Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial Assistance

Federal RegisterAug 17, 1999

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

anticipated availability of fiscal year 2000 funds in three competitive

areas:

(1) Governance and social and economic development;

(2) Governance and social and economic development for Alaska

Native entities; and

(3) Environmental regulatory enhancement.

Financial assistance provided by ANA in support of projects in

these three areas is intended to promote the goal of self-sufficiency

for Native Americans.

APPLICATION KIT: Application kits are approved by the Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) under control number 0980-0204, which

expires August 31, 1999. ANA has asked OMB for a six month extension to

use the kit while a new version is developed, reviewed and approved. We

anticipate that the new kit will be available in January 2000. The

current application kit remains valid and contains the necessary forms

and instructions to apply for a grant under this program announcement.

Application kits may be obtained from ANA training and technical

assistance providers. ANA employs contractors to provide short-term

training and technical assistance (T/TA) to eligible applicants. T/TA

is available under these contracts for a wide range of needs, however,

the contractors are not authorized to write applications. The T/TA is

provided at no cost.

To obtain an application kit and/or, training and technical

assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate T/TA

provider within the appropriate service area. If you do not know the

identity of the contractor currently serving the region you are located

in, you may identify the contractor by calling: Administration for

Native Americans, Applicant Help Desk, 202-690-7776; or visit ANA's web

site listing of current providers at: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/.

The ANA providers serve six areas divided as follows:

Area 1, Eastern serves federally recognized Tribes in AL, AR, CT,

DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NJ,

NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI and WV.

Area 2, Central federally recognized Tribes in AZ, CO, IA, KA, ND,

NE, NE, NM, MO, MT, OK, SD, UT, WY, NV, ID and TX.

Area 3, Western serves federally recognized Tribes in CA, OR and

WA.

Area 4, Alaska serves all eligible applicants in AK.

Area 5, Pacific serves all eligible applicants in Hawaii (HI) and

the Pacific Islands of AS (American Samoa), GU (Guam), MP (Northern

Mariana Islands) and PW (Palau).

Area 6, National serves all eligible applicants on the mainland

United States not served by providers for areas 1 through 5. This

includes non-federally recognized Tribes, Urban Indians, off-

reservation rural Indian communities, Native Americans served through

non-federally recognized urban and consortia arrangements and

Organizations serving Native Hawaiians and Pacific Island Natives on

the Mainland.

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/.

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 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction and Purpose

The purpose of this program announcement is to announce the

anticipated availability of fiscal year 2000 funds, authorized under

the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (Act), as amended, to promote

the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American Indians,

Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders

in three competitive areas. Funding authorization is provided under

sections 803(a), and 803(d) of the Native American Programs Act of

1974, as amended (Public Law 93-644, 88 Stat. 2324, 42 U.S.C. 2991b).

The Indian Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Act of 1990 (Public

Law 101-408) authorizes financial assistance for projects to address

environmental regulatory concerns (Section 803(d) of the Native

American Programs Act of 1974, as amended).

The Administration for Native Americans assists eligible applicants

for the three competitive areas to undertake 12 to 36 month development

projects that are part of long-range comprehensive plans to move toward

governance, social, and/or economic self-sufficiency.

In order to streamline the application process for eligible

applicants under three competitive areas, ANA is issuing a single

program announcement for fiscal year 2000 funds. Information regarding

ANA's mission, policy, goals, application requirements, review criteria

and closing dates for all three competitive areas are included in this

announcement.

The Administration for Native Americans promotes the goal of self-

sufficiency in Native American communities primarily through Social and

Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) projects. The Native American

Programs Act also authorizes ANA to establish an additional program for

environmental regulatory enhancement.

This program announcement is being issued in anticipation of the

appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2000 and the availability of

funds for the three competitive areas is contingent upon sufficient

final appropriations. Proposed projects will be reviewed on a

competitive basis against the specific evaluation criteria presented

under each competitive area in this announcement.

ANA continues a variety of requirements directed towards enforcing

its policy that an eligible grant recipient may only have one active

ANA grant awarded from a competitive area at any time. Therefore, while

eligible applicants may compete for a grant in each of the three

competitive areas, an applicant may only submit one application per

competitive area and no applicant may receive more than one grant in

each competitive area, including any existing ANA grant. Also, an

Alaska Native entity may not submit an application under both

Competitive Areas 1 and 2 for the May closing date. Alaska Native

entities may receive a grant under either competitive area 1 or 2, but

not under both. All applicants must clearly demonstrate a plan for an

employee fringe benefit package which includes an employee retirement

plan

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benefit, and the funding of travel for key personnel to attend post-

award grant management and administration training sponsored by ANA.

