Foa_Content_of_HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-SATC-0021.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Center for Innovation and Partnership

State Health Insurance Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TAC)

HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-SATC-0021

07/30/2025

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Overview of the SHIP Program

The Role of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TAC)

SHIP TAC Functional Themes

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:

State Health Insurance Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TAC) Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-SATC-0021

Primary CFDA Number:

93.324 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 https://www.grants.gov/

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary The mission of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is to empower, educate, and assist Medicare eligible individuals, their families and caregivers through outreach, counseling, and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize their access to care and benefits. There are currently 54 active SHIP grants known as SHIPs hereafter: one in every state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The SHIP Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TAC) serves as a centralized and significant source of information, expertise, and technical assistance for SHIPs. With this funding opportunity, ACL is seeking applicants for a single cooperative agreement to operate the SHIP TAC.

ACL plans to fund one (1) cooperative agreement at the federal funding level of up to $1,500,000 per year, over a three (3) year project period, pending availability of federal funds.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Overview of the SHIP Program The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) was created under Section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-508). This section of the law authorized the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to States to establish and maintain health insurance information and assistance programs for Medicare enrollees. SHIPs are tasked with developing a network of local community-based organizations to help with Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance, managed care options, and other health insurance benefit information. The ACL coordinates with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure SHIPs provide accurate and objective information and assistance to Medicare enrollees, their families, and caregivers. Services provided by SHIPs are intended for those who prefer, or need, in-depth information or assistance beyond what they are able to receive through other information channels, such as 1-800-MEDICARE and www.medicare.gov.

The Role of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TAC) The ever-evolving nature of the Medicare program and the broader health insurance landscape reinforce the need for intensive support services and training for the SHIPs and partners through the SHIP TAC. The goal of the SHIP TAC is to maximize the effectiveness of the SHIP outreach and education efforts by serving as a central source of information, expertise, and technical assistance for SHIPs, partners, and team members. SHIPs play an important role in Medicare enrollee counseling and education efforts, offering both in-person and over-the-phone counseling at the local level. Given this, it is essential that the SHIPs have access to accurate, relevant, and timely information to provide the best possible service.

SHIP TAC Functional Themes Applicants for this funding opportunity should describing how they will provide support and technical assistance to help SHIPs work toward achieving the programmatic strategic objectives outlined in the FY2025 SHIP Base Grant Funding Opportunity Announcement https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355724 and described in more depth below:

http://www.medicare.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355724

1. Team Member and Beneficiary Education: The Center will support SHIP efforts to provide group education and one-on-one assistance to Medicare enrollees on a statewide basis.

2. Workforce Development: The Center will support SHIP efforts to recruit, train, and retain a sufficient and effective workforce ready to provide high quality education and inquiry resolution.

3. Operational Excellence: The Center will support SHIP efforts to monitor and assess their results on operational and quality measures.

4. Innovation and Partnership: The Center will support SHIP efforts to respond to changes in the programmatic landscape.

Applicants should provide plans to monitor the impact of their technical assistance to ensure they have achieved their goals.

SHIP Strategic Program Theme 1: Team Member and Beneficiary Education

Objectives:

1. Consistently and confidentially provide accurate, objective, and comprehensive information and assistance.

2. Promote awareness, knowledge, and visibility of the program.

The SHIP TAC will support this objective by gathering, preparing, and providing relevant materials for the SHIPs to use in empowering and assisting Medicare enrollees, their families, and caregivers. The SHIP TAC will do so through training and technical assistance to SHIPs in support of their efforts to provide beneficiary counseling that is consistent, confidential, accurate, objective, and comprehensive.

Enhance Medicare and Related Benefits Content Knowledge of the SHIP Network The SHIP TAC must provide standardized, expert information and access to resources. The resources should meet a variety of learning needs among SHIP team members in obtaining and maintaining competency in Medicare and Medicaid related subjects. Applicants should provide a plan to:

• Ensure SHIP TAC remains abreast of current developments in Medicare and related beneficiary issues.

• Provide subject matter expertise (SME) and training to the SHIP network to assist with complicated Medicare enrollee needs and general casework including Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, integrated care options, Medigap, and other related public benefits programs, etc.

• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and SHIP network sharing of effective materials, resources, and practices.

• Develop and disseminate training to enhance SHIP outreach and education efforts such as online training courses, web-based tools, fact sheets, etc.

• Develop and disseminate training materials and curriculum regarding Medicare and related benefits, coverage rules, written notices and forms, appeal rights and procedures, the use of the Medicare Plan Finder and other CMS developed tools, client confidentiality, and risk management practices.

• Solicit input from ACL and SHIPs on SME needs, requirements, and propose solutions to the needs identified.

Develop and Adhere to an Integrated Communications Strategy Clear and informative communication with and between the SHIPs, ACL, and the public is central to the success of the SHIP program. The SHIP TAC should act as the resource and clearinghouse to facilitate communication by proactively working with ACL to further the SHIP message nationally. Communication strategies should include:

• Provision of timely information based on input from the SHIP network to be used in planning technical assistance, training, and other support activities to ACL.

• Promotion of national partnerships as well as the development and dissemination of outreach and education materials to assist the SHIPs in their efforts to ensure high-quality and person-centered service delivery as a part of states No Wrong Door initiatives for streamlined access to benefits and services. The information shared should leverage knowledge and resources developed by fellow ACL Resource Centers.

• Development and maintenance of a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly SHIP TAC website that:

o Provides SHIPs and team members access to a resource library, training materials, technical assistance, and other tools developed by the SHIP TAC, SHIPs, and partners.

o Includes a Medigap Plan Comparison Tool which will:

▪ Provide up-to-date, real-time, state specific and searchable Medigap plan information that displays future costs and present results in a printer and email friendly manner.

▪ Allow customized searches.

▪ Be available to SHIPs and their team members at no cost in the password-protected area of the SHIP TAC website.

▪ Be supported by a help desk.

• Creation and distribution of a regular newsletter for the SHIPs to provide up-to-date information for grantees and team members on Medicare coverage changes, updates from ACL, CMS, and other federal partners, and/or best practices from SHIPs across the country.

• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and SHIP sharing of effective materials and practices.

• Creation and promotion of media and outreach templates, including social media, for use by SHIPs to use in their marketing campaigns, including brochures and other materials.

• External and public facing communications strategies should include:

o Maintenance of a national toll-free phone number to connect callers to their local

SHIP.

o Maintenance of a public facing user-friendly website that provides information to improve the public’s understanding of the SHIP, including access to an online SHIP locator tool to provide users quick and easy access to their SHIP.

o Planning and development of web-based tools to support beneficiaries in need of real-time guidance and decision-making support on Medicare benefits as a complement to 1:1 counseling.

o Utilize data analytics and social media solutions to identify and reach Medicare beneficiaries in need of information on their benefit options.

o Increase national exposure of SHIP program in collaboration with ACL through participation in partner webinars, publications, presentations, and partnerships.

Venues for this may include American Association of Service Coordinators Conference, USAging Annual Conference, and other related national and regional gatherings.

o Demonstrate the ability to develop and disseminate materials that can be easily understood, including those with limited literacy and those for whom English is a second language.

SHIP Program Theme 2: Workforce Development

Objective: Prepare SHIPs to recruit, train, and retain a sufficient and effective workforce ready to provide high quality unbiased education and inquiry resolution.

The SHIP TAC will support this objective by collecting, preparing, and leveraging learning materials, best practices, and SMEs to recruit, train, and retain a healthy and capable SHIP workforce.

Support Team Member Recruitment Medicare enrollee demand for SHIP services is high and increases during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. The SHIP TAC will support SHIP efforts to increase the number paid and volunteer team members. SHIP TAC support should include:

• Developing partnerships with national and state associations with large membership and/or volunteer bases to recruit SHIP team members.

• Developing a special recognition for SHIP recruitment and training of new team members.

• Developing a media campaign for SHIPs that includes avenues for team members recruitment.

Support Team Member Training The development of training materials and curricula are a central focus of the SHIP TAC.

