Department of Health and Human Services
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Population Affairs, Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Announcement of Availability of Funds for Adolescent Family Life (AFL) Demonstration Projects.
CFDA NUMBER: 93.995
ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Competitive Grant
DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by the Office of Grants
Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) c/o Grant Application Center, Office of Grants Management Operations
Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention Office Population
Affairs/Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs no later than 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time for
electronic applications and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time for mailed-in applications on June 11,
2008. The application due date requirement in this announcement supersedes the instructions in
the OASH-1 form.
Overview: The Office of Population Affairs (OPA), Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs
requests applications for Adolescent Family Life (AFL) prevention demonstration grants, as
authorized by Title XX of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. 300z et seq. These
grants are for projects to develop, implement and evaluate a multi-site primary abstinence
education program targeting youth ages 12-18, as compared with a multi-site "enriched"
program model.
This announcement defines a primary abstinence education program as 15-25 hours of
abstinence education and supportive services and activities conducted within one year with the
same participants. OAPP has selected 15-25 hours as a range for a primary abstinence education
program based on several studies suggesting that this amount of dosage can have a positive
effect on youth [see Connell, D.B., Turner, R.R. & Mason E.F. (1985) Summary of findings of
the school health education evaluation: health promotion effectiveness, implementation and
costs." Journal of School Health, 55 (8), 316-321) and Moore, D.A. & Sugland, B.W. (1997).
Using behavioral theories to design abstinence programs. Children and Youth Services Review,
19(5/6), 485-500].
An enriched program model, as defined in this announcement, is a primary abstinence
education program integrated with one of three types of program models chosen by OAPP:
Intensive parental/family involvement, mentoring, and community service. See section I-4 of
this announcement. OAPP is interested in learning if enriched abstinence models provide a
stronger effect than a primary abstinence education program. Applications should propose a
comparison of a primary abstinence education program to one of these three models.
A primary abstinence education program, delivered through a curricula or a combination
of curricula and supportive activities and services, may motivate youth in healthy decision making.
A primary abstinence education program plus an enriched program model could create
an even stronger model to deliver a clear message that abstinence is the healthiest choice. A
significant aspect of the proposed demonstration project is that it include a comparison between
those individuals served through a primary abstinence education program (comparison group)
and those served by a primary abstinence education program integrated with an enriched
program model (intervention group). Individuals should be randomly assigned to these two
groups. If randomization is not possible, then a tightly woven justification for a strong quasi experimental
design must be made.
Under this announcement, OAPP is interested in comparing primary abstinence
education program interventions with one of three enriched program models using random
assignment and multi-sites. Sites can be school-based, community-based or both school- and
community-based. The grant amount available for each project is in the range of $600,000-
$800,000 per year and OAPP expects that projects dedicate 20-25% of the Federal portion of the
proposed budget to evaluation activities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose a
randomized design as described in sections I-6 and I-10 of this announcement. Successful
applicants will propose 20-25% of the Federal portion of the budget for evaluation activities and
will plan on tracking program participants across all sites for at least one year after the
intervention. Applications that include measures of program effects on sexual activity are
preferred and will be scored accordingly.
All AFL prevention demonstration projects must provide "abstinence education" as
defined in section 510(b)(2)(A)-(H) of the Title V of the Social Security Act ("the A-H
criteria"). This legislation, enacted in 1996, lists out eight components (or criteria) that define
abstinence education. See section I-2 of this announcement. AFL prevention demonstration
projects are required to use this definition to develop and implement their abstinence education
activities.
Therefore, prevention demonstration projects must clearly and consistently promote
premarital abstinence as the only 100% effective way of preventing adolescent pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. Funds will be available for
approximately 4-5 demonstration projects, which may be located in any State, the District of
Columbia, and United States territories, commonwealths and possessions. Faith-based and
community-based organizations are encouraged to apply.
In this funding announcement, the OAPP is requesting that applicants propose a multisite
demonstration program comparing a primary abstinence education program with an enriched
program model. A primary abstinence education program, as defined in this announcement, is
15-25 hours of abstinence education and supportive activities and services conducted within one
year with the same participants. An enriched program model, as defined in this announcement,
is a primary abstinence education program integrated with one of three types of enriched
program models (as defined in section I-4 of this announcement) also implemented within one
year with the same participants.
When explaining the rationale for how the applicant will implement a multi-site
demonstration program, successful applicants will describe their experience with other youth
prevention programs, including experience with state, local or Federal abstinence education
grant programs. In particular, successful applicants will choose and describe their selected
primary abstinence education program and enriched model of intervention based on experiences
and "lessons learned" from previous youth and family oriented activities and services.
Applications under this announcement are expected to include a clear and fully
developed evaluation plan that encompasses all sites proposed in a randomized design. The
proposed evaluation team's experience, specifically related to conducting program evaluation
using randomized experimental designs with multi-sites, should be strong. An evaluator should
demonstrate his/her ability to conduct an intensive, randomized, multi-site design as proposed.
A strong evaluation plan should include a commitment and description of capacity to
track program participants in both the comparison and intervention groups for at least one year
after the intervention. It should also include a commitment and description to utilize a multi-site
model comparing one of the three enriched program models to 15-25 hours of a primary
abstinence education program described in this Request for Applications. Applicants should also
address both capacity and intent to use the AFL prevention core evaluation instrument. A copy
of this instrument can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/core_instruments/index.html.
Data collection and program management protocol and procedures should be
explained in the narrative.
Logistical management of multiple sites can be very difficult. A successful applicant
should thoroughly detail how this will be done. For additional guidance, see section IV of this
announcement. For successful applications, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) proposed
in the application must be updated prior to funding. Please note, updating of MOUs is estimated
to take place August, 2008. Applicants should ensure a contact will be available at that time for
each MOU.
Successful applicants will also ensure that program staff are prepared to address issues of
sexual coercion and exploitation of young teens. In addition, areas of the country with high
incidences of adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, poverty rates, as well as
existing gaps in services for youth, will receive special consideration. Under this
announcement, former AFL grantees and current AFL prevention grantees are eligible to apply.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION:
1. Purpose of Adolescent Family Life Prevention Demonstration Programs
The primary purpose of AFL prevention demonstration programs, as authorized by Title
XX of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. 300z et seq, is to find effective means,
within the context of the family, of reaching adolescent children before they become sexually
active to encourage them to abstain from premarital sexual activity. Early initiation of sexual
activity brings not only the risk of adolescent pregnancy, but also substantial health risks,
primarily STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Adolescent sexual activity is also associated with a host
of other problems, such as poor school performance, delinquency, substance use and depression.
2. Definition of Abstinence Education
Proposed primary abstinence education programming, whether educational or supportive,
must address at least one component of the definition of abstinence education (components are
listed below). Activities in the enriched program model, as defined in this announcement, must
also address at least one component of the definition. Because the 15-25 hours of primary
abstinence education programming are implemented with all youth program participants (in both
comparison and intervention groups), the primary abstinence education program as a whole,
must address all eight of the A-H criteria. Successful applicants will describe each service
provided and which component of the criteria that activity or service addresses. Under this
announcement, "abstinence education" means an educational or motivational program which:
(A) Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be
realized by abstaining from sexual activity;
( B) Teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all
school-aged children;
(C) Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock
pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems;
(D) Teaches that a mutually faithful, monogamous relationship in context of marriage is the
expected standard of human sexual activity;
(E) Teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful
psychological and physical effects;
(F) Teaches that bearing children out-of-wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the
child, the child's parents, and society;
(G) Teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use
increases vulnerability to sexual advances; and
(H) Teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.
