FAQ_NWD_Scaling_NLE_2021.docx

Frequently Asked Questions

2021 No Wrong Door Community Infrastructures Grant: Scaling Network Lead Entities

FY 2021 Funding Opportunity U.S. Administration for Community Living Center for Innovation and Partnership

HHS-2021-ACL-CIP-NWPG-0065

Questions Related to Applicant Eligibility/Preference

1. Question: Who may apply for this funding opportunity?

Answer: 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. Question: Are for-profit companies or individuals eligible to apply?

Answer: No.

3. Question: Are only existing Network Lead Entities (NLEs) eligible to apply, or can developing NLEs apply as well?

Answer: Both existing and developing NLEs are eligible to apply.

4. Question: Are nonprofit entities eligible to apply if they have an affiliated NLE that is structured as a limited liability corporation or another type of private entity (i.e., not a nonprofit)?

Answer: The primary applicant organization must meet the listed eligibility criteria and should provide clear representation of the relationship between the two parties (applicant organization and the NLE). The budget should define how expenditures would be applied to the applicant organization and the NLE and should not have the appearance of the applicant receiving the funding and transferring the balance of the funding to the NLE minus an administrative overhead (pass-through funding is not allowed). The applicant should clearly define how the two parties will collaborate to achieve the objectives in the project narrative and reflected in the applicant’s budget.

5. Question: Are other federal agencies eligible to apply?

Answer: No, but any federal agencies interested in exploring partnership opportunities with ACL are encouraged to contact Lauren Solkowski at lauren.solkowski@acl.hhs.gov.

6. Question: Are rural entities encouraged to apply?

Answer: Rural entities are encouraged to apply, though all applications are reviewed using the same criteria (which does not favor one applicant type over another).

Questions Related to Letters of Intent

7. Question: Are potential applicants required to submit a Letter of Intent?

Answer: Letters of Intent are not required but they are requested to help us in planning for the independent review process.

8. Question: Can you let us know who else from our state submits a Letter of Intent or application so we are better able to collaborate with other interested parties?

Answer: This type of information is considered “pre-decisional” and cannot be released publicly.

Questions Related to Proposal Format

9. Question: Is there a maximum page limit for the Project Narrative?

Answer: Twenty pages is the maximum length allowed. The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, Vitae of Key Personnel, Budget Narrative/Justification, and references are not counted toward the 20-page limit as long as they are clearly labeled as Appendices.

10. Question: Should applicants submit one comprehensive work plan that includes goals for both years or should proposals include a separate work plan for each year?

Answer: Applicants must provide a separate work plan for each year (year one and year two). The work plans for each year should match the separate budget plans for each year. The overall proposal should describe the goals or accomplishments that are expected over the two-year period.

11. Question: Do we need to create partner-specific work plans for our major contributing partners?

Answer: You do not need to provide any additional work plans for your partners. However, in the work plan, you should indicate any lead persons at the partnering agencies that are responsible for tasks included in the work plan. Applications are reviewed to determine the extent to which the application narrative, work plan, and support letters reflect an adequate commitment from partners and description of their activities and areas of responsibility.

12. Question: Can we use a font size smaller than 11 for tables included in the narrative?

Answer: No. The entirety of the Projective Narrative, including tables, graphics, and headings must be double-spaced, and of a standard font size of not less than 11. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats outside of the Project Narrative sections, such as the Project Work Plan and Budget Narrative/Justification.

13. Question: How should we list/cite references? Are references subject to the Project Narrative criteria regarding page limit and double-spacing?

Answer: There is not a particular citation style that you are required to use with respect to references. You may include your references as footnotes, endnotes, or a separate appendix (please be sure to clearly label). References may be single-spaced, and, if included as a separate appendix, are not subject to the 20-page limit for the Project Narrative.

14. Question: Which elements of the application can we include as an appendix?

Answer: The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, Vitae of Key Project Personnel, Budget Narrative/Justification, applicable references, and other supporting material (e.g. organization chart) can be uploaded as appendices.

Questions Related to Proposed Activities

15. Question: Are grant funds intended to support No Wrong Door (NWD) system infrastructure or the development of Network Lead Entities (NLEs)?

Answer: This funding opportunity aims to support NLEs that are part of ACL’s aging and disability network and are performing access functions as part of a broader NWD System.

16. Question: Can funding support the development of a community integrated health network (CIHN) and respective NLE that provides a single service (i.e., meals)?

