Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial Assistance

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. 93612-982]

Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial

Assistance

AGENCY: Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Administration for

Children and Families (ACF), DHHS.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of competitive financial

assistance to assist eligible applicants in assuring the survival and

continuing vitality of their Native American languages.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the

availability of Fiscal Year 1998 funds and other available funds for

Native American Language projects. Financial assistance provided by ANA

is designed to assist applicants in designing projects which will

promote the survival and continuing vitality of Native American

languages.

Application Kit: Application kits, (Approved by the OMB under

control number 0980-0204, which expires August 31, 1999) containing the

necessary forms and instructions to apply for a grant under this

program announcement, may be obtained from: Department of Health and

Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,

Administration for Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, Mail Stop

HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention: 93612-982. You may telefax

your request to: (202) 690-7441; confirm at (202)690-7776.

Copies of this program announcement and many of the required forms

may be obtained electronically at the ANA World Wide Web Page: http://

www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/index.html

The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program

announcement. Although reasonable efforts are taken to assure that the

files on the ANA World Wide Web Page containing electronic copies of

this Program Announcement are accurate and complete, they are provided

for information only. The applicant bears sole responsibility to assure

that the copy downloaded and/or printed from any other source is

accurate and complete.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is March 27,

1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Yatsko, Program Analyst,

Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children

and Families, Administration for Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant

Promenade, Mail Stop HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, tel: (202) 690-

7843, fax: (202) 690-7441, or e-mail: [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

The program announcement states the availability of fiscal year

1998 financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of

assisting Native Americans in assuring the survival and continuing

vitality of their languages. Financial assistance awards made under

this program announcement will be on a competitive basis and the

proposals will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria in this

announcement.

Approximately $2,000,000 in Fiscal Year 1998 has been allocated for

category I and II grants. For Category I, Planning Grants (project

length: 12 months), the funding level for a budget period of 12 months

will be up to $50,000. For Category II, Design and or Implementation

Grants (project length: up to 36 months), the funding level for a

budget period of 12 months will be up to $125,000. In accordance with

current agency policies, ANA may fund additional highly ranked

applications if additional funds become available prior to the next

competition.

B. Background

The Congress has recognized that the history of past policies of

the United States toward Indian and other Native American languages has

resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of Native American

languages that have survived over the past 500 years. Consequently, the

Native American

[[Page 1476]]

Languages Act (Title 1, Pub. L. 101-477) was enacted to address this

decline.

This legislation invested the United States government with the

responsibility to work together with Native Americans to ensure the

survival of cultures and languages unique to Native America. This law

declared that it is the policy of the United States to ``preserve,

protect and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use,

practice and develop Native American languages.'' While the Congress

made a significant first step in passing this legislation in 1990, it

served only as a declaration of policy. No program initiatives were

proposed, nor any funds authorized to enact any significant programs in

furtherance of this policy.

In 1992, Congressional testimony provided estimates that of the

several hundred languages that once existed, about 150 are still spoken

or remembered today. However, only 20 are spoken by persons of all

ages, 30 are spoken by adults of all ages, about 60 are spoken by

middle-aged adults, and 45 are spoken by the most elderly.

In response to this testimony, the Congress passed the Native

American Languages Act of 1992 (the Act), P.L. 102-524, to assist

Native Americans in assuring the survival and continuing vitality of

their languages. Passage of the Act was an important second step in

attempting to ensure the survival and continuation of Native Languages,

as it provides the basic foundation upon which the Tribal nations can

rebuild their economic strength and rich cultural diversity.

While the Federal government recognizes that substantial loss of

Native American languages over the past several hundred years, the

nature and magnitude of the status of Native American languages will be

better defined when eligible applicants under the Act have completed

language assessments.

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) believes that the

responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency rests with the governing

bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the leadership

of Native American groups. This belief supports the ANA principle that

the local community and its leadership are responsible for determining

goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing programs which

support the community's long-range goals.

Therefore, since preserving a language and ensuring its

continuation is generally one of the first steps taken toward

strengthening a group's identity, activities proposed under this

program announcement will contribute to the social development of

Native communities and significantly contribute to their efforts toward

self-sufficiency.

The Administration for Native Americans recognizes that eligible

applicants must have the opportunity to develop their own language

plans, technical capabilities, and access to the necessary financial

and technical resources in order to assess, plan, develop and implement

programs to assure the survival and continuing vitality of their

languages. ANA also recognizes that potential applicants may have

specialized knowledge and capabilities to address specific language

concerns at various levels. This program announcement reflects these

special needs and circumstances.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

Category I--Planning Grants

The purpose of a Planning Grant is to conduct an assessment and to

develop the plan needed to describe the current status of the

language(s) to be addressed and to establish community long-range

goal(s) to ensure its surivival. Project activities may include, but

are not limited to:

data collection, compilation, organization and description

of current language status through a ``formal'' method (e.g. work

performed by a linguist, and/or a language survey conducted by

community members) or an ``informal'' method (e.g. a community

consensus of the language status based on elders, tribal scholars, and/

or other community members);

Establishment of community long-range language goals; and

Acquisition of necessary training and technical assistance

to administer the project and achieve project goal(s).

