Foa_Content_of_HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-IELT-0046.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Tribal Long Term Service and Support National Resource Center

HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-IELT-0046

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 Long Term Service and Support National Resource Center Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2023-ACL-AOA-IELT-0046

Primary CFDA Number:

93.047 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

06/03/2023 Due Date for Applications:

Date for Informational Conference Call:

06/15/2023 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

With this funding opportunity announcement, the Office of American Indian, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiian Program (OAIANNHP) is proposing to award one new cooperative https://www.grants.gov/ agreement for a 5-year grant period to fund a National Resource Center on "American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Long Term Services and Support”, (NRCAIANNHLTSS).

The new resource center will address the unmet needs of tribal-specific and culturally appropriate LTSS information and guidance to tribes and tribal communities.

The proposed outcomes of the program will be to; 1) to create a network of navigators through recruitment and training that will assist tribes in the development of appropriate LTSS in response to identified, tribe-specific needs; and 2) based on documented best practices, the resource center will develop a practical hands on toolkit for tribes to assist in implementing LTSS in their individual tribal communities. The NRC will also target its services to the 290 tribes that receive Title VI grants under the OAIANNHP, have publicly available resources that are accessible to all tribes and organizations that work with the American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian populations. The NRC will also focus on improving the lives of those served by ACL, by supporting the development of tribal-specific LTSS that assist older adults and people with disabilities while empowering tribes to develop programs that are integrated into their unique culture.

This award will be administered as (1) cooperative agreement at a federal funding level of $250,000 per year, for 5 years (60 months), based on availability of federal funds for each project year.

Eligible Applicants:

City or township governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education State governments Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education County governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility:

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. Faith-based and community organizations that meet one of the eligibility requirements listed are also eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

In 1993 the National Indian Aging Agenda for the Future stated that "long term care is the single most critical issue facing American Indian elders in the 1990s. Federally funded long term care is virtually nonexistent in Indian Country. The need of Indian elders for long term care, including home health and personal care, is growing with the increasing size and longevity of the Indian population. Such services, however, remain undeveloped. The lack of care can weaken older Indians' health, cause premature hospitalization and unnecessary utilization of existing health care services in Indian Country. Chronic illness and disabilities also affect Indian elder’s quality of life and ability to live independently. Rural isolation, poverty and access barriers further compound the problem for reservation elders" elders". This statement is still true to date.

The Older American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) population is growing as is the increased number of AI/AN/NH persons living with disabilities. As a result, the Al/AN/NH populations have a significant and growing need for LTSS for their elderly (or elders) and persons with disabilities, making it a high priority to develop LTSS Resources within their own tribal or culturally specific communities. The need for additional resources for LTSS is based on current practices, Tribal consultation, legislation, and additional information.

Current Practice

Long term care in Indian Country has been and continues to be fragmented, disjointed, and disorganized. Most LTSS are “outside the tribe” or the community, and depend upon non-tribal resources, state public resources and therefore, state approvals. Federal/state Medicaid Waiver program options are scattered and dependent on the state/tribal relationship. Preferences for culturally sensitive, person-centered care, including type and delivery of care, and service provision preferences, are often limited and not considered in developing overall state systems and individual plans of LTSS for tribal elders and persons with disabilities. In addition, care is provided by non-tribal service providers with limited understanding of cultural norms and preferences.

Tribal Consultation

The LTSSICNRC has been developed through consultations with tribes and tribal elders to respond to the urgent need for increased tribal access to expanded culturally sensitive and person-centered home and community-based supports, to enable tribal elders to remain in their homes or communities. During the ACL Annual Tribal Listening Session/Consultation at the National Title VI Conference, tribal members and leadership testify for the need to better care for elders at home, and in tribal communities. Tribes have shared with ACL/AoA that LTSS in Indian Country must include expanded home and community-based services that blend into long term care to allow elders to live in tribal communities throughout their lives. Maintaining elders in tribal communities allows for community and personal care that can continue their cultural and historical roles. Tribal elders balance the community, by continuing their traditional roles as community advisors, teachers, and role-models, and passing this knowledge on to the younger populations to sustain them. Native cultures have a shared belief that every age is important, and that every age is critical to the teaching and culture of the Tribe and/or community. Native traditions and culture are generally handed down through verbal communication and by modeling behavior. When elders or persons with disabilities are sent to outside care facilities they are lost to the community. This also creates a disconnect between the elders and the community by disrupting the community balance and continuity that is essential for community values and culture. It is vital that both groups remain in the community to continue these teachings, enhance cultural continuity, and underscore the value of each individual.

