ANNOUNCMENT FOR FUNDING.PDF

Administration for Children and Families
Office of Head Start
Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants
HHS-2019-ACF-OHS-HP-1386
Application Due Date: 11/30/2018

Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants
HHS-2019-ACF-OHS-HP-1386
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
Executive Summary
I. Program Description
II. Federal Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management
(SAM)
4. Submission Dates and Times
5. Intergovernmental Review
6. Funding Restrictions
7. Other Submission Requirements
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates
VI. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
VII. HHS Awarding Agency Contact(s)
VIII. Other Information

Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Funding Opportunity Title: Early Head Start Expansion and Early
Head Start-Child Care Partnership
Grants
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2019-ACF-OHS-HP-1386
Primary CFDA Number: 93.600
Due Date for Applications: 11/30/2018
Executive Summary
Notice:
 Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire funding opportunity
announcement (FOA) carefully and observe the application formatting
requirements listed in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
For more information on applying for grants, please visit "How to Apply for a
Grant" on the ACF Grants & Funding Page at
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces the availability of
approximately $140 million to be competitively awarded for the purpose of expanding access to
high-quality, comprehensive early learning services for low-income infants and toddlers and
their families. This funding opportunity is being made available under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) and the Department of Defense and Labor, Health
and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations
Act, 2019 (Pub. L. 115-245). ACF solicits applications from public entities, including states;
private non-profit organizations, including community-based or faith-based organizations; or
for-profit agencies that meet eligibility for applying as stated in section 645A of the Head Start
Act.
ACF, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will consider applications
for Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnerships, Non-Partnership Early Head Start
(EHS) Expansion, or applications that include a combination of both.
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships
New or existing Head Start, EHS, and EHS-CC Partnership grantees can apply to use funding to
partner with local child care providers to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to
eligible infants and toddlers through EHS-CC Partnerships. These EHS-CC Partnerships will
enhance and support early learning settings to provide full-day, full-year, comprehensive
services that meet the needs of low-income working families; enhance access to high-quality,
full-time child care; support the development of infants and toddlers through strong
relationship-based experiences; and prepare them for the transition into preschool. These EHS-
CC Partnerships play an important role in the system by both expanding high-quality early
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learning services to infants and toddlers, and applying resources and lessons learned from EHS
to build the capacity of the child care system.
Through EHS-CC Partnerships, new or existing grantees will partner with local child care
centers and/or family child care programs and will leverage current investments through the
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) or other sources to improve the quality of infant-
toddler child care. All infants and toddlers in an EHS-CC Partnership site will benefit from
facilities and homes that meet licensing and EHS facility safety requirements. Other children in
classrooms with EHS-CC Partnership enrolled children will benefit from low teacher-child
ratios and class sizes, higher qualifications of their teachers including ongoing supervision and
coaching, curriculum, and parent engagement activities. While only enrolled EHS-CC
Partnership children will be eligible for direct family-specific benefits such as home visits,
health tracking and promotion, and family partnership agreements through this funding,
programs must operationalize services to ensure there is no segregation or stigmatization of
EHS-CC Partnership children or families due to the additional requirements or services.
Non-Partnership Early Head Start Expansion
New or existing Head Start, EHS, and EHS-CC Partnership grantees can apply to establish or
add new traditional EHS slots through Non-Partnership EHS Expansion. Non-Partnership EHS
Expansion grantees will also provide early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child
development and family support services that will enhance the physical, social, emotional, and
intellectual development of participating children; support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental
roles; and help parents move toward self-sufficiency. Given the need for continuity of care for
very young age children, the Office of Head Start (OHS) expects that applicants will propose a
full-day, full-year model with sufficient hours to meet the child care needs of families, and not
less than 1,380 hours per year. Applicants should prioritize providing services to the most
vulnerable families with the greatest need due to special challenges, such as extreme poverty,
homelessness, involvement with the child welfare system, or substance misuse issues.
Combination Approach
New or existing grantees can apply to both expand the number of EHS slots and implement the
EHS-CC Partnership model designed to bring EHS services to infants and toddlers in child care
and family child care settings.
General Information for All Applicants
Regardless of the model the applicant selects, only high-quality applications will be funded.
Grants will be awarded based on how effectively the model design fits the needs of the
community to be served and the overall quality of the proposed program, dependent upon
available funding. Funds awarded through this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) must
not supplant existing subsidies or other funding.
Through this FOA, applicants have the choice of applying in one of three ways: 1) EHS-CC
Partnerships, 2) Non-Partnership EHS Expansion, or 3) a mix of both EHS-CC Partnerships and
Non-Partnership EHS Expansion. However, applicant entities may submit only one application
per service area, regardless of how they choose to apply. ACF will review only one application
for a service area from any applicant. For more information, please see Section IV.2. Content
and Form of Application Submission.
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Having high-quality infant and toddler care is particularly important, and often is lacking, in
economically-distressed communities. Therefore, ACF reserves the right to prioritize funding
for qualified applicants who propose services in census tracts designated as Qualified
Opportunity Zones. For more information about federally designated Qualified Opportunity
Zones, please visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-quest
ions and https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx. (See Section V.2 Review and
Selection Process for more details.)
I. Program Description
Statutory Authority
This funding is authorized by Division H, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018
(Pub. L. 115-141) and Division B, Title II of the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act,
2019 (Pub. L. 115-245). The Head Start program is authorized by the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. § 9831 et seq.). Of the $140,000,000 for awards, $98,000,000 is available under the
Division H, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141). The
remaining funds are made available under Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations.
Description
Program Background and Purpose
The EHS program is administered by ACF, an operating division (OPDIV) of HHS. ACF
intends to fund applications that demonstrate an organization's commitment and capacity to
operate an EHS program that raises the quality of early care and education in the community
and helps children start school ready to succeed. ACF is seeking applicants that are able to use
the best evidence-based, early education practices in their programs to support high caliber
classroom instruction, home visiting services, and effective family engagement and health
promotion.
The Head Start and EHS programs provide grants to public and private non-profit and for-profit
agencies to provide comprehensive child development services to predominately economically
disadvantaged children and families. Head Start's primary purpose is to prepare children to be
ready for school and ensure their healthy development. In fiscal year (FY) 1995, the EHS
program was established to serve pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age in
recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years matter a great deal to children's
growth and development. Since its beginning in 1965, Head Start has served more than 35
million children and their families. In FY 2017, Head Start served 1,074,000 children and
families; of these, nearly 225,000 participants were served in EHS programs. Currently there are
approximately 1,600 Head Start grantees, including approximately 1,100 grantees providing
EHS program services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
Head Start and EHS programs must provide directly or through referral, early, continuous,
intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services that will enhance
the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of participating children in the key
domains of physical development and health; social and emotional development; approaches to
learning, language, and literacy; and cognition and general knowledge. Programs support parent
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engagement in their roles as their children’s teachers and advocates, and help parents move
toward self-sufficiency.
Head Start and EHS programs emphasize family engagement because of the critical role that
parents play in supporting their children's healthy development and school success. Effective
programs engage parents in their children's development and learning. Programs also emphasize
the significant involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start and
EHS programs. These leadership opportunities are designed to strengthen skills that parents can
apply to improving their family's economic well-being and to becoming more effective
advocates for their children.
Overview of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
CCDF is the primary federal program devoted to providing families with child care subsidies
and supporting states, territories, and tribes in improving the quality of child care programs.
CCDF is administered by ACF's Office of Child Care (OCC), which provides funding,
oversight, and technical assistance to states, territories, and tribes that administer the program.
CCDF provides child care assistance to 1.4 million children monthly, approximately 400,000 of
whom are infants and toddlers. Annual federal CCDF funding is approximately $8.1 billion.
State funding and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) transfers provide
additional funding. In 2014, the program was reauthorized on a bi-partisan basis, and this
reauthorization includes a number of important reforms to the program. For example, the Child
Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) phases in an increase in the minimum amount of
funds that must be used to improve the quality of child care and other additional services to
parents, such as resources and referral counseling regarding the selection of child care
providers, from 4 percent to 9 percent over a 5-year period. In addition, the law requires states
to spend a minimum of 3 percent to improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers.
CCDF grantees (i.e., states, territories, and tribes) have flexibility in many areas that can help
support partnerships. For example, within certain federal parameters, CCDF grantees set income
eligibility rules that can be aligned with EHS (the CCDF threshold must be below 85 percent of
state median income) and set policy on how often to re-determine a family’s subsidy eligibility
(the frequency can be no less than 12 months). Most families who receive child care assistance
through CCDF are required to pay a co-payment, which CCDF grantees can waive for families
below poverty, such as families eligible for EHS. While the majority of CCDF services are
funded through certificates/vouchers linked to individual eligible children, CCDF grantees also
have the option of awarding grants and contracts to provide a stable source of funding for child
care programs. Regardless of the funding mechanism (whether vouchers, grants, or contracts),
child care subsidies used in combination with the EHS-CC Partnership funding provided under
this FOA will allow the EHS-CC Partnership grantees to improve the quality of environments
and services for a greater number of low-income children.
Child care is provided through a broad array of public, private, for-profit, and not-for-profit
programs and providers. In the United States, there are approximately 110,000 licensed child
care centers and approximately 155,000 licensed family and group child care homes.
Family child care is an important part of the child care system, especially for infants and
toddlers who are more likely to be cared for in home-based settings compared to older children.
In addition, family child care is an important child care option for children whose parents work
non-standard work hours or schedules, and it is particularly important in many rural areas where
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there are few child care centers.
Head Start Program Performance Standards
In addition to the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9801 et seq., Head Start is governed by the Head
Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) that define the scope of services necessary to
support children's development and school readiness. These program performance standards are
found in 45 CFR Parts 1301-1305 https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii. The
HSPPS are the foundation on which programs design and deliver comprehensive, high-quality,
individualized services to support the school readiness of children from low-income families.
The standards set forth the requirements local grantees must meet to support the cognitive,
social, emotional, and healthy development of children from birth to age 5. They encompass
requirements to provide education, health, mental health, nutrition, and family and community
engagement services, as well as rules for local program governance and aspects of federal
administration of the program.
Program Approach
All grantees funded through this FOA must provide high-quality, comprehensive services. HHS
has a goal of ensuring that funding available under this announcement supports robust
competition for both Non-Partnership EHS Expansion and EHS-CC Partnership models.
Based on the strategic plan and community assessment, applicants will propose an approach that
responds to the needs of families in the community, including the need for increased access to
full-time, stable, high-quality, comprehensive child development services for working families.
Having high-quality infant and toddler care is particularly important, and often is lacking, in
areas with high concentrations of poverty.
All applicants should consider the birth-to-five continuum of care and education in developing
their proposals. Grantees are expected to leverage resources from existing community agencies
that provide early learning services – including early intervention, home visiting, and preschool
programs – that will support children from birth through kindergarten entry.
Applicants must consider how they will ensure smooth and seamless transitions for children and
families, particularly as infant’s transition into center-based or family child care services, and as
toddler’s transition to preschool services. Grantees are required to plan for transitions for
children out of EHS, including assisting families with preschool options for children after their
program ends through agreements with publicly funded Head Start, pre-kindergarten, and child
care programs.
ACF is responsible for ensuring that all entities, regardless of the model, awarded a grant
through this FOA, and where relevant their partner sites or delegate agencies, meet applicable
Head Start and local child care licensing and other regulations for all the children or sites
funded by this grant. These include requirements established by the HSPPS, relevant provisions
of the Head Start Act, and applicable state, tribal, and/or local child care requirements. ACF
acknowledges that meeting applicable requirements will require a commitment by both the
grantee and, in the case of Partnership grantees, the partners, to fulfill their agreed-upon roles
and responsibilities and adequate funding and support. Grantees that receive funds for EHS
Expansion slots will be expected to meet all applicable HSPPS at the point the children are
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being served in EHS Expansion slots. OHS is responsible for monitoring the quality of EHS
program services and the grantees' compliance with federal and other applicable requirements
based on the authority in section 641A(c)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act.
The following list provides a brief summary of the EHS services to be provided to the children
and families through this grant:
 Eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance, ensuring the most
vulnerable children are served;
 Comprehensive early childhood education and development services that promote
the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of young children
and families during the early years through:
o EHS group sizes and teacher/caregiver to child ratios;
o Qualified and trained staff to ensure warm and continuous relationships
between caregivers, children, and families that are crucial to learning and
development for infants and toddlers;
o Parent involvement in their children’s learning and development;
o Provision of learning opportunities for infants and toddlers to grow and
develop in warm, nurturing, and inclusive environments;
o Culturally and linguistically responsive services that support continuity of care
between the home environment of the child and the program;
o Health and safety of enrolled children;
o Health promotion by providing comprehensive health, mental health, and oral
health services for children, and helping families to identify and access a medical
home to ensure ongoing care;
o Nutrition, including participation in the Child and Adult Food Care Program and
arrangements for nursing mothers who choose to breast feed in center-based
programs and family child care homes;
o Inclusion of at-risk children with disabilities by ensuring:
 Services meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families,
including the establishment and implementation of procedures to identify
such children and plans to coordinate with programs providing services
as described in Section 645A(b)(11) of the Head Start Act;
 Children with documented behavioral problems receive appropriate
screening and referral;
 An inclusive, supportive environment where children with disabilities can
be served in the same settings as typically developing children; and
 That 10 percent of the children enrolled have a disability, unless granted
a waiver by OHS.
 Family partnerships providing services to parents that:
o Support their role as parents;
o Promote positive parent-child interactions, including the participation of fathers;
and
o Enable families to move toward self-sufficiency.
 Community partnerships by ensuring formal linkages and coordination with
community agencies located in the area or state that provide services within the Birth-to-
Five Continuum of care and education, to ensure that children receive continuous,
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coordinated services from birth to school entry. Coordination should include such
providers as early intervention services; other agencies providing services to infants and
toddlers, including the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV)
Program and other home visiting programs, local Head Start programs; state pre-
kindergarten; and other local providers of early childhood education.
 Administrative and financial management, including:
o Ensuring a well-functioning governing body to share responsibility for oversight
of the delivery of high-quality services;
o Ensuring financial management systems are in place that meet requirements set
forth in 45 CFR § 75.302;
o Ensuring family involvement in the program through opportunities such as
participation in the policy council or committees at the grantee level;
o Ensuring that the level of services provided to families responds to their specific
needs and circumstances;
o Recruiting, training, and supervising high-quality staff;
o Providing professional development plans for each staff member to ensure that
each staff person attains and maintains qualifications for his/her position and
meets all Head Start requirements for staff working with infants and toddlers
(Head Start Act § 645A(h)(2));
o Implementing a systematic procedure for transitioning children, such as:
 Ensuring continuity of services and smooth transitions when the needs of
families change, to ensure that children served through the EHS-CC
Partnership receive ongoing services through fluctuations of family
status;
 Supporting transition planning with families to ensure each pregnant
woman and child experiences smooth transitions into EHS and child care
services; and from EHS and child care services to Head Start or other
preschool programs.
o Implementing appropriate financial management systems so that expenditures
are attributable to specific activities under the grant award.
 Transportation by working with families to address their transportation needs and
helping them find transportation.
