Foa_Content_of_HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0007 (1).pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Expanding Strategies for Community Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programming

HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0007

02/27/2025

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Background

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

Project Abstract

Project Relevance and Current Need

Approach

Outcomes and Evaluation

Organizational Capacity

Budget Narrative/Justification

Work Plan

Letters of Support/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

APPENDIX A: List of Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs

APPENDIX B: Glossary of Terms

APPENDIX C: Required Data Collection Forms

APPENDIX D: Guidance for Administration for Community Living Evidence-based Falls Prevention Program Grant Applicants: Considerations for Estimating Program Participation Targets

APPENDIX E: Resources for Competitive Grant Application Writing

APPENDIX F: Examples of Person-Centered approaches

ACL Center:

Administration on Aging Funding Opportunity Title:

Expanding Strategies for Community Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programming Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0007

Primary CFDA Number:

93.761 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

01/13/2025 Due Date for Applications:

02/27/2025 Date for Informational Conference Call:

01/06/2025 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.

https://www.grants.gov/

Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary The mission of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. Through this funding opportunity, the Administration on Aging (AoA), part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), plans to award two Cooperative Agreements to domestic public or private non-profit entities.

The intent of this funding opportunity is to award entities to focus on specific targeted partnerships and innovative strategies to reduce falls and/or falls risk among older adults and adults with disabilities with a focus on those with greatest social and/or greatest economic needs through the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs with an innovative person-centered approach.

Applicants must request a total budget of $1,250,000 in federal funds for the three-year project.

All awards are subject to the availability of federal funds.

The award will be made in the form of a Cooperative Agreement to allow for substantial collaboration and involvement with ACL and the National Falls Prevention Resource Center throughout the project period. The Cooperative Agreement has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Background Administration on Aging

This funding opportunity is funded through Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Aging (AoA). The Administration on Aging (AOA) is the principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), as amended (42 U.S.C.A. § 3001 et seq.).

The OAA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. All proposed activity funded by the Administration for Community Living, or “federal financial assistance” as it is referred to, must abide by the Final Rule Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The Rule defines new compliance requirements of recipients of federal funding of the Administration for Community Living that services must be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Therefore, recruitment of participants for the evidence-based falls prevention programs must include those older adults in greatest economic and social need (i.e., target population for this Notice of Funding) consistent with the language stated in the Final Rule to Update Older Americans Act Regulations released February 2024 (Reference Appendix B Glossary of Term).

https://acl.gov/node/650 https://acl.gov/504rule https://acl.gov/504rule https://acl.gov/OAArule

ACL’s Administration on Aging Falls Prevention program provides older adults (60+) and adults with disabilities access to local evidence-based programs that have been proven to reduce falls and the risk of falls.

Facts about Falls Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults [1] and have a widespread and serious impact on their health. An estimated one out of four older adults report falling each year [2]. Older adults who fall have an increased risk for injury and reduced physical function which may significantly reduce their ability to remain independent. Falls among adults 65 and older caused over 38,000 deaths in 2021, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group. Emergency departments recorded nearly 3 million visits for older adult falls in 2021.

[3] In 2015, healthcare spending attributable to older adult falls was approximately $50 billion.

By 2020 that number rose to $80 billion. [4].

Risk Factors

Fortunately, falls are preventable. There are known modifiable risk factors such as balance impairments, muscle weakness, gait deficits, medications, home hazards, problems with vision, and improper footwear [5]. Research has shown that falls and fall risks can be addressed through risk assessment and targeted intervention, including a combination of clinical intervention and community-based programs [6] that include interventions focused on home modification, exercise, strength and balance training, and education on how to prevent falls. Participation in evidence-based community falls prevention programs can improve confidence, decrease fear of falling, and result in fewer falls and injurious falls [7].

History of ACL Falls Prevention Program

ACL’s AoA has built an infrastructure to increase access to, and the sustainability of, evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs, including falls prevention programs.

Between 2014 and 2024, ACL/AoA awarded 103 discretionary grants to states, community-based organizations, and tribal organizations to implement evidence-based falls prevention programs. Between September 1, 2014, and September 1, 2024, over 247,000 individuals participated in an AoA-supported evidence-based falls prevention program. For more information about ACL’s Falls Prevention Program, including profiles of current grantees, please visit: https://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/falls-prevention.

