HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-LRLT-0412.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Lifespan Respite Care Program: Technical Assistance and Resource Center

HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-LRLT-0412

Application Due Date: 05/12/2020

Lifespan Respite Care Program: Technical Assistance and Resource Center

HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-LRLT-0412

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 Aging Funding Opportunity Title: Lifespan Respite Care Program:

Technical Assistance and Resource Center

Announcement Type: Modification Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-LRLT-0412 Primary CFDA Number: 93.072 Due Date for Letter of Intent: 04/07/2020 Due Date for Applications: 05/12/2020 Date for Informational Conference Call: 04/07/2020

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 U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Aging (AoA), is providing this competitive grant opportunity to eligible entities for implementing the requirements of the Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC) as authorized in the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-442). Lifespan Respite Care programs are coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults of all ages with special needs. Public and/or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including faith-based organizations and community-based organizations, as well as universities and other entities, are eligible to apply under this funding opportuinity announcement.

Through this funding opportunity announcement, ACL/AoA plans to award one (1) Cooperative Agreement to provide technical support to the Lifespan Respite Care Program, its grantees and the national effort currently under way to ensure the availability of, and access to, comprehensive high quality respite care services and information for family caregivers across the lifespan. The successful applicant should expect considerable involvement of the ACL/AoA Federal Program Officer responsible the Lifespan Respite Care Program in all aspects of TARC implementation and operation.

The applicant must possess direct in-house experience and expertise to carry out the desired activities described in this funding opportunity announcement and must demonstrate the support and active involvement of a range of stakeholders to fully achieve the desired outcomes.

Grantees are required to match at least 25% of the total program costs from non-federal cash and in-kind resources.

https://www.grants.gov

The full text of this funding opportunity announcement includes a description of the application options, goals and objectives, activities, and all necessary instructions to prepare and submit an application to compete for Lifespan Respite Care Program: Technical Assistance and Resource Center.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Background and Purpose:

The Lifespan Respite Care Program was authorized by Congress in 2006. Lifespan Respite Care Programs are coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults of all ages with special needs. Such systems bring together Federal, state and local resources and funding streams to help support, expand and streamline the delivery of planned and emergency respite services while also providing for the recruitment and training of respite workers and caregiver training and empowerment.

Rather than supplant, replace, or duplicate Federal, state, local and private respite care development and funding activities, the Lifespan Respite Care Act seeks to facilitate coordination between programs, reduce duplication of effort, and assist in the development of respite care infrastructure at the state and local level. The Lifespan Respite Care Act is intended to improve the delivery and quality of respite services available to families across age and disability spectrum by establishing coordinated lifespan respite systems.

Program implementation began in fiscal year (FY) 2009 with the first appropriation of funds in the amount of $2.5 million for competitive grants to eligible State agencies to implement this new program. From FY 2009 to FY 2015, Congress appropriated approximately $2.5 million per year. In FY 2016 and FY 2017, Congress increased the appropriation to approximately $3.4 million, which was then increased to $4.1 million in FY 2018 and FY 2019. In this current fiscal year, FY 2020, Congress again increased the appropriation to approximately $6.1 million for ACL/AoA to carry out the requirements of the Lifespan Respite Care Act, through grants and cooperative agreements, for the purpose of:

1. Expanding and enhancing respite care services to family caregivers;

2. Improving statewide dissemination and coordination or respite care; and

3. Providing, supplementing, or improving access and quality of respite care services to family caregivers to reduce family caregiver strain.

Additionally, the Lifespan Respite Care Act authorizes ACL/AoA to establish a National Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC). According to the Act, the purpose of the TARC is to:

1. Maintain a national database on lifespan respite care;

2. Provide training and technical assistance to State, community, and nonprofit respite care programs; and

3. Provide information, referral, and educational programs to the public on lifespan respite care.

To date, ACL/AoA has awarded grants to 37 states and the District of Columbia to establish and build Lifespan Respite Care Programs. The programs have focused specifically on providing respite services, augmenting program development activities, and constantly working to build the state-wide infrastructures necessary for comprehensive and sustainable programs capable of providing respite services to family caregivers caring for individuals with special needs of all ages by establishing coordinated lifespan respite systems.

The Lifespan Respite Care Program is intended to serve families and family caregivers of persons of any age with a disability, long-term or special need. As such, the Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC) is expected to support Lifespan Respite Program grantees (e.g., eligible state agencies) and relevant stakeholders (e.g., respite coalitions, service providers, and other organizations key to the implementation of a successful state lifespan respite program) as they work to fulfill the requirements of their ACL/AoA funded Lifespan Respite Care Program grants and other related activities. Over the course of this project, the TARC is expected to undertake activities that are directly in line with the intent of the Lifespan Respite Care Act and that seek to advance the field of family and caregiver support, for persons of all ages across the lifespan, with the goal of improving the capacity of services available at the federal, state and local levels to provide respite services.