Applicants should demonstrate strong subject matter expertise in Medicare and related topics and provide detailed plans to support SHIP team members nationally including:

• Soliciting input from ACL, SHIP projects and team members on SME needs and requirements.

• Developing new and updated training, counseling and outreach materials for dissemination through SHIP TAC hosted webinars, the resource library, or through self-paced trainings.

• Providing support for new and experienced SHIP directors and team members through training, technical assistance, and mentoring created to specifically to support those in leadership roles.

• Providing role-specific manuals, kits, job aids, self-paced training, and online assessments to support new and existing team member training and certification materials.

Applicants should clearly describe how they will ensure that the strategies, materials, and approaches they will deploy will enable the SHIP projects and team members to more effectively reach Medicare enrollees, their families, and caregivers within the community.

Support Professional Well-being of the SHIP Network The SHIP network may at times experience interpersonal challenges in their work serving the public good. The SHIP TAC should support the SHIP network with resources that encourage professional and emotional wellness. This could include materials or training on professional boundaries; burn out; managing interactions with high needs individuals; recognizing beneficiaries in greatest economic and/or social need; self-care; recognizing when a colleague is in emotional distress, and knowing where to go for help when faced with these challenging situations. Applicants should describe plans to find, collect, and disseminate valid and reliable information of this type to be used by the SHIPs. In addition, applicants should provide a plan to utilize SMEs to develop materials and ongoing learning opportunities.

Create and Maintain an Online Learning Management System and Certification Tools The SHIPs need an online learning management system and certification tools to maximize and standardize training opportunities for team members. The SHIP TAC should develop, host, and provide access to online training modules in all content areas required of SHIP team members including Medicare basics, Medicare Coverage rules, Medicare appeals and penalties, Medicaid related Medicare benefits, Medicare Part D, Medicare Part C, Medicare integrated care, long term care insurance, and more. Applicants will be expected to create and develop new online training modules annually related to the changing Medicare landscape and SHIP needs. The certification tool should allow access to a national certification question bank approved by the

ACL.

Applicants should use training and certification completion rates and feedback from SHIPs to inform ongoing technical assistance and training of team members and demonstrate the ability to incorporate lessons learned and plan for the continued use of the tool. Plans must clearly state how any transition, if necessary, between tools will be managed including specifics and timelines. A gap in the availability of this tool would be severely disruptive to the SHIP network and should be avoided as much as possible.

SHIP Program Theme 3: Operational Excellence

Objective: Develop and strengthen the SHIP network structure and organization, including processes and procedures, to enable effective and efficient operations.

The SHIP TAC will support this objective helping SHIPs develop and strengthen their program structures and organization, including overarching processes and procedures. should outline efforts to assist grantees in accessing data in the SHIP data system and utilizing SHIP performance data to inform program decisions. Plans should ensure timely, responsive, integrated support of the SHIP program that promotes and enhances the efficiency of program operations and the quality of SHIP results.

Support Management of Team Members The ACL Volunteer Risk and Program Management (VRPM) framework provides a standard set of expectations and tools to mitigate programmatic risk and improve team member recruitment and management practices. SHIPs are required to incorporate VRPM into their programs. Though this set of materials was designed to decrease and manage risks specifically related to volunteers, most VRPM sections apply to all program team members regardless of paid status.

Applicants should provide plans to encourage and assist SHIPs with VRPM through training, technical assistance, and resource development. Applicants should provide a plan to:

• Assist with the analysis of current VRPM expectations to determine necessary updates or development of additional elements based on SHIP network needs.

• Encourage and assist SHIPs with continued implementation of the VRPM requirements.

• Provide specific SHIP approaches, roles, and activities to improve and enhance the quality of team member program management.

• Gather SHIP input, disseminate tools or written products, and host webinar trainings for the network.

• Facilitate communication with state SHIP staff to ensure trusted working relationships, up-to-date national contact information, and improved SHIP TAC understanding of state VRPM successes and challenges.

