HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ISTA-0424.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Statewide Independent Living Council Training and Technical Assistance Center

HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ISTA-0424

Application Due Date: 06/22/2020

Statewide Independent Living Council Training and Technical Assistance Center

HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ISTA-0424

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Submission Dates and Times

4. Intergovernmental Review

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information

Department of Health & Human Services

ACL Center: Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title: Statewide Independent Living Council

Training and Technical Assistance Center

Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ISTA-0424 Primary CFDA Number: 93.369 Due Date for Letter of Intent: 05/22/2020 Due Date for Applications: 06/22/2020 Date for Informational Conference Call: N/A

Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3- 5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with https://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

Executive Summary The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking a qualified applicant for a single cooperative agreement to operate the Statewide Independent Living Council Training and Technical Assistance Center (SILC T&TA Center). The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) T&TA Center will provide expertise in operational and fiscal management, the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) development and monitoring process, and compliance knowledge for SILCs funded by the Administration on Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the authority of section 711A of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The SILC T&TA will also be responsible for demonstrably improving the outcomes of SILCs and coordinating and partnering with other T&TA Centers funded by ACL that provide support to SILCs and advance community living.

The successful applicant will demonstrate operational excellence with the demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, outcome-driven T&TA on key areas related to:

Ensuring SILCs maintain statutory compliance, including with standards and indicators, and critical and non-critical operational and fiscal management; and

Improving performance, outcomes, operations, duties, authorities, and governance of SILCs.

The SILC T&TA Center will develop an aggressive work plan with measurable goals and objectives as well as performance based outcomes on the key areas that demonstrate outcomes for SILCs which include compliance with financial and non-critical matters.

The award is a cooperative agreement to facilitate a partnership between the selected applicant https://www.grants.gov and ACL, which will have substantial involvement throughout the duration of the project. The cooperative agreement will provide for expert training, technical assistance, and targeted support to the Statewide Independent Living Councils in every State, Territory, and the District of Columbia.

States are required to establish and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council in order to receive Federal funding to support and coordinate independent living services in the State.

SILCs should perform the following duties:

Jointly develop the SPIL with the CIL Executive Directors;

Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL;

Meet regularly, and ensure that such meetings of the SILC are open to the public and sufficient advance notice of such meetings is provided;

Submit to the Administrator such periodic reports as the Administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports; and

Coordinate activities with other entities in the State that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.

A majority of SILC board members must be individuals with disabilities who are not employed by a Center for Independent Living (CIL) or a State agency; other members include CIL representatives, State agency representatives, and other appropriate individuals. SILC members are appointed by the Governor and can serve for two consecutive three-year terms. Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), ACL intends to award one (1) cooperative agreement over a 36-month project period at a Federal funding level up to $243,735 per year, pending availability of funds. All activities funded under this award will achieve measurable outcomes that enhance the skills, knowledge, and management capacity and capabilities of SILCs to enable them to effectively maintain fiscal and operational excellence.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to announce the availability of Federal funds for a single awardee that demonstrates the ability to successfully design and implement a Statewide Independent Living Council Training and Technical Assistance Center (SILC T&TA Center). The SILC T&TA Center will provide fiscal, operational, and compliance expertise for SILCs. Key functions of the SILC T&TA must:

Provide Training and Technical Assistance - Coordinate technical assistance to ensure operational excellence in financial management and effectiveness in performing SILC and DSE roles, duties and responsibilities:

o Submit to ACL a strategic plan documenting and establishing a direction for the development of training, materials, and products that demonstrate effectiveness and results in critical and non-critical operational and fiscal management;

o Enhance efficient use of fiscal Federal funds via a thorough understanding of fiscal requirements, use of accessible technology, accurate tracking and reporting of fiscal information, and proactive use of fiscal data to improve agency performance;

o Provide training opportunities and training resources to SILCs and DSEs both in-person, and in accessible user-friendly digital formats (i.e. webinars, on-line modules, virtual meetings);

o Provide technical assistance and resources that assist DSEs to properly receive, account for, and disburse funds received.