3. Description of a Primary Abstinence Education Program
A primary abstinence education program, as defined in this announcement, is 15-25
hours of abstinence education and supportive activities and services conducted within one year
with the same participants. A primary abstinence education program provided to participants in
both the intervention and comparison groups of the proposed project, must be consistent with the
definition of "abstinence education," as set out in section 510(b)(2)(A)-(H) of Title V of the
Social Security Act, as amended.
4. Three Enriched Program Models
Studies reveal that youth benefit from good relationships with their parents and with
other adults or older peers. In addition, studies show that youth that are involved in their
communities in a variety of ways make healthier choices. Therefore, OAPP has chosen three
enriched program models that address these findings. [Jekielek, S., Moore, K., Hair, E.
Mentoring Programs and Youth Development: A Synthesis, 2002. Childtrends.
http://www.childtrends.org/files/MentoringSynthesisFINAL2.6.02Jan.pdf) (Science Says:
Parental Influence and Teen Pregnancy, 2004. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen
Pregnancy. http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/SS/SS8_
ParentInfluence.pdf.) (Youth Volunteering and Civic Engagement Survey, 2005. Corporation
for National and Community Service and the U.S. Census Bureau.
http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/06_0323_SL_briefing_factsheet.pdf.]
Successful applicants will propose that the comparison group receive a 15-25 hour
primary abstinence education program (within one year with the same participants) and the
intervention group receive one of the three enriched program models as described in this section.
These enriched program models should be intricately linked with the primary abstinence
education program and should directly tie into one or more program objectives. Each model
proposed must be consistent with the definition of "abstinence education," as set out in section
510(b)(2)(A)-(H) of Title V of the Social Security Act, as amended, and with Title XX. See
sections I-2 and I-5 of this announcement. Applicants should choose from one of the following
enriched program models identified by OAPP for comparison with a primary abstinence
education program.
Intensive Parental and/or Family Involvement
Supporting parents in their role as the primary educators of their children on issues
involving sexuality, particularly the importance of premarital abstinence, can be an effective way
to strengthen a prevention intervention. Research has shown the importance of parental
involvement and open communication between parent and child in the prevention of adolescent
sexual activity. Parental involvement and communication include monitoring and boundary
setting, as well as clearly transmitting values and beliefs.
Helping young people successfully negotiate adolescence and avoid premarital sexual
activity, as well as other health risk behaviors, requires not only educating and motivating
them–it also requires ensuring that they have adequate support systems to put what they learn
into practice. Stronger families can provide considerable assistance in achieving this. An
integrated family intervention can be proposed to include factors addressed in parental
involvement. A family intervention model must be based on literature related to family
strengthening and each activity should tie directly to the objectives of the program.
Successful applicants who choose this enriched model will propose a fully integrated
and comprehensive parental and/or family involvement program that is provided in addition to
and integrated with a 15-25 hour primary abstinence education program. The enriched program
model must be an intricate part of the proposed evaluation design.
Targeted services and resources that strengthen parental capacity to help their child avoid
sexual activity and other risk behaviors can take many forms: parent workshops or training
sessions; parent-child interactive activities; education newsletters; home-based education; or
homework assignments for parents and children to complete together. This is not an exhaustive
list of examples; applicants are encouraged to be innovative in what they propose. Program
content should reflect specific needs of the population to be served and might include
information on parenting practices, communication skills, family life and problem solving
strategies, or adolescent development. It is essential that programs effectively communicate to
parents the benefits of abstinence to the health and well-being of their children.
Based on the literature about successful parent/family interventions, the applicant should
address recruitment and retention of parents/families, specifically how the program will address
parental/family time and resource constraints. The description should include how the program
will engage parents/families in a comprehensive manner, including what educational materials
will be used, define the activities proposed (including dosage), how staff will be trained to
recruit and retain parents/families, how the parental/family component will address
parent/family differences, and how this component will fully integrate with the youth activities
conducted in the 15-25 hour primary abstinence education program. As part of the proposed
model of engaging parents and/or families, the project should ensure this enriched model
supports and enhances the primary abstinence education program implemented in both the
intervention and comparison groups.
The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a Web site
(http://www.4parents.gov) and other materials to encourage parents to speak early and often to
their children about waiting until marriage to have sex. Applicants are encouraged to use this
Web site and Parents Speak Up National Campaign materials as part of curricula they propose to
use.
Mentoring
Mentoring programs have been shown to be an effective strategy to help youth succeed.
A mentor could be a senior citizen, a corporate employee, an older peer, or a college student,
among others. Mentoring activities could take place in-school, outside of school, in the
community or in a variety of other venues.
Successful applicants who choose this model will propose a fully integrated and
comprehensive mentoring program that is provided in addition to and integrated with a 15-25
hour primary abstinence education program. This fully integrated model must be an intricate
part of the proposed evaluation design and each activity within this component should clearly
link to one or more program objectives.
Based on literature about effective mentoring strategies, an applicant should specifically
identify the types of individuals who will be the mentors, identify the type of mentoring the
program will be implementing (i.e. one-on-one, group, team, peer), define the nature of the
mentoring sessions (including dosage) and how they tie into the primary abstinence
programming, discuss when and where the mentoring will take place, and detail how the
program will maintain regular contact with both mentors and mentees. Protocols should be in
place to screen program mentors. Please include a copy of these protocols in the Appendices of
the application. Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) should be included in the Appendices
for all outside resources used, including mentors.
In this model, the applicant should describe specifically how a mentor will be trained to
effectively implement program activities. As part of the proposed management of mentors and
their activities, training and monitoring should ensure that this model supports and enhances the
primary abstinence education program services and activities implemented in both the
intervention and comparison groups. Applicants are encouraged to be innovative in what
mentoring activities they propose.
Community Service
Youth that are involved positively in their community are more likely to refrain from
sexual activity. Youth can be involved in their communities in different ways. Community
service can be defined as volunteering in service to others and promoting one's community. A
recent study of protective factors documents that youth involved in helping activities, such as
volunteer community- service or service-learning projects, were less likely to be involved in
anti-social behaviors such as teen pregnancy. Youth leadership skills are a part of a strong
community service component. (See Doherty, Susan. A Model for a Community-Based Youth
Leadership Program, 2003. http://www.effectivecommunities.com/articles.html) and Rodine,
S., Oman, R., Vesely, S., Aspy, C. Potential Protective Effect of the Community Involvement
Asset on Adolescent Risk Behaviors, 2006. Journal of Youth Development, Volume 1, Number
1.)
Successful applicants who choose this model will propose a fully integrated and
comprehensive youth community service program that is provided in addition to and integrated
with a 15-25 hour primary abstinence education program. This fully integrated model must be
an intricate part of the proposed evaluation design and each activity within this component
should clearly link to one or more program objectives.
Based on the literature about effective youth community service strategies, an applicant
should specifically identify each activity proposed as part of this model. The applicant should
define the nature of community service activities (including dosage), how participants will be
recruited and retained, how this component is relevant to the community needs, if the program
will be supported by a large segment of the community, how agencies and staff involved in
getting youth involved are trained to work with youth, how this component is intertwined into
the primary abstinence education program, and how activities and services will be monitored.
Please describe protocols in place to track youth participation.
Memorandums of understanding should be included in the Appendices for outside
resources and partners used in community service and involvement projects. Applicants are
encouraged to be innovative in what they propose.
