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 22, 1999

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. 93631-98-03]

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 1999 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 1999 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 23, 1999. 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 326F-HHH, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.

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 a.m.

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

Services, ACF/Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 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: Lois Hodge''. 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 that 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., Rm. 300F, Washington, DC 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, SW, Rm. 300F,

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 and which priority area, 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, Rm. 300F, 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

[[Page 39861]]

ADD promotes the achievement of these goals.

B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead

agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering

programs that 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 1999 Proposed Priority Areas

ADD received 46 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 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 that 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: Six letters were submitted to ADD recommending additional

or other funding priorities for FY 1999. Suggestions included projects

[[Page 39862]]

addressing: business opportunities; fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS);

welfare reform; postsecondary education; dissemination of information

on past PNS projects; and siblings.

Response: Increasing access to employment and postsecondary

education are closely interwined if individuals with developmental

disabilities are to be successfully included in their communities. ADD

continues to have an interest in these areas and is supportive in

various ways. Through a recent Small Business and Innovation Research

project (SBIR), a feasibility study was conducted to determine the

barriers and enhancers to self-operated home businesses for individuals

with developmental disabilities or families with a member having a

developmental disability and were receiving welfare assistance. The

Commissioner, staff, and some ADD programs are actively involved in the

President's Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities, which

includes postsecondary education and transitional issues. Additionally,

several of ADD's University-Affiliated Programs (UAPs) have undertaken

projects concerning employment and specifically postsecondary

education. For instance, the System Change Network, at the Iowa UAP, is

a public policy effort for the passage of laws expanding eligibility

for a state program supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities. Another

is the Georgia UAP working with the Georgia Association of Disabilities

Service Providers in Higher Education which is conducting research on

ADA awareness and information on selecting a postsecondary institution;

while the Mississippi UAP has initiated Project Advance: Postsecondary

Educational Opportunities for People with Disabilities having a focus

on African Americans and Native Americans.

Regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADD funded a joint project with

the Administration on Native Americans in the early 1990s. Many of our

UAPs are involved in this area; their activities range from research,

outreach, clinics, training, conference and teleconferencing support to

assessments. Under new systems change grants for family support

services funded by ADD families having children with FAS have a vital

role to play in the development or enhancement of their state's system.

The National Technical Assistance Center on Welfare Reform and

Disability at the University of Kansas is a currently funded project

under PNS. It is serving states, communities and stakeholders to

implement effective welfare reform; it tracks trends and practices;

reports through research summaries, and details best practices,

promising approaches and lessons learned. Its website is www.welfare-

policy.org. Another ADD project at Wayne State University is studying

the effects of welfare reform and children's health insurance on

families whose children have disabilities. Also, there are numerous

projects being funded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary on

Planning and Evaluation/HHS that have as their focus the effect of

welfare reform on people and families with disabilities.

ADD understands the importance of knowledge sharing and promotes

this effort in different ways. In all of our grant announcements it is

stated that ADD will expect to fund only those applications that

incorporate certain elements; one of those being the development of

capacity to communicate and disseminate information and technical

assistance through electronic and other effective, affordable, and

accessible formats. Within our website is a listing of current PNS

projects with contact information; other ADD programs can be contacted

by using the lists contained there. ADD's National Information Center

on Developmental Disabilities will list products and materials

available from our programs and grantees.

ADD recognizes the important role siblings can have in a family

when another sibling has a disability, especially a cognitive

disability. Often times we lose sight of the stresses, emotions, and

needs of these siblings when parents are distracted by the various

systems meant to serve their child. We are aware that many siblings

take on the role of the parents when parents are no longer able to do

so, or when they have passed away. For these reasons, ADD thinks this

issue should be encompassed within state family support service

systems. The development and growth of family support services is a

significant effort in this country and within ADD. The issues expressed

in the letters to ADD will sharpen our focus as we begin our effort to

implement new family support systems change projects. The energy and

feelings conveyed in these letters are valuable contributions that

should be made as these projects and other actions are undertaken by

the States to further family support services.

Comment: 10 comments were received on Proposed Priority Area 1,

Ongoing Data Collection and Information Dissemination. One letter of

comment included 91 letters of endorsement of the Project on Data on

Public Expenditures and Related Statistics. There were comments

addressing the scope, content quality, and dissemination of data

collection efforts. Other comments suggested specific studies on

employment, the prevention of institutionalization, and the impact of

various components of the service delivery system on people with

developmental disabilities. Some comments suggested that data be

collected at other than the state level.