o Research, identify, and provide training and information on promising practices/strategies for SILCs (i.e., drafting SPIL goals, objectives, indicators, resource plan recommendations, and collaborating with CILs and DSEs):

Review information to help understand the current landscape of the ILS network; and Determine how information can best be incorporated into technical assistance strategies, resources, and tools.

o Develop training materials and procedures to educate, recruit, and train staff and qualified board members; so they can adequately perform duties and authorities, become fiscally and sound, and understand the role of the Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP);

o Conduct on-going evaluation of training and technical assistance opportunities:

Synthesize the evaluation data and use the information to improve future results; and Share the results with ACL, SILCs, and DSEs.

o Provide to ACL technical editing, graphic design, and desktop publishing support to finalize the draft of fact sheets, publications, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), press releases, and training materials and products that improve the administration of the ILS program;

o Ensure SILCs and DSEs are adhering to ACL administrative requirements:

Develop training materials related to the timely and accurate submission of fiscal and programmatic reports to ACL; and Increase the number of approved reports submitted in Federal reporting systems.

o Provide effective TA to SILCs and DSEs on Federal reporting systems, by increasing the number of approved CIL Performance Progress Report (PPR) submissions.

Improve SILC Service Delivery - Develop and operationalize products and services to create efficiencies and measurable impact in service delivery by improving performance, outcomes, operations, duties, authorities, and governance:

o Collect and analyze promising practices related to complying with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the SILC Indicators and DSE Assurances;

o Improve the capacity of SILCs to address service innovations including, but not limited to, a review of finance and contracting methods used within States to procure services

Provide training to SILCs that request assistance with negotiating contracts with State agencies and other funders; and Develop best practices for creating contracts with the SILCs that are in line with ACL reporting requirements.

o Report on the number or percentage of SILCs who scored 100% on critical compliance with all financial matters, and 80% on non-critical compliance matters:

Develop training material and procedures to address SILCs that were not able to meet the minimum threshold; and Provide intensive T&TA to SILCs until they are compliant.

o Ensure SILCs maintain statutory compliance and deliver service innovation pertaining to required duties:

Jointly develop the SPIL with the CIL Executive Directors;

Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL;

Meet regularly, and ensure that such meetings of the SILC are open to the public and sufficient advance notice of such meetings is provided;

Submit to the Administrator such periodic reports as the Administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports; and Coordinate activities with other entities in the State that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.

Develop and Maintain Critical Partnerships - Foster Federal, State, and national partnerships to expand external stakeholder network:

o Establish and maintain a partner-focused working relationship with the Administration on Disabilities and its programs, and other Federal agencies that fosters a shared accountability for overall outcomes and responsibility for specific project efforts requiring close collaboration, including federal initiatives involving the SILCs;

o Establish a partner-focused working relationship with SILCs that facilitates improved SILC operations (fiscal and SILC organizational competency), performance and outcomes; maintenance/achievement of statutory compliance;

and positioning of SILCs as leaders and agents of systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state and local levels;

o Establish a multi-stakeholder, representative, participatory group to provide guidance and general direction in the design and implementation of the T/TA contract;

o Establish a partner-focused working relationship with the T/TA provider for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy agencies, and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) to enhance the relationship among the disability networks in each state/territory and:

Collaborate to develop and implement outcomes-based measurement of T/TA and advance understanding and collection of outcomes across disability network programs;

Address issues related to disability network collaboration; and Address pressing disability issues in the States/Territories.

o Work cooperatively with organizations and agencies, including other ACL funded T&TA centers, to maximize collaboration on areas of mutual benefit;

o Establish a partner focused working relationship with external organizations to enhance the relationship among the independent living network and:

Attend and speak at relevant conferences and trainings as needed;

Address issues related to independent living network collaboration; and Address pressing ILS program issues.

o Exchange and transfer knowledge and best practices between State and national partners to:

Develop and utilize advancements in technology and services; and Expand external network resources.