5. Other Supportive Activities and Services
Projects must provide services to project participants that help adolescents acquire
knowledge and skills that seek to instill healthy attitudes, as well as provide services that
encourage and support abstinence from premarital sexual activity. Under the statutory
requirements of Title XX, applicants for prevention demonstration programs are not required to
provide any specific array of services. However, the primary abstinence education program,
provided to both the intervention and comparison group, should focus on educational services
relating to family life that teach the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by
abstaining from sexual activity. The legislation also permits a proposal to include any one or
more of the following services as appropriate:
(1) Educational services relating to family life and problems associated with adolescent
premarital sexual relations including:
(a) Information about adoption,
(b) Education on the responsibilities of sexuality and parenting,
(c) The development of material to support the role of parents as the providers of
sex education, and
(d) Assistance to parents, schools, youth agencies and health providers to educate
adolescents concerning self-discipline and responsibility in human sexuality;
(2) Appropriate educational and vocational services;
(3) Counseling for the immediate and extended family members of the eligible person;
(4) Transportation;
(5) Outreach services to families of adolescents to discourage sexual relations among
unemancipated minors; and
(6) Nutrition information and counseling.
In order to remain abstinent until marriage, adolescents need to acquire capacity building,
coping, and self-sufficiency skills that enable them to remain abstinent in the present and to
continue making healthy decisions as they transition into adulthood. Therefore, effective
primary abstinence education programs and enriched models should take into account how youth
physically and emotionally develop and how this translates into appropriate educational and
supportive services. In addition to abstinence education, research shows that building upon
positive factors (or assets) in the lives of young people protects youth from many risky
behaviors, including sexual activity. Primary abstinence education programming and enriched
model services should strengthen both external and internal assets for youth through a variety of
methods. Strengthening these factors will help motivate youth to remain abstinent from sexual
activity. [Benson, P. L., Scales, P. C., Hamilton, S. F., & Sesma, A., Jr. (with Hong, K. L., &
Roehlkepartain, E. C.), 2006. Positive youth development so far: Core hypotheses and their
implications for policy and practice. Search Institute Insights & Evidence, 3(1) 1.13. ]
6. Description of Multi-Site Models
Sites in a multi-site model can be school-based, community-based or a combination of
both school- and community-based. A successful grantee will propose a multi-site design
randomizing sites, programs, or individuals into two groups. One group will receive a 15-25
hour primary abstinence education program and will act as the comparison. The other group will
receive an enriched model: the same primary abstinence education program integrated with one
of three enriched models chosen by OAPP (defined in section I-4 of this announcement).
Randomization should occur at the level of assignment (i.e., if programs are
implementing in school sites, then schools should be randomized if possible). Successful
applicants will ideally have 7-10 sites in the comparison group and 7-10 sites in the intervention
group of the project. The use of matching sites is strongly encouraged. Sites should be matched
into pairs that are comparable (i.e., socio-economic status, race, ethnicity) then randomized to a
group from within the pair. This will help to promote the even distribution of potentially
confounding influences. Individual randomized assignment may be appropriate in some
community-based designs, if the youth from the two groups are not likely to have contact with
one another. A strong multi-site design will ensure students in the intervention group of the
program (enriched model) do not interact with those in the comparison group of the program
(primary abstinence education program alone).
Detailed data collection protocols for the multi-site intervention and comparison should
be included in the evaluation component of the application. They should include at least: 1)
inclusion and exclusion criteria for program participation; 2) how parental consent will be
obtained for unemancipated minors; 3) confidentiality procedures; 4) how data will be collected
and who will collect it; 5) incentives for participation; and 6) where data will be stored. See
section I-10 of this announcement.
7. Sexual Exploitation
A 2005 demographic portrait of sex between teens and older individuals found that in
young people ages 15 to 24, 13 percent of females and 5 percent of males reported that their first
sexual experience occurred at age 15 or younger with an individual who was three or more years
older. More than one in four children born to mothers between the ages of 15 and 17 were
fathered by someone five or more years older. (Manlove, J., Moore, K., Liechty, J., Ikramullah,
E., & Cottingham S. Sex Between Young Teens and Older Individuals: A Demographic Portrait.
Childtrends Publication #2005-07, 2005.) Successful AFL prevention demonstration applicants
should thoroughly describe current and proposed efforts to prevent sexual coercion and
exploitation of teens by older partners, as well as management and reporting that comply with
State reporting laws regarding child sexual abuse, sexual assault (including statutory rape),
incest, or family violence. These efforts should include staff training on how to handle
abuse/coercion disclosures appropriately, the responsibilities as a mandatory reporter, as well as
overall sensitivity to the issue (of nonconsensual sexual activity among youth who otherwise
would be abstinent) in program activities, services and curricula. For more information,
applicants may access the Child Welfare Information Gateway formerly the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at http://www.childwelfare.gov.
8. Curricula Review
The grantee shall submit all curricula and educational materials for use in the AFL
project, whether currently available or to be developed by the grantee, to the OAPP for review
and approval prior to use in the project. The review shall ensure that all the information
provided to the program participants is medically accurate; consistent with Title XX policies on
religion; in compliance with the statutory prohibitions against advocating, promoting,
encouraging, or providing abortions; and consistent with the definition of "abstinence
education," as set out in section 510(b)(2)(A)-(H) of Title V of the Social Security Act, as
amended.
NOTE: Curricula and educational materials should be identified for this application. Review
and approval of curricula and other educational materials are not done until an application is
approved for funding. Successful approval of a grant application does not indicate approval of
curricula and educational materials for use in a funded project.
9. Goals and Objectives
The Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP) has two performance
measures for AFL prevention demonstration programs: 1) Increase the involvement of parents in
the lives of their children; and 2) Increase adolescents' understanding of the positive health and
emotional benefits of abstaining from premarital sexual activity. All grantees will be responsible
for reporting on these two performance measures by using the required AFL prevention
evaluation core instrument. A copy of this instrument can be found at
http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/core_instruments/index.html.
The applicant should include two program outcome objectives addressing these two
performance measures. Please note, up to four additional programmatic outcome objectives
should be proposed using additional data collection instruments. Applications that include
measures of program effects at least at a 1-year follow-up on sexual activity are preferred. All
programmatic outcome objectives should be encompassed by an overarching program goal.
A goal is a general statement of what the project hopes to accomplish. It should reflect
the long-term desired impact of the project on the target group(s) as well as reflect the program
goals contained in this program announcement. An outcome objective is a statement which
defines a measurable result that the project expects to accomplish (e.g., decrease in sexual
activity among the treatment group, increase in intent to remain abstinent among the treatment
group). All outcome objectives, including the two outcome objectives addressing the above
performance measures, should be described in terms that are specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic, and time-framed (S.M.A.R.T.):
Specific: An objective should specify one major result directly related to the program
goal, state who is going to be doing what, to whom, by how much, and in what timeframe.
It should specify what will be accomplished and how the accomplishment will be
measured.
Measurable: An objective should be able to describe in realistic terms the expected
results and specify how such results will be measured.
Achievable: The accomplishment specified in the objective should be achievable within
the proposed time line and as a direct result of program activities and services.
Realistic: The objective should be reasonable in nature. The specified outcomes,
expected results, should be described in realistic terms.
Time-framed: An outcome objective should specify a target date or time for its
accomplishments. It should state who is going to be doing what, by when, etc. The
Public Management Institute, How to Get Grants (1981).
10. Evaluation of a Multi-Site Approach
Section 2006(b)(1) of Title XX requires each grantee to expend at least one percent, but
not more than five percent, of the Federal funds received under Title XX on evaluation of the
project. In cases in which a more rigorous or comprehensive evaluation effort is proposed,
waivers of the five percent limit on evaluation may be granted by OAPP [sec. 2006(b)(1) of Title
XX of the Public Health Service Act]. OAPP places strong emphasis on the evaluation of the
demonstration projects it supports. To that end, OAPP strongly recommends that applicants
budget 20-25% of the Federal portion of the proposed grant project for evaluation activities, and
will waive the 5% limit on grant funds for those projects.
