Foa_Content_of_HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0049Published.pdf

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Community Services

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management Alignment Training and Technical Assistance (PMATTA)

HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0049

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) Performance Management Alignment Training and Technical Assistance (PMATTA) Announcement Type:

Initial Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2023-ACF-OCS-ET-0049

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 the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management Alignment Training and Technical Assistance

(PMATTA).

The training and technical assistance (T/TA) provided through this cooperative agreement will be largely based on the CSBG T/TA Needs Assessment conducted by OCS. Types of T/TA may include individualized one-on-one, virtual, and in-person T/TA; large group T/TA, including virtual or in-person trainings, demos, webinars, conference sessions, etc., and the development and dissemination of training materials (e.g., resource guides, desk aids, recorded instructions, pre-recorded trainings, etc.)

The award recipient will support OCS in the following five main areas:

1. Providing targeted and effective training and technical assistance to the CSBG Network (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Network’[1]) — states, territories[2], direct-funded tribes and tribal organizations, CSBG-eligible entities, and state associations—to meet the requirements of CSBG administration; build capacity and support the Network’s data collection, processing, validation, verification, formatting, and submission; data interpretation and analysis at the state- and local-level; utilizing data to support the development, implementation, and modification of programs, policies, and procedures;

and data messaging.

2. Providing targeted one-on-one, needs-based technical assistance to enhance the knowledge and implementation of CSBG administrative requirements for a variety of functions which include, but are not limited to, preparing and submitting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved reports to OCS, data validation, reporting, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions and messaging for CSBG-funded award recipients aligned with the CSBG T/TA Needs Assessment conducted by OCS.

3. Supporting the socialization and implementation of recent and future enhancements and revisions to the Performance Management Framework, including revisions to reporting requirements/forms, system modifications, and the implementation of new systems.

4. Developing operable, error-free SmartForms (or similar tool) as scheduled by the OCS to promote timely, accurate and complete CSBG annual reporting.

5. Analyzing and aggregating data for needs identified by the OCS. Potential examples of need include analyses to support CSBG’s development of its annual report to Congress and creation of fact sheets.

The award recipient under this cooperative agreement will work with OCS, ACF data, research, and evaluation experts; other CSBG T/TA providers; and data management subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide T/TA across the CSBG Network that enhances CSBG data quality, data validity, data equity, and data messaging.

[1] OCS and 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 the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands are recognized as territories, while the 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. The top three goals are outlined below.

Award recipients must ensure that these priorities 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-incomes 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-incomes 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 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 families and individuals 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; and upstream services aimed at creating pathways out of poverty.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ALIGNMENT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE (PMATTA) PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to support CSBG award recipients and CSBG-eligible entities with the successful administration of CSBG as it pertains to performance management. As specified in the CSBG Act, all CSBG award recipients must participate in a performance management system and report on performance as well as account for expenditure of funds received through CSBG. The award recipient will collaborate with OCS to provide enhanced T/TA to the CSBG Network to improve the administration of CSBG and better document the successes through enhanced data quality, data validity, data equity, and data messaging, which will ultimately result in higher quality CSBG State Plans and state CSBG Annual Reports.

The plan for CSBG activities supported through this cooperative agreement must be informed by existing data, including the data available on the CSBG T/TA Needs Assessment Dashboard.

The key focus for this NOFO is the advancement of the CSBG Network through ongoing T/TA to include creating materials (webinars, toolkits, one-pagers, etc.) that address the following T/TA topics:

Collection, analysis, and sharing of data, including collecting demographic data to identify high priority populations and their service needs; analyzing outcomes; tracking the progress toward outcomes to ensure robust results; and create data messaging tools and resources. This includes improving data quality to ensure accuracy, consistency, reliability, and timeliness of collecting and reporting data.

CSBG data messaging, including how to demonstrate the impact of collective efforts, report achieved outcomes, and highlight CSBG success stories to internal and external stakeholders by effectively using CSBG data to communicate compelling stories.

Identifying, implementing, and sharing promising practices and results-driven strategies, including understanding current innovative programs/projects using CSBG resources and/or leveraging other public/private resources.

Mandatory CSBG reporting requirements, including the purpose and use of the State Plan, Annual Report, Accountability Measures, and the National Performance Indicators (NPIs). This also includes using NPIs to demonstrate the impact of programs and activities.

Promising practices for developing and implementing the CSBG State Plan, including meeting the OCS submission timeline and promising practices for engaging local agencies in state planning.

Promising practices for developing the Annual Report, including meeting the OCS and state submission timelines.

Understanding and implementing the concepts of Performance Management, including the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Next Generation (NG) cycle, using output and outcome indicators to track progress towards achieving goals, and promoting continuous improvement of performance management.

Developing comprehensive and effective state CSBG policies and procedures, including bylaws and other governing documents that support CSBG performance goals.

