FAQs_NWD Governance NOFO_version 2_6.9.22.pdf

FAQs - Funding Opportunity for No Wrong Door System Governance: Improving Access to LTSS for Individuals and Family Caregivers

Version 2- June 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: The letter of intent that was due on May 27th was optional, but will its submission be taken into consideration when making funding decisions?

Answer: Letters of intent will not be taken into consideration during the application process.

5. 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?

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=nwd https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=nwd

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.

6. Question: If the established NWD lead agency is applying for the grant, is a letter from the Office of the Governor still required or will letters of commitment from key agency and partner organization leadership suffice?

Answer: A letter from the Office of the Governor is not required if the state’s NWD lead agency is applying. However, yes letters from key agency partners involved in the development and implementation of its NWD System are the additional requirement.

7. 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)

8. Question: Applicants are expected to submit a detailed work plan and associated budget for how their state or territory will address ways to improve their NWD System. Can these be divided into existing or planned efforts as well as aspirational efforts, pending funding?

Answer: Yes, funding can be used to continue or enhance any existing or planned efforts. It would be best to explain in the work plan or budget narrative how funds would be used to enhance such activities and how existing efforts will support future or aspirational needs for the NWD System.

9. 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 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2022-01/NWD_System_Lead_Contacts_012722.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2022-01/NWD_System_Lead_Contacts_012722.pdf 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.

10. Question: The notice states that basic research is not allowable. Are surveys, focus groups, and/or listening sessions allowable?

Answer: Yes, funding can be used to support surveys, focus groups, or listening sessions, which can help inform the assessment component of the grant’s objectives.

11. Question: If a state has an established NWD System, can funds be used to deepen an understanding of the system and the needs that older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers have regarding access?

Answer: Yes, this funding opportunity can be used to enhance an existing NWD governance structure or to explore any gaps in the system.

12. Question: Is the $450,000 funding ceiling the total for two years, or is it an annual amount?

Answer: The $450,000 is a ceiling for a 24-month project and budget period. These awards will be forward-funded.

13. Question: Is there flexibility in how funds can be used regarding planning and evaluation activities versus implementation activities?

Answer: This funding opportunity is designed to be a planning grant, but there is some flexibility. It is appropriate to use funds to support recommendations received previously from stakeholders regarding NWD access, especially if this supports the state or territory’s broader governance efforts or to inform the state or territory of LTSS access needs.

14. 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.

15. 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.