Develop Evaluation Strategies - Provide effective evaluation strategies for T&TA activities:

o Demonstrate grantee compliance, competency, and training delivery results;

o Evaluate the effectiveness of T&TA activities monthly, quarterly, and annually including the following items:

Status of all tasks and deliverables;

Problems encountered or expected along with suggested corrective actions; and Proposed alternative tactics necessary to evaluate activities.

o Conduct follow-up surveys 3-4 months after on-location conferences, workshops, and online courses. The follow-up surveys should identify:

Changes implemented by SILCs and DSEs;

Measurable impact based on the training; and Barriers encountered that prevent results.

Develop a Compliant Online and Digital Presence - Maintain an online and digital presence that responds to changing online and digital trends:

o Maintain, and monitor a real-time webpage for grantees, to support technical assistance and training opportunities;

o Operate a collaboration platform for the sharing of documents among grantees, other internal and external stakeholders, and ACL staff;

o Ensure the accessibility, security, and privacy of the data and systems used to support the ILS program; and o Maintain, and monitor an email listserv for grantee communication and information dissemination purposes.

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this Program Announcememnt is contained in Section 711A of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2014 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 796e-O).

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $243,735 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Award Ceiling: $243,735 Per Project Period Award Floor: $193,735 Per Project Period Length of Project Period: 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Cooperative Agreement ACL plans to fund one award for up to $243,735 per year, for a total project period of three (3) years, contingent upon availability of Federal funds. ACL will be substantially involved in the grantee’s activities. The terms and conditions for this cooperative agreement are as follows and will be incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award (NOA).

Grantee Responsibilities The grantee will execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement and will:

Collaborate with ACL in any in-scope modifications and execution of the work plan, initially within 45 days of the award;

Evaluate the impact of overall project activities and ensure quality assurance systems are in place;

Share information with ACL, national, State and local partner organizations, and other entities as appropriate;

Periodically or as needed, submit to ACL draft materials developed for on-location trainings, webinars, online courses, and web-based tutorials to ACL for review and approval at least 30 calendar days prior to the anticipated publication date;

Provide to ACL a report on intensive support activities, with issues, goals, timeframe and a close-out report on a regular basis, and detailed information upon request;

Submit to ACL information on potential key personnel hires as detailed under the HHS Grants Policy Statement (HHS GPS) prior approval requirements;

Provide ACL a copy of the agreements or language sub-grantees must adhere to if when they are required to provide T&TA to SILCs and DSEs;

Fulfill all of the requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in the proposal work plan;

Develop and provide high quality T&TA to SILCs based on information from surveys;

results of ACL’s monitoring reviews; evaluations from other project trainings, and other available data;

Conduct evaluations, in addition to customer satisfaction with project services, and use results to improve the quality, effectiveness, and relevance of all project activities, evaluate and identify practices in service delivery and SILC operations, that could be useful examples for other SILCs.

Refer SILCs and eligible agencies to other applicable non-IL specific T&TA resources available through government or non-government resources so as not to duplicate resources;

Utilize a broad range of available, accessible technologies and methodologies to provide

T&TA to SILCs and eligible agencies in the most effective and cost-efficient manner;

Identify and develop accessible T&TA materials and disseminate these materials to

SILCs and other eligible agencies;

Provide focused, intensive support (as described in the project objective(s) listed above for SILCs), and rapid T&TA to SILCs identified jointly by the grantee and ACL as needed, or to SILCs requesting such assistance;

Coordinate and collaborate with other T&TA projects in ACL’s TA network, including other IL-related training and TA entities to ensure that training and TA is complementary and non-duplicative, and that dissemination activities are effective and efficient;

Provide ACL a copy of the fee structure and methodology that determines what is “reasonable” when charging fees for trainings and technical assistance to SILCs and DSEs;

Report to ACL a tracking methodology of any fees received (Program income/Unrestricted funds) for training and technical assistance funded in whole or in part under this cooperative agreement with ACL; and

Ensure all reports, material, and products include an ACL approved funding statement.

ACL Responsibilities ACL anticipates having substantial involvement with this cooperative agreement during the performance of all funded activities. This involvement may include collaboration, participation, or intervention in all funded activities. Grantees will be expected to maintain regular contact with their Federal Program Officer and to share with ACL all significant products from their projects.

