oppCI-CET-18-003-cfda97.010-instructions.pdf

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FY 2018 Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information.

Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at: www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), External Affairs Directorate, Office of Citizenship

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 97.010

CFDA Title Citizenship Education and Training

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title FY 2018 Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program: Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program

NOFO Number

CI-CET-18-001

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 404 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), Division F, Title IV

Appropriation Authority for Program Section 404 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), Division F, Title IV http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Type New

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

The Office of Citizenship (OoC), within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is a culmination of the civic assimilation of LPRs who were resettled as refugees or granted asylum, however, some of these individuals may experience challenges with aspects of civic, linguistic, economic, cultural, and institutional assimilation when resettling in the United States, which may impact their progress toward full civic assimilation. The earlier refugees and asylees are able to engage in their community, the more likely they are to find satisfaction and success in their personal and professional lives;

the more likely they are to make positive contributions to their communities and the Nation; and the more likely they are to become naturalized citizens. It is critical to provide former refugees and asylees with opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to fully assimilate into U.S. society.

The goal of the Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program (RAAP) is to provide extended assimilation services, which build on, but are not intended to replicate, those resettlement services funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, which prioritize early economic self-sufficiency.

The primary focus of the RAAP is to provide individualized programming to lawful permanent residents (LPRs), who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) or were granted asylum, to attain the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship and to foster a sense of belonging and attachment to the United States. This grant strives to promote long term civic assimilation of those LPRs who have identified naturalization as a goal yet may need additional information and instruction services to attain it.

Applicants are required to demonstrate in depth experience with and extensive knowledge of the particular community they propose to serve, and describe how the proposed program design will address the identified assimilation needs of this population. Applicants are required to propose a program that provides a suite of assimilation services to LPRs who were resettled as refugees or granted asylum that will promote long term civic assimilation. Through individual client needs assessments, completion of client assimilation plans for each enrolled client, provision of information and guidance on available assimilation services and provision of civics-based literacy, civics-based English language, and citizenship instruction to prepare for naturalization, former refugees and asylees will gain the tools to become successful citizens.

Applications must propose a plan to assess each LPR and develop and monitor the implementation of an individual assimilation plan for those served under the program. Based on this assessment, applicants must provide or make referrals to the following assimilation services based on the LPR’s specific identified needs: community orientation; referrals and interactions with local government and public institutions; referrals to employment training; and referrals to appropriate sources of information for updating or renewing previously held foreign professional credentials when applicable. In addition to the proposed assimilation services, the cornerstone of the program design must include civics-based literacy, civics-based English as a Second Language (ESL), and citizenship instruction and free naturalization legal services within the authorized practice of immigration law. Naturalization application services cannot be provided to individuals who have not received other assimilation services under this grant. The primary applicant or a sub-awardee must directly provide either the citizenship instruction or the naturalization legal services. Civics-based literacy and civics-based ESL instruction may be provided by the applicant or a sub-awardee. Other required assimilation services may be provided through systemic and documented referral to other local community service providers with whom the primary applicant has a pre-existing and well established relationship.

OoC may suggest changes to the assimilation proposal after reviewing the applicant’s program design either during the negotiation period or the first quarter of the funding period. Grant recipients will be required to develop and monitor the implementation of an individual assimilation plan for a minimum of 200 LPRs who have identified naturalization as a goal.

Request for Proposals

In fiscal year (FY) 2018, approximately $1,000,000 in federal funding is available for eligible organizations to provide assimilation services to LPRs who entered the United States under the USRAP or were granted asylum. USCIS anticipates awarding approximately 4 grants of up to $250,000 each.

Proposed services must include the four mandatory elements listed below:

1. Development of an individual assimilation plan for each LPR who will receive services.

The intent of this requirement is to develop an assimilation road map for LPRs who have identified naturalization as a goal, including those who are not yet ready to apply for naturalization and may require interim services to attain the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship. Each enrolled LPR should be assessed for English language level and naturalization eligibility and provided with information on the naturalization process and guidance on what steps are needed to prepare for naturalization. This naturalization-focused assessment should be considered the foundation of the individual assimilation plan which must be completed for every enrolled client, with services and referrals tailored to the specific skills, needs, and literacy level of the individual. Each LPR must be offered enrollment in civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, or citizenship instruction classes (see 3 below) as appropriate.