Answer: The intended purpose of the grant is to develop and/or expand a network that will ensure the delivery of a broad scope of SDOH/social care services for older adults and people with disabilities throughout the CIHN.

17. Question: Are adults with disabilities an appropriate target population, or only older adults with disabilities?

Answer: Yes, adults with disabilities are appropriate to engage via this funding opportunity.

18. Question: Are younger populations (under age 60) with disabilities an appropriate target population?

Answer: Yes, younger populations (under age 60) with disabilities are appropriate to engage via this funding opportunity.

19. Question: In addition to the aging and disability services network, can we collaborate with organizations such as YMCAs, health care organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.?

Answer: Yes. You are encouraged to develop mechanisms to curate and evolve CIHN partner organizations to meet the needs of populations over time related to nutrition, housing, transportation, behavioral health, and/or other social determinants of health.

20. Question: With respect to geographic coverage area, can we focus on particular regions of the state that are known to have a high level of need, even if the areas are not contiguous?

Answer: A contiguous regional/statewide network hub is not required, though it is important to include data-driven rationale within your application to demonstrate why you have selected certain areas of focus within your state/region.

Questions Related to Grant Administration

21. Question: What is the difference between a grant and a “cooperative agreement”?

Answer: In the United States, Federal grants are financial assistance issued by the U.S. Government. A cooperative agreement is a variation of a grant, which is awarded when a grant provider anticipates having substantial involvement with the grantee during the performance of a funded project. These grants will be issued as cooperative agreements because they are significant and multifaceted endeavors in which AoA anticipates having substantial involvement with the recipients during performance of funded activities. Therefore, throughout the project period of the grant award, AoA will furnish technical assistance, oversight, and support to each grantee to help ensure program success. The cooperative agreement structure will allow AoA to provide a higher level of technical assistance, oversight and support than a grant relationship offers. For more information, see the HHS Grants Policy Statement at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.

22. Question: What are forward funded cooperative agreements?

Answer: These cooperative agreements are fully funded upfront for their two-year project and budget period. Grantees will not have to compete for the second year of funding.

23. Question: Can we subcontract some or all grant activities?

Answer: Yes. Grantees, not the Federal government, must decide whether it is in their best interest to subcontract grant activities. However, it is very important that grantees realize that the administrative responsibility and oversight of all grant activities remains with the grantee. Grantees must serve as the central, core, and active partner in the grant and not simply be a conduit for pass-through funding to sub-contractors. When subcontracting, the grantee should retain sufficient funding to adequately fulfill its administrative and oversight responsibilities. Applicants who propose to subcontract out a significant portion of their grant activities should provide a rationale in their proposal that justifies any additional overhead costs that affect the funding for programmatic activities.

24. Question: How are grantees able to access grant funds? Is payment based on cost reimbursement?

Answer: Grantees will draw down funds using the Payment Management System (PMS). Costs are not reimbursed, but rather requests are made through PMS for the release of funds.

25. What are the reporting requirements associated with this cooperative agreement?

Answer: Awardees are responsible for submitting semi-annual programmatic progress reports and an annual financial report.

Questions Related to Letters of Commitment

26. Question: To whom should letters of commitment be addressed?

Answer: Letters of commitment should be addressed to the applicant.

27. Question: If proposing a regional or statewide network, do we need to provide a letter of commitment from all CBOs (Area Agencies on Aging [AAAs], Centers for Independent Living [CILs]) within our state?

Answer: You should include letters of commitment from all relevant CBOs that cover your proposed project area. Letters from statewide associations (i.e., statewide AAA association) will be accepted in lieu of individual letters.

28. Question: Can a State Unit on Aging (SUA), Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), or State Intellectual/Developmental (I/DD) Disabilities Agency provide multiple letters of support if there is more than one applicant from the same state?

Answer: Yes. State agencies can make their own decisions regarding which/how many organizations they provide a letter of support for.

29. Question: If the appropriate state agency (SUA, SILC, or SI/DD) director provides a letter noting that we are going to be partnering with respective community-based organizations (CBOs), do we still need letters of commitment from the CBOs?

Answer: Yes, you must still get letters of commitment from the CBOs that are within your services area. The state agency cannot provide a letter of commitment on behalf of the participating CBOs.

30. Question: If we are a state agency or CBO that is applying for the grant, what is the expectation regarding the required state agency and CBO letters of commitment?