Successful applicants will propose a comparison between a primary abstinence education
program with one of three enriched program models. (OAPP is recommending the primary
abstinence education program be in the range of 15-25 within one year with the same
participants.) OAPP has identified three types of enriched program models that applicants can
choose from (see section I-4). Applicants can choose to integrate either intensive
parental/family involvement, mentoring, or community service with the primary abstinence
education program. Projects must be able to track program participants for at least one year after
the intervention.
Commensurate with a multi-site, randomized design and increased funding for
evaluation, the OAPP expects applications to include a clear and fully developed evaluation
plan. Evaluation plans that do not address the following criteria will be scored accordingly
during the grant review process.
1. Evaluations will include a clear description of a process evaluation. This entails a clear
description of process objectives (aims of the process evaluation) including a list of what
is being assessed to evaluate implementation and fidelity of key program inputs and
activities. Measurement of dosage must be included. Evaluations in their first year will
focus on determining that the intervention is in place, that it is adequately and
appropriately staffed and that it is reaching its intended population. The first six months
of the grant should be used for development and planning and the first year of
programming should be focused on process evaluation.
2. Evaluations will include a clear description of the outcome evaluation. This description
should include how the program will assess the impacts/benefits/changes to both the
intervention and comparison groups (as a result of the program(s) efforts) during and
after their participation in the programs. Outcome evaluations must examine these
changes in the short-term, intermediate-term and long-term (at least one year after the
intervention). The evaluation should include a logic model (in Appendices) that visually
ties the program interventions to the program objectives. The logic model should
include: activities, outputs, outcomes (short, intermediate, long term), goals, and
moderating effects/assumptions.
3. Evaluations will have clear research objectives and hypotheses. Research objectives
should be in S.M.A.R.T. terms (see section I-9). The objectives and hypotheses included
should be clearly aligned with the intervention activities and should be related to the
proposed theory of change.
4. Evaluations will have a randomized design that does not allow self-selection into the
intervention or comparison groups of the project. Projects can randomize individuals,
classrooms, schools, after-school programs, community organizations, or geographic
locations. If randomization is not possible, then a tightly woven justification for a strong
quasi-experimental design must be made. Randomizing individuals within schools or
programs is not acceptable due to issues of contamination.
5. Evaluations will address how threats to validity of the design (i.e. factors that permit
alternative explanation of program outcomes) will be assessed and controlled for.
6. Evaluations will have an adequate sampling strategy and sample size estimation. A
power analysis should be conducted to indicate the proposed sample is sufficient to
detect statistically significant differences in outcomes between the intervention and
comparison groups. Methods of selecting sample size, sample sites and participants from
the population should be detailed and provide a reasonable basis for generalization of
program effects.
7. Evaluations will have a detailed recruitment plan that describes steps taken by project
(and evaluation staff if applicable) to increase the likelihood that participants in both the
intervention and comparison groups of the project will agree to participate in the program
and stay in the program. This recruitment plan should also address site recruitment and
retention strategies.
8. Evaluations will include two of the AFL prevention performance measures (section I-9)
and up to four additional outcome objectives. Applicants should propose using
additional instruments in addition to the required AFL prevention evaluation core
instrument. Information on the validity and reliability of the additional instruments
and/or surveys must be provided. When possible, the use of scales is preferable to single
item measures. All proposed data collection instruments must align directly to the
proposed intervention strategies. The proposed evaluation plan must include measures of
program effects at least at a 1-year follow-up after the intervention. Measures on sexual
activity are highly recommended. All programmatic outcome objectives should be
encompassed by an overarching program goal.
9. Evaluations will include a detailed data collection plan. A data collection schedule
should directly align with program activities. It is expected that a research assistant will
be budgeted as part of the program staff to handle data collection procedures. Proposed
data collection for the intervention and comparison group participants must be identical.
Participant data should be anonymous (no names linked to data) or confidential (names
linked to data are kept private). The data collection plan should also include a
description of how active parental consent and participant assent will be obtained to
participate in the evaluation. It should also describe data management protocol, data
security measures, evidence of thorough training of data collectors, and include a
statement as to what procedures are proposed that are least likely to introduce bias or
promote non-response.
10. Evaluations will include a detailed quantitative and qualitative data analysis plan that
includes a description of the multivariate statistics proposed to assess program effects (it
is recommended applicants consult with a statistician). The statistical approach should
be matched to the characteristics of the evaluation design and the data being collected.
Analyses should handle attrition bias, missing data, and subgroups (potential indicators
for specifying sub-groups include demographic and socioeconomic data).
11. Evaluations will include evaluation training activities for program staff and specific data
collection procedures for the research assistant and other staff (if applicable). In
addition, consultation from a statistical expert should be proposed.
12. Evaluations will include a follow-up assessment at least one year after the intervention
being tested ends. Including follow-up at 24 months (if possible) after baseline data
collection will greatly strengthen the proposed project. The follow-up assessment should
be in the same format as the pre- and post-testing instrumentation.
13. Evaluations will include a plan to disseminate and publish findings. Preparation for
publishing and dissemination should take place in the 5th year.
14. Evaluations will include a description of the process for obtaining institutional review
board (IRB) review and approval of the proposed program and evaluation plans. A
Federal-Wide Assurance must be included in the Appendices of the application. While it
is advantageous to seek IRB approval prior to the time of award, it is not mandatory.
(See section VIII-1 of this announcement.)
15. The independent evaluator will demonstrate his/her ability to conduct the proposed
evaluation as defined in the next section of this announcement.
11. Evaluator Requirements
Section 2006(b)(2) of Title XX requires that evaluations of AFL demonstration projects
be conducted by an organization or entity independent of the AFL grantee. To
accomplish this, applicants should collaborate with an independent evaluator affiliated with a
college or university located in their State. OAPP expects each AFL demonstration project to
establish a strong relationship with its evaluator and that this relationship be clearly established
prior to funding as evidenced in a Memorandum of Understanding. The successful applicant
will work with the evaluator as the application is being prepared to ensure that the evaluation
plan addresses the criteria listed above.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the evaluator and the applicant organization
and a copy of the evaluator's curriculum vitae should be included in the Appendices of the
application. The memorandum should describe the responsibilities of the evaluator in addition
to anticipated time commitments and schedule.
12. AFL Prevention Evaluation Core Instrument
The AFL prevention core evaluation instruments have been developed for use in AFL
prevention demonstration project evaluations. The prevention instruments were designed to
reflect requirements in the Title XX statute, the A-H criteria for abstinence education, and the
two AFL prevention performance measures. The Office of Management and Budget has
approved these instruments and all AFL demonstration projects funded in fiscal year 2004 and
beyond are required to use them in their evaluation design. Prevention demonstration projects
funded under this announcement will be included in this requirement. Additional instruments
are necessary to measure additional outcome objectives proposed and they should be used to
supplement the core instrument. Copies of the AFL prevention core evaluation instruments can
be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/ core_instruments /index.html.
II. AWARD INFORMATION:
This notice announces the availability of $2.5 million to support an estimated 4-5 new
prevention demonstration grants, funded at $600,000-$800,000 per budget year (maximum five
budget years per grant cycle). The estimated start date for these new prevention demonstration
grants is September 30, 2008. Any application that proposes funding over the maximum of
$800,000 will not be considered. Applicants that have been considered for funding and are not
funded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 may be considered for FY 2009 awards.
OAPP expects that 20-25% of the Federal portion of the budget be allotted for evaluation
activities. Funding for all approved budget periods beyond the first year of the grant is
contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the project, and adequate
stewardship of Federal funds.