Category II--Design and/or Implementation Grants

The purposes of Design and/or Implementation Grants are (1) so

tribes or communities may design and/or implement a language program to

achieve their long-range goal(s); and to accomodate where the tribe or

community is in their long-term language goal(s) continuum.

Applicants under Category II must be able to document that:

(a) Language information has been collected and analyzed, and that

it is current (compiled within 36 months prior to the grant

application);

(b) The community has established long-range language goals; and

(c) Community representatives are adequately trained so that the

proposed project goals can be achieved.

Category II applications may include purchasing specialized

equipment (including audio and video recording equipment, computers,

and software) necessary to achieve the project objectives. The

applicant must fully justify the need for this equipment and explain

how it will be used to achieve the project objectives.

The types of projects ANA may fund under Category II include, but

are not limited to:

Establishment and support of a community Native American

language project to bring older and younger Native Americans together

to facilitate and encourage the teaching of Native American languages

skills from one generation to another;

Establishment of a project to train Native Americans to

teach Native American languages to others or to enable them to serve as

interpreters or translators of such languages;

Development, printing, and dissemination of materials to

be used for the teaching and enhancement of Native American languages;

Establishment or support of a project to train Native

Americans to produce or participate in television or radio programs to

be broadcast in Native American languages; and

Compilation, transcription and analysis of oral testimony

to record and preserve Native American languages.

It is ANA's policy that funds will not be awarded for projects

addressing dead languages. For purposes of this announcement, dead

languages are those languages that are no longer spoken by any tribal

or community member.

Requirement

The Commissioner shall determine the repository for copies of

products from Native American language grants funded under this program

announcement. At the end of the project period, products or project

models of Native American languages grants funded by this program

announcement should be sent to the designated repository. Specific

information about the repository is in the ANA application kit.

Federally recognized Indian tribes are not required to comply with

this requirement.

D. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply for funding under

this competitive area:

Federally recognized Indian tribes;

Consortia of Indian tribes (incorporated as a non-profit

or formed

[[Page 1477]]

with one or more Federally recognized tribes);

Incorporated non-Federally recognized tribes;

Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based

Indian organizations;

Urban Indian Centers;

National or regional incorporated non-profit Native

American organizations with Native American community-specific

objectives;

Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native

Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;

Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose

community-based organizations;

Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/

Associations in Alaska with village-specific projects;

Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village-

specific projects;

Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal

governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or traditional Councils) as

recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;

Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native

Hawaiians (the populations served may be located on these islands or on

the continental United States);

Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native

peoples from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the Commonwealth of the

Northern Mariana Islands (The populations served may be located on

these islands or in the United States);

Tribally-controlled community colleges and tribally-

controlled post-secondary Vocational Institutions; and

Colleges and universities located in Hawaii, Guam,

American Samoa, Palau or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands which serve Native American Pacific Islanders.

Participating Organizations

If a tribal organization, or other eligible applicant, decides that

the objective of its proposed Native American language project would be

accomplished more effectively through a partnership arrangement with a

tribal school, college, or university, the applicant shall identify

such school, college or university as a participating organization in

its application. Under a partnership agreement, the applicant will be

responsible for the fiscal, administrative and programmatic management

of the grant.

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 or tribe in which the

corporation or association is domiciled.

If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village

government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, Alaska

Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly elected or

appointed board of directors is representative of the community to be

served. To establish compliance with this requirement in the

regulations, applicants must provide information establishing that at

lease ninety (90) percent of the individuals serving on a non-profit

applicant's board fall into one or more of the following categories:

(1) A current or past member of the community to be served; (2) a

prospective participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or

(3) have a cultural relationship with the community to be served.

Note: Under this program announcement, ANA will only accept one

application which serves or impacts a reservation, tribe or Native

American community. If a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native

village chooses not to submit an application under this competitive

area, it may support another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal

organization) which serves or impacts a reservation. In this case,

an applicant must include a tribal resolution which clearly

demonstrates the tribe's approval of the application and the tribe's

understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the

tribe's authority to submit an application under the Native Language

competitive area for the duration of the approved grant period.

E. Grantee Share of the Project

Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved

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

of the Federal 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 requirement through cash contributions.

Therefore, a project requesting $125,000 in Federal funds must include

a match of at least $31,250 (20% of total $156,250 project cost).

As per 45 CFR 74.2, In-kind contributions are defined as ``the

value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties.

Third party in-kind contributions may be in the form of real property,

equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, and the value of

goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to

the project or program.''