Before receiving a grant, every successful applicant will be

required to commit in writing to, and budget for an employee retirement

fringe benefit that meets the standards found in the budget evaluation

criteria within this announcement.

New for fiscal year 2000, to foster goals under the Executive Order

on tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCUs), TCUs may now

independently apply for an ANA grant without impacting eligibility of

the Tribe to apply. Previously, only one application was accepted,

either from the Tribe or the TCU. Now both the Tribe and TCU may

compete for and receive ANA grants at the same time, in the same

program(s).

This program announcement consists of three parts.

Part I. ANA Policy and Goals

Provides general information about ANA's policies and goals for

the three competitive areas. This section contains information

pertaining to all applicants.

Part II. ANA Competitive Areas

Describes the three competitive areas under which ANA is

requesting applications:

Area 1: Governance, Social and Economic Development

(SEDS);

Area 2: Governance, Social and Economic Development

(SEDS) for Alaska Native entities;

Area 3: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement.

Each competitive area includes the following sections which

provide information to be used to develop an application:

A Purpose and Availability of Funds

B Background

C Proposed Projects To Be Funded

D Eligible Applicants

E Grantee Share of the Project

F Review Criteria

G Application Due Date(s)

H Contact Information

Part III. General Application Information and Guidance

Provides important information and guidance that applies to all

three competitive areas and that must be taken into account in

developing an application for any of the three areas.

A Definitions

B Activities That Cannot Be Funded

C Multi-Year Projects

D Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

E The Application Process

F The Review Process

G General Guidance to Applicants

H Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

I Receipt of Applications

PART I--ANA Policy and Goals

The mission of the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is to

promote the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American

Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American

Pacific Islanders.

The Administration for Native Americans believes that a Native

American community is self-sufficient when it can generate and control

the resources necessary to meet its social and economic goals, and the

needs of its members.

The Administration for Native Americans also believes that the

responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency resides with the

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

leadership of Native American groups. A community's progress toward

self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and direct

resources in a comprehensive manner which is consistent with its

established long-range goals.

The Administration for Native Americans' policy is based on three

interrelated goals:

1. Governance: To assist tribal and Alaska Native village

governments, Native American institutions, and local leadership to

exercise local control and decision-making over their resources.

2. Economic Development: To foster the development of stable,

diversified local economies and economic activities which will provide

jobs and promote economic well-being.

3. Social Development: To support local access to, control of, and

coordination of services and programs which safeguard the health, well-

being and culture of people, provide support services and training so

people can work, and which are essential to a thriving and self-

sufficient community.

Applicants must comply with certain of the following administrative

policies:

Current grantees whose grant project period extends beyond

September 30, 2000, or who have requested an extension of the grant

project beyond that date, are not eligible to apply for a grant under

the same program area. Current SEDS or Alaska-specific SEDS grantees

with project periods beyond September 30, 2000, may not compete for

additional SEDS or Alaska-specific SEDS grants. Current Indian

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement grantees with project periods

beyond September 30, 2000, may not compete for additional Indian

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement grants.

Applicants for any competitive area may propose 12 to 36

month projects.

Applicants must describe a locally-determined strategy to

carry out a proposed project with fundable objectives and activities.

Local long-range planning must consider the maximum use of

all available resources, how the resources will be directed to

development opportunities, and present a strategy for overcoming the

local issues that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the

community.

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 both for the current

competition and for the duration of the approved grant period, should

the application be funded.

If a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native village

chooses not to apply, it may support another applicant's project (e.g.,

a tribal organization) which serves or impacts their reservation. In

this case, the applicant must include a Tribal resolution which clearly

demonstrates the Tribe's approval 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

both for the current competition and for the duration of the approved

grant period, should the application be funded.

An applicant may submit a separate application under any

of the competitive areas, as long as the applicant meets the

eligibility requirements. However, for the May closing, applications

for SEDS grants from Alaska Native entities may be submitted under

either Competitive Area 1 or Competitive Area 2, but not both.

Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one

application which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native

American community.

