are

indications that many of these children exhibit higher levels of

developmental problems. There is also a need for training in the

implications of fetal alcohol syndrome, failure to thrive, lead

poisoning, abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome, pediatric AIDS,

and learning delay related to hearing loss from viral infection and

congestion.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD is

particularly interested in local and Statewide projects that promote a

seamless interagency approach to better serve children with

disabilities, especially those children with disabilities who live in

poverty. To develop child care services which are responsive to the

needs of young children with disabilities and their families, the

protections of the ADA must be joined with best practices in the field

of early childhood education, early intervention, and family support

services.

The following are types of activities projects may wish to engage

in:

Develop and implement a training program to meet the needs

of the child care community, providers, and parents of children with

disabilities regarding the ADA and its protections and obligations.

Identify and demonstrate strategies and mechanisms which

support and expand training opportunities across systems. Strategies

should illustrate how resources and expertise can be shared, as well as

establishing opportunities for technical assistance and ongoing

mentorship including mentorship by parents of children with

disabilities, parents with disabilities, and other individuals with

disabilities.

Develop formal and informal linkages to increase the

knowledge, awareness, and access to resources and services among

families, child care providers, early childhood educators, disability

service providers, and others who work with children with disabilities

and their families.

Identify and document replicable programs and projects

which promote supported inclusion, that is, service coordination for

individualizing inclusion of children with disabilities into generic

child care programs.

Produce cost effective models to combine sources of funds

or other strategies that will facilitate parents accessing child care

settings of their choice.

Projects may expand their focus to children older than 5 if the

primary focus is on children birth to 5. Projects may address the needs

of siblings of children with disabilities as a family support if the

primary focus is on children with disabilities from birth to 5.

ADD is interested in funding projects reflecting these values in

culturally competent, inclusive, family-centered and measurably

outcome-oriented approaches that can establish ongoing relationships.

In addition, ADD is interested in joint efforts of projects such as

the Americorps program of the Corporation for National and Community

Service and the Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program, whereby

young people with disabilities may participate in jobs and community

service as personal assistants and inclusion aides.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

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.

Cultural competency.

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.

Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals,

having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural

backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant, homeless, and

refugee families.

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 (Pub.L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network.

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

[[Page 32059]] grantee, and determination that continued funding would

be in the best interest of the Government.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to two (2) projects will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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 1995 Priority Area 5: Building a Multi-Cultural Network

Within the Developmental Disabilities System Which Increases Service

Equity, Opportunities, and Inclusion for Individuals From Racial and

Ethnic Minority Groups

Eligible Applicants: Consortium of a State Developmental

Disabilities Council, University Affiliated Programs, the Protection

and Advocacy Program, national developmental disabilities associations,

and other multicultural institutions and organizations.

Purpose: ADD is proposing to fund model demonstration

projects that will enable State developmental disabilities networks in

partnership with advocacy groups and self-advocates to gain and

maintain the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to serve and

empower a culturally diverse constituency. These projects should assist

the components of the State developmental disabilities networks

(Developmental Disabilities Councils, Protection and Advocacy Agencies,

and University Affiliated Programs) in obtaining appropriate tools to

identify areas of need and to develop action strategies that will

address not only current needs but have as a goal institutionalizing

cultural competency in every aspect of these programs. In some

instances, assistance in cultural competence should be implemented at

the community or policy/advocacy level whereas other programs will need

assistance at a more basic internal/programmatic level. At the State

level, building linkages or connections among and between the

Developmental Disabilities Councils, P&As, and UAPs with cultural/

ethnic organizations that are representative of community demographics

will be essential as these components of the developmental disabilities

network develop and implement action strategies. Within and outside the

developmental disabilities system are existing resources, both material

and human, that these projects should identify and utilize through a

range of individuals having personal and/or professional expertise in

this area.