This may include other Federal funding sources where the

legislation or regulations authorize using specific types of funds for

match, provided the source relates to the ANA project (e.g., Indian

Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds, through the

Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human

Services). In addition, certain funds distributed to a tribe, including

interest, by the Federal government, may be used for the non-Federal

share. For example:

Funds from the satisfaction of a claim made under Federal

law;

Funds collected and administered on behalf of such tribe

or its constituent members; or

Funds for general tribal administration or tribal

development under a formula or subject to a tribal budgeting priority

system such as, but not limited to, funds involved in the settlement of

land or other judgment claims, severance or other royalty payments, or

payments under the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450f et

seq.) or tribal budget priority system.

An itemized budget detailing the applicant's non-federal share, and

its source(s), must be included in an application.

If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for

indirect costs in its ANA application, a current copy of its Indirect

Cost Agreement must be included in the application.

A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be

submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native

American Program regulations.

Note: Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, Palau,

or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered

under Section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C.

1469a) under which HHS waives any requirement for local matching

funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions)

F. Review Criteria

The proposed project should address the Native American languages

purposes stated and described in the ``Background'' (section B) of this

announcement.

The evaluation criteria below are closely inter-related. Points are

awarded only to applications which respond to these criteria. Proposed

projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis using the following

separate sets of evaluation criteria; one set for planning, the other

for implementation grants:

[[Page 1478]]

I. Planning Grants

(1) Current Status of Native American Language(s) (15 points)

The applicant fully describes the current status of Native

American language(s) in the community.

Since obtaining this data may be part of the planning grant

application being reviewed, applicants can meet this requirement by

explaining their current language status and providing a detailed

description of any circumstances or barriers which have prevented the

collection of community language data. If documentation exists,

describe it in terms of current language status.

(2) Goals and Available Resources (25 points)

(a) The application describes the proposed project's long-range

goals and strategies, including:

How the specific Native American long-range community

goal(s) relate to the proposed project; and

How the goal(s) fit within the context of the current

language status.

(b) The application explains how the community and the tribal

government (where one exists) intends to achieve these goals. Ways to

demonstrate community and tribal government support for the project

include:

A resolution from tribes or tribal organizations stating

that community involvement has occurred in project planning;

Community surveys and questionnaires, including those

developed to determine the level of community support for tribal

resolutions; and

Minutes of community meetings, tribal presentations and

discussion forums; The type of community served will determine the type

of documentation necessary to demonstrate participation. All tribes and

communities, however, must indicate in their application how they

intend to involve elders and other community members in their projects

and include them in development of language goals and strategies and in

evaluation of project outcomes.

Applications from National Indian and Native organizations must

clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project was

originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, and describe

how the recipients will actually benefit from the project. National

Indian and Native organizations should describe their membership and

define how the organization operates.

(c) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-federal share)

which will assist and be coordinated with the project are described.

These resources should be documented by letters or documents of

commitment of resources, and not ``letters of support''.

``Letters of support'' merely express another

organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Such support letters

and related documentation do not indicate a binding commitment and do

not establish the authenticity of other resources.

``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding

and specify the nature, amount and conditions under which another

agency or organzation will support a project funded with ANA funds.

These resources may be human, natural or financial, and may include

other Federal and non-Federal resources.

Applicant statements that additional funding will be sought from

other specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of

outside resources.

If the applicant proposes to enter into an partnership arrangement

with a school, college or university, documentation of this commitment

must be included in the application.

(3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities (30 points)

The proposed objectives in the Objective Work Plan (s) relate to

the goal to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native

American language(s). More specifically, together they will achieve for

the tribe or community's language goals for the proposed project.

Each Objective Work Plan clearly describes:

The tribal government's and community's active involvement

in the continuing participation of Native American language speakers;

Measurable or quantifiable results or outcomes;

How the results or outcomes relate to the community's

long-range goals or the establishment of those goals;

How the project can be accomplished with the available or

expected resources during the project period;

How the main activities will be accomplished;

Who specifically will conduct the activities under each

objective; and

What the next steps may be after the Planning project is

completed.

(4) Organizational capabilities/Qualifications (20 points)

(a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is

explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a project of

the proposed scope is well-defined. The application clearly

demonstrates the successful management of projects of similar scope by

the organization and or by the individual designated to manage the

project.

(b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel,

including those of consultants, are presented. The position

descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed

in the Approach Page and in the proposed budget of the application.

Position descriptions very clearly describe the position and its duties

and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve the

project objectives. Resumes demonstrate that the proposed staff are

qualified to carry out the proposed activities. Either the position

descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications, and/or

specialized skills, necessary for overall quality management of the

project. Resumes must be included if individuals have been identified

for positions in the application.

Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to

Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under

an approved ANA grant.

(5) Budget (10 points)

A detailed and fully explained budget is provided which:

Justifies each line item, with a well-written

justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget

Information of the application, including the applicant's non-federal

share and its source;

Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary

details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the

relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and

Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the

scope of the proposed project.

Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are

not required to provide a 20 percent match for the non-federal share

if it is under $200,000 and may not have points reduced for this

policy. They are, however, expected to coordinate non-ANA resources

for the proposed project, as are all ANA applicants.

II. Design and/or Implementation Grants

(1) Current Status of Native American Language(s) (10 points)

(a) The application fully describes the current status of the

Native American language to be addressed; current status is defined as

data compiled within the previous 48 months. The description of the

current status minimally includes the following information:

[[Page 1479]]

Number of speakers

Age of speakers

Gender of speakers

Level(s) of fluency

Number of first language speakers (Native language as the

first language acquired)

Number of second language speakers (Native language as the

second language acquired)

Where Native language is used (e.g. home, court system,

religious ceremonies; church, media, school, governance and cultural

activities)

Source of data (formal and/or informal)

Rate of language loss or gain

(b) The application fully describes existing community language or

language training programs and projects, if any, in support of the

Native American language to be addressed by the proposed project.

Existing programs and projects may be formal (e.g., work by a linguist,

and/or language survey conducted by community members) or ``informal''

(e.g., a community consensus of the language status based on elders,

tribal scholars, and/or other community members).

The description should answer the following:

(1) Has applicant had a community language or language training

program within the last 48 months? (2) Within the last 10 years?

If so, fully describe the program(s), and include the following:

Program goals

Number of program participants

Number of speakers

Age range of participants (e.g., 0-5, 6-10, 11-18, etc.)

Number of language teachers

Criteria used to acknowledge competency of language

teachers

Resources available to the applicant (e.g., valid

grammars, dictionaries, and/or orthographics or describe other suitable

resources)

Program achievements

If applicant has never had a language program, a detailed

explanation of what barriers or circumstances prevented the

establishment of a community language program should be included.

(2) Goals and Available Resources (20 points)

(a) The application describes the proposed project's long-range

goals and strategies, including:

How the specific Native American long-range community

goal(s) relate to the proposed project; and

How the goal(s) fit within the context of the current

language status;

A clearly delineated strategy to assist in assuring the

survival and continued vitality of the Native American languages

addressed in the community.

(b) The application explains how the community and the tribal

government (where one exists) intends to achieve these goals. Ways to

demonstrate community and tribal government support for the project

include:

A resolution from tribes or tribal organizations stating

that community involvement has occurred in project planning;

Community surveys and questionnaires; and

Minutes of community meetings, tribal presentations and

discussion forums.

The type of community served will determine the type of

documentation necessary to demonstrate participation. All tribes and

communities, however, must indicate in their application how they

intend to involve elders and other community members in their projects

and include them in development of language goals and strategies.

Applications from National Indian and Native organizations must

clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project was

originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, and describe

how the recipients will actually benefit from the project. National

Indian and Native organizations should describe their membership and

define how the organization operates.

(c) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-federal share)

which will assist and be coordinated with the project are described.

These resources should be documented by letters or documents of

commitment of resources, and not ``letters of support''.

``Letters of support'' merely express another

organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Such support letters

and related documentation do not indicate a binding commitment and do

not establish the authenticity of other resources.

``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding

and specify the nature, amount and conditions under which another

agency or organization will support a project funded with ANA funds.

These resources may be human, natural or financial, and may include

other Federal and non-Federal resources.

Applicant statements that additional funding will be sought from

other specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of

outside resources.

If the applicant proposes to enter into an partnership arrangement

with a school, college or university, documentation of this commitment

must be included in the application.

(3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities (30 points)

The proposed objectives in the Objective Work Plan(s) relate to the

goal to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American

language(s). More specifically, together they will achieve for the

tribe or community's language goals for the proposed project. If the

project is for more than one year, the application includes Objective

Work Plans for each year (budget period) proposed.

Each Objective Work Plan clearly describes:

The tribal government's and community's active involvement

in the continuing participation of Native American language speakers;

Measurable or quantifiable results or outcomes;

How they relate to the community's long-range goals or the

establishment of those goals;

How the project can be accomplished with the available or

expected resources during the project period;

How the main activities will be accomplished;

Who specifically will conduct the activities under each

objective; and

How the project will be completed, become self-sustaining,

or be financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the project

period.

(4) Organizational capabilities/Qualifications (15 points)

(a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is

explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a project of

the proposed scope is well-defined. The application clearly

demonstrates the successful management of projects of similar scope by

the organization and/or by the individual designated to manage the

project.

(b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel,

including those of consultants, are presented. The position

descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed

in the Approach Page and in the proposed budget of the application.

Position descriptions very clearly describe the position and its duties

and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve the

project objectives. Resumes demonstrate that the proposed staff are

qualified to carry out the proposed activities. Either the position

descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications, and/or

specialized skills, necessary for overall

[[Page 1480]]

quality management of the project. Resumes must be included if

individuals have been identified for positions in the application.

Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to

Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under

an approved ANA grant.

(5) Budget (10 points)

A detailed and fully explained budget is provided for each budget

period requested which:

Justifies each line item, with a well-written

justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget

Information of the application, including the applicant's non-federal

share and its source;

Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary

details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the

relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and

Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the

scope of the proposed project.

Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are

not required to provide a 20 percent match for the non-federal share

if it is under $200,000 and may not have points reduced for this

policy. They are, however, expected to coordinate non-ANA resources

for the proposed project, as are all ANA applicants.

(6) Evaluation, Sharing and Preservation Plans (15 points)

The application should include the following three plans:

(a) An ``evaluation plan'' with a baseline to measure project

outcomes, including, but not limited to, describing effective language

growth in the community (e.g., an increase of Native American language

use). This plan will be the basis for evaluating the community's

progress in achieving its language goals and objectives.

(b) A ``sharing plan'' that identifies how the project's

methodology, research data, outcomes or other products can be shared

and modified for use by other tribes or communities. If this is not

feasible or culturally appropriate, provide the reasons. The goal is to

provide opportunities to ensure the survival and the continuing

vitality of Native Languages.

(c) A ``plan to preserve project products'' describes how the

products of the project will be preserved through archival or other

culturally appropriate methods, for the benefit of future generations.

G. Application Due Date

The closing date for submission of applications under this program

announcement is March 27, 1998.

H. For Further Information Contact

Deborah Yatsko, Program Analyst, Department of Health and Human

Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for

Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, Mail Stop HHH 348F,

Washington, DC 20447, tel: (202) 690-7843; e-mail:[email protected]

Part II: General Guidance to Applicants

The following is provided to assist applicants to develop a

competitive application.

A. Definitions

``Language preservation'' is the maintenance of a language

so that it will not decline into non-use.

``Language vitality'' is the active use of a language in a

wide range of domains of human life.

``Language replication'' is the application of a language

program model developed in one community to other linguistically

similar communities.

``Language survival'' is the maintenance and continuation

of language from one generation to another in a wide range of aspects

of community life.

A ``multi-purpose community-based Native American

organization'' is an association and/or corporation whose charter

specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors and/or

officers of the organization through an elective procedure and that the

organization functions in several different areas of concern to the

members of the local Native American community. These areas are

specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.

They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic,

cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human

services such as health care, day care, counseling, education, and

training.

A ``multi-year project'' is a project on a single theme

that requires more than 12 months to complete and affords the applicant

an opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth

strategies than can be completed in one year. A multi-year project

cannot be a series of unrelated objectives with activities presented in

chronological order over a two or three year period.

``Budget Period'' is the interval of time (usually 12

months) into which the project period is divided for budgetary and

funding purposes.

``Core administration'' is funding for staff salaries for

those functions which support the organization as a whole, or for

purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of work

conducted under an ANA approved project.

``Real Property'' means land, including land improvements,

structures and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and

equipment.

``Construction'' is the term which specifies a project

supported through a discretionary grant or cooperative agreement, to

support the initial building of a facility.

B. General Considerations

Non-ANA resources should be leveraged to strengthen and broaden the

impact of the proposed project in the community. Project designs should

explain how those parts of projects which ANA does not fund will be

financed through other sources. For example, ANA does not fund

construction. Applicants must show the relationship of non-ANA funded

activities to those objectives and activities that are funded with ANA

grant funds.

Costs of fundraising, including financial campaigns, endowment

drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses

incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions are

unallowable under a grant award. However, even though these costs are

unallowable for purposes of computing charges to Federal awards, they

must be treated as direct costs for purposes of determining indirect

cost rates and be allocated their share of the organization's indirect

costs if they represent activities which (1) include the salaries of

personnel, (2) occupy space, and (3) benefit from the organization's

indirect costs.

All projects funded by ANA must be completed, or self-sustaining or

supported with other than ANA funds at the end of the project period.

``Completed'' means that the project ANA funded is finished, and the

desired result(s) have been attained. ``Self-sustaining'' means that a

project will continue without outside resources. ``Supported by other

than ANA funds'' means that the project will continue beyond the ANA

project period, but will be supported by funds other than ANA's.

C. Activities That Cannot Be Funded by ANA

The Administration for Native Americans does not fund projects

that:

Operate indefinitely or require ANA funding on a recurring

basis.

Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or

technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or

[[Page 1481]]

Native American organizations which are otherwise eligible to apply to

ANA (``third party T/TA'').

However, the purchase of T/TA by a grantee for its own use or for

its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), where T/TA is

necessary to carry out project objectives, is acceptable.

The support of on-going social service delivery programs

or the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery

programs.

ANA will not fund the purchase of real property.

ANA will not fund construction.

Objectives or activities for the support of core

administration of an organization.