ACL also encourages, leverages, and compliments other national efforts to reduce falls and falls risk amongst older adults, such as the following work:

• The CDC and ACL together support opportunities to broaden and improve the linkage between primary care providers and evidence-based community falls prevention programs supported by ACL. Related resources include:

o CDC STEADI Initiative o Older Adult Fall Prevention o CDC Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-

Dwelling Older Adults o Still Going Strong Campaign https://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/falls-prevention http://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhomeandrecreationalsafety%2Ffalls%2Findex.html https://www.cdc.gov/falls/interventions/falls-compendium.html https://www.cdc.gov/falls/interventions/falls-compendium.html https://www.cdc.gov/still-going-strong/about/index.html

Evidence-Based Approved Interventions

While these programs have directly benefited hundreds of thousands of older adults to address fall-related risk, the process-driven nature of these programs may provide other indirect benefits to older adult participants. The small-group, in-person nature of evidence-based fall prevention (EBFPP) workshops increase social support and promote social connection because they facilitate meaningful interactions and bonding among older adults by gathering participants for common purposes, facilitating interactive exchanges, and creating opportunities for frequent engagement with peers and trained lay leaders for multiple consecutive weeks.

And, while evidence-based falls prevention programs have been proven to reduce the risk of falls, a more inclusive, person-centered, holistic approach to coordinated care using a combination of various community and clinical partnerships could further improve the outcome of reducing the risk for falls.

Person-Centered Approach

Person-centered care allows older adults to make informed decisions about services and interventions that could reduce their risk of falls, increase their health, and preserve their independence.[8] It includes developing supports that are guided and informed by the older adult’s goals, preferences, culture, and values. It is a personalized, coordinated and enabling approach that treats older adults as individuals. The person-centered approach recognizes that a person may need or want to choose one or more professional, program, service, and/or intervention to support them.[9]

Everyone should be listened to and treated with respect and empathy. A person-centered approach empowers an individual by informing them of supports available and involving them in decisions on their health journey. It involves conversation in which the older adult can express their personal goals and agree on actions to achieve them.[9]

Given that the cause of falls is multifactorial, a more person-centered approach to falls prevention would address the fact that each older adult may have a different set of fall risk factors, and care must be used to address each older adults’ unique needs.

For this type of person-centered approach to be successful, it may require those organizations that work with older adults to develop unique partnerships across the community and acquire new skills, for instance, in active listening and motivational interviewing.

Purpose The intent of this funding opportunity is to award entities to focus on specific targeted partnerships and innovative strategies to reduce falls and/or falls risk among older adults (60 years and older) and adults with disabilities, with the majority focus being older adults, with greatest social and/or greatest economic needs (i.e., target population for this Funding) through the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs with an innovative person-centered approach.

This funding opportunity has two goals:

Goal 1: Develop an innovative fall prevention method that includes:

• Targeted partnerships and outreach to recruit the target population into small group in-person evidence-based falls prevention programs.

i. The proposed project will include initial community partnerships to support this application in referral to and implementation of the selected evidence-based falls prevention programs along with a plan to develop further, unique partnerships as the project progresses to meet the individual needs of the participants.

• Delivery of two or more small-group, in-person EBFPP workshops evidence-based falls prevention programs. In addition, at least one of the identified programs must also be offered in a remote format, e.g., by video conference or similar virtual modality. These programs must be on the list of pre-approved interventions found in Appendix A.

i. Delivery of the evidence-based falls prevention programs will be person-centered, trauma informed and culturally appropriate. The awarded organization will need to keep this in mind when considering the qualifications of grant staff and program leaders and whether training on these topics will be required.

• Formalized person-centered approach where participants take an active role and are involved in the steps toward their continued health, well-being, and independence. (See Appendix F for examples of what this could look like.)

Goal 2: Design an evaluation of your intervention to assess the impact of the effort on reducing falls and/or the risk of falls, and develop and disseminate 508-compliant program results, resources, lessons learned, and process documents to inform practice, service delivery, program development and/or policymaking for other organizations to replicate this approach, to include a comprehensive list of partnerships developed.

• The proposal will include steps to design an assessment using at least three questions that focus on goal identification, goal follow-up, and goal achievement, to determine whether providing additional person-centered supports beyond the falls prevention evidence-based program lowers the risk of falls and increases the level of independence for older adults.