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
1. Eligible Applicants
Any public or private nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply for a grant.
However, only those organizations or agencies that demonstrate the capability of providing and
thoroughly evaluating a multi-site model as stipulated in this announcement will be considered
for grant awards. Applicants must also propose services that meet the statutory requirements in
order to be considered. Faith-based and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply
for AFL grants. Please note, however, that AFL funds may not be used for inherently religious
activities, such as worship, religious instruction, and proselytization. If an organization engages
in such activities, they must be offered separately in time or location from the program funded
under the AFL program and participation must be voluntary for program beneficiaries. An AFL
program, in providing services and outreach related to program services, cannot discriminate
against current or prospective program beneficiaries on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a
refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to actively participate in a religious practice. Please
also note that all adolescents, regardless of race or religion, shall be eligible to participate in an
AFL program.
Applications will be accepted from organizations that are currently operating AFL
prevention demonstration programs if they propose a multi-site model with a randomized
evaluation design (if possible) as stipulated in this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing
Grantees funded under this announcement will be required to match federal funding
provided by OAPP. Section 2005 (c)(2) of Title XX states that an AFL grant award may not
exceed 70 % of the total costs of the project for the first and second years, 60 % of the total costs
for the third year, 50 % for the fourth year and 40 % for the fifth year. The AFL non-Federal
share of the project costs may be provided in cash expenditures or fairly evaluated in-kind
contributions, including facilities, donated labor, materials, equipment and services. Cost
sharing is a responsiveness criterion and is not a scored evaluation criterion. If needed, technical
assistance may be provided to assist grantees with their cost sharing efforts.
Applications should include a detailed budget narrative as directed in the OASH-1form.
Matching funds and/or specific contributions proposed to meet the cost sharing requirement
must be fully identified and described. For in-kind contributions, the source of the contribution
and how the valuation of that contribution was determined must also be described. Please
contact the Office of Grants Management Operation Center at 1-888-203-6161 for technical
assistance, if needed.
Note that the HHS Grants Policy Statement provides that: "Recipient contributions may
be derived from any non-Federal source; from Federal sources if received as fees, payments, or
reimbursements for the provision of a specific service, such as patient care reimbursements
received under Medicare or Medicaid; or from other program income, if authorized by [HHS].
Otherwise, unless there is specific statutory authority, Federal funds may not be used to match
HHS grant funds."
3. Other
Any application that requests more than $800,000 of Federal funding will not be
considered for review.
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application kits may be obtained by accessing Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov or
the Grant Solutions system at http://www.GrantSolutions.gov. To obtain a hard copy of the
application kit, contact the Grant Application Center at 240-453-8822. Applicants may fax a
written request to (240) 453-8823 or e-mail the request to oapp@hhs.gov. Applications must be
prepared using form OASH-1, which can be obtained at the Web sites noted above.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
In preparing the application, it is important to follow ALL instructions and public policy
requirements provided in the application kit. Applications must be submitted on the OASH-1
form and in the manner prescribed in the narrative enclosure and other components of the
application kit provided by OAPP. Applicants are required to submit an application signed by an
individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the
organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The
program narrative must be printed on 8½ by 11 inch white paper, with one-inch margins, double spaced
with an easily readable 12-point font. All pages must be numbered sequentially not
including appendices and required forms. The application should not exceed 75 double-spaced
pages, not including appendices and required forms. All pages, figures and tables must be
numbered sequentially. Do not staple or bind the application package. Use rubber bands or
clips.
As part of the OASH-1 form, a budget narrative is required. This narrative should
thoroughly describe how the proposed categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity,
reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. Matching funds and/or specific
contributions proposed to meet the cost sharing requirement must be fully identified and
described. For in-kind contributions, the source of the contribution and how the valuation of that
contribution was determined must also be described.
The narrative description of the project must contain the following using the specified
page limits:
One-page Summary: Briefly describe the multi-site model proposed including the
primary abstinence education program and the enriched model selected for the intervention.
Indicate whether it is a local or statewide project, type of organization applying (school, state
agency, voluntary agency, etc.), geographic area to be served (urban, rural, suburban),
description of target population to be served, and a brief description of the multi-site evaluation
design.
Description of Applicant Organization (2-3 pages): Describe the decision-making
authority and structure (e.g. relationship to the Board of Directors and organizational chart), its
resources, experience, existing program units and/or those to be established if funding is
obtained. This description should cover personnel, time and facilities for all proposed sites and
outside resources or partners and contain evidence of the organization's capacity to provide the
rapid and effective use of resources needed to conduct a multi-site project, collect necessary data
from a randomized design, and evaluate it. The description should also cover how the various
sites and outside resources/partners chosen will be managed logistically and programmatically.
It is recommended that applicants include an organizational chart, a chart detailing the program
and who is responsible for what sites, as well as a map providing a visual description of the
various sites selected (in the Appendices).
Need Statement (4-5 pages): Describe the need for prevention services in the proposed
target area by describing the geographic area to be served. Describe specifically how the
primary abstinence education program and the enriched program model chosen to test in the
intervention group will benefit the target population. See section I-4 of this announcement.
Document the incidence of adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, the socioeconomic
conditions including income levels, existing services and unmet needs in the proposed
service area. If the proposed population has unique challenges and barriers, these should be
addressed as well.
Rationale (3-4 pages): Successful applicants will propose a theoretically based, multisite
demonstration project. Describe the rationale for choosing the multi-site model plus the
intervention component proposed and how this approach is based upon previous practice and
review of the literature and/or evaluation findings. Describe why this project needs to exist and
be evaluated. In addition it should include a discussion of previous multi-site and youth service
experiences and how lessons learned from this experience helped develop the rationale for the
proposed demonstration model.
Program Outcome Objectives (4 pages): Provide a goal and 4-6 cascading outcome
objectives that clearly state expected results or benefits of the demonstration project. Two of the
outcome objectives must address the required AFL prevention performance measures.
Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-framed and contained
in the program logic model. See section I-9 for more information.
Prevention Services Multi-Site Model (10-12 pages): Thoroughly describe proposed
program intervention activities and services as they fit within the randomized multi-site model.
The 15-25 hours of the primary abstinence education services and activities, per program cycle,
should be thoroughly described. This section should include a description of all proposed
primary abstinence curricula and other supportive activities and services provided to both the
intervention and comparison groups of the study. It should include a thorough description of the
enriched model chosen as stipulated in this announcement. See sections I-3 and I-4 of this
announcement. It should also include a clear plan for recruitment and retention of multiple sites,
outside resources, partner, and program participants. The description should clearly relate to
program objectives and should address intensity of services (dosage). The description should
explain how issues of sexual exploitation and coercion will be addressed.
A-H Criteria (2-4 pages): All components of the intervention must be consistent with
the A-H definition of abstinence education (see section I-2). The 15-25 hour primary abstinence
education program, as a whole, provided to both the intervention and comparison group, must
adequately address all eight of the A-H criteria. Please note, individual activities and services
may address one or more of the A-H criteria. Successful applicants will describe each service
and activity provided and which component of the criteria that activity or service addresses.
Applicants must do this in narrative form and complete the "A-H" chart included in the
application kit for both the primary abstinence education program and the enriched model
chosen.
Workplan and Timetable (1 page): Provide a detailed work plan and timetable for the
first year of the project. Within this plan include each program activity associated with the
intervention and comparison groups of the project and the proposed time frame for the start and
completion of each activity. Please note, the first six months of the grant cycle could be used for
planning and further development of the program model.
