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Funding Opportunity: Analysis of NSCAW data

To: child-maltreatment-research-l@xxxxxxxxxxx (Child-Maltreatment-Research-L), nscaw-L@xxxxxxxxxxx (NSCAW-L)
Subject: Funding Opportunity: Analysis of NSCAW data
From: "Elliott G. Smith" <egs1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 09:58:31 -0400
Reply-To: NSCAW-L@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sender: owner-NSCAW-L@xxxxxxxxxxx

Hi everyone,

The following funding opportunity was announced in today's Federal Register. The Office for Planning, Research, and Evaluation is funding projects for secondary analysis of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW).

You can download the .pdf file from the following site:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-12157.pdf

Thanks,
Elliott Smith

*********************************
[Federal Register: June 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 118)]
[Notices]
[Page 35670-35678]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jn05-85]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation; Secondary Analysis
of Data From the National Survey of Child Abuse and Neglect

Funding Opportunity Title: Secondary Analysis of Data from the
National Survey of Child Abuse and Neglect (NSCAW).
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-PH-0095.
CFDA Number: 93.647.
Due Date For Letter of Intent or Preapplications: Three weeks prior
to due date.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 5, 2005.
Executive Summary: Funds are available to support grants for
secondary analysis of data available from the National Survey on Child
and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). NSCAW provides longitudinal data
from multiple informants on the functioning, well-being, and services
provided to a national probability sample of children and families who
come into contact with the child welfare system through an
investigation of child maltreatment. Data are available through
licensing agreements from the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and
Neglect at Cornell University (<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu>http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu).

Applicants' planned analyses should be designed to advance the state of
knowledge in child maltreatment, child welfare services, child and
family services, and/or child development for high risk children.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose

The purpose of this priority area is to announce the availability
of funds to support grants for secondary analysis of data available
from the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. The
planned analyses should be designed to advance the state of knowledge
in child maltreatment, child welfare services, child and family
services, and/or child development for high risk children.

B. Background

The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, authorized
under Section 429A of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunities Reconciliation Act, is the first nationally
representative study that examines the functioning and well-being of
children and families who come to the attention of the child welfare
system. Although there has been an increasing emphasis on child well-
being as a key outcome of child welfare services, and states are being
held accountable for those outcomes, there has been little information,
particularly on a national scale, to examine well-being within the
context of the family and community environments and the service
systems that are likely to affect children's functioning. NSCAW was
designed to begin to address this gap.
Children in the core sample (n=5504) were selected from those
investigated by Child Protective Services in 92 primary sampling units
(PSUs) during a 15-month sampling period beginning in the fall of 1999.
Children are included in the sample and followed up whether or not
their investigation resulted in a case opening; thus, NSCAW includes
children who remain at home without services; those who remain at home
and receive child welfare services; and those who are placed out of
home in foster, kinship, or group care. A supplemental sample (n=727)
was selected from children who were reaching their first anniversary in
foster care during the same sampling period. Extensive information on
child and family characteristics, service needs, and service receipt
was collected directly from the target children, their caregivers,
their caseworkers, and their teachers at baseline, and follow-up data
were collected from all respondents at 18 months and 36 months post-
baseline. In addition, information about services was collected from
caregivers and caseworkers at 12 months post-baseline. Baseline
contextual data are available from state administrators and local child
welfare administrators in the PSUs.

[[Page 35671]]

More information about NSCAW methodology and measures is available in
the data file user's manual, available from the National Data Archive
on Child Abuse and Neglect, at Cornell University (<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu>http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu) or from the ACF website at <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/core/ongoing--research/

The data were collected under a contract to Research Triangle
International, with a subcontract to the University of North Carolina.
Analyses sponsored by the government to date under that contract
include a descriptive analysis of baseline data from the ``core'' and
``one-year-in-foster-care'' samples, as well as multivariate analyses,
focusing on services and outcomes, of longitudinal data at the 18 and
36 month follow-up periods. For more information, please see <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/core/ongoing_research>http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/core/ongoing_research.
Other analytic

activities are underway through a NIMH-funded consortium, the Caring
for Children in Child Welfare group, headed by San Diego Children's
Hospital, and are focused on mental health services utilization and
children's service system organization. More information on that
workgroup can be found at <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.casrc.org/projects/CCCW/>http://www.casrc.org/projects/CCCW/.