``Core administration'' is funding for staff salaries for those

functions which support the organization as a whole, or for purposes

unrelated to the actual management or implementation of work conducted

under an ANA approved project. However, functions and activities that

are clearly project related are eligible for grant funding. For

example, the management and administrative functions necessary to carry

out an ANA approved project are not considered ``core administration''

and are, therefore, eligible costs. Additionally, ANA will fund the

salaries of approved staff for time actually and reasonably spent to

implement a funded ANA project.

Projects or activities that generally will not meet the purposes of

this announcement are discussed further in Section H, ``General

Guidance to Applicants'', below.

D. Multi-Year Projects

Only Category II ``Design and Implementation'' projects may be

developed as multi-year projects, i.e. for up to three years. The

information in this section is not applicable to planning projects.

A multi-year project is a project on a single theme that requires

more than 12 to 17 months to complete. It affords the applicant an

opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth

strategies. A multi-year project cannot be a series of unrelated

objectives with activities presented in chronological order over a two

or three year period. Initial awards, on a competitive basis, will be

for a one-year budget period (up to 17 months), although project

periods may be for three years.

Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards

beyond the one-year budget period, but within a two-to-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. Therefore, this program

announcement does not apply to current ANA grantees with multi-year

projects that apply for continuation funding for their second or third

year budget periods.

E. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

This program is not covered by Executive Order 12372 or 45 CFR part

100.

F. The Application Process

1. Availability of Application Forms

In order to be considered for a grant under this program

announcement, an application must be submitted on the forms supplied

and in the manner prescribed by ANA. The application kits containing

the necessary forms and instructions may be obtained from: Department

of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,

Administration for Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Mail

Stop HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention: 93612-982, Telephone:

(202) 690-7776.

Copies of this program announcement and many of the required forms

may be obtained electronically at the ANA World Wide Web Page:

www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/index.html

The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program

announcement. Although all reasonable efforts are taken to assure that

the files on the ANA World Wide Web Page containing electronic copies

of the Program Announcement are accurate and complete, they are

provided for information only. The applicant bears sole responsibility

to assure that the copy downloaded and/or printed from any other source

is accurate and complete.

2. Application Submission

One signed original, and two copies, of the grant application,

including all attachments, must be mailed on or before the closing date

to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for

Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant

Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention:

Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-982.

Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, 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 am and 4:00 pm at: U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division

of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock,

Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

The application (Form 424) must be signed by an individual

authorized (1) to act for the applicant tribe or organization, and (2)

to assume the applicant's obligations under the terms and conditions of

the grant award, including Native American Program statutory and

regulatory requirements.

Each tribe, Native American organization, or other eligible

applicant may compete for one grant award under this program

announcement.

The Administration for Native Americans will accept only one

application for program announcement from any one applicant. If an

eligible applicant sends in two applications for this program

announcement, the one with the earlier postmark will be accepted for

review unless the applicant withdraws the earlier application.

3. Application Consideration

The ANA Commissioner determines the final action to be taken on

each grant application received under this program announcement.

The following points should be taken into consideration by all

applicants:

Incomplete applications and applications that do not

conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

Applicants will be notified in writing of any such determination by

ACF. An incomplete application is one that is:

Missing Form SF 424

Does not have a signature on Form SF 424

Does not include proof of non-profit status, if applicable

Complete applications that conform to all the requirements of this

program announcement are subjected to a competitive review and

evaluation process (discussed in section G below). Independent review

panels consisting of reviewers familiar with American Indian Tribes and

Native American communities and organizations, and Native American

languages evaluate each application using the published criteria in

this announcement. As a result of the review, a normalized numerical

score will be assigned to each application.

The Commissioner's funding decision is based on the review

panel's analysis of the application,

[[Page 1482]]

recommendation and comments of ANA staff, State and Federal agencies

having contract and grant performance related information, and other

interested parties.

The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the

purpose of the Act, all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements,

this program announcement, and the availability of funds.

ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information

regarding funding decisions prior to the official notification to the

applicants.

After the Commissioner has made decisions on all

applications funded with fiscal year 1998 funds, unsuccessful

applicants are notified in writing within 30 days. The notification

will be accompanied by a critique including recommendations for

improving the application.

Successful applicants are notified through an official

Financial Assistance Award (FAA) document. The FAA will state the

amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms

and conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the award, the

project period, the budget period, and the amount of the non-ACF

matching share requirement.

G. The Review Process

1. Initial Application Review

Applications submitted by the closing date and verified by the

postmark under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review to

determine that:

The applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligible

Applicants Section of this announcement; and

The application is signed and submitted by the deadline

explained in section G, Application Due Date.

The application narrative, forms and materials submitted

are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in depth

evaluation and the project described is an allowable type. (All

required materials and forms are listed in the Grant Application

Checklist in the Application Kit).

