Foa_Content_of_HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0003 Published.pdf

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Community Services

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Legal Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA)

HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0003

Application Due Date: 07/31/2023

Table of Contents Executive Summary

I. Program Description

II. Federal Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

III.3. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

The Project Description

The Project Budget and Budget Justification

Application Submission Options

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

IV.4. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Due Dates

Acknowledgement of Received Application

IV.5. Intergovernmental Review

IV.6. Funding Restrictions

IV.7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

V.2. Review and Selection Process

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

VI.1. Federal Award Notices

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VI.3. Reporting

VII. HHS Award Agency Contact(s)

VIII. Other Information

Reference Websites

Application Checklist

Funding Opportunity Title:

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Legal Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Announcement Type:

Initial Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0003

Primary CFDA Number:

93.569 Due Date for Applications:

07/31/2023 Executive Summary

Notice:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) carefully and observe the application formatting requirements listed in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. For more information on applying for grants, please visit "How to Apply for a Grant" on the ACF Grants & Funding Page at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant.

The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will support a NOFO for one 3-year cooperative agreement for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Legal Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA). The award recipient will identify, develop, and disseminate high-quality legal T/TA resources to help the CSBG Network[1] — states, territories[2], directly-funded tribes and tribal organizations, CSBG-eligible entities, and state associations implement and promote practices and policies that respond to the unique legal issues experienced by the CSBG Network.

The cooperative agreement will focus on addressing legal challenges in organizational, fiscal, and governance, including capacity building, tripartite boards, bylaw provisions, contract provisions, personnel policies, equity, and organizational challenges such as strategic restructuring, mergers, and shared services. T/TA will include planned and ad hoc activities that are responsive to the legal needs of the CSBG Network. T/TA will include a variety of training materials and resources, including e-guides, webinars, case studies, and training videos.

The award recipient must collaborate with OCS, other CSBG T/TA providers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to coordinate and implement T/TA efforts. The award recipient must assess and report on the effectiveness of the T/TA provided through this cooperative agreement through ongoing program performance evaluation.

The cooperative agreement will require OCS to have substantial involvement and a close working partnership with the award recipient to implement T/TA consistent with the purposes of CSBG and the priorities and mission of OCS. The award recipient will regularly communicate information about the implementation and progress of the initiatives throughout the duration of https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant the cooperative agreement, including meeting monthly with OCS to discuss the progress of goals and objectives outlined in the project work plan.

[1] OCS and the CSBG national T/TA providers are also included in the CSBG Network;

however, for the purposes of this NOFO, they are not included as direct recipients of the T/TA provided.

[2] Per the CSBG Act, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are recognized as territories, while District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are recognized as states.

I. Program Description

Statutory Authority Sections 674(b)(2)(A) and 678A of the CSBG Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 9903(b)(2)(A) and 9913)

Description

OVERARCHING PRIORITIES FOR OCS

OCS-funded programs are vital in addressing persistent poverty and pervasive disparities and inequities. To achieve our vision, OCS has established several overarching priorities to ensure that our goals are achieved across the CSBG Network. Award recipients must ensure that the following three goals are considered throughout the planning and execution of the activities outlined within this NOFO.

1. Ensuring the programs we administer are of the highest quality possible and are reaching those most in need.

2. Lifting voices from the field and using lessons learned to be thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative in our approach.

3. Identifying opportunities to break down silos and implement cross-cutting initiatives within OCS and ACF and across the federal government.

CSBG BACKGROUND

CSBG is a federal block grant and one of seven anti-poverty programs administered by OCS.

CSBG supports activities to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower individuals and families with low income to become self-sufficient.

CSBG funds support a wide range of individual-, family-, and community-level services and strategies to support the needs of individuals and families with low income in rural and urban areas. OCS provides CSBG funding to states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, federal and state-recognized tribes and tribal organizations (hereinafter referred to as CSBG award recipients). Tribal award recipients provide services directly to individuals and families. State and territory award recipients work with CSBG-eligible entities (community-based organizations that administer CSBG-funded programs and services to individuals, families, and communities) to tailor CSBG-funded programs and services to meet the most pressing needs in their communities.