The NSCAW provides an exceptionally rich data source that can
address any number of questions of interest in the fields of child
maltreatment, child welfare, domestic violence, children's services,
family support services, family stressors, and organization of
services. The survey was designed from the outset to stimulate a broad
array of research that would contribute to the knowledge base around
high risk children, particularly those who have been abused or
neglected, and the effectiveness of services to children and families.
Data from the survey are archived at the National Data Archive on Child
Abuse and Neglect, at Cornell University. Data from the baseline, 12-
month, and 18-month, and 36-month follow-ups have been archived. This
announcement is intended to encourage use of the data to address field-
initiated questions that are of interest to the child welfare, child
and family services, child maltreatment, and/or child development
research, policy, and practice communities.
The data collected through NSCAW contain confidential and highly
sensitive information, and release of the data is subject to certain
restrictions. Three levels of release have been established. First, a
general release data set is available that has deleted certain key
variables that might be used in reidentifying participants; geographic
information, in particular, is omitted from this data set. Access to
this data set is subject to approval by an Institutional Review Board
(IRB), and a nominal licensing fee is required. Second, restricted-use
data sets are available from the NDACAN under a licensing arrangement
that requires, among other things, approval by an IRB, a detailed data
security plan, and an agreement to allow unannounced on-site
inspections of data security procedures. There is a more substantial
fee ($2,500) for the restricted release version, which covers the cost
of security inspections. Further information on data licensing is
available at <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu>http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu. Third, there are, in some

cases, opportunities for linking NSCAW data with other data sets
through an arrangement with the NSCAW contractor, RTI International.
The matches are completed at RTI, and the data set is returned to the
user with the matching completed on the requested variables, and
identifying variables deleted. Such data linkages must be approved
through the RTI International IRB as well as the grantee's IRB, and
arrangements and fees must be negotiated directly with RTI
International. Applications anticipating this type of data linkage
should be accompanied by evidence of an agreement between the
applicant's institution and RTI International. Budgets for all
applications should include costs of obtaining data.
An important programmatic priority area for the Administration for
Children and Families is to improve the well-being and safety of
families and individuals, especially vulnerable populations, and to
increase the percentage of children and youth living in permanent, safe
environments. Data analysis from NSCAW can provide valuable information
in moving toward those goals. Applicants are invited to submit
proposals for secondary analysis of NSCAW data that will address
questions of interest to the research, policy, and/or practice
communities in the areas of child maltreatment, child welfare, child
development, social and health services utilization, social work
practice, family processes and functioning, risk behaviors, or other
questions of relevance to the child services and research communities.
Applications are encouraged from investigators who represent diverse
disciplines, including, but not limited to, developmental psychology,
epidemiology, sociology, social work, and pediatrics.
ACF will give priority to proposals focusing on the following areas
of agency interest:
Kinship care, including the characteristics, needs,
experiences, and services received by children in kinship care both
within and outside the foster care system;
Resiliency, including the characteristics, needs,
experiences and services received by children and families with
positive outcomes;
The characteristics, needs, experiences, and services
received by children and families that were re-reported for abuse or
neglect within the study period;
Differences in characteristics, needs, experiences, and
services received by children and families in different racial and
ethnic groups; in rural versus urban areas; and across different ages
at which children enter the child welfare system;
Differences in characteristics, needs, experiences and
services received by children who enter the child welfare system due to
different types of abuse and neglect;
Patterns of preventive services, including what types of
children and families are likely to receive preventive services, and
what outcomes these children and families experience;
Characteristics, needs, experiences, and services received
by children who enter the child welfare system as infants, including
those who enter the system due to parental substance abuse;
Analyses related to the outcomes measured in the Child and
Family Services Reviews conducted by ACF;
Characteristics, needs, experiences and services received
by children with one or more unsubstantiated reports of maltreatment.
The agency expects to award a grant or contract that will provide
for a conference of data users to present findings from their analyses.
The grantee should plan to budget for one meeting in Washington DC in
FY 2006.
There are specific procedures which must be followed in order to
protect the privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the respondents
in the NSCAW data set. Applicants are asked to describe their plans
regarding an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. Applicants must
include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects, available
at: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. For more information

about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these web sites:
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2>http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm%5B>http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm[
[Page 35672]]

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5-10.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $100,000.
Average Projected Award Amount: $75,000.
Length of Project Periods: 17 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity subject to
exceptions specified in Additional Information on Eligibility)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to obtain licenses for NSCAW data, as
described under the licensing agreements available at the National Data
Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (see <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu>http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu).

