Foa_Content_of_HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-MINC-0022.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Center for Innovation and Partnership

National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment

HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-MINC-0022

07/30/2025

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Project Narrative

Summary/Abstract

Problem Statement

Goals and Objectives

Proposed Intervention

Special Target Populations and Organizations

Outcomes

Project Management

Evaluation

Dissemination

Organizational Capability

Budget Narrative/Justification

Work Plan

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Center for Innovation and Partnership Funding Opportunity Title:

National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-MINC-0022

Primary CFDA Number:

93.071 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

07/10/2025 Due Date for Applications:

07/30/2025 Date for Informational Conference Call:

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 National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment (Center) provides education and support for organizations that help with benefits enrollment for federal and state programs, especially for older adults. The Center provides this support to states, territories, Area Agencies https://www.grants.gov/ on Aging (AAA), Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD), State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and other community service organizations. The Center seeks to increase access to healthcare and contribute to chronic disease prevention for Medicare enrollees.

The Center is required by statute to:

1. Maintain and update web-based decision support and enrollment tools, and integrated, person-centered systems, designed to inform older individuals about the full range of benefits for which the individuals may be eligible under Federal and State programs;

2. Utilize cost-effective strategies to find older individuals with greatest economic need and enroll the individuals in the programs;

3. Create and support efforts for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and other public and private State and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and coalitions, to serve as benefits enrollment centers for the programs;

4. Develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on best practices and cost-effective methods for finding and enrolling older individuals with greatest economic need in the programs for which the individuals are eligible; and

5. Provide, in collaboration with related Federal agency partners administering the Federal programs, training and technical assistance on effective outreach, screening, enrollment, and follow-up strategies.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) plans to fund one (1) cooperative agreement at the federal funding level up to $15,000,000 per year, over a three (3) year project period, pending availability of federal funds.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Overview of the MIPPA Program

The programs created by the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 increase access to healthcare and contribute to chronic disease prevention for Medicare enrollees. Through MIPPA, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) provides grants to states, territories, and tribes to support targeted outreach and education to Medicare enrollees with greatest economic need.

The MIPPA grants are administered through three ACL programs: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), and Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD). ACL also provides grants to tribes and tribal organizations. The grantees educate Medicare enrollees about existing programs that can help them save money on their health care costs. These programs include:

• Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help: Administered by the Social Security Administration, this program helps to lower Medicare Part D costs — including out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs — for enrollees who meet certain income and resource eligibility requirements.

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): Administered by state Medicaid agencies, MSPs can help pay some Medicare costs for health care, including Medicare Part B premiums, for eligible Medicare enrollees.

• Medicare Preventive Services, which cover many preventive health services such as the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit; yearly “wellness” visits; Medicare approved vaccinations; screenings for cancer and heart disease; and more. These services are available to all Medicare enrollees, regardless of their income and assets.

The Role of the National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment

MIPPA funding also supports the National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment (Center), which provides education and support for organizations that help with benefits enrollment for federal and state programs, especially for older adults. The Center provides this support to states, territories, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD), State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), tribes, and other community service organizations.

The Center is required by statute to:

1. Maintain and update web-based decision support and enrollment tools, and integrated, person-centered systems, designed to inform older individuals about the full range of benefits for which the individuals may be eligible under Federal and State programs;

2. Utilize cost-effective strategies to find older individuals with greatest economic need and enroll the individuals in the programs;

3. Create and support efforts for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and other public and private State and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and coalitions, to serve as benefits enrollment centers for the programs;

4. Develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on best practices and cost-effective methods for finding and enrolling older individuals with greatest economic need in the programs for which the individuals are eligible; and

5. Provide, in collaboration with related Federal agency partners administering the Federal programs, training and technical assistance on effective outreach, screening, enrollment, and follow-up strategies.

The Center also serves as the MIPPA resource center for grantees who receive funding established under MIPPA, including tribes.

Applications should include plans to track the following outcomes for the MIPPA program:

1. Improved effectiveness of grantees to provide information and assistance about LIS, MSP, and Medicare preventive services

2. Smaller enrollment gap for programs supporting those with limited income and assets

3. Reduced out of pocket costs for Medicare enrollees

4. Enrollees who are knowledgeable about how to access care

Applications for the Center should be organized around the following activities.

1. Maintain and update web-based decision support and enrollment tools, and integrated, person-centered systems, designed to inform older individuals about the full range of benefits for which the individuals may be eligible under Federal and State programs.

Applicants should describe plans to create and/or provide easy to use publicly available web-based decision support tools that provide:

• Information about the full range of benefits available, including functionality that personalizes searches based on current benefit status that would indicate eligibility for other programs and benefits.

• Information about Medicare/Medicaid integrated care options; and

• Eligibility screening and application assistance for federal and state funded programs.

Tools should:

• Be widely communicated publicly for broad awareness and easy access among older adults;

• Be available to the network at no cost;

• Provide the latest program information in real-time;

• Allow customized searches; and

• Be supported by a help desk.

Applicants should provide a clear timeline for the development and implementation of these web-based tools. To encourage the broad use of these tools, the applicant should provide plans to conduct training and provide technical assistance to all users, including the public. These plans should include integrating with state aging and disability network efforts, where possible.