Through discretionary awards, OCS provides funding to support CSBG training, technical assistance, and monitoring efforts. Eligible applicants for these awards include statewide or local organizations or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations to help effectively address the needs of individuals and families with low income and underserved communities. These organizations collaborate with OCS and support CSBG-funded states, territories, and tribes and tribal organizations to increase effectiveness and accountability and to generate robust results for the people and communities served.

With the support of CSBG funding, award recipients and CSBG-eligible entities work together to assist individuals and families with low income increase self-sufficiency, improve living conditions, strengthen ownership of and pride in communities, and establish strong family and support systems. Common areas where the CSBG Network designates funding include, but are not limited to, collaboration and linkages across anti-poverty programs and organizations; crisis and emergency supports; assistance with housing, nutrition, utility, transportation, employment, and educational needs; income and asset building services; community asset building initiatives;

and upstream services aimed at creating pathways out of poverty.

PURPOSE OF CSBG LEGAL T/TA

This NOFO calls for a concerted and coordinated effort to build capacity, strengthen organizational performance, and increase the impact of CSBG funding and CSBG award recipients by providing targeted and relevant legal T/TA. By design, legal T/TA efforts will identify and focus on organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges. Meeting these T/TA needs will help ensure the success of the CSBG Network.

The award recipient will support CSBG’s mission of creating pathways out of poverty for individuals and families by emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships between public and private agencies. The award recipient will value an upstream approach to service delivery by working to disrupt and prevent the conditions that cause persistent poverty. Further, the award recipient will align efforts with both the ACF strategic goals and the OCS priorities to administer high-quality services that reach those in greatest need, lift voices from the field, and break down service silos through the implementation of cross-cutting initiatives and partnerships.

The award recipient must work collaboratively with national CSBG T/TA providers and SMEs under the shared mission of delivering high-quality services that create pathways out of poverty for vulnerable communities. The award recipient must understand the interconnected nature of all members of the CSBG Network and demonstrate a commitment to deconstructing silos and other circumstances that adversely impact communication and service delivery across the CSBG Network. Additionally, the award recipient must have capacity, infrastructure, and experience to develop training, resource materials, and other activities that propel the CSBG Network forward.

OBJECTIVES OF CSBG LEGAL T/TA

The award recipient will be required to provide planned and ad hoc high-quality, tailored T/TA and consultation and develop, implement, and disseminate T/TA resources and tools that address the three objectives described below. As needed, the award recipient will develop resources and tools that address the T/TA needs of public and private CSBG-eligible entities.

Promoting Promising Legal Practices and Policies

The Legal T/TA award recipient must focus T/TA efforts on the following:

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2022/01/acf-launches-new-strategic-plan#:~:text=Strategic%20Goal%201%3A%20Advance%20equity,%2C%20and%20individual%20well%2Dbeing.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/ocs-dcl-2022-21-fy-2021-annual-report-fy2022 o Promoting legal practices and policies that are responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges, including tripartite boards, bylaw provisions, contract provisions, personnel policies, and organizational challenges.

o Advancing equity, innovation, and accountability through legal practices and policies that are responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges across the CSBG Network.

o Providing legal T/TA to assist with integrating enhanced and newly acquired knowledge of CSBG legal requirements into administrative, fiscal, and programmatic policies and operating procedures, and providing guidance to ensure knowledge is sustained long-term.

o Engaging and integrating territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations into legal T/TA efforts.

