ChalleNGe, Youth Conservation, and STARBASE.
The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States through five major areas: peacekeeping and war-fighting efforts, Homeland Security, evacuation and humanitarian causes.
The ChalleNGe and Starbase programs have grown during the past 9 years from ideas into the most successful programs of their types in the United States. ChalleNGe has grown from a pilot program of 10 States to a permanent program with 25 States currently participating and more than 22,000 graduates. Starbase has grown from 1 program to the 19 that exist today, and has been adopted by the Navy and Air Force Reserve.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To carry out the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in a State, the Secretary of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the Governor of the State or, in the case of the District of Columbia, with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, under which the Governor or the commanding general will establish, organize, and administer the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in the State.
The agreement may provide for the Secretary to provide funds to the State for civilian personnel costs attributable to the use of civilian employees of the National Guard in the conduct of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the conduct of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in such States and U.S.
territories and possession as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, except that Federal expenditures under the program may not exceed $62.5M for fiscal year 01.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the conduct of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in such States and U.S. territories and possession as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, except that Federal expenditures under the program may not exceed $62.5M for fiscal year 01.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
The State shall develop a plan which includes details on student application and selection procedures, number of students to be trained, staffing, curriculum, Post-Residential phase execution, facilities and services, State public and private service to be provided and a detailed budget.
Award Procedures
After Congress authorizes, approves, and appropriates funds for the project and the National Guard Bureau reviews and approves all necessary plans, specifications, bidding documents, contracts and other documentation, the award can be made.
Deadlines
Not available.
Authorization
Defense Appropriation Act, as amended, 32 U.S.C. 509; 10 U.S.C. 2193.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 2 to 3 months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The amount of assistance provide under this section to a State program of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program may not exceed: (1) For fiscal year 2000, 65 percent of the costs of operating the State program during the year; and (2) for fiscal year 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year, 60 percent of the costs of operating the State program during that year."
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
One year from the approval of the agreement.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
State must submit certified vouchers for each payment to the U.S.
Property and Fiscal Officer of the State.
Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the design, conduct, and effectiveness of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program during the preceding fiscal year.
In preparing the report, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Governor of each State in which the National Guard ChalleNGe Program is carried out and, if the program is carried out in the District of Columbia, with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard.
Audits
Governed by the Single Audit Act of 1984. The USPFO shall conduct an annual internal review of the program. The internal review shall commence 90 days after the close of the program budget year.
Records
An inventory of program assets by each State.
Financial Information
Account Identification
57-3840-0-1-051.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $62,500,000; FY 08 est not reported; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Section 509(b) limits the use of Federal funds in an amount not to exceed $62.5M for fiscal year 05.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
DoD and NGB guidance.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
NGB/NGB-YP (Youth Programs Division), 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway, JP1, Arlington, VA 22202-3221. Telephone: (703) 607-5975. (Use 327-5975 for DSN).
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
States shall submit annual financial plans which will be reviewed, prioritized, and approved by the appropriate NGB Program Manager.
The Girl Scouts of the USA, with assistance from First Lady Michelle Obama, is launching an unconventional recruitment campaign designed at reversing a decline in participation by girls and adult volunteers.