Legislation

A hearing before the Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate, 95th Congress, First Session, Part II, concerning the special needs of Native Elders on November 12, 1977, recommended the establishment of distinct cultural programs to meet the needs of this identified target population. One of the programs established was the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title VI, Grants for Native Americans in 1978. The mission of Title VI has always been to provide assistance to help maintain tribal elders in their homes within their communities. It provides funds to 1) develop nutrition and support services under Title VI Part A&B – Hawaiian; and 2) develop support services for unpaid family caregivers, including limited respite care under Title VI Part C. Title VI currently funds 290 grantees, 165 sub grantees, and serves 435 Native Communities.

Through the years, tribes funded under the Title VI program have repeatedly expressed to ACL/AoA that Title VI funds are not adequate to provide all needed services to keep elders in their communities. Tribes have consistently reported a need for continued and enhanced care beyond Title VI. To help address this need, Tribes have requested assistance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Indian Health Services (IHS) and ACL/AoA to assist them in moving towards enhanced and home and community-based services that will allow tribal elders to remain in their communities.

The Snyder Act of 1921 and the 2010 Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) are the cornerstone legal authorities for the provision of health care to AI/AN. The IHCIA legislation allowed tribes to move existing IHE dollars into the provision of LTSS. While additional funding was not included, the inclusion of LTSS in the ICHIA was an important milestone in recognizing the need for LTSS in Indian Country. Alternatives to nursing homes have taken an increasing role nationally and in AI/AN/NH communities. These promising HCBS models that focus on the cost-effective provision of services in the least restrictive setting for older adults and persons with disabilities.

Additional Information

The Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Self-related Health Status among Adults with and Without Disabilities Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 57(30) 1069-1073, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimated that the number of older AI/AN in 2022 will be 75% higher than it was in 2010. Elders are living longer, however, with long life come additional chronic diseases and disabilities. AI/AN experience high rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other chronic health conditions. AI/AN at age 18 have the highest disability rates in the country at 29.9% compared to the general population at a rate of 19.9%. These chronic diseases and conditions of elders, as well as the disabilities of both elders and younger adults influence their ability to function independently at home and in the community, which is what LTSS is designed to address.

CMS defines Long Term Services and Supports to include:

Care provided in the home, in community-based settings, or in facilities, such as nursing homes;

Care for older adults and people with disabilities who need support because of age, physical, cognitive, developmental, or chronic health conditions, or other functional limitations that restrict their abilities to care for themselves; and

A wide range of services to help people live more independently. These services can be divided into services to assist with basic activities of daily living (ADLs) or those to assist with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

ADLs include:

Walking Feeding Dressing and grooming Toileting Bathing Transferring

Inherent to these ADLs is the ability to stand from a seated position to grasp or hold an assistive device, such as a walker or cane and to do this with assistance.

IADLs may include:

Managing finances Managing transportation Shopping and meal preparation Housekeeping and home maintenance Managing communication – telephone/email Managing medication

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a new NRC. The ACL/AoA will fund one NRC which is national in scope to work with tribes to develop a plan for expanded HCBS using CMS's LTSS Roadmap website, which offers a step-by step planning process for addressing the many aspects of LTSS. The NRC will assist tribes in using the LTSS Roadmap to plan an appropriate LTSS response for their specific communities.

The NRC will:

work with tribes to utilize the CMS's Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) web-site Road map to plan appropriate home and community long term services and supports for their specific communities. The LTSS Road map offers guidance for step-by-step planning process to address and determine the many aspects of LTSS;

track the steps taken within each tribe to develop cultural responses in LTSS for replication by other tribes and organizations. Because the long-term care needs of Native elders vary and will most likely need to be met by an array of resources to provide needed services in the least restrictive setting possible specific to different tribes, villages, and communities, tracking the steps and culturally appropriate, person-centered services and responses will provide valuable insights and models for replication by others;

locate and develop tribal related LTSS information and data;

advocate for the LTSS needs of specific populations; and serve as a clearinghouse for HCBS/LTSS for Indian Country, rural America, and the aging network.