2. Provision of or referral to assimilation services that address the specific needs identified in the LPR’s individual assimilation plan.

Grantees must offer access to a range of services designed to foster long term assimilation and tailored to the specific needs of the target population.

Below is a sample of the types of assimilation services that are common to many immigrant populations in the U.S. and the communities in which they live. Grant recipients may propose other services based on the identified needs of the community they propose to serve.

a. Community orientation and settlement information

Building on the information that refugees receive during their initial Reception & Placement Orientation, community orientation and settlement activities include those that allow LPRs to expand, reinforce, and practice existing knowledge to foster their community participation and understanding of how to navigate local infrastructure and services. Examples of activities include but are not limited to:

(1) Creating a local community resource guide;

(2) Hosting local leaders or representatives of community services or civic organizations as guest speakers;

(3) Community field trips; and

(4) Library or museum tours.

b. Referrals to and interactions with local government and public institutions

There are usually many community-based assimilation support services to assist refugees and asylees. Programs should be aware of these existing services and develop plans to collaborate with the local government and public institutions that they feel would most benefit their clients. Such institutions include, but are not limited to: (a) public libraries, (b) the DMV, (c) community centers, (d) law enforcement agencies, (e) clinics, (f) employment services, (g) public schools, (h) emergency management agencies, (i) historical museums, etc. Once relationships have been established, programs can develop lesson plans with these entities to teach students enrolled in English language courses about their role in the community and the services they offer, invite guest speakers to speak to program participants, and arrange field tips to them.

c. Referrals to employment training

Referrals to employment training may be to programs or classes that help clients acquire workplace-specific knowledge or skills in order to improve performance, improve chances of advancement, or prepare clients for future career goals as identified in their individual assimilation plan. Grant funds are not intended to pay the costs for individual employment training for LPRs.

d. Referrals to appropriate sources of information for updating or renewing previously held foreign professional credentials when applicable.

Organizations may make referrals for those LPRs who have identified the goal of employment in their pre-immigration career fields. Referrals may be in the form of written information or guidance, or to agencies or professional organizations that assist individuals to recertify or obtain the required professional credentials to re-enter their chosen field. Grant funds are not intended to pay for the costs for individual re-certification or re-credentialing services for LPRs.

3. Civics-based literacy instruction, civics-Based ESL instruction, and citizenship instruction to provide enrolled clients with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for citizenship.

Based on the assessment conducted to develop the LPR’s individual assimilation plan and student progress during the grant period, 150 students should be enrolled in an appropriate instruction level. USCIS recognizes that not all individuals will be ready for placement into a high beginning citizenship class (which is the target level for USCIS-funded citizenship instruction) at the time they seek services to begin preparing for naturalization. Students may start in a lower level class and progress to citizenship instruction.

a. Civics-Based Literacy and Civics-Based ESL Instruction

Students whose English level is not at the appropriate level for citizenship instruction classes should be served through civics-based literacy and/or civics-based ESL instruction. The applicant may directly provide this instruction or use a partnership to provide these classes. The Office of Citizenship defines civics-based literacy and civics-based ESL instruction as ESL classes or components of citizenship classes that provide students with the English language structures and vocabulary needed to advance through the stages of assimilation with the ultimate goal of naturalization. These categories of instruction are appropriate for individuals who do not have sufficient knowledge to be placed in a citizenship class that focuses on preparation for the naturalization interview and test. Civics-based literacy includes using civics and assimilation concepts and themes to teach low-level students basic English grammar and vocabulary preparing them for civics-based ESL (this is targeted at LPRs assessed at NRS level 1 - beginning ESL literacy). Civics-based ESL focuses more heavily on teaching the English structures needed to understand the concepts found within the naturalization test as well as those to assist students to become more integrated community members (this is targeted at LPRs assessed at NRS level 2 - Low Beginning ESL).

b. Citizenship Instruction

Students assessed at the NRS high beginning level or higher, should be provided with citizenship instruction as defined below. The program design should be tailored to the specific needs of the former refugee/asylee population to be served and must include:

