Foa_Content_of_HHS-2023-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0044.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program

HHS-2023-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0044

06/28/2023

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/Approach

Special Target Populations and Organizations

Outcomes

Project Management

Evaluation

Dissemination

Organizational Capability

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title:

Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2023-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0044

Primary CFDA Number:

93.234 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

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

06/28/2023 Date for Informational Conference Call:

04/13/2023 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

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Disabilities (AOD) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership Program grants. The purpose of this program is to create and strengthen person-centered, culturally competent systems of services and supports that maximize the independence https://www.grants.gov/ and overall health and well-being of all people with TBI across the lifespan, their family members, and their support networks.

ACL will fund two state grants for three years that will implement the TBI State Partnership Program grant. Applicants for this program must agree to:

Providing a required 2:1 state match.

Support a state TBI Advisory Board with a person-centered focus that includes a make-up of at least 50% individuals with TBI within the first 12 months of the start of the grant.

Provide the equivalent of 1 full-time employee at the state or sub-awardee level.

Create a TBI state plan developed by and with individuals with lived experience and family members and support networks that clearly outlines how the state is assessing and serving all people with TBI with an emphasis on diverse, underserved populations; and

Establish a culturally competent resource facilitation practice that educates individuals with TBI and their support networks on available resources, services, and supports within their state and communities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Statement of Need / Purpose

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year [1]. An estimated 80,000-90,000 of these people experience long-term or permanent disability that impacts their daily living activities [2].

The effects of TBI may occur immediately following an incident in which a person acquires a TBI or may develop months or even years after an injury is sustained. Depending on the severity, TBI may affect a person’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral capacities, which may impact an individual’s ability to access a supports and services to attend and fully participate in various aspects of community living, including education and employment.

The complex nature of TBI coupled with the variability of symptoms take a toll on individuals with TBI across the lifespan, their families, their support networks, and society. COVID-19 has compounded the negative impacts for everyone living with a TBI in multiple ways and on many levels. Furthermore, when intersectionality is considered for multiply marginalized individuals, those impacts grow exponentially.[3]

The purpose of the TBI State Partnership Program is to create and strengthen person-centered, culturally competent systems of services and supports that maximize the independence and overall health and well-being of people with TBI across the lifespan and the people who support them.

As a result of the TBI State Partnership Program, AoD envisions individuals with TBI experience:

Increased self-determination, independence, and quality of life Easy access to services and supports that are person-centered and culturally competent.

Services offered must be high quality, evidence-based programs that include diverse and underserved populations.

B. Program History/ Background

Congressional funding for traumatic brain injury programming dates to the TBI Act of 1996 (PL 104-166). The current authorizing legislation, the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L 115-377; (42 U.S.C. 300d–52), raises the authorization levels for the TBI State Partnership Program and the TBI Protection and Advocacy program and officially designates ACL as the administering agency for both programs. The FY 2023 funding opportunity provides one level of funding to help states increase access to services and supports for individuals with TBI throughout the lifetime. The TBI State Partnership Program also requires grantees to work with one another collaboratively through interstate work groups focused on specific issues related to providing the best services and supports for individuals with

TBI.

C. Program Goals (Outcomes and Performance Measures)

The goals of this funding opportunity are:

To increase collaboration and coordination of state level systems and supports to ensure all people with TBI, and stakeholders are provided ample opportunity to contribute meaningfully to all activities that drive improvements of TBI services and supports.

To have data collection that shows the level of need for across systems and identify barriers to services and supports.

To show the state’s demographics, resources, and program impact among partners and the effectiveness of the different services or supports.

To create a better coordinated public investment system that is effective, equitable, and evidence-based resulting in fewer people with TBI encountering barriers to needed services and supports.

The TBI State Partnership Program has approved performance measures that all grantees are required to report on semi-annually. Performance measures can be found in Section I.D.7 of this funding announcement and include but are not limited to the following:

Grant Activities Partnership Activities Planning and Infrastructure Resource Facilitation Screenings (if applicable) Information and Referral and Assistance (if applicable) Training, Outreach, and Awareness (if applicable)

Applicants must submit proposals that demonstrate the approach they will take to create and strengthen a person-centered, culturally competent system of services and supports within their state. Applications will detail a plan that implements the seven activities listed above in Section C, along with other activities considered necessary to achieve the outcomes listed below for people with TBI.