Target Population (2 pages): Provide estimates of the overall number of program
participants and the numbers participating in each of the treatment and comparison groups of the
proposed demonstration project. Please describe how many participants are expected to
participate during the first and second year and break out the types of participants into categories
(e.g. adolescents and parents, mentorings, family members), including the race and ethnicity of participants
to be served. Estimates should be broken into two tables: one for the comparison group and one for
the intervention group of the project. Please specify what year of the program the estimates are referring to.
Documentation of Community Support and Commitment (1-2 pages): Provide
documentation of the support from other community agencies. Two or three letters of support
should be included in the Appendices. Memorandums of Understanding from each participating
site, partner, and outside resources (if applicable) should be included in the Appendices. The
Memorandums should detail the exact level of involvement, responsibility and time/resource
commitment.
Continuation Funding (1 page): Describe the plan regarding continuation of services
at the termination of this Federal funding opportunity. The OAPP cannot guarantee that funding
will be available annually or at the end of the five-year grant cycle.
Evaluation Plan (20-30 pages): Provide a clear and fully developed evaluation plan in
accordance with the criteria laid out under section I-10 of this announcement. Include a
Memorandum of Understanding and curriculum vitae from the independent evaluator in the
Appendices. Discuss how the AFL prevention evaluation core instruments will be included in
the evaluation plan, and describe the proposed multi-site project and the randomized comparison
design. If randomization is not possible, then a tightly woven justification for a strong quasiexperimental
design must be made in this section. Applicants are encouraged to identify
anticipated problems with the evaluation and recommended solutions. Applications that include
measures of program effects at least at a 1-year follow-up on sexual activity are preferred (one
year following the intervention) and will be scored accordingly.
Proof of Nonprofit Status: Organizations applying for funds under the AFL
Demonstration Projects Program must submit documentation of nonprofit status with their
applications. If documentation is not provided, the applicant will be considered non-responsive
and will not be entered into the review process. The organization will be notified that the
application did not meet the submission requirements.
Any of the following serves as acceptable proof of nonprofit status:
• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
most recent listing of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
• A statement from a State taking body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State
official certifying that the applicant organization has a nonprofit 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 nonprofit status.
• Any of the above proof for a State or national organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local nonprofit affiliate.
Appendices: Include: 1) Resumes for Project Director and detailed position descriptions
(include key staff and positions for sites); 2) A program logic model that ties project objectives
and intervention activities and services to expected results; 3) Memorandums of Understanding
from all participating sites (both intervention and comparison); 4) 2-3 letters of support from
other community agencies; 5) A Memorandum of Understanding with the independent evaluator
affiliated with a college or university located in the applicant's State that includes willingness to
participate and detailed agreed upon responsibilities and time allotted for those responsibilities;
6) The Curriculum Vitae of the independent evaluator; 7) Memorandums of Understanding from
all outside resources and/or partners; 8) An organizational chart, program organization chart
and map describing the multiple sites in each group of the project; 9) an "A-H" chart for both the
intervention and comparison groups; 10) a copy of the applicant's Federal-Wide Assurance; 11)
a detailed workplan for year 2 of the proposed project; 12) a protocol for how mentors will be
screened (if applicable) and; 13) proof of nonprofit status. Only the items listed above should
be included in the Appendices.
Please note, applicants should be familiar with Title XX of the Public Health Service Act
in its entirety to ensure that they have complied with all applicable requirements. In addition,
project activities must be consistent with the definition of "abstinence education," as set out in
section 510(b)(2)(A)-(H) of Title V of the Social Security Act, as amended. A copy of both sets
of legislation is included in the application kit.
A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is required for all
applications for Federal assistance. Organizations should verify that they have a DUNS number
or take the steps necessary to obtain one. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number are
included in the application package, and a link to information about how to obtain a DUNS
number is located on the OPA web site (http://www.hhs.gov/opa/grants/toolsdocs/toolsdocs.html).
3. Submission Dates and Times
To be considered for review, applications must be received by the Office of Grants
Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services,
c/o Grant Application Center, by 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time for electronic applications and
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time for mailed-in applications on June 11, 2008. Applications will be
considered as meeting the deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date. The
application due date requirement in this announcement supercedes the instructions in the OASH-
1 form.
Submission Mechanisms
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) provides multiple mechanisms for the
submission of applications, as described in the following sections. Applicants will receive
notification from the OASH Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of applications
submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications submitted to the OASH Office of Grants
Management after the deadlines described below will not be accepted for review. Applications
which do not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement will not be accepted for
review and will be returned to the applicant.
While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the electronic application
submission capabilities provided by the Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov systems is
encouraged. Applications may only be submitted electronically via the electronic submission
mechanisms specified below. Any applications submitted via any other means of electronic
communication, including facsimile or electronic mail, will not be accepted for review.
In order to apply for new funding opportunities which are open to the public for
competition, you may access the Grants.gov Web site portal. All OASH funding opportunities
and application kits are made available on Grants.gov. If your organization has/had a grantee
business relationship with a grant program serviced by the OASH Office of Grants Management,
and you are applying as part of ongoing grantee related activities, please access
GrantSolutions.gov.
Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later than 11:00 p.m.
Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement using
one of the electronic submission mechanisms specified below. All required hardcopy original
signatures and mail-in items must be received by the Office of Grants Management, Office of
Public Health and Science (OASH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o
Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, no later than
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the DATES
section of the announcement. Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic
application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items are received by the
OASH Office of Grants Management according to the deadlines specified above.
Paper grant application submissions must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The address to
be used for paper application submissions is Office of Grants Management, Office of Public
Health and Science (OASH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o Grant
Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209.
The application deadline date requirement specified in the announcement supersedes the
instructions in the OASH-1. Application submissions that do not adhere to the due date
requirements will be considered late and will be deemed ineligible, and may be returned to the
applicant unread.
Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early in the application
development process, and to submit early on the due date or before. This will aid in addressing
any problems with submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Website Portal
The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the ability to submit
applications for OASH grant opportunities. Organizations must successfully complete the
necessary registration processes in order to submit an application. Information about this system
as well as the required registration process is available on the Grants.gov website,
http://www.grants.gov.
In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may be required to submit
hard copy signatures for certain Program related forms, or original materials as required by the
announcement. It is imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as well
as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov application package, to determine
such requirements. Any required hard copy materials, or documents that require a signature,
must be submitted separately via mail to the Office of Grants Management at the address
specified above, and if required, must contain the original signature of an individual authorized
to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the
grant award. When submitting the required forms, do not send the entire application. Complete
hard copy applications submitted after the electronic submission will not be considered for
review.
Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal must contain all
completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative
and any appendices or exhibits. Any files uploaded or attached to the Grants.gov application
must be of the following file formats – Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint, Corel
WordPerfect, ASCII Text, Adobe PDF, or image formats (JPG, GIF, TIFF, or BMP only). Even
though Grants.gov allows applicants to attach any file format as part of their application, OASH
restricts this practice and only accepts the file formats identified above. Any file submitted as
part of the Grants.gov application that is not in a file format identified above will not be accepted
for processing and will be excluded from the application during the review process.
All required mail-in items must be received by the due date requirements specified
above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or organizational
documentation. When submitting the required forms, do not send the entire application.
Complete hard copy applications submitted after the electronic submission will not be
considered for review.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission via the Grants.gov
Web site Portal, the applicant will be provided with a confirmation page from Grants.gov
indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as
the Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and retain this confirmation
for their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package.
All applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal will be validated by
Grants.gov. Any applications deemed "Invalid" by the Grants.gov Web site Portal will not be
transferred to the GrantSolutions system, and OASH has no responsibility for any application
that is not validated and transferred to OASH from the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov
will notify the applicant regarding the application validation status. Once the application is
successfully validated by the Grants.gov Web site Portal, applicants should immediately mail all
required hard copy materials to the OASH Office of Grants Management, c/o Grant Application
Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, to be received by the deadlines
specified above. It is critical that the applicant clearly identify the Organization name and
Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be electronically transferred to the
GrantSolutions system for processing. Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the
Grants.gov Web site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will receive
notification via mail from the OASH Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of the
application submitted using the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or concerns regarding the
electronic application process conducted through the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Electronic Submissions via the GrantSolutions System
OASH is a managing partner of the GrantSolutions.gov system. GrantSolutions is a full
life-cycle grants management system managed by the Administration for Children and Families,
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and is designated by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) as one of the three Government-wide grants management
systems under the Grants Management Line of Business initiative (GMLoB). OASH uses
GrantSolutions for the electronic processing of all grant applications, as well as the electronic
management of its entire Grant portfolio.
When submitting applications via the GrantSolutions system, applicants are still required
to submit a hard copy of the application face page (Standard Form 424) with the original
signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required, applicants will also need to
submit a hard copy of the Standard Form LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g.,
Program Certifications) with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the
applicant agency. When submitting the required hardcopy forms, do not send the entire
application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the electronic submission will not
be considered for review. Hard copy materials should be submitted to the OASH Office of
Grants Management at the address specified above.
Electronic applications submitted via the GrantSolutions system must contain all
completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative
and any appendices or exhibits. The applicant may identify specific mail-in items to be sent to
the Office of Grants Management (see mailing address above) separate from the electronic
submission; however these mail-in items must be entered on the GrantSolutions Application
Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and must be received by the due date
requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or
organizational documentation.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, the GrantSolutions
system will provide the applicant with a confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern
Time) of the electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also provide a listing
of all items that constitute the final application submission including all electronic application
components, required hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items.
As items are received by the OASH Office of Grants Management, the electronic
application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of mail-in items. It is recommended that
the applicant monitor the status of their application in the GrantSolutions system to ensure that
all signatures and mail-in items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-delivered) are
required to submit an original and two copies of the application. The original application must be
signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume
for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they
are received by the Office of Grants Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH),
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson
Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date
specified in the DATES section of the announcement.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Applications for AFL grants must meet both of the following requirements (each year):
(1) Requirements for Review of an Application by the Governor. Section 2006(e) of
Title XX requires that each applicant shall provide the Governor of the State in which the
applicant is located a copy of each application submitted to OAPP for a grant for a
demonstration project for services under this Title. The Governor has 60 days from the receipt
date in which to provide comments to the applicant. An applicant may comply with this
requirement by submitting a copy of the application to the Governor of the State in which the
applicant is located at the same time the application is submitted to OAPP. To inform the
Governor's office of the reason for the submission, a copy of this notice should be attached to the
application.
(2) Requirements for Review of an Application Pursuant to Executive Order 12372
(SPOC Requirements). Applications under this announcement are subject to the review
requirements of E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," as implemented
by 45 CFR part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities." E.O. 12372 sets up a system for state and local government review of
proposed Federal assistance applications. As soon as possible, the applicant (other than
Federally- recognized Indian tribal governments) should contact the State Single Point of
Contact (SPOC) for each state in the area to be served. The application kit contains the currently
available listing of the SPOCs which have elected to be informed of the submission of
applications. For those states not represented on the listing, further inquiries should be made by
the applicant regarding submission to the relevant SPOC. Information about the SPOC is
located on the OMB Web Site http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.pdf. The SPOC's
comment(s) should be forwarded to the OASH Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton
Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. The SPOC has 60 days from the closing date of this
announcement to submit any comments.
5. Funding Restrictions
Budget Request: If the total federal amount requested exceeds $800,000 then the
application will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process.
The application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the submission
requirements.
Grant funds may be used to cover costs of: personnel, consultants, equipment, supplies,
grant-related travel, and other grant-related costs. Grant funds may not be used for: building
alterations or renovations, construction, fundraising activities, and political education and
lobbying. Guidance for completing the application can be found in the Program Guidelines,
which are included with the complete application kits.
Applicants for discretionary grants are expected to anticipate and justify their funding
needs and the activities to be carried out with those funds in preparing the budget and
accompanying narrative portions of their applications. The basis for determining the
allowability and allocability of costs charged to Public Health Service (PHS) grants is set forth in
45 CFR parts 74 and 92. If applicants are uncertain whether a particular cost is allowable, they
should contact the OASH Office of Grants Management at (240) 453-8822 for further
information.
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION:
1. Criteria
Eligible competing grant applications will be externally reviewed by a multi-disciplinary
panel of independent reviewers and subsequently reviewed by Federal staff. All competing grant
applications will be assessed and scored by the panel of independent reviewers according to the
following criteria:
(1) Evaluation Plan. The applicant's presentation of a detailed evaluation plan, as
described in section I-10 of this announcement. In general, a successful
evaluation plan is one that is directly tied to program objectives and includes: a
clear process or implementation evaluation; a clear outcome evaluation; a
thorough logic model; clear research objectives and hypotheses; a strong
randomized multi-site design; an adequate sampling strategy and sample size
estimation; an adequate data collection and analysis plan, and a detailed
recruitment plan. Additionally, the evaluation plan should describe how the AFL
core evaluation instruments will be included in the evaluation plan in addition to
other measures. The independent evaluator should demonstrate appropriate
experience with similar projects. Points will be provided for applications that
propose measures of program effects on sexual activity and propose 20-25% of
the Federal portion of the budget for evaluation activities. (35 points).
(2) Program Model. The applicant's thorough description of proposed program
intervention activities and services as they fit within the randomized, multi-site
model. The primary abstinence education program with 15-25 hours of
intervention (per program cycle/year) should be thoroughly described. This
section should include a description of all proposed abstinence education
curricula and other supportive activities and services provided to both the
intervention and comparison groups of the study. It should include a thorough
description of the enriched model chosen as stipulated in this announcement (see
section I-4). It should also include a clear plan for recruitment and retention of
multiple sites, outside resources, partners, and program participants, including
those participants in the enriched model. This description should clearly relate to
program objectives and should address intensity of services (dosage). The
proposal includes a clear description of how issues of sexual exploitation and
coercion will be addressed (25 points).
(3) Need for Project. The applicant's presentation of the need for the project,
including incidence of adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, a
description of socio-economic conditions, existing services and unmet needs in
the proposed service area. If the proposed population has unique challenges and
barriers, the applicant's description of these challenges and barriers should be
addressed here (10 points).
(4) Target Population. The applicant's clear description of the target population in
each site, an estimate of the number of participants in both the comparison and
intervention sites over a period of two years. The applicant demonstrates the
program staff's ability to effectively serve the target population, including staff
training (10 points).
(5) Program Capacity and Past Experience. The applicant's clear description of the
capacity to implement the program, including personnel and other resources. The
applicant's presentation of experience and expertise in providing multi-site
programs for youth as related to capacity and how it is linked to the rationale
behind the proposed demonstration model (10 points).
(6) Community Support. The applicant's clear description of the community
commitment to, and involvement in, planning and implementation of the project,
as demonstrated by letters of commitment and willingness to participate in the
project's implementation, acceptance of referrals, etc. The applicant should
clearly present commitment and memorandums of understanding (in Appendices)
from proposed project sites, partners, and outside resources (as applicable) (10
points).
Please note, the order of the above criteria is based on the score weight of each criteria and is not
indicative of how the program narrative should be arranged. Please see the application kit for
instructions on how to arrange the narrative.