Enhancing Knowledge Management, Education, and Training

The Legal T/TA award recipient must focus T/TA efforts on the following:

o Providing T/TA that addresses training gaps and responds to the legal needs of the CSBG Network.

o Providing T/TA to interpret the CSBG Act and resolve inconsistencies between the CSBG Act and state and tribal CSBG laws and regulations.

o Providing T/TA to address changing legal and regulatory issues that may impact the CSBG Network.

o Increasing knowledge management across the CSBG Network by housing legal T/TA tools and information in a resource library, as specified by OCS.

o Enhancing the general knowledge and understanding of the history of community action, the CSBG Act, the structure of the CSBG Network, and CSBG statutory and regulatory requirements. This focus area is a direct response to the CSBG: The Basics needs category described in the CSBG Needs Assessment Dashboard, which was one of the highest rated T/TA priorities by the CSBG Network.

o Presenting legal T/TA tools and resources during a national CSBG T/TA conference in Washington, DC, during each year of the award.

Improving Organizational Stability and Capacity Building

The Legal T/TA award recipient must focus T/TA efforts on the following:

o Providing T/TA related to organizational stability and capacity by addressing significant fiscal or organizational challenges as well as consultation focused on entities that are considering legal options for strategic restructuring, shared administrative or service arrangements, mergers, or implementation of organizational standards.

o Providing T/TA on incorporating organizational standards in organizational bylaws and modifying organizational procedures and practices to ensure compliance with all standards.

CSBG LEGAL T/TA TIMELINE

The CSBG Legal T/TA cooperative agreement has a 36-month project period that will be separated into two distinct phases, which are outlined below. The deliverables for each phase https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions must be aligned closely with and promote promising practices associated with reduction in poverty and increasing self-sufficiency of individuals, families, and communities with low-income.

Phase One (September 30, 2023–January 31, 2024): Planning and Preparation

During this phase of the cooperative agreement, the award recipient must develop a robust work plan for implementation of T/TA outlined in this NOFO as well as an approach for identifying any additional legal T/TA needs within the Network. OCS will provide a template for a work plan that covers the performance period noted in this NOFO. The work plan will document and track the following:

Identified and detailed project goals, performance measures, and intended outcomes Timelines for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates A clear plan for advancing equity through legal practices and policies that are responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges across the CSBG Network A clear plan for creating partnerships with SMEs with demonstrated experience in providing guidance on legal issues impacting the administration of CSBG and/or community action to advance the CSBG Network

A clear plan for managing planned and ad hoc T/TA requests and activities that are responsive to the legal needs of the CSBG Network

Specifics on how the work will be completed (i.e., individualized one-on-one virtual or in-person T/TA, mass virtual or in-person training, and training materials)

Progress on defined deliverables (i.e., training materials, webinars, manuals)

In Phase One, the award recipient must consider how the T/TA tools and resources created can be beneficial to the entire CSBG Network.

In addition to the work plan, deliverables for Phase One also include the following:

A draft outline of the T/TA tools that will be implemented in Phase Two An updated logic model, as needed An updated Program Performance Evaluation Plan, as needed An engagement plan for integrating territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations into T/TA efforts and documenting the unique legal needs of territories, directly-funded tribes and tribal organizations, CSBG-eligible entities, and state associations within the Network.

A dissemination plan for presenting and socializing the tools with the CSBG Network, through presentations, conferences, webcasts, outreach campaigns, and small group T/TA sessions

Phase Two (February 1, 2024–September 29, 2026): Implementation and Evaluation

During Phase Two, the award recipient will develop, refine, and disseminate T/TA tools and resources for the entire CSBG Network that are focused on administering CSBG, including deliverables such as webinars, training modules, podcasts, presentations, toolkits and/or other learning activities. T/TA tools and resources must include specific deliverables and legal practices and policies focused on ensuring equitable services and positive outcomes for underserved communities and individuals and families with low income. The tools will be distributed among the CSBG Network using the dissemination plan, and then housed in a resource library, as specified by OCS.