Increased self-determination, independence, overall health and well-being, and quality of life for all individuals with TBI across the lifespan.

Increase access to TBI services and supports that are person-centered, culturally competent, and evidence-based; and

Increased access to serves and supports to diverse and underserved populations.

1. State TBI Advisory Board

Per 42 U.S. Code § 300d–52, all recipients of this funding opportunity must agree “to establish an advisory board within the appropriate health department of the State or American Indian consortium or within another department as designated by the chief executive officer of the State or American Indian consortium.”

The state TBI advisory board provides an opportunity for grantees to include diverse stakeholders that will participate in determining the needs of all individuals with TBI. The state TBI advisory board also creates a successful structure for statewide cross-systems collaboration.

Applicants need to describe the program’s advisory board representation per Section 42 U.S.C, § 300d–52, which specifies “an Advisory Board shall be comprised of representatives of:

1. The corresponding State, Territory or Native American consortium agencies.

2. Public and nonprofit private health related organizations.

3. Other disability advisory or planning groups within the State, Territory or Native

American consortium.

4. Members of an organization or foundation representing individuals with traumatic brain injury in that State, Territory or region.

5. Injury control programs at the State or local level if such programs exist; and

6. A substantial number of individuals with traumatic brain injury, or the family members of such individuals.

Individuals with TBI, have the right to be engaged in and lead the decision-making processes related to their services and supports. Applicants must describe how the state TBI advisory board meets the following membership requirements:

Includes at least 50% of people with TBI (including those from diverse and underserved populations)

Includes family member(s) of individuals with TBI Includes representation from Centers for Independent Living or the State Independent

Living Council or both Includes representation from an Aging and Disability Resource Center (if one exists within the state) Includes representation from the Protection & Advocacy agency in the state Includes representation from the long-term care ombudsman in the state Includes representation from a TBI Model System Center (funded by the National

Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)) if one exists within the state

The board is representative of the state and includes individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations from both rural and urban areas.

If the state TBI advisory board does not currently meet the 50% goal describe in the application, a description of the planning or strategies to bring the board into compliance within the first 12 months is required. Not currently meeting these requirements at the beginning of the grant does not disqualify an applicant from receiving a grant award. ACL may take the following actions with regard to grantees who do not make significant progress toward meeting these requirements for the advisory board within the first 12-months of the grant, the following actions may take place:

Increased monitoring More frequent (quarterly) reporting Conversion from advanced to reimbursement payments Loss of funds

2. TBI State Plan

Within the first 12 months of the grant, each grantee is expected to develop a culturally competent state plan that serves as a strategic plan for the TBI efforts in the state and this grant.

The state plan is a living document and helps guide the state in deciding how best to improve the services and supports for all people living with TBI in their state across the lifespan. ACL expects grantees to use the information in the state plan as a foundation for advancing their statewide systems of TBI services. The plan should also include a description of how they will target and deliver such services in a culturally competent manner and address known gaps in services. ACL reviews each grantee's state plan to ensure it aligns with program goals.

Applicants for this program need to outline a clear process for how they will develop the state plan in collaboration with the state TBI state advisory board. Applicants working under a previously developed state plan may outline how they will review and update their existing state plans to meet the program goals. Applicants need to describe how they will also involve individuals with TBI from outside the state TBI advisory board who represent underserved populations, in the development or updating of the state plan.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants may choose one of the following goals to incorporate into their state plan:

Mitigating and overcoming the impact of long COVID in the TBI community Working towards racial equity and addressing the impact of systemic racism Supporting the economic recovery of communities and families

3. TBI Resource Facilitation

Individuals with TBI are often in need of individualized assistance to connect with community support services. Resource facilitation (RF) is an evidence-based, personalized intervention that promotes access between individuals with TBI and their support networks as well as the appropriate community-based resources, supports, and services. Applicants must describe how their TBI State Partnership Program establishes or increases capacity in a statewide resource facilitation service that assists all individuals with TBI, their family members, and their support networks.

