Foa_Content_of_HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0062 (1).pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Tribal Elder Justice Innovation Grant (TEJIG)

HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0062

09/05/2023

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Project Narrative

Summary/Abstract

Problem Statement

Goals and Objectives

Proposed Intervention

Special Target Populations and Organizations

Outcomes

Project Management

Evaluation

Dissemination

Organizational Capability

Budget Narrative/Justification

Work Plan

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Administration on Aging Funding Opportunity Title:

Tribal Elder Justice Innovation Grant (TEJIG) Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0062

Primary CFDA Number:

93.747 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

Date will be generated on synopsis publication Due Date for Applications:

09/05/2023 Date for Informational Conference Call:

07/27/2023 Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3-5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with https://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary https://www.grants.gov/

With this funding opportunity, the Office of American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Program, OAIANNHP, is proposing to award four (4) new cooperative agreements for a 2- year grant period to fund, four (4) elder justice grants under the Tribal Elder Justice and Innovation Program (TEJIG).

The purpose of this opportunity is to enhance and improve the provision of tribal elder justice and Adult Protective Services (APS), by tribal governments and/or tribal organizations. The TEJIG will assist tribes in identifying the needs of their communities related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention and response, carrying out activities to respond to and address abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and facilitating the development of multidisciplinary elder justice activities to prevent, respond to, or address abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Additionally, it is expected that each grantee will collaborate with at least one (1) ACL national resource center and/or the aging network in its effort to improve gathering information and resources focusing on the field of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Indian Country.

1. The definitions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are taken form the Older Americans Act (OAA), Section 102:

a. The term “abuse” means the willful—(A) infliction of injury; unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish; or

b. Deprivation by a person, including a caregiver, of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness (paragraph 18(A))

c. The term “exploitation” means the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act or process of an individual, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an older individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an older individual or rightful accessto, or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets (paragraph 38).

d. The term “neglect” means –(A) the failure of a caregiver (as defined in paragraph (18)(B) or fiduciary to provide the goods or services that necessary to maintain the health or safety of an older individual; or (B) self-neglect.

Through this funding opportunity announcement, the award will be administered as four (4) cooperative agreement at a federal funding level of $742,500. Each award will be funded between $150,000 – $186,625 for 2 years (24 months), based on availability of federal funds for each project year.

ACL will host an informational conference call in relation to this NOFO, the call will be recorded and made available to the public immediately following the call.

July 27, 2023, from 3-4pm ET.

The dial-in information is below:

Call in information to be announced.

Please direct any questions about the programmatic goals and objectives of this NOFO to Sonya.Begay@acl.hhs.gov mailto:Sonya.Begay@acl.hhs.gov

I. Funding Opportunity Description

BACKGROUND

With the steady increase of the older American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) population there has been a significant need for tribal communities to improve and enhance the provisions of elder justice and APS for elders. As a result, the AI/AN/NH population has a significant and growing need for APS services for the elderly. There are no national studies on elder abuse within Indian Country, and only a few Tribal specific studies conducted. The outcomes have resulted in an incomplete understanding of the causes, consequences, and the prevention/intervention activities for Tribal elders. [1] The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) specified that the extent of elder abuse in Indian Country is unknown due to under reporting. The national rates for the non-native populations estimate that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse, neglect, and exploitation. [2]

Tribal elder abuse programs and/or resources are limited and lack in available incidental data with few studies on the effects of elder abuse within Indian Country. While abuse occurs everywhere, inclusive of tribal communities, there is difficulty estimating the number of tribal elders that experience abuse due to the reluctance of victims to speak up and the surmounting difficulties in distinguishing what constitutes the term “abuse.” [3]

While elder justice national data is limited, AI/AN/NH elder justice data is absent and increase of cases of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Findings on physical elder abuse has indicated that 9 percent of men and 5 percent of women reported experiencing physical violence, and men reported 12 percent of emotional abuse and 18 percent of women reported emotional abuse in the early 2000s. This compilation of data suggests that AI/AN/NH elders are victimized by abuse, neglect, and exploitation. A 2020 survey indicated that 79 percent of Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI grantees provide elder abuse prevention or intervention services. The most common activity specified that 51 percent of Title VI grantees engage in community education and training or public awareness. [4]

Despite the prevalence of tribal elder abuse, elder protection codes and APS programs within Indian Country vary widely, and many tribes have neither. Additional social supports, outside of family, for elders experiencing abuse, neglect, and exploitation are a critical need in Indian Country. In response, the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill provided, for the first time, $15 million in discretionary funding, of which up to 5 percent was authorized to be used to develop or enhance APS systems to address abuse, neglect and exploitation in Tribal communities.

