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What applicants should know: TTCW application files, formats and scoring
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Summary
ACF presenters said applicants must submit two files and standard forms via Grants.gov, follow a 50-page combined limit, include a CAT score and a logic model, and address the four scoring areas (need, approach, capacity, budget); reviewers consider only materials in the application package.
The Administration for Children and Families’ webinar on the Tribal TANF and Child Welfare NOFO included step-by-step guidance for preparing and submitting applications.
Cheyenne Stone, a federal project specialist with OFA, outlined the submission structure: applications require two files plus standard forms uploaded through Grants.gov. File 1 must include the project narrative attachment form (including a table of contents and a one-page project summary), the project narrative, a line-item budget, and a budget narrative. File 2 should contain other attachments. "Upon submission of your application, you'll need to submit 2 files plus the standard forms," she said.
Formatting and page limits: Stone said File 1 and File 2 together must not exceed 50 pages. Recommended formats include PDF, Microsoft Word (doc/docx), Excel, PowerPoint and common image formats. She advised Times New Roman, size 12, with specified single- and double-spacing rules for different attachments, and asked applicants not to rely on external links because reviewers will score only application documents.
Required attachments and supporting documents: applicants should attach organizational charts, resumes or biographical sketches for key staff, job descriptions for vacant positions, subrecipient descriptions and any third-party agreements (MOUs, MOAs) signed by authorized officials. Indirect cost rate agreements should be included if the applicant claims an approved indirect cost rate.
Data and evaluation components: Stone stressed applicants must complete the Collaboration Assessment Tool (CAT), provide narrative justification for CAT scores across eight areas of collaboration, submit a one-page logic model linking inputs to outcomes, and include a project performance evaluation plan that explains how the applicant will monitor inputs, outputs and outcomes over time.
Budget guidance: The webinar noted applicants must make the line-item budget transparent and justify allowability, reasonableness and necessity of costs. Presenters recommended budgeting travel for two staff to attend an annual TTCW meeting (1.5 days) and allowed budgeting for up to one additional approved grant-related meeting per year, with travel cost estimates based on Washington, D.C., GSA rates unless otherwise approved.
Scoring reminder: Delia Smith summarized Step 4 scoring: reviewers assign points across Need for assistance (25 points), Approach (40 points), Organizational capacity (20 points), and Budget (15 points). She reiterated the reviewers will not consult external links and will score only what is provided in the application materials.
Applicants should verify any numerical figures (such as award amount) against the published NOFO text; the webinar included an inconsistent verbal reference to the per-year award amount that the presenters did not reconcile during the session.