Since 2009, a great deal has been accomplished by the current National Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC). Through a multi-faceted approach, previous TARCs have supported current state grantees while looking more broadly at training and TA needs in the field of respite and family caregiver support. TA efforts have focused on supporting Lifespan Respite grantees as they build respite infrastructures, recruit and train volunteers, engage stakeholders from across the age and disability spectrum and test new models for delivering respite services. Major specific activities have included the development of printed and electronic materials covering a range of issues associated with serving consumers, building infrastructures and responding to routine TA questions and needs from the states.

In FY 2020 and beyond, ACL/AoA anticipates funding additional new states while continuing to enhance existing Lifespan Respite Care Programs to ensure it becomes a more fully integrated concept and approach for supporting family caregivers across the age and disability spectrum by:

Continuing to fund new states to implement program activities;

Encouraging existing grantees to fund gap-filling services where possible;

Encouraging building on existing infrastructures; and Promoting the delivery of high quality respite care services.

Activities/Objectives:

In FY 2020, ACL/AoA will fund one (1) new Cooperative Agreement to further develop and expand the capacity and reach of the National Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC). The focus of the National Lifespan Respite TARC is expected to be multi-faceted. The primary objectives of the National Lifespan Respite TARC and the priorities to be carried out by the successful applicant (grantee) are as follows:

1. Advance the respite research agenda to support activities and innovations to develop an evidence base for respite care and related services.

2. Program implementation, technical assistance, and resource development targets the needs of ACL/AoA Lifespan Respite Care Program grantees (past, present and future) as well as advances the overarching goals of the Lifespan Respite Care Program by further identifying, developing, and disseminating training and technical assistance resources (e.g., messaging and public outreach on respite, education on using respite, caregiver identification) that address the role of respite as a means to supporting families in the development of their own natural support system.

3. National capacity building at the federal, state and local levels to increase respite capacities in former grantee states and states yet to receive funding to support their efforts to build or strengthen respite coalitions in their state.

In January 2018, Congress enacted legislation that established two Federal Advisory Councils.

The “Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act” and the “Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act of 2017” or the “RAISE Family Caregivers Act.”

Under the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act, an Advisory Council has been established to submit a Report to Congress, state agencies, and the public to “identify, promote, coordinate, and disseminate to the public information, resources, and best practices available to help grandparents and other older relatives…maintain their own physical and mental health and emotional well-being.” The Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG) Advisory Council, under the Act, is further expected to “consider the needs of those affected by the opioid crisis… [and] …the needs of members of Native American tribes."

Under the “RAISE Family Caregivers Act,” an Advisory Council has also been established to “provide the establishment and maintenance of a Family Caregiving Strategy…” The RAISE Family Caregivers Advisory Council, in the submission of the national Family Caregiving Strategy are to “identify recommended actions that Federal (under existing Federal programs), State, and local governments, communities, health care providers, long-term services and supports providers, and others are taking, or may take, to recognize and support family caregivers in a manner that reflects their diverse needs.”

ACL/AoA, through this funding opportunity announcement, is looking to enhance technical assistance to states, with or without respite coalitions, to ensure they play a role in the implementation of the best practices and other outcomes identified both in the national Family Caregiving Strategy and in the SGRG Advisory Council Report to Congress. ACL/AoA anticipates that the work of these Advisory Councils will increase both the awareness and the need for respite services for caregivers across the lifespan.

Based on the anticipation of increased awareness and need for respite services, the successful applicant to this funding opportunity announcement will be expected to discuss how they will provide targeted and customized technical support to the Lifespan Respite grantees and work to promote the advancement of the field of respite and associated activities, showing consideration in their application of the following areas:

Advancing the Field of Respite Best Practices Natural Supports Research Stakeholder Involvement

Sustainability

When preparing proposals, applicants should clearly describe their expertise in each of three primary objective areas outlined above along with their approaches for ensuring each area is thoroughly addressed in their proposed intervention. Applicants should describe the strategies and approaches to be used, including technical assistance modalities as well as partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to fully address the key areas outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to consider multiple strategies and approaches in each area, especially as it pertains to the potential increased demand for services following the publication and distribution of the RAISE Family Caregivers and SGRG Advisory Councils family caregiving strategy and reports to Congress.

The applicant must possess direct in-house experience and expertise to carry out the desired activities. Applications for this cooperative agreement will be reviewed and scored based, in part, on how well applicants demonstrate key subject-matter expertise and experience. Further, the applicant must demonstrate the support and active involvement of a range of stakeholders to fully achieve the desired outcomes. Provision of funding for sub-grantees or subcontracts to carry out specific activities is permissible if the applicant identifies a gap in expertise necessary to fully complete project goals and objectives. The applicant should fully describe their rationale and criteria for selecting sub-grantees/sub-contractors as well as their approach for ensuring successful completion of all tasks.