4. TBI Grantee Work groups

TBI State Partnership Program work groups are collaborative teams of grantees that focus on individual topics, needs and issues that affect people with TBI. Applicants must find the top three or four topics on which they are most interested in working. Applicants should also write down if they have any additional areas of interest and or expertise that are not listed below. A description of how the applicant will support staff engagement in the work groups and in grant deliverables should also be in the description.

Active work groups and their current projects are described below. The work groups can use this opportunity to network, share information, learn about emerging needs, and best practices from other states. These activities may be continued into the new grant cycle, or the work groups may choose other projects that fit within the context and topic area of the work group.

Advisory Board & Survivor Engagement: This work group focuses on developing and maintaining effective advisory boards as well as best practices for engaging people with TBI. Work group members collaborate on a tool kit that addresses all aspects of advisory board development, management, and engagement

Using Data to Connect People to Services: This work group supports state efforts in using data to expand access to services for individuals living with TBI, their families, and their support networks by developing and sharing tools and best practices.

Return to Learn & Return to Play: This work group find sand shares best practices across states regarding students' transition back to school after sustaining a TBI.

Criminal & Juvenile Justice: This work group focuses on information sharing among states with interest in TBI identification and implementation of supports in a variety of criminal and juvenile justice settings.

Opioid Use & Mental Health Needs: This work group finds and shares best practices across states about addressing the intersections between substance use-related disorders, mental health, and brain injuries.

Child Welfare: This work group focuses on best practices and resources for identification, collaboration, and approaches related to access and support related to TBI for children, caregivers, and guardians within welfare systems.

Transition & Employment: This work group focuses on describing the core knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) direct service professionals should have to help individuals with TBI achieve and sustain successful employment.

Underserved Populations: This work group finds and shares best practices across states on underserved populations accessing appropriate resources after sustaining a TBI.

Underserved populations include rural/frontier communities, victims of violence, those struggling with substance use disorder, homelessness, and those affected by co-occurring disorders.

Workforce Training& Development: This work group focuses on establishing a nationwide culturally competent professional development training infrastructure for TBI service professionals.

5. Program Sustainability Plan

Applicants should outline a plan for project sustainability beyond the period of federal funding that is reasonable and workable. AoD encourages applicants to consider and propose a range of potential approaches for ensuring sustainability of project efforts once federal funding has ended.

6. Grantee Meetings

Grantees will participate in two national or regional TBI-related conferences convened by ACL or ACL partners annually. These events provide grantees the opportunity to learn from each other, to share educational resources and promising practices, and to expand partnerships across states. Applications should include a budget that provides funding for at least two individuals to participate in two meetings annually.

7. Data Collection and Performance Reporting

Applicants should describe the process they will use for collecting data that shows the impact of grant activities, including in the following areas represented by the approved program performance measures:

Increased capacity to provide access to comprehensive and coordinated services for individuals with TBI and their families

The strengthening of a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence and overall health and well-being of all people with TBI across the lifespan and supports their family members and support networks

Improved national coordination and collaboration around TBI services and supports The establishment of innovative community living programs with respect to TBI Improved access to health, community living, employment, and other services for individuals with TBI and their families Identifying gaps in existing systems of services and supports and potential solutions for filling those gaps Data collection and how to utilize collected data to fulfill the intended purpose of the TBI

State Partnership Program

In addition to providing statewide data, grantees will work with ACL, the TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center, and other state or federal partners as appropriate to submit common data elements that will be used to generate indices, products, technical assistance, and services that will be useful to TBI stakeholders.

E. Optional Activities

Applicants should describe how they will use remaining funds for other activities that strengthen the system of services and supports that maximizes the independence and overall health and well-being of persons with TBI across the lifespan. Examples of some of these allowable activities are listed below. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive:

Hosting trainings for service professionals in the state who are working with people with

TBI

Providing training for people with TBI on areas of interest such as employment, advocacy, independent living skills, peer support, TBI self-management, health promotion, or cross disability systems change

Screening people for TBI Providing information and referral services Establishing/supporting statewide TBI registries as well as reporting procedures of incidents of TBI

Establishing/enhancing a TBI Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver within the state

Establishing/enhancing a TBI trust fund in the state Performing a needs and resources assessment for specific sub-populations of people with

TBI

Hosting or presenting at conferences Establishing/enhancing a peer or family mentorship program or support groups.