Background Information: The reality of an American society

in which racial and ethnic cultural minorities are increasing in

numbers and influence is becoming more evident each day. There are an

estimated four million American children and adults with developmental

disabilities, including a disproportionate number who are members of

racial and ethnic minority groups. Many of these individuals and

families from culturally diverse backgrounds remain outside of the

various disability systems designed for their benefit; they are unable

to gain access to the service systems, let alone fully participate in

or benefit from them. Successful individuals of color with disabilities

are often not encouraged or identified to serve as role models for

other individuals having disabilities. In large part, the developmental

disabilities network does not reflect this new multicultural reality--

not among faculty, planners, staffs, trainees, or advocates.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: The program

components of ADD (UAPs, DD Councils, and P&As) have recognized the

need to make their programs culturally competent. Each are making

efforts to address this need. If any major, long-term progress is to be

made a concerted, comprehensive initiative must occur.

For applications to successfully compete under this priority they

must include the following:

Provide an overview of a range of approaches for assisting

the program components and the State developmental disabilities network

as a whole to acquire and achieve appropriate knowledge, skills, and

competencies for serving a culturally diverse constituency.

Develop State-level coalitions between Developmental

Disabilities Councils, Protection and Advocacy Systems, University

Affiliated Programs, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(HBCUs) and other institutions of higher education with high minority

and/or bilingual student enrollment, major civil rights organizations,

cultural/ethnic associations, and developmental disability-advocacy

organizations.

Develop an equity service plan to bring the unserved and

inadequately served individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds up

to greater parity in the distribution of services.

Develop new ways to gain information from and convey

information to members of racial/ethnic/cultural groups.

Coordinate with national developmental disabilities

associations and ethnic and cultural organizations to develop and

evaluate a replication package that has as its characteristics that it

is user-friendly, relevant to the functions of the program components,

and addresses various levels of cultural competency. As part of the

evaluation it should be tested in another state.

Produce a comprehensive dissemination package of best

practices, materials, and strategies for distribution between the

networks and beyond. A plan for dissemination describing initial

activities needs to take place between funded projects as well as at

the end of the project period.

Coordinate with national developmental disabilities

associations and ethnic and cultural organizations to maintain and

share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/experts,

and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the network.

Delineate an outreach plan which has as its focus the

sharing of project outcomes and training strategies to the

representative associations of the program components, at an ADD

national function, to other organizations within the developmental

disabilities/advocacy network and the disability field, as well as

major civil rights organizations, other minority organizations, and

institutions of higher education such as HBCUs with the goal of leading

to further collaboration and partnership at the State level in the

continued development of cultural competency. Outreach activities can

[[Page 32060]] occur at the national, regional, and/or State level.

Provide an action plan for the professional recruitment

and retention of individuals who are from culturally diverse

backgrounds with disabilities into all aspects of the three components

of the Developmental Disabilities network, especially in research,

training, policy, and administration, and for diverse volunteers to

serve as advisors to boards and advocacy organizations.

Describe measurable outcomes with regard to program

components becoming more representative of community demographics in

their staff, board members, advisory committees, constituency; or

establish memoranda of understanding with the various entities

representing racial/ethnic constituencies to implement strategies

reflective of the project's outcomes.

Describe an evaluation component which will measure the

project's effectiveness in achieving stated objectives, ensuring that

larger numbers of individuals from racial/ethnic/cultural groups are

served.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

Cultural competency.

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.

Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals,

having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural

backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant, homeless, and

refugee families.

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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

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.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network.

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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to three (3) projects will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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 1995 Priority Area 6: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of

Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private

nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies.

Purpose: For this priority area, ADD will award

demonstration grant funds on addressing the mental health needs of

individuals with developmental disabilities. ADD intends to target

individuals, specifically focusing on young adults who are

transitioning out of the MR/DD system and into the community with a

dual diagnosis of developmental disability and mental illness, and

individuals and families of individuals who live in the community and

who might be on waiting lists.

Background Information: Meeting the mental health needs of

individuals with developmental disabilities is a ``quality of life''

goal, but often community service personnel have neither the skills nor

the desire to effectively treat individuals with developmental

disabilities who have mental health needs. In addition, these consumers

are often caught between two service delivery systems (mental health

and developmental disabilities) where the type and continuity of

resources required for effective treatment and improved life quality

are inefficient, ineffective, or non-existent. Improving the adequacy

and availability of such resources will depend on better training for

both specialized and generic service providers.