 Facilities – grantees must ensure centers and family child care homes meet health and
safety requirements, and meet licensing requirements for infants and toddlers.
Overview of Early Head Start and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Models
EHS enrolls pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. Applicants may request to
operate services through the EHS-CCP model for center-based services for infants and toddlers,
and family child care services for infants, toddlers, and children up to the age of 4; or through
the Non-Partnership EHS Expansion model that consists of direct or delegated center-based,
family child care; home-based or locally designed options with services for pregnant women,
infants, and toddlers; or a Combination Approach of both models. Grantees, regardless of the
model(s) or option(s), must serve a sufficient number of pregnant women, infants, and toddlers,
and their families so that the funding level is adequate to support the full array of staffing and
infrastructure for successful implementation. Although ACF is not setting a minimum number
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of participant slots for which applicants must apply, ACF recommends applicants not currently
operating EHS or EHS-CC Partnerships propose no fewer than 72 slots, which may include
multiple child care center and/or family child care home partner sites. ACF recognizes that
organizations with existing EHS infrastructure to support the necessary services may propose
fewer than 72 slots.
Applicants should identify the model(s) they plan to implement. The EHS Expansion model is
operated directly by the program or its delegates. The EHS-CC Partnership model is operated
through child care centers and family child care homes, generally through a contracted
partnership. Applicants may elect to offer both models in a single program.
Regardless of model, all grantees are required to leverage existing local resources and
collaborate with community organizations to ensure that a comprehensive array of health,
mental health, nutrition, and social services are provided to enrolled pregnant women, infants,
toddlers, and their families.
Early Head Start Expansion Model
Center-Based Option
Center-based services are delivered in a child care or early education center. Programs select
the center based design that provides sufficient hours to meet the needs of eligible children and
families in their communities.
EHS programs must operate a minimum of 1,380 hours per year. While length of day is not
prescribed, for most programs, this is a minimum of 6 hours per day, 46 weeks per year. OHS
expects EHS-CC Partnership grantees to provide a minimum of 10 hours per day all year to
meet the needs of working families. Programs generally use resources in addition to EHS
funding to meet the full-day needs of families.
The requirements for the center-based option are listed in the HSPPS, section 1302.21.
Home-Based Option
The home-based option delivers the full range of required services through a minimum of 46
weekly visits with a child’s parent(s) and at least 22 group socialization experiences over the
course of the year. This option may be implemented, for example, when a parent is available at
home, for young infants or medically fragile children, in very rural areas, and when families
prefer not to send their infants and toddlers to center-based care.
The requirements for this option are fully described in the HSPPS section 1302.22.
Family Child Care Option
The full range of Head Start services are delivered to children enrolled in family child care
homes operated directly by the grantee or through a contract with the family child care
provider(s). This model must operate sufficient hours to meet the needs of families and not less
than 1,380 hours per year. This option may be implemented, for example, when families need
flexible hours, prefer a home-like setting, or want siblings to attend together. It may also be the
best option when there is no available facility in a community to operate a center-based
program.
The requirements for this option are fully described in the HSPPS section 1302.23.
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Locally-Designed Program Options
Based on the strategic plan and community assessment, applicants may propose a variation that
responds to the needs of families in the community. Some communities or eligible populations
may have unique needs for services that do not fall within the standard options or models
described above. Applicants to provide EHS to such populations or communities are
encouraged to propose innovative designs or a combination of existing program options using
the waiver process for locally designed options described in section 1302.24 of the
HSPPS. Selection of this option must be supported by evidence that demonstrates the locally-
designed variation effectively supports appropriate development and progress in children’s early
learning outcomes.
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships (EHS-CC Partnerships) Model
In this model, eligible infants and toddlers enrolled in center-based and/or family child care
receive high-quality, comprehensive services that meet the HSPPS, including requirements for
teacher qualifications, curriculum, screening, nutrition, and other services. EHS-CC Partnership
grantees are required to use a layered funding model that integrates additional funding and
resources for a seamless full-day and full-year of comprehensive services.
More than 60 percent of infants and toddlers served through CCDF are in families living below
the federal poverty level, and therefore are also eligible for EHS. Children in poverty who need
full-day child care frequently also need the comprehensive services provided by EHS. Also,
because of the relatively underserved proportion of subsidy-eligible children under age 3 in
high-quality early learning programs, applicants are strongly encouraged to target areas with
high concentrations of subsidy-receiving and subsidy-eligible (e.g., children on subsidy waiting
lists) children and their families. For children in poverty already in child care, improving the
quality of those child care programs is a need often identified by communities.
EHS-CC Partnerships have the benefit of "ripple effects" for children who may not be enrolled
in an EHS-CC Partnership slot, but who receive services at an EHS-CC Partnership site,
increasing the positive reach of the model. For example, all infants and toddlers attending an
EHS-CC Partnership site, whether enrolled in EHS or not, will benefit from facilities and homes
that meet licensing and other safety requirements. The requirements for this option are fully
described at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/im/acf-im-hs-15-03
EHS-CC Partner Roles and Responsibilities
It is expected that through the EHS-CC Partnership, grantees and their partners will be able to
deliver higher quality and comprehensive services to all enrolled children by blending the
federal funds for the eligible EHS children and the child care subsidies and/or other funds. The
exact role for each partner will vary at the local level, depending on existing and proposed
services through EHS and child care for each partnership. The EHS-CC Partnership grantee and
partnering child care provider(s) must establish clearly defined roles and responsibilities
articulated through a sub-recipient agreement or a contract. Clearly defining joint roles and
responsibilities, and those that are separate and distinct, to the grantee and to the partners, is
vital in ensuring accountability for meeting all requirements of the grant.
All Partnership grantees must ensure that every child receives all of the required services set
forth in the HSPPS, whether that is done directly by the grantee or through support or financial
assistance to the child care partner. EHS-CC Partner sites are responsible for meeting the
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HSPPS for the services rendered through the agreement as specified with the grantee, such as
education, health and safety needs, family partnerships, nutrition, etc. Grantees will ensure that
all other comprehensive services will be provided directly by the grantee, by the partners, or
through community referrals. Funding provided through this grant will support the
implementation of these requirements and must be allocated appropriately between the grantee
and the partners to do so. Roles and responsibilities of the EHS-CC Partnership grantee and the
child care partners are summarized in, but not limited to, the list below.
Grantee Level Responsibilities
 Engaging partners early and continuously in the planning process;
 Ensuring the provision of all comprehensive services, including health, mental health,
oral health, nutrition, education, and parent engagement services for all enrolled EHS
and EHS-CC Partnership children;
 Ensuring that all administrative and financial management requirements are met;
 Ensuring all EHS staff and EHS-CC Partnership teachers meet minimum qualifications
for their positions;
 Providing professional development, coaching, and supervision for all staff with
emphasis on continuity of care and relational learning that supports children and their
families and fosters school readiness;
 Ensuring family service workers are available in sufficient numbers to support enrolled
families;
 Ensuring a minimum of two annual home visits for each enrolled child;
 Supporting the inclusion and delivery of services to children with disabilities (at least 10
percent of funded enrollment);
 Fully assessing and ensuring the physical environment and facilities meet all HSPPS,
including requirements for square footage, health and safety, appropriate crib and sleep
spacing and arrangements, and facilities;
 Planning for and providing resources to support partner access to safe, developmentally
appropriate outdoor environments that allow children to grow and thrive in the natural
environment;
 Ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, including state and/or local child
care licensing;
 Ensuring children retain services regardless of their subsidy status; and
 Engaging parents in program decision-making through involvement on the Policy
Council.
EHS-CC Partnership grantees are expected to build upon the existing services provided by the
partners as well as other available community resources.
EHS-CC Partner Responsibilities
 Ensuring adult-child ratios and group sizes meet EHS standards or state, territory, or
tribal requirements – whichever requirements are more stringent – at all times. (This
may require additional staffing to ensure appropriate coverage for full-day services
while also minimizing the number of transitions and maximizing the consistency and
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stability of relationships for very young children);
 Implementing evidence-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for infants
and toddlers;
 Conducting ongoing assessment of children to individualize the instruction and learning
for each child;
 Providing health and nutrition services, including all developmental, sensory, and
behavioral screening and assistance with provision of follow-up services; and
 Engaging parents in the full range of child development and family support services.
Start-Up and Implementation Period for All Grantees (regardless of model)
Newly awarded grantees, regardless of model or option(s), should anticipate a reasonable start-
up period and will be expected to begin providing services as soon as high-quality services can
reasonably be provided (i.e., when high-quality facilities are ready and staff have been trained).
Grantees are expected to be fully enrolled no later than 12 months after receiving a grant award.
ACF recognizes that the development and implementation of a start-up plan is critical to the
success of new or expanded programs for all grantees, regardless of model. Also critical is the
development of the timeline for pre-operational activities, including orientation, training, and
health and safety checks to ensure children have the necessary equipment and materials.
Planning for the provision of EHS services requires a thoughtful process in both design and
implementation, including engagement with community entities. Planning for EHS-CC
Partnerships must incorporate the strengths and resources the child care and family child care
partners bring to the partnership and the contributions of other community organizations.
Planning for program implementation should begin with this application and continue at the
time of funding. Start-up planning and implementation will consist of:
 Negotiating and implementing contract agreements with a manageable number of
partners;
 Creating an organizational structure to support provision of comprehensive services to
children and families;
 Developing plans to provide high-quality, comprehensive services (health, mental
health, family support services, and nutrition);
 Hiring qualified staff and developing professional development plans for each staff
member;
 Providing for training and professional development activities, which move staff on a
career pathway towards knowledge, skills, and credentials associated with enhanced
quality;
 Developing plans to provide both EHS and, if applicable, child care staff with training as
required by HSPPS, state/territory or tribal and local child care licensing, and other
regulations;
 Developing plans to ensure high-quality group care environments, including assessing
and improving settings to ensure the safety, well-being, and developmental
appropriateness for children, staff, and families;
 Developing plans to lessen barriers such as lack of transportation;
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 Developing management, fiscal, and facilities plans;
 Developing service plans that include a schedule for screening and ongoing assessment
and the selection and implementation of an evidence-based curriculum;
 Developing plans to implement and facilitate a coordinated system of care that will
assist in meeting the needs of the children and families, including partnership with the
local Part C (of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) intervention agency that
coordinates services for infants and toddlers with disabilities;
 Developing systems of ongoing oversight and monitoring to assure quality;
 Recruiting and enrolling children; and
 Planning for and providing access to safe, developmentally appropriate outdoor
environments that allow children to grow and thrive in the natural environment.
Activities completed by all applicants during the planning process require a thorough review
and understanding of relevant HSPPS and all relevant requirements in the Head Start Act. All
newly funded EHS grantees will have a variety of resources available to support their planning
and implementation efforts, including the resources listed in Section VIII. Other Information of
this FOA. All EHS Expansion or EHS-CC Partnership grantee applicants are strongly
encouraged to use a start-up planner and/or a fiscal consultant to help ensure plans, policies, and
procedures are in place to address all regulations. Resources are available at: https://eclkc.ohs
.acf.hhs.gov/local-early-childhood-partnerships/article/ehs-cc-partnership-implementation-plann
ers-fiscal.
Applicants are encouraged to request start-up funds; however, the approval of start-up funding
as requested is not guaranteed.
Start-Up and Implementation Period for EHS-CC Partnership Grantees
Early implementation of the first round of EHS-CC Partnership grants has contributed to an
expanded body of knowledge regarding the keys to success in these programs. In addition to the
previously addressed considerations for all applicants, EHS-CC Partnership grantees should
focus on the following during the start-up/implementation period:
 Conducting self-assessment and partner-assessment activities, including applicants
assessing their own capacity to provide technical assistance to partners to meet EHS
standards and considering whether they will need to contract with other entities to
provide support through the grant; discussion with partners should include an in-depth
assessment of partner needs related to facilities, referral and enrollment protocols,
classroom environment, ratios, group size, professional development, staff
qualifications, staffing plans (including substitutes), salary enhancements, curriculum,
meals, and other supports;
 Working with partners to jointly develop partnership contracts and agreements that
include information such as sites of services, specific roles and responsibilities of the
grantee and the partners, and selection of partnership child care sites; Partnership
contracts and agreements should be individualized to address the unique needs of each
partner; programs are encouraged to work with a manageable number of partners;
 Establishing payment terms and conditions that are stated in the contract or agreement
and ensure partners have access to sufficient funds to accomplish the goals and
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objectives. Partners should be paid on an enrollment basis -- rather than on an
attendance basis. Other costs associated with fully preparing partnership staff and the
care environment to meet HSPPS must be calculated into payments made under the
agreement. Timing of payments to partners is also crucial. If funds are to be used to
support staff qualifications, facilities renovation, and other immediate needs, then those
initial costs and methods for providing funds to partners must be covered in the contract.
Partner contracts or agreements and the program budgets must anticipate the loss of
child care subsidy or other funding and must recognize that loss of funding is not a basis
for disenrolling an EHS-CC Partnership child already enrolled in the program;
 Developing plans for staffing coverage that allows for primary caregiving relationships
and continuity of care for EHS-CC Partnership enrolled children. Because the required
EHS staffing ratio is one teacher for every four children and no more than eight children
in one group or classroom, additional teachers and staff will be needed to cover full
hours of operation and conduct the range of duties (e.g., lesson planning, reflective
supervision, etc.) necessary to provide EHS-CC Partnership services;
 Developing plans to support the professional development of staff over time and
strategies to ensure that wages of EHS-CC Partnership caregivers are on par with
similarly qualified EHS teachers; and
 Planning systems of ongoing oversight and support to ensure high-quality service
provision through the life of the grant contract adjustments may be needed over time
with constant assessment to help determine the level of adjustment.
Administrative Cost Waiver
No more than 15 percent of total costs may be used for program administration. An HHS
official may grant a waiver of the 15 percent limitation on allowable development and
administration costs for a Head Start or Early Head Start program approving a higher
percentage for a specific period of time not to exceed 12 months (45 CFR § 1303.5).
Oversight and Monitoring Reviews
OHS is responsible for monitoring the quality of Head Start and/or Early Head Start program
services and the grantee's compliance with federal and other applicable requirements, and to
provide access to training and technical assistance as needed. The federal government uses
several mechanisms to conduct its oversight, including ongoing communication with ACF
Regional Offices and periodic site visits. Federal monitoring reviews are required by the Head
Start Act. Over the course of the project period, reviews are conducted to ensure compliance
with the HSPPS and other applicable regulations. Monitoring reviews may occur onsite or
offsite, and include compliance with health and safety requirements, rules related to children's
eligibility for the program, and financial management requirements.
Federal Evaluation
As a condition of acceptance of an award under this FOA, all grantees are required to participate
fully in ACF-sponsored evaluations and adhere to all evaluation protocols established by ACF
to be carried out by its designee contractors.
Eligible Participants (all grantees)
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EHS programs enroll pregnant women and infants and toddlers from birth to age 3.