The Administration for Community Living agrees to work cooperatively in the development and execution of the activities of the project as follows:

Perform the day-to-day Federal responsibilities of managing the Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance grant;

ACL and the grantee will work cooperatively to clarify the issues to be addressed by the project and develop the work plan for each year of the project. Within 45 days of the award, the grantee will agree upon and adhere to a revised work plan (based on any required budget or program revisions) that details expectations for major activities, products, and reports during the current budget period. The work plan will include timelines, staff assignments, work locations, and areas that require ACL review, and/or prior approval. ACL or the grantee can propose a revision in the final work plan at any time. Any changes in the final work plan will require agreement of all parties;

Provide to the grantee relevant issues and the T&TA needs as necessary;

Communicate to the grantee any field-based comments and recommendations for improving project activities;

Refer to the grantee other SILCs that would benefit from T&TA identified through monitoring activities;

o Review evaluations of training provided by the grantee and make recommendations to revise training as needed;

o Review and approve real-time webpage and digital content, periodically or as needed;

o Periodically or as needed review and approve T&TA materials developed by the grantee within 30 days of the date in which materials were submitted;

o Review and approve agreements or language sub-grantees must adhere to if when they are required to provide T&TA to SILC and DSEs;

Review and approve the T&TA fee structure and methodology developed by the grantee in a timely manner;

Review and approve the outcome measurement and evaluation criteria developed by the grantee in a timely manner;

Review and approve potential key personnel, presenters, and contractors as necessary;

Convene regularly scheduled teleconferences with the Project Director to discuss pertinent project issues;

Participate in online and in-person learning events;

Review project reports submitted by the grantee and provide timely feedback as needed; and Participate in the bi-annual training and technical assistance institute and other in-person and online learning events.

The grantee and ACL will work cooperatively to determine the priority activities to be completed by the project and develop the work plan for each year of the project. Within 45 days of the award and each continuation award thereafter, the grantee will finalize and adhere to a work plan that details its plans to accomplish major activities, products, and reports during the current budget period. The work plan will include a detailed timetable with tangible milestones, project and activity implementation plans, including potential sub-grantees subcontractors, staff assignments, and other areas that may require ACL consultation, review, and/or prior approval.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Domestic public or private non-profit entities including State and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: No

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

Application Responsiveness Criteria The successful applicant will be an organization that meets the following criteria:

Demonstrated knowledge of the ILS program and expertise in independent living;

Demonstrated experience in working with State entities and community-level service provider organizations; and Demonstrated ability to have results in providing technical training and support to professionals.

Application Screening Criteria All applications will be screened to assure a level playing field for all applicants. Applications that fail to meet the three screening criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration.

In order for an application to be reviewed, it must meet the following screening requirements:

1. Applications must be submitted electronically via https://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, by the due date listed in section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times.

2. The Project Narrative section of the Application must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11-point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. NOTE:

The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an https://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the application deadline.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from http://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grant s/applying-grants.

Please note, ACL requires applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov in Workspace. Grants.gov Workspace is the standard way for organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants /applicants/workspace-overview.html The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with http://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

At the http://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

All applicants must have a DUNS number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/) and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www .sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration. 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 or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: https://www.sam.gov/SAM /pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through 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 or receive an award.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. 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

3. Provide its DUNS number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a DUNS number at the time the subaward is made.

Since October 1, 2003, The Office of Management and Budget has required applicants https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for federal grants or cooperative agreements. It is entered on the SF-424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities. The DUNS number is free and easy to obtain.

Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 866-705-5711

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from http://www.grants.gov that contains http://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from http://www.grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Regina D. Blye, MPAff Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) Phone Number: (202) 795-7374 E-mail: Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Due Date for Letter of Intent: 05/22/2020 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

Regina D. Blye, MPAff U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Disabilities Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) E-mail: Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 10 to 20 pages; 20 pages is the maximum length allowed.

Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit.