Faith-based organizations are also eligible to apply if they meet the
requirements of the NSCAW data licensing agreements.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

None.

3. Other

Applicants must demonstrate their eligibility to access the NSCAW
data sets that are the subject of the application. Access to all data
sets is subject to approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and
a licensing fee is required. Restricted-use data sets are available
under a licensing arrangement that requires, among other things,
approval by an IRB, a detailed data security plan, and an agreement to
allow unannounced on-site inspections of data security procedures.
Further information on data licensing is available at <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu>http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu
.

All Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. On June 27,
2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov>http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for

every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.dnb.com>http://www.dnb.com.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Care of Xtria, LLC; ATTN: NSCAW Grant Review Team, 8045 Leesburg
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182. Phone: 877-663-0250. Fax: 1-703-821-
3989. E-mail: <mailto:opre@xtria.com>opre@xtria.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Notice of Intent to Submit an Application: If you plan to submit an
application, it is encouraged that you notify us by fax or e-mail at
least three weeks prior to the submission deadline date. This
information will be used only to determine the number of expert
reviewers needed to review the applications. Include only the following
information in this fax or email: The number and title of this
announcement; the name, address, telephone and fax number, e-mail
address of the principal investigator(s), the fiscal agent (if known);
and the name of the university or non-profit institution. Do not
include a description of your proposed project. Send this information
to ``The NSCAW Research Support Team'' at: Fax: 1-703-821-3989. E-mail:
<mailto:opre@xtria.com>opre@xtria.com.
Application Format and Organization. Applicants must limit their
application to 60 pages (beginning with the Table of Contents as
described in the required format below), double-spaced, with standard
one-inch margins and 12 point fonts. This page limit applies to both
narrative text and supporting materials. In addition, applicants should
number the pages of their application and include a table of contents.
Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials
and to organize these materials according to the format presented
below:
a. Cover Letter
b. Contact information sheet
c. Standard Federal Forms
Standard Application for Federal Assistance (forms 424 and 424A)
Assurances: Non-construction Programs (form 424B)
Certifications regarding Lobbying
Disclosures of Lobbying Activities
Certification regarding Drug-free Workplace Requirements
Certification regarding Debarment, Suspension, and other
Responsibility Matters
Protection of Human Subjects
Certification regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke
d. Table of Contents
e. Project Narrative Statement
f. Appendix
Curriculum Vitae for Primary Investigators
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.To submit an application electronically, please use the
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov/Apply>http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to

download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then

[[Page 35673]]

upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not
accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov.
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov>http://www.Grants.gov.

You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application.
An original and two copies of the complete application are required.
The original and each of the two copies must include all required
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an
authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted
unbound.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ ofs/forms.htm.

Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under Section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

There are specific procedures which must be followed in order to
protect the privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the respondents
in the NSCAW data set. Applicants are asked to describe their plans
regarding an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, available at:
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Applicants must include

a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more
information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these
web sites: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2>http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm>http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Letters of Intent: Three weeks prior to due date.
Due Date for Applications: August 5, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried 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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided
to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or
by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an electronic
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov>http://www.Grants.gov
.

Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are

[[Page 35674]]

considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that
its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail 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.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist
You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your
application package.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents................ See Section IV.2.... Described in By application due date.
Section V.
Project Narrative................ See Section IV.2.... Described in By application due date.
Section V.
SF424............................ See Section IV.2.... May be found at By application due date.
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://acf.hhs.gov/>http://acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
SF424A........................... See Section IV.2.... May be found at By application due date.
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://acf.hhs.gov/>http://acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications.... See Section IV.2.... May be found at By application due date.
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://acf.hhs.gov/>http://acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
Protection of Human Subjects..... See Section......... May be found at By application due date.
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://acf.hhs.gov/>http://acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http:<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ programs/ofs/ forms.htm.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form............ May be found on By application due date.
Grant Applicants. <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
ofs/

forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

STATE SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html>http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

A list of Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is
included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be

[[Page 35675]]

received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before
the closing date. Applications should be mailed to: Care of Xtria, LLC,
ATTN: NSCAW Grant Review Team, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna,
VA 22182.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be
delivered to: Care of Xtria, LLC, ATTN: NSCAW Grant Review Team, 8045
Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182.
Electronic Submission: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov>http://www.Grants.gov Please see section IV.2

Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
PURPOSE
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
INTRODUCTION
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED
Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
APPROACH
Outline a plan of action that 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 that 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 in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function,
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``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.
STAFF AND POSITION DATA
Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical
sketches will also be required.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES
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. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

[[Page 35676]]

DISSEMINATION PLAN
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENTS
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules,
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define
the relationship.
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
GENERAL
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: First column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s),
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a
narrative.
PERSONNEL
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
FRINGE BENEFITS
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
TRAVEL
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
EQUIPMENT
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
SUPPLIES
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
CONTRACTUAL
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.

OTHER
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
INDIRECT CHARGES
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification

[[Page 35677]]

that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative
indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal
year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is
requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not
also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is
requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program,
the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit
a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate
than allowed.
NONFEDERAL RESOURCES
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
Evaluation Criteria
The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending
order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance
that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need
not develop their applications precisely according to the order
presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer
will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (e.g.
from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about
how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
APPROACH 45 Points
The extent to which the research design is appropriate and
sufficient for addressing the questions of the study.
The extent to which the planned variables measures to be
used are appropriate and sufficient for the questions of the study and
the population to be studied.
The extent to which the planned analyses both reflect
knowledge and use of state-of-the-art analytic techniques, and advance
the state of the art.
The extent to which the analytic techniques are
appropriate for the questions under consideration.
The extent to which the proposed sample size is sufficient
for the analysis, including the size of particular subgroups of
interest.
The extent to which the scope of the project is reasonable
for the funds available for these grants.
The extent to which the budget and budget justification
are appropriate for carrying out the proposed project.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates
understanding of the confidentiality issues in using NSCAW data, and
the adequacy of the plan for maintaining confidentiality of the data
sets.
STAFF AND POSITION DATA 35 Points
The extent to which the principal investigator and other
key research staff possess the research expertise necessary to conduct
the study as demonstrated in the application and information contained
in their vitae.
The extent to which the proposed staff reflect an
understanding of and sensitivity to the issues of working with
confidential data sets.
The adequacy of the time devoted to this project by the
principal investigator and other key staff in order to ensure a high
level of professional input and attention.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the
capacity to use complex data sets such as NSCAW.
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED 20 Points
The research questions are clearly stated.
The extent to which the questions are of importance and
relevance for the field of child welfare, child maltreatment, child
development, or children's services research.
The extent to which the research study makes a significant
contribution to the knowledge base.
The extent to which the literature review is current and
comprehensive and supports the questions to be addressed or the
hypotheses to be tested.
The extent to which the questions that will be addressed
or the hypotheses that will be tested are sufficient for meeting the
stated objectives.
The extent to which the proposal contains a dissemination plan that
encompasses both professional and practitioner-oriented products.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application. Timely applications from eligible applicants
will be reviewed and scored competitively. Reviewers will use the
evaluation criteria listed above to review and score the application.
On the basis of the review of an application, ACF will: (a) Approve
the application for funding; or (b) disapprove the application; or (c)
approve the application but not fund it for such reasons as a lack of
funds or a need for further review.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review
process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application
copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals specified in the application budget.
Approved But Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds,
for a period not to exceed one year.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Grants to successful applications will be awarded by September 30,
2005.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this
Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore,
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for

[[Page 35678]]

inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at:
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf>http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf

3. Reporting Requirements

Program Progress Reports Semi-Annually
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually

Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
reports (SF 269) throughout the project period. Program progress and
financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In
addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days
after the close of the project period.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

Attn: Mary Bruce Webb, ACF, Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-
205-8628. E-mail: <mailto:mbwebb@acf.hhs.gov>mbwebb@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact

Attn: Sylvia Johnson, ACF, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-260-7622. E-mail:
<mailto:sjohnson@acf.hhs.gov>sjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Grants.gov>http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to

find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web
site located at: <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html>http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.

Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.

Dated: June 14, 2005.
Mary Bruce Webb,
Senior Research Analyst, ACF/OPRE.
[FR Doc. 05-12157 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P

__________________________
Elliott G. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Director
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Cornell University
egs1@cornell.edu | 607.255.8104 | www.ndacan.cornell.edu

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