Federal Register Instructions Example
The sample RFP shown here is one of the tougher ones, in part because the language of the RFP is that of experts. Maggie suggests that only those who are experts in the field of child care attempt this grant proposal as a first project.
20527 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 80 /
Thursday, April 25, 2002 / Notices
Part III General Instructions for Preparing the Uniform Project Description
ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Crossreferencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix.
The Project Description Overview Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete and should address the activity for which federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project description, all information requested through each specific evaluation criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application. Pages should be numbered, and a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
A. Project Summary/Abstract/Geographic Location
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request. Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.
B. Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/ or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated, and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included.
Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
C. Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, specify the number of children and families to be served and how the services to be provided will be funded consistent with the local needs assessment. Or, explain how the expected results will benefit the population to be served in meeting its needs for early learning services and activities.
D. Approach/Evaluation Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others.
Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This clearance pertains to any “collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF.”
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project, along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
E. Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met, and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented, and discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness.
F. Additional Information
The following are requests for additional information that need to be included in the application:
Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
Plan for Continuance Beyond Grant Support: Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project activities after federal assistance has ceased.
Organizational Profiles: Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPA/licensed public accountants, employer identification numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child-care licenses, and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with federal/state/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any nonprofit organization submitting an application must submit proof of its nonprofit status in its application at the time of submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of taxexempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the state in which the corporation or association is domiciled.
Third-Party Agreements: Include written agreements between grantees and subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support: Provide statements from community, public, and commercial leaders that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should be included in the application OR by application deadline.
G. Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget-object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF–424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
