HHS-2021-ACF-OHSEPR-RR-1960.pdf

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Human Services, Emergency Preparedness and Response

U.S. Repatriation Program

HHS-2021-ACF-OHSEPR-RR-1960

Application Due Date: 09/27/2021

U.S. Repatriation Program

HHS-2021-ACF-OHSEPR-RR-1960

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview Executive Summary

I. Program Description II. Federal Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

(SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

VII. HHS Awarding Agency Contact(s) VIII. Other Information

Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Repatriation Program Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2021-ACF-OHSEPR-RR-1960 Primary CFDA Number: 93.579 Due Date for Applications: 09/27/2021

Executive Summary

Notice:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire funding opportunity announcement (FOA) carefully and observe the application formatting requirements listed in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission.

For more information on applying for grants, please visit "How to Apply for a Grant" on the ACF Grants & Funding Page at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto.

The U.S. Repatriation Program (Program) was established to provide temporary assistance to private U.S. citizens and their dependents identified by the Department of State (DOS) as having returned from a foreign country to the U.S. because of (1) destitution, illness, war, threat of war, or a similar crisis, and are without available resources, or (2) mental illness. The Program provides temporary assistance for up to 90 days to eligible repatriates. Temporary assistance is defined by legislation as money payments, medical care, temporary billeting (e.g., public shelter), transportation, and other goods and services necessary for the health or welfare of individuals (including guidance, counseling, and other welfare services). This temporary assistance is provided in the form of a loan and must be repaid to the U.S. Government.

The goal of this FOA is for the prospective grantee to support the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) efforts to ensure the following:

1. States and providers of temporary services coordinate and effectively deliver the needed assistance to eligible repatriates;

2. Reimbursement of incurred reasonable and allowable expenses are properly reviewed and processed per the Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR) approval;

3. Repatriates’ debts are submitted on time to designated ACF agency for collection (e.g., Program Support Center (PSC)); and

4. Program requirements are appropriately implemented.

I. Program Description http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto

Statutory Authority Title XI, section 1113 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1313) and Public Law 86-571, July 5, 1960, 74 stat. 308-310 (24 U.S.C. 321-329). This program also provides services for emergency repatriation that are authorized under section 1113 and by the extension of the Executive Order (E.O.) precedent, E.O. 12656 (53 CFR § 47491). Program regulations are found under 45 CFR §§211 - 212.

Description Program Overview Purpose The purpose of the Program is to provide temporary assistance to private U.S. citizens and their dependents identified by DOS as having returned from a foreign country to the U.S. because of

(1) destitution, illness, war, threat of war, or a similar crisis, and who are without available resources, or (2) mental illness. Hereafter, the term repatriate shall apply to individuals identified by DOS for either cause and returned from a foreign country to the U.S.

The Program provides this temporary assistance for up to 90 days. Temporary assistance is defined in statute as money payments, medical care, temporary billeting (e.g., public shelter), transportation, and other goods and services necessary for the health or welfare of individuals (including guidance, counseling, and other welfare services). This temporary assistance is provided in the form of a loan and must be repaid to the U.S. Government.

The grantee will receive DOS referrals and ensure case completeness, timely collaboration, and resolution of potential issues before sending to OHSEPR for an eligibility decision. Upon OHSEPR eligibility decision, the grantee will process and refer the case to state officials. At the state level, designated staff develop a pre-arrival plan, coordinate services, and execute the case plan upon repatriate’s arrival to the United States.

The Program can provide temporary assistance directly or through established arrangements with the following:

States and territories that coordinate and provide temporary services. (Each state has a designated staff person to serve as their Repatriation Coordinator); and

Federal and non-governmental agencies that support the provision of temporary services.

Each state has a designated individual to serve as the State Repatriation Coordinator. In addition, OHSEPR has memoranda of understanding (MOU) with various state and non-governmental agencies to support the provision of temporary services. The grantee will work with these established partners and assist with the development of case management plans, coordination and/or provision of temporary services, and identification of service providers.

Following the repatriate’s arrival, the state executes the established case management or pre-arrival, plan for up to 90 calendar days. Case management plans are subject to changes.

Flexibility is critical when managing a repatriation case. The grantee ensures that proper coordination and provision of services are provided to the eligible repatriate. The grantee gathers all pertinent supporting documents and information from the states and other service providers to determine the repatriate’s total loan amount.