F. Definitions:

Person-centered planning: A process for selecting and organizing the services and supports that an older adult or person with a disability may need to live in the community.

Diversity: The practicer quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.

Resource facilitation: A process that involves identifying, navigating, and obtaining needed resources, services, and supports for individuals with TBI, their families, and their support networks. Resource Facilitation begins with assessing an individual's needs and providing ongoing support to meet those needs. Depending on the availability of resources, resource facilitation may also include advocating for and accessing services and supports, routine follow-up, and/or reassessment to determine additional needs or efficacy of existing services and supports. [4]

Intersectionality: Intersectionality is an analytical framework that describes how individual characteristics like race, class, gender identity, disability, sexual preference, and socioeconomic status, and their relationship to privilege and oppression, intersect to have a compounded impact on the individual. [5]

Culturally Competent: used with respect to services, supports, or other assistance, means services, supports, or other assistance that is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive to the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behaviors of individuals who are receiving the services, supports, or other assistance, and in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring their maximum participation in the program involved. [6]

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999) https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html #:~:text=Traumatic%20brain%20injury%20(TBI)%20is,people%20are%20hospitalized% 20and%20survive.

2. Vos, P., & Diaz-Arrastia, R. (2015). Traumatic brain injury. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html

4. Adapted from NORC resource facilitation state survey, 2009

5. Crenshaw, K. (1989) Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of anti-discrimination doctrine, feminist theory and anti-racist politics," University of Chicago Legal Forum: Vol. 1989, Article 8.

6. DD Act, Sec. 102 (7) http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this funding announcement is contained in the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L 115-377; 42 U.S.C. 300d–52).

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$200,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$200,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$195,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' It is the desire of ACL to fund two additional states that may benefit directly from the TBI State Partnership Program. 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 ACL project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement outlined below:

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. Conduct monthly conference calls to ensure goals and objectives are being met.

Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the grantee project, and, as necessary, collaborate with grantee to achieve a mutually agreed upon solution to any needs identified by the grantee or ACL.

Share information with the grantee about other federally sponsored projects or activities relevant to the interests of the grantee and their activities.

Work with the grantee on the development and implementation of performance measures and quality assurance systems to ensure that performance is measured and continuous improvement occurs.

Provide technical advice on grantee work products to ensure they are accurate, objective, unbiased, and of high professional quality, and they do not violate federal, departmental, or agency grant rules.

Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

Provide guidance and technical assistance on required performance measurement.

The grantee will agree to execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement outlined below:

Collaborate with ACL on any in-scope modifications and commencement of the work plan within 45 days of the award.

Implement the proposed grant activities.

Evaluate the impact of overall project activities and ensure quality assurance systems are in place.

Share information with ACL; the TBI State grantees; national, state, and local partner organizations; and other entities as appropriate.Work with the ACL TBI State Partnerships Program project officer to evaluate performance results reported semiannually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

Submit resumes of potential key staff hires as detailed under HHS grants prior approval requirements.

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.”

Domestic public or private non-profit entities including state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education.

The application for a TBI State Partnership Program grant may only come from the agency designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the state as the lead agency for TBI within the state, territory, or Indian tribal government. Only one application from each state, territorial government, federally recognized Indian tribal government or Native American organization may enter the review process to be considered for a TBI State Partnership Program award.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

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

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 following formula which you can use to calculate the minimum required match.

(Federal Funds Requested) times (Match Percentage) divided by (Inverse Match Percentage)

Here are examples of varying match levels

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.

