FAQs_NWD Governance NOFO_5.23.22.docx

FAQs - Funding Opportunity for No Wrong Door System Governance: Improving Access to LTSS for Individuals and Family Caregivers Version 1- May 2022 The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been developed as a follow-up to the informational call held on May 18th. This document will be updated with responses to any additional questions ACL receives. For more information about this funding opportunity, visit the grants.gov website.

1. Question: How can I download the full funding opportunity announcement (FOA) and instructions?

Answer: To find the instructions and application details, click here to get to the announcement page. Next, click on the "Related Documents" tab. Then click on the File Name link for either a zip file or pdf version of the full announcement.

2. Question: What is the expected number of grant awards for this funding opportunity?

Answer: This funding opportunity will fund up to ten states.

3. Question: Who is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity?

Answer: All entities are eligible to apply. In addition to state agencies, all of the following are eligible to apply: “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" However, ACL will only award one applicant per state.

4. Question: A letter of support is required from state NWD System lead agency or Office of the Governor. How do we know who the NWD System lead agency is for our state?

Answer: The NWD System lead agency is the agency that currently receives ADRC/COVID grant funding. A contact list for all NWD State/Territory Leads is available here: https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2022-01/NWD_System_Lead_Contacts_012722.pdf.

5. Question: What are the key objectives that applicants should focus in when writing their project narratives?

Answer: Key objectives to keep in mind:

1) Describe current NWD governance structure and convey the level of commitment to establishing and/or enhancing the governance structure.

2) Once a governance structure is in place, describe the plan and approach to mapping and assessing the access system (from the perspective of all individuals, but with an emphasis on caregivers)

3) Describe potential outcomes/evaluation – what impact would this have on the state (i.e. how this funding could improve the LTSS Scorecard or how this funding can impact the Master Plan for Aging)

6. Question: What are the expected activities and intended goals of year one versus year two of the grant?

Answer: There is some flexibility depending on the status and maturity of the state’s governance structure, but in general the first year will focus on strengthening the NWD governing body, assessing individual caregiver access, and mapping this access from the state and individual family caregiver perspective. The second year should focus on the grantee working with the NWD governing body to create a plan to address any challenges or gaps in the system, with a focus on a particular area or population. This plan should include a strategy, fiscal notes for estimated costs, etc.

7. Question: Are applications open to states that have already received multiple grants from ACL, or is ACL looking to target states that have not yet developed their NWD system as much?

Answer: Applications are open to all states.

8. Question: Some states have systems in Medicaid to facilitate access to Medicaid-funded supports and services outside of and parallel to the NWD System. In states with more than one of these systems, is it important to communicate with the state lead agency to ensure that parallel agencies are not simultaneously applying?

Answer: The application requirements include a letter of support from the current state lead entity or governor’s office, which is intended to ensure multiple agencies in one state do not apply or duplicate effort. The state Medicaid agency (if the grantee is not the agency itself) is a critical partner in a state’s NWD System and should partner with the lead agency to assess, strategize on, and develop their state governance structure.