Eligibility for the Repatriation Program A non-mentally ill U.S. Citizen without available resources is eligible for the Program if the following criteria is met (42 U.S.C. 1313):

1. The person is a U.S. citizen or a dependent of a U.S. citizen;

2. The person is identified by DOS as needing to return to the U.S. from a foreign country because of destitution, illness, war, threat of war, invasion, or similar situation; and

3. The person is without resources immediately accessible to meet his needs.

A U.S. citizen who is determined to be mentally ill while in a foreign country is eligible for the Program if the following criteria is met (24 U.S.C. 321- 329):

1. The person is certified as a national of the United States by the Secretary of State; and

2. The person has:

1. A statement from a medical officer stating that the person has been legally adjudicated insane in a foreign country; or

2. A statement from a medical officer or an appropriate authority stating at the time of the certification, the person was in need of care and treatment in a mental hospital in a foreign country.

Overview of Program Responsibility and Authority:

ACF/OHSEPR makes all Program decisions, including the following:

Policy and program direction;

Initial case approvals;

Case eligibility determinations for all repatriates, in conjunction with DOS; and Approvals for the following:

o Extensions of temporary assistance beyond 90 days;

o High-cost cases (as defined by ACF); and o Deferrals and/or waivers of repatriation loans.

Grantee Responsibilities and Requirements:

Case management requirements The grantee must adhere to the following requirements:

Comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Program policies.

Receive all DOS referrals and respond to DOS within 1 business day.

Obtain necessary case information from DOS.

Send all cases to OHSEPR for eligibility approval within 1 business day of receiving case information from DOS.

Coordinate travel arrangements and obtain necessary information for case management with DOS.

Ensure appropriate disclosure of repatriate's information for the provision of temporary assistance.

Coordinate with states, territories, and other services providers to provide temporary assistance to eligible repatriates for up to 90 days, including assistance with the following:

o pre-arrival planning;

o greeting at the port of entry, as appropriate or directed by OHSEPR;

o arranging any onward domestic travel arrangements;

o developing case management plans to address essential needs such as short-term housing and shelter, clothing, food, and medical care; and o collaborating with state child welfare offices regarding unaccompanied minors, as needed.

Ensure that state and local providers facilitate the repatriate's connection to all state and federal benefits covering basic needs for which they are eligible, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid/Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), housing (shelter and permanent housing), and job training.

Ensure services are accessible to support the needs of repatriates with disabilities.

Ensure repatriate’s signature on all required forms as applicable.

Review and re-determine case eligibility at least every 30 days.

Submit all requests for extensions of temporary assistance beyond 90 days and all high-cost cases to OHSEPR for approval within 1 business day of receiving the request.

In addition, for cases related to mental illness (24 U.S.C. 321- 329), the following case management processes are required:

o Obtain a certificate of the repatriate’s mental condition from DOS;

o Follow established notification procedures to legal guardian, spouse, or next of kin;

o Appoint legal guardians as needed;

o Follow proper transfer and release procedures; and o Coordinate arrangements for continuing, releasing, and/or terminating hospitalizations.

Ensure closing of repatriation cases within 15 business days following the end of provision of temporary assistance.

Submit all closed cases to PSC for loan collection within 30 days of case closing.

Develop and provide a case summary to PCS that details the total loan amount and the services provided.

Provide temporary services in accordance with all HHS regulations regarding non-discrimination.

Use repatriation forms approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), https

://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohsepr/programs/repatriation, when applicable.

Financial management assistance requirements:

The grantee must adhere to the following requirements:

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohsepr/programs/repatriation https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohsepr/programs/repatriation

Receive and review all claims from state and service providers for reimbursement for providing temporary assistance, and ensure costs are reasonable and allowable.

Provide support to OHSEPR regarding reimbursement to states and authorized providers.

Obtain all pertinent supporting documents and information from the states and other service providers to determine the total loan amount provided to each repatriate.

Review and submit repatriate's total loan amounts to PSC for collection within 15 business days of case closing.

Review, process, and provide recommendations to OHSEPR on requests for loan deferrals and waivers within 15 business days of receiving the repatriate's request and applicable documents.

Notify PSC of OHSEPR's decision on requests for loan deferrals and waivers.

Track and report service category reimbursement expenses, operating costs, and collection separately for each of the following services that were provided:

o temporary assistance to repatriates;

o temporary assistance to mentally ill nationals; and o administrative and operating costs.