Applications subjected to the pre-review described above which fail

to satisfy one or more of the listed requirements will be ineligible or

otherwise excluded from competitive evaluation.

2. Competitive Review of Accepted Applications

Applications which pass the pre-review will be evaluated and rated

by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific evaluation

criteria listed in Part II. These criteria are used to evaluate the

quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its

success.

3. Appeal of Ineligibility

Applicants who are initially excluded from competitive evaluation

because of ineligibility, may appeal an ANA decision of applicant

ineligibility. Likewise, applicants may also appeal an ANA decision

that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible for funding

consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final rule

published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817).

H. General Guidance to Applicants

The following information is provided to assist applicants in

developing a competitive application.

1. Program Guidance

The Administration for Native Americans funds projects

that demonstrate the strongest prospects for addressing the stated

purposes of this program announcement.

Projects will not be ranked on the basis of general

financial need .

In discussing the goals, strategy, and problems being

addressed in the application, include sufficient background and/or

history of the community concerning these issues and/or progress to

date, as well as the size of the population to be served. This material

will assist the reviewers in determining the appropriateness and

potential benefits of the proposed project.

In the discussion of community-based, long-range goals,

non-Federally recognized and off-reservation groups are encouraged to

include a description of what constitutes their specific ``community.''

Applicants must document the community's support for the

proposed project and explain the role of the community in the planning

process and implementation of the proposed project. For tribes, a

current signed resolution from the governing body of the tribe

supporting the project proposal stating that there has been community

involvement in the planning of this project will suffice as evidence of

community support/involvement. For all other eligible applicants, the

type of community you serve will determine the type of documentation

necessary. For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions

supporting the project proposal from each of its members tribes, as

well as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of

documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community

meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/

position papers.

Applications from National Indian and Native American

organizations must demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the

project was originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be,

and describe how the recipients will actually benefit from the project.

An application should describe a clear relationship

between the proposed project, language goals, and the community's long-

range goals or plan.

The project application, including the Objective Work

Plans, must clearly identify in measurable terms the expected results,

benefits or outcomes of the proposed project, and the positive or

continuing impact that the project will have on the community.

Supporting documentation, including letters of support, if

available, or other testimonies from concerned interests other than the

applicant should be included to demonstrate support for the feasibility

of the project and the commitment of other resources to the proposed

project.

In the ANA Project Narrative, Section A of the application

package, ``Resources Available to the Proposed Project,'' the applicant

should describe any specific financial circumstances which may impact

on the project, such as any monetary or land settlements made to the

applicant, and any restrictions on the use of those settlements. When

the applicant appears to have other resources to support the proposed

project and chooses not to use them, the applicant should explain why

it is seeking ANA funds and not utilizing these resources for the

project.

Applications which were not funded under a previous years closing

date and revised for resubmission should make a reference to the

changes, or reasons for not making changes, in their current ANA

application which are based on ANA panel review comments.

2. Technical Guidance

It is strongly suggested that the applicant follow the

Supplemental Guide included in the ANA application kit to develop an

application. The Guide provides practical information and helpful

suggestions, and is an aid to help applicants prepare ANA applications.

Applicants are encouraged to have someone other than the

author apply the evaluation criteria in the program announcement and

score the application prior to its submission, in order to gain a

better sense of the application's quality and potential

[[Page 1483]]

competitiveness in the ANA review process.

For purposes of developing an application, applicants

should plan for a project start date approximately 120 days after the

closing date under which the application is submitted.

The Administration for Native Americans will not fund

essentially identical projects serving the same constituency.

If a project could be supported by other Federal funding

sources, the applicant should fully explain its reasons for not

pursuing other Federal funds for the project.

For purposes of this announcement, ANA is using the Bureau

of Indian Affairs' list of federally recognized Indian tribes which

includes nonprofit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing

bodies (IRA or traditional councils). Other federally recognized Indian

tribes which are not included on this list (e.g., those Tribes which

have been recently recognized or restored by the United States

Congress) are also eligible to apply for ANA funds.

The Administration for Native Americans will accept only

one application under this program announcement from any one applicant.

If an eligible applicant sends in two applications, the one with the

earlier postmark will be accepted for review unless the applicant

withdraws the earlier application.

An application from a federally recognized Tribe, Alaska

Native Village or Native American organization must be from the

governing body of the Tribe or organization. ANA will not accept

applications from tribal components which are tribally-authorized

divisions of a larger tribe, unless the application includes a Tribal

resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the

project and the Tribe's understanding that the other applicant's

project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an application under

that specific competitive area for the duration of the approved grant

period.

ANA will only accept one application which serves or

impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native American community. If a

federally recognized Tribe, or Alaska Native village chooses not to

submit an application under this announcement, it may support another

applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) which serves or

impacts a reservation. In this case, the applicant must include a

Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support

approval of the application and the Tribe's understanding that the

other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an

application under that specific competitive area for the duration of

the approved grant period.

