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

Federal RegisterJul 9, 1998

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. 93631-98-02]

Developmental Disabilities: Final Notice of Availability of

Financial Assistance and Request for Applications to Support

Demonstration Projects Under the Projects of National Significance

Program

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

ACTION: Invitation to apply for financial assistance.

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SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities,

Administration for Children and Families, announces that applications

are being accepted for funding of Fiscal Year 1998 Projects of National

Significance.

This program announcement consists of five parts. Part I, the

Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of ACF and ADD. Part

II provides the necessary background information on ADD for applicants.

Part III describes the review process. Part IV describes the priority

under which ADD requests applications for Fiscal Year 1998 funding of

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

application.

Grants will be awarded under this program announcement subject to

the availability of funds for support of these activities.

DATES: The closing date for submittal of applications under this

announcement is August 10, 1998. Mailed or handcarried applications

received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be classified as

late.

DEADLINE: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an

announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time

and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/

Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade

SW, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Joan Rucker.

Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service

postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial

mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the

application(s). To be acceptable as proof of timely mailing, a postmark

from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the

commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package

was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant.

Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely

mailing.

Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, other

representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers

shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are

received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.

and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, ACF/Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370

L'Enfant Promenade SW, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor (near loading dock),

Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, between

Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must

appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the note

``Attention: Joan Rucker''. Applicants using express/overnight services

should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of

applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail

services do not always deliver as agreed.) Any applications received

after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for

competition.

ADD cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or

through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to

ADD electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of

submission and time of receipt.

LATE APPLICATIONS: Applications which do not meet the criteria above

are considered late applications. ADD shall notify each late applicant

that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

EXTENSION OF DEADLINES: ADD may extend the deadline for all applicants

because of acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or when there is

widespread disruption of the mails. However, if ADD does not extend the

deadline for all applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline

for any applicants.

ADDRESSES: Application materials are available from Pat Laird, 370

L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20447, 202/690-7447; http://

www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add; or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration for Children and

Families (ACF), Pat Laird, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington,

D.C., 20447, 202/690-7447; or [email protected].

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: If you intend to submit an

application, please send a post card with the number and title of this

announcement, your organization's name and address, and your contact

person's name, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address to:

Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade

SW., Washington, DC, 20447, Attn: Projects of National Significance.

This information will be used to determine the number of expert

reviewers needed and to update the mailing list to whom program

announcements are sent.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. General Information

A. Goals of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located

within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department

of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Although different from the other

ACF program administrations in the specific populations it serves, ADD

shares a common set of goals that promote the economic and social well-

being of families, children, individuals and communities. Through

national leadership, ACF and ADD envision:

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;

A strong commitment to working with Native Americans,

persons with developmental disabilities, refugees and migrants to

address their needs, strengths and abilities; and

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.

[[Page 37215]]

B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead

agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering

programs which promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of

persons with developmental disabilities.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

(42 U.S.C. 6000, et seq.) (the Act) supports and provides assistance to

States and public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations to

assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their

families participate in the design of and have access to culturally

competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities

that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into

the community.

In the Act, Congress expressly found that:

Disability is a natural part of the human experience that

does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental

disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity,

integration and inclusion into the community;

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 established as the policy of the United States:

Individuals with developmental disabilities, including

those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of

achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into

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

and other assistance to achieve such;

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 conventional and

independent lives as a part of families and communities.

Toward these ends, ADD seeks: to enhance the capabilities of

families in assisting people with developmental disabilities to achieve

their maximum potential; to support the increasing ability of people

with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-

determination; to engage in leadership activities in their communities;

as well as to ensure the protection of their legal and human rights.

The four programs funded under the Act are:

Federal assistance to State developmental disabilities

councils;

State system for the protection and advocacy of

individuals rights;

Grants to University Affiliated Programs for

interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance,

and information dissemination; and

Grants for Projects of National Significance.

C. Statutory Authorities Covered Under This Announcement

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of

1996, 42 U.S.C. 6000, et. seq. The Projects of National Significance is

Part E of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights

Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 6081, et. seq.