Product Development and Training and Technical Assistance Requirements:

The grantee must adhere to the following requirements:

Establish internal policies and procedures and maintain them through regular updates, in conjunction with OHSEPR, to comply with Program statutes; policies; and regulations, including 45 CFR §§ 211 and 212.

Create and maintain a repatriation database for all repatriates' case files and facilitate ACF's access to the database.

Ensure that any database complies with the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) security requirements; privacy protections, including personally identifiable information; and compliance with all federal records retention policies, including the National Archives and Records Administration requirements associated with the U.S. Repatriation Program Case Files Disposition Authority Number: DM-0292-2016-0012-0001 and DAA-0292-2016-0012-0002.

Provide information to states on Program requirements, in conjunction with OHSEPR.

Maintain and update contact information for State Repatriation Coordinators and other key contact persons and service providers regarding the provision of temporary assistance.

Provide technical assistance, as requested, to states and other service providers regarding the provision of temporary assistance.

Create and provide training to states or federal partners in conjunction with, and at the direction of, OHSEPR, adhering to all applicable statutes and regulations of the Program.

Reporting Requirements:

The grantee must produce a weekly report and dashboard that includes the following:

Number of individuals and cases referred for resettlement (non-medical or mental health).

Number of individual and cases referred for resettlement (medical or mental health only).

Number of fare share cases (domestic air transportation only).

Demographics of resettlement and fare share individuals and cases.

Country of origin and U.S. state or territory of final destination.

Reason(s) for repatriation.

Number of waivers requested.

Number and cost of state or provider reimbursement vouchers.

The grantee must produce a monthly report that tracks the costs of fare share cases, mental health cases, and medical cases, and identifies resolutions to complex cases. This information is based, in part, on the same forms listed above (OMB # 0970-0474), as well as information available from HHS PSC. Additional elements may be identified and required by OHSEPR.

The grantee must produce an annual report based, in part, on the same forms listed above (OMB # 0970-0474) that includes the following:

The total number of cases and the total amount of award funds spent by type of temporary assistance provided (e.g., money payments, temporary billeting, medical care, mental health, etc.).

Urgent Referrals and Emergency Repatriation The grantee must complete the following:

Receive, process, and respond to urgent referrals, requests and inquiries received from OHSEPR, DOS, states, local providers, and the repatriates within 24 hours.

Serve as a resource to OHSEPR during emergency or mass repatriations, including assistance with setting up and staffing repatriation reception centers, as needed.

Requests may include, but are not limited to, processing and referring a high number of cases within a short time frame.

II. Federal Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $1,850,000 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Award Ceiling: $1,850,000 Per Budget Period Award Floor: $1,000,000 Per Budget Period Average Projected Award Amount: $1,000,000 Per Budget Period Anticipated Project Start Date: 12/01/2021

Length of Project Periods:

Length of Project Period: 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods

Additional Information on Awards:

Awards made under this announcement are subject to the availability of federal funds.

Applications requesting an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period, or per project period, as stated in this section, will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for the first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period. Please see Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Note: For those programs that require matching or cost sharing, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the projected commitment exceeds the required amount of match or cost share. A recipient's failure to provide the required matching amount may result in the disallowance of federal funds. See Section III.2. of this announcement for information on cost-sharing or matching requirements.

The applicant must budget for the first 12-month budget period.

Following the initial grant award, all non-competitive continuation funding for subsequent budget periods will be contingent upon annual submission of a non-competing continuation application for each remaining budget period.

Following the initial grant award, all non-competitive continuation funding for subsequent budget periods will be contingent on changes to funding levels based on the Congressional appropriations.

Following the initial grant award, all non-competitive continuation funding for subsequent budget periods will be contingent on upon satisfactory performance (i.e.

compliance with program requirements and collaborating with OHSEPR to overcome any challenges in meeting these requirements) and the best interests of the U.S.

Government.

Description of ACF's Anticipated Substantial Involvement Under the Cooperative Agreement

ACF will continue to oversee all inherently federal functions of the Program. Whenever necessary, ACF will provide guidance and technical assistance to the grantee concerning managerial, administrative, and financial decisions associated with the provision of temporary assistance. OHSEPR will be responsible for overseeing or completing the following tasks:

Providing guidance to the grantee and all applicable parties regarding any new protocols and procedures.

Directing and assisting the grantee in the provision of training and technical assistance to states, federal agencies, local providers, and others.

Approving eligibility for all repatriates before temporary assistance is provided.