The NRC will be required to have a Project Director in place within 90 days of issued grant award notification. Lead staff should have extensive knowledge in LTSS, demonstrating extensive background knowledge of the AI/AN/NH LTSS needs, knowledge of health care financing and third-party billing, a demonstrated knowledge of data analysis, and a demonstrated history of past work with tribal leadership and tribal communities. Additionally, the NRC is expected to hire adequate support staff to enable the NRC to complete all tasks and meet the goals of the program outlined in the program work plan.

The NRC will further be required to develop the LTSS website within 9 months of the issued award notification date to provide information on linkages to culturally competent community based LTSS, general community health care, elder justice information, and other LTSS related services. The website will serve as a focal point for developing and sharing technical information and expertise for Native organizations and communities, educational institutions, and other professional organizations and individuals working with Native elders.

The NRC will develop introductory public material and information about the NRC for distribution to tribes, communities, and the general aging network. Given the broad nature of LTSS and the intersection with many different subjects matters (aging, health, financing, business acumen), the successful applicant will understand the need for key partnerships and develop their application to reflect thoughtful and effective collaborations and use of their partners. The grantee is also expected to develop key partnerships and collaborations to complete the goals of the NRC.

The NRC is expected to develop key partnerships and collaborations to complete the goals of the NRC. Those partnerships and collaborations should be identified in the project narrative, along with the value they will bring to the NRC. Three (3) letters of commitment from partners should be included in the application. In addition to the key partnerships and collaborations, the NRC will be required to develop and maintain a working relationship with CMS, IHS, ACL/AoA including other AoA NRC's, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). These federal partnerships are critical to the success and completion of project goals and tasks.

Applicants should detail planned involvement from CMS's Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) and the TTAG LTSS Subcommittee. The TTAG was developed in 2004 to provide advice and input to CMS on policy and program issues impacting AI/AN served by CMS programs. Although not a substitute for formal consultation with Tribal leaders, TAG enhances the Government-to-Government relationship and improves increased understanding between CMS and Tribes. The LTSS Subcommittee consist of individual TTAG members, technical advisors, and employees from CMS and IHS. The Subcommittee was formed to advice TTAG, which in turn will advise CMS, about improving access for AI/AN to existing and new LTC services that serve elders and non-elderly people with disabilities.

ACL will require that a project Advisory Committee be established within the first 120 days of grant award. This Advisory Committee should be familiar with Native aging and LTSS. The advisory committee will not serve in a rule making capacity but will assist with short- and long-term NRC planning. It will bring local Native voices to the NRC, advise in the process of the NRC tasks, and provide public awareness to local communities about the resource center. The Advisory Committee should be representative of populations being served including persons with disabilities in need of long term community assistance. A maximum of $5,000 in grant support for each year of this award can be used to support the Advisory Committee, however, additional costs could be valued towards the program in the form of in-kind match.

The NRC will develop a system of LTSS Tribal Navigators who will provide local tribal assistance to plan and develop LTSS in Native communities. The NRC will provide hands-on and on-site assistance conducting needs assessments on elders and persons with disabilities, data development, assessing the necessary community response and support, and seeking partnerships, sponsors, and funding. The goals of the NRC are to:

1. Establish an Information and Data Clearinghouse on LTSS in Native communities to be available via the NRC website. This Clearinghouse will include:

o Available pertinent data and other relevant information regarding LTSS for Native communities, o A complete director of LTSS currently available in Native communities, and o Literature review.

2. Establish and maintain visibility for LTSS in Native Populations. It is expected that this project will serve to:

o Increase the visibility of LTSS in Native communities, o Increase the discussion about LTSS in and about Native communities in determining and establishing a system of extended HCBS LTSS, o Advocate for the unique HCBS LTSS needs of Native cultures, and o Provide LTSS information to tribes and federal agencies.