There were two comments regarding inclusive education, one of which

endorsed such a study. The other letter commented that such a study

would further marginalize ``inclusive education'' as a part of special

education.

Response: ADD remains committed to collecting data on public

expenditures, employment and economic status, and residential services

as they impact on the independence, productivity, integration, and

inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Proposed data

collection systems will be evaluated for their scope, content, quality

and potential uses. Many issues concerned with employment, the

effectiveness of the service system, and inclusion will be addressed in

the data collection projects.

Although ADD does acknowledge that collecting data on an individual

basis and not from state records would be profitable, data collection

through any mechanism other than state agency records would not be

feasible in these projects.

Comment/Response: ADD received 8 comments on Proposed Priority Area

2, Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling to Attain First Class

Citizenship. ADD is committed to strengthening the leadership and self-

determination of individuals with developmental disabilities and family

members. We take seriously the continued growth of the self-advocacy

movement and have reflected this by incorporating some of the comments

in this priority area. We encourage partnerships between a self-

advocacy organization and another organization in submitting an

application. The comments provided some useful ideas that assisted in

clarifying some points and adding to others. Although we understand the

concerns of one of the commenters regarding travel stipends, ADD would

not be able to implement this initiative without the support of

Developmental Disability Councils and University Affiliated Programs,

(UAP) who did comment favorably in this matter. ADD doesn't think we

need to formalize a national network of leaders; we believe this will

occur as a natural outgrowth of this project, and that it is not

properly

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controlled by a federal agency. We expect that the knowledge and skills

gained through participation in the academy will provide the

interconnection between Federal and state systems thus strengthening

leadership abilities at the state level. Contributions at both levels

will be enhanced. The idea of sponsoring fellowships for academy

graduates, as suggested by another commenter, has merit and would be a

logical step; however, that step could be at least one year behind the

academy. Possibly the project could offer guidance for those

individuals who want to pursue this type of experience. ADD and the

developmental disabilities community must continue to strive for the

cultural diversity of our leadership. It is expected that the academy

will reflect this. ADD began a PNS leadership initiative in this area

in 1994 by funding four projects at the UAPs of Puerto Rico, Wisconsin

and Georgia, and People First of Tennessee. This was a first step in

developing new leadership from culturally diverse communities.

Comment: ADD received 8 comments in response to the Proposed

Priority Area 3, Reinventing Quality: Ensuring and Enhancing That

Community Living Settings and Services Are Responsive to People With

Developmental Disabilities. All expressed support for sponsoring more

work on the development of consumer outcome quality assurance systems.

The most detailed of the comments expressed concern, however, that the

proposed priority took too narrow a focus by calling for individual

demonstration projects using volunteers to assess the quality of

programs and services. These letters stated that there are many

programs around the country delivering consumer outcome-oriented

services as well as various efforts to establish new programs and

conduct consumer outcome quality assurance. Given the existence of

these efforts, the comment letters noted that there is a need to learn

more about the existing programs and to broadly disseminate the

findings. Comment letters suggested that the emphasis of this area be

broadened to a national level and designed more as an information

dissemination or technical assistance effort rather than individual

demonstration projects.

Response: In response to these comments, ADD has changed this

Proposed Priority Area to a best practices information dissemination

project which will be conducted as a cooperative agreement with ADD.

There are already various efforts within the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services to promote quality community-based long-term care

services such as developing a Primer to the Medicaid program which will

clarify long-term care options in Medicaid that promote consumer

responsive community-based long-term care and establishing a National

Consortium on Home and Community-Based Long-Term Care. This ADD project

will complement these efforts with a specific focus on services for

people with developmental disabilities. More specific information is

given in the revised Priority Area 3.

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 that 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 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

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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 that 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. Applicants should review the section on the Uniform Project

Description and the evaluation section under each priority area.

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 1999, 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 benefiting

Tribes and Native American organizations have been used to provide

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

Native American organization submitting an application to ADD, that

organization should identify the programs which will be providing the

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

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

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

Native Americans and the DHHS Office of General Counsel will assist ADD

in making this determination.

G. 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 required to submit a full project

description shall 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.

3. Objectives and need for assistance: Clearly identify the

physical, economic,

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social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a

solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the

principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly

stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and

testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be

included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be

included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate

demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In

developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be

requested to provide information on the total range of projects

currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of

which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.

