DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING OSM 51 - PROGRAM NARRATIVE
1. Self-explanatory.
2. Enter the name of the grant applicant.
3. Enter the name of the program and the project being described.
4. Enter the name of the performing organization if it is different from the grant or cooperative agreement
recipient.
5. Enter the program narrative statement. As detailed in OMB Circular A-102 (Revised), the Program
Narrative Statement should include the following information:
Objectives and Need for Assistance. Precisely describe any relevant physical, economic, social,
financial, institutional or other problems requiring a solution. Demonstrate the need for the assistance
and state the principal and subordinate objectives of the project. Supporting documentation or other
testimonies from concerned interests other than the applicant may be used. Any relevant data based
on planning studies should be included or footnoted.
Results and Benefits Expected. Identify results and benefits to be derived. For example, show how
the facility will be used. For land acquisition or developmental projects, explain how the project will
benefit the public.
Approach. Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project and detail how the proposed
work will be accomplished for each assistance program. Cite factors which might accelerate or
decelerate the work and your reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others. Describe any
unusual features of the project, such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or
time, or extraordinary social and community involvements. Provide for each assistance program
quantitative projections of the accomplishments to be achieved, if possible. When accomplishments
cannot be quantified, list the activities in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates. Identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained,
and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success of the project. Explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if
the results and benefits identified are being achieved. List each organization, cooperator, consultant
or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of
their effort or contribution.
Geographic Location. Give the precise location of the project and area to be served by the
proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.