3. Promote partnerships and collaborations with Native communities, local, state, and national organizations, federal agencies, and others in LTSS development for Native elders and persons with disabilities.

The NRC will work with the National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA) at the University of North Dakota, to share and compile data gathered through nine (9) Cycles of Needs Assessment data gathering through Title VI programs. The grantee is required to develop a partnership with the NRCNAA, will also advise and assist with specific LTSS data gathering and analysis that is deemed necessary for successful project completion.

The NRC will participate in strategic planning with tribes, CMS, IHS and ACL to move LTSS in Native communities forward.

The NRC will submit an Annual Report of LTSS in Native communities to ACL. This document will be in addition to all other federal reporting requirements and will be used by tribes and federal agencies to discuss LTSS success stories, milestones, and challenges, and to advocate for enhanced service delivery.

Applicants should include a performance plan with measurable short term and long term outcomes for their programs. Applicants should also address all priorities and needs included in this funding opportunity announcement and demonstrate previous project activity and other works with the AI/AN/NH populations, and clearly demonstrate knowledge of both home and community-based services and long term services and supports within the AI/AN/NH cultural setting.

Technical Assistance

Successful applicants are to draw on the expertise of ACL/AoA program staff and existing AoA-sponsored resources to develop, implement, and sustain their strategic work plans. All grantees are required to participate in technical assistance activities as they pertain to the program development, management, and integration. This includes, but are not limited to, participation in regularly scheduled technical assistance conference calls, webinars, learning collaborative and one-on-one technical assistance opportunities initiated by ACL/AoA.

Program Sustainability

The NRC will be required to work collaboratively with ACL/AoA to seek outside funding and support to expand and continue the LTSSICNRC beyond the 5-year funding period. Long term goals for the LTSSICNRC includes working with the Native Urban populations and additional Alaska and Hawaii NRC's. This award will be administered as (1) cooperative agreement at a federal funding level of $250,000 per year for 5 years (60), pending the availability of federal funds.

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this program announcement is contained in Title IV Section 411 (a)(1)(4)(5)(6)(9)(C) of the Older Americans Act.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$250,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$250,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$200,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' Tribal Long Term Care Services and Support Program

The Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging will award one (1) cooperative agreement subject to available funding, to operate a TLTSS NRC. 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;

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 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;

http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf

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 grants;

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 workplan 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.”

For profit organizations other than small businesses State governments County governments City or township governments Special district governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

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. Faith-based and community organizations that meet one of the eligibility requirements listed are also eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

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

Under this ACL program, ACL will fund no more than 75% of the project’s total cost, which means the applicant must cover at least 25% of the project’s total cost with non-federal resources. In other words, for every three (3) dollars received in federal funding, the applicant must contribute at least one (1) dollar in non-federal resources toward the project’s total cost.

This “three-to-one” ratio is reflected in the formula included under Item 18 in the “Instructions for Completing Requested Forms.” You can use this formula to calculate your minimum required match. A common error applicants make is to match 25% of the federal share, rather than 25% of the project’s total cost.

There are two types of match: 1) non-federal cash and 2) non-federal in-kind. In general, costs borne by the applicant and cash contributions of any and all third parties involved in the project, including sub-grantees, contractors and consultants, are considered matching funds.

Volunteered time and use of facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations. Examples of non-federal cash match includes budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. ACL encourages you to not exceed the minimum match requirement. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review. Match is not one of the responsiveness criteria as noted in Section III, 3 Application Screening Criteria.

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, Demonstration experience in working with AI/AN/NH communities in the field of LTSS, 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Administration on Aging

Cecelia D. Aldridge

(202) 795-7293

Cecelia.Aldridge@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Number of Days from Publication 17

06/03/2023 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. The deadline for submission of the letter of intent is (Insert date here). Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Cecelia D. Aldridge

Cecelia.aldridge@acl.hhs.gov

(202) 795-7293 https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov mailto:Cecelia.Aldridge@acl.hhs.gov mailto:Cecelia.aldridge@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative

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

You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 30 to 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 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.

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.

For AoA programs, language should be included that states “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.

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 ongoing 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 policymaking, 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.