Throughout Phase Two, the award recipient must continue to engage in ongoing program performance evaluation to inform semi-annual and final award reports to be delivered to OCS. In the final report, the award recipient must discuss (1) outcomes based on deliverables defined in the work plan, (2) how the effectiveness of the T/TA tools and resources created were measured and evaluated, (3) the development of a body of knowledge, lessons learned, and promising practices that can be replicated for future T/TA deployments, and (4) how the project will promote community-wide, transformative, and sustainable changes beyond the project period noted in this NOFO with regard to legal issues impacting the CSBG Network.

Additionally, during this phase, the award recipient must work closely with OCS staff to refine the work plan, logic model, Program Performance Evaluation Plan, and dissemination plan, as needed.

Deliverables for Phase Two include the following:

Revised work plan, as needed Revised logic model, as needed Revised program performance evaluation plan, as needed Revised dissemination plan, as needed Revised engagement plan, as needed Sustainability Plan describing how T/TA resources will outlive the award and can be adapted for future use by OCS and the CSBG Network Creation of defined T/TAtools Assessment on the return of investment o Semi-annual report (Standard Form(SF)-425) o Final report (SF-425) at the end of the last performance period

Signed Letters of Commitment from SMEs, due by February 1, 2024

CSBG PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The award recipient must provide legal T/TA related to the implementation of organizational standards which are a component of the CSBG Performance Management Framework. The Performance Management Framework – as defined in CSBG-Information Memorandum-152–is in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010. The Performance Management Framework is focused on continuous improvement to strengthen the CSBG Network to meet current challenges, while positioning the CSBG Network for future growth and increased capabilities to achieve family, agency, and community outcomes.

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, OCS introduced Performance, Evaluation, Accountability, Accessibility, and Knowledge to further expand the continuous improvement model of the Performance Management Framework and better describe its components which currently include: performance measurement tools (e.g., the Community Needs Assessment, customer satisfaction survey, organizational standards, Results Oriented Management and Accountability https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-152-annual-report https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-138-state-establishment-organizational-standards-csbg-eligible-entities

[ROMA] Next Generation [NG], and accountability measures), reporting tools (e.g., the CSBG State Plan, the CSBG Annual Report, the CSBG Report to Congress, and the OCS Annual Report), monitoring and oversight, and access to the data to better understand and tell the successes of CSBG.

ADVANCING EQUITY

The award recipient must make equity a focal point, addressing the existing inequities created by the continuing and historical marginalization of underserved communities, as defined in the Definitions (later in this section), and those disproportionately impacted by persistent poverty.

Advancing equity creates opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved and supports historically marginalized individuals and communities in reaching their full potential, which benefits all of society. Award recipients must pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, which will require a demonstrated understanding and vision of equity and inclusion, the identification of the root causes of inequity, including the identification of existing activities and policies that perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities, and the development of a method to support CSBG-eligible entities in strategic planning to address practices and policies that exacerbate inequity. To capture opportunities that lead to increased equity and to identify the actual needs of the community, the award recipient must intentionally include and amplify the voice of community members while collecting information and developing and implementing T/TA tools.

Strategic Partnerships Strong strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of CSBG’s success. Strategic partnerships are integral to achieving CSBG goals, priorities, and outcomes through shared expertise and resources. Collaboration and strategic partnerships across the CSBG Network are essential in addressing needs and overcoming barriers to collaboratively help alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower individuals and families with low income to become self-sufficient.

OCS encourages new and meaningful collaboration and partnerships that will help ensure successful project implementation across the Network. OCS considers these partnerships an essential component to responding to immediate community needs and creating long-term community change.

SMEs SMEs can serve an essential role in accomplishing the major objectives outlined in this NOFO by providing knowledge, technical expertise, analysis, and innovative recommendations that lead to successful outcomes to meet the T/TA needs of the CSBG Network. The award recipient must engage with individuals or organizations with demonstrated experience in providing guidance on legal issues impacting the CSBG Network or community action.