Providing guidance and approving decisions on types and levels of temporary assistance for repatriation cases involving unresolved issues between the grantee, state or federal partners or other cases involving substantial complexity or where direct federal action is needed to improve or ensure efficiency or quality of service delivery.

Approving requests for service extensions beyond 90 days.

Approving high-cost cases (as defined by OHSEPR).

Approving service providers’ financial claims for providing temporary assistance.

Approving requests for repatriation loan waivers and deferrals.

Convening inter-agency working group meetings.

Performing monitoring and training visits.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

Under 42 U.S.C. 1313 (a)(3), the Secretary "may provide assistance directly or through utilization of the services and facilities of appropriate public or private agencies and organizations." Additionally, per Public Law 86-571 (24 U.S.C. 322), the Secretary is "authorized to enter into suitable arrangements with appropriate State or other public or nonprofit agencies."

Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at 45 CFR Part 87, and subject to the protections and requirements of this part and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., the Department will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization’s religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement. See Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

See Section IV.2. Legal Status of Applicant Entity for documentation required to support eligibility.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: No

For all federal awards, any shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must be accepted as part of the recipient’s cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the criteria listed in 45 CFR § 75.306.

For awards that require matching by statute, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the projected commitment exceeds the amount required by the statutory match. A recipient’s failure to provide the statutorily required matching amount may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, where “cost sharing” refers to any situation in which the recipient voluntarily shares in the costs of a project other than as statutorily required matching, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards. These include situations in which contributions are voluntarily proposed by a recipient or subrecipient and are accepted by ACF.

Non-federal cost sharing will be included in the approved project budget so that the recipient will be held accountable for proposed non-federal cost-sharing funds as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient’s failure to provide voluntary cost sharing of non-federal resources that have been accepted by ACF as part of the approved project costs and that have been shown as part of the approved project budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

III.3. Other

Application Disqualification Factors Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.

Award Ceiling Disqualification Applications that request an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period or per project period ("per project period" refers only to fully funded awards), as stated in Section II. Federal Award Information, will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period.

Required Electronic Application Submission

ACF requires electronic submission of applications at www.Grants.gov. Paper applications received from applicants that have not been approved for an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.

Applicants that do not have an Internet connection or sufficient computing capacity to upload large documents to the Internet may contact ACF for an exemption that will allow the applicant to submit applications in paper format. Information and the requirements for requesting an exemption from required electronic application submission are found in "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Electronic Application Submission" at www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-6.

Missing the Application Deadline (Late Applications) The deadline for electronic application submission is 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Electronic applications submitted to www.Grants.gov after 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date, as indicated by a dated and time-stamped email from www.Grants.gov, will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement. That is, applications submitted to www.Grants.gov, on or after 12:00 a.m., ET, on the day after the due date will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.

Applications submitted to www.Grants.gov at any time during the open application period, and prior to the due date and time, which fail the www.Grants.gov validation check, will not be received at, or acknowledged by, ACF.

Each time an application is submitted via www.Grants.gov, the submission will generate a new date and time-stamp email notification. Only those applications with on-time date and time stamps that result in a validated application, which is transmitted to ACF, will be acknowledged.

The deadline for receipt of paper applications is 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications received after 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement. Paper applications received from applicants that have not received approval of an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.

Notification of Application Disqualification Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by email or by USPS postal mail within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this FOA.

IV. Application and Submission Information https://www.grants.gov https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-6 https://www.Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

Bridget Miller Administration for Children and Families Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response U.S. Repatriation Program 330 C Street, SW.

Washington, DC 20201 Phone: (202) 205-5901 Email: Bridget.miller@acf.hhs.gov

Electronic Application Submission:

The electronic application submission package is available in the FOA's listing at www.Grants.gov.

Applications in Paper Format:

For applicants that have received an exemption to submit applications in paper format, Standard Forms, assurances, and certifications are available in the "Select Grant Opportunity Package" available in the FOA's Grants.gov Synopsis under the Package tab at www.Grants.gov. See Section IV.2. Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission if applicants do not have an Internet connection or sufficient computing capacity to upload large documents (files) to www.Grants.gov.

Federal Relay Service:

Hearing-impaired and speech-impaired callers may contact the Federal Relay Service (FedRelay) for assistance at www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

FORMATTING APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS

Each applicant applying electronically via www.Grants.gov is required to upload only two electronic files, excluding Standard Forms and OMB-approved forms. No more than two files will be accepted for the review, and additional files will be removed. Standard Forms and OMB-approved forms will not be considered additional files.

FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) AOR is the designated representative of the applicant/recipient organization with authority to act on the organization’s behalf in matters related to the award and administration of grants. In signing a grant application, this individual agrees that the organization will assume the obligations imposed by applicable Federal statutes and regulations and other terms and conditions of the award, including any assurances, if a grant is awarded.

Point of Contact mailto:Bridget.miller@acf.hhs.gov https://www.Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov http://www.gsa.gov/fedrelay https://www.grants.gov/

In addition to the AOR, a point of contact on matters involving the application must also be identified. The point of contact, known as the Project Director or Principal Investigator, should not be identical to the person identified as the AOR. The point of contact must be available to answer any questions pertaining to the application.

Application Checklist Applicants may refer to Section VIII. Other Information for a checklist of application requirements that may be used in developing and organizing application materials.

Accepted Font Style Applications must be in Times New Roman (TNR), 12-point font, except for footnotes, which may be TNR 10-point font. Pages that contain blurred text, or text that is too small to read comfortably, will be removed.

English Language Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of United States (U.S.) dollars. If applications are submitted using another currency, ACF will convert the foreign currency to U.S. currency using the date of receipt of the application to determine the rate of exchange.

Page Limitations Applicants must observe the page limitation(s) listed under "PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:". Page limitation(s) do not include SFs and OMB-approved forms.

All applications must be double-spaced. An application that exceeds the cited page limitation for double-spaced pages in the Project Description file or the Appendices file will have extra pages removed and those pages will not be reviewed.

Application Elements Exempted from Double-Spacing Requirements The following elements of the application submission are exempt from the double-spacing requirements and may be single-spaced: the table of contents, the one-page Project Summary, required Assurances and Certifications, required SFs, required OMB-approved forms, resumes, logic models, proof of legal status/non-profit status, third-party agreements, letters of support, footnotes, tables, the line-item budget and/or the budget justification.

Adherence to FOA Formatting, Font, and Page Limitation Requirements Applications that fail to adhere to ACF’s FOA formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will be adjusted by the removal of page(s) from the application. Pages will be removed before the objective review. The removed page(s) will not be made available to reviewers.

Applications that have more than one scanned page of a document on a single page will have the page(s) removed from the review.

For applicants that submit paper applications, double-sided pages will be counted as two pages.

When the maximum allowed number of pages is reached, excess pages will be removed and will not be made available to reviewers.

NOTE: Applicants failing to adhere to ACF’s FOA formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will receive a letter from ACF notifying them that their application was amended.

The letter will be sent after awards have been issued and will specify the reason(s) for removal of page(s).

Corrections/Updates to Submitted Applications When applicants make revisions to a previously submitted application, ACF will accept only the last on-time application for pre-review under the Application Disqualification Factors. The Application Disqualification Factors determine the application's acceptance for competitive review. See Section III.3. Application Disqualification Factors and Section IV.2. Application Submission Options.

Copies Required Applicants must submit one complete copy of the application package electronically. Applicants submitting electronic applications need not provide additional copies of their application package.

Applicants submitting applications in paper format must submit one original and two copies of the complete application, including all Standard Forms and OMB-approved forms. The original copy must have original signatures.

Signatures Applicants submitting electronic applications must follow the registration and application submission instructions provided at www.Grants.gov.

The original of a paper format application must include original signatures of the authorized representatives.

Accepted Application Format With the exception of the required Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved forms, all application materials must be formatted so that they are 8 ½" x 11" white paper with 1-inch margins all around.

If possible, applicants are encouraged to include page numbers for each page within the application.

ACF generally does not encourage submission of scanned documents as they tend to have reduced clarity and readability. If documents must be scanned, the font size on any scanned documents must be large enough so that it is readable. Documents must be scanned page-for-page, meaning that applicants may not scan more than one page of a document onto a single page. Pages with blurred text will be removed from the application.

PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:

With the exception of SFs and OMB-approved forms, the application submission is limited to 75 pages in its entirety. The two files applicants must submit are as follows:

The Project Description file must include these items in the following order:

1. Table of Contents

2. Project Summary

3. Approach o Case Management o Product Development and Training and Technical Assistance o Financial Management

4. Organizational Capacity

5. Budget and Budget Justification

The Appendices file must include these items in this order:

1. Certifications and Assurances; and

2. Documents Demonstrating Organizational Capacity (i.e. resumes, organization chart).

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically unless they have requested and received an exemption that will allow submission in paper format. See Section IV.2.

