The FOA states that an agency cannot apply for funding for the same or similar services. Does this mean that an agency receiving funding for FSS cannot apply for funding for TLR or FPS?

No, it means that if you received funding this year for Family Support services you cannot apply for additional funding in that category. You may however apply for funding to provide services under a separate category.

On page 3 of the SoN it states that a 25% cash match of $8,333 is required for a $25,000 award. We are looking for clarification on the budget form#3 for Total Program Cost.  Is the Total Program Cost for a $25,000 award request $33,333 with a 75% Federal Award request of $25,000 and cash match of $8,333? Or is the total program cost capped at $25,000? If it is the second scenario, wouldn’t the cash match be $6,250 with the 75% Federal Award Amount of $18,750 for the Total Program Cost of $25,000?

Federal award maximum is $25,000 requiring a cash match of $8,333 resulting in a maximum total program cost of $33,333.
 
Would it be possible to get funding for First Steps? Would it have to have its own in-home parenting or could we tie it with another parenting program which is serving the young moms who deliver there?

Proposals must meet all application requirements including core and ancillary service requirements for the proposed service model identified.

How is the FOA released Nov. 15 different than the previous 2012 SON?

The FOA is the announcement of the availability of funds and an opportunity to apply for them.  To apply, applicants must respond to the SoN document posted.  The SoN document has been updated to reflect the limitations and conditions, such as deadlines and award eligibility.  With respect to required proposals components and how it is submitted, there have been no changes except where additional clarification on process was indicated.

Are we submitting services and budget for 8 month duration, Feb-Sept.

Yes.

Our community does not have public transportation available during the hours that we will be providing a parenting class.  We are considering purchasing Walmart gift cards that our clients could use to purchase gas.  Would that be considered a valid transportation expense?

No.
 
Are we required to utilize both service models -  FSS Prevention and Early Intervention Support Services (PEI) and FSS Healthy Marriage and Co-Parenting Support Services?

Each proposal submitted can only be for one service model.  You would have to choose either Prevention Early Intervention or Healthy Marriage, and satisfy the service requirements for that one service model.
 
Can we apply to provide Family Support services if we serve homeless families? And if so, do they have to have CPS involvement?

Homeless families can be your target population under Family Support.  They do  not have to have CPS involvement but you do have to give priority to families that do.

We would like to apply under Family Support Healthy Marriage and can meet the service delivery guidelines.  We require that participants have a marriage certificate to participate.  Is this ok?

You must only make sure that your referral criteria is not discriminatory and/or violate any state or federal laws or DHS/DFCS contract requirements.
 
Can an agency submit two applications for the same program but for different service models/services?

No.  One application per agency.  Agencies who received a prior PSSF award (SoN issued in June 2012) may apply again but cannot apply for the same type of services/service model.