The Objective Work Plan proposed should be of sufficient

detail to become a monthly staff guide for project responsibilities if

the applicant is funded.

Applicants proposing multi-year projects under Category II

must fully describe each year's project objectives and activities.

Separate Objective Work Plans (OWPs) must be presented for each project

year and a separate itemized budget of the Federal and non-Federal

costs of the project for each budget period must be included.

Applicants for multi-year projects under Category II must

justify the entire time-frame of the project (i.e., why the project

needs funding for more than one year) and clearly describe the results

to be achieved for each objective by the end of each budget period of

the total project period.

The Administration for Native Americans will critically

evaluate applications in which the acquisition of equipment is a major

component of the Federal share of the budget. ``Equipment is tangible,

non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one

year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.'' During

negotiation, such expenditures may be deleted from the budget of an

otherwise approved application, if not fully justified by the applicant

and deemed not appropriate to the needs of the project by ANA.

Applicants are encouraged to request a legibly dated

receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service as proof of

timely mailing.

3. Grant Administrative Guidance

The application's Form 424 must be signed by the

applicant's representative authorized to act with full authority on

behalf of the applicant.

The Administration for Native Americans recommends that

the pages of the application be numbered sequentially and that a table

of contents and tabbing of the sections be provided. Simple

An application with an original signature and two

additional copies are required.

The Cover Page (included in the Kit) should be the first

page of an application, followed by the one-page abstract.

The applicant should specify the entire project period

length on the first page of the Form 424, Block 13, not the length of

the first budget period. Should the application propose one length of

project period and the Form 424 specify a conflicting length of project

period, ANA will consider the project period specified on the Form 424

as the request. ANA may negotiate a reduction of the project period.

The approved project period is shown on block 9 of a Financial

Assistance Award.

Line 15a of the Form 424 must specify the Federal funds

requested for the first Budget Period, not the entire project period.

Applicants may propose up to a 17 month project period

under Category I and up to a 36 month project period under Category II.

4. Projects or Activities That Generally Will not Meet the Purposes of

this Announcement

Core administration functions, or other activities, which

essentially support only the applicant's on-going administrative

functions.

Project goals which are not responsive to this program

announcement.

Proposals from consortia of tribes that are not specific

with regard to support from, and roles of, member tribes. ANA expects

an application from a consortium to have goals and objectives that will

create positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members.

Proposals from consortia of tribes should have individual objectives

which are related to the larger goal of the proposed project. Project

objectives may be tailored to each consortia member, but within the

context of a common goal for the consortia. In situations where both a

consortia of tribes and the tribes who belong to the consortia receive

ANA funding, ANA expects that consortia groups will not seek funding

that duplicates activities being conducted by their member tribes.

Projects that will not be completed, self-sustaining, or

supported by other than ANA funds, at the end of the project period.

Renovation or alteration unless it is essential for the

project. Renovation or alteration costs may not exceed the lesser of

$150,000 or 25 percent of the total direct costs approved for the

entire budget period.

Projects originated and designed by consultants who

provide a major role for themselves in the proposed project and are not

members of the applicant organization, tribe or village.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the

Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB) for review and approval any reporting and

[[Page 1484]]

record keeping requirements in regulations including program

announcements. This program announcement does not contain information

collection requirements beyond those approved for ANA grant

applications under the Program Narrative Statement by OMB.

J. Receipt of Applications

Applications must either be hand delivered or mailed to the address

in Section F, The Application Process: Application Submission. The

Administration for Native Americans cannot accommodate transmission of

applications by fax or through other electronic media. Therefore,

applications transmitted to ANA electronically will not be accepted

regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Videotapes and cassette tapes may not be included as part of a grant

application for panel review.

Applications and related materials postmarked after the closing

date will be classified as late.

1. Deadlines

Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an

announced deadline if they are either received on or before the

deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by

ACF in time for the independent review to: U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division

of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462,

Washington, D.C. 20447.

Applicants are cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S.

Postal Service postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a

commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered

postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant

couriers, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as

meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the

deadline date or postmarked on or before the deadline date, Monday

through Friday (excluding Federal holidays), between the hours of 8:00

am and 4:30 pm at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary

Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D

Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not

always deliver as agreed.)

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax

or through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted

to ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time

of submission and time of receipt.

No additional material will be accepted, or added to an

application, unless it is postmarked by the deadline date.

2. Late Applications

Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered

late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its

application will not be considered in the current competition.

3. Extension of Deadlines

Administration for Children and Families may extend an application

deadline for applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and

hurricanes, or when there is a widespread disruption of the mails. A

determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the

Chief Grants Management Officer.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbers: 93.612

Native American Programs; and 93.587 Promoting the Survival and

Continuing Vitality of Native American Languages)

Dated: December 31, 1997.

Gary N. Kimble,

Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.

[FR Doc. 98-583 Filed 1-8-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P