The challenge of the 1990s is to provide for a coordinated,

collaborative human service delivery system that will enable

individuals with developmental disabilities to receive services in an

expeditious and coordinated manner. The creation of such a system will

allow for full community integration and inclusion of individuals who

also need mental health services.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD is interested

in projects which demonstrate the potential for creative and humanizing

approaches to designing, implementing, and evaluating projects which

assist [[Page 32061]] community agencies in coordinating efforts in the

mental health and developmental disabilities service systems; educate

self-advocates, family members, advocates, individuals with

developmental disabilities, and service providers on state-of-the-art

practices in the field of mental illness and developmental

disabilities; and develop and disseminate methods for working with the

mental health and developmental disabilities networks to promote full

inclusion and membership in the community.

In order to successfully compete under this priority area, the

application must include activities which would:

Develop a model and train a team consisting of

professionals/paraprofessionals, families, advocates, and self-

advocates to help bridge the gap between systems.

Develop and disseminate a handbook of consensus opinion on

psychopharmacology. The Handbook will indicate the opinions of a large

panel of consumers, scientists, and practitioners regarding what drugs

should be used for what conditions, what best practices should be

followed, and how consumers can provide effective oversight.

Develop strategies to disseminate the Handbook to

consumers, Protection and Advocacy agencies, oversight committees, and

professionals/paraprofessionals.

Train people who work in Protection and Advocacy in issues

related to Mental Retardation/Mental Health.

Disseminate anger management training that has been

developed for people with mental retardation on a broad national level.

Develop consumer outcome measures to evaluate the impact

of programs. These measures should address the following questions: (1)

Are hospitalizations reduced? (2) Do coordinated services enable

individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in the community?

(3) What is the feasibility of replication in other States? (4) What

are the barriers in providing coordinated services? and (5) What is the

efficacy of a single point of entry?

Provide evidence of the applicant's ability to establish

an advisory committee comprised of individuals with developmental

disabilities and families to address what their expectations are from

mental health and developmental disabilities services.

Provide a signed letter of agreement between the State

mental health system and the State developmental disabilities system of

the selected project.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

Cultural competency.

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.

Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals,

having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural

backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant, homeless, and

refugee families.

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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

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.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network.

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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to one (1) project will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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.

Proposed Fiscal Year 1995 Priority Area 7: Children at Risk: The Impact

of Abuse and Violence on Children With Disabilities

Eligible Applicants: A State agency to act as the lead

agency in the State for the grant project.

Purpose: ADD is interested in funding one or more State

demonstration projects for development and implementation of a

Statewide collaboration/coordination strategy to reduce the incidence

of abuse and neglect of children with disabilities and reduce the

incidence of abuse and neglect of children which causes or

[[Page 32062]] contributes to the development of disabilities.

Background Information: Children with disabilities have

been found to be abused at two to ten times the rate of children

without disabilities. Most perpetrators of the abuse are well known to

the victim. Some of them are service providers, but most are family

members. Maltreatment can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse

and physical, educational, and emotional neglect.

In addition, a significant percentage of developmental disabilities

are caused by abuse. Victims of child neglect sustain such permanent

disabilities as mental retardation and learning and cognitive

disabilities. Abusive Head Trauma is a significant cause of disability

in abused children and non-organic failure to thrive typically results

from abuse or neglect. Over half the fatalities related to child abuse

occur from 0 to 1 year and 90 percent of such fatalities occur in

children under 5 years of age.

Clearly, there is an epidemic of abuse and neglect of children--3

million reported cases in 1993. Public awareness as well as

governmental and professional intervention are urgently needed.

Minimum Requirements for the Project Design: The project

should involve developing a comprehensive Statewide strategy with a

multi-agency, multi-system approach to address the problem of

maltreatment of children with disabilities as well as abuse which leads

to disabilities. This coordination and collaboration strategy should

involve all pertinent State agencies/programs, including Child Welfare

Services, Education, the Developmental Disabilities Protection and

Advocacy Agency, Developmental Disabilities Council, Child Care, any

State Head Start Coordinator, Health (including mental health and

substance abuse, maternal and child health), Human Services/Welfare

(AFDC, Medicaid, etc.), Mental Retardation, the criminal justice

system, and any other pertinent entities such as a Children's Trust

Fund. The project should also involve appropriate State Councils and

planning entities including those for Family Preservation and Support,

State Interagency Coordinating Council for Part H, IDEA, and other

public and private programs/resources including the Developmental

Disabilities University Affiliated Program in the State and consumer

agencies.