2. Review and Selection Process
Final grant award decisions will be made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Population Affairs (DASPA). In making these decisions, the DASPA will take into account the
extent to which applications recommended for approval will provide geographic distribution of
resources, the priorities in sec. 2005(a), and other factors including:
(1) Recommendations and scores submitted by the external review panel;
(2) Internal review of applications by Federal staff;
(3) The geographic area to be served including the reasonableness of the estimated
cost of the project based on factors such as the incidence of adolescent pregnancy
and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in the geographic area to be served
and the availability of services for adolescents in this geographic area; and
(4) The adequacy of the multi-site evaluation plan (as detailed in the evaluation
criteria listed in the "Evaluation of a Multi-model Approach" section of this
announcement) and the demonstrated ability to implement a multi-site
demonstration project.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award
OAPP anticipates announcing and awarding grantees under this announcement by
September 01, 2008.
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:
1. Award Notices
The OAPP does not release information about individual applications during the review
process until final funding decisions have been made. When these decisions have been made,
the applicant's authorized representative will be notified of the outcome of their application by
postal mail. The official document notifying an applicant that the application has been approved
for funding is the Notice of Grant Award, signed by the Grants Management Officer, which
specifies to the grantee the amount of money awarded, the purposes of the grant, the length of
the project period, terms and conditions of the grant award, and the amount of funding to be
contributed by the grantee to project costs.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The regulations set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) rules and requirements that govern the administration of grants. Part 74
is applicable to all recipients except those covered by Part 92, which governs awards to State and
local governments. Applicants funded under this announcement must be aware of and comply
with these regulations. The CFR volume that includes parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrv1_03.html.
When issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and
other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money,
all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the program
or project which will be financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of
the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
The applicant must comply with the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations
(which require obtaining Institutional Review Board approval), set out at 45 CFR part 46.
General information about Human Subjects regulations can be obtained through the Office for
Human Research Protections (OHRP) at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp, ohrp@osophs.dhhs.gov, or
toll free at 866-447-4777. Applicants are required to hold a Federal-wide Assurance (FWA)
approved by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) within HHS. This must be
included in the Appendices of the application. An FWA certifies that a relationship with a
registered IRB has been established and that if funded, this IRB will review and approve the
research prior to enrolling any participants in the proposed program and evaluation. See section
VIII-1 of this announcement.
3. Reporting Requirements
Applicants funded under this grant announcement will be required to electronically
submit an End-of-Year Program, Evaluation and Financial report 90 days after the grant budget
period ends. Grantees will report annually on program and evaluation progress using the AFL
Prevention Demonstration Project End-of-Year Report template approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB 0990-300), available at http://www.hhs.gov/opa/familylife/eoy_reports/index.html.
Grantees are required to submit a continuation application to renew
funding for the next budget period before the project period ends.
VII. AGENCY CONTACTS
1. Administrative and Budgetary Contacts Requirements
For application kits, submission of applications, and information on budget and business
aspects of the application, please contact: Office of Grants Management Operations Center,
1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-203-6161.
2. Program Contacts Requirements
For information related to OAPP program requirements, OAPP staff are available at 240-
453-2828 to answer questions and provide technical assistance on the preparation of grant
applications. Questions may also be directed to OAPP staff via e-mail at oapp@hhs.gov. If
contacting OAPP by e-mail, please include the phrase "AFL Prevention Question" in the subject
heading.
VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
1. Required Federal-Wide Assurance and Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review and
Approval
While Adolescent Family Life (AFL) demonstration grants are not generally described as
research programs, AFL demonstration projects and the evaluations of the AFL demonstration
projects are considered "research"as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) Protection of Human Subjects regulations at 45 CFR part 46. The definition of
"research" in this regulation includes demonstration projects and project evaluations that survey
children and are attempting to contribute to generalizable knowledge [see, e.g., 45 CFR
46.102(d) and (f)]. AFL demonstration projects and evaluations do both. Applicants are
therefore asked to describe: (a) the procedures for protecting the privacy of clients and ensuring
the confidentiality of data collected about clients; and (b) the process for obtaining institutional
review board (IRB) review of the proposed program and evaluation plans.
Applicants are required to hold a Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) approved by the Office
for Human Research Protections (OHRP) within HHS. This must be included in the Appendices
of the application. An FWA certifies that a relationship with a registered IRB has been
established and that if funded, this IRB will review and approve the research prior to enrolling
any participants in the proposed program and evaluation.
General information about the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations can be
obtained at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp. Applicants may also contact OHRP by e-mail
(ohrp@csophs.dhhs.gov) or by phone (240-453-6900). A copy of the OAPP policy regarding
compliance with the HHS Protection of Human Subjects Regulations is also located in the
application kit.
OAPP strongly encourages grantees to also obtain a Certificate of Confidentiality. This
is issued by HHS under Section 301 (d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 241(d)).
Certificates can be used for research that is sensitive (e.g., collecting information on subjects'
sexual attitudes, preferences or practices) and where disclosure of identifying information could
have adverse consequences for subjects or damage financial standing, employability,
insurability, or reputation. OAPP considers the data collection proposed under this
announcement to be sensitive in nature and believes that it could have adverse consequences if
disclosed.
These certificates are intended to protect evaluators and researchers from compelled
disclosure of the identities of project participants. By protecting researchers and institutions
from being compelled to disclose information that would identify these subjects, Certificates
help minimize risks to subjects by adding an additional level of protection for maintaining
confidentiality of private information.
The NIH Certificate of Confidentiality Kiosk is a good source of useful information. The
Kiosk Web site is http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/. There are several institutes and
centers within NIH which grant Certificates; each institute and center has a different
Coordinator. Additional background information about Certificates of Confidentiality can be
found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/background.htm.
ohrp@osophs.dhhs.gov, or toll free at 866-447-4777.
2. Technical Assistance
OAPP is committed to providing technical assistance to assist prospective applicants at
no cost. OAPP anticipates offering a net-conference workshop that will assist the public in
learning more about the purposes and requirements of the AFL program, the application process,
budgeting information, and considerations that might help to improve the quality of grant
applications. OAPP encourages applicants to have appropriate agency staff members and a
financial representative participate. In order to participate, participants must have a computer
with internet access and a telephone. Participants will be able to ask questions and receive
pertinent feedback during this workshop via the computer.
With respect the interactive on-line workshop, applicants should check the OPA Web site
at http://www.hhs.gov/opa/. All participants must pre-register for the workshop using the form
at http://www.hhs.gov/opa/. Written requests for registration forms may be faxed to 240-453-
2829. Completed registration forms should be faxed to ATTN: OAPP RFA Workshop at 240-
453-2829, or you may insert OAPP RFA Workshop into the subject line and email the form to
oapp@hhs.gov. Upon receipt of the applicant's request, specific workshop information will be
faxed or e-mailed.
OAPP anticipates conducting one live interactive on-line workshop in April, 2008. If a
prospective applicant cannot participate in this workshop, the presentation will be available online
at http://www.hhs.gov/opa/ until the closing of this announcement. Applicants should visit
the OPA Web site http://www.hhs.gov/opa/ or call 240-453-2828 for more information.
3. Annual Conference and Regional Technical Assistance Training
Each year, the OAPP hosts an annual grantee conference for prevention demonstration
grantees. The Terms and Conditions of the Notice of Grant Award specifies that the Project
Director and Evaluator are expected to attend the annual conference. Please include this cost in
your proposed budget.
4. Evaluation Dissemination and Publishing
The OAPP anticipates that all Prevention demonstration grantees will disseminate and
publish information about their projects, including in peer-reviewed journals, shortly after the 5th
year. When selecting an evaluator, he/she should have experience publishing and presenting at
professional conferences. The evaluator should also have the college/university support to
disseminate such findings to the field.
DATED: March 28, 2008
Susan Orr
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs
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