Tripartite board, including the rules and guidance for tripartite boards, structure/composition, selection procedures (e.g., recruiting, selecting, and replacing board members) the roles and responsibilities of board members, training to support active community input through tripartite boards, and ongoing capacity building for a tripartite board to fulfill its functions at the highest level while also benefitting the eligible entity and the community.

PMATTA TIMELINE

The PMATTA has a 36-month project period that will be separated into two distinct phases, which are outlined below. The deliverables for each phase should 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 will develop a robust work plan for implementation of T/TA based on exemplary practice models that best address the identified needs of the CSBG Network. OCS will provide a template for the 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 The award recipient’s plan for advancing equity through improved data collection and improved state policy and procedures for the administration of CSBG The award recipient’s plan for creating partnerships with SMEs with demonstrated experience in performance management – including improved data collection, data validity, data equity, and data quality – in accordance with data industry standards

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)

The award recipient must include drafted outlines of the T/TA tools to be implemented in Phase Two, and a dissemination plan for presenting the tools to the CSBG Network, through presentations, conferences, webcasts, outreach campaigns, and small group T/TA sessions.

Additionally, in Phase One, the award recipient must consider reporting and submission requirements and tools needed to successfully meet CSBG reporting requirements based on existing data collection and performance management systems used by state and territory CSBG lead agencies and CSBG-eligible entities.

The award recipient must consider how the tools created can be beneficial to the entire CSBG Network.

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

Logic model for the project Program performance evaluation plan Dissemination plan Plan for partnerships with SMEs and stakeholders

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 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 should include specific deliverables 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.

The award recipient must work with OCS to meet all annual reporting requirements on-time, including the submission of the CSBG Annual Report by state and territory CSBG lead agencies and CSBG-eligible entities and developing data tables to support OCS’s drafting of the CSBG Report to Congress.

Throughout Phase Two, the award recipient must engage in ongoing assessments to inform semi-annual and final award reports to be delivered to OCS. In the final report, the award recipient will 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 in performance management to promote the continuous improvement of CSBG data quality, data validity, data equity, and data messaging beyond the performance period noted in this NOFO.

Additionally, during this phase, the award recipient must work closely with OCS staff to refine the work plan, logic model, proposed performance evaluation plan, and dissemination plan, as needed.

Deliverables for this phase include:

Revised work plan, as needed Revised logic model, as needed Revised program performance evaluation plan, as needed Revised dissemination 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 and release of tools used to submit the CSBG Annual Report, such as

SmartForms, no later than 30 days before the start of each FY Full quality assurance review of CSBG Annual Report data within 45 days of receipt of preliminary data Draft of the CSBG Report to Congress within 60 days of receipt of the final data for each defined FY Assessment on the return of investment o Semi-annual report (SF-425) o Final report (SF-425) at the end of the last performance period

Signed Letters of Commitment from SMEs Creation of defined T/TA tools

CSBG PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The award recipient must provide T/TA to improve data collection, processing, validation, verification, formatting, and submission; data interpretation and analysis at the state- and local-level; utilizing data to support the development, implementation, and modification of programs, policies, and procedures; and communicating the impact of CSBG-funded programs, including how to effectively message results and enhance the communication and storytelling efforts of the CSBG Network. The Performance Management Framework – as defined in CSBG-Information Memorandum (IM)-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 FY 2023, OCS introduced PEAAK — Performance, Evaluation, Accountability, Accessibility, and Knowledge — to further expand the continuous improvement model of the Performance Management Framework and better describe its components that currently include:

performance measurement tools (e.g., the Community Needs Assessment (CNA), customer satisfaction survey, organizational standards, Results Oriented Management and Accountability [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. Ultimately, PEAAK is focused on ensuring the quality of the data reported by CSBG award recipients to OCS meets the domains and definitions of data quality as defined in the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (FCSM) Data Quality Framework to include the following:

Utility: refers to the extent to which information is well-targeted to identified and anticipated needs. It reflects the usefulness of the information to the intended users.

Objectivity: refers to whether information is accurate, reliable, and unbiased, and is presented in an accurate, clear, and unbiased manner.

Integrity: refers to the maintenance of rigorous scientific standards and the protection of information from manipulation or influence as well as unauthorized access or revision.

CSBG T/TA NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

In FY 2022, OCS invited the CSBG Network to complete the online CSBG T/TA Needs Assessment Survey. The survey’s goals were to elicit feedback, identify CSBG award recipient’s top T/TA priorities, and inform and strengthen OCS-funded T/TA to ensure that OCS is meeting the T/TA needs of the CSBG Network. Over 900 individuals responded to the survey. The survey results helped inform OCS’ T/TA Learning Agenda for the FY 2023 CSBG discretionary awards and contracts, including this cooperative agreement. Feedback on the needs of the CSBG Network, allows OCS to ensure that the T/TA we provide is effective, proactive, continuous/ongoing, and innovative. It also helps to ensure we can make a substantial difference in the lives of the individuals, children, families, and communities the CSBG Network serves.

OCS published the results of the survey in a publicly accessible dashboard: CSBG Needs Assessment Dashboard (FY22).