The sample components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 20 page limit include:

Summary/Abstract Problem Statement Goal(s) and Objective(s) Proposed Intervention Special Target Populations and Organizations Outcomes Project Management Evaluation Dissemination Organizational Capability

The Project Narrative is the most important part of the application, since it will be used as the primary basis to determine whether your project meets the minimum requirements for grants under the authorizing statutes. The Project Narrative should provide a clear and concise description of your project. ACL recommends that your project narrative include the following components:

Summary/Abstract This section should include a brief - no more than 265 words maximum - description of the proposed project, including: goal(s), objectives, outcomes, and products to be developed.

Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the “Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract.”

Problem Statement This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the particular problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project would potentially enhance SILC’s effectiveness in carrying out their statutory duties, particularly new authorities and limitations authorized in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

Goals and Objectives This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

Proposed Intervention This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the “Problem Statement”. You should also describe the rationale for using the particular intervention, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country; factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

Special Target Populations and Organizations This section should describe how you plan to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. This section should also describe whether, and if so, how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations, those of greatest economic need and those of greatest social need.

Outcomes This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. (NOTE: ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes). This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation to address the same or similar problems.) List measurable outcomes in the optional work plan grid (“Project Work Plan – Sample Template”) under “Measurable Outcomes” in addition to any discussion included in the narrative along with a description of how the project might benefit the field at large. A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits consumers. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior.) It can also describe a change in the degree to which consumers exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered. Additional examples include: a change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system; a new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. It is totally appropriate for a project to have only ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design. How would you propose measuring your:

Provision of technical assistance, training and information to SILCs and Designated State Entities (DSEs) to ensure statutory compliance, including standards and indicators, as well as all critical and non-critical operational and fiscal management;

Provision of expert information and access to resources that assist DSEs to properly receive, account for, and disburse Part B funds received under the ILS program; and

Provision of technical assistance to improve performance, outcomes, operations, duties, authorities, and governance of SILCs.

Project Management This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and measurable outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of the project; monitoring the project’s on-going progress, preparation of reports; and communications with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Evaluation This section should describe the method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether or not the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s), and 2) document the “lessons learned” – both positive and negative - from the project that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful.

Dissemination This section should describe the method that will be used to disseminate the project’s results and findings in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats, to parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy-making, including and especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project.

Organizational Capacity Statement Each application should include an organizational capability statement and vitae for key project personnel. The organizational capability statement should describe how the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses. It should also include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after Federal financial assistance has ended.

This description should cover capabilities of the applicant agency not included in the program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience and/or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products. If appropriate, include an organization chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization.

Please attach short vitae for key project staff only. Neither vitas nor an organizational chart will count towards the narrative page limit. Also include information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals.

Budget Narrative/Justification The Budget Narrative/Justification can be provided using the format included in the document, “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format.” Applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to this document, which provides an example of the level of detail sought. A combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification, as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding is required

Work Plan

The Project Work Plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and Budget and should cover all two (2) years of the project period. It should include a statement of the project’s overall goal, anticipated outcome(s), key objectives, and the major tasks / action steps that will be pursued to achieve the goal and outcome(s). For each major task / action step, the work plan should identify timeframes involved (including start- and end-dates), and the lead person responsible for completing the task. Please use the “Project Work Plan - Sample Template” format as a reference and resource, if desired.

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

Include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies in this part of the application. Any organization that is specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments.

3. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications: 06/22/2020 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent electronically to:

Regina D. Blye, MPAff U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Disabilities Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) Email: Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov

4. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity announcement is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

5. Funding Restrictions The following activities are not fundable:

http://www.grants.gov/

Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings Basic research (e.g. scientific or medical experiments) Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches

Note: A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has raised considerable concerns about grantees and contractors charging the Federal Government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. Executive Orders on Promoting Efficient Spending (E.O. 13589) and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government (E.O. 13576) have been issued and instruct Federal agencies to promote efficient spending. Therefore, if meals are to be charged in your proposal, applicants should understand such costs must meet the following criteria outlined in the Executive Orders and HHS Grants Policy Statement:

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

o For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program);

o Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children’s services (e.g., Head Start);

o When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement;

o As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel; and o Under a conference grant, when meals are a necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meal costs are not duplicated in participants’ per diem or subsistence allowances. (Note: conference grant means the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference)