• The applicant will develop 508-compliant resources that can be used to disseminate project results and lessons learned to inform practice, service delivery, program development and policy making for organizations to replicate the service delivery model.

All proposed activity funded by the Administration for Community Living, or “federal financial assistance” as it is referred to, must abide by the Final Rule Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Rule defines new compliance requirements of recipients of federal funding of the Administration for Community Living that services must be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

• To help regulated entities and community members understand the new final rule, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), as the agency charged with implementing and enforcing Section 504, has published a fact sheet providing a summary overview of the rule’s provisions. The Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Final Rule: Section by https://acl.gov/504rule https://acl.gov/504rule https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html

Section Fact Sheet for Recipients of Financial Assistance from HHS can be found on the OCR website.

REFERENCES

1. WISQARS. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 [cited 2021 June]; Accessed October 11, 2024, from:

www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars

2. Bergen G, Stevens MR, Burns ER. Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years

— United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:993–998. Accessed October 11, 2024, from:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6537a2.htm?s_cid=mm6537a2_w

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024) About Older Adult Fall Prevention.

Accessed October 11, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html

4. Haddad Y, Miller G, Kakara R, Florence C, Bergen G, Burns E R, Atherly A, Healthcare Spending for non-fatal falls among older adults, USA, 2024 July, Accessed October 11, 2024 from Healthcare spending for non-fatal falls among older adults, USA | Injury Prevention (bmj.com)

5. Bergen G. Stevens MA. Kakara R. Burns EA. Understanding Modifiable and Unmodifiable Older Adult Fall Risk Factors to Create Effective Prevention Strategies.

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. October 2019, Accessed October 11, 2024 form DOI:10.1177/1559827619880529Gillespie LD, Robertson MC,

6. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-Dwelling Older Adults, accessed October 11, 2024 from:

https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/pdf/falls/cdc_falls_compendium-2015-a.pdf

7. Brach JS, Juarez G, Perera S, Cameron K, Vincenzo JL, Tripken J. Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs: Reach and Effectiveness.

The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 77, Issue 1, January 2022, Pages 164– 171, Accessed October 11, 2024, from: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glab197

8. Person-Centered Care, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Accessed October 12, 2024 from https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care#:~:text=Person%2Dcentered%20care%20includes%3A,Managing%20chronic%20a nd%20complex%20conditions

9. Coulter A, Oldham J. Person-centred care: what is it and how do we get there? Future Hosp J. 2016 Jun;3(2):114-116. doi: 10.7861/futurehosp.3-2-114. PMID: 31098200;

PMCID: PMC6465833. Accessed October 12, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465833/

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this Notice of Funding Opportunity is contained in the Older Americans Act, Title IV; Section 411.

II. Award Information https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6537a2.htm?s_cid=mm6537a2_w https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/30/4/272.info https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/30/4/272.info https://www.cdc.gov/falls/pdf/CDC_Falls_Compendium-2015-a.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/falls/pdf/CDC_Falls_Compendium-2015-a.pdf https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glab197 https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care#:~:text=Person%2Dcentered%20care%20includes%3A,Managing%20chronic%20and%20complex%20conditions https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care#:~:text=Person%2Dcentered%20care%20includes%3A,Managing%20chronic%20and%20complex%20conditions https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care#:~:text=Person%2Dcentered%20care%20includes%3A,Managing%20chronic%20and%20complex%20conditions https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465833/

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$2,500,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$1,250,000 Per Project Period

Award Floor:

$1,250,000 Per Project Period

Length of Project Period:

Other Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' 36-month project period and 36-month budget period (fully funded)

Cooperative Agreement Terms As provided by the terms of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (P.L. 95- 224), this Cooperative Agreement provides for the substantial involvement and collaboration of AoA in activities that the recipient organization will carry out in accordance with the provisions of the approved grant award.

The grantee agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

1. Fulfill all requirements of the grant initiative as outlined in this program announcement, as well as carry out project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded.

2. Engage approximately 25% of your target participants by the end of Year 1, 50% of target participants by the end of Year 2, and 100% of target participants by the end of Year 3.

3. Commit to sending two project staff to the annual falls prevention professional development conference hosted by the National Falls Prevention Resource Center.

Attendance is expected annually for the duration of your grant activities (including any no-cost extension period, if applicable). All applicants must include funds in your budgets for each budget year for two people to attend the conference in the Washington, D.C. area.