Additionally, EHS-CC Partnership grantees may serve children in family child care settings
from birth to 48 months. Families must have incomes below the poverty line, be eligible for
public assistance, be homeless, or be in foster care to be eligible for services, as defined in 45
CFR § 1305.2. Children are selected for enrollment based on age and income eligibility and
relative level of need with regard to other criteria that are identified within each community (45
CFR § 1302.12(b)(c)).
Head Start regulations permit up to 10 percent of enrolled participants to be from families that
do not meet these low-income criteria.
Additionally, programs must ensure that at least 10 percent of the total number of children
enrolled by the Head Start or EHS agency and delegates are children with disabilities unless a
waiver is granted.
Child care subsidy eligibility requirements under CCDF are established by states, territories,
and tribes and vary within a broad set of parameters established by federal rules. Each CCDF
Lead Agency sets income eligibility limits up to 85 percent of State Median Income, families
must be working or participating in education/training, and children must be under age 13. In
CCDF, more than 60 percent of infants and toddlers served are in families living below poverty
and, therefore, are also eligible for EHS.
Applicants may elect to propose program models that promote socioeconomic diversity within
classrooms. Federal Head Start funds must be used to serve eligible children as described in this
section. Additional children who are not income-eligible for EHS can be served as long as their
participation is supported through other funding sources, including child care subsidies, public
school pre-K allocations, parent-paid tuition, or other sources. Such program designs may be
beneficial in promoting socioeconomic diversity within classrooms. All costs must be allocated
to appropriate funding sources in compliance with federal requirements.
Mortgages and Long-Term Lease Agreements
If so directed by OHS, the newly funded grantee must accept assignment of any existing
mortgages, long-term lease agreements, or security agreements (in the case of a modular unit)
on properties subject to a federal interest occupied by the current grantee.
II. Federal Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Estimated Total Funding: $140,000,000
Expected Number of Awards: 60
Award Ceiling: $8,000,000 Per Budget Period
Award Floor: $750,000 Per Budget Period
Average Projected Award Amount: $1,500,000 Per Budget Period
Anticipated Project Start Date: 03/15/2019
Length of Project Periods:
Length of Project Period: Other
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The project period will be up to 60 months.
Additional Information on Awards
Awards made under this announcement are subject to the availability of federal funds.
Applicants must submit an annual (12-month) budget. The funding amount listed on Line 18a
(Federal) of the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, must reflect a full 12 months of
funding. The federal funding amounts reflected on the SF-424 and in the applicant’s budget
submission must match.
Applications requesting an annual award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling as listed in
this section will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this
announcement. This disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling for a 12-month period, as
reflected on the applicant’s SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, Line 18a (Federal).
Please see Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.
The applicant’s 12-month budget request should include both base and training and
technical assistance (T/TA) funding. Base funding is for use in program operations, staff,
materials, equipment, facilities, etc. In addition to base funding, applicants should request an
additional 2.5 percent of the base funding for training and technical assistance (T/TA) funding.
T/TA funding is used for the purposes of improving program quality and helping prepare
children to succeed in school and is described in Section 648 of the Head Start Act. Therefore,
the total federal funds requested in the applicant’s budget and on the applicant’s SF-424,
Application for Federal Assistance, Line 18a (Federal) should include the sum of the
applicant’s proposed base and T/TA funding. Please see Appendix, Regional Allocations for
more information.
Note: Grantees will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in
their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period or by project period for
fully funded awards, even if the projected commitment exceeds the required amount of match
or cost share. A grantee’s failure to provide the required matching amount may result in
the disallowance of federal funds.
Expected Number of Awards
Please note that the expected number of awards represents a total estimated range of awards
that OHS might make as the result of this funding opportunity announcement.
Start-up/Pre-Award Costs
Pre-award costs, including start-up costs, may be requested by an applicant in addition to the
base operating and T/TA grant funds. If requested, applicants must provide a separate budget
for start-up/pre-award costs, in addition to a 12-month budget for the base funding awarded,
within the page limitations stated for The Project Budget and Budget Justification in Section
IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. If awarded, start-up/pre-award costs would
apply to costs incurred up to 90 days prior to the award start date. Examples of start-up
activities are facility renovations, purchase of classroom supplies, building purchase, licensing,
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background checks, etc.
Approval of start-up/pre-award costs is not guaranteed; they are negotiated at the time of award
and are based on reasonableness, necessity, and the availability of funds. The incurrence of
start-up/pre-award costs in anticipation of an award is done at the applicant’s own risk and
imposes no obligation on ACF either to make an award or to increase the amount of the
approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to
cover the start-up/pre-award costs incurred. It is possible that ACF may honor start-up/pre-
award costs by reducing the base amount of the award to include these costs.
Estimates for start-up/pre-award costs must be separately identified on the SF-424,
Application for Federal Assistance, and in the Budget and Budget Justification section of
the application. The start-up/pre-award funding amount must not be included in the funding
amount listed on Line 18a (Federal) of the SF-424. The funding amount listed in Line 18a of
the SF-424 must represent only the total annual federal funding the applicant is requesting for
base and T/TA funding. Start-up/pre-award costs, if requested, should be included only on the
Other Estimated Funding line (Line 18e) and clearly labeled as "Start-up/Pre-Award Costs" in a
separate line item on the SF-424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs.
Additionally, if applicants are requesting start-up/pre-award costs, these costs must be easily
identified as a separate budget in the Budget and Budget Justification section of the application.
Inclusion of start-up/pre-award costs in the application submission is not subject to the “Award
Ceiling Disqualification” that is explained in this section of the announcement and in Section
III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors. However, if an applicant does not segregate
start-up/pre-award costs from the base funding award request (SF-424, line 18a, Federal), the
“Award Ceiling Disqualification” will apply.
Start-up budgets will be evaluated against the criteria listed in Section V.1. Criteria.
Note: Costs incurred for grant application preparation are not considered an approved use of
pre-award costs and may not be included in the project budget or budget justification.
Grant Awards
The successful applicant(s) under this FOA may receive grant awards with a project period of
up to 5 years (60 months) that may include 4-5 budget periods. For example, grantees may
receive a 54-month project period with an initial 18-month budget period and three subsequent
12-month budget periods.
Please see Section IV.6. Funding Restrictions for limitations on the use of federal funds
awarded under this announcement.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are any public or private non-profit agencies, including community-based
and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agencies pursuant to Section 645A(d) of the Head
Start Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9840A(d).
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Eligibility is limited to public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based
organizations or for-profit organizations that can provide EHS services to children and families.
Eligible entities include: (1) entities operating Head Start, (2) entities operating Indian Head
Start or MSHS programs, and (3) other public entities and nonprofit or for-profit private
entities, including community-based and faith-based organizations, capable of providing child
and family services that meet the standard for participation in programs under the Head Start
Act.
Please note, “(1) entities operating Head Start programs” includes entities operating Head Start,
EHS, and/or EHS-CC Partnership programs.
Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not
eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this
announcement. See Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to
receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.
See Section IV.2. Legal Status of Applicant Entity for documentation required to support
eligibility.
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: Yes
Grantees are required to meet a non-federal share of the project cost, in accordance with Section
640(b) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9835 (b).
Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total
approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF (federal) share and the non-federal share.
The non-federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order
to meet the match requirements, a project requesting $8,000,000.00 in ACF (federal) funds must
provide a non-federal share of the approved total project cost of at least $2,000,000.00 , which
is 20 percent of total approved project cost of $10,000,000.00 .
For all federal awards, any shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including
cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must be accepted as part of the recipient’s cost
sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the criteria listed in 45 CFR 75.306.
For awards that require matching by statute, recipients will be held accountable for
projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget
justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the
projected commitment exceeds the amount required by the statutory match. A recipient’s
failure to provide the statutorily required matching amount may result in the disallowance
of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial
Reports.
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For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, where “cost sharing”
refers to any situation in which the recipient voluntarily shares in the costs of a project other
than as statutorily required matching, recipients will be held accountable for projected
commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by
budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards. These include situations in which
contributions are voluntarily proposed by an applicant and are accepted by ACF. Non-federal
cost sharing will be included in the approved project budget so that the applicant will be held
accountable for proposed non-federal cost-sharing funds as shown in the Notice of Award
(NOA). A recipient’s failure to provide voluntary cost sharing of non-federal resources
that have been accepted by ACF as part of the approved project costs and that have been
shown as part of the approved project budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance
of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial
Reports.
Waivers
To receive a waiver or a reduction in the required non-federal share, the applicant must provide
ACF with written documentation of need. This request must identify which of the five waiver
criteria found at Section 640(b)(1-5) of the Head Start Act it believes to be relevant. It may be
submitted with the grant proposal document or during the budget negotiation period. Approval
of the waiver request cannot be assumed by the applicant without written notice from
ACF. Waiver requests will not impact the award of points in the evaluation of the application.
Please note: The following matching requirement waiver allowed by 48 U.S.C. § 1469a(d)
is only available to territorial governmental agencies that are applicants or grantees under
Early Head Start in the Insular Areas. Head Start grantees in the Insular Areas are not
eligible for this waiver.
Matching Waiver Pursuant to 48 U.S.C. § 1469a(d)
Matching requirements (including in-kind contributions) of less than $200,000 (up to $199,999)
are waived under grants made to the governments of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (other than those consolidated
under other provisions of 48 U.S.C. 1469) pursuant to 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d). This waiver applies
whether the matching required under the grant equals or exceeds $200,000.
Non-federal resources will be evaluated under criteria found in Section V.1. of this
announcement.
III.3. Other
Application Disqualification Factors
Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not
eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this
announcement.
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Award Ceiling Disqualification
Applications that request an annual award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget
period as stated in Section II. Federal Award Information will be disqualified from competitive
review and from funding under this announcement. This disqualification applies to the Award
Ceiling listed for a 12-month period, as reflected on the applicant’s SF-424, Application for
Federal Assistance, Line 18a (Federal).
Required Electronic Application Submission
ACF requires electronic submission of applications at www.Grants.gov. Paper applications
received from applicants that have not been approved for an exemption from required
electronic submission will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding
under this announcement. Applicants that do not have an Internet connection or sufficient
computing capacity to upload large documents to the Internet may contact ACF for an
exemption that will allow the applicant to submit applications in paper format. Information and
the requirements for requesting an exemption from required electronic application submission
are found in "Request an Exemption from Electronic Application Submission" in Section IV.2.
Content and Form of Application Submission.
Application Deadlines
The deadline for electronic application submission is 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date listed
in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Electronic applications
submitted to www.Grants.gov after 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date, as indicated by a dated and
time-stamped email from www.Grants.gov, will be disqualified from competitive review and
from funding under this announcement. That is, applications submitted to www.Grants.gov, on
or after 12:00 a.m., ET, on the day after the due date will be disqualified from competitive
review and from funding under this announcement.
Applications submitted to www.Grants.gov at any time during the open application period, and
prior to the due date and time, which fail the www.Grants.gov validation check, will not be
received at, or acknowledged by, ACF.
Each time an application is submitted via www.Grants.gov, the submission will generate a new
date and time-stamp email notification. Only those applications with on-time date and time
stamps that result in a validated application, which is transmitted to ACF, will be
acknowledged.
The deadline for receipt of paper applications is 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date listed in
the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications received
after 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date will be disqualified from competitive review and from
funding under this announcement. Paper applications received from applicants that have not
received approval of an exemption from required electronic submission will be
disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this FOA.
Additional Application Disqualification Factors
 A Head Start or Early Head Start agency that has been designated as chronically-under-
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enrolled by the OHS, in accordance with Section 641A(h)(5) of the Head Start Act, will
be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.
 In accordance with 45 CFR § 1304.13, grantees terminated for cause by ACF within 5
years prior to the posting date of this FOA will be disqualified from competitive review
and from funding under this announcement.
 A Head Start or Early Head Start agency that has had a denial of refunding, in the
preceding 5 years is also excluded from competing (45 CFR § 1304.13).
Notification of Application Disqualification
Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by email or by USPS postal mail
within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this FOA.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV.1. Address to Request Application Package
Office of Head Start
OHS Operations Center
1401 Mercantile Lane
Suite 401
Largo, MD 20774
Phone: (888) 242-0684
Electronic Application Submission:
The electronic application submission package is available in the FOA's listing at
www.Grants.gov.
Applications in Paper Format:
For applicants that have received an exemption to submit applications in paper format, Standard
Forms, assurances, and certifications are available in the Application Forms Package available
in the FOA's Grants.gov Synopsis under the Package tab at www.Grants.gov. See Section IV.2.
Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission if applicants do not
have an Internet connection or sufficient computing capacity to upload large documents (files)
to www.Grants.gov.
Federal Relay Service:
Hearing-impaired and speech-impaired callers may contact the Federal Relay Service
(FedRelay) for assistance at www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.
IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission
FORMATTING APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS
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Each applicant applying electronically via www.Grants.gov is required to upload only two
electronic files, excluding Standard Forms and OMB-approved forms. No more than two
files will be accepted for the review, and additional files will be removed. Standard Forms
and OMB-approved forms will not be considered additional files.
FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:
Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
AOR is the designated representative of the applicant/recipient organization with authority to
act on the organization’s behalf in matters related to the award and administration of grants. In
signing a grant application, this individual agrees that the organization will assume the
obligations imposed by applicable Federal statutes and regulations and other terms and
conditions of the award, including any assurances, if a grant is awarded.
Point of Contact
In addition to the AOR, a point of contact on matters involving the application must also be
identified. The point of contact, known as the Project Director or Principal Investigator, should
not be identical to the person identified as the AOR. The point of contact must be available to
answer any questions pertaining to the application.
Application Checklist
Applicants may refer to Section VIII. Other Information for a checklist of application
requirements that may be used in developing and organizing application materials.
Accepted Font Style
Applications must be in Times New Roman (TNR), 12-point font, except for footnotes, which
may be TNR 10-point font. Pages that contain blurred text, or text that is too small to read
comfortably, will be removed.
English Language
Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of United
States (U.S.) dollars. If applications are submitted using another currency, ACF will convert the
foreign currency to U.S. currency using the date of receipt of the application to determine the
rate of exchange.
Page Limitations
Applicants must observe the page limitation(s) listed under "PAGE LIMITATIONS AND
CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:". Page limitation(s) do not include
SFs and OMB-approved forms.
All applications must be double-spaced. An application that exceeds the cited page limitation
for double-spaced pages in the Project Description file or the Appendices file will have the last
extra pages removed and the removed pages will not be reviewed.
Application Elements Exempted from Double-Spacing Requirements
The following elements of the application submission are exempt from the double-spacing
requirements and may be single-spaced: the table of contents, the one-page Project
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Summary/Abstract, required Assurances and Certifications, required SFs, required OMB-
approved forms, resumes, logic models, proof of legal status/non-profit status, third-party
agreements, letters of support, footnotes, tables, the line-item budget and/or the budget
justification.
Adherence to FOA Formatting, Font, and Page Limitation Requirements
Applications that fail to adhere to ACF’s FOA formatting, font, and page limitation
requirements will be adjusted by the removal of page(s) from the application. Pages will be
removed before the objective review. The removed page(s) will not be made available to
reviewers.
Applications that have more than one scanned page of a document on a single page will have
the page(s) removed from the review.
For applicants that submit paper applications, double-sided pages will be counted as two pages.