Additionally, applicants should provide appropriate outreach and education plans for dissemination and use of tools by Medicare enrollees and older adults.

2. Utilize cost-effective strategies to find older individuals with greatest economic need and enroll the individuals in the program.

Applicants should develop plans, materials, products, and other items intended to assist MIPPA grantees (including tribes), Benefit Enrollment Centers, and other community-based partners with utilizing cost-effective strategies to find eligible Medicare beneficiaries and assist those beneficiaries with enrollment into the programs they qualify for.

Strategies could include but are not limited to:

• Media campaigns;

• Online and social media outreach campaigns;

• Innovative partnerships to amplify messaging and effectively reach a larger number of older adults; and

• Data mapping.

3. Create and support efforts for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and other public and private State and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and coalitions, to serve as benefits enrollment centers for the programs.

Applicants should describe plans to create and support efforts for community and state partners to serve as Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs). BECs including Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and other public and private State and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and coalitions. The BECs should assist older adults, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare enrollees with applications for federal and state programs. The BECs should provide targeted outreach, education, and enrollment assistance to Medicare enrollees with greatest economic need for the programs for which the individuals are eligible.

The BECs should work with the SHIPs, MIPPA grantees (including tribes), local ADRCs; and state No Wrong Door systems to collaborate on efforts and avoid duplication. The BECs should be part of a state No Wrong Door system for access to long-term services and supports. This could be through serving as a recognized Aging and Disability Resource Center or providing referrals to the local ADRCs for access and coordinating on state facilitated outreach education, eligibility and/or enrollment systems.

Applicants should describe plans to:

• Establish, manage, and support a network of locally based BEC sub-grantees;

• Compete and/or award the sub-grants to the BECs;

• Provide training and technical assistance to BECs to ensure that they can provide outreach and application assistance to eligible beneficiaries;

• Establish nationwide coverage that identifies national, state and community-level collaborations, especially involving SHIPs, AAAs, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and ADRC/NWDs;

• Identify possible referral partnerships to support the work;

• Track and report to ACL the work done by the BECs;

• Monitor the BECs to determine effectiveness, best practices, challenges, and other technical assistance needs in a timely manner;

• Provide regular updates to ACL on performance and challenges of the BECs; and

• Collaborate with ACL on outreach activities aimed at preventing disease and promoting wellness that compliment outreach and assistance with benefits access.

4. Develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on best practices and cost-effective methods for finding and enrolling older individuals with greatest economic need in the programs for which the individuals are eligible.

Applicants should describe plans to develop and maintain a web-based information clearinghouse and library. The information clearinghouse should be public for wide distribution and use. This includes the provision of training and technical assistance regarding the content and use of the clearinghouse.

This clearinghouse should include:

• Best practices from MIPPA grantees (including tribes) and BECs on outreach and enrollment strategies;

• Strategies for online counseling and outreach;

• Innovative ideas for state level collaborations, such as data sharing;

• Cost-effective methods and tools for finding and enrolling older individuals with greatest economic need in the programs for which the individuals are eligible;

• Educational and training materials for the network on key state and federal benefits programs, Medicare, and integrated care programs;

• Training to enhance benefits outreach and enrollment efforts, including easily replicable and proven effective methods of conducting Medicare outreach, and counseling and education on the full range of options for Medicare enrollees, their families, and caregivers; and

• Person-centered approaches to identifying benefits and programs to support disease prevention and health promotion.

Additionally, the Center should plan to provide a public-facing portion of their website to improve the public’s understanding of benefits and services. Applicants for this funding opportunity should demonstrate the ability to promote understanding of the mission of government programs to wide audiences.

5. Provide, in collaboration with related Federal agency partners administering the Federal programs, training and technical assistance on effective outreach, screening, enrollment, and follow-up strategies.

Applicants should describe plans to provide technical assistance on effective outreach, screening, enrollment, and follow-up strategies. Applicants should include plans to:

• Provide training to enhance benefits outreach and enrollment efforts, including easily replicable and proven effective methods of conducting Medicare outreach, and counseling and education on the full range of options for Medicare enrollees, their families, and caregivers;

• Develop training to identify and reach Medicare enrollees to assist them with benefits and enrollment assistance;

• Create a strategy for ensuring the Center remains abreast of current developments in Medicare, healthcare trends, integrated care, and related beneficiary issues, as well as a plan to ensure these developments are shared with the network;

• Conduct analysis of guidance from administering federal agencies to provide technical assistance for the states as it relates to streamlining access to benefits and services; and

• Help develop innovative partnerships at the state and local level to increase the number of beneficiaries reached, including AAAs, ADRC/NWDs, CILs, and SHIPs in coordination with other ACL funded resource centers.

