Foa_Content_of_HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-DDTI-0099.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Diversity Fellowships

HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-DDTI-0099

04/26/2022

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

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

Letter of Intent

Project Narrative

Summary/Abstract

Problem Statement (Project Relevance and Need)

Goals and Objectives (Approach)

Proposed Intervention (Approach)

Special Target Populations and Organizations (Approach)

Outcomes (Project Impact)

Project Management

Evaluation (Project Impact)

Dissemination

Organizational Capability (Organizational Capacity and Equity Experience of the Project Team)

Budget Narrative/Justification

Work Plan

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. 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

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13)

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title:

University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Diversity Fellowships Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-DDTI-0099

Primary CFDA Number:

93.632 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

03/31/2022 Due Date for Applications:

04/26/2022 Date for Informational Conference Call:

03/30/2022 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 https://www.grants.gov/

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary The Administration on Disabilities (AOD), Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the federal administering agency for the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) programs. As such, AoD is charged with funding and oversight of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy Programs, and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).

The UCEDDs carry out four core functions: (1) interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students and fellows; (2) community services, including training, technical assistance, and/or demonstration and model activities; (3) research; and (4) dissemination of information. UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research and public service units of universities, or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that implement the four core functions addressing, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life).

AoD plans to award, on a competitive basis, three year National Training Initiative (NTI) grants to multiple UCEDDs to pay for the federal share of this initiative up to 10 Diversity fellowships.

I. Funding Opportunity Description The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), requires that the programs authorized under the law are culturally competent to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan, regardless of background, are full participants in all aspects of community life. According to the DD Act, Section 101(c), it is the policy of the United States that all programs receiving assistance under this title shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles that

Services, supports, and other assistance should be provided that demonstrate respect for personal preferences, and cultural differences;

Specific efforts must be made to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and their families enjoy increased and meaningful opportunities to access and use community services, individualized supports available to other individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan and their families;

Recruitment efforts in disciplines related to developmental disabilities across the lifespan in pre-service training, community training, practice, administration, and

Policymaking must focus on bringing larger numbers of racial and ethnic minorities into the disciplines in order to provide appropriate skills, knowledge, role models, and sufficient personnel to address the growing needs of an increasingly diverse population.”

The DD Act has long identified the importance of cultural competence and improving expectations and outcomes for people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The DD Act throughout requires that the programs authorized address the needs of people from unserved and underserved backgrounds. Section 101(a) identifies the need to ensure that services, supports, and other assistance are provided in a culturally competent manner and that individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds are fully included in all activities provided under the Act.

The term “culturally competent” is defined in the DD Act of 2000, section 102(7) as: Services, supports, or other assistance that is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive to the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behaviors of individuals who are receiving the services, supports, or other assistance, and in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring their maximum participation in the program involved. The DD Act of 2000 recognizes the important role that UCEDDs play in enhancing the diversity of the workforce, requiring that UCEDDs coordinate their efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented groups at all levels in order to respond to the changing United States demographics.

This opportunity will fund up to ten UCEDD Diversity fellowship grants to continue to address the disparities experienced by historically underrepresented communities. Funds will be used to support the recruitment and retention of trainees from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in a fellowship experience at the UCEDD with opportunities to make systemic change through a capstone project in community based activities. AIDD will award NTI grants to pay for the federal share of a diversity fellowship program to support UCEDDs in:

Growing the diversity of its trainee enrollment;

Building a cohort of trainees in the UCEDD network from diverse backgrounds;

Creating a forum for knowledge exchange and transfer at the UCEDD;

Developing a sustainability plan that will promote further development of Diversity Fellowship program beyond the funding period. To achieve this goal, the Diversity Fellowship program will employ traditional and non-traditional methods for marketing and maintaining the project over time in collaboration with national organizations, including the UCEDD Resource Center and the network of UCEDDs; and

Committing to participate in an AUCD coordinated national forum for knowledge exchange and transfer across the UCEDD network.

The UCEDD will use the funds to recruit at least one trainee from a diverse background to participate in a fellowship program with opportunities to make systemic change through a capstone project in community based activities, organizations, policy and/or programs. The fellowship should include a formal training experience with mentoring and other opportunities that will engage the trainee in the national network of UCEDDs and support knowledge exchange and transfer in a national forum.