4. Results or benefits expected: Identify the results and benefits

to be derived. For example, when applying for a grant to establish a

neighborhood child care center, describe who will occupy the facility,

who will use the facility, how the facility will be used, and how the

facility will benefit the community which it will serve.

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

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

functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors

which might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for

taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual

features of the project such as design or technological innovations,

reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community

involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the

accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. 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.

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.

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.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 1999 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 1999 Priority Area 1: Ongoing Data Collection and

Information Dissemination

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private nonprofit

organizations, institutions or agencies.

Purpose: Under this priority area, ADD will award grant funds

through a cooperative agreement which will collect data on public

expenditures, residential services, employment and economic status, and

other factors as they impact on the independence, productivity and

integration into the community of persons with developmental

disabilities. ADD is particularly interested in the maximum use of

existing data bases and in fostering the broadest dissemination to, and

use of, the data by consumers, families and advocacy audiences.

Background Information: In the 1990s the United States modified how

it provided certain financial assistance to citizens with and without

disabilities. In addition, changes were made in how the nation provided

enhanced employment opportunities. These changes included new

legislation such as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity

Reconciliation Act, the Work Incentives Improvement Act, and the

Workforce Investment Act. Another national trend of the past decade has

been the devolution of responsibility and authority for a variety of

social programs to state governments.

ADD is interested in the effect of these recent national

initiatives on people with developmental disabilities, both in terms of

whether they have been included in programs and whether participation

in these programs generate measurable outcomes for people with

developmental disabilities.

Examples of successful projects that ADD has funded include:

University of Minnesota: National Recurring Data Set Project on

Residential Services--Ongoing National and State-by-State Data

Collection and Policy/Impact Analysis on Residential Services for

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (Charles Lakin: 612/624-2097)

University of Illinois at Chicago: Fourth National Study of Public

Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Spending (David Braddock:

312/413-1647)

Boston Children's Hospital: Ongoing National Collection on Data and

Employment Services for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (Bill

Kiernan: 617/735-6506)

Examples of projects include activities that would:

Identify, collect and disseminate new data bases.

Modify, expand and/or reformulate existing data bases.

Connect, integrate or analyze available data bases.

Project and model the cost-benefit impact of alternative

future decisions based on the analysis of discrete programmatic options

in the areas of residential services and employment.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: Given its interest in

promoting the increased independence, productivity, and community

integration of people with

[[Page 39866]]

developmental disabilities in a cost-beneficial manner, ADD emphasizes

its desire to support projects that provide quantitative and

qualitative analysis in the following areas:

Trends in the movement of people with developmental

disabilities from institutional to community settings (especially

domiciles of their own) and the outcomes experienced by individuals

with disabilities who receive publicly funded residential services.

The impact of managed care plans on the delivery and

efficacy of residential and support services to individuals with

developmental disabilities, and on the relationship between Federal and

State governments.

The efficacy of various approaches to the full inclusion

of people with developmental disabilities in local community activities

where the majority of participants do not have a disability.

The employment status of people with developmental

disabilities on a state and national basis.

Employment models that accurately predict employment

outcomes of persons with developmental disabilities, and the systemic

factors that lead to integrated employment.

The inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in

nation-wide legislatively-mandated efforts to alleviate welfare and

unemployment.

The use of generic community resources versus the existing

special delivery system by people with developmental disabilities and

their families.

Any sampling techniques used as part of this analysis should be

broadly representative of persons with developmental disabilities of

working age on a national basis, including people with severe

disabilities. Quantitative data should provide statistical information

on current placement patterns and their cost as well as projections

regarding future placement options and associated costs. It is also

recognized that certain areas may be more appropriate for qualitative

analysis, although a summary of any quantitative data (if available)

should be included in the proposal.

All projects funded under this priority area must provide evidence

of the soundness of their proposed research methods and analytic

techniques. In addition, proposals should clearly delineate (via a

comprehensive literature review) data sets that are already in

existence, how these data sets will be incorporated into the research

design, and what new knowledge will be gained through the proposed

project.

All projects shall provide for the widespread distribution of their

products (reports, summary documents, audio-visual materials, and the

like) in accessible formats to a national audience consisting of, at a

minimum, people with developmental disabilities and their families,

advocacy groups, State Developmental Disabilities Councils, Protection

and Advocacy Systems, University Affiliated Programs, State Mental

Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities Directors, State Governor's

Offices, Federal agencies represented on the Interagency Committee on

Developmental Disabilities, as well as the Secretaries of Health and

Human Services and Education at the federal level.