Further, the successful applicant (the grantee) will be expected to demonstrate the ability to collaborate and partner with multiple organizations and entities at the Federal, state and local levels in order to support overall project objectives. Further, applicants would be required to demonstrate considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of respite, family caregiver support and respite program development and implementation across the age, disease, and disability spectrum.

The successful applicant to this funding opportunity announcement will be an organization that meets the following criteria:

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the issues associated with family caregiving and the programs that support family caregivers across the lifespan, including respite;

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in planning for the design and delivery of human services programs, including respite services;

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in working with federal, state and local agencies on a range of issues, including program design, implementation, and administration;

Demonstrated expertise in providing training and technical assistance on a range of topics associated with respite, including program planning, design and administration;

Demonstrated experience working with entities and stakeholders that support, or are otherwise impacted by, the core issues associated with this funding opportunity announcement; and

Demonstrated ability to lead change and innovation in the field of respite and family caregiver program development and administration.

Provision of funding for sub-grantees or subcontracts to carry out specific activities is permissible, if the applicant identifies a gap in expertise necessary to fully complete project goals and objectives.

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this funding opportuknity announcement is contained in Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), as amended by the Public Health Service Act P.L.109-442. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 93.072).

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $330,000 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Award Ceiling: $330,000 Per Budget Period Award Floor: $250,000 Per Budget Period Length of Project Period: 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods Under this competition, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Aging (AoA) will award one (1) new cooperative agreement of up to $330,000, to perform the tasks described in this funding announcement. This project will be funded at a federal share of up to $330,000 for the first year and at $330,000 for years two, three, four, and five, for a total project period of five years, contingent on the availability of federal funds.

This funding opportunity will be administered as a Cooperative Agreement. The Administration for Community Living, Administration on Aging will assist the grantee in understanding the strategic goals and objectives, policy perspectives, and priorities of the ACL Administrator and the Department of Health and Human Services, by sharing such information via email, conference calls, briefings, memos, and other consultations. The ACL/AoA project officer will provide technical assistance and guidance on issues related to grant management and implementation, including the execution of the cooperative agreement. The ACL/AoA project officer will also share information with the grantee about other federally sponsored projects and activities relevant to activities funded under this announcement.

The successful grantee will submit a 5-year work plan that details expectations for major activities, products and reports over the life of the project. The work plan will include a detailed timetable with tangible milestones, consistent with the terms and conditions of the Notice of Award. In addition, the work plan will contain project and activity implementation strategies, including potential subgrantees/subcontractors, staff assignments, and other areas that require ACL/AoA consultation, review, and/or prior approval. The grantee can propose a revision of the final work plan at any time if program priorities or funding levels change dramatically. The ACL/AoA project officer will work collaboratively with the grantee to address those changes.

This is a new cooperative agreement. ACL/AoA will be substantially involved in all Technical Assistance and Resource Center activities by reviewing products for compliance with federal grant rules and participating in planning and training activities, which will be determined by the needs and priorities of ACL/AoA and the grantee. The cooperative agreement will include the following terms:

The AoA project officer shall carry out the following activities for the cooperative agreement:

Collaborate with the grantee in the finalization, execution and modification of the work plan;

Provide technical advice on the provision of technical support and associated tasks related to each of the key program areas outlined above;

Review, provide technical advice, and approve work products;

Provide consultation in identifying emerging issues as they relate to Lifespan Respite and/or respite program development; and Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

The grantee shall execute the activities as noted above and the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement listed below:

Collaborate with ACL/AoA in the finalization, execution and modification of the work plan;

Assist ACL/AoA in strengthening the respite capacities of grantees and the field;

Collaborate, as necessary, with ACL/AoA and other stakeholders to respond to requests for, and provide, technical assistance to Lifespan Respite grantees and Lifespan Respite Programs;

Provide training to the Lifespan Grantees and other stakeholders on program development and related issues;

Work collaboratively with ACL/AoA, grantees and the field to develop a performance measurement framework/plan;

Evaluate the impact of project activities;

Share information with AoA and other entities as appropriate;

Provide technical guidance and expertise in the development of information materials, strategic planning, evaluation and outcome measurement; and Provide technical advice in developing or implementing training.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as it stays within the original confines of the proposed project description. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are incorporated by reference unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments.

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.

NOTE: This Funding Opportunity Announcement is not intended to fund individual projects at a single site or location.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: Yes Under this program, ACL/AoA will fund no more than 75% of the project’s total cost, which means the applicant must cover at least 25% of the project’s total cost with non-Federal resources. In other words, for every three (3) dollars received in Federal funding, the applicant must contribute at least one (1) dollar in non-Federal resources toward the project’s total cost.