Part II. Background Information for Applicants

A. Description of Projects of National Significance

Under Part E of the Act, grants and contracts are awarded for

projects of national significance that support the development of

national and State policy to enhance the independence, productivity,

and integration and inclusion of individuals with developmental

disabilities through:

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 1998 Proposed Priority Areas

ADD received 39 letters in response to the public comment notice.

Commentary was from the following sources:

Advocacy agencies, including national organizations and

associations, national advocacy groups and State/local advocacy groups;

Service organizations, including agencies that provide

services for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as

providing advocacy services on behalf of a particular disability,

including developmental disabilities councils;

Educational systems, including schools, colleges, and

universities, programs located within a university setting and

University Affiliated Programs;

Private agencies, including national, State, and local

nonprofit organizations;

Government agencies, including Federal, State, county, and

local government agencies; and

Private individuals.

Comments ranged from requests for copies of the final application

solicitation, to general support, to informative, clarifying responses

for this year's proposed funding priorities and recommendations for

other priority areas. The vast majority supported and expanded upon

what we proposed in the announcement. Other comments relate

specifically to the program goals and priorities of the particular

agencies who responded to the announcement.

The comments helped highlight the concerns of the developmental

disabilities field and have been used in refining the final priority

areas.

Comment: 10 letters recommended additional or other funding

priorities for FY 1998. Suggestions included projects addressing:

health care issues; housing; personal assistance/respite services;

[[Page 37216]]

employment; youth-related issues; waiting lists; adults living with

aging parents; basic supports for jobs and other on-going supports;

transportation; and research issues related to existing PNS projects.

Six letters specifically expressed that the proposed areas were not

critical areas in their states in the field of developmental

disabilities, and did not relate to ADD's efforts in meeting the

requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).

Response: ADD appreciates the comments it receives concerning other

areas needing attention. Comments refine our understanding of the

realities occurring with individuals with developmental disabilities

and their families, and they are often a sobering reminder of the

unfulfilled goals that require our collective attention as a society.

The comment process expands our awareness level and provides the basis

for new priority areas.

Some of the areas suggested as priorities have been funded

previously or are currently funded projects. Employment and the basic

supports necessary to perform a job were the objectives of our six

natural support projects which ended last year; strategies for securing

first jobs, especially by young people, are two projects that will end

this year. ADD is also collaborating with the U.S. Department of

Education on a major interagency employment initiative concerning the

development of model systems change approaches. In June, ADD was a co-

sponsor of the first national forum on careers in the arts and

disability. Also, three of the proposed areas have implications for

employment, that is, teenage pregnancy prevention, healthy lifestyles,

and domestic violence.

In the area of health and related issues, ADD funded five personal

assistance services projects; and is funding both a clearinghouse on

managed care and a project on child abuse and neglect. Three of the

proposed areas will have direct impact on the health care system:

healthy lifestyles is concerned with maintaining health and preventing

secondary disabilities and improving access to health care; teenage

pregnancy prevention will require interventions involving health care

personnel; and domestic violence prevention efforts must deal in part

with the individual's psyche and self-esteem.

The majority of comments received were very supportive of the five

proposed funding areas; many stated that the issues within these areas

have tremendous impact on the self-determination and productivity of

people with developmental disabilities and have received limited

attention at state and national levels. The purpose of the Projects of

National Significance program is not only to provide technical

assistance to the developmental disabilities councils, the protection

and advocacy systems, and the university affiliated programs, but to

support projects ``that hold promise to expand or improve opportunities

for people with developmental disabilities.'' Representing only 4% of

ADD's federal dollars, these PNS funds have initiated cutting edge

projects, such as the ``Home of Your Own'' housing initiative, that are

at the forefront of the developmental disabilities field challenging

traditional thinking and practices. These priority areas directly

relate to ADD's outcomes contained in its ``Roadmap to the Future,''

our plan for implementing GPRA: (1) All are intended to increase

community support and promote self-determination, (2) The priorities on

healthy lifestyle, future partnerships by minority institutions and

consumer organizations and teenage pregnancy prevention will increase

employment opportunities and/or promote quality health care service

delivery; and the priorities on future partnerships and teenage

pregnancy prevention will help eliminate educational disparities.

Part III. The Review Process

A. Eligible Applicants

Before applications under this Announcement are reviewed, each will

be screened to determine that the applicant is eligible for funding as

specified under the selected priority area. Applications from

organizations which do not meet the eligibility requirements for the

priority area will not be considered or reviewed in the competition,

and the applicant will be so informed.