Any non-profit organization submitting an application must

submit proof of its non-profit status in the 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

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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.

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

Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans

or Alaska, 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 the requirement in the regulations

for a Board representative of the community, applicants should provide

information establishing that at least 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.

Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are

cautioned that the Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS

determinations of non-profit status; therefore, articles of

incorporation approved by the Samoan government do not establish non-

profit status for these organizations for the purpose of eligibility

for ANA funds.

Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total

approved cost of the project; i.e., the sum of the Federal share and

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

kind contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal

funds must include a match of at least $25,000 (20% of the total

$125,000 project cost).

As per 45 CFR Part 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.''

In addition it may include other Federal funding sources where

legislation or regulations authorize using specific types of funds for

match and provided the source relates to the ANA project; examples

follow:

Indian Child Welfare funds, through the Department of

Interior;

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds,

through the Department of Interior and the Department of Health and

Human Services; and

Community Development Block Grant funds, through the

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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.

Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, 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 matching funds under $200,000 (including

in-kind contributions). Therefore, for the ANA grants under these

announced programs, no match is required for grants to these insular

areas.

Part II--ANA Competitive Areas

The three competitive areas under this Part describe ANA's funding

authorities, priorities, special initiatives, special application

requirements, and review criteria. The standard requirements necessary

for each application, as well as standard ANA program guidance and

technical guidance are described in Part III of this announcement.

ANA Competitive Area 1. Social and Economic Development Strategies

(SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

This competitive area promotes the goal of social and economic

self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native

Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders through locally

developed social and economic development strategies (SEDS).

Approximately $14 million of financial assistance is anticipated to

be available under this priority area for governance, social and

economic development projects. ANA anticipates awarding approximately

120 competitive grants ranging from $30,000 to $1,000,000.

B. Background

ANA assists tribal and village governments, and Native American

organizations, in their efforts to develop and implement community-

based, long-term governance, social and economic development strategies

(SEDS). These strategies must promote the goal of self-sufficiency in

local communities.

The SEDS approach is based on ANA's program goals and incorporates

two fundamental principles:

1. The local community and its leadership are responsible for

determining goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing

programs aimed at achieving those goals. The local community is in the

best position to apply its own cultural, political, and socio-economic

values to its long-term strategies and programs.

2. Governance and social and economic development are interrelated.

In order to move toward self-sufficiency, development in one area

should be balanced with development in the others. Consequently,

comprehensive development strategies should address all aspects of the

governmental, economic, and social infrastructures needed to promote

self-sufficient communities.

ANA's SEDS policy uses the following definitions:

``Governmental infrastructure'' includes the

constitutional, legal, and administrative development requisite for

independent governance.

``Economic infrastructure'' includes the physical,

commercial, industrial and/or agricultural components necessary for a

functioning local economy which supports the life-style embraced by the

Native American community.

``Social infrastructure'' includes those components

through which health, economic well-being and culture are maintained

within the community and that support governance and economic goals.

These definitions should be kept in mind as a local social and

economic development strategy is developed as part of a grant

application.

A community's movement toward self-sufficiency could be jeopardized

if a careful balance between governmental, economic and social

development is not maintained. For example, expansion of social

services, without providing opportunities for employment and economic

development, could lead to dependency on social services.

Conversely, inadequate support services and training could

seriously impede productivity and local economic development.

Additionally, the necessary infrastructures must be developed or

expanded at the community level to support social and economic

development and growth. In

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designing their social and economic development strategies, ANA

encourages an applicant to use or leverage all available human,

natural, financial, and physical resources.

ANA encourages the development and maintenance of comprehensive

strategic plans which are an integral part of attaining and supporting

the balance necessary for successful activities that lead to self-

sufficiency.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

This section provides descriptions of activities which are

consistent with the SEDS philosophy. Proposed activities should be

tailored to reflect the governance, social and economic development

needs of the local community and should be consistent and supportive of

the proposed project objectives. The types of projects which ANA may

fund include, but are not limited to, the following:

Governance

Improvements in the governmental, judicial and/or

administrative infrastructures of tribal and village governments (such

as strengthening or streamlining management procedures or the

development of tribal court systems);

Increasing the ability of tribes, villages, and Native

American groups and organizations to plan, develop, and administer a

comprehensive program to support community social and economic self-

sufficiency (including strategic planning);

Increasing awareness of and exercising the legal rights

and benefits to which Native Americans are entitled, either by virtue

of treaties, the Federal trust relationship, legislative authority,

executive orders, administrative and court decisions, or as citizens of

a particular state, territory, of the United States;

Status clarification activities for Native groups seeking

Federal or State tribal recognition, such as performing research or any

other function necessary to submit a petition for Federal

acknowledgment or in response to any obvious deficiencies cited by the

Bureau of Acknowledgment and Research (BAR), Department of Interior, in

a petition from a Native group seeking Federal recognition; and

Development of and/or amendments to tribal constitutions,

court procedures and functions, by-laws or codes, and council or

executive branch duties and functions.