Publications All publications developed or purchased with funds awarded under this NOFO must be consistent with the requirements of CSBG. Pursuant to 45 CFR § 75.322(b), the award recipient owns the copyright for materials that it develops under an award issued pursuant to this NOFO, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-144-state-and-federal-accountability-measures-and-data-collection https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ocs/COMM_CSBG_AT-2022-04%20State%20Plan%20Application_FY2023_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ocs/COMM_CSBG_AT-2022-04%20State%20Plan%20Application_FY2023_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-152-annual-report https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/report/csbg-reports-congress https://ocsannualreport.com/ https://ocsannualreport.com/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR78b08d9c95aad03/section-75.322#p-75.322(b) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use those materials for federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so. In addition, pursuant to 45 CFR § 75.322(d), the federal government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use data produced under this award and has the right to authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for federal purposes, e.g., to make it available in government sponsored databases for use by others. If applicable, the specific scope of ACF rights with respect to a particular award-supported effort will be addressed in the Notice of Award. The award recipient must ensure data and copyright-protected works developed by a subrecipient or contractor also are subject to the federal government’s copyright license and data rights.

IDENTIFICATION OF FEDERAL SUPPORT

Whenever T/TA projects are either entirely or partially supported by CSBG funds, the award recipient must clearly identify the associated activities, services, or resources as part of the CSBG T/TA learning agenda. Furthermore, the award recipient must include the certification statement, as follows:

"This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United State (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance aware totaling $XX with 100 percent funded by OCS/ACF/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, OCS/ACF/HHS or the U.S.

Government. For more information, please visit the ACF website, Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

TRAVEL

The budget for the project must include funding for travel for one key staff member to attend and present at a T/TA conference in Washington, DC, during each year of the award.

SUBAWARDS

Subrecipient(s) must meet the eligibility requirements identified in the NOFO, Section III.1.

Eligible Applicants. Additionally, all subrecipient(s) must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned by the System for Award Management (SAM), if they do not already have one.

Prime recipients are required to check SAM to verify that the subrecipient(s) is/are not debarred, suspended, or ineligible.

Please reference the Award Term and Condition on Subawards on the ACF Administrative and National Policy Requirements website for further requirements involving subawards.

OCS Response to Nationally Declared Emergency If, during the project period, OCS and/or recipients are required to adjust program and/or cooperative agreement requirements due to a nationally declared emergency, OCS will exercise maximum flexibilities as needed. Requirements may be conducted virtually, or timelines may be modified in consultation with OCS.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR78b08d9c95aad03/section-75.322#p-75.322(d) https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements#book_content_14 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to this funding opportunity and applicants are strongly encouraged to review these carefully prior to applying:

Capacity Building–Activities that assist states, state associations, territories, directly-funded tribes and tribal organization, and CSBG-eligible entities to improve or enhance their overall or specific capability to plan, deliver, manage, and evaluate programs efficiently and effectively to produce intended results for low-income individuals. Activities may include, but are not limited to, upgrading internal financial management or computer systems, establishing new external linkages with other organizations, improving board functioning, evaluating program outcomes, implementing leadership development programs, improving knowledge management approaches, adding or refining a program component, replicating techniques or programs piloted in another local community, or making other cost-effective improvements.

Cooperative Agreement–An award instrument of financial assistance used when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding office (the federal government) and the award recipient during performance of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement will include collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in the award and oversight of the progress, goals, and objectives outlined in the project work plan.

CSBG Annual Report–Section 678E(a)(2) of the CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9917(a)(2)) requires each state to prepare and submit to the HHS Secretary an annual report on the measured performance of the state and its CSBG-eligible entities. In accordance with section 678E, the reports must include information that is pertinent and comprehensive, and that describes in detail CSBG activities and services as well as addresses outcomes that measure how CSBG funds were used to promote self-sufficiency, family stability, and community revitalization.

CSBG-Eligible Entities–Over 1,000 local agencies that provide anti-poverty services and advocacy in 99 percent of American counties. Community representation and accountability are hallmarks of the CSBG Network, where agencies are governed by a CSBG Tripartite Board.

