HHS--2021--ACL--AOD--DNCE--0100.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Projects of National Significance: Empowering Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Manage Their Healthcare Transitions

HHS-2021-ACL-AOD-DNCE-0100

07/12/2021

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

Statement of Need

Goals and Objectives

Proposed Approach

Independent Living, Self-Determination, and Intersectionality

Outcomes

Organizational Capability and Project Management

BUDGET NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION

PROJECT WORK PLAN

LETTERS OF COMMITMENT

3. Submission Dates and Times

4. Intergovernmental Review

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title:

Projects of National Significance: Empowering Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Manage Their Healthcare Transitions Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2021-ACL-AOD-DNCE-0100

Primary CFDA Number:

93.631 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

06/11/2021 Due Date for Applications:

07/12/2021 Date for Informational Conference Call:

06/01/2021 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 I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Purpose The Administration for Community Living (ACL) seeks to fund one (1) five-year grant to create and maintain a national, person-centered, culturally competent resource center to empower youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in directing their own healthcare transitions from pediatric to adult models of care. The center will work to increase self-determination, independence, and quality of life for youth with ID/DD as they transition into https://www.grants.gov/ adult models of care. The center will focus on resources for youth, approximately ages 12-26, while also providing resources for families, guardians, and other support networks.

The resource center will be guided by principles of independent living, self-determination, and intersectionality. (These definitions are included at the end of Section I.) Partnerships with entities supporting traditionally unserved and underserved youth, including youth from racially and ethnically diverse populations, youth who use augmentative and alternative communication, and youth who are disconnected from ongoing supports and systems (such as youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice or foster care systems) are critical to the success of this project.

B. Background Healthcare transition is “the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions from child-centered to adult-oriented health care systems.” [1] Every year, 750,000 young people with disabilities enter adulthood but healthcare delivery for these young adults has not kept pace.[2] As a result, the amount of healthcare provided to adults with disabilities by pediatric providers and pediatric models of care is far too great.[3]

There are additional factors for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who may need more in-depth support to make these transitions. Youth with ID/DD may have difficulty locating appropriate healthcare providers, and benefits programs supporting these youth may be subject to age cut-offs. Additionally, youth with ID/DD may be unaware of their rights and responsibilities that govern their access to healthcare.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine have stated that, “[a]fter the age of majority, all youth deserve to be treated as adults and to experience an adult model of care,” even when they require decision-making support or are under legal guardianship.[4] This project aims to facilitate this process by empowering youth with ID/DD to direct their own healthcare transitions.

This project will complement a number of the AoD initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities as well as projects empowering youth:

The Alternatives to Guardianship Youth Resource Center at University of Massachusetts, Boston;

The Partnering to Transform Health Outcomes with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (PATH-PWIDD) at Rush University, College of Nursing;

and

The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities at the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and

AoD’s ID/DD data equity initiative

This project will be a critical activity as part of AoD’s strategic priority to promote health equity of individuals with disabilities. It will also support the Administration’s priorities to address the

COVID-19 pandemic, racial inequities, and the American economy by building back better.

ACL recognizes that a leading contributor to racial inequities and health disparities for individuals with ID/DD is lack of access to health care.

This project is funded under the Projects of National Significance (PNS) within the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, which defines the purpose of PNS as a program to "create opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to directly and fully contribute to, and participate in, all facets of community life; and support the development of national and State policies that reinforce and promote, with the support of families, guardians, advocates, and communities, of individuals with developmental disabilities, the self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life of such individuals."[5]

C. Program Goals As a result of this project, ACL envisions the following long-term outcomes:

Increased self-determination, independence, and quality of life for youth with ID/DD;

Increased access for youth with ID/DD to culturally competent, person-centered healthcare services and supports; and, Increased collaboration across AoD health equity programs and national resource centers, to share best practices and connect the constellation of ACL health equity investments to improve overall quality of life for people with ID/DD. Some of these initiatives include:

o The Alternatives to Guardianship initiative at University of Massachusetts, Boston;

o The Partnering to Transform Health Outcomes with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (PATH-PWIDD) at Rush University, College of Nursing;

o The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities at the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and o AoD’s ID/DD data equity initiative.