Economic Development

Development of a community economic infrastructure that

will result in businesses, jobs, and an economic support structure;

Establishment or expansion of businesses and jobs in areas

such as tourism, specialty agriculture, light and/or heavy

manufacturing, technology, fabrication and construction companies,

housing and fisheries or aqua-culture

Stabilizing and diversifying a Native community's economic

base through business development ventures.

Social Development

Enhancing tribal capabilities to design or administer

programs aimed at strengthening the social environment desired by the

local community;

Developing local and intertribal models related to

comprehensive planning and delivery of services;

Developing programs or activities to preserve and enhance

tribal heritage and culture; and

Establishing programs which involve extended families or

tribal societies in activities that strengthen cultural identity and

promote community development or self-esteem.

Other SEDS Relationships. ANA encourages projects designed to use

the SEDS approach to help achieve current priorities of the

Administration for Children and Families which are to:

Address welfare reform initiatives such as moving families

to work.

Help ensure child support from both parents.

Create access to affordable child care for low income

working families.

Reach children earlier to promote full development,

including links to Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Care.

Help enroll children in quality Head Start and prepare

them to be ready to learn.

Provide safety, permanency and well-being for children and

double the number of adoptions from the public child welfare system.

D. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply under this

competitive area:

Federally recognized Indian Tribes;

Consortia of Indian Tribes;

Incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes;

Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based

Indian organizations;

Urban Indian Centers;

National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native

American organizations with Native American community-specific

objectives;

Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native

Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;

Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose

community-based organizations;

Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations

in Alaska with village specific projects;

Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village

specific projects;

Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native

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

the continental United States);

Public and nonprofit 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); and

Tribally controlled community colleges, Tribally

controlled cost-secondary vocational institutions, and Native

controlled colleges and universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American

Samoa, Palau, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which

serve Native American Pacific Islanders.

Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal

governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or traditional Councils) as

recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Further information on eligibility requirements is presented in

Part I, ANA Policy and Goals. Some important policies found in Part I

are highlighted as follows:

Current ANA SEDS grantees whose grant project period ends on or

before September 30, 2000 are eligible to apply for a grant award under

this program announcement. The Project Period is noted in Block 9 of

the ``Financial Assistance Award'' document. Applicants for new grants

may not have a pending request to extend their existing grant beyond

September 30, 2000.

Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit

proof of its non-profit status in the 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.

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

government, is proposing a project benefitting Native Americans or

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 the requirement

in the regulations for a Board representative of the community

applicants should provide information establishing that at least 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. A list of board

members with this information including Tribal or Village affiliation,

is one of the most suitable approaches for demonstrating compliance

with this requirement.

Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one application

which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native American

community except that a tribally controlled college or university (TCU)

may apply in addition to the Tribe. If a federally recognized Tribe or

Alaska Native village chooses not to apply, it may support another

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

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

Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's approval 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 both for the current competition and 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; i.e. the sum of the Federal share and the non-

Federal share. Further information on this requirement is presented in

Part I, ANA Policy and Goals.

F. Review Criteria

A proposed project should reflect the purposes of ANA's SEDS policy

and program goals described in the Background section of this

competitive area; include a social and economic development strategy

which reflects the needs and specific circumstances of the local

community; and address the specific developmental steps that the tribe

or Native American community is undertaking toward self-sufficiency.

The evaluation criteria are closely related to each other and are

considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.

Points are awarded only to applications which are responsive to this

competitive area and these criteria. Proposed projects will be reviewed

on a competitive basis using the following evaluation criteria:

(1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources (15 Points)

(a) The application describes the long-range goals and strategy,

including:

How specific social, governance and economic long-range

community goals relate to the proposed project and strategy;

How the community intends to achieve these goals;

The relationship between the long-range goals and the

applicant's comprehensive community social and economic development

plan. (Inclusion of the community's entire development plan is not

necessary); and

A clearly delineated social and economic development

strategy (SEDS).