CSBG-eligible entities include community action agencies (CAAs), limited purpose agencies, migrant or seasonal farmworker organizations, and tribe or tribal organizations. Approximately 80 percent of these agencies are 501(c)3 non-profits, and 20 percent are public entities, part of a city or county government. CSBG-eligible entities typically run multiple programs in their mission to address the causes and the effects of poverty.

CSBG Lead Agency–The agency designated by the Governor or Chief Executive Officer of a state or territory to submit the official CSBG plan, CSBG Annual Report, monitor the activities of eligible entities, and assure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements for

CSBG.

CSBG Network–The CSBG Network includes OCS, states, territories, directly-funded tribes and tribal organizations, CSBG-eligible entities, state associations, and the CSBG national T/TA providers that plan and implement anti-poverty programs and services on behalf of people with low income. OCS and the CSBG national T/TA providers are also included in the CSBG Network; however, for the purposes of this cooperative agreement, they are not included as direct recipients of the T/TA provided through this cooperative agreement.

CSBG Performance Management Framework–A framework designed to increase accountability across all levels of the CSBG Network (federal, state, and local) and to enable program administrators at all levels to make better data-based decisions. The elements of the framework include: 1) organizational standards for local CSBG-eligible entities, 2) accountability measures, 3) ROMA NG, and 4) the CSBG Annual Report which includes an updated and refined set of CSBG outcome measures.

CSBG State Plan–The CSBG State Plan is a critical document for both state and federal oversight of CSBG. According to section 676(b) of the CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9908(b)), states and territories must prepare and submit a State Plan for CSBG funding. OCS provides funds to CSBG award recipients based on the determination that their State Plan, which also serves as an application, is complete and in accordance with all requirements of the CSBG Act. To qualify for CSBG funding, each CSBG lead agency must prepare and submit a 1- or 2-year state plan application to OCS by September 1 of each year using the OMB-approved form (OMB No.

0970-0492).

CSBG Tripartite Board–The CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9910), requires that private nonprofit CSBG-eligible entities administer CSBG through a tripartite board whose members fully participate in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the CSBG activities.

The tripartite board must be composed as follows: 1) one-third of the board must consist of elected public officials; 2) no fewer than one-third must be persons chosen in accordance with democratic selection procedures adequate to assure that the members are representative of individuals and families with low income in the neighborhood served and, if they represent a specific neighborhood, that they live in that neighborhood; and 3) the remainder must be members or officials of the private groups and interests in the community (business, industry, labor, religious, law enforcement, education, or other major groups and interests).

Equity–The consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Knowledge Management–The process of gathering, classifying, analyzing, and sharing information so that an organization can collectively pursue its objectives efficiently. Components of knowledge management include people, processes, and technology. The process of knowledge management should be supported by an appropriate investment in training and technology.

Promising Practice–A practice with at least preliminary evidence of effectiveness in small-scale interventions or for which there is potential for generating data that will be useful for making decisions about taking the intervention to scale and generalizing the results to diverse populations and settings.

Quality Improvement–A systematic approach to specifying the processes, services, activities, and outcomes of a program through regular data collection and the application of strategies that lead to performance improvements.

State Association –A key part of the T/TA efforts for the CSBG Network, state associations provide member services, coordination, training and often host conferences.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) – A person who is an authority and has specific expertise in a particular area or topic. This authority is demonstrated by the person’s degree, licensure, and/or through years of professional experience with the area or topic.

Technical Assistance (TA)–An activity, generally using the services of an expert aimed at enhancing capacity, improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an intervention to solve specific problems.

Territories–Per the CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9905), Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are territories for the purposes of CSBG. American Samoa is the only territory included in this cooperative agreement. Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are part of the Consolidated Block Grant and will not receive T/TA through this cooperative agreement. For the purposes of CSBG, Puerto Rico is treated as a state rather than a territory.