Utilization of the SHIP Data System ACL contracts with IT specialists responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of the SHIP data system also known as the SHIP Tracking and Reporting System (STARS). The SHIP TAC should provide ongoing feedback, data validation activities, and quality assurance testing on all aspects of the data system, including software features and system training materials. The SHIP TAC should support the SHIP network by providing STARS training materials and webinars in conjunction with ACL and the IT specialists involved in the project. Applicants should describe how they will partner with ACL in the development of a training plan based on the needs of the end users of the system. Applicants should provide a plan to:

• Provide continued and targeted quality assurance testing on SHIP data system including providing comprehensive feedback on system changes and enhancements to ACL and its contractor(s).

• Development of training tools and products to be used by the SHIP and continuous online training for all levels of users including proposing methods for enhancing their working knowledge of the data system.

• Provide high-quality support, one-on-one technical assistance, and training for SHIP projects and team members on use of the STARS data system to resolve inquiries.

Technical Assistance in Support of SHIP Performance Measures and Part D Enrollment Outcomes (PDEO) In conjunction with ACL, the SHIP TAC should offer regular trainings about SHIP Performance Measures (PMs) and the Part D Enrollment Outcomes (PDEO) data collection and auditing. Applicants should provide a plan to:

• Provide support, technical assistance, and training for SHIPs about performance measures including demonstrating use of the performance measures for program monitoring and improvement.

• Conduct data validation and quality assurance efforts.

• Collect, develop, and disseminate best practices and other technical assistance materials to assist SHIPs with the management of the SHIP Performance Measures and PDEO.

Facilitate Ongoing Grantee Needs The SHIP TAC will offer ongoing and annual opportunities for grantees to provide feedback on their needs and overall experience. Results of these quality assurances will be synthesized, and recommendations utilized, as appropriate. Applicants should provide a plan to:

• Develop and implement a plan to determine SHIP needs and a plan to address these needs.

• Offer feedback and evaluation opportunities related to specific resources and educational offerings.

• Monitor impact of technical assistance provided with quantitative and qualitative data to better understand progress toward goals.

• Obtain grantee feedback on SHIP TAC quality, accessibility, and satisfaction with SHIP TAC offerings including materials and services.

SHIP Program Theme 4: Innovation and Partnership

Objective: Promote adaptable and sustainable processes and activities to position the SHIP for changes in the programmatic landscape.

The SHIP TAC should support SHIPs as they position themselves for changes in the Medicare and programmatic landscape. Applicants should detail innovate approaches in the following areas:

• Gathering, compiling, and disseminating examples of unique, innovative, and effective counseling, training, outreach, or program strategies used by SHIPs.

• Establishing partnerships with related network agencies, and national associations and organizations.

• Providing online education and counseling.

• Leveraging resources to increase reach.

• Leveraging data analytics to focus outreach and education in areas where Medicare enrollees are in most need of SHIP service.

• Monitoring data reporting and quality assurance.

• Identifying and supporting grantee short- and long-term sustainability strategies through workforce changes (or program leadership changes) to ensure continuation of the project’s goals and efforts to achieve desired outcomes. This includes support of SHIPs claiming state Medicaid for outreach, eligibility and enrollment support for dually eligible beneficiaries.

• Leveraging data analytics to focus outreach and education on Special Target Populations and Organizations including those in greatest economic and social need.

Collaborate with ACL Resource Centers ACL funds several resource and technical assistance centers focused on a variety of specialized topics and programs. Examples include the Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center, National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, AT3 Center, No Wrong Door (NWD) System National Resource Center, National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER), and

National Center on Elder Abuse. While each center has its own mission, focus, and/or special target population it is important for each to work together on collaborative efforts that are mutually beneficial to support the work being done by all. This allows each to benefit from the specialist SMEs found within each group throughout the network. Successful applicants to this funding opportunity should provide a plan to work collaboratively with the other ACL resource centers to help enhance the capacity of all.

Statutory Authority Section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 1395b-4) and Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$1,500,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$1,500,000 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' The terms and conditions for this cooperative agreement are as follows and will be incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award (NOA). ACL anticipates awarding one (1) 3-year cooperative agreement at the federal funding level of $1,500,000 during the first year and $1,500,000 in each remaining year, pending availability of federal funds.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

This award will be a new cooperative agreement. ACL will be substantially involved in the SHIP TAC 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.