In discussing their community-based, long-range goals, and

the objectives for the proposed projects, non-Federally recognized and

off-reservation groups must include a description of what constitutes

their specific community.

The application identifies and documents pre-existing and planned

involvement and support of the community in the planning process and

implementation of the proposed project. The type of community you serve

and nature of the proposal being made, will influence the type of

documentation necessary. For example, a Tribe may choose to address

this requirement by submitting a resolution stating that community

involvement has occurred in the project planning or may determine that

additional community support work is necessary.

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 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 define their membership and

describe how the organization operates.

(b) 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 of commitment of

resources, not merely letters of support. ``Letters of commitment'' are

binding when they specifically state the nature, the amount, and

conditions under which another agency or organization will support a

project funded with ANA funds. ``Letters of support'' merely express

another organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support

letters are not binding commitment letters or do not factually

establish the authenticity of other resources and do not offer or bind

specific resources to the project.

For example, a letter from another Federal agency or foundation

pledging a commitment of $200,000 in construction funding to complement

proposed ANA funded pre-construction activity is evidence of a firm

funding commitment. These resources may be human, natural or financial,

and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements

that additional funding will be sought from other specific sources are

not considered a binding commitment of outside resources and therefore

carry less significance.

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.

(2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (10 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 demonstrated. The application clearly shows the

successful management of projects of similar scope by the organization,

and/or by the individuals 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

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in the Objective Work Plan and in the proposed budget. Position

descriptions very clearly describe each position and its duties and

clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve the

project objectives. Resumes and/or proposed position descriptions

demonstrate that the proposed staff are or will be qualified to carry

out the project 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.

(3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities (45 Points)

The application proposes specific project Objective Work Plan(s)

with activities related to each specific objective.

The Objective Work Plan(s) in the application includes project

objectives and activities for each budget period proposed and

demonstrates that each of the objectives and its activities:

Is measurable and/or quantifiable in terms of results or

outcomes;

Supports the community's social and economic development

strategy;

Clearly relates to the community's long-range goals;

Can be accomplished with the available or expected

resources during the proposed project period;

Indicates when the objective, and major activities under

each objective, will be accomplished;

Specifies who will conduct the activities under each

objective; and

Supports a project that will be completed, self-

sustaining, or financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the

project period.

(4) Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

Completion of the proposed objectives will result in specific,

measurable results. The application shows how the expected results will

help the community meet its long-range goals. The specific information

provided in the narrative and objective work plans on expected results

or benefits for each objective is the standard upon which its

achievement can be evaluated at the end of each budget year.

(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. Applicants from American Samoa, Guam, and the

Northern Mariana Islands are not required to provide a 20% match for

the non-Federal share since the level of funding available for the

planned ANA grants would not invoke a required match for grants to

these insular areas. Therefore, applicants from these insular areas may

not have points reduced for the lack of matching funds. They are,

however, expected to coordinate and organize the delivery of any non-

ANA resources they propose for the project, as are all ANA applicants.

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.

Includes sufficient funds for principal representatives

from the applicant organization to travel to one post-award grant

training and technical assistance conference. This travel and training

should occur as soon as practical.

For business development projects, the proposal

demonstrates that the expected return on the funds used to develop the

project provides a reasonable operating income and return within a

future specified time frame.

Includes an employee fringe benefit budget that provides

grant-funded employees with a qualified, self-directed, portable

retirement plan in addition to Social Security. The applicant must

provide a retirement plan fringe benefit for grant funded employees

salaries of five (5) percent.

ANA considers a retirement plan to be a necessary, reasonable and

allowable cost in accordance with OMB rules. Minimum standards for an

acceptable retirement fringe benefit plan are:

The plan must be ``qualified'', i.e., approved by the

Internal Revenue Service to receive special tax-favored treatment.

The plan exists for the exclusive benefit of the

participants; funds are to be used for retirement and certain other

pre-retirement needs, not for the organization's needs.

The plan must have a vesting schedule that does not exceed

the initial budget period of the ANA grant.

The plan must be a 401(k) for people who work in

corporations or 403(b) plan for people who work for not-for-profit

organizations. An alternate proposal may be submitted for review and

approval during grant award negotiations. Alternate proposals may

include the use of Individual Retirement Accounts, Money Purchase

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Combination Plans, etc.