Only public or non-profit private entities, not individuals, are

eligible to apply under any of the priority areas. All applications

developed jointly by more than one agency or organization must identify

only one organization as the lead organization and official applicant.

The other participating agencies and organizations can be included as

co-participants, subgrantees or subcontractors.

Nonprofit organizations must submit proof of nonprofit status in

their applications at the time of submission. One means of

accomplishing this is by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in

the Internal Revenue Service's most recent list of tax-exempt

organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or by

providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate,

or by providing a copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the

seal of the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled.

ADD cannot fund a nonprofit applicant without acceptable proof of

its nonprofit status.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

Timely applications under this Announcement from eligible

applicants received by the deadline date will be reviewed and scored

competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside of

the Federal government, will use the appropriate evaluation criteria

listed later in this Part to review and score the applications. The

results of this review are a primary factor in making funding

decisions.

ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or

referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when

this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal government

or the applicant. It may also solicit comments from ADD Regional Office

staff, other Federal agencies, interested foundations, national

organizations, specialists, experts, States and the general public.

These comments, along with those of the expert reviewers, will be

considered by ADD in making funding decisions.

In making decisions on awards, ADD will consider whether

applications focus on or feature: services to culturally diverse or

ethnic populations among others; a substantially innovative strategy

with the potential to improve theory or practice in the field of human

services; a model practice or set of procedures that holds the

potential for replication by organizations administering or delivering

of human services; substantial involvement of volunteers; substantial

involvement (either financial or programmatic) of the private sector; a

favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds available for

the proposed project; the potential for high benefit for low Federal

investment; a programmatic focus on those most in need; and/or

substantial involvement in the proposed project by national or

community foundations.

This year, 5 points will be awarded in scoring for any project that

includes partnership and collaboration with the 112 Empowerment Zones/

Enterprise Communities.

To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure

that funding

[[Page 37217]]

decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance among the

States and geographical regions of the country, rural and urban areas,

and ethnic populations. In making these decisions, ADD may also take

into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.

C. Evaluation Process

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

reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will

review the applications. To facilitate this review, applicants should

ensure that they address each minimum requirement in the priority area

description under the appropriate section of the Program Narrative

Statement.

Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each

application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide

comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value following each

criterion heading indicates the maximum numerical weight that each

section may be given in the review process.

D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions

The priority area description is composed of the following

sections:

Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of

organization which is eligible to apply under the particular priority

area. Specific restrictions are also noted, where applicable.

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.

Evaluation Criteria: This section presents the basic set

of issues that must be addressed in the application. Typically, they

relate to need for assistance, results expected, project design, and

organizational and staff capabilities. Inclusion and discussion of

these items is important since the information provided will be used by

the reviewers in evaluating the application against the evaluation

criteria.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This section

presents the basic set of issues that must be addressed in the

application. Typically, they relate to project design, evaluation, and

community involvement. This section also asks for specific information

on the proposed project. Inclusion and discussion of these items is

important since they will be used by the reviewers to evaluate the

applications against the evaluation criteria. Project products,

continuation of the project after Federal support ceases, and

dissemination/utilization activities, if appropriate, are also

addressed.

Project Duration: This section specifies the maximum

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

for which Federal funding is available.

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 cash or in-kind match, required.

Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: This section

specifies the number of projects ADD anticipates funding under 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 under this Announcement that do not

comply with the specific priority area requirements in the section on

``Eligible Applicants'' will not be reviewed.

Applicants under this Announcement must clearly identify the

specific priority area under which they wish to have their applications

considered, and tailor their applications accordingly. Experience has

shown that an application which is broader and more general in concept

than outlined in the priority area description is less likely to score

as well as an application more clearly focused on, and directly

responsive to, the concerns of that specific priority area.

E. Available Funds

ADD intends to award new grants resulting from this announcement

during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, subject to the

availability of funding. The size of the awards will vary. Each

priority area description includes information on the maximum Federal

share of the project costs and the anticipated number of projects to be

funded.

The term ``budget period'' refers to the interval of time (usually

12 months) into which a multi-year period of assistance (project

period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. The term

``project period'' refers to the total time a project is approved for

support, including any extensions.