Statutory Authority Section 151(b) of the DD Act states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) and reserved under section 156(a)(2), grants shall be made to UCEDDs to carry out national training initiative grants. In accordance with the DD Act, the Secretary shall make grants under section 152(d) to UCEDD Centers after AoD has made UCEDD core grant awards with the cost of living adjustment, funded T/TA, remaining funds may be used to award NTI grants to entities in each State designated as UCEDDs.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

G (Grant) Estimated Total Funding:

$1,000,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$100,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$90,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' The Administration on Disabilities (AOD), Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is lead federal agenncy for administering the Developmental DisabilitiesAssistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) (42 U.S.C. 15001, et.

seq.). The purpose of the DD Act is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promotes self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs [Section 101(b)]. To achieve this purpose, the DD Act authorizes under Subtitle D University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDDs). Section 151(b) of the DD Act states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) and reserved under section 156(a)(2), grants shall be made to UCEDDs to carry out national training initiative grants. In accordance with the DD Act, the Secretary shall make grants under section 152(d) to UCEDD Centers after AoD has made UCEDD core grant awards with the cost of living adjustment, funded T/TA, remaining funds may be used to award NTI grants to entities in each State designated as UCEDDs.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Section 151(b) of the DD Act states that from appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) and reserved under section 156(a)(2), grants shall be made to UCEDDs to carry out national training initiative grants. Entities eligible to apply for funds under this funding opportunity announcement are the 67 current AIDD grantees that are designated UCEDDs.

Applications will only be reviewed from the 67 UCEDDs listed in the Program Contacts section located at: https://www.acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/national-network-university

Applications from other entities not designated as a current UCEDD will not be reviewed.

https://www.acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/national-network-university https://www.acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/national-network-university

Section 151(b) of the DD Act states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) and reserved under section 156(a)(2), grants shall be made to UCEDDs to carry out national training initiative grants. In accordance with the DD Act, the Secretary shall make grants under section 152(d) to UCEDD Centers after AoD has made UCEDD core grant awards with the cost of living adjustment, funded T/TA, remaining funds may be used to award NTI grants to entities in each State designated as UCEDDs.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

Yes For awards that require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources (at or above the statutory requirement) in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to provide the statutorily required matching or cost sharing amount (and any voluntary committed amount in excess) may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients are not expected to provide cost sharing or matching. However, recipients are allowed to voluntarily propose a commitment of non-federal resources. If an applicant decides to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources towards project costs and the costs are accepted by ACL, the non-federal resources will be included in the approved project budget. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to meet the voluntary amount of non-federal resources that was accepted by ACL as part of the approved project costs and that was identified in the approved budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

Under this ACL program, ACL 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 the “Instructions for Completing Requested Forms.” The applicant can use this formula to calculate the 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. Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project cost, in accordance with Section 154(d) of the DD Act of 2000. Grantees must provide at least 25% percent of the total approved cost of the project.

DEFINITIONS:

Poverty area: Census tracts or block numbering areas (BNAs) where at least 20 percent of residents are below the poverty level.

Urban Area: Collective term referring to all areas that are urban. For Census 2000, there are two types of urban areas: urban clusters and urbanized areas.

Urban Cluster (UC): A densely settled territory that has at least 2,500 persons but fewer than

50,000.

Urbanized Area (UA): An area consisting of a central place(s) and adjacent territory with a general population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile of land area that together have a minimum residential population of at least 50,000 persons. The U.S. Census Bureau uses published criteria to determine the qualification and boundaries of UAs.

Rural: Territory, population and housing units not classified as urban. Rural classification cuts across other hierarchies and can be in metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas. Rural can include frontier, which are places having a population density of six or fewer persons - per square mile.

TWO-TIER ELIGIBILITY SYSTEM FOR REDUCED MATCH

To meet the requirements in the DD Act of 2000, AoD has developed a system that UCEDDs can use to request a reduced match on the core grant. Such a request is optional and not a requirement for UCEDDs. AIDD will use a two-tiered system for determining eligibility for the reduced match:

Tier 1: UCEDDs in States where the poverty rate is equal to or greater than the official national poverty rate would automatically qualify for the reduced match.

Tier 2: UCEDDs in States with a poverty rate not equal to or greater than the official national poverty rate would have to show that the UCEDD activities target individuals with developmental disabilities in urban or rural poverty areas. In doing so, the UCEDD would demonstrate that at least 25 percent of the UCEDD projects target individuals with developmental disabilities who live in urban and rural poverty areas by providing the following information to AoD:

1. The current State poverty rate;

2. A full listing of all the UCEDD's current projects [this can be generated from the National Information Reporting System (NIRS)];

3. Identification of which UCEDD activities are targeting individuals with developmental disabilities living in urban and rural poverty areas by stating whether the UCEDD activity is associated with any of the Urban and Rural Poverty Indicators listed in the announcement or is targeted for individuals with developmental disabilities in an urban and rural poverty area through some other means.