The application should also respond to the following:

Describe the physical setting, the administrative and

organizational structure within which the program will function, and

internal and external organizational relationships relevant to this

project. Charts outlining these relationships, and any formal

agreements defining them, should be included in the appendices.

Describe staff, space, equipment, research facilities, and

other supports available to carry out the program.

Describe briefly how the additional resources sought to

accomplish the purposes of this effort will be integrated into and

augmented by other resources available or accessible by the applicant.

Develop and implement an evaluation process to ensure that

systematic, objective information is available about the utilization

and effectiveness of the products of this project. Specific outcomes

must be built into the project for evaluation. The evaluation should be

performed by an independent evaluator.

Applications should also include provisions for the travel of two

key personnel during the first and last year of the project to

Washington, DC for a one day meeting with ADD staff.

In addition to the three national data projects, ADD is interested

in a separate analysis of state-level supports and services for people

who have disabilities and, within this population, people who have

developmental disabilities. For this reason the recipient of the grant

award to collect data on public expenditures will be provided

additional funding to conduct a study focusing on state funding of

human services programs for people with disabilities as compared to

funding of programs for people with developmental disabilities. The

analysis could be a nation-wide comparison of states or involve a

selection of states. The study would not involve income maintenance

programs but would include state expenditures for supports and services

relating to housing, medical care, employment or vocational training,

transportation, education including efforts to enhance inclusive

education, and personal assistants and other supports for independent

living. ADD anticipates that the activity will be a duration of 12

months.

As noted earlier, the award will be made as a cooperative

agreement. While an organization receiving an award will not be

conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardee will work

cooperatively in the development and implementation of the project's

agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees

will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the

projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing

and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly

participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific

issue areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing

consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being

addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to

awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and

information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between

ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be

developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.

Project Duration: This announcement solicits applications for

project periods of up to five years. Awards on a competitive basis will

be for one-year budget periods, although project periods may be for

five years. Applications for continuation grants funded under this

priority beyond the one-year budget period, but within the five-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 interest of the Government.

Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be used to

review and evaluate each application under this announcement. Each of

these criteria 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,

[[Page 39867]]

General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description. Additional

information that must be addressed is described below.

Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

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.

Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

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 is reasonable in view of

the expected results.

Criterion 3: Approach (35 Points)

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.

Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 Points)

The application identifies the background of the project director/

principal investigator and key project staff (including name, address,

training, educational background and other qualifying experience) and

the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's

ability to effectively and efficiently administer this project. The

application describes the relationship between this project and other

work planned, anticipated or under way by the applicant which is being

supported by Federal assistance.

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.

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 $200,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a maximum of

$1,000,000 for a 5-year project period. The maximum Federal share for

the additional study of state-level supports and services is not to

exceed $100,000 for a 12-month budget 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. Cash or in-kind contributions may meet

the non-Federal share, although applicants are encouraged to meet their

match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project

requesting $200,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $200,000 per

budget period) must include a match of at least $66,666 (the total

project cost is $266,666, of which $66,666 is 25%).

Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that

at least three data collection projects will be funded.

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 1999 Priority Area 2: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling to

Attain First Class Citizenship

Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private nonprofit

organizations, institutions or agencies, including a consortia of some

or all of the above.

Purpose: To provide experiential learning opportunities at the

national level for experienced state leaders who are adults with

developmental disabilities and family members of children with

developmental disabilities gain the necessary knowledge and skills to

shape and guide the implementation of Federal and state policies,

practices and approaches which enhance their own self determination.

Specifically, this project would seek to strengthen and expand national

leadership for the 21st Century by and for people with developmental

disabilities and families of children with disabilities. To address

this set of challenges and opportunities, ADD proposes to fund a

national policy training academy by issuing an award through the

instrument of a cooperative agreement.

Background Information: The May 1998 publication of the

``Disability Statistics Abstract'' reports that the 1994 Harris poll of

Americans with Disabilities indicated that 63 per cent of respondents

said their quality of life had improved during the previous four years.

However, trend data show only slow improvements in the lives of people

with disabilities as measured by such things as more opportunities for

employment and improved economic status, greater freedom of movement

and ease of access, and increased levels of social integration.

In the release of its 1998 progress report on the status of

disability policy, the National Council on Disability stated that ``The

country continues to move forward, however the rate of progress is

slower and less steady than many in the disability community had hoped

when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990.

Federal policy remains rife with inconsistent messages and unrealistic

requirements for people with disabilities who rely on federal programs

like Social Security disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation,

Medicaid, Medicare, special education, and Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families (TANF). In addition, the backlash against civil rights

for children and adults with disabilities continues to motivate

attempts to weaken laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA) and ADA.''