4. Possess expertise in person-centered thinking, planning, and practice and its application to older adults and/or adults with disabilities and falls prevention programs or programs of similar scope.

5. Meet all training, licensing, fees, or other requirements associated with the selected falls prevention programs to ensure compliance with all the requirements stipulated by the program developer/administrator.

6. Project Investigator/Director must attend all regularly scheduled calls and communicate with the AoA Project Officer monthly, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

7. Collect required program data for all program participants using ACL’s specific data collection forms (see Appendix C). Within 30 days of participants’ completion of the program, grantees are responsible for compiling and reporting the data to the National Falls Prevention Database. Data include de-identified participant demographic and health status information, attendance information, and workshop type and location. Grantees should plan to train workshop leaders on data collection practices and use of these forms.

8. Participate in any ACL/National Falls Prevention Resource Center sponsored research and/or evaluations.

9. Participate in relevant ACL/National Falls Prevention Resource Center education (e.g., webinars, workgroups, etc.), provided that ACL/National Falls Prevention Resource Center gives reasonable notice of the subject, date, and time of the event.

10. Comply with all other reporting requirements, as outlined in Section VI of this Funding Opportunity and the Notice of Award.

11. Include the following disclaimer on all products produced using this grant funding:

HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that is NOT funded with other non-governmental sources:

“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 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. 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 HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that IS partially funded with other nongovernmental sources:

“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 AoA project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

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

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

3. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the strategic goals and objectives, policy perspectives, and priorities of AoA, ACL, 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. In collaboration with the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, provide technical assistance to the grantee on the provision of programmatic support and associated tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant.

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

6. Communicate with the grant project director monthly, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

Once a Cooperative Agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend the agreement or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time if the request stays within the scope of work. 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. 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, when an award is issued the Cooperative Agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants For FY 2024 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 governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, special district governments, nonprofits having a 501(C)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education, city or township governments, public and state controlled institutes of higher education, independent school districts, private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education, county governments, faith based organizations, and community organizations.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients are not expected to provide cost sharing or matching. However, recipients are allowed to voluntarily propose a commitment of non-federal resources. If an applicant decides to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources towards project costs and the costs are accepted by ACL, the non-federal resources will be included in the approved project budget. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to meet the voluntary amount of non-federal resources that was accepted by ACL as part of the approved project costs and that was identified in the approved budget in the https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/national-falls-prevention-resource-center/

NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria Application Responsiveness Criteria Not Applicable

Application Screening Criteria All applications will be screened to assure a level playing field for all applicants. Applications that fail to meet the five 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 all of 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 all sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, Times New Roman or Arial.

3. The Project Narrative (defined below) must not exceed 20 pages. NOTE: The Project Work Plan, Letters of Support/Commitment, Project Map, Organizational Chart, Budget Narrative/Justification, Vitae of Key Project Personnel, and reference list are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit.

4. Applications must include a Budget Narrative/Justification for years 1, 2, and 3 along with a combined Budget Narrative/Justification for the proposed 36-month budget period.

The proposed combined Budget Narrative/Justification for federal funds listed in the budget must not exceed the total federal 3-year award ceiling of $1,250,000.

5. Applications must include a Project Work plan for years 1, 2, and 3. Project Work plans must be consistent with the proposed Project Narrative and Budget Narrative/Justifications.

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 an 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 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

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:

SAM.GOV Quick Start Guide for Financial Assistance Registrations.

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.

1.

• 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:

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

3. 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

4. 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/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=54e0016fdb3bbd90a8cb4a3913961934

• 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

Administration on Aging Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs Lisa Casler Haun Email: Lisa.caslerhaun@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent Due Date for Letter Of Intent 01/13/2025

01/13/2025 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Aging Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov mailto:Lisa.caslerhaun@acl.hhs.gov

Lisa Casler Haun Email: Lisa.caslerhaun@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on all sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, Times New Roman or Arial. The entirety of the Project Narrative, including tables, graphics, and headings must be double-spaced. You can use smaller font sizes to complete the Standard Forms and Sample Formats outside of the Project Narrative section, such as the Project Work Plans and Budget Narrative/Justifications. Twenty

(20) pages is the maximum length allowed.