When the maximum allowed number of pages is reached, excess pages will be removed and
will not be made available to reviewers.
NOTE: Applicants failing to adhere to ACF’s FOA formatting, font, and page limitation
requirements will receive a letter from ACF notifying them that their application was amended.
The letter will be sent after awards have been issued and will specify the reason(s) for removal
of page(s).
Corrections/Updates to Submitted Applications
When applicants make revisions to a previously submitted application, ACF will accept only the
last on-time application for pre-review under the Application Disqualification Factors. The
Application Disqualification Factors determine the application's acceptance for competitive
review. See Section III.3. Application Disqualification Factors and Section IV.2. Application
Submission Options.
Copies Required
Applicants must submit one complete copy of the application package electronically. Applicants
submitting electronic applications need not provide additional copies of their application
package.
Applicants submitting applications in paper format must submit one original and two copies of
the complete application, including all Standard Forms and OMB-approved forms. The original
copy must have original signatures.
Signatures
Applicants submitting electronic applications must follow the registration and application
submission instructions provided at www.Grants.gov.
The original of a paper format application must include original signatures of the authorized
representatives.
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Accepted Application Format
With the exception of the required Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved forms, all
application materials must be formatted so that they are 8 ½" x 11" white paper with 1-inch
margins all around.
If possible, applicants are encouraged to include page numbers for each page within the
application.
ACF generally does not encourage submission of scanned documents as they tend to have
reduced clarity and readability. If documents must be scanned, the font size on any scanned
documents must be large enough so that it is readable. Documents must be scanned page-for-
page, meaning that applicants may not scan more than one page of a document onto a single
page. All pages of the application must be readable. Pages with blurred text will be removed
from the application.
PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:
Page Limitations and File Content
The page limitation is 150 pages for the Project Summary/Abstract, Table of Contents,
Project Description (First File), and Appendices. Page limitations are identical for electronic
and paper formats application submissions.
Each applicant is required to upload only two electronic files, excluding Standard Forms
(SFs) and OMB-approved forms. It is strongly recommended that application
components be submitted in order (see file list) regardless of whether the application is
submitted in electronic or paper format. Applications must not exceed the 150-page limit
for all of the components in the First and Second Files or pages will be removed from the
application and will not be reviewed.
Formatting for Appendices (Second File)
Documents submitted in the Appendices (Second File) must be readable. If the font size is not
readable, all unreadable pages will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. For example, pages that contain blurred text or text that is too small to read
comfortably will be removed. In addition, applicants are prohibited from submitting two or
more pages per page in reduced size on a single page.
Enforcement of FOA Formatting, Font, and Page Limitation Requirements
Applications that exceed the 150-page limitation will have page(s) removed from the end of
the Second File, which includes the Appendices, before the review. The removed page(s) will
not be made available to reviewers.
In instances where formatting and font requirements are not adhered to, ACF uses a formula to
recalculate the number of pages the application would include if it conformed to the formatting
and font requirements listed in this section. The formula counts the number of characters an
applicant uses when following the instructions and using 12-point TNR and compares the
resulting number with that of the submitted application. For example, an applicant using TNR,
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11-point font, with 1-inch margins all around, and single-spacing, would have an additional 26
lines, or 1,500 characters, per page which is equal to 4/5 of an additional page. Recalculation of
pages using this formula may cause applications to exceed the page limitation, which would
cause pages to be removed from the end of the Second File, which includes the Appendices, and
excluded from review.
Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project (SF-424)
Applicants MUST clearly state the intent of the proposal in Line 15 of the SF-424, Descriptive
Title of Applicant's Project, as one of the following:
 EHS-CC Partnership,
 EHS (Non-Partnership) Expansion, or
 Combined Application for EHS-CC Partnership and EHS Expansion
The Descriptive Title must include the state(s) in which proposed service will be provided, for
example, "EHS-CC Partnership – North Carolina" or "Non-Partnership EHS Expansion –
Illinois."
Additional SF-424 Instructions
Line 18a – Federal: Include the combined base and training and technical assistance (T/TA)
funding requested by the applicant
Line 18e – Other: Includes start-up funding amount, if requested.
First File
 Project Summary/Abstract (single-spaced) – limited to 1 page
 Table of Contents (single-spaced) – suggested 1 page
 Project Description (double-spaced) – suggested 75 pages
o Community Need and Objective
o Project Design and Approach
o Staffing
o Planning and Implementation
o Organizational Infrastructure and Management Systems
o Budget and Budget Justification
Second File
 Appendices (must be readable) – suggested 73 pages
o Certificate of Good Standing
o Board of Directors Attestation
o Proof of Legal Status of Applicant
o Proof of Policy Council Approval
o Organizational Capacity documentation (e.g., resumes, job
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descriptions, organizational charts)
o Signed memoranda of understanding
o Third-party agreements
o Indirect cost rate agreement (IDR)
o Letters of support
o Oversight of Federal Awards
o Protection of Sensitive and/or Confidential Information
o Other supporting documents
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically unless they have requested
and received an exemption that will allow submission in paper format. See Section IV.2.
Application Submission Options for information about requesting an exemption.
Electronic applications will only be accepted via www.Grants.gov. ACF will not accept
applications submitted via email or via facsimile.
Each applicant is required to upload ONLY two electronic files, excluding SFs and OMB-
approved forms.
File One: Must contain the entire Project Description, and the Budget and Budget Justification
(including a line-item budget and a budget narrative).
File Two: Must contain all documents required in the Appendices.
Adherence to the Two-File Requirement
No more than two files will be accepted for the review. Applications with additional files will
be amended and files will be removed from the review. SFs and OMB-approved forms will not
be considered additional files.
Application Upload Requirements
ACF strongly recommends that electronic applications be uploaded as Portable Document Files
(PDFs). One file must contain the entire Project Description and Budget Justification; the other
file must contain all documents required in the Appendices. Details on the content of each of the
two files, as well as page limitations, are listed earlier in this section.
To adhere to the two-file requirement, applicants may need to convert and/or merge documents
together using a PDF converter software. Many recent versions of Microsoft Office include the
ability to save documents to the PDF format without need of additional software. Applicants
using the Adobe Professional software suite will be able to merge these documents together.
ACF recommends merging documents electronically rather than scanning multiple documents
into one document manually, as scanned documents may have reduced clarity and readability.
Applicants must ensure that the version of Adobe Professional they are using is compatible with
Grants.gov. To verify Adobe software compatibility please go to Grants.gov and click on
“Support” at the top bar menu and select “Adobe Software Compatibility”, which is listed under
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the topic “Online Answers.” The Adobe verification process allows applicants to test their
version of the software by opening a test application package. Grant.gov also includes guidance
on how to download a supported version of Adobe, as well as troubleshooting instructions if an
applicant is unable to open the test application package.
The Adobe Software Compatibility page located on Grants.gov also provides guidance for
applicants that have received error messages while attempting to save an application package. It
also addresses local network and/or computer security settings and the impact this has on use of
Adobe software.
Required Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved Forms
Standard Forms (SFs) and OMB-approved forms, such as the SF-424 application and budget
forms and the SF-P/PSL (Project/Performance Site Location), are uploaded separately at
Grants.gov. These forms are submitted separately from the Project Description and Appendices
files. See Section IV.2. Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications for the listing of
required Standard Forms, OMB-approved forms, and required assurances and certifications.
Naming Application Submission Files
Carefully observe the file naming conventions required by www.Grants.gov. Limit file
names to 50 characters (characters and spaces). Special characters that are allowed under
Grants.gov’s naming conventions, and are accommodated by ACF’s systems, are listed in the
instructions available in the Download Application Package at Grants.gov. Please also see
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html.
Use only file formats supported by ACF
It is critical that applicants submit applications using only the supported file formats listed here.
While ACF supports all of the following file formats, we strongly recommend that the two
application submission files (Project Description and Appendices) are uploaded as PDF
documents in order to comply with the two file upload limitation. Documents in file formats
that are not supported by ACF will be removed from the application and will not be used in the
competitive review. This may make the application incomplete and ACF will not make any
awards based on an incomplete application.
ACF supports the following file formats:
 Adobe PDF – Portable Document Format (.pdf)
 Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
 Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)
 Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)
 Corel WordPerfect (.wpd)
 Image Formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)
Do Not Encrypt or Password-Protect the Electronic Application Files
If ACF cannot access submitted electronic files because they are encrypted or password
protected, the affected file will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed. This
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removal may make the application incomplete and ACF will not make awards based on an
incomplete application.
FORMATTING FOR PAPER APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS:
The following requirements are only applicable to applications submitted in paper format.
Applicants must receive an exemption from ACF in order for a paper format application to be
accepted for review. For more information on the exemption, see "ACF Policy on Requesting an
Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission'" at www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/
howto#chapter-6
Format Requirements for Paper Applications
All copies of mailed or hand-delivered paper applications must be submitted in a single
package. If an applicant is submitting multiple applications under a single FOA, or multiple
applications under separate FOAs, each application submission must be packaged separately.
The package(s) must be clearly labeled for the specific FOA it addresses by FOA title and by
Funding Opportunity Number (FON).
Applicants using paper format should download the application forms package associated with
the FOA's Synopsis on www.Grants.gov under the Package tab.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders,
clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily
on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way
separate sections of the application. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application
submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the federal government for review. All
application materials must be one-sided for duplication purposes. All pages in the
application submission must be sequentially numbered.
Addresses for Submission of Paper Applications
See Section IV.7. Other Submission Requirements for addresses for paper format application
submissions.
Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications
Applicants seeking grant or cooperative agreement awards under this announcement
must submit the listed Standard Forms (SFs), assurances, and certifications with the
application. All required Standard Forms, assurances, and certifications are available in the
Application Package posted for this FOA at www.Grants.gov.
Forms / Assurances Submission Requirement Notes / Description
/ Certifications
Proof of Policy Submission is required of Proof of Policy Council Approval of
Council Approval applicants that are current the application is required of applicants
Head Start and/or Early that are current Head Start and/or Early
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Head Start grantees. Head Start grantees by section
642(c)(2)(D)(iii) of the Head Start Act
and 45 CFR § 1301.3.
SF-LLL - Disclosure If submission of this form is If any funds have been paid or will be
of Lobbying applicable, it is due at the paid to any person for influencing or
Activities time of application. If it is attempting to influence an officer or
not available at the time of employee of any agency, a member of
application, it may also be Congress, an officer or employee of
submitted prior to the award Congress, or an employee of a member
of a grant. of Congress in connection with this
commitment providing for the United
States to insure or guarantee a loan, the
applicant shall complete and submit the
SF-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report
Lobbying," in accordance with its
instructions.
SF-424 - Submission is required for all Required for all applications.
Application for applicants by the application
Federal Assistance due date.
SF-424A Budget Submission is required for all Required for all applications when
Information - Non- applicants when applying for applying for non-construction and/or
Construction both, non-construction and construction activities under the
Programs / SF- construction activities, under proposed project. Please see special
424B Assurances - the proposed project. instructions in the Checklist in Section
Non-Construction Standard Forms must be used. VIII. Other Information in this
Programs and SF- Standard Forms must be announcement.
424C - Budget submitted by the application
Projects that include both, non-
Information Constru due date.
construction and construction
ction Programs / SF-
By signing and submitting the activities must submit the SF-424A, B,
424D -
SF-424B and/or SF-424D, C, and D.
Assurances Constru
applicants are making the
ction Programs
appropriate certification of
their compliance with all
Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination.
Unique Required of all applicants. To See Section IV.3. Unique Entity
Entity Identifier obtain a DUNS number, go Identifier and System for
(DUNS) to http://fedgov.dnb.com/ Award Management (SAM) for more
and Systems for webform. information.
Award Management
Active registration at the
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(SAM) registration. Systems Award Management
(SAM) website must be
maintained throughout the
application and project
award period.
SAM registration is available
at
http://www.sam.gov.
SF-424 Key Contact Submission is required for all Required for all applications.
Form applicants by the application
due date.
SF- Submission is required for all Required for all applications. In the SF-
Project/Performance applicants by the application P/PSL, applicants must cite their
Site Location(s) due date. primary location and up to 29
(SF-P/PSL) additional performance sites.
Certification Submission required of all Submission of the certification is
Regarding Lobbying applicants with the required for all applicants.
(Grants.gov application package. If it is
Lobbying Form) not submitted with the
application package, it must
be submitted prior to
the award of a grant.
Assurance: Board Submission is strongly A template of this assurance is provided
Attestation encouraged for any applicants in the Appendix of this announcement.
who collaborate with an The assurance must be signed by the
external grant-writer, Board chair, or person who is
consultant and/or authorized to sign the application on
contractor for assistance behalf of the applicant.
and/or support on their
application submission. The
assurance may be
submitted with the application
package.
Certificate of Good Submission is required for all Sole proprietorships are not eligible
Standing for-profit organizations. applicants. The submission of the
Certificate of Good Standing, along
with the current list of board members,
and organizational documents that
require the establishment and
maintenance of a Board of Directors,
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provide proof of eligibility for for-profit
organizations.
Mandatory Grant Disclosure
Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in writing, to the awarding agency and
to the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) all information related to violations of federal
criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal
award. (Mandatory Disclosures, 45 CFR 75.113)
Disclosures must be sent in writing to:
The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Office of Grants Management, ATTN: Grants Management Specialist, 330 C
Street, SW., Switzer Building, Corridor 3200,Washington, DC 20201
And to:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN:
Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Cohen
Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201
Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or
Email: MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov
SF-424 Key Contact Form
Applicants must provide contact information on the following in this form:
 Key Management Staff (e.g., Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer);
 Key Program Staff (e.g., Executive Director, Program Director); and
 Board Chairperson
The Project Description
The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is
evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. It should
address the activity for which federal funds are being requested, and should be consistent with
the goals and objectives of the program as described in Section I. Program Description.
Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and
succinctly. When appropriate, applicants should cite the evaluation criteria that are relevant to
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specific components of their project description. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this
information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete.
General Expectations and Instructions
Applicants should develop project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for
achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance
and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing
should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not
be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of
the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix.
Introduction
Applicants must prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following
instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria in Section V.1. Criteria. The
text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the
evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Table of Contents
List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. The table of contents
must be single spaced and will be counted against the total page limitations.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the application’s project description. The summary must be clear,
accurate, concise, and without reference to other parts of the application. The abstract must
include a brief description of the proposed grant project including the needs to be addressed, the
proposed services, and the population group(s) to be served.
Please place the following at the top of the abstract:
 Project Title
 Applicant Name
 Address
 Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax)
 E-Mail Address
 Web Site Address, if applicable
The project abstract must be single-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, and limited to
one page in length. Additional pages will be removed and will not be reviewed.
Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed project will be
accomplished. Applicants must account for all functions or activities identified in the
application. Describe any design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or
extraordinary social and/or community involvement in the project. Provide a list of
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organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals that will work on the
project, along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Cite potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing project goals and explain strategies
that will be used to address these challenges.
1. Community Need and Objectives
Applicants must provide data about why a geographic area is in high need of early childhood
education and family support services. Data must include the number of eligible pregnant
women, infants, and toddlers by geographic location; the number of families in extreme
poverty; jobless rates; incidence of community health problems; or other similar factors.