Based on feedback from the CSBG T/TA Needs Assessment dashboard, OCS identified the T/TA priority to support the continuous improvement and alignment of the CSBG Performance Management Framework and provide T/TA across the CSBG Network that enhances CSBG data quality, data validity, data equity, and data messaging.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-152-annual-report 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 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.fcsm.gov/resources/data-quality-subcommittee/

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 incomes 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.

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (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. The award recipient must engage with individuals or organizations with demonstrated experience in national industry standards for improvement of performance management–including data collection, data validity, data quality, and data messaging.

PUBLICATIONS

All publications developed or purchased with funds awarded under this notice 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 notice, and the 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, 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 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 cooperative agreement. The award recipient will be responsible for ensuring that data and copyright-protected works developed by a subrecipient also are subject to the federal government’s copyright license and data rights.

CURRENT CSBG REPORTING TIMELINE

CSBG mandatory award recipients are required to submit an annual or biennial application and plan detailing how they intend to administer CSBG prior to receiving federal funds each FY.

CSBG mandatory award recipients are also required to submit an annual report detailing how they administered CSBG, including state administration of CSBG; use of funds at the state and local levels; and services provided, outcomes achieved, and characteristics of clients served at the local level. CSBG award recipients meet the application and plan requirement by submitting the OMB-approved CSBG State Plan (OMB 0970-0492) by September 1 of each year. CSBG award recipients meet the annual report requirement by submitting the OMB-approved state CSBG Annual Report (OMB 0970-0382) by March 31 following each FY.

ACF ONLINE DATA AND GRANT SYSTEMS

ACF implemented the use of GrantSolutions for a diverse array of discretionary and mandatory award, including the submission of the CSBG State Plan and the state CSBG Annual Report.

OCS will continue to use ACF online platforms over the next 3 years to produce timely, accurate, and consistent performance data for the CSBG Network. It is imperative that the award recipient collaborates with OCS to ensure timely submission of the state CSBG Annual Report through ACF online platforms. The award recipient must also be prepared to adjust for any possible changes to ACF online platforms.

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.

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.grantsolutions.gov https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements

SUBAWARDS

Award recipients under this program may opt to transfer a portion of their substantive programmatic work to other organizations through subaward(s). The prime award recipient must maintain a substantive role in the project. ACF defines a substantive role as conducting activities and/or providing services funded under the award that are necessary and integral to the completion of the project. Subrecipient monitoring activities alone as specified in 45 CFR §

75.352 do not constitute a substantive role. Furthermore, ACF does not fund awards where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

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 (UEI) Identifier 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.

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 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements#book_content_14 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. Currently, a states’ submission of the information survey referenced earlier in this section under Current CSBG Annual Reporting Systems fulfills the CSBG annual report requirement.

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 tripartite board. This board structure consists of 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. The agency can be a state or territory.

CSBG Network–The CSBG Network includes OCS, states, territories, direct-funded tribes and tribal organizations, CSBG-eligible entities, state associations, and 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 NOFO, they are not included as direct recipients of the T/TA provided.

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) Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Next Generation (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) not 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).

Data Equity–Refers to the consideration, through an equity lens, of the ways in which data is collected, analyzed, interpreted, and distributed.

Data Messaging–Communicating CSBG performance outputs, outcomes, and/or impact.

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.

Exemplary Practice Model–An innovative and consistently applied policy, process, practice, or procedure that takes a comprehensive approach to developing and implementing activities using strategies that are related to the intended service recipients and community. This practice model is culturally competent, data-driven, measurable, and replicable and incorporates a method for documenting programmatic results.

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.

Performance Management Framework–Includes 1) organizational standards for local CSBG eligible entities, 2) accountability measures for states and OCS, 3) Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Next Generation, and 4) the CSBG Annual Report which includes an updated and refined set of CSBG outcome measures. These elements are designed to increase accountability across all three levels of the network (federal, state, and local) and to enable program administrators at all levels to make better program decisions based on data.

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.

Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Next Generation (NG)–A performance-management approach designed for use in assessing the impact of anti-poverty efforts carried out by CSBG-eligible entities receiving CSBG funds. The ROMA cycle of performance management includes high-quality needs assessments; community CSBG plans that use evidence-informed service approaches targeted to the highest priority needs, setting challenging outcome goals; and documentation and analysis of progress and results according to a consistent set of criteria.

State Associations–A key part of the T/TA efforts for the CSBG Network, state associations provide member services, coordination, training and often host conferences. One association in each region is designated as the lead agency (the Regional Performance and Innovation Consortia) to coordinate communication and training in their ACF region, including sub-awarding funds to the other state associations.

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.

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.

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.

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:

$750,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$750,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$750,000 Per Budget Period

Average Projected Award Amount:

$750,000 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.

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

The responsibility for the management, control, direction, or 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 and objectives 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 may 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 data analysis–including methods and tools.

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

Reviewing and/or participating T/TA activities, 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 low-income families and communities.

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.