The Project Work Plan, Letters of Support/Commitment, Vitae of Key Personnel, Project Map, Organizational Chart, Budget Narrative/Justification, and reference list are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit.

Applicants must document all source material. If any text, language, and/or materials are from another source, the applicant must make it clear the material is being quoted and where the text comes from. The applicant must also cite any sources when they include numbers, ideas, or other material that are not their own.

The Project Narrative is the most important part of the application since it will be used as the primary basis to determine whether your project meets the minimum requirements for grants under the authorizing statutes. The Project Narrative should provide a clear and concise description of your project. See Appendix E for resources on writing a grant application.

Your Project Narrative must include the following sections and be clearly labeled:

1. Project Abstract

2. Project Relevance and Current Need

3. Approach

4. Outcomes and Evaluation

5. Organizational Capacity

To assist reviewers in scoring your application, applicants are required to organize their proposal using the headings above.

Project 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.”

In your abstract, clearly specify:

1. The objectives and outcomes of your proposed project;

mailto:Lisa.caslerhaun@acl.hhs.gov

2. The two or more evidence-based falls prevention programs (at least one offered remotely) you plan to implement from the selected approved programs for FY25. (Reference Appendix A);

3. Projected number of program participants, broken down for each of your proposed falls prevention programs by year (Reference Appendix D);

4. Key partners you will establish in building the capacity to implement this project with the intent to develop further unique partnerships as identified by the older adult participants;

5. Target population with focus on older adults (60 years and older) and adults with disabilities, with the majority focus being older adults, in greatest social and/or economic need; and

6. Targeted project geographic area.

Project Relevance and Current Need

This section should describe in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem or issue the proposed project is designed to address.

In this section:

1. Briefly describe and cite (using reliable population-based, state, and local data sources) the impact of falls in your state/region/tribe specifically highlighting needs of those older adults (60 years and older) and adults with disabilities, with the majority focus being older adults, in greatest social and/or greatest economic need and how your proposed evidence-based falls prevention programs will address this impact.

2. Describe the gap that exists in the availability of your proposed falls prevention programs. This should include a description of the current delivery status of falls prevention programs by your organization or by other organizations in the targeted geographic area, meeting the greatest social needs and/or greatest economic needs, sustainability efforts, geographic/population reach of the proposed programs in your state/region/tribe, the extent to which a network exists for systematically delivering and sustaining these programs and why your organization is positioned to fill the existing gap.

3. Include a Project Map of your state/region/tribe that shows where your proposed programs are already being offered (if applicable), and which areas are being selected for this project. Provide data to support why you are targeting those areas (e.g., the number of older adults, the lack of available programs, etc.). The map should be included as an appendix to your application.

Approach

Capacity Building and Program Implementation In this sub-section, the applicant must describe how they will develop capacity to deliver falls prevention programs to older adults and/or adults with disabilities focusing on those in greatest economic and/or social need, utilizing person-centered, trauma informed and culturally appropriate practices.

In this sub-section the applicant should clearly describe:

The project’s goals and major objectives that align with Goal 1 described in this funding opportunity:

Goal 1: Develop an innovative fall prevention method that includes:

1. Targeted partnerships and outreach to recruit older adults and adults with disabilities with a focus of those in greatest social and/or greatest economic need into small group in-person evidence-based falls prevention programs.

o The proposed project will include initial community partnerships to support this application in referral to and implementation of the selected evidence-based falls prevention programs along with a plan to develop further, unique partnerships as the project progresses to meet the individual needs of the participants.

2. The two or more evidence-based falls prevention programs (at least one offered in remote format) that you propose to implement and a rationale for the programs selected. The rationale should relate to the project relevance and current need of the population(s) and target area(s) identified.

• Delivery of the evidence-based falls prevention programs will be person-centered, trauma informed and culturally appropriate. The awarded organization will need to keep this in mind when considering the qualifications of grant staff and program leaders and whether training on these topics will be required.

Formalized person-centered approach where participants take an active role and are involved in the steps toward their continued health, well-being, and independence. (See Appendix F for examples of what this could look like.)

3. The programs must be on the list of pre-approved interventions in Appendix A. Do not propose programs that are not included on this list. Applicants can use the guidelines in the Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program Risk Continuum to assist them in selecting their proposed falls prevention programs.