Provide a description of information regarding the availability and access to early childhood
education services for low-income infants and toddlers in the proposed geographic area.
Clearly justify how the needs of the community are best served by their proposed approach,
including a rationale for which ages of children the applicant proposes to serve in its program.
Justify the program option(s) proposed for each age group to be served as the most appropriate
to meet the needs of the community, as outlined in 45 CFR § 1302.20, including how many
pregnant women, infants, and toddlers will be served; and the number of hours per day, days per
week, and weeks per year proposed.
 Applicants proposing to serve in multiple communities must specify the number of
program participants to be served in each community.
 Applicants proposing the home-based option must include the proposed number of home
visits and socializations for each age group(s) to be served.
Applicants must discuss the access to other early childhood education programs and services,
including the estimated number of EHS-eligible children who are receiving child care subsidy,
in the geographic area. Additionally, applicants must describe their plan to effectively leverage
available funding streams including child care subsidies.
Describe how the proposed program will ensure that not less than 10 percent of the total number
of children enrolled will be children with disabilities. Describe how the proposed program will
partner with other programs or services in the community to best meet the needs of low-income
families to be served, with evidence of community engagement and community partnerships in
the geographic location(s) to improve service delivery, increase access to services, and prevent
duplication.
If proposing EHS-CC Partnership, discuss if partners have been identified that demonstrate a
commitment to the proposed project. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and
awareness of its state's subsidy and CCDF policy landscape in its proposed service area.
If proposing delegate agencies, describe how those delegate agencies were chosen, and how
the grantee's oversight will ensure the delegate agencies implement high-quality programs that
adhere to the requirements outlined in 45 CFR 1303 Subpart D. Applicants must also identify
the communities in which the delegate agency will operate, and the number of children to be
served including the proposed program option(s).
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2. Project Design and Approach
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement and sustain the high-quality,
comprehensive, individualized educational, health, mental health, nutritional, oral health, and
other social services to pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and their families that prepare
children to succeed in school. Describe how the program will implement program components
and, where applicable, describe separately for infants and toddlers.
Name the curriculum or set of curricula that will be used, describe why that
curriculum/curricula was selected, and present the evidence basis that the curriculum/curricula
effectively promotes progress toward its developmental foundations. Provide
evidence supporting how the curriculum is tied to outcomes for children and that meet the
requirements discussed in 45 CFR § 1302.30.
Applicants must describe a process for establishing and measuring school readiness goals (45
CFR § 1302.102) that reflect the ages of children proposed to be served and demonstrate these
goals are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Must explain the extent to which goals were
or will be established in alignment with state early learning guidelines, as appropriate.
Describe how service effectiveness and quality will be measured, monitored, and improved
upon over time. Applicants must specify the name and process for selection of their assessment
tool. The assessment must be developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate.
Describe the plan to use child assessment data for individualization and referral, and for
aggregation and analysis. Describe how that analysis will be used in combination with other
program data to determine grantees' progress toward meeting its goals.
Applicants also must include information about how they will meet the health, oral health,
mental health, and nutrition needs for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. This includes a
description of the system for health screening and services that will ensure participants are
accurately referred for necessary follow-up evaluation and treatment within time frames
specified by 45 CFR § 1302.33.
Provide a plan describing how the applicant will integrate parent and family engagement
strategies into all systems and program services to promote children’s learning and
development, as discussed in 45 CFR § 1302.34 and 1302.50-52.
Describe how the proposed program will meet the unique needs of special populations,
including children with disabilities, dual language learners, children and pregnant women
experiencing homelessness, working families, and children in foster care. Provide a plan to
develop a unified birth-to-school-entry continuum of care and education through linkages with
home visiting programs, Head Start, and other preschool programs. Applicants must explain
their procedures to identify such participants, plans to provide trained personnel, and plans to
provide services to assist children in making meaningful progress in attaining age-appropriate
knowledge, skills, abilities, and development. In addition, applicants must propose the
coordination of services within a community that support transitions for children and families.
Applicants must describe how they will deliver services to enrolled women post-pregnancy, and
how the newborn infant and family will transition into the appropriate program option. They
must also describe how the program will support transitions within the EHS program. Lastly,
applicants must describe how they will ensure that infants, toddlers, and their families
participating in the program will have the opportunity to receive Head Start or other appropriate
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preschool services for which they are eligible through the age of mandatory school attendance.
Finally, applicants must describe its plan to coordinate with public and private entities that are
willing to commit resources to assist the program in providing high-quality child health and
developmental services. Such partnerships must include a plan to coordinate with other child
care and preschool programs, state pre-Kindergarten programs, programs under Part C and
Section 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and with the educational
programs that children will enter upon leaving EHS.
If proposing EHS-CC Partnership, applicants must demonstrate that partner sites have been
identified and describe their plan for sustaining these partners, as well as contingency plans for
replacing proposed partners if any partnerships do not materialize or prove unsustainable.
3. Staffing
Applicants must describe the qualifications of their proposed staff, including their experience in
providing child development services in accordance with 45 CFR § 1302.91. This includes a
description of key program staff's major functions and responsibilities. Also describe the
management staff's knowledge of the requirements of the proposed program, and how it will
ensure that all program staff members understand how those standards are applicable to them.
Describe the plan to include staff with infant/toddler expertise in decision-making roles.
Applicants must describe how they will attract and retain qualified staff, including through
salary and benefits, with the ability to implement a research-based curriculum; effective
instructional strategies; and a high-quality, comprehensive program. Describe the strategies and
mechanisms to support staff, and a plan to assess staff performance including under-performing
staff. Applicants must also describe how they will provide career development opportunities for
professional, paraprofessional, and other staff (45 CFR § 1302.91).
Additionally, applications must describe a plan to evaluate job applicants, including existing
grantee staff, to determine which applicants are most capable of implementing a high-quality,
comprehensive program.
The narrative must also address: (1) how the applicant will facilitate strong staff-child
relationships that support the development of infants and toddlers; (2) a plan to ensure that staff
are prepared for and supported in implementing evidence-based instructional practices that are
individualized to support positive child outcomes; and (3) how all staff will successfully partner
with families in supporting children's development.
If proposing center-based or family child care services, describe the plan for observing teacher
practice, including teacher-child interactions. If proposing home-based services, describe
the plan for observing home visitor practice, including interactions with the family and child,
and supporting the parents in their role as the child’s primary caregiver/teacher. For all program
services, discuss using this information to inform professional development and practice
improvements. Include the name of any instruments to be used.
4. Planning and Implementation
An implementation plan and timeline, including transition period planning, must be included
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that at a minimum, addresses the following:
 State and local licensing requirements for each proposed age group, the length of time
required to obtain licensure for early childhood learning environments, and the impact
on the proposed implementation plan.
 The availability of appropriate facilities for proposed program model(s), and the
anticipated timelines for completing any construction, renovation, or adaptation of space
to meet requirements.
 As applicable, plans for alternative service provision (e.g., temporary home-
based services) during start-up, until contracts are in place and
facilities are fully operational. Full enrollment is expected no later than 12 months from
the date of award.
 Where facilities are not available, a plan to acquire facilities in accordance with 45 CFR
§ 1303.42.
 The ability to recruit, hire, and train qualified staff to support the proposed start of EHS
and/or EHS-CC Partnership programming.
 Plan for recruiting eligible children and families, and maintaining enrollment. If
proposing EHS-CC Partnership, this plan must include how the applicant will identify
and enroll families currently receiving CCDF subsidies.
5. Organizational Infrastructure and Management Systems
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to oversee operations that comply with applicable
federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The application must describe the capacity of
senior executive managers (for example, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer) and governing body to:
 exercise effective oversight of program operations and accountability for federal funds;
 set and monitor overall agency priorities and operational systems;
 develop and implement systems for communication, record-keeping, reporting, and
ongoing monitoring, and;
 conduct community assessment, annual self-assessments, and outcome-based
evaluations.
Applicants must document their plan to constitute and train a governing body that is in
compliance with the program governance requirements established in Section 642(c) of the
Head Start Act. Applicants must also demonstrate their capacity to effectively implement a
system of governance that includes the Policy Council and parents in decision making. If
applicable, applicants should provide information about how its current governance structure
would change (if at all) to meet the HSPPS.
If proposed EHS-CC Partnership - Applicants must describe their ability to work with
partners, and ensure accountability for meeting HSPPS across multiple sites (as appropriate).
Please see 6. Budget and Budget Justification, under The Project Budget and Budget
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Justification in this section for additional program-specific requirements that will be
evaluated in the application review process.
Legal Status of Applicant Entity
Applicants must provide the following documentation:
Legal Status means being established as a public agency under state law or a non-profit under
state or federal law. ACF will accept proof of status as a for-profit organization under state or
federal law.
For-Profit Organizations
For-profit organizations applying for funding must submit the following to provide proof of
their eligibility and legal status:
 A Certificate of Good Standing,
 A current list of board members, and
 Organizational documents that require the establishment and maintenance of a Board of
Directors.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-
profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
 A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's most recent list of tax-
exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.
 A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.
 A statement from a state taxing body, state attorney general, or other appropriate
state official certifying that the applicant organization has non-profit status and that
none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
 A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar
document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
 Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a state or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the
applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Unless directed otherwise, applicants must include proof of non-profit status in the
Appendices file of the electronic application submission.
Additional Eligibility Documentation
Applicants must provide the additional, required documentation, or required credentials, to
support eligibility for an award, as described in Section III. Eligibility Information of this
announcement:
Proof of Policy Council Approval
Current Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees must submit Proof of Policy Council
Approval of the application as required by section 642(c)(2)(D)(iii) of the Head Start Act (45
CFR § 1301.3).
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Organizational Capacity
Provide the following information on the applicant organization and, if applicable, on any
cooperating partners:
 Organizational charts;
 Resumes (no more than two single-spaced pages in length);
 Biographical Sketches (short narrative description);
 List of Board of Directors;
 Copy or description of the applicant organization’s fiscal control and accountability
procedures;
 Evidence that the applicant organization, and any partnering organizations, have
relevant experience and expertise with administration, development, implementation,
management, and evaluation of programs similar to that offered under this
announcement;
 Evidence that each participating organization, including partners and/or subcontractors,
possess the organizational capability to fulfill their role(s) and function(s) effectively;
 Information on compliance with federal/state/local government standards;
 Job descriptions for each vacant key position.
Protection of Sensitive and/or Confidential Information
If any confidential or sensitive information will be collected during the course of the project,
whether from staff (e.g., background investigations) or project participants and/or project
beneficiaries, provide a description of the methods that will be used to ensure that confidential
and/or sensitive information is properly handled and safeguarded. Also provide a plan for the
disposition of such information at the end of the project period.
Third-Party Agreements
Third-party agreements include Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Letters of
Commitment. General letters of support are not considered to be third-party agreements. Third-
party agreements must clearly describe the project activities and support to which the third party
is committing. Third-party agreements must be signed by the person in the third-party
organization with the authority to make such commitments on behalf of their organization.
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees, or subcontractors, or
other cooperating entities. These agreements must detail the 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 must be included in the application package.
Plan for Oversight of Federal Award Funds
Provide a plan describing how oversight of federal funds will be ensured and how grant
activities and partner(s) will adhere to applicable federal and programmatic regulations.
Applicants must identify staff that will be responsible for maintaining oversight of program
activities, staff, and partner(s). Applicants must describe procedures and policies used to
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oversee staff and/or partners/contractors.
Describe organizational records systems that relate financial data to performance data by
identifying the source and application of federal funds so that they demonstrate effective control
over and accountability for funds, compare outlays with budget amounts, and provide
accounting records supported by source documentation.
The Project Budget and Budget Justification
All applicants are required to submit a project budget and budget justification with their
application. The project budget is entered on the Budget Information Standard Form, either SF-
424A or SF-424C, according to the directions provided with the SFs. The budget justification
consists of a budget narrative and a line-item budget detail that includes detailed calculations for
"object class categories" identified on the Budget Information Standard Form.
Project budget calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other
similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching or cost
sharing is a requirement, applicants must include a detailed listing of any funding sources
identified in Block 18 of the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance). See the table in
Section IV.2. Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications listing the appropriate budget
forms to use in this application.
Special Note: Section 653 of the Head Start Act provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other
provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to pay any part of the compensation of an
individual employed by a Head Start agency, if such compensation, including non-Federal
funds, exceeds an amount equal to the rate payable for level II of the Executive Schedule under
section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.” The Executive Level II salary of the Federal
Executive Pay scale is $189,600.
The statute also defines the term “compensation” as:
“(A) includes salary, bonuses, periodic payments, severance pay, the value of any vacation
time, the value of a compensatory or paid leave benefit not excluded by subparagraph (B),
and the fair market value of any employee perquisite or benefit not excluded by
subparagraph (B); and
(B) excludes any Head Start agency expenditure for a health, medical, life insurance,
disability, retirement, or any other employee welfare or pension benefit.”
Provide a budget using the 424A and/or 424C, as applicable, for each year of the proposed
project. Provide a budget justification, which includes a budget narrative and a line-item detail,
for the first year of the proposed project. The budget narrative should describe how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the
proposed costs.
6. Budget and Budget Justification
Applicants must demonstrate that funds are budgeted to provide all required comprehensive
EHS services. Evidence of a reasonable per child cost, based on the proposed program type and
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program option(s), to ensure the maximum number of eligible children are served, must be
included. The application must clearly and accurately distinguish between the base operating
funds, T/TA funds, total federal funds, and the applicant's non-federal share. Additionally,
applications should provide a cost-effective budget that is aligned with the program services,
staffing plan, and other program components proposed in the application narrative. Describes
the plan for the expenditure of T/TA funds. For applicants proposing EHS-CC
Partnership, applicant must include sufficient T/TA resources to assist the child care and
family child care partners with meeting HSPPS.
For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership, applicants must demonstrate that a
significant portion of funding will be directed to its child care partners to ensure high-quality
early learning experiences. Applicants must also discuss how funding will be directed to child
care partners to support staff professional development, including credentialing and other
opportunities designed to support increased competencies, credentials, wages and
compensation. Additionally, specific details about the applicant's plan to use a layered funding
approach that includes the child care subsidy, must be described. Applicant must discuss how it
will not supplant existing funding including subsidies for their proposed project. Finally,
describe the plan to ensure that children whose families lose child care subsidy eligibility will
continue to be served.
The application must detail the plan to contribute the required non-federal share/match of the
total project cost. Each source of non-federal share match must be clearly identified, including
the estimated amount per source and the valuation methodology. Finally, the proposed sources
of non-federal share/match must only be derived from allowable sources. Please see Section
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching for information on the matching requirement.
Start-up/Pre-Award Costs
The application must demonstrate that start-up/pre-award costs, if proposed, are justified,
reasonable, and applicable based on the applicant's proposed EHS program. Applicants
requesting start-up funding must submit a separate budget for start-up/pre-award costs as
described in Section II. Federal Award Information. If the applicant is not requesting start-
up/pre-award costs, this requirement is not applicable.