In no case will a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, e.g.,

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERPs) or Executive Bonus Plan

be accepted.

G. Application Due Dates

The closing dates for submission of applications under this

competitive area are: October 8, 1999, January 28, 2000 and May 5,

2000.

H. Contact Information

Contact the ANA Applicant Help Desk at 202-690-7776 for assistance.

Competitive Area 2. Alaska-Specific Social and Economic Development

Strategies (SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

This competitive area funds Alaska Native social and economic

development projects. Approximately $1.5 million of financial

assistance is anticipated to be available for Alaska Native governance,

social and economic development projects.

ANA plans to award approximately 15-18 grants under this

competitive area. For individual village projects, the funding level

for a budget period of 12 months will be up to $100,000; for regional

nonprofit and village consortia, the funding level for a budget period

of 12 months will be up to $150,000, commensurate with approved multi-

village objectives.

B. Background

Based on the three ANA goals described in Part I, ANA implemented a

special Alaska social and economic development initiative in fiscal

year 1984. This special effort was designed to provide financial

assistance at the village level or for village-specific projects aimed

at improving a village's governance capabilities and for social and

economic development.

This competitive area continues to implement this special

initiative. ANA believes both the nonprofit and for-profit corporations

in Alaska can play an important supportive role in assisting individual

villages to develop and implement their own locally determined

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strategies which capitalize on opportunities afforded to Alaska Natives

under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Public Law 92-

203.

While the Administration for Native Americans does not fund

objectives or activities for the core administration of an

organization. ANA will consider funding core administrative capacity

building projects at the village government level if the village does

not have governing systems in place.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

Examples of the types of projects that ANA may fund include, but

are not limited to, projects that will:

Governance

Initiate demonstration programs at the regional level to

allow Native people to become involved in developing strategies to

maintain and develop their economic subsistence base;

Assist villages in developing land use capabilities and

skills in the areas of land and natural resource management and

protection, resource assessment and conducting environmental impact

studies;

Assist village consortia in the development of tribal

constitutions, ordinances, codes and tribal court systems;

Develop agreements between the State and villages that

transfer programs jurisdictions, and/or control to Native entities;

Strengthen village government control of land management,

including land protection, through coordination of land use planning

with village corporations and cities, if appropriate;

Assist in status clarification activities;

Initiate village level mergers between village councils,

village corporations and others to coordinate programs and services

which safeguard the health, well being and culture of a community and

its people;

Strengthen local governance capabilities through the

development of village consortia and regional IRAs (Indian

Reorganization Act councils organized under the Indian Reorganization

Act, 25 U.S.C. 473a);

Assist villages in preparing and coordinating plans for

the development and/or improvement of water and sewer systems within

the village boundaries;

Assist villages in establishing initiatives through which

youth may participate in the governance of the community and be trained

to assume leadership roles in village governments; and

Consider strategies and plans to protect against, monitor,

and assist when catastrophic events occur, such as oil spills or

earthquakes.

Economic Development

Assist villages in developing businesses and industries

which: (1) use local materials; (2) create jobs for Alaska Natives; (3)

are capable of high productivity at a small scale of operation; and (4)

complement traditional and necessary seasonal activities;

Substantially increase and strengthen efforts to establish

and improve the village and regional infrastructure and the

capabilities to develop and manage resources in a highly competitive

cash-economy system;

Assist villages, or consortia of villages, in developing

subsistence compatible industries that will retain local dollars in

villages;

Assist in the establishment or expansion of native-

businesses; and

Assist villages in labor export; i.e., people leaving the

local communities for seasonal work and returning to their communities.

Social Development

Assist in developing training and education programs for

local jobs in education, government, and health-related fields; and

work with these agencies to encourage job replacement of non-Natives by

trained Natives;

Develop local models related to comprehensive planning and

delivery of social services;

Develop new service programs, initially established with

ANA funds, which will be funded by local communities or the private

sector for continued operation after the ANA grant expires.

Develop or coordinate with State-funded projects,

activities designed to decrease the incidence of child abuse and

neglect, fetal alcohol syndrome, and/or suicides;

Assist in obtaining licenses to provide housing or related

services from State or local governments; and

Develop businesses to provide relief for caretakers

needing respite from human service-related care work.