Programs awarded under this opportunity will provide elder justice and APS services to current ACL Title VI grantees, tribal governments and/or tribal organizations. These grantees are expected to assist tribes in identifying the needs of their communities related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention and response, carrying out activities to respond to and address abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and facilitating the development of multidisciplinary elder justice activities to prevent, respond to, or address abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Anticipated goals and objectives consistent with the purpose of the statute include but are not limited to:

Working with tribal APS efforts, such as conducting demonstration on tribal APS partnerships to better service tribal elders who experience all cultural facets of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and facilitate the development of multidisciplinary elder justice activities to prevent, respond to or address abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Address the occurrence of elder abuse in tribal communities to determine the lack of culturally appropriate information and community educational materials on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Gather and distribute information on strengthening existing or new tribal codes which will address and detect elder maltreatment within Indian Country.

Collaboration with other entities (state and/or tribal organizations) for the purpose of specifying trends, challenges and barriers and enhancing better responses to elder abuse victims or cases.

Develop training modules to detect or prevent the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elders within Indian Country.

Engage and collaborate with at least one (1) ACL national resource center and/or aging network organization to gather information and resources focusing on the field of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation within Indian Country.

Applicants should clearly identify what the need is within their proposal and provide a justification for the prioritization of that need and the corresponding activity they propose to undertake. Applicants should also identify the duration, frequency, and level of effort they anticipate conducting the proposed activities and the corresponding performance metrics.

[1] U.S. Administration on Aging. (2005). Elder Abuse Issues in Indian Country. Washington, DC: Office of the American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Programs

(OAIANNHP).

[2] National Indian Council of Aging. (2018). Elder Abuse Facts. Retrieved from https://NICOA.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice-facts/

[3] USAing. National Survey of Title VI Programs 2020 Report: Serving Tribal Elders Across the United States.

[4] USAging. National Survey of Title VI Programs 2020: Serving Tribal Elders Across the United States.

Statutory Authority Elder Justice Act Section 2042(b) of Title XX of the Social Security Act [Pub. L. 74-271] [As Amended Through Pub. L. 115-123, Enacted February 9, 2018], Pub. L. 117-328, and Title VII, Section 751 of the Older Americans Act (OAA) (42U.S.C. 3032), as amended in 2020 (P.L. 116- 131)

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$742,500 Expected Number of Awards:

https://NICOA.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice-facts/

Award Ceiling:

$185,625 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$150,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

24-month project period with two 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' The Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging will award four (4) cooperative agreements subject to available funding, to operate a TEJIG.

Awards issued under this opportunity are subject to terms provided for in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977-(p.I. 95-25-224). The Cooperative Agreement provides for the substantial involvement and collaboration of ACL/AoA in activities that the recipient organizations will carry out in accordance with the provisions of the approved award.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as it stays within the original confines of the proposed project description. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments.

The grantee agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

1. Fulfill all requirements of the grant initiation as outlined in this funding opportunity announcement, as well as carryout project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded,

2. Required to communicate closely with the AoA project officer to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement,

3. Required to collaborate with the AoA in the execution of the work plan and understanding the programmatic issues related to the program,

4. Evaluate the impact of activities carried out under this program, and provide recommendation on ways to enhance the efforts, and

5. Participate in monthly calls with the project officer.

Electronically submit to the ACL/AoA project officer a final, clean copy of all materials developed with support from these grant funds, in the format in which it was developed or produced, as provided for in the HHS Grants Policy Statement http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf), and referenced in the Notice of Award. The HHS Grants Policy Statement defines “data” as:

“recorded information, regardless of the form or media on which it may be recorded, and includes writings, films, sound recordings, pictorial, drawings, designs or other graphic representations, procedural annuals, forms, diagrams, work flow charts, equipment descriptions, data files, data processing or computer programs (software), statistical records, and other http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf research data” (p.11-69, Footnote 18): and include the following disclaimer on all projects produced using this grant funding:

“This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $ XX with XX percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”

The ACL/AoA project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

1. Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing a grant initiative and work with the grantee to ensure that the minimum requirements for the grant are met.

2. Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the grantee project, and, as necessary, negotiated with grantee to achieve a mutually agreed,

3. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the strategic goals and objectives policy perspectives, and priorities of ACL/AoA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and about other federally-sponsored projects and activities relevant to activities funded under this announcement,

4. Provide technical advice to the grantee on the provision of technical support and associated tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant;

5. Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate, and

6. Communicate with the grantee project director monthly in the first year of the grantee;

and quarterly in subsequent years after the grantee has demonstrated that tasked identified in the work plan are being completed with the required time frame.

Request to modify or amend this cooperative agreement may be made by either party at any time during the grant cycle. Additionally, any modifications and/or amendments shall be effective upon the mutual agreement of both the awarding agency and the grantee.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

For FY 2023 the below guidance is provided to advance the Administration’s policy, as stated in E.O. 13985, to “pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” This guidance is intended to begin to address inequities in HHS programs, processes, and policies that may serve as barriers to equal opportunity. By advancing equity in our NOFOs, we can “create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.”

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Additional Information on Eligibility: Current AoA Title VI grantees are eligible

Urban tribes are not eligible to receive funding under this program. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients are not expected to provide cost sharing or matching. However, recipients are allowed to voluntarily propose a commitment of non-federal resources. If an applicant decides to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources towards project costs and the costs are accepted by ACL, the non-federal resources will be included in the approved project budget. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to meet the voluntary amount of non-federal resources that was accepted by ACL as part of the approved project costs and that was identified in the approved budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

Application Responsiveness Criteria “Applications that fail to meet the responsiveness criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration.”

Identify projected outcome(s) for the program, Demonstrate partnerships and collaborations to address program objectives, Demonstrate experience in working with AI/AN communities in the field of Elder Justice

Prevention/Intervention, and Letters of commitment should be on letterhead of the committing entity, details the specific role and resources/activities that will be provided in support of the applicant’s project.

Application Screening Criteria “Applications that do not meet the above responsiveness criteria will be administratively eliminated and will NOT be reviewed.”

"All applications will be screened to assure a level playing field for all applicants. Applications that fail to meet the three screening criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration.

In order for an application to be reviewed, it must meet the following screening requirements:

1. Applications must be submitted electronically via https://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, by the due date listed in section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times.

2. The Project Narrative section of the Application must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 30 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 30 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 30 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. NOTE: The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 30 page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide a https://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the application deadline."

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application materials can be obtained from https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants.

Please note, ACL requires applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov in Workspace. Grants.gov Workspace is the standard way for organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

All applicants must have a UEI and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.sam.gov/ award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

3. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

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

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

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide.

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

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from https://www.grants.gov that contains https://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from https://www.grants.gov.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov

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

Administration on Aging

Sonya A. Begay

(202) 205-9769

Sonya.Begay@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Due Date for Letter Of Intent 07/27/2023

Date will be generated on synopsis publication Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Sonya A. Begay

Sonya.Begay@acl.hhs.gov

(202) 205-9769

Project Narrative

The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 30 pages; 30 pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed 30 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 30 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration.

The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 30 page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit. A new requirement for all Project Narratives is a section that explains the equity experience of the project team.

The sample components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 30 page limit include:

Summary/Abstract mailto:Sonya.Begay@acl.hhs.gov

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

Summary/Abstract

This section should include a brief (265 words maximum) description of the proposed project, including: goal(s), objectives, outcomes, and products to be developed. Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the “Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract.”

Problem Statement

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the particular problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project will potentially affect older adults and /or people with disabilities, their families and caregivers and the health care and social services systems.

Goals and Objectives

This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

The project goal should effectively state and address the major objective that supports the project. It will align the outcomes and objectives that are proposed to demonstrate the proposed project relevant toward the achievement of the long-term community goal.

The objective will effectively describe a tangible achievement in a measurable manner.

Proposed Intervention

This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the “Problem Statement”. You should also describe the rationale for using the particular intervention, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country; factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

Special Target Populations and Organizations

This section should describe how you plan to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. This section should also describe whether, and if so, how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations, those of greatest economic need and those of greatest social need. Applicants should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.

Please describe how you plan to reach underserved/under-resourced communities including but not limited to individuals who are Black, Latino, and 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 (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; and persons who live in rural areas.

Outcomes

This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. (NOTE: ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes). This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation to address the same or similar problems.) List measurable outcomes in the optional work plan grid (“Project Work Plan – Sample Template”) under “Measurable Outcomes” in addition to any discussion included in the narrative along with a description of how the project might benefit the field at large.