Start-up/pre-award costs may include: 1) ensuring that proposed facilities comply with state and
local requirements and are adequately equipped, 2) purchasing classroom equipment and
supplies, and/or 3) conducting staff background checks.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification. When a match
or cost share is required, both federal and non-federal resources must be detailed and justified in
the budget and budget narrative justification. "Federal resources" refers only to the ACF grant
funds for which the applicant is applying. “Non-federal resources” are all other non-ACF
federal and non-federal resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, federal
budget; next column(s), non-federal budget(s); and last column, total budget. The budget
justification should be in a narrative form.
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Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known at the time of
application. For each staff person provide: the title; time commitment to the project in months;
time commitment to the project as a percentage or full-time equivalent: annual salary; grant
salary; wage rates; etc. Do not include the costs of consultants, personnel costs of delegate
agencies, or of specific project(s) and/or businesses to be financed by the applicant. Contractors
and consultants should not be placed under this category.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect
cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit
costs such as health insurance, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, retirement
insurance, and taxes.
Travel
Description: Costs of out-of-state or overnight project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization. Do not include in-state travel or consultant travel.
Justification: For each trip show the total number of traveler(s); travel destination; duration of
trip; per diem; mileage allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used to travel out of
town; and other transportation costs and subsistence allowances. If appropriate for this project,
travel costs for key project staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops/conferences/grantee
orientations should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: "Equipment" means an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property
having a useful life of more than one year per unit and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds
the lesser of: (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of
an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or
auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation,
shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the applicant
organization's regular written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested applicants must provide a description of
the equipment; the cost per unit; the number of units; the total cost; and a plan for use of the
equipment in the project; as well as a plan for the use, and/or disposal of, the equipment after
the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should
provide a copy of its policy, or section of its policy, that includes the equipment definition.
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Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included under the
Equipment category. This includes office and other consumable supplies with a per-unit cost of
less than $5,000.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and
provide other information that supports the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under
other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third-party evaluation
contracts, if applicable, and contracts with secondary recipient organizations (with budget
detail), including delegate agencies and specific project(s) and/or businesses to be financed by
the applicant. This area is not for individual consultants.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to
provide, to the maximum extent practical, open, and free competition. Recipients and
subrecipients are required to use 45 CFR 75.328 procedures and must justify any anticipated
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceeds the
simplified acquisition threshold fixed by 41 U.S.C. § 134, as amended by 2 CFR Part
200.88, and currently set at $150,000. Recipients may be required to make pre-award review
and procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, independent
cost estimates, etc., available to ACF.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to another agency, the
applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each contractor/sub-
contractor, by agency title, along with the same supporting information referred to in these
instructions. If the applicant plans to select the contractors/sub-contractors post-award and a
detailed budget is not available at the time of application, the applicant must provide
information on the nature of the work to be delegated, the estimated costs, and the process for
selecting the delegate agency.
Construction
Description: Costs of construction by applicant or contractor.
Justification: Provide a detailed budget and narrative in accordance with the instructions for
other object class categories. Identify which construction activities/costs will be contractual and
those that the applicant will assume.
Other
Description: Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable and appropriate,
may include but are not limited to: consultant costs, local travel; insurance; food (when
allowable); medical and dental costs (noncontractual); professional services costs (including
audit charges); space and equipment rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training
costs, such as tuition and stipends; staff development costs; and administrative costs.
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Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description, and a justification for each cost
under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category has one of two methods that an
applicant can select. An applicant may only select one.
1) The applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant federal agency.
Note: An applicant must enclose a copy of the current approved rate agreement. If the applicant
is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized
representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
2) Per 45 CFR § 75.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, “any non-Federal entity [i.e., applicant]
that has never received a negotiated indirect costs rate, … may elect to charge a de minimis
rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As
described in § 75.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs,
but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this
methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time
as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may
apply to do at any time.”
Justification: This method only applies to applicants that have never received an approved
negotiated indirect cost rate from HHS or another cognizant federal agency. Applicants
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposal may request the 10 percent de minimis rate.
When the applicant chooses this method, costs included in the indirect cost pool must not be
charged as direct costs to the grant.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this
project. Program income includes, but is not limited to, income from fees for services
performed, the use or rental of real or personal property acquired under federally-funded
projects, the sale of commodities or items fabricated under an award, license fees and royalties
on patents and copyrights, and interest on loans made with award funds.
Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of program income in the budget
or refer to the pages in the application that contain this information.
Commitment of Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-federal resources that will be used to support the project as
identified in Block 18 of the SF-424.
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For all federal awards, any shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including
cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must be accepted as part of the recipient’s cost
sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the criteria listed in 45 CFR § 75.306.
For awards that require matching by statute, recipients will be held accountable for
projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget
justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the
projected commitment exceeds the amount required by the statutory match. A recipient’s
failure to provide the statutorily required matching amount may result in the disallowance
of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial
Reports.
For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, where “cost sharing”
refers to any situation in which the recipient voluntarily shares in the costs of a project other
than as statutorily required matching, recipients will be held accountable for projected
commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by
budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards . These include situations in which
contributions are voluntarily proposed by an applicant and are accepted by ACF. Non-federal
cost sharing will be included in the approved project budget so that the applicant will be held
accountable for proposed non-federal cost-sharing funds as shown in the Notice of Award
(NOA). A recipient’s failure to provide voluntary cost sharing of non-federal resources
that have been accepted by ACF as part of the approved project costs and that have been
shown as part of the approved project budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance
of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial
Reports.
Justification: If an applicant is relying on match from a third party, then a firm commitment of
these resources (letter(s) or other documentation) is required to be submitted with the
application. Detailed budget information must be provided for every funding source identified
in Item18. "Estimated Funding ($)" on the SF-424.
Applicants are required to fully identify and document in their applications the specific costs or
contributions they propose in order to meet a matching requirement. Applicants are also
required to provide documentation in their applications on the sources of funding or
contribution(s). In-kind contributions must be accompanied by a justification of how the stated
valuation was determined. Matching or cost sharing must be documented by budget period (or
by project period for fully funded awards). A recipient’s failure to provide a statutorily
required matching amount may result in the disallowance of federal funds.
Applications that lack the required supporting documentation will not be disqualified from
competitive review; however, it may impact an application’s scoring under the evaluation
criteria in Section V.1. of this announcement.
Paperwork Reduction Disclaimer
As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3521, the public
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reporting burden for the Project Description and Budget/Budget Justification is estimated to
average 60 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information. The Project Description
and Budget/Budget Justification information collection is approved under OMB control number
0970-0139, expiration date is 01/31/2019. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person
is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid
OMB control number.
Application Submission Options
Electronic Submission via www.Grants.gov
This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for ACF program
applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.
Electronic Delivery
ACF is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site
to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. ACF applicants are required to submit their
applications online through Grants.gov.
How to Register and Apply through Grants.gov
Read the following instructions about registering to apply for ACF funds. Applicants should read
the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the
registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the
registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.
The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be
done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application
submission deadlines.
Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html
Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must
have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizations
DUNS" on the SF-424 form.
For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-
number.html
Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, organizations applying online
through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). All
organizations must register with SAM in order to apply online. Failure to register with SAM
will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov.
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For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-
sam.html
Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an
account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to
complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for
applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The
EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To
apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the AOR role.
For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html
Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC
receives an email notifying them of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC
will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the
AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of
your organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you
have been approved as an AOR.
For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov. refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html
Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html
When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR that
submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the
electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally
binding commitment on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is
crucial for valid and timely submissions.
How to Submit an Application to ACF via Grants.gov
Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online
environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different
webforms within an application. For each FOA, you can create individual instances of a
workspace.
The following is an overview of applying via Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on
how to apply for opportunities, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-
grants.html
Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete an application online
and route it through your organization for review before submitting.
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Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms,
and check for errors before submission.
Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download
individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or
ACF forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local
device storage, network drive(s), or external drive(s), then accessed through Adobe
Reader.
NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the
appropriate version of the software at:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html
Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk
and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be
completed to successfully submit your application.
Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required
fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To
trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is
completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.
Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the
Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov
recommends submitting your application at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to
provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the
application submission.
Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov
Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the package. The
number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission.
For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html
Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email
at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number
listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support
Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist ACF with tracking
your issue and understanding background information on the issue.
Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission
All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date established for each
program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic
date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by
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Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking
number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their
application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/stamp and Grants.gov Tracking
number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.
When ACF successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the
download of submission, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the
application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely
submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.
Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be
considered late and will not be considered for funding by ACF.
Applicants with slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can
take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide
either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant
with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the
transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please
be patient and give the system time to process the application.
Issues with Federal Systems
For any systems issues experienced with Grants.gov or SAM.gov, please refer to ACF’s “Policy
for Applicants Experiencing Federal Systems Issues” document for complete guidance
at www.acf.hhs.gov /sites/default/files/assets/systems_issue_policy_final.pdf.
Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission
To request an exemption from required electronic submission please refer to ACF’s “Policy for
Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission” document for
complete guidance at:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/acf_policy_for_requesting_an_exemption_from
_required_electronic.pdf.
Paper Format Application Submission
An exemption is required for the submission of paper applications. See the preceding
section on "Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission."
Applicants with exemptions that submit their applications in paper format, by mail or delivery,
must submit one original and two copies of the complete application with all attachments. The
original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and
appendices, be signed by the AOR, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must
have original signature(s). See Section IV.7. of this announcement for address information for
paper format application submissions. Applications submitted in paper format must be received
by 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date.
Applicants may refer to Section VIII. Other Information for a checklist of application
requirements that may be used in developing and organizing application materials. Details
concerning acknowledgment of received applications are available in Section IV.4. Submission
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Dates and Times in this announcement.
IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
All applicants must have a DUNS Number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform) and an
active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov/SAM,
https://www.sam.gov).
Obtaining a DUNS Number may take 1 to 2 days.
All applicants are required to maintain an active SAM registration until the application process
is complete. If a grant is awarded, registration at SAM must be active throughout the life of the
award.
Plan ahead. Allow at least 10 business days after you submit your registration for it to
become active in SAM and at least an additional 24 hours before that registration
information is available in other government systems, i.e. Grants.gov.
This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with
these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application through Grants.gov or
prevent the award of a grant. Applicants should maintain documentation (with dates) of your
efforts to register for, or renew a registration, at SAM. User Guides are available under the
“Help” tab at https://www.sam.gov.
HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for, and ultimately receive, federal grant funds from
any HHS Agency, or receive subawards directly from recipients of those grant funds to:
 Be registered in the SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;
 Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which
it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and
 Provide its active DUNS number in each application or plan it submits to the OPDIV.
ACF is prohibited from making an award until an applicant has complied with these
requirements. At the time an award is ready to be made, if the intended recipient has not
complied with these requirements, ACF:
 May determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award; and
 May use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
IV.4. Submission Dates and Times
Due Date for Applications: 11/30/2018
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Explanation of Due Dates
The due date for receipt of applications is listed in the Overview section and in this section. See
Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.
Electronic Applications
The deadline for submission of electronic applications via www.Grants.gov is 11:59 p.m., ET,
on the due date. Electronic applications submitted at 12:00 a.m., ET, on the day after the due
date will be considered late and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding
under this announcement.
Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically via www.Grants.gov unless
they received an exemption through the process described in Section IV.2. Request an
Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission.
ACF does not accommodate transmission of applications by email or facsimile.
Instructions for electronic submission via www.Grants.gov are available at:
www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.
Applications submitted to www.Grants.gov at any time during the open application period prior
to the due date and time that fail the Grants.gov validation check will not be received at ACF.
These applications will not be acknowledged.
Mailed Paper Format Applications
The deadline for receipt of mailed, paper applications is 4:30 p.m., ET, on the due date. Mailed
paper applications received after the due date and deadline time will be considered late and will
be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.
Paper format application submissions will be disqualified if the applicant organization has not
received an exemption through the process described in Section IV.2. Request an Exemption
from Required Electronic Application Submission.
Hand-Delivered Paper Format Applications
Applications that are hand-delivered by applicants, applicant couriers, by overnight/express
mail couriers, or other representatives of the applicant must be received on, or before, the due
date listed in the Overview and in this section. These applications must be delivered between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).
Applications should be delivered to the address provided in Section IV.7.Other Submission
Requirements.
Hand-delivered paper applications received after the due date and deadline time will be
considered late and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this
announcement.
Hand-delivered paper format application submissions will be disqualified if the applicant
organization has not received an exemption through the process described in Section IV.2.
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Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission.
No appeals will be considered for applications classified as late under the following
circumstances:
 Applications submitted electronically via www.Grants.gov are considered late when
they are dated and time-stamped after the deadline of 11:59 p.m., ET, on the due date.
 Paper format applications received by mail or hand-delivery after 4:30 p.m., ET, on the
due date will be classified as late and will be disqualified.
 Paper format applications received from applicant organizations that were not approved
for an exemption from required electronic application submission under the process
described in Section IV.2. Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Submission
will be disqualified.
Emergency Extensions
ACF may extend an application due date when circumstances make it impossible for an
applicant to submit their applications on time. Only events such as documented natural disasters
(floods, hurricanes, tornados, etc.), or a verifiable widespread disruption of electrical service, or
mail service, will be considered. The determination to extend or waive the due date, and/or
receipt time, requirements in an emergency situation rests with the Grants Management Officer
listed as the Office of Grants Management Contact in Section VII. HHS Awarding Agency
Contact(s).
Acknowledgement from www.Grants.gov
Applicants will receive an initial email upon submission of their application to
www.Grants.gov. This email will provide a Grants.gov Tracking Number. Applicants should
refer to this tracking number in all communication with Grants.gov. The email will also provide
a date and time stamp, which serves as the official record of application's submission. Receipt
of this email does not indicate that the application is accepted or that is has passed the validation
check.
Applicants will also receive an email acknowledging that the received application is in the
Grants.gov validation process, after which a third email is sent with the information that
the submitted application package has passed, or failed, the series of checks and validations.
Applications that are submitted on time that fail the validation check will not be transmitted to
ACF and will not be acknowledged by ACF.
See "What to Expect After Submitting" at www.Grants.gov for more information.
Acknowledgement from ACF of an electronic application's submission:
Applicants will be sent additional email(s) from ACF acknowledging that the application has
been retrieved from www.Grants.gov by ACF. Receipt of these emails is not an indication that
the application is accepted for competition.
Acknowledgement from ACF of receipt of a paper format application:
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ACF will provide acknowledgement of receipt of hard copy application packages submitted via
mail or courier services.
IV.5. Intergovernmental Review
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of
Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health
and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Executive Order, States may design
their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under
covered programs.
Applicants should go to the following URL for the official list of the jurisdictions that have
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/Intergovernmental_-Review-_SPOC_01_2018_OFFM.pdf.
Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to
alert them of their prospective applications and to receive instructions on their jurisdiction's
procedures. Applicants must submit all required application materials to the SPOC and indicate
the date of submission on the Standard Form (SF) 424 at item 19.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on
proposed new awards.
SPOC comments may be submitted directly to ACF to: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 330 C St. SW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20201.