Training–An educational activity or event that is designed to impart knowledge and understanding or increase the development of skills. Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as workshops, seminars, conferences, or programs of self-instructional activities.

Underserved Communities–Populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civil life

II. Federal Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$400,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$400,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$400,000 Per Budget Period

Average Projected Award Amount:

$400,000 Per Budget Period

Anticipated Project Start Date:

09/30/2023 Length of Project Periods:

36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods

Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' Additional Information on Awards:

Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to the availability of federal funds.

Applications requesting an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period, or per project period, as stated in this section, will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for the first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period. Please see Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Note: For those programs that require matching or cost sharing, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the projected commitment exceeds the required amount of match or cost share. A recipient's failure to provide the required matching amount may result in the disallowance of federal funds.

For more information on these requirements, see Section III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching.

Subsequent year funding will be awarded through non-competing continuation applications. In order to receive continuation funding, award recipients must have demonstrated satisfactory progress in the prior budget period. For the purposes of this NOFO, satisfactory progress is defined as ensuring that proposed programmatic activities are consistent with Section I, Program Description of this NOFO; submitting all programmatic and financial reports, work plan, and deliverables in a timely manner; attending recurring meetings with OCS; and meeting all terms and conditions of the award.

Description of ACF's Anticipated Substantial Involvement Under the Cooperative Agreement Award

OCS will have substantial involvement directly with the award recipient. The responsibility for the management, control, direction, and performance of the project will be shared by OCS and the award recipient. OCS will have the right to intervene (including interruption or modification) in the conduct or performance of project activities if the award recipient does not adhere to the goals, objectives, and requirements as outlined in this NOFO and the signed cooperative agreement. OCS and the award recipient will collaborate on all activities involving the design and direction of T/TA products, training, or any other deliverables.

OCS program involvement will include:

Providing program guidance and input, as appropriate.

Approving all work plans and schedules.

Reviewing and providing feedback on the activities, documentation, procedures, measures, and tools established and implemented for accomplishing the goals of the cooperative agreement throughout the duration of the initiative.

Reviewing, providing feedback, and concurring with activities, procedures, tools, measures, products, and written materials prior to external communication and dissemination on an ongoing basis.

Participating in the analysis of data.

Participating in the selection and approval of analysis mechanisms.

Reviewing and approving each agreement phase before subsequent phases may be started.

Participating in the presentation of T/TA including webinars and one-on-one trainings.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

As prescribed by section 678A(c) of the CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9913(c), eligible applicants are CSBG-eligible entities or statewide or local organizations or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of families and communities with low incomes.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. See Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

Reference to Legal Status See Section IV.2. Legal Status of Applicant Entity for documentation required to support eligibility.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No For all federal awards, any shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must be accepted as part of the recipient’s cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all criteria listed in 45 CFR § 75.306.

For awards that require matching by statute, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards, even if the projected commitment exceeds the amount required by the statutory match. A recipient’s failure to provide the statutorily required matching amount 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, where “cost sharing” refers to any situation in which the recipient voluntarily shares in the costs of a project other than as statutorily required matching, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards. These include situations in which contributions are voluntarily proposed by a recipient or subrecipient and are accepted by ACF. Non-federal cost sharing will be included in the approved project budget so that the recipient will be held accountable for proposed non-federal cost sharing funds as shown in the Notice of Award (NoA). A recipient’s failure to provide voluntary cost sharing of non-federal resources that have been accepted by ACF as part of the approved project costs and that have been shown as part of the approved project 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.

III.3. Other

Application Disqualification Factors Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Award Ceiling Disqualification

Applications that request an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period or per project period ("per project period" refers only to fully funded awards), as stated in Section II. Federal Award Information, will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for the first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period.

Required Electronic Application Submission

ACF requires electronic submission of applications at Grants.gov. Paper applications received from applicants that have not been approved for an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Applicants that do not have an internet connection or sufficient computing capacity to upload large documents to the internet may contact ACF for an exemption that will allow the applicant to submit applications in paper format. Information and the requirements for requesting an exemption from required electronic application submission are found in "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Electronic Application Submission."