Application Submission Options for information about requesting an exemption.

Electronic applications will only be accepted via www.Grants.gov. ACF will not accept applications submitted via email or via facsimile.

Each applicant is required to upload ONLY two electronic files, excluding SFs and OMB-approved forms.

File One: Must contain the entire Project Description, and the Budget and Budget Justification (including a line-item budget and a budget narrative).

File Two: Must contain all documents required in the Appendices.

Adherence to the Two-File Requirement No more than two files will be accepted for the review. Applications with additional files will be amended and files will be removed from the review. SFs and OMB-approved forms will not be considered additional files.

Application Upload Requirements ACF strongly recommends that electronic applications be uploaded as Portable Document Files (PDFs). One file must contain the entire Project Description and Budget Justification; the other file must contain all documents required in the Appendices. Details on the content of each of the two files, as well as page limitations, are listed earlier in this section.

To adhere to the two-file requirement, applicants may need to convert and/or merge documents together using a PDF converter software. Many recent versions of Microsoft Office include the ability to save documents to the PDF format without need of additional software. Applicants using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software will be able to merge these documents together. ACF recommends merging documents electronically rather than scanning multiple documents into one document manually, as scanned documents may have reduced clarity and readability.

Applicants must ensure that the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader they are using is compatible with Grants.gov. To verify Adobe software compatibility please go to Grants.gov and click on “Applicants” at the top bar menu and select “Adobe Software Compatibility", which is listed under "Applicant Resources." The Adobe verification process allows applicants to test their version of the software by opening a test Workspace PDF form. Grants.gov also includes guidance on how to download a supported version of Adobe, as well as troubleshooting instructions for use, if an applicant is unable to open the test form.

The Adobe Software Compatibility page located on Grants.gov also provides guidance for applicants on filling out a Workspace PDF form. In addition, it addresses local network and/or computer security settings and the impact this has on use of Adobe software.

Required Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved Forms Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved forms, such as the SF-424 application and budget forms and the SF-P/PSL (Project/Performance Site Location), are uploaded separately at Grants.gov. These forms are submitted separately from the Project Description and Appendices files. See Section IV.2. Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications for the listing of required Standard Forms, OMB-approved forms, and required assurances and certifications.

Naming Application Submission Files Carefully observe the file naming conventions required by www.Grants.gov. Limit file names to 50 characters (characters and spaces). Special characters that are allowed under Grants.gov’s naming conventions, and are accommodated by ACF’s systems, are listed in the instructions available in the "Select Grant Opportunity Package" at Grants.gov. Please also see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html.

Use only file formats supported by ACF It is critical that applicants submit applications using only the supported file formats listed here.

While ACF supports all of the following file formats, we strongly recommend that the two application submission files (Project Description and Appendices) are uploaded as PDF documents in order to comply with the two file upload limitation. Documents in file formats that are not supported by ACF will be removed from the application and will not be used in the competitive review. This may make the application incomplete and ACF will not make any awards based on an incomplete application.

ACF supports the following file formats:

Adobe PDF – Portable Document Format (.pdf) Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html

Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx) Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) Image Formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)

Do Not Encrypt or Password-Protect the Electronic Application Files If ACF cannot access submitted electronic files because they are encrypted or password protected, the affected file will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed. This removal may make the application incomplete and ACF will not make awards based on an incomplete application.

FORMATTING FOR PAPER APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS:

The following requirements are only applicable to applications submitted in paper format.

Applicants must receive an exemption from ACF in order for a paper format application to be accepted for review. For more information on the exemption, see "ACF Policy on Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission'" at www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/ howto#chapter-6

Format Requirements for Paper Applications All copies of mailed or hand-delivered paper applications must be submitted in a single package. If an applicant is submitting multiple applications under a single FOA, or multiple applications under separate FOAs, each application submission must be packaged separately.

The package(s) must be clearly labeled for the specific FOA it addresses by FOA title and by Funding Opportunity Number (FON).

Applicants using paper format should download the application forms package associated with the FOA's Synopsis on www.Grants.gov under the Package tab.

Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate sections of the application. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the federal government for review. All application materials must be one-sided for duplication purposes. All pages in the application submission must be sequentially numbered.

Addresses for Submission of Paper Applications See Section IV.7. Other Submission Requirements for addresses for paper format application submissions.