Entities that meet the eligibility requirements of this announcement are still eligible to apply for
a grant even if a State, Territory or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC or has chosen
not to participate in the process. Applicants from non-participating jurisdictions need take no
action with regard to E.O. 12372. Applications from Federally-recognized Indian Tribal
governments are not subject to E.O. 12372.
IV.6. Funding Restrictions
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation
of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred to raise capital or obtain contributions are
unallowable. Fund raising costs for the purposes of meeting the Federal program objectives are
allowable with prior written approval from the Federal awarding agency. (45 CFR §75.442)
Proposal costs are the costs of preparing bids, proposals, or applications on potential Federal
and non-Federal awards or projects, including the development of data necessary to support the
non-Federal entity's bids or proposals. Proposal costs of the current accounting period of both
successful and unsuccessful bids and proposals normally should be treated as indirect (F&A)
costs and allocated currently to all activities of the non-Federal entity. No proposal costs of past
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accounting periods will be allocable to the current period. (45 CFR §75.460)
No more than 15 percent of total costs may be used for program administration. An HHS
official may grant a waiver of the 15 percent limitation on allowable development and
administration costs for a Head Start or Early Head Start program approving a higher
percentage for a specific period of time not to exceed 12 months (45 CFR § 1303.5).
IV.7. Other Submission Requirements
Submit paper applications to one of the following addresses. Also see ACF Policy on
Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission
at www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-6.
Submission By Mail
Office of Head Start
OHS Operations Center
1401 Mercantile Lane
Suite 401
Largo, MD 20774
Hand Delivery
Office of Head Start
OHS Operations Center
1401 Mercantile Lane
Suite 401
Largo, MD 20774
Electronic Submission
See Section IV.2. for application requirements and for guidance when submitting applications
electronically via www.Grants.gov.
For all submissions, see Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Criteria
Please note: With the exception of the funding opportunity announcement and relevant statutes
and regulations, reviewers will not access, or review, any materials that are not part of the
application documents. This includes information accessible on websites via hyperlinks that are
referenced, or embedded, in the application. Though an application may include web links, or
embedded hyperlinks, reviewers will not review this information as it is not considered to be
part of the application documents. Nor will the information on websites be taken into
consideration in scoring of evaluation criteria presented in this section. Reviewers will evaluate
and score an application based on the documents that are presented in the application and will
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not refer to, or access, external links during the objective review.
Applications competing for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated using the
criteria described in this section. The corresponding point values indicate the relative
importance placed on each review criterion. Points will be allocated based on the extent to
which the application proposal addresses each of the criteria listed. Applicants should address
these criteria in their application materials, particularly in the project description and budget
justification, as they are the basis upon which competing applications will be judged during the
objective review. The required elements of the project description and budget justification may
be found in Section IV.2 of this announcement.
In addition to the required elements of the project description found in Section IV.2, the
objective review panel will evaluate proposals in accordance with the relevant sections of the
Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Parts 1301-1305). The review of
applications under this FOA will result in a numerical score as evaluated by a panel of non-
federal reviewers. The review panel will assign numerical scores for each evaluation criterion
based on a range of points (0 points - total point value), taking into consideration the extent to
which the application narrative includes substantial and compelling evidence.
1. Community Need and Objectives Maximum Points:20
To evaluate the Community Need and Objectives, reviewers will consider the extent to
which the applicant presents evidence of the need for Early Head Start and/or EHS-CC
Partnership services in the proposed community. In reaching their conclusion, reviewers
will deliberate the following narrative elements:
 If the proposed service area and location(s) where services will be delivered is clearly
described.
 How Early Head Start resources will be directed to the geographic area(s) of greatest
need.
 The rationale for which ages of children are proposed to be served, including the
estimated number of eligible pregnant women, infants and toddlers, by program type
and geographic location(s).
 If the proposed program option (center-based, home-based, family child care, services
to pregnant women, locally designed option, or EHS-CC Partnership) best meets the
needs of the local community. Does the justification use information describe the
applicant's process for engaging other entities in the community in making this
determination?
 The analysis of access to other early childhood education programs and services,
including the estimated number of EHS eligible children who are receiving child care
subsidy, in the geographic area.
 The analysis of the quality of other early childhood education programs and services in
the geographic area.
 The plan to effectively leverage available funding streams including child care
subsidies.
 The plan to enroll children with disabilities.
 If applicable, how the proposed delegate agency is identified, including the
communities in which the applicant will operate, the number of children to be served by
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age of child and their proposed program option(s).
 Evidence of community engagement in the proposed geographic locations that is
designed to improve service delivery, increase access to services, and prevent
duplication.
 For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership:
o The extent to which the applicant has identified partners that have demonstrated
a commitment to the proposed project.
o Evidence of the applicant’s knowledge and awareness of its state's subsidy and
CCDF policy landscape in its proposed service area.
2. Program Design and Approach Maximum Points:30
To evaluate Projects Design and Approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which
the applicant presents evidence of its ability to implement a high-quality, comprehensive
program for the population the applicant proposes to serve in the Community Need and
Objectives section. In reaching their conclusion, reviewers will deliberate the following
narrative elements:
 The curriculum or set of curricula and teaching practices proposed that promote
progress toward school readiness goals.
 The process for establishing and measuring school readiness goals. Do those school
readiness goals reflect the ages of children that the applicant proposes to serve in the
program, and are they culturally and linguistically appropriate?
 If the school readiness goals were or will be established in consultation with the parents
of children who will be participating in the program.
 How the applicant will meet the needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities.
 The plan to meet the needs of the applicant's targeted population in the child welfare
system, dual language learners, homeless children, and pregnant women.
 The plan to develop a unified birth-to-school-entry continuum of care and education
through linkages with home visiting programs, Head Start, and other preschool
programs.
 How the applicant will meet the health, mental health, nutritional, and oral health needs
of program participants.
 For applicants proposing center-based or family child care services: How the
applicant describes a plan for observing teacher practice, including teacher-child
interactions. For applicants proposing home-based services: How the applicant
describes a plan for observing home visitor practice. Do all applicants describe, using
this information, to inform professional development and practice improvements?
 The process for obtaining required screenings, including developmental hearing and
vision, and referring for further evaluation as necessary.
 The process for selecting the specified assessment tool. The plan to use child
assessment data to individualize the instruction and learning for each child and, as
necessary, refer for additional evaluation and intervention; and to aggregate and analyze
child-level assessment data.
 The plan to coordinate with public and private entities to assist the program in
providing child health and developmental services and program management services.
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 The system proposed to deliver services to enrolled women post-pregnancy, including
how the newborn infant and family will transition into the appropriate program option
at the appropriate time.
 How the applicant will ensure that infants, toddlers, and their families participating in
the program will have the opportunity to receive Head Start or other appropriate
preschool services.
 The plan to facilitate the meaningful engagement of parents in activities designed to
help them become full partners in the education of their children. Barriers to parent
participation should be discussed.
 For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership:
o Evidence that the applicant has identified its partner sites and describes a
thorough plan for sustaining its child care partners, as well as contingency plans
for replacing proposed partners if any partnerships do not materialize or prove
unsustainable.
3. Staffing Maximum Points:15
To evaluate Staffing, reviewers will consider the extent to which the applicant
demonstrates its ability to recruit, retain, and manage staff with the ability to implement
a comprehensive Early Head Start and/or EHS-CC Partnership program. In reaching
their conclusion, reviewers will deliberate the following narrative elements:
 The plan to ensure all teaching staff will meet the qualification requirements.
 Evidence of the proposed program director and proposed key program staff's ability to
meet the required qualifications to administer an Early Head Start program, complex
social service program, or early education services.
 The plan to attract, train, and retain qualified staff with the ability to implement a high-
quality program.
 How the applicant proposes to provide career development opportunities for
professional, paraprofessional, and other staff, including family child care providers.
 If the plan to evaluate job applicants, including existing grantee staff, to determine
which applicants are most capable of implementing a high-quality, comprehensive
program is realistic.
4. Planning and Implementation Maximum Points:10
To evaluate Planning and Implementation, reviewers will consider the extent to which the
applicant details its plan to provide effective and efficient implementation of Early Head
Start and/or EHS-CC Partnership programming, including start-up period planning.
Applicants must include an implementation plan and timeline that addresses, at a
minimum, the following:
 State and local licensing requirements, the length of time required to obtain licensure
for early childhood learning environments, and the impact on the proposed
implementation plan for the timely provision of services.
 The availability of appropriate facilities for proposed program models, and the
anticipated timelines for completing any construction, renovation, or adaptation of
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space to meet requirements.
 As applicable, plans for alternative service provision (e.g., temporary home- based
services) during start-up, until contracts are in place and facilities are fully operational
to ensure full enrollment not later than 12 months from the date of award.
 Where facilities are not available, a plan to acquire facilities in accordance with federal
Head Start regulations.
 The ability to recruit, hire, and train qualified staff to support the proposed start date of
Early Head Start and/or EHS-CC Partnership operations.
 The plan for recruiting eligible children and families, and maintaining enrollment. If
proposing EHS-CC Partnership, this plan must include how the applicant will
identify and enroll families currently receiving CCDF subsidies.
5. Organizational Infrastructure and Management Systems Maximum Points:15
To evaluate Organizational Infrastructure and Management Systems, reviewers will
consider the extent to which the applicant demonstrates its understanding of the crucial
role of the Board and Policy Council. Reviewers will also consider the extent to which the
applicant demonstrates a capacity to provide effective program administration and
oversight, including child care partner sites if applicable. In reaching their conclusion,
reviewers will deliberate the following narrative elements:
 The capacity of the senior executive managers and governing board to:
o exercise effective oversight of program operations and accountability for federal
funds;
o include the Policy Council in the planning and decision-making process;
o ensure representation of the diverse community served;
o set and monitor overall agency priorities and operational systems; and
o conduct community assessment, annual self-assessments, and ongoing
monitoring.
 The ability to plan, constitute, and train a governing body in compliance with Head
Start regulations. If applicable, an applicant can describe how its current governance
structure would change to meet the requirement of the Head Start Act.
 The existence of management systems for program planning, internal and external
communication, record keeping, issuance of internal and external reports, and program
self-assessment and monitoring.
 For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership:
o The applicant’s ability to work with partners, and ensure accountability for
meeting HSPPS across multiple sites (as appropriate).
6. Budget and Budget Justification Maximum Points:15
To evaluate Budget, reviewers will consider the extent to which the applicant
demonstrates that funds are budgeted to provide all required Early Head Start and/or
EHS-CC Partnership services, and if the applicant:
 Clearly and accurately distinguishes the proposed base operating funds, T/TA funds,
total federal funds, and the applicant's non-federal share, if applicable.
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 Provides a cost-effective budget that is aligned with all components of the application
narrative as described in Section IV.2. The Project Budget and Budget Justification.
 For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership:
o Effectively demonstrates that a significant portion of funding will be directed to
its child care partners to ensure high-quality early learning experiences.
o Demonstrates that funding will be directed to child care partners to support staff
professional development, including credentialing and other opportunities
designed to support increased competencies, credentials, wages, and
compensation.
 Describes its plan for the expenditure of T/TA funds. For applicants proposing EHS-
CC Partnership:
o Includes sufficient resources for T/TA to assist the child care and family child
care partners with meeting HSPPS.
 Includes evidence of a reasonable per child cost, based on the proposed program type
and program option(s), to ensure the maximum number of eligible children are served.
 For applicants proposing EHS-CC Partnership:
o Provides specific details about its plan to use a layered funding approach that
includes leveraging child care subsidy for its proposed budget. Does the
applicant discuss how it will not supplant existing funding including subsidies
for their proposed project?
o Describes their plan to ensure that children whose families lose child care
subsidy eligibility will continue to be served.
 Demonstrates that start-up/pre-award costs, if proposed, are justified, reasonable, and
applicable based on the applicant's proposed Early Head Start and/or EHS-CC
Partnership program. NOTE: If the applicant is not requesting start-up/pre-award costs,
this criterion is not applicable.
 Details its plan to contribute the required non-federal share/match of the total project
cost.
V.2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete
application. No grant award will be made to an applicant or sub-recipient that does not have a
DUNS number (www.dbn.com) and an active registration at SAM (www.sam.gov). See Section
IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM).
Initial ACF Screening
Each application will be screened to determine whether it meets any of the disqualification
factors described in Section III.3.Other, Application Disqualification Factors.
Disqualified applications are considered to be “non-responsive” and are excluded from the
competitive review process. Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by
email or by USPS postal mail within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this
FOA.
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Objective Review and Results
Applications competing for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated by objective
review panels using only the criteria described in Section V.1. Criteria of this announcement.
Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review.
Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson.
Results of the competitive objective review are taken into consideration by ACF in the selection
of projects for funding; however, objective review scores and rankings are not binding. Scores
and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. ACF reserves
the right to consider other factors in the award decision-making process such as financial
viability, and the geographic and programmatic distribution of federal funds to achieve the
objectives described in “Additional Federal Review and Funding Priorities.”
ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would
indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. Applications may be funded
in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than that
requested. ACF reserves the right to consider preferences to fund organizations serving
emerging, unserved, or under-served populations, including those populations located in
pockets of poverty. ACF will also consider the geographic distribution of federal funds in its
award decisions.
Pre-Award Discussions and Negotiations
ACF may enter into pre-award discussions and/or negotiations with one or more applicants
regarding each applicant’s proposed project, budget, and other information related
to its organizational capacity to provide high-quality, comprehensive early education services
before making final award(s). Based on these discussions, ACF may consider:
 Whether the proposal meets the stated purpose of the funding opportunity as described
in the Executive Summary and/or Section I. Program Description.
 Whether the proposed program is cost effective based on the application submitted for
evaluation in response to Section IV.2. The Project Description and The Project Budget
and Budget Justification.
 Whether the proposal contains contingent activities that may impede, or indefinitely
delay, the implementation of the proposed program such as, but not limited to, the
ability to timely renovate and/or secure facilities that are required to deliver EHS and/or
EHS-CC Partnership services.
 Any other factors necessary for ACF to determine if the applicant is capable of
providing high-quality, comprehensive early education services.
Not all pre-award discussions and/or negotiations will result in grant awards. ACF
reserves the right to cease discussions and negotiations with applicants prior to award and may
enter into discussions or negotiations with other applicants.
Additional Review and Funding Considerations
ACF’s priority is expanding access to high-quality programs. Grants will be awarded based on
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how effectively the model design fits the needs of the community to be served. ACF will
prioritize proposals that include a viable plan to reach full enrollment within 12 months of
receiving the grant award. Through this FOA, funds are allocated by each geographical region
of the country as defined by ACF based on each region's relative share of young children whose
families' incomes are below the poverty line. ACF retains administrative flexibility to reallocate
between regions as appropriate when making awards using the regional allocation to ensure
each grantee meets a high standard of quality and to align with funding priorities.
The Head Start Act gives priority to organizations based on their ability to serve target
populations. In keeping with section 641(d)(3) of the Head Start Act, HHS shall give priority to
applicants for Head Start funding that have demonstrated capacity in providing effective,
comprehensive, and well-coordinated early childhood education and development services and
programs to children and their families. Section 645A(e) of the Head Start Act gives priority in
Early Head Start funding to entities with a record of providing early, continuous, and
comprehensive childhood development and family services.