• How you will implement at least one of the identified programs in a remote format, e.g., by video conference or similar virtual modality. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) maintains a website that tracks remote program guidance: (https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/). All applicants should contact the program developer/administrator(s) for any program(s) they are interested in delivering remotely to confirm that: 1) the programs are allowed for remote delivery; and 2) training is readily available for applicants who need it.

Note that the NCOA website includes programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A, as well as other programs not on the list. For this funding opportunity, applicants MUST propose programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A.

• Describe the IT equipment and support required to deliver the proposed remote program(s) and provide a detailed plan for how you will meet these equipment and support needs.

4. The projected total number of participants (older adults and adults with disabilities),with focus on greatest social and/or greatest economic need, that you expect to reach through https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs-risk-continuum-guidance-for-program-selection https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/ https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/ your proposed evidence-based falls prevention programs, broken down by program and year, and explain how you developed your target numbers for each of the programs.

• For any proposed programs, please also specify a target number of completers and a target completion rate for each year. Provide a rationale for these targets, e.g., by referencing any previous experience delivering falls prevention programs, the number of older adults and adults with disabilities in your state/region/tribe that you may be able to reach, partner commitments, referral systems, and other factors.

• Targets should be realistic and achievable. In developing your participant/completer targets, please reference Appendix D Guidance for Administration for Community Living Evidence-based Falls Prevention Program Grant Applicants: Considerations for Estimating Program Participation Targets.

• Describe how your approach will engage approximately 25% of your target participants by the end of Year 1, 50% by the end of Year 2, and 100% of your target participants by the end of year 3.

5. Your comprehensive strategy for implementing/disseminating the proposed falls prevention programs, in collaboration with aging and disability programs/services and other relevant initial innovative partners. Note that you must include a Letter of Commitment from each of the key initial partners and organizations described and attach as an appendix. See Letters of Support/Commitment section.)

6. How you intend to identify, market to, and recruit participants for your proposed programs. Consider what specific marketing strategies would effectively reach your target population, including any brand messaging, referral systems, media platforms, and partner involvement.

7. The innovative method that will be developed to offer a person-centered delivery pathway using a bi-directional referral process to address the individual needs and choices of each older adult beyond the evidence-based falls prevention program to reduce their risk of falls, including the strategy for meeting with, assessing and conducting follow-up with each older adult participant.

8. How unique partnerships will be developed to meet the participant’s individual needs and choices as the project progresses.

9. Any existing falls prevention and/or other evidence-based prevention initiatives in your area and how you plan to coordinate with and leverage these efforts. This should include a description of any existing capacity to deliver the proposed programs, i.e., the number of host sites, implementation sites, and delivery personnel (such as trainers and leaders/coaches).

10. Whether your existing infrastructure for implementing and disseminating the proposed programs is adequate, i.e., the number of host sites, implementation sites, and delivery personnel (such as trainers and leaders/coaches). If not, describe and provide a rationale for any proposed trainings. If you require training for any of the proposed programs, you must include a Letter of Commitment in your application from the program developer/administrator that will provide training. The letter should state that the training will be provided no more than three months after the applicant receives the Notice of Award from ACL. Letter(s) should be submitted as an appendix. See Letters of Support/Commitment section.

11. How the delivery of the evidence-based falls prevention programs will be person-centered, trauma informed and culturally appropriate and what training will be provided on these topics for grant staff and program leaders.

12. The major challenges and barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will address those challenges and barriers.

Target Populations Applicants are required to engage older adults (60 years and older) and adults with disabilities, with the majority focus being older adults, in greatest economic and/or social need in their programming in efforts to advance equity in falls prevention program scaling and participation.

In this subsection applicants should:

1. Describe the older adult (60 years and older) and adult with disabilities population to be served by the falls prevention programs.

2. Provide the rationale (citing relevant data) for selecting the population, how they will be engaged, and the organizations that you will be collaborating with to reach the identified population(s). See Appendix D, Section III of this funding opportunity, as well as the links below, for more information about selecting and reaching your identified population.

• 4 Ways Falls Prevention and CDSME Grantees are Reaching Underserved Populations

3. Describe how recruitment of participants for the evidence-based falls prevention programs will include older adults and adults with disabilities in greatest economic and/or social need consistent with the language stated in the Final Rule to Update Older Americans Act Regulations released February 2024. See Appendix B Glossary of Term for a more information on defining these terms.

Sustainability In this sub-section the applicant…