ACL also anticipates the following shorter-term outcomes:

Youth with ID/DD gain an understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities in a healthcare setting;

Youth with ID/DD understand and learn how to proactively plan for medical appointments and procedures;

Youth with ID/DD learn to lead their medical appointments and interaction with medical professionals;

Youth become more comfortable engaging with medical professionals;

Youth with ID/DD learn about the co-occurring health conditions they may experience;

Youth learn to lead their at-home healthcare routines such as medication management;

Youth with ID/DD make decisions about their healthcare and wellness next steps, in consultation with providers, family members, and adult guardians as appropriate; and

Family members and adult guardians learn how to effectively support youth in transition to adult providers.

D. Activities Applicants should respond to this funding announcement by submitting proposals that demonstrate the approach they will take, if funded, to create and maintain a national, person-centered, culturally competent resource center to empower youth with ID/DD in directing their own healthcare transitions from pediatric to adult models of care. Applicants should explain how they plan to implement the required activities outlined in this subsection below along with any other activities they deem necessary to achieve the outcomes listed in Subsection C above.

Landscape Analysis The grantee will perform a landscape analysis of existing efforts across the country that will include identifying current and persistent gaps in services and supports, with particular attention to unserved and underserved populations. This analysis will help inform the subsequent program activities and training and resource topics, as well as provide an opportunity to develop partnerships. Applicants should describe their process for undertaking the landscape analysis and identify how they will include multiple and diverse perspectives in the process. Applicants should also describe how youth with ID/DD will be included in this process.

Resource Development and Dissemination Applicants should describe how they will use the information generated from the landscape analysis to identify and develop a variety of multi-modal resources for youth with ID/DD as well as for their family members and support networks. Applicants should describe how they will ensure that the resources will be cognitively accessible, culturally competent, and evidence-informed. Applicants should identify a sampling of potential resources and describe a dissemination plan for these resources, including dissemination to youth who may be traditionally underserved, including youth from racially and ethnically diverse populations, youth who use augmentative and alternative communication, and youth who are disconnected from ongoing supports and systems (such as youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice or foster care systems).

Steering Committee The grantee will develop a steering committee comprised entirely of transition-aged youth with ID/DD. Applicants should describe their plan for developing this steering committee and ensuring the group is diverse with regard to race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, location, and other factors not listed. This group will meet regularly to inform the project’s workplan and activities, and applicants should ensure they budget appropriately for every youth to fully participate in these meetings, including the cost of reasonable accommodations, virtual meeting platforms, and potentially stipends for the young adults’ time. Applicants should describe how they will recruit, support, and engage with the steering committee.

Community of Practice The grantee will develop a community of practice (CoP) comprised of ACL network organizations (e.g., Centers for Independent Living, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities , University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy agencies), state agencies, healthcare professionals, and other organizations including any self-advocacy and youth-led organizations within the state. Applicants should describe how they will develop the CoP and provide targeted technical assistance to the CoP through an accessible virtual platform not less than quarterly. Applicants should describe how they will ensure this group is diverse with regard to race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, location, and other factors not listed. Applicants should describe how they will recruit, structure, and engage with the community of practice.

Collaboration with ACL National Resource Centers In order to facilitate coordination of ACL health equity initiatives and maximize health outcomes for youth with ID/DD, the grantee will regularly convene a meeting of related ACL national resource centers, including, but not limited to

The Alternatives to Guardianship initiative at University of Massachusetts, Boston;

The Partnering to Transform Health Outcomes with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (PATH-PWIDD) at Rush University, College of Nursing;

The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities at the University of

Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and AoD’s ID/DD data equity initiative

Applicants should describe how they will collaborate with this group to maximize the flow of information and the sharing of promising practices and challenges among programs.

Other Partnerships ACL expects that no one single organization will be able to completely fulfill the priority areas addressed in this project. Therefore, applicants should describe how they plan to partner with other organizations, particularly those representing the needs of traditionally unserved and underserved youth, including youth from racially and ethnically diverse populations, youth with disabilities with intersectional identities, youth who use augmentative and alternative communication, and youth who are disconnected from ongoing supports and systems (such as youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice or foster care systems). While the applicant organization must be the fiscal and programmatic lead, applicants should clearly define their key partners’ roles throughout the application materials (e.g., work plan, budget, project narrative).