Missing the Application Deadline (Late Applications)

The deadline for electronic application submission is 11:59 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Electronic applications submitted to Grants.gov after 11:59 pm ET on the due date, as indicated by a dated and time-stamped email from Grants.gov, will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. That is, applications submitted to Grants.gov, on or after 12:00 am ET on the day after the due date will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf funding opportunity.

Applications submitted to Grants.gov at any time during the open application period, and prior to the due date and time, which fail the Grants.gov validation check, will not be received at, or acknowledged by ACF.

Each time an application is submitted via Grants.gov, the submission will generate a new date and time-stamp email notification. Only those applications with on-time date and time stamps that result in a validated application, which is transmitted to ACF will be acknowledged.

The deadline for receipt of paper applications is 4:30 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications received after 4:30 pm ET on the due date will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. Paper applications received from applicants that have not received approval of an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Notification of Application Disqualification Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by email or by USPS postal mail within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this NOFO.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

Charisse Johnson Administration for Children and Families OCS Operations Center c/o F2 Solutions 1401 Mercantile Lane

FON: HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0003

Largo

MD

20774 1-855-792-6551 OCSgrants@acf.hhs.gov Application Packages

Electronic Application Submission:

The electronic application submission package is available in the NOFO's listing at Grants.gov.

Applications in Paper Format:

For applicants that have received an exemption to submit applications in paper format, Standard Forms (SFs), assurances, and certifications are available in the "Select Grant Opportunity Package" available in the NOFO's Grants.gov Synopsis under the Package tab at Grants.gov. See

Section IV.2. Request an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission if applicants do not have an Internet connection or sufficient computing capacity to upload large documents (files) to Grants.gov.

Federal Relay Service:

Hearing-impaired and speech-impaired callers may contact the Federal Relay Service (FedRelay) for assistance at www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

FORMATTING APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS

Each applicant applying electronically via Grants.gov is required to upload only two electronic files, excluding SFs and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved forms. No more than two files will be accepted for the review, and additional files will be removed. SFs and OMB-approved forms will not be considered additional files.

FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) AOR is the designated representative of the applicant/recipient organization with authority to act on the organization’s behalf in matters related to the award and administration of grants. In signing a grant application, this individual agrees that the organization will assume the obligations imposed by applicable Federal statutes and regulations and other terms and conditions of the award, including any assurances, if a grant is awarded.

Point of Contact In addition to the AOR, a point of contact on matters involving the application must also be identified. The point of contact, known as the Project Director or Principal Investigator, should not be identical to the person identified as the AOR. The point of contact must be available to answer any questions pertaining to the application.

Application Checklist Applicants may refer to Section VIII. Other Information for a checklist of application requirements that may be used in developing and organizing application materials.

Accepted Font Style Applications must be in Times New Roman (TNR), 12-point font, except for footnotes, which may be TNR 10-point font. Pages that contain blurred text, or text that is too small to read comfortably, will be removed.

English Language Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of United States (U.S.) dollars. If applications are submitted using another currency, ACF will convert the foreign currency to U.S. currency using the date of receipt of the application to determine the http://www.gsa.gov/fedrelay rate of exchange.

Page Limitations Applicants must observe the page limitation(s) listed under "PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:." Page limitation(s) do not include SFs and OMB-approved forms.

All applications must be double-spaced. An application that exceeds the cited page limitation for double-spaced pages in the Project Description file or the Appendices file will have extra pages removed, and those pages will not be reviewed.

Application Elements Exempted from Double-Spacing Requirements The following elements of the application submission are exempt from the double-spacing requirements and may be single-spaced: the table of contents, the one-page Project Summary, required Assurances and Certifications, required SFs, required OMB-approved forms, resumes, logic models, proof of legal status/non-profit status, third-party agreements, letters of support, footnotes, tables, the line-item…