A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits consumers. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior.) It can also describe a change in the degree to which consumers exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered. Additional examples include: a change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system; a new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. It is totally appropriate for a project to have only ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design.

The expected outcome(s) will develop capacity in Title VI programs around elder justice issues. It will serve as a framework and foundation for developing a comprehensive strategic guide for tribal elder justice efforts. This coordinated effort and approach will raise awareness on elder justice, prevention, detection and response to tribal elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Indian Country.

It will support Title VI grantees, tribes, tribal organizations, and other entities working with AI/AN/NH, through technical assistance and training in the planning and development of elder abuse and neglect prevention, and intervention activities including-restorative justice, tribal codes, training materials, establishing multidisciplinary teams, and other emerging issues related to elder abuse prevention in Indian Country.

Best practices in elder abuse prevention will be identified within Indian Country, as measured by tribal elder abuse prevention resources developed and disseminated, including templates used to develop tribal elder abuse codes, and policies and procedures that tribes can adapt for their own use.

Project Management

This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project; monitoring the project’s on-going progress, (i.e., measure of performance towards the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities) preparation of reports; communications with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Evaluation

This section should describe the specific outcomes (e.g., changes in clients, organizations, and/or communities) expected as a result of this funding as well as method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s), and 2) document the “lessons learned” – both positive and negative -from the project that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful.

Dissemination

This section should describe the method that will be used to disseminate the project’s results and findings in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats, to parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy-making, including and especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project.

Organizational Capability

Each application should include an organizational capability statement and vitae for key project personnel. The organizational capability statement should describe how the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses. It should also include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended.

This description should cover capabilities of the applicant agency not included in the program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience and/or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products. If appropriate, include an organization chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization.

Please attach short vitae for key project staff only. Neither vitas nor an organizational chart will count towards the narrative page limit. Also include information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals.

Budget Narrative/Justification

The Budget Narrative/Justification can be provided using the format included in the document, “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format.” Applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to this document, which provides an example of the level of detail sought. A combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification, as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding is required.

Work Plan

The Project Work Plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and Budget. It should include a statement of the project’s overall goal, anticipated outcome(s), key objectives, and the major tasks / action steps that will be pursued to achieve the goal and outcome(s). For each major task / action step, the work plan should identify timeframes involved (including start-and end-dates), and the lead person responsible for completing the task. Please use the “Project Work Plan - Sample Template” format as a reference and resource, if desired.

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

Include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies in this part of the application. Any organization that is specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments. Applicants unable to scan the signed letters of commitment may fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at 202-357-3467 by the application submission deadline. In your fax, be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency name.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) http://www.grants.gov/

The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

All applicants must have a UEI number and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration.

This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

3. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

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

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

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide. Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM.

Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from https://www.grants.gov that contains https://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from https://www.grants.gov.

4. Submission Dates and Times

09/05/2023 Date for Informational Conference Call:

07/27/2023 Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3-5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with http://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and (2) register yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov web page: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only)

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, please contact the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII of this notice and provide a written explanation of https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=a05adbae1b59f8982fe5ed7ae54bcbba https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. ACL will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.

Note: We will not consider your application for further review if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the application deadline or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

If for any reason (including submitting to the wrong funding opportunity number or making corrections/updates) an application is submitted more than once prior to the application due date, ACL will only accept your last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, prior to the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from http://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an http://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the cut off date.

Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) will automatically send applicants a tracking number and date of receipt verification electronically once the application has been successfully received and validated in http://www.grants.gov.

5. Intergovernmental Review

This program is not subject to Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

6. Funding Restrictions

The following activities are not fundable:

Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings Basic research (e.g. scientific or medical experiments) Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches

Note: A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has raised considerable concerns about grantees and contractors charging the Federal Government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. Executive Orders on Promoting Efficient Spending (E.O. 13589) and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government (E.O. 13576) have been issued and instruct Federal agencies to promote efficient spending. Therefore, if meals are to be charged in your proposal, applicants should understand such costs must meet the following criteria outlined in the Executive Orders and HHS Grants Policy Statement:

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

o For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program);

o Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children’s services (e.g. Head Start);

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ o When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement, o As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel; and o Under a conference grant, when meals are necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meal costs are not duplicated in participants' per diem or subsistence allowances. (Note: conference grant means the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference.)

The following updated sections 2 CFR 200.216 “Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment” became effective on or after August 13, 2020.

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