Applicants should provide plans to support the MIPPA grantees in conjunction with ACL. This includes plans to:

• Develop and offer regular trainings about MIPPA performance measures including how the measures, along with data validation and quality assurance efforts, can be used to improve program management;

• Expand related services in each state to achieve statewide coverage and reach all eligible beneficiaries;

• Aid with the dissemination of best practices and resources for outreach and application assistance;

• Collaborate with ACL and federal agency partners administering benefits programs to educate grantees and beneficiaries on the programs and, where possible, look for opportunities to streamline processes for older adults and persons with disabilities. This includes the provision of training and technical assistance, in collaboration with ACL, CMS, the SHIP Technical Assistance Center, the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center, the No Wrong Door Resource Center and other partners, on effective outreach, screening, enrollment and follow-up strategies; and

• Collaborate with ACL and relevant grantees on outreach related to disease prevention and health promotion.

Statutory Authority 42 U.S.C. 1395b-3 note.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$15,000,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$15,000,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$0 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' This award will be a new cooperative agreement. ACL will be substantially involved in the Center project activities. The terms and conditions of the agreement will be included in the Notice of Award (NOA), which is subject to modification by either party as listed below.

ACL will carry out the following activities for the cooperative agreement:

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

2. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the direction and priorities of ACL by conducting periodic briefings and by carrying out ongoing consultations.

3. Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the project. If issues are identified, work with the grantee to revise the project work plan, detailing expectations for major activities and products during the grant.

4. Provide guidance to the grantee, as necessary, in making sub-awards (i.e., sub-grants/contracts) as permitted in this funding opportunity announcement.

5. Review and provide technical advice to the grantee on all work products and other project deliverables and processes.

6. Provide consultation to the grantee in identifying emerging issues as they relate to the goals and objectives of this grant program and activities.

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

8. Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

The Grantee will execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement:

1. Collaborate with ACL for any in-scope modifications and execution of the work plan, initially within 45 days of the award.

2. Participate in ACL education and communication activities, including required teleconferences, webinars, and monthly meetings to discuss grant-related activities and programmatic budgetary concerns.

3. Coordinate and consult with the ACL project officer frequently on meetings, events, and projects impacting the administration and/or service delivery of project activities.

4. Participate in training opportunities. A portion of this grant award shall be designated for travel expenses to these events:

o Attend the OHIC National Conference and New Director Training – The grantee is required to send an adequate number of staff to both events annually. Attendees may be the Center Director and any other staff that would be deemed necessary for full participation in the event. The grantee should expect to help with planning and presenting at this event annually.

o Send appropriate staff to other pertinent training provided by ACL, CMS, or other federal or state partners to ensure staff maintain a comprehensive understanding of the grant expectations and knowledge needed to appropriately manage the grant.

5. Apply to, present at, and send representation to national conferences such as American Association of Service Coordinators Conference, USAging Annual Conference, and other related national gatherings.

6. Share information with ACL; MIPPA grantees, BEC, national, state, and local partner organizations; and other entities as appropriate.

7. Work with the ACL project officer to evaluate performance results reported semiannually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

8. Use the following language when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other ACL supported publications and forums describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with ACL funding:

o 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.

o 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.

9. Work with the ACL Program Director and Project Officers to evaluate performance results reported semiannually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

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

11. Ensure all products and deliverables are accessible and 508-compliant before public release.

12. Create and distribute a regular newsletter for program team members to ensure they maintain a comprehensive understanding of grant expectations and knowledge needed to appropriately manage the grant; receive updates from ACL, CMS, and other federal partners; and/or learn best practices from peers across the country.

The grantee further agrees that:

• Activities under this initiative will not duplicate activities funded under other resources;

and

• Information collected from tools created or supported by this funding will not be used for commercial purposes.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the recipient 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.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants 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.

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.

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

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

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

Applications must show:

• Demonstrated expertise in the implementation of a web-based decision support and enrollment tool that is publicly available to older adults, individuals with disabilities, Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and the professionals who serve them.

• Demonstrated experience in working with state aging agencies, state health and public health agencies, community health provider organizations, and community-level aging service provider organizations, including SHIPs, AAAs and ADRC/NWDs.

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

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

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

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

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 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 20-page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide 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 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants.

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

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

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

Eastern Time.

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

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

This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an 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.

• 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.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=54e0016fdb3bbd90a8cb4a3913961934

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

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

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

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

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

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

Margaret Flowers

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent Number of Days from Publication 10

07/10/2025 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 Margaret Flowers Center for Innovation and Partnership Email: margaret.flowers@acl.hhs.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The maximum length for the Project Narrative 20 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit.

The sample components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 20 page limit include:

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

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

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

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

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

Special Target Populations and Organizations This section should describe how you plan to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. This section should also describe whether, and if so, how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations, those of greatest economic need. Applicants should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancement for all.

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

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

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

Applications should include plans to track the following outcomes for the MIPPA program:

1. Improved effectiveness of grantees to provide information and assistance about LIS, MSP, and Medicare preventive services

2. Smaller enrollment gap for programs supporting those with limited income and assets

3. Reduced out of pocket costs for Medicare enrollees

4. Enrollees who are knowledgeable about how to access care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies Include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies in this part of the application. Any organization that is specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments.

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:

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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Submission Dates and Times Number Of Days from Publication 30

07/30/2025 Date for Informational Conference Call:

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=a05adbae1b59f8982fe5ed7ae54bcbba https://www.grants.gov

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

In addition, if you are…