(1) Instruction provided in English on U.S. history and government and the promotion of civic assimilation. Applications to provide citizenship instruction in languages other than English will be deemed ineligible;

(2) Activities that promote civic and linguistic assimilation;

(3) English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in reading, writing, and speaking to support naturalization preparation;

(4) Instruction on the naturalization process and eligibility interview;

(5) The use of a nationally normed standardized test of English proficiency to place and assess progress of all students enrolled under this program. At least 80% of post tested students must demonstrate education gains as evidenced by increased standardized test scores;

(6) The use of the Assessment of Adult Citizenship Education (AACE) provided by USCIS to measure the acquisition of information leading to test preparedness and immigrant assimilation to be administered to all enrolled students;

(7) The use of a current adult citizenship textbook that aligns with the skill level of the students in the class (published textbooks only, compilations of worksheets or handouts will not be accepted); all students must be issued a textbook for their own personal use;

(8) A sample curriculum that includes all of the components contained in the USCIS Sample Curriculum found on the Citizenship Resource Center at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/program-development including:

a. Instruction in U.S. history and government for naturalization test preparation and the promotion of civic assimilation;

b. Activities that promote civic and linguistic assimilation;

c. English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in reading, writing, and https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/program-development speaking for the naturalization test, naturalization process, and to conduct required assimilation activities; and

d. Instruction on the eligibility interview (N-400).

(9) The provision of at least 40 hours of citizenship instruction over an 8 - 15 week class cycle with managed enrollment students at the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) high beginning to high intermediate levels; and

(10) The use of citizenship teachers who have at least one year of experience teaching ESL to adults and who:

(a) Hold a degree in TESOL; and/or

(b) Hold TESOL certification from a state licensing agency; and/or

(c) Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in TESOL instruction in a classroom setting for a program that utilizes a textbook and a structured curriculum.

Citizenship instruction classes must integrate instruction in U.S. history and government; civics-based ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking to prepare for the naturalization test and interview; and instruction on the naturalization process.

For more detailed information on the content and competencies that applicants are required to address in grant-funded classes, please review the Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills found here:

www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office of Citizenship/Citizenship Resource Center Site/Publications/M-1121.pdf.

Citizenship instruction programs must also incorporate a variety of civic assimilation learning activities into class curricula. The intent of this requirement is to encourage students to extend knowledge acquisition beyond traditional classroom instruction through opportunities to experience and navigate American civic life firsthand through in-depth learning activities. Applicants are encouraged to draw upon their local resources, venues, and landmarks when conceptualizing and designing these civic assimilation learning activities. Suggested categories for the required assimilation activities include but are not limited to: (1) Site-based civic assimilation activities – local trips outside the classroom to sites and landmarks of historical and/or cultural significance, libraries, museums, other local public entities, and organizations that promote public safety, etc.; (2) Classroom-based civic assimilation activities – activities that may involve guest speakers such as local civic leaders and public servants to provide the opportunity for student interaction and exchange, or the use of multi-media and/or materials-based methods that promote an enhanced understanding of key moments in U.S. history and/or the form and function of local, state, and federal government; (3) Civic participation – activities that encourage students to take participatory learning beyond the classroom by attending a public meeting;

volunteering; or participating in local civic institutions; and (4) Other assimilation activities – activities that promote in-depth understanding of the student’s role as a http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/M-1121.pdf http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/M-1121.pdf future citizen of the United States, including: the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; our shared American history; government functions, structure and laws;

geography; traditions, symbols; and holidays. These can be external or in-class.

4. Provision of free naturalization application services, within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law.