ACF reserves the right to prioritize qualified applicants proposing to serve children in census
tracts designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones (See https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Oppor
tunity-Zones.aspx).
Please note that if the applicant is a current or former Head Start or Early Head Start grantee,
ACF will retrieve, review, and consider the grantee's last two OHS monitoring reports. In
addition, ACF will retrieve, review, and consider any monitoring reports issued in the 5 years
preceding the posting of this FOA. ACF will retrieve, review, and consider any documentation
that relates to the fiscal health and financial viability of the applicant. ACF will also retrieve,
review, and consider state licensing documentation on the applicant. These reports and
documents will be considered in making final funding determinations.
Also, if the applicant is a current Head Start, EHS, or EHS-CC Partnership grantee, ACF will
retrieve, review, and consider the grantee's enrollment data for the 3 years preceding the posting
of this FOA. Ongoing under-enrollment will be considered in making final funding
determinations.
ACF reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant that is presently designated as "high
risk," probationary or not in good standing, or has been debarred or defunded by any federal
agency. ACF reserves the right not to fund applicants with unacceptably high federal Head Start
per-child costs. Additionally, ACF may decide not to fund projects that would require
unreasonably high start-up costs for facilities or equipment or that propose such a low number
of children that the project may require unreasonably high operating costs relative to the number
of children and families proposed to be served.
Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicants
As required by 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Guidance, effective January 1, 2016, ACF is
required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the Federal
Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), www.fapiis.gov/, before
making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over
the period of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information about
itself that a federal awarding agency has previously entered into FAPIIS. ACF will consider any
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comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment
about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards
when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.205
Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicants (http://www.ecfr.gov/ cgi-
bin/text-idx?node=se2.1.200_1205&rgn=div8).
Approved but Unfunded Applications
Applications recommended for approval in the objective review process, but were not selected
for award, may receive funding if additional funds become available or may compete for
funding during the next review cycle (if one occurs in the next fiscal year). Applications
designated as “approved but unfunded” typically cannot be kept in an active status for more
than 12 months. For those applications determined as “approved but unfunded,” notice will be
given of the determination by email.
V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates
Announcement of awards and the disposition of applications will be provided to applicants at a
later date. ACF staff cannot respond to requests for information regarding funding decisions
prior to the official applicant notification.
VI. Federal Award Administration Information
VI.1. Federal Award Notices
Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) that sets
forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the
grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-federal share to be
provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated.
The NoA will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail, email, or by
GrantSolutions.gov or the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES), whichever is relevant.
Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be
funded will be notified by letter signed by the cognizant Program Office head. Any other
correspondence that announces to a Principal Investigator, or a Project Director, that an
application was selected is not an authorization to begin performance.
Project costs that are incurred prior to the receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk and may
be reimbursed only to the extent that they are considered allowable as approved pre-award
costs. Information on allowable pre-award costs and the time period under which they may be
incurred is available in Section IV.6. Funding Restrictions.
Grantees may translate the Federal award and other documents into another language. In the
event of inconsistency between any terms and conditions of the Federal award and any
translation into another language, the English language meaning will control. Where a
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significant portion of the grantee’s employees who are working on the Federal award are not
fluent in English, the grantee must provide the Federal award in English and in the language(s)
with which employees are more familiar.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Awards issued under this announcement are subject to 45 CFR Part 75 - Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards. The
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is available at www.ecfr.gov. Unless otherwise noted in this
section, administrative and national policy requirements that are applicable to discretionary
grants are available at: www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements.
HHS Grants Policy Statement
The HHS Grants Policy Statement (HHS GPS) is the Department of Health and Human
Services' single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. ACF grant
awards are subject to the requirements of the HHS GPS, which covers basic grants processes,
standard terms and conditions, and points of contact, as well as important agency-specific
requirements. The general terms and conditions in the HHS GPS will apply as indicated unless
there are statutory, regulatory, or award-specific requirements to the contrary that are specified
in the Notice of Award (NOA). The HHS GPS is available at
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/discretionary-post-award-requirements#chapter-1.
An application funded with the release of federal funds through a grant award does not
constitute, or imply, compliance with federal regulations. Funded organizations are responsible
for ensuring that their activities comply with all applicable federal regulations.
The Head Start specific regulations (known as the Program Performance Standards) are:
 45 CFR Part 1301, Program Governance
 45 CFR Part 1302, Program Operations
 45 CFR Part 1303, Financial and Administrative Requirements
 45 CFR Part 1304, Federal Administrative Procedures
 45 CFR Part 1305, Definitions
 And all applicable grant regulations
Copies of the current applicable Head Start regulations are available at the websites identified in
Section VIII. Other Information, Reference Websites. Regulations used to determine whether
expenditures by Head Start and Early Head Start grantees are allowable can be found at https
://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy under Fiscal Regulations.
VI.3. Reporting
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Performance Progress Annually
Reports:
Recipients under this FOA will be required to submit performance progress and financial
reports periodically throughout the project period. Information on reporting requirements is
available on the ACF website at www.acf.hhs.gov/discretionary-post-award-
requirements#chapter-2.
For planning purposes, the frequency of required reporting for awards made under this
announcement are as follows:
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually
VII. HHS Awarding Agency Contact(s)
Program Office Contact
Shawna Pinckney
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Head Start
330 C Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20201
Phone: (888) 242-0684
Email: OHSTech@reviewops.org
Office of Grants Management Contact
Jeff Newton
Administration for Children and Families
1961 Stout Street
Office 08-148
Denver, CO 80294
Phone: (303) 844-1149
Email: jeff.newton@acf.hhs.gov
Federal Relay Service:
Hearing-impaired and speech-impaired callers may contact the Federal Relay
Service (FedRelay) at www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.
VIII. Other Information
Reference Websites
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) www.hhs.gov/.
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Administration for Children and Families (ACF) www.acf.hhs.gov/.
ACF Funding Opportunities Forecast www.grants.gov/.
ACF Funding Opportunity Announcements ami.grantsolutions.gov/.
ACF "How To Apply For A Grant" https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto.
Grants.gov Accessibility Information www.grants.gov/ web/grants/accessibility-
compliance.html.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) http://www.ecfr.gov/.
United States Code (U.S.C.) http://uscode.house.gov/.
Qualified Opportunity Zones https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-
asked-questions and https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx.
Head Start Information on the Internet
The Head Start Act as amended by The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of
2007, (Pub. L. 110-134) http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/standards/law.
Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Parts 1301-1305) https://eclkc.ohs.acf
.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/hspps-appendix.pdf.
Early Head Start:
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/ncecdtl.
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc.
Special Quest resources:
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities/specialquest/specialquest.
Center for Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning:
www.vanderbilt.edu/csefel.
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships Information on the Internet
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Resources:
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/starting-partnership.
About the Child Care and Development Fund
Office of Child Care:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ.
CCDF Reauthorization:
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https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/ccdf-reauthorization.
Child Care Technical Assistance Network:
https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/.
State CCDF Administrators:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ/resource/ccdf-grantee-state-and-territory-contacts.
Applicant Support Resources
OHS strongly encourages applicants interested in applying for this funding opportunity to visit
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-4. This webpage provides information on
applying for grants, registering and applying through www.Grants.gov, submitting an
application, and understanding the grant review process. All interested applicants are reminded
to frequently refer back to this FOA when preparing their application.
Prospective applicants will also have the opportunity to send questions to OHS by e-mail at
OHSTech@reviewops.org. A summary of the questions and OHS responses will be posted for
public view on the applicant support website as soon as they become available.
Interested applicants may also contact the OHS Operations Center at (888) 242-0684 or TTY:
711 if they have additional questions.
Application Checklist
Applicants may use this checklist as a guide when preparing an application package.
What to Submit Where Found When to Submit
The Project Budget Referenced in Section IV.2. The Submission is required in addition to
and Budget Project Budget and Budget submission of SF-424A and / or SF-
Justification Justification. 424C.
Submission is required with the
application package by the due date in
the Overview and in Section IV.4.
Submission Dates and Times.
Mandatory Grant Requirement, submission If applicable, concurrent submission
Disclosure instructions, and mailing to the Administration for Children and
addresses are found in the Families and to the Office of the
"Mandatory Grant Disclosure" Inspector General is required.
in Section IV.2. Required
Forms, Assurances and
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Certifications.
The Project Referenced in Section IV.2. The Submission is due by the application
Description Project Description. due date found in the Overview and in
Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
Times.
SF-424 - Referenced in Section Submission is due by the application
Application for IV.2.Required Forms, due date found in the Overview and in
Federal Assistance Assurances, and Certifications. Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
Times.
This form is available in the
FOA's forms package at www
.Grants.gov in the Mandatory
section.
SF-424A Budget Referenced in Section IV.2. Submission is due by the application
Information - Non- Required Forms, Assurances, due date found in the Overview and in
Construction and Certifications. Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
Programs / SF- Times.
These forms are available in the
424B Assurances -
FOA's forms package at www
Non-Construction
.Grants.gov in the Mandatory
Programs and SF-
section.
424C - Budget
Information Constru All forms are required for
ction Programs / SF- applications under this FOA for
424D - projects that include both non-
Assurances Constru construction and
ction Programs construction activities.
Unique Referenced in Section A DUNS number (Unique
Entity Identifier IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier Entity Identifier) and registration at
(DUNS) and System for SAM.gov are required for all
and Systems for Award Management (SAM) in applicants.
Award Management the announcement.
Active registration at SAM must be
(SAM) registration.
To obtain a DUNS number maintained throughout the application
(Unique Entity Identifier), go to and project award period.
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
.
To register at SAM, go to http
://www.sam.gov.
SF-424 Key Contact Referenced in Section IV.2. Submission is due with the
Required Forms, Assurances, application by the application due
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Form and Certifications. date found in the Overview and in
Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
This form is available in
Times.
the FOA's forms package at
www.Grants.gov.
SF- Referenced in Section Submission is due by the application
Project/Performance IV.2.Required Forms, due date found in the
Site Location(s) Assurances, and Certifications. Overview and in Section IV.4.
(SF-P/PSL) Submission Dates and Times.
This form is available in
the FOA's forms package at
www.Grants.gov.
SF-LLL - "Disclosure Form to Report If submission of this form is
Disclosure of Lobbying" is referenced in applicable, it is due at the time of
Lobbying Activities Section IV.2. Required Forms, application.
Assurances, and Certifications.
This form is available in If it not available at the time of
the FOA's forms package at application, it may also be submitted
www.Grants.gov. prior to the
award of a grant.
Certification Referenced in Section IV.2. Submission is due with the
Regarding Lobbying Required Forms, Assurances, application package or prior to the
(Grants.gov and Certifications. award of a grant.
Lobbying Form)
This form is available in
the FOA's forms package at
www.Grants.gov.
Project Referenced in Section IV.2. The Submission is due by the application
Summary/Abstract Project Description. due date found in the Overview and in
Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
The Project Summary/Abstract
Times.
is limited to one single-spaced
page.
Table of Contents Referenced in Section IV.2. The Submit with the application by
Project Description. the due date found in the
Overview and in Section IV.4.
Submission Dates and Times.
Assurance: Board Referenced in Section IV.2. Applicants for whom this applies the
Attestation Forms, Assurances, and assurance must be signed by the
Certifications and Section V.1. Board chair, who is authorized to sign
Criteria, with a template the application on behalf of the
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provided in the Appendix. applicant. Submission is due by the
application due date found in the
Overview and in Section IV.4.
Submission Dates and Times.
Certificate of Good See Section IV.2. Required Submission is required with the
Standing Forms, Assurances and application by the Application Due
Certifications and The Project Date in the Overview and in Section
Description, Legal Status of IV.4. Submission Dates and Times.
Applicant Entity.
Proof of Non-Profit Referenced in Section IV.2. The Proof of non-profit status should be
Status Project Description, Legal submitted with the application
Status of Applicant Entity. package by the application due date
and time listed in the Overview and
Section IV.4. of the FOA.
If it is not available at the time of
application submission, it must be
submitted prior to the award of a
grant.
Proof of Policy Referenced in Section IV.2. Submission is due by the application
Council Approval Required Forms, Assurances due date listed in the Overview and in
and Certifications and The Section IV.4. Application Due Dates
Project Description, Additional and Times.
Eligibility Documentation.
Indirect Cost Rate Referenced in Section IV.2. The If the IDR is available by the
Agreement (IDR) Project Budget and Budget application due date, it must be
Justification. submitted with the application
package.
The IDR must be submitted If it is not available by the application
with the application package. due date, listed in the Overview and
Section IV.4. Submission Dates and
Times, it may be submitted prior to
the award of a grant.
Appendix
1. REGIONAL ALLOCATIONS
Funding is available within each of the 10 ACF Regions based on the proportion of young
children in poverty in that region. Applicants are encouraged to use the Regional allocation
funding levels as a guide in determining their proposed funding. Applications that exceed the
Award Ceiling listed in Section II. Federal Award Information will be disqualified from
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competitive review and from funding under this announcement. Applications may be funded in
whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than that requested.
The funding amounts listed for each ACF Region in this section represent base funding. Base
funding is for use in program operations, staff, materials, equipment, facilities, etc. In addition
to base funding, applicants should request an additional 2.5 percent of the base funding for
T/TA funding. T/TA funding is used for the purposes of improving program quality and
helping prepare children to succeed in school and is described in section 648 of the Head Start
Act.
For example, an applicant from Region I might request $3,351,051 in base funding and $83,776
in T/TA funding (which is 2.5 percent of $3,351,051) for a combined total of $3,434,827 in
federal funds requested. The applicant would list $3,434,827 on Line 18a of its SF-424,
Application for Federal Assistance, and break out its requested base and T/TA funding on the
SF-424A and in the budget and budget justification.
Please see Section II. Federal Award Information and Section V.2. Review and Selection
Process for more information about the state allocations.
Region I (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
$3,351,051
Region II (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
$12,641,030
Region III (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia)
$8,898,722
Region IV (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee)
$27,513,112
Region V (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)
$18,365,309
Region VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
$21,229,858
Region VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
$4,823,430
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Region VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
$3,237,045
Region IX (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Republic of Palau,
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)
$19,516,162
Region X (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington)
$3,945,961
2. Assurance Template: Board of Directors Attestation
For applicants to whom this applies, this assurance must be completed, signed and dated, and
submitted as part of this application in the appendices.
Date
To Whom It May Concern:
I, (name), attest that (organization) collaborated with an external grant-writer(s), consultant(s),
and/or contractor(s) on the development of the application submitted in response to the funding
opportunity announcement. Further I, (name), attest that the governing Board of (organization)
actively participated in the content development and commitments included in the applicant's
proposal. On behalf of (Organization) I also confirm that its governing Board, and proposed
Early Head Start and/or EHS-CC Partnership management staff are fully knowledgeable of the
Head Start regulatory requirements.
(Signature)
(First and Last Name)
(Title/Board Chair)
The assurance must be signed by the Board Chair, who is the designated representative of the
applicant with authority to act on the organization's behalf in matters related to the award and
administration of grants.
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