Where appropriate, applicants may propose shorter project periods

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

share contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the various

priority areas.

For multi-year projects, continued Federal funding beyond the first

budget period, but within the approved project period, is subject to

the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a

determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of

the Government.

F. Grantee Share of Project Costs

Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested in Federal funding to

reach 25% of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved

cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal

share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind

contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match

requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project

requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per

budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 (total project

cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).

An exception to the grantee cost-sharing requirement relates to

applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands,

and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications from

these areas are covered under Section 501(d) of P. L. 95-134, which

requires that the Department waive ``any requirement for local matching

funds for grants under $200,000.''

The applicant contribution must generally be secured from non-

Federal sources. Except as provided by Federal statute, a cost-sharing

or matching requirement may not be met by costs borne by another

Federal grant. However, funds from some Federal programs benefitting

Tribes and Native American organizations have been used to provide

valid sources of matching funds. If this is the case for a Tribe or

Native American organization submitting an application to ADD, that

organization should identify the programs which will be providing the

funds for the match in its application. If the application successfully

competes for PNS grant funds, ADD will determine whether there is

statutory authority for this use of the funds. The Administration for

Native Americans and the DHHS Office of General Counsel

[[Page 37218]]

will assist ADD in making this determination.

G. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

The following ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been

approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139.

1. Introduction: Applicants are required to submit a full project

description and must prepare the project description statement in

accordance with the following instructions.

2. Project summary/abstract: Provide a summary of the project

description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.

Clearly mark this separate page with the applicant name as shown in

item 5 of the SF 424, the priority area number as shown at the top of

the SF 424, and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF

424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. These 300

words become part of the computer database on each project.

Care should be taken to produce a summary description which

accurately and concisely reflects the proposal. It should describe the

objectives of the project, the approaches to be used and the outcomes

expected. The description should also include a list of major products

that will result from the proposed project, such as software packages,

materials, management procedures, data collection instruments, training

packages, or videos (please note that audiovisuals should be closed

captioned). The project summary description, together with the

information on the SF 424, will constitute the project ``abstract.'' It

is the major source of information about the proposed project and is

usually the first part of the application that the reviewers read in

evaluating the application.

3. Objectives and Need for Assistance: Clearly identify the

physical, economic, social, financial, institutional and/or other

problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be

demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the

project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as

letters of support and testimonies from concerned interests other than

the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning

studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes.

Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information,

as needed. The application must identify the precise location of the

project and area to be served by the proposed project. Maps and other

graphic aids should be attached.

4. Results or Benefits Expected: Identify the results and benefits

to be derived; the extent to which they are consistent with the

objectives of the application, and the extent to which the application

indicates the anticipated contributions to policy, practice, theory

and/or research. The extent to which the proposed project costs are

reasonable in view of the expected results.

5. Approach: Outlines a plan of action which describes the scope

and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for

all functions or activities identified in the application. Cites

factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work, and state your

reasons for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe

any unusual features of the project such as design or technological

innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and

community involvements.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the

accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. When

accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them

in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and

their target dates.

Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or

disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management

and Budget might be needed prior to a ``collection of information''

that is ``conducted or sponsored'' by ACF. List organizations,

cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will

work on the project along with a short description of the nature of

their effort or contribution.

Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and

explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs

identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits

identified are being achieved.

6. Organization Profile: Provide information on the applicant

organization(s) and cooperating partners such as organizational charts,

financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed

Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond

carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses

and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on

compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation

of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any

non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of

its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The

non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the

applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent

list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the

IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax

exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of

incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or

association is domiciled. The application identifies the background of

the project director/principal investigator and key project staff

(including name, address, training, educational background and other

qualifying experience) and the experience of the organization to

demonstrate the applicant's ability to effectively and efficiently

administer this project. The application describes the relationship

between this project and other work planned, anticipated or under way

by the applicant which is being supported by Federal assistance. This

section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) background

description of how the applicant organization (or the unit within the

organization that will have responsibility for the project) is

organized, the types and quantity of services it provides, and/or the

research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include

descriptions of any current or previous relevant experience, or

describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated

ability to produce a final product that is readily comprehensible and

usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project

to the current organization should be included.