Answer: ACL suggests that state agency and CBO applicants include a letter of support from their Director, CEO, or equivalent leadership indicating their commitment to executing the project, should it be funded. This will help reviewers identify that the state agency and/or CBO letter requirements have been met.

31. Question: For tribal applicants, can a letter from the Tribal Chief (or equivalent) substitute for the Tribal Resolution?

Answer: Yes, if an applicant is unable to get a tribal resolution, it is permissible to substitute a letter from the Tribal Chief (or equivalent). However, the applicant should clearly indicate the substitution within the application, ideally in the Table of Contents for their Letters of Commitment.

Questions Related to the Budget Narrative/Justification

32. Question: Is there a match requirement?

Answer: No, there is no match requirement. Applicants that do provide match will not be viewed differently or given more points during the independent review process. We encourage applicants to not provide match because if they choose to do so, then the match amount will become a part of their award notice and the awardee will be held to that match.

33. Question: Does the budget range for each funding option include indirect costs? What indirect rate can we use?

Answer: Any indirect costs charged by the applicant would be included in the amount of the federal award.

Indirect costs must be supported by an approved indirect cost rate agreement, which also defines the direct charges against which the rate applies. Indirect charges may only be requested if: (1) the applicant has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or another Federal agency; or (2) the applicant is a state or local government agency. State governments should enter the amount of indirect costs determined in accordance with DHHS requirements. If indirect costs are to be included in the application, a copy of the approved indirect cost agreement must be included with the application. Further, if any sub-contractors or sub-grantees are requesting indirect costs, a copy of the latest approved indirect cost agreements must also be included with the application, or reference to an approved cost allocation plan.

You should consult your organization’s financial representative to see if you should be charging indirect costs and if so, what the approved rate is. In the event you are looking to make an initial request, please contact the Project Officer and Grants Management Specialist associated with this funding opportunity announcement.

34. Question: Is there a cap on the indirect costs that will be permitted? Would an indirect cost rate of 45% be permitted?

Answer: There is no set limit on the indirect costs. Indirect costs can only be charged if the organization has an approved allocation plan or an approved federal indirect cost agreement. Applicants should check with their fiscal staff for the amount that can be charged on the grant, as it is different for each organization. Also, see the HHS Grants Policy Statement at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.

35. Question: If our organization does not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, are we able to include these costs in the proposed budget?

Answer: Yes, per 45 CFR § 75.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, “any non-Federal entity (i.e., applicant) that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, may charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC).”

36. Question: Regarding the budget template, can you clarify the difference between non-Federal cash versus non-Federal in kind?

Answer: These are both forms of match, and match is not required for this program. Non- Federal cash is any cash from you or your partners; it does not include funds from the Federal government. In kind includes any third party non-cash items that are program-related such as meeting room space that can be used as match for this program (please note, there is no match requirement in this funding opportunity). Applicants who voluntarily decide to add a match to their application will be held to that match and the match dollar amounts will be in their Notice of Award.

37. Question: Do funds need to be evenly allocated across the two-year project period?

Answer: No. Funds do not need to be evenly allocated across the project period. Please be sure that your budget is aligned with your work plan with respect to project activities, outcomes, and outputs.

Miscellaneous Questions

38. Question: What is the make-up of the application review panels?

Answer: We recruit a variety of reviewers to participate in the review. We convene multiple panels comprised of individuals who may be former or current grantees (who are not applying for the current grant), representatives of various partnering agencies, academics, and other people with expertise in business acumen, community integrated health network development, network lead entity development and enhancement, and/or partnerships to align health care and social services.

39. Question: Does the disclaimer noted in Section II. Award Information (Cooperative Agreement Terms) impact grantee intellectual property rights?

Answer: No. The disclaimer noted in Section II. Award Information of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) does not relinquish intellectual property of the grantee. This disclaimer specifically emphasizes that the points of view or opinions of the grantee do not necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living (ACL) policy.

40. Question: Are we required to have an external evaluator for this grant?

Answer: No, you are not required to engage an external evaluator.

41. Who has received ACL NWD Scaling NLE grants in the past?

Answer: We have provided grants to NWD Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCS) in the past to support infrastructure needs at the state and local level; however in those specific instances, the state applied on behalf of their respective local CBOs. This funding opportunity is unique in the fact that CBOs are able to directly apply to help address infrastructure needs, collaborating costs, etc.