Cost Sharing/Matching is required for this program per § 1252(c) of the Public Health Service Act. The state, territory, or federally recognized Indian Tribal government or Native American

Federal Funds Requested X Match Percentage / Inverse Match Percentage

Minimum Match Requirement

($100,000 X 5%) / (95%) $5,263

($100,000 X 25%) / (75%) $33,333

($100,000 X 35%) / (65%) $53,846

($100,000 X 45%) / (55%) $81,818 organization must agree to make available non-federal contributions in an amount that is not less than $1 for every $2 of federal funds provided under the grant. Non-federal funds may be cash or in-kind and fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. State, territorial, or Indian Tribal government contributions may not include any amounts provided by the federal government. The match, as required by the TBI legislation, must come from state or local sources and may be governmental or non-governmental resources.

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 include budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

Application Responsiveness Criteria N/A

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 Calibri or Arial.

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 25 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 25 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 25 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. NOTE: The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 25-page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of the submission. For example, applicants 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 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/ organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at:

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

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

Eastern Time.

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

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

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.

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

Shawn Callaway

Administration on Disabilities

330 C St SW Washington, DC 20201

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Due Date for Letter Of Intent 04/06/2023

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:

Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov

Administration for Community Living

Shawn Callaway, Project Officer

Administration on Disabilities

Email: shawn.callaway@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 Calibri 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 20 to 25 pages; 25 pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed 25 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 25 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration.

The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, Organizational Charts, and Resumes/Vitae of Key Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 25-page limit. These documents should be included in the appendixes.

The Project Narrative provides a clear and concise description of the project. ACL recommends that the project narrative include the following components, which will be counted as part of the 25-page limit:

Summary/Abstract Problem Statement Goal(s) and Objective(s) Proposed Intervention Special Target Populations and Organizations Outcomes Project Management Evaluation Dissemination Organizational Capability

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 project relevance and need 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.

Proposed Intervention/Approach

The approach must provide a clear and concise description of the project proposed to use to address the problems described in the “Project Relevance & Current Need” Also, describe the rationale for using the particular project, 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 the major barriers anticipated and strategies to overcome them. Be sure to describe the makeup of an existing or anticipated state TBI advisory board that is fulfilling or will fulfill the requirements described in Section I.D.1 along with any strategic partnerships and the role they will play in the project. A description of the project’s goals and major objectives for creating or updating an existing TBI state plan should be included as well as an outline for the project's sustainability beyond the period of federal funding.

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. Applicants must also describe how a person-centered, culturally competent service system delivery will be provided to individuals with TBI and their network of supports, including any evidence-based practices. A description for measuring end user satisfaction with the service delivery system is needed. Applicants need to describe how they will provide necessary supports to facilitate the involvement of consumer leaders especially in unserved or underrepresented individuals.

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.

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. Also in this section, present information about any existing resource facilitation systems or lack thereof and how the system can be established or strengthened for individuals living with TBI. Include a description which TBI Work groups are of expertise or interest. See Section 1.

Evaluation

In this section describe the specific outcomes(e.g., changes in clients, organizations, and/or communities) expected because of the proposed project. Describe the method(s), techniques, and tools to be used to: 1) determine whether the project 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 your project, 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

Use this section of the application to describe the capability and capacity of the applicant and any partner organizations that will have a significant role in implementing the project and achieving the project goals. Include resumes/vitae for key project personnel in the appendixes.

Describe the organization of the applicant agency (or the division of a larger agency that will have responsibility for this project), the nature and scope of its work, and its capacity. Also, include a description of the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended.

NOTE: Resumes/vitae for project staff along with any organizational charts do not count toward the Project Narrative page limit in the appendixes.

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

In this part of the application, include confirmation of the commitments to the project made by key collaborating organizations and agencies.Any organization named in the application as having a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, scan and include signed letters of commitment as attachments. If you are unable to scan the signed letters of commitment, fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at support@grants.gov by the application submission deadline. Be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency/organization name in the email.Appendixes: Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

In this part of the application, include confirmation of the commitments to the project made by key collaborating organizations and agencies.Any organization named in the application as having a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, scan and include signed letters of commitment as attachments. If you are unable to scan the signed letters of commitment, fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at support@grants.gov by the application submission deadline. Be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency/organization name in the email.

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

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

Eastern Time.

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…