G. Cooperation in Evaluation Efforts

Grantees funded by ADD may be requested to cooperate in evaluation

efforts funded by ADD. The purpose of these evaluation activities is to

learn from the combined experience of multiple projects funded under a

particular priority area.

H. Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

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

development of any audiovisual products.

[[Page 37219]]

Part IV. Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Areas for Projects of National

Significance--Description and Requirements

The following section presents the final priority areas for Fiscal

Year 1998 Projects of National Significance (PNS) and solicits the

appropriate applications.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 1: Unequal Protection Under the Law,

Invisible Victims of Crime--Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private

nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a

consortia of some or all of the above.

Purpose: ADD is interested in awarding grant funds that

will facilitate the elimination of physical and attitudinal barriers

experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities when they

encounter the criminal justice system as victims of crime. These

projects should provide direction and assistance to public and private

entities serving victims of crime on their responsibilities under the

Americans with Disabilities Act. Agencies involved with people with

developmental disabilities have a major role to play in the prevention

and detection of victimization, and criminal prosecution. This is

crucial to ensuring citizens with developmental and other disabilities

are treated equally under the criminal justice system.

Background Information: Persons with developmental

disabilities have a significantly higher risk of becoming crime victims

than persons without disabilities. Differences in victimization rates

are most pronounced for the crimes of sexual assault and robbery. There

is also a high probability of repeat victimization, because over time

those who victimize individuals with disabilities come to regard them

as easy prey--where crimes can be committed against them with little

chance of detection or punishment.

A recent analysis combining these victimization probabilities with

data from the U.S. National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that

roughly 5 million serious crimes are committed against persons with

developmental disabilities in the U.S. each year.

Research shows that offenders seek victims with disabilities

specifically because they are considered to be vulnerable and unable to

seek help or report the crime. More than half of the crimes committed

against victims with developmental disabilities are never reported to

justice authorities, and when they are reported, they are often handled

administratively rather than through criminal prosecution.

Administrative actions such as licensing sanctions against a group home

or the firing of the suspect are common. Such administrative sanctions

represent a separate and unequal ``justice'' system.

When crimes are reported, there are lower rates of police follow-

up, prosecution and convictions. When convictions occur, studies show

that sentences for crimes committed against individuals with

disabilities are lighter, particularly for sexual assault. Possible

explanations offered for this are the difficulty of investigating these

cases, lack of special police training, no provision of reasonable

accommodations for victims, and the negative stereotype held by some

toward people with developmental disabilities.

This is ADD's second initiative in the area of criminal justice

which we began three years ago. The two funded projects are:

Austin Resource Center for Independent Living (Jeri Houchins, 512/255-

1465)

Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (Barbara Ransom, 215/627-

7100)

These successful projects have contributed to our knowledge base about

the enormity of the problem, prompting our continued focus on

additional aspects of the problem.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: To build on these

and other efforts and to further foster the equal treatment of

individuals with developmental disabilities as victims of crime ADD

would support activities that include the following.

Information and training of agents of the criminal justice

system and health and human services providers including, law

enforcement, community services, health, legal and others on

appropriate responses, methods and strategies, and effective

accommodations per ADA for people with developmental disabilities,

especially cognitive and speech disabilities;

Community public awareness and training about domestic

violence, sexual assault, and other crimes committed against people who

have developmental disabilities;

Data collection of anecdotal information regarding the

incidence of crimes, the types of crime, the perpetrators of crime, and

the settings where crimes occur against people with developmental

disabilities;

Training of people with developmental disabilities about

their legal rights, advocacy, and community resources;

Developing appropriate training materials and curricula;

Promoting understanding of victims' issues specific to

people with developmental disabilities;

Research on the nature and extent of crimes committed

against this population, risk factors associated with these victims,

how the justice system responds to these crimes, and other topics;

Establishing collaborative partnerships and networks among

communities and systems providers; and

Describe measurable outcomes.

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 experience with

living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of

individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with

disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the

grant.

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 (P.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.

Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be

used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area.

Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description

section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum

numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review

[[Page 37220]]

process. The specific information to be included under each of these

headings is described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions

for the Uniform Project Description.

Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).

Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points).