Grant recipients must provide services at no cost to the applicant to support the naturalization application submission and interview process. Naturalization application services can only be provided to LPRs who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) or were granted asylum and who have also received other assimilation services under this grant. Proposed services must include:

a. The provision of naturalization eligibility screening;

b. The preparation and submission of Form N-400 Application for

Naturalization with Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative over the two year period of performance for up to 100LPRs who entered the United States under USRAP or were granted asylum (USCIS recognizes that not all LPRs who received other assimilation services under this grant will be ready to apply for naturalization during the period of performance);

c. Ongoing immigration case management;

d. The use of a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Access

Programs (OLAP) accredited representative (partial accreditation is acceptable) or an attorney who is an employee at the applicant organization or at the sub-awardee organization. (Pro bono or volunteer attorneys may be used to supplement the program but may not serve as the applicant’s sole provider of immigration legal services, nor serve as a supervisor to a non DOJ accredited staff member providing such services.)

Attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives must sign Form N-400 as the preparer, and submit Form G-28 with each Form N-400 filed under this grant. Grantees are strongly encouraged to file forms electronically whenever possible. In the case that e-filing is not a viable option grantees are required to mail the naturalization application package to USCIS on behalf of the client. Applications may not be given to the client to mail.

The applicant must demonstrate an established process in place to refer individuals with complex immigration matters beyond the scope of the services provided under this grant to a qualified attorney.

Services may include interview preparation, a representative’s appearance at the naturalization interview, responding to Request for Evidence (RFE), and filing other forms or documents (such as Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions), if applicable. Services may also include subsequent preparation and filing of Forms N- 600 for naturalization of clients’ minor children.

Services can be delivered by either the primary applicant or a partner sub-awardee organization.

Partnerships

Partnerships are encouraged to ensure that the largest array of assimilation services is available to clients. Applicants may include partnerships with other public or non-profit organizations in their proposal. The principal applicant must directly provide either the citizenship instruction or naturalization application services, or both. The principal applicant may directly provide or refer LPRs to a partner to provide civics-based literacy and civics-based ESL instruction. The principal applicant may directly provide or make referrals for other assimilation services identified in the LPR’s individual assimilation plan. A partner organization is considered a “sub-awardee” if the organization will receive a portion of the grant funding to provide additional or complementary services within the scope of this grant.

The applicant must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the prospective sub-awardee and submit it with the application. The applicant must clearly demonstrate how it will monitor the prospective sub-awardee’s performance and ensure that the prospective sub-awardee complies with all grant award conditions and data reporting requirements. The MOU must state the minimum number of LPRs to whom the sub-awardee will provide services and how grant funding will be allocated to fund the services. Prospective sub-awardees must have their own individual Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and will be responsible for financial and performance reporting. Sub-awardees must submit their reports to the primary applicant for submission to DHS. If the partner organization will not receive a portion of the grant funds, then the partner is not considered a prospective sub-awardee, and would not be required to complete an MOU or obtain a DUNS number.

Evaluation

Successful applicants may be required to participate in a USCIS formal evaluation study. In addition, DHS will consider providing additional funds (up to 10 percent of the project’s total federal funding request) for applications which include a formal project evaluation integrated into the project design. Evaluations should seek to evaluate the effectiveness of the project and provide meaningful information about whether the proposed program design worked well and which aspects worked best.

Evaluations should be designed and planned so that preliminary findings and data from them can be used to inform and improve the ongoing provision of services; the final evaluation report will be used to support and inform the final performance report to

DHS. Evaluation products and reports will be disseminated and shared with stakeholders, including: project partners, program participants, public and private sector organizations, other federal agencies, and interested research, academic and evaluation entities. If interested in proposing an evaluation study component applicants are encouraged to develop and propose partnerships with external evaluation firms, research institutions, or universities to design and conduct evaluations. Applicants interested in applying for additional evaluation funds must provide a preliminary evaluation design plan as part of the initial application package filed through grants.gov. The preliminary evaluation plan will not impact scoring of the application and DHS will either approve the evaluation plan or provide feedback on changes required before the evaluation plan is approved and additional funds are allocated to the project. DHS has the right to disapprove any proposed evaluation plan if the evaluation plan does not demonstrate a) organizational capacity to manage or conduct high-quality evaluation activities or b) organizational commitment to learning.