The strategy should include the following components:

The development of a plan to conduct interdisciplinary

training in both the field of child abuse and neglect and the field of

disability, simultaneously, which is designed for State and local

agency personnel and other providers concerning the risk,

investigation, reporting, assessment, intervention, and follow-up of

cases of maltreatment involving children with disabilities and those at

risk, including training on how to work collaboratively on an ongoing

basis to prevent and reduce the incidence of abuse of children with

disabilities and the development of disabilities caused by abuse.

Design for formation of interdisciplinary teams which

include disability specialists to assess and treat cases of abuse and

neglect involving children with disabilities, including (1)

consideration of the nature of the child's disability (e.g.,

osteogenesis imperfecta, self-injury) and (2) awareness of such

disabilities as Abusive Head Trauma, including Shaken Baby Syndrome,

and non-organic failure to thrive.

The development of ongoing interagency agreements to

facilitate coordination and collaboration of all relevant agencies/

programs concerned with maltreatment cases involving children with

disabilities and those children at risk of disability, including

emphasizing the importance of sharing data on abuse cases among

agencies involved.

A plan for providing comprehensive community-based

services for the treatment of abuse and neglect involving children with

disabilities or children at risk of disability due to abuse.

A design for prevention activities to reduce incidence of

maltreatment cases involving children with disabilities or children at

risk of disability, including family support programs, child abuse and

neglect training for families of children with disabilities, and

training for children which includes appropriate training for those

with disabilities.

Mechanisms to promote implementation of this same multi-

agency/multi-system approach in local communities in the State. A State

may choose to implement its project in several selected communities or

try different approaches in different communities, before implementing

its strategy Statewide.

Applications for funding for Statewide demonstration projects and

models of prevention and intervention should include an inventory of

resources and best practices, plans for replication and dissemination,

and methods for the evaluation of outcomes. They should reflect

cultural competency and an understanding of legal issues as well as the

political realities of decentralization of service delivery and

empowerment of community-based efforts.

As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those proposals

for projects that incorporate the following elements:

Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.

Key project personnel with direct life, parental, or

familial experience with living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of 51% individuals

with disabilities and a structure where individuals with disabilities

make real decisions that determine the outcome of the grant.

Research reflecting the principles of participatory

action.

Cultural competency.

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.

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.

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 (Pub. L. 102-569).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

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.

A community-based approach.

Responsiveness through systems change.

Identification of barriers and strategies for overcoming

barriers.

Outcome orientation.

Measurement and ongoing evaluation, including the

participation of individuals with disabilities in formulation and

implementation.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the

network. [[Page 32063]]

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.

Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share

is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a

maximum of $300,000 for a three-year project period.

Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25

percent 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 (25% total

project cost).

Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to one (1) project will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1996 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 1996 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1995 funds.

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.

Proposed Fiscal Year 1995 Priority Area 8: Technical Assistance

Projects

For this priority area, ADD will be awarding funds separately using

the procurement process to provide technical assistance to improve the

functions of the Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils,

Protection and Advocacy Systems, and University Affiliated Programs.

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 are

provided along with a checklist for assembling an application package.

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

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.

All States and territories, except Alabama, Alaska, Colorado,

Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana,

Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 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 19 jurisdictions need take no

action regarding E.O. 12372. Applications for projects to be

administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from

the requirements of 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 45

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, Sixth

Floor, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.631

ADD--Projects of National Significance.

Contact information for each State's SPOC is found at the end of

this Part.

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 at the end of this

announcement.

C. Deadline for Submittal of Applications

One signed original and two copies of the application must be

submitted on or before August 3, 1995 to: Department of Health and

Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of

Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 6th Floor,

Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--Projects of National

Significance.

Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered. Hand-delivered

applications are accepted during the normal working hours of 8 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. [[Page 32064]]

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 have been

reprinted for your convenience in preparing the application. You should

reproduce single-sided copies of these forms from the reprinted forms

in the announcement, typing your information onto the copies. Please do

not use forms directly from the Federal Register announcement, as they

are printed on both sides of the page.