Criterion 3: Approach (35 points).

Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 points).

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

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

Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3

requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of

the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the

ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met

by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to

meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a

project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of

$100,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333

(the total project cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is

anticipated that up to five (5) projects will be funded. Subject to

availability of additional resources in FY 1999 and the number of

acceptable applications received as a result of this program

announcement, the ADD Commissioner may elect to select recipients for

the FY 1999 cohort of programs out of the pool of applications

submitted for FY 1998 funds.

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

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

Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF

424.

Fiscal Year 1998 Priority Area 2: Domestic Violence and Women With

Developmental Disabilities--The Hidden Violence

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private

nonprofit organizations, institutions or agencies, including a

consortia of some or all of the above.

Purpose: Under this priority, ADD will fund model

demonstration projects that address the needs of women with

developmental disabilities, especially cognitive disabilities, who are

or have experienced intimate/domestic violence. Any project should have

as its goals not only the safety of these women, but their ability to

be self-determining over their lives.

Background Information: In a special report, ``Violence

Against Women: Estimates from the Redesigned Survey'', which presented

1995 data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, it was reported

that women were attacked about six times more often by offenders with

whom they had an intimate relationship than were male violence victims

during 1992 and 1993. During each year women were the victims of more

than 4.5 million violent crimes, including approximately 500,000 rapes

or other sexual assaults. Women from 19-29 years of age were more

likely than women of other ages to be victimized by an intimate party.

Women of all races were about equally vulnerable to attacks. However,

women in families with incomes below $10,000 per year were more likely

than other women to be violently attacked.

Persons with developmental disabilities have a 4 to 10 times higher

risk of becoming crime victims than persons without disabilities.

Differences in victimization rates are pronounced for the crime of

sexual assault.

The rates of sexual assault on this population is very alarming.

One study found that 83% of women and 32% of men with developmental

disabilities in their sample had been sexually assaulted. Other studies

have found from 86%-91% of women in their samples had been sexually

assaulted. Another study found that of those who were sexually

assaulted, 50% had been assaulted 10 or more times.

Although women with disabilities are at higher risk for all types

of violence, there are no dedicated resources being devoted on a

Federal level to decrease or eliminate the violence experienced by

these women. The U.S. Department of Justice has just begun to consider

people with disabilities in general as targets of violence in regard to

hate crimes and victim's assistance.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This issue will

require collaborative partnership between the criminal justice system,

domestic violence service entities, and disability/advocacy

organizations to develop strategies, resources and awareness that will

support the capabilities and community participation of women with

developmental disabilities. It is ADD's expectation that these women

will be actively involved in the design and implementation of

activities of this effort. Any project should include the following

components:

Development of a victim safety planning process that is

tailored to respond to abuse that has occurred;

Training of adult protective and crisis services program

staff on working with women having developmental disabilities

(especially cognitive and speech disabilities), providing reasonable

accommodations, developing backup personal assistant support, and

methods to outreach;

Training of women with developmental disabilities,

particularly young women and girls, about abusive behaviors and

available services ;

Strategies that will inform and encourage the reporting of

violence by not only the victim but by family members, caregivers, and

others who provide services;

Training of criminal justice and health care professionals

in appropriate protocols, techniques, methods which foster the legal

and health needs of women with developmental disabilities;

Creation of manuals, curricula, best practices materials

targeted at professionals in the various systems and a plan of

dissemination;

Data collection on the types of violence committed,

characteristics of the victim, the settings where crimes occur, the

nature of the offender;

Approaches that encourage the identification and

demonstration of strategies and policies that support the capacities of

these women to express control and self-determination in their

management of violence;

Community public awareness and training about domestic

violence, sexual assault, and other abusive behaviors committed against

women who have developmental disabilities;

Strategies for the deterrence and prevention of caregiver

violence which includes family members, friends, paid providers; and

Describe measurable outcomes.

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.

[[Page 37221]]

Key project personnel with direct life experience with

living with a disability.

Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of

individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with

disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the

grant.

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 (P.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.

Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be

used to review and evaluate each application under this priority area.

Each of these criterion should be addressed in the project description

section of the application. The point values indicate the maximum

numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.

The specific information to be included under each of these headings is

described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the

Uniform Project Description.

Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points).

Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 points)