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

Applicants seeking grant or cooperative agreement awards under this announcement must submit the listed Standard Forms (SFs), assurances, and certifications with the application. All required Standard Forms, assurances, and certifications are available in the Application Package posted for this FOA at www.Grants.gov.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-6 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-6 https://www.grants.gov

Forms / Assurances / Certifications

Submission Requirement Notes / Description

SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

If submission of this form is applicable, it is due at the time of application. If it is not available at the time of application, it may also be submitted prior to the award of a grant.

If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit the SF-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.

Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form)

Submission required of all applicants with the application package. If it is not submitted with the application package, it must be submitted prior to the award of a grant.

Submission of the certification is required for all applicants.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Certification

A sample of a standard MOE certification is available in the application instructions for this FOA at www.grants.gov.

Applicants self-certify their maintenance of effort. The MOE should be on the applicant organization's letterhead. Submission is required for all applicants under this FOA. See Section IV.2. Formatting Application Submissions for instructions on its placement in the application submission.

Required for all applications.

SF-424 Key Contact Form

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

http://www.grants.gov

SF-424A - Budget Information - Non- Construction Programs and SF- 424B - Assurances - Non- Construction Programs

Submission is required for all applicants when applying for a non-construction project.

Standard Forms must be used.

Forms must be submitted by the application due date.

By signing and submitting the SF-424B, applicants are making the appropriate certification of their compliance with all federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination.

Required for all applications when applying for a non-construction project.

SF-

Project/Performance Site Location(s)

(SF-P/PSL)

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications. In the SF- P/PSL, applicants must cite their primary location and up to 29 additional performance sites.

SF-424 -

Application for Federal Assistance

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

Unique Entity Identifier

(DUNS)

and Systems for Award Management (SAM) registration.

Required of all applicants. To obtain a DUNS number, go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/ webform.

Active registration at the SAM website must be maintained throughout the application and project award period.

SAM registration is available at http://www.sam.gov.

See Section IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) for more information.

Mandatory Grant Disclosure All applicants and recipients are required to submit, in writing, to the awarding agency and to the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), all information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. (Mandatory Disclosures, 45 CFR § 75.113)

Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://www.sam.gov

The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Grants Management, ATTN: Grants Management Specialist, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer Building, Corridor 3200, Washington, DC 20201

And to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN:

Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201

Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or Email: MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

The Project Description

The Project Description Overview

General Expectations and Instructions The Project Description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for financial assistance. It must address all activities for which federal funds are being requested and all application requirements as stated in this section. The Project Description must explain how the project will meet the purpose of the FOA, as described in Section I. Program Description. As a reminder, reviewers will be evaluating this section in accordance with Section V.1. Criteria.

The Project Description must be clear, concise, and complete. ACF is particularly interested in Project Descriptions that convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project Descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length.

Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting documents designated as required must be included in the Appendix of the FOA.

Table of Contents

List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. The table of contents may be single spaced.

Project Summary

Provide a summary of the application project description. It must be clear, accurate, concise, and without cross-references to other parts of the application. The summary must include a brief description of the proposed grant project including the needs to be addressed, the proposed services, and the population group(s) to be served.

Please place the following at the top of the Project Summary:

mailto:MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov mailto:anteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov mailto:anteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov mailto:anteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

Project Title Applicant Name Address Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax, Cell) Email Address Website Address, if applicable

The Project Summary must be single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, and limited to one page in length. Additional pages will be removed and will not be reviewed.

Legal Status of Applicant Entity

Applicants must provide the following documentation:

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 IRS's 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 non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 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

Unless directed otherwise, applicants must include proof of non-profit status in the Appendices file of the application submission.

Objectives

Clearly state the principal and subordinate objectives of the project. Applicants must address how the objectives stated relate to the overall purpose of the program and describe how objectives will be achieved.

In general, applicants must describe how they will achieve the main objective of providing temporary assistance to eligible repatriates, according to the applicable statutes and regulations as specified in Section I. Program Description.

Approach

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed project will be accomplished. Applicants must account for all functions or activities identified in the application.

Cite potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing project goals and explain strategies that will be used to address these challenges.

Applicants must describe the services included in temporary assistance that are available to repatriates.

Applicants must describe their plan to provide temporary assistance to all eligible repatriates by coordinating with federal partners, states, territories, private organizations and local entities.

The plan must describe how the applicant will…