This “three-to-one” ratio is reflected in the formula included under Item 18 in Attachment A.

You can use this formula to calculate your minimum required match. A common error applicants make is to match 25% of the Federal share, rather than 25% of the project’s total cost.

There are two types of match: 1) non-Federal cash and 2) non-Federal in-kind. In general, costs borne by the applicant and cash contributions of any and all third parties involved in the project, including sub-grantees, contractors and consultants, are considered matching funds.

Volunteered time and use of facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations. Examples of non-Federal cash match includes budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. ACL/AoA encourages you to not exceed the minimum match requirement. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review. Match is not one of the responsiveness criteria as noted in Section III, 3 Application Screening Criteria.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

Application Responsiveness Criteria Applications that fail to meet the responsiveness criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration.

The successful applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section III as well as the following:

1. Has demonstrated experience as an expert on family caregiving and respite care across the lifespan and respite program design and implementation;

2. Documented experience in providing training and technical assistance to public entities at the federal, state and local levels; and

3. Demonstrated intent to perform all activities directly or through direct supervision of a sub-grantee or contractor.

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 http://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 ½” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a font size of not less than 11.

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages. 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 http://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an http://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 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 http://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/ 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/ 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 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

Lori Stalbaum Administration on Aging Phone Number: (202) 795-7444 E-mail: lori.stalbaum@acl.hhs.gov https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:lori.stalbaum@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Due Date for Letter of Intent: 04/07/2020 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL/AoA 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 emailed to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Aging Lori Stalbaum Office of Home and Community Based Services Email: Lori.Stalbaum@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 X pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first X 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 mailto:Lori.Stalbaum@acl.hhs.gov?subject=LR%20TARC%20-%20Letter%20of%20Intent 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 (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 will potentially affect older adults and /or people with disabilities, their families and caregivers and the health care and social services systems.

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.

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 outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project; monitoring the project’s on-going progress (i.e., measure of performance towards the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities), preparation of reports; 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 specific outcomes (e.g., changes in clients, organizations, and/or communities) expected as a result of this funding as well as method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether 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.

Other

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 three (3) 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: 05/12/2020 Date for Informational Conference Call: 04/07/2020

To access the informational conference call on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time, dial 888-946-6308 and enter the passcode 9102045#, when prompted to do so.

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 http://www.grants.gov.

Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and (2) register yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov web page: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only.)

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, please contact the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII of this notice and provide a written explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. ACL will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.

Note: We will not consider your application for further review if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the application deadline or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

If for any reason (including submitting to the wrong funding opportunity number or making corrections/updates) an application is submitted more than once prior to the application due date, ACL will only accept your last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, prior to the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application.

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

Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) will automatically send applicants a tracking number and date of receipt verification electronically once the application has been successfully received and validated in http://www.grants.gov.

4. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity announcement is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

5. Funding Restrictions The following activities are not fundable:

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 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: Lori Stalbaum [lori.stalbaum@acl.hhs.gov]

Lori Stalbaum US Department of Health & Human Services

Administration on Aging

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria Applications are scored by assigning a maximum of 100 points across five standard categories mailto:lori.stalbaum@acl.hhs.gov used for All AoA grant programs. Applicants should be sure the content of their applications address/answer each of the questions in the sub-categories listed below:

a. Project Relevance & Current Need - (20 points)

b. Approach - (30 points)

c. Budget – (10 points)

d. Project Impact - (20 points)

e. Organizational Capacity - (20 points)

Project Relevance & Current Need Maximum Points:20 Purpose and Need (10 Points)

1. Does the proposed project clearly and adequately respond to the priority areas, as described in this funding opportunity announcement, in relation to current needs?

2. Does the applicant clearly describe the need for a Technical Assistance and Resource Center for Lifespan Respite Care Programs?

3. Does the application adequately and appropriately describe and document the key problem(s)/condition(s) relevant to the applicant’s purpose/need?

Problem to be Addressed (10 Points)

1. Does the applicant include a description of the problems/needs this proposal is intended to address?

2. Does the applicant provide appropriate information with respect to the current status of the field of lifespan respite and the degree to which proposed activities help to advance it?

3. Is the proposed project justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information and knowledge?

Approach Maximum Points:30 Goals and Objectives (5 Points)

1. Is the intervention clearly defined?

2. Does it reflect a coherent and feasible approach for successfully addressing identified problems and achieving the identified outcome(s)?

3. Does the project take into account barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact on the project’s success?

4. Does the intervention optimize the use of potential partnerships with other organizations and/or consumer groups, as appropriate?

Work Plan/Management Plan (10 Points)

1. Is the project work plan clear and comprehensive?

2. Does it include sensible and feasible timeframes for the accomplishment of tasks presented?

3. Does the work plan include specific objectives and tasks that are linked to…