6. Other Submission Requirements Letters of intent should be emailed to:

Regina D. Blye, MPAff U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Disabilities

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria Applicants must document all of their source material. If any text, language and/or materials are from another source, the applicant must make it clear the material is being quoted and where the text comes from. The applicant must also cite any sources when they obtain numbers, ideas, or other material that is not their own. If the applicant fails to comply with this requirement, regardless of the severity or frequency of the plagiarism, the reviewers shall reduce their scores accordingly even to the degree of issuing no points at all.

Applications are scored by assigning a maximum of 100 points across the desired review criteria:

a. Project Relevance & Current Need

b. Approach

c. Budget

d. Project Impact

e. Organizational Capacity

Project Relevance & Current Need Maximum Points:20

Does the proposed project clearly and adequately identify the relevance of the priority areas, as described in this Program Announcement, in relation to current SILC program needs? (10 points)

Does the application adequately and appropriately describe and document the key areas to be addressed in providing standardized expert information and access to resources that assist SILCs in obtaining and/or maintaining competency in the areas of independent living and performing SILC duties, roles and responsibilities? Is the proposed project justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information and knowledge? (10 points)

Approach Maximum Points:20

Does the applicant provide a clear plan to provide technical assistance, training and information to SILCs to enhance their overall efficiency and effectiveness? Does the application provide a plan to facilitate communication and peer-to-peer learning between the SILC project grantees? Is there a plan to provide SILCs access to easily replicable and proven effective best practices? Does the project take into account barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact on the project’s success? (10 points)

Is the project work plan clear and comprehensive? Does it include sensible and feasible timeframes for the accomplishment of tasks presented? Does the work plan include specific objectives and tasks that are linked to measurable outcomes? Does the proposal include a clear and coherent management plan? Are the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partners clearly defined and linked to specific objectives and tasks? Are the qualifications of the project staff, consultants and/or partners, and the proposed level of effort, adequate to carry out the project? (10 points)

Budget Maximum Points:20

Is the budget justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested? Is the time commitment of the proposed director and other key project personnel sufficient to assure proper direction, management and timely completion of the project? (10 points) Are budget line items clearly delineated and consistent with work plan objectives? For example, has a multiyear budget covering the entire proposed project period been included as well as a budget covering each individual year? (10 points)

Project Impact Maximum Points:20

Are the expected project benefits/results clear, realistic, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the project? Does the project include a clear plan for dissemination of information to the SILC grantees, council members and the general public? Are the anticipated outcomes of the proposed project likely to be achieved and will they significantly benefit the SILC project grantees and the populations that they serve? Are the proposed outcomes quantifiable and measurable, consistent with the definition of a project outcomes contained in the project work plan? (10 points)

Does the project evaluation reflect a thoughtful and well-designed approach that will be able to successfully measure whether or not the project has achieved its proposed outcome(s)? Does the plan include the qualitative and/or quantitative methods necessary to reliably measure outcomes? Is the evaluation also designed to capture “lessons learned” from the overall effort that might be of use to others, especially those who might be interested in replicating the project? (10 points)

Organizational Capacity Maximum Points:20

Does the applicant organization clearly identify their capacity for carrying out the proposed project and evaluation? (10 points)

Do the proposed project director(s), key staff and consultants have the background, experience, and other qualifications required to carry out their designated roles? Are letters from participating organizations included, as appropriate, and do they express the clear commitment and areas of responsibility of those organizations, consistent with the work plan description of their intended roles and contributions? (10 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

As required by 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, effective January 1, 2016, ACL is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), https://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. ACL will consider any 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 Section 200.205 Federal Awarding Agency Review https://www.fapiis.gov of Risk Posed by Applicants (https:// www.ecfr.gov/ cgi-bin/ text-idx?node=se2.1.200_1205&rgn=div8).

An independent review panel of at least three individuals will evaluate applications that pass the screening and meet the responsiveness criteria if applicable. These reviewers include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of Statewide Independent Living Councils.