A UCEDD seeking to establish eligibility for a reduced match through means other than showing an activity is associated with one or more of the Urban and Rural Poverty Indicators must include in its application other information that establishes that its activities are targeted to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities in an urban or rural poverty area. Because there are not Federal poverty rates for Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, these jurisdictions can qualify for the reduced match by establishing that the UCEDD activity is associated with any of the Urban and Rural Poverty Indicators listed in the announcement or is targeted for individuals with developmental disabilities in an urban or rural poverty area through some other means.

The table below shows the Urban or Rural Poverty Indicators that will be used to determine eligibility for the reduced match.

Urban and Rural Description

Poverty Indicator Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Communities

(EZ/EC)

Areas designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as communities with high rates of poverty. The UCEDD project would have to be implemented in an

EZ/EC.

Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. The UCEDD project would have to target individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their families who receive food stamps.

National School Lunch Program

(NSLP)

Also referred to as Free and Reduced Lunch Program NSLP is a federally assisted meal program operating to provide low-cost or free lunches to children. The

UCEDD

project would have to be implemented in a school that qualifies for the NSLP.

Head Start

The Head Start program provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families. The UCEDD project would have to work with a Head Start program.

Housing Assistance

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a variety of housing assistance programs, such as Section 8 housing assistance programs. The

UCEDD

project would have to target individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their families who are receiving Federal housing assistance.

Medicaid Title XIX of the Social Security Act

Is a Federal/State entitlement program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. The UCEDD project would have to target individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are Medicaid-eligible.

Supplemental Security (SSI)

Is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people, who Income (SSI) have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.

The UCEDD project would have to target individuals with developmental disabilities who are SSI recipients.

Temporary Assistance for

TANF

Is a Federal poverty program that provides assistance and Needy Families

(TANF)

work opportunities to needy families through grants to States. The UCEDD project would have to target individuals with developmental disabilities, children with developmental disabilities, and their families who are TANF recipients

Other

The UCEDD may provide other indicators of poverty not included in this list.

The UCEDD would have to provide adequate information to justify use of the 'other' category. In doing so, the UCEDD will have to demonstrate the project is targeting individuals with developmental disabilities in rural and urban poverty areas.

ADD

will determine the adequacy of the justification for eligibility for a reduced match.

The UCEDD may provide other indicators of poverty not included in this list. The UCEDD would have to provide adequate information to justify use of the 'other' category. In doing so, the UCEDD will have to demonstrate the project is targeting individuals with developmental disabilities in rural and urban poverty areas. AoD will determine the adequacy of the justification for eligibility for the reduced match.

AoD will review all the information submitted by the UCEDD to determine eligibility for the reduced match, in accordance with the DD Act of 2000.

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR SUBMITTING INFORMATION TO AoD

To streamline the process, below is a suggested format for submitting the information to AoD.

Official National Poverty Rate 11.2 UCEDD Project Title and Description Indicators of Poverty

Provide Name of Project and project description List name of poverty program targeted by project

Of the total UCEDD projects, the percent that is targeting individuals with developmental disabilities living in urban and rural poverty areas Fill in percentage

STATES IN TIERS 1 AND 2

Below is a list of the States that fall into Tiers 1 and 2.

TIER 1

STATE PERCENT

Mississippi 18.8 Louisiana 17.4 New Mexico 16.2 Arkansas 14.7 Alabama 14.6 District of Columbia 14.6 West Viriginia 14.6 Kentucky 14.4 South Carolina 13.7 Georgia 13.4 North Carolina 13.2 Oklahoma 13.2 Texas 12.9 Florida 12.8 Tennessee 12.8 Ohio 12.3 Alaska 12.2 Nevada 12.1 New York 11.8 Arizona 11.2 Indiana 11.2 United States 11.2

TIER 2

California 11.0 South Dakota 10.9 Missouri 10.8 Michigan 10.6 Pennsylvania 10.4 Montana 10.3 Maine 10.0

Connecticut 9.9 Hawaii 9.5 North Dakota 9.5 Wyoming 9.5 Colorado 9.3 Idaho 9.2 Illinois 9.2 Nebraska 9.2 Iowa 9.1 Oregon 9.1 Vermont 9.0 Rhode Island 8.8 Virginia 8.8 Kansas 8.7 Wisconsin 8.3 Massachusetts 8.2 Delaware 8.1 Maryland 8.1 Washington 7.9 New Jersey 7.6 Minnesota 7.3 Utah 7.2 New Hampshire 5.3

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."

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.

http://www.grants.gov/

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 40 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 40 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 25 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 40-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 https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/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 https://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 https://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 UEI 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 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ 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/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.sam.gov/ 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 UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

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

The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. By April of 2022, the federal government will stop using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. It is entered on the SF-424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities.

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. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide.

Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM. Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from https://www.grants.gov that containshttps://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

Community Living will retrieve your application form fromhttps://www.grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living

Pamela O'Brien, Program Analyst pamelaobrien@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission Letter of Intent Due Date for Letter Of Intent 03/31/2022

03/31/2022 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:

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. The deadline for submission of the letter of intent is March 31, 2022. Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living Pamela O'Brien

Administration on Developmental Disabilities

Email: pamela.obrien@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 35 to 40 pages; 40 pages is the maximum length allowed.

Project Narratives that exceed 40 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 40 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 40-page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit. A new requirement for all Project Narratives is a section that explains the equity experience of the project team.

The sample components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 40-page limit include:

Summary/Abstract Problem Statement (Project Relevance and Need) mailto:katherine/cargill-willis@acl.hhs.gov

Goal(s) and Objective(s)(Approach) Proposed Intervention (Approach) Special Target Populations and Organizations (Approach) Outcomes (Project Impact) Project Management (Organizational Capacity) Evaluation (Project Impact) Dissemination (Approach) Organizational Capability (Organizational Capacity) Equity Experience of Project Team (Organizational Capacity)

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 (Project Relevance and Need) This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the need to develop a coordinated, comprehensive model with two interrelated components: (1) Community monitoring of the safety, health, and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities living in a variety of community settings; and (2) Community capacity building using relevant and current studies, data and other sources of information for describing the problem and identifying the need. It should also describe how the implementation of the project will benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and enhance and assure the independence, integration, safety, health, and well-being of individuals living in the community.

Goals and Objectives (Approach) 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 (Approach) 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.

This section should describe an overall strategy and methodology in a well-reasoned manner that will appropriately accomplish the specific goals and objectives for the project to include projected measurable and attainable goals describing the scope and detail of how work will be accomplished; a detailed work plan, personnel, budget, timeline, and quantitative projections of the accomplishments to be achieved by the project and a chronological order of approach with target dates, including the sequence and timing.

This section should also describe an effective process for designing, identifying and implementing a range of evidence based practices and innovative strategies focusing on improving services that support people with developmental disabilities living in the community or those moving to the community from a more restrictive setting. It should also describe the strategies to be used to build the competencies of direct support professionals and capacity of HCBS providers through a continuum of proven and/or innovative tools and technical assistance to improve access to and quality of HCBS to prevent, monitor, and reduce neglect, abuse and exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities living in the community and provide a plan to advance the knowledge; skills; specialization; economic/career prospects and work force stability; and retention of direct support professionals.

This section should lay out a reasonable plan for developing and implementing a coordinated system for community monitoring that will reduce the incidence of, and risk factors for, abuse and neglect in HCBS using existing and/or new evidence based practices and systems to collect and analyze data to develop and implement models to improve quality and reduce abuse and neglect within HCBS settings. It should include a reasonable plan to develop and/or use existing evidence based practices and tools that track individuals who are at risk due to age, severity of disability, or other high risk factor, such as standardized health risk screening tools, a standardized mechanism used to determine an individual’s vulnerability to potential health risks, and the supports needed to enable early identification of deteriorating health. It should include an effective plan to use existing evidence based practices and/or innovative strategies for meaningful and active engagement of self-advocates and families throughout all phases and aspects of this project. Finally, this section should lay out a plan that will lead to sustainability of the system of community monitoring and community capacity building that enhances and assures the independence, integration, safety, health, and well-being of individuals living in the community and should describe how the project will seek to generate the sufficient resources and strategies for organizational sustainability, financial sustainability and/or community sustainability to continue and refine the work in the state.

Special Target Populations and Organizations (Approach) 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 hard-to-reach populations, such as limited- English speaking populations, those of greatest economic need, and those of greatest social need.

Outcomes (Project Impact) 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 aging network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of aging; 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; 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 (Project Impact) This section should describe the 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.

The application should outline a reasonable and rigorous process evaluation plan to analyze how the project activities are delivered and to determine the extent to which the project is being implemented as planned, how the project activities are being received by the target group, the barriers to implementation, and areas for project improvements/refinements. The application should describe a reasonable and rigorous summative evaluation plan to determine key successful features of the model for replication and the effectiveness of the model in achieving project outcomes.

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.Equity Experience of Project Team

Organizational Capability (Organizational Capacity and Equity Experience of the Project Team) 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 including equity experience of the project team 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 five (5) 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 https://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://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.

mailto:support@grants.gov

At the https://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 UEI number 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 UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

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

The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. By April of 2022, the federal government will stop using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. They will no longer have to go to a third-party website to obtain their identifier. This transition allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, your Unique Entity ID (SAM) has already been assigned and is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations. The Unique Entity ID is currently located below the DUNS Number on your entity registration record. Remember, you must be signed in to your SAM.gov account to view entity records. To learn how to view your Unique Entity ID (SAM) go to this help article.

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in…