Through Projects of National Significance, in particular, ADD has

assisted its grantees in developing and replicating a variety of

innovative and successful approaches to increased leadership

development and self-determination among people with significant

disabilities and their families. Most notably, this has taken the form

of early and formative support of such endeavors as Partners in

Policymaking, the active participation of families of children with

disabilities in the design and implementation of State family support

policies and programs, the Home of Your Own initiative, personal

assistance system change projects and targeted leadership efforts

[[Page 39868]]

among people of color who have developmental disabilities.

ADD's programs are State-based, and so are systems that serve

Americans with developmental disabilities. In fact, data measuring the

delivery of services and supports to people with developmental

disabilities and their families show little comparability from State to

State. To respond to State flexibility, devolution, and States' ongoing

needs for input from stakeholders, DD network programs in most States

provide some form of training or leadership development to people with

developmental disabilities and their families. Many people have been

trained to interact effectively on their own behalf with State systems

designed to serve them, and with State policymakers.

However, some issues, problems, programs and systems are inherently

national (such as civil rights) or are national in scope (such as the

design of federal systems including entitlements). ADD believes that

devolution will increase, not decrease the demand for national

stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD expects this project

will be an equal partnership between people with developmental

disabilities and family members and advocates.

To be considered seriously for funding applicants must address the

following elements:

Building a leadership network of adults with developmental

disabilities and family members.

Developing systemic strategies for identifying, involving,

supporting, and advancing grassroots leaders who live with

developmental disabilities, especially self-advocates and family

members of children with developmental disabilities.

Disseminating best practices, curricula, guides, and

informational materials on self-determination and leadership

development especially those that have been adapted for individuals

with cognitive disabilities.

Providing experiential learning opportunities that will

enable individuals to acquire and deepen their knowledge and skills in

the areas of: (1) The operations of the legislative and executive

branches; (2) the programs and processes of significant federal

agencies; (3) the art of effective communication; (4) the analysis of

current or new proposals, policies, guidelines, approaches, or

regulations; (5) effective strategies to monitor and evaluate current

and proposed oversight and enforcement activities of Federal and state

agencies; (6) negotiation techniques; (7) the capacity of computer

technology as a communication tool; (8) the resources of national

advocacy organizations; (9) grant writing and reviewing; (10) using and

influencing research and data collection, and making data-based

arguments; and (11) the development of non-profit organizations.

A selection process for participants using the following

criteria: (a) Representation of various developmental disabilities,

particularly cognitive disabilities; (b) distinguished graduates of

State-based training programs including Leadership Today and Partners-

type projects, that are experienced, thoughtful, and responsible

advocates as a result of these State-based training programs; (c) a

range of age; (d) racial and ethnic diversity.

It is highly recommended to ensure the appropriateness and

understanding of materials and various teaching styles that self-

advocates are involved in the design of the training. In regard to

sponsorships by Developmental Disability Councils and UAPs, ADD

contemplates that up to two individuals from a state might be given a

stipend to cover expenses related to attending the Academy. It is

estimated that $10,000 per state, depending on the number of

individuals sponsored (not on the state's proximity to Washington,

D.C.), would be an appropriate amount. In selecting these individuals,

ADD would expect the above criteria to be used and that half of the

participants should be self-advocates.

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

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 developmental or severe 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 (29 U.S.C.

794).

Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.

Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate

information and technical assistance through electronic and other

effective, affordable, and accessible formats of communication.

Development and establishment of practices and programs

beyond project period.

Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and

strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan

describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well

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

and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/

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

network.

Applications should also include provisions for the travel of two

key personnel during the first and last year of the project to

Washington, DC for a one day meeting with ADD staff.

As noted earlier, the award will be made as a cooperative

agreement. While an organization receiving an award will not be

conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardee will work

cooperatively in the development and implementation of the project's

agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardee

will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the

project. The awardee will have the primary responsibility for

developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will

jointly participate with the awardee in such activities as clarifying

the specific issue areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and

ongoing consultation, sharing with awardee its knowledge of the issues

being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to

awardee about the usefulness to the field of written products and

information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between

ADD and awardee will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be

developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.

Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be used to

review and evaluate each application under this announcement. Each of

these criterion should be addressed in the project description section

of the application. The point values indicate the maximum

[[Page 39869]]

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. Additional information that must be

addressed is described below.