Performance Metrics

For this grant program, organizations will be evaluated based on the following metrics:

(1) The number of newly enrolled non-duplicated lawful permanent resident in citizenship instruction classes (Minimum of 150);

(2) Percentage of enrolled students who post-test using nationally approved standardized tests suitable to assess English language proficiency (Minimum of 80%);

(3) Percentage of post-tested students demonstrating measurable educational gains (Minimum 80%);

(4) Number of lawful permanent resident for whom your organization will prepare and submit a Form N-400 and a Form G-28; and

(5) The completion, implementation, and monitoring of assimilation plans (Minimum of 200).

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: Approximately $1,000,000

Projected Number of Awards: Up to 4

Period of Performance: 24 months (comprising two one-year budget periods)

Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period.

Requests for extensions are subject to approval by DHS. See Section H. Additional Information – Extension(s).

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2018

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 9/30/2020

Funding Instrument: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible to apply to this announcement:

(1) City or township governments

(2) County governments

(3) Independent school districts

(4) Native American tribal government (federally recognized)

(5) Native American tribal organizations, other than federally recognized tribal governments

(6) Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education

(7) Private institutions of higher education

(8) Public and state controlled institutions of higher education

(9) Special district governments

(10) State governments

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, applicants and sub-awardees must meet the below requirements.

1. Applicants and any proposed sub-awardees must be organizations with public or non-profit status;

2. Applicants and any proposed sub-awardees must demonstrate extensive experience with and knowledge of the provision of ongoing assimilation services to the proposed former refugee/asylee population and describe why the applicant is uniquely suited to serve this particular population.

3. Applicants must demonstrate a robust network of local service providers with whom the applicant has an established and ongoing relationship for the provision of any proposed assimilation services that will not be provided directly by the applicant.

4. At the time of application, applicants and/or any sub-awardees that propose to provide civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, and citizenship instruction must have at least one year of experience in the past three years providing direct service ESL instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum and utilizes a textbook.

5. Applicants and/or any sub-awardees that propose to provide naturalization application services must have at least one of year of experience in the past three years providing naturalization application services within the authorized practice of immigration law to clients, and must at the time of application:

a. Be recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)'s Office of Legal

Access Programs (OLAP) and employ at least one DOJ accredited representative employee (partial accreditation is acceptable) with experience providing clients with naturalization representation; OR

b. Have at least one attorney on staff as a paid employee with experience providing clients with naturalization representation.

Not Eligible

For-profit law firms and attorneys in private practice are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity. (See the Glossary for the definitions of “representation” and “employee.”)

Current awardees and sub-awardees under the FY 2017 Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program (funding opportunity DHS-17-CIS-010-001 or DHS-17-CIS-010-002) are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity. Applicants to DHS- 18-CIS-010-002 are not eligible to apply to this program.

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, the application will be removed from further consideration.

Non-Responsive Applications

Your application will be deemed non-responsive if:

1. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance is missing.

2. Form SF-424A – Budget is missing.

3. Form SF-424B – Assurances - Non-Construction Programs is missing.

4. The applicant’s Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is not registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

5. The application does not include a Budget Narrative and a Budget Table.

6. The application does not include a Project Abstract.

7. The application does not include a Project Narrative.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) There is no MOE requirement for this program. Requests for funds under this announcement shall not be used to take the place of activities described in the application that are currently supported with other funding. Also, grant funds shall not be used to support activities that are a normal part of the organization’s operations.

Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share requirement for this program, however, projects that supplement government funding are encouraged and may receive favorable consideration. Applicants should clearly identify which budget items are to be supported by federal grant funding and which are to be supported by in-kind contributions and/or other funding sources, along with an estimate of the value of these non-federal funding sources.

D. Application and Submission Information

Date Posted to Grants.Gov: 07/25/2018

Application Submission Deadline: 08/15/2018 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 09/14/2018

Anticipated Award Date: 9/21/2018

NOTE: The application must be received in Grants.gov by the date and time listed above. If an application is received after the deadline, it will not be considered.

Applicants will receive a confirmation from Grants.gov once the application is successfully submitted.

All applications are time stamped by the Grants.gov system when submitted and recipients are notified accordingly. The federal office will download all applications that are received by the deadline date and time as indicated on the NOFO.

Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline For Completion Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to www.grants.gov , select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants,” In order to obtain the application package select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call Grants.gov customer support at 1-800-518-4726.

The Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Announcement is: 1-800-518-4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

To request a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please email or fax a request to:

Jacqueline Greely Grants Officer Jacqueline.Greely@HQ.DHS.GOV Fax: 202-447-5600

Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must submit all required forms and required documents listed in this section.

See the Grants.gov Applicant User Guide for instructions on how to attach forms and documents. Applicant should ensure that the final submitted application package includes all required forms and documents. Applicants should avoid the use of special characters in attachment file names.1

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for this award must:

1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

1 www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#attachments http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Jacqueline.Greely@HQ.DHS.GOV http://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/Applicants.htm http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#attachments

3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a DHS FAO.

DHS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DHS is ready to make the award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

REQUIRED FORMS

See Appendix A for required forms.

Electronic Delivery

DHS is participating in the Grants.gov Initiative to provide the Grant Community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

1. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

2. All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the (SF)-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

3. In addition to having a DUNS number, all organizations applying online through

Grants.gov must register with System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your application from applying through Grants.gov.

SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

4. The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov.

Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process.

For more information, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

5. A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

6. After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

7. To track your role request, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

8. When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

1. Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2. Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission.

3. If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or DHS forms.

The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

4. In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

5. The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger this feature, an https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

6. An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the “Sign and

Submit” button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

7. After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov Tracking Number

(GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All applications must be received by Midnight Eastern Daylight Time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

Intergovernmental Review

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372 (see www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf).

Funding Restrictions

Eligible Funding Purposes

DHS grant funds may only be used for the purposes set forth in the agreement, and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:

1. To provide services to LPRs who entered the United States under the USRAP or were granted asylum, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

2. Resources to support assimilation services, including staff salaries.

3. Resources to support civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL and citizenship instruction, including staff salaries, textbooks/materials, nationally normed standardized assessment tests, software, etc.

4. Professional development and training for staff and/or volunteers related to the provision of extended case management and assimilation services, civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, citizenship instruction and naturalization application services.

5. Facility rental costs not to exceed more than 20% of the total approved budget.

6. Resources to support naturalization application services, including staff salaries, case management systems, costs associated with DOJ recognition of organizations and accreditation (or renewal) of staff. This includes training costs related to DOJ recognition and accreditation.

7. Transportation costs for students attending grant-funded classes and programs.

a. Transportation funds provided to students must match the students’ individual transportation costs.

b. Applicant must have a system to track how transportation funds are used.

http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf

8. Reimbursement of transportation costs for volunteers participating in grant-funded activities. Volunteers may not receive a general transportation stipend.

a. Transportation funds provided to volunteers must match the volunteers’ individual transportation costs.

b. Applicants must have a system to track how transportation funds are used.

9. Childcare costs to assist eligible participants to attend grant-funded classes.

10. Travel costs for two staff members to attend a mandatory two-day grant recipient training in the Washington, D.C. area during the first year of the grant, and costs for one teacher or coordinator to attend a USCIS teacher training (or another professional development training with approval from USCIS) during the second year of the grant.

11. Equipment purchases directly related to the provision of services.

12. Costs associated with the use of computers for case management, civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, and citizenship instruction, and naturalization legal services (e.g., computer equipment, internet access, etc.)

Ineligible Funding Purposes

Grant funds may not be used for the following purposes:

1. Cost-sharing or matching funds for other federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity.

2. USCIS application fees.

3. Costs of organized fundraising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions.

4. Profit/Fee is not allowable except when subcontracting for routine goods and services with commercial organizations.

5. Foreign travel.

6. Construction costs and purchase of real property under this funding opportunity.

7. Pre-award costs.

8. Funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development.

9. Costs for food or refreshments.

10. Incentive items or gift cards.

11. General volunteer stipends.

12. Living allowances for any national volunteer service program participants.

13. Conference fees.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

Management and Administration Costs are allowable for the grantee and any proposed sub-awardee (if applicable). For more information on allowable costs, please see Funding Restrictions (above).

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

Indirect Costs are allowable for the grantee and any proposed sub-awardee (if applicable). The applicant must attach a copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant federal agency. If the applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification 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.