The terms and conditions for this cooperative agreement are as follows:

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 will 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 60-month 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.

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 in the modification 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 Program Director 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:

1. Attend the Annual OHIC National Conference and New Director Training – The grantee is required to send an adequate number of staff to this 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 as well.

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

3. 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.

5. Share information with ACL, SHIP grantees, national, state, and local partner organizations, and other entities as appropriate.

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

7. 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. Include one of the following express acknowledgments on all SHIP public information materials:

• 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.

• 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.

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

9. Fulfill all the requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in this program announcement, specifically:

• Increase Medicare and related benefits content knowledge of the SHIP workforce.

• Provide SHIP program information and technical support.

• Develop and adhere to an integrated communication strategy.

• Enhance exposure of SHIP to the public.

• Support SHIP utilization of the VRPM policies and procedures.

• Support the professional wellbeing of the SHIP workforce.

• Maintain an online counselor certification tool.

• Maintain access to an online Medigap Plan Comparison tool.

• Collaborate with ACL Resource Centers.

• Provide feedback, training, data validation, and quality assurance testing on the SHIP data system.

• Provide technical assistance in support of SHIP performance measures and PDEO.

• Gather and disseminate unique, innovative, and effective strategies with the SHIP network.

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

11. Create and distribute a regular newsletter to provide up-to-date information to program team members. The newsletter should include information to ensure comprehensive understanding of the grant administration and expectations, Medicare coverage changes, updates from ACL, CMS, and other federal partners, and/or best practices from SHIPs peers across the country.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the mutual agreement of both parties, except where 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 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 do not meet the following responsiveness criteria will be administratively eliminated and will not be reviewed. The successful applicant will be an organization that meets the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the SHIP program and expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, integrated care, and other related coverage, and issues.

2. Demonstrated experience in working with state aging agencies, state health and public health agencies, community-level aging service provider organizations, and community health provider organizations.

3. Demonstrated expertise in team member management, including risk assessment and recruitment, training, and retention.

4. Demonstrated expertise in providing technical training and support to professionals.

5. Organizational capacity to provide support to 54 SHIPs.

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:

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.

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.

The Project Narrative must not exceed X pages. Project Narratives that exceed X 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

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 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ 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.

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 http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=54e0016fdb3bbd90a8cb4a3913961934 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

Melissa Simpson

Administration for Community Living

Center for Innovation and Partnership

Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling

Email: Melissa.Simpson@acl.hhs.gov

Phone Number: (202) 795- 7314

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:

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 appropriate number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. The deadline for submission of the letter of intent is listed above and should be sent to:

Melissa Simpson

Administration for Community Living

Center for Innovation and Partnership

Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling

Email: Melissa.Simpson@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8 ½” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of not less than 11, preferably Times New Roman or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 10 to 20 pages; 20 pages is the maximum length allowed.

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 https://www.grants.gov mailto:Melissa.Simpson@acl.hhs.gov mailto:Melissa.Simpson@acl.hhs.gov 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 Project Narrative is the most important part of the application, since it will be used as the primary basis to determine whether or not 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. ACL recommends that your project narrative include the following components:

• 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 - no more than 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 support SHIPs and those that they serve.

Goals and Objectives This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. Goals should be concise, measurable and relate to the four strategic themes of the program.

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” and as described in the “SHIP TAC Functional Themes” area above. This includes addressing the items guided by the four Strategic Themes: (1) Team Member and Beneficiary Education, (2) Workforce Development,

(3) Operational Excellence, and (4) Innovation and Partnership. You should also describe the rationale for using the 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 rural, 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. For example, how might the findings 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. Generally, the applicant should take into account how technical assistance, training and support of SHIPs will result in an expanded number of SHIP counselors. In addition, how the technical assistance efforts will support more Medicare enrollees accessing SHIP service.

A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits the 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 aging network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of aging; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported. Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. It is totally appropriate for a project to have only ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design.

Project Management This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project; monitoring the project’s ongoing progress, 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 method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether or not 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…