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 15 b-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 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. [[Page 32065]]

Item 18 a-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.

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.

[[Page 32066]]

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, Secs. 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 Summary Description

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.

4. Program Narrative Statement

The Program Narrative Statement 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) Staff Background and Organization's Experience.

The specific information to be included under each of these

headings is described in Section C of Part III, Evaluation Criteria.

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. 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. 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.

5. Organizational Capability Statement

The Organizational Capability Statement 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. This description should cover capabilities not included

in the Program Narrative Statement. 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.

6. 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. [[Page 32067]] 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 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 summary description and listing of key words; Program

Narrative Statement (See Part III, Section C);

______Organizational capability statement, including an organization

chart;

______Any appendices/attachments;

______Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-

88);

______Certification Regarding Lobbying;

______Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and

______Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke

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.

(Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 Developmental

Disabilities--Projects of National Significance)

Dated: June 12, 1995.

Bob Williams,

Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

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[[Page 32069]]

Instructions for the SF 424

This is a standard form used by applicants as a required

facesheet for preapplications and applications submitted for Federal

assistance. It will be used by Federal agencies to obtain applicant

certification that States which have established a review and

comment procedure in response to Executive Order 12372 and have

selected the program to be included in their process, have been

given an opportunity to review the applicant's submission.

Item and Entry:

1. Self-explanatory.

2. Date application submitted to Federal agency (or State if

applicable) & applicant's control number (if applicable).

3. State use only (if applicable).

4. If this application is to continue or revise an existing

award, enter present Federal identifier number. If for a new

project, leave blank.

5. Legal name of applicant, name of primary organizational unit

which will undertake the assistance activity, complete address of

the applicant, and name and telephone number of the person to

contact on matters related to this application.

6. Enter Employer Identification Number (EIN) as assigned by the

Internal Revenue Service.

7. Enter the appropriate letter in the space provided.

8. Check appropriate box and enter appropriate letter(s) in the

space(s) provided:

--``New'' means a new assistance award.

--``Continuation'' means an extension for an additional funding/

budget period for a project with a projected completion date.

--``Revision'' means any change in the Federal Government's

financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing

obligation.

9. Name of Federal agency from which assistance is being

requested with this application.

10. Use the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and

title of the program under which assistance is requested.

11. Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If more than

one program is involved, you should append an explanation on a

separate sheet. If appropriate (e.g., construction or real property

projects), attach a map showing project location. For

preapplications, use a separate sheet to provide a summary

description of this project.

12. List only the largest political entities affected (e.g.,

State, counties, cities).

13. Self-explanatory.

14. List the applicant's Congressional District and any

District(s) affected by the program or project.

15. Amount requested or to be contributed during the first

funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind

contributions should be included on appropriate lines as applicable.

If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award,

indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the

amounts in parentheses. If both basic and supplemental amounts are

included, show breakdown on an attached sheet. For multiple program

funding, use totals and show breakdown using same categories as item

15.

16. Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact

(SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the

application is subject to the State intergovernmental review

process.

17. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the

person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of

debt include delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes.

18. To be signed by the authorized representative of the

applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for you to

sign this application as official representative must be on file in

the applicant's office. (Certain Federal agencies may require that

this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)

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Instructions for the SF-424A

General Instructions

This form is designed so that applications can be made for funds

from one or more grant programs. In preparing the budget, adhere to

any existing Federal grantor agency guidelines which prescribe how

and whether budgeted amounts should be separately shown for

different functions or activities within the program. For some

programs, grantor agencies may require budgets to be separately

shown by function or activity. For other programs, grantor agencies

may require a breakdown by function or activity. Sections A, B, C,

and D should include budget estimates for the whole project except

when applying for assistance which requires Federal authorization in

annual of other funding period increments. In the latter case,

Sections A, B, C, and D should provide the budget for the first

budget period (usually a year) and Section E should present the need

for Federal assistance in the subsequent budget periods. All

applications should contain a breakdown by the object class

categories shown in Lines a-k of Section B.

Section A. Budget Summary

Lines 1-4, Columns (a) and (b)

For applications pertaining to a single Federal grant program

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog number) and not requiring a

functional or activity breakdown, enter on Line 1 under Column (a)

the cat

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