Website and Social Media The grantee will create a robust public facing website on which to host resources created by the grantee as well as relevant resources developed by partners in the field. Applicants should describe how they will create the website and ensure that it and the posted resources will be fully 508-compliant and conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. The website must also comply with all relevant security and privacy regulations governing federally supported websites. Applicants should describe how the website and the resources they will develop as the grantee will be branded so that it is clear to the public and others that they were developed with the support of ACL. The grantee will also use social media to promote the website and the overall project.

Mobile Application (App) The grantee will create a downloadable mobile app designed to help youth manage their individual healthcare transitions. Applicants should describe how they will create the app and include features for tracking appointments, medical history, and medication management. The app may also include features for family members or other trusted support networks to assist youth in managing their care. The app must be 508-compliant and conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. The app must also comply with all relevant security and privacy regulations governing federally supported mobile applications.

Evaluation Applicants should describe how they will use evidence-based methods for evaluating how well they are achieving the project outcomes. Applicants should describe their approach to evaluation that will be able to successfully measure whether or not the project has achieved its proposed outcomes. Applicants should include qualitative and quantitative methods in their approach.

Applicants should link the evaluation activities to the intended outcomes in Section C Program Goals above.

Sustainability Through this funding opportunity, ACL expects to realize tangible, measurable, and sustainable advancements for the healthcare transitions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applicants should propose a range of potential approaches for ensuring the sustainability of project efforts after federal funding has ended.

Independent Living, Self-Determination, and Intersectionality The success of this project is dependent on all components of the application, in addition to where specifically mentioned, aligning with the principles of independent living, self-determination, and intersectionality.

E. Definitions

Independent Living is a philosophy grounded in consumer control, the idea that people with disabilities are the experts on their own needs and can best decide how to live, work, and participate in their communities.[6]

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act defines self-determination activities as “activities that result in individuals with developmental disabilities, with appropriate assistance, having:

o the ability and opportunity to communicate and make personal decisions;

o the ability and opportunity to communicate choices and exercise control over the type and intensity of services, supports, and other assistance the individual receives;

o the authority to control resources to obtain needed services, supports, and other assistance;

o opportunities to participate in, and contribute to their communities; and o support, including financial support, to advocate for themselves and others, to develop leadership skills, through training in self-advocacy, to participate in coalitions, to educate policymakers, and to play a role in the development of public policies that affect individuals with developmental disabilities.”[7]

Intersectionality is an analytical framework that describes how individual characteristics like race, class, gender identity, disability, sexual preference, and socioeconomic status intersect to have a compounded impact on the individual.[8]

References:

[1] Blum RW, Garrell D, Hodgman C: Transition from child-centered to adult-oriented care:

systems for adolescents with chronic health conditions. J Adolesc Health 14:570–576, 1993.

[2] Scal, P., & Ireland, M. (2005). Addressing transition to adult health care for adolescents with special health care needs. Pediatrics, 115: 1607-1612. Retrieved from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/115/6 /1607.full.pdf.

[3] Baghat, Santi K.M. vol. 5, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, 2012, Transition’s Missing Link: Health Care Transition. Retrieved from http://www.ncwd-youth.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/policy-brief-05.pdf.

[4] Crane, Samantha. “The Transition to Adulthood for Youth with ID/DD: A Review of Research, Policy and next Steps .” Policy Brief , Autistic Self Advocacy Network, July 2013, autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/HealthCareTransition_ASAN_PolicyBrief_r2.pdf.

[5] An Act to Improve Service Systems for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and for Other Purposes. (PL 106-442) U.S. G.P.O., 2000.

[6] “About Independent Living.” National Council on Independent Living, 30 May 2019, ncil.org/about/aboutil/.

[7] An Act to Improve Service Systems for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and for Other Purposes. (PL 106-442) U.S. G.P.O., 2000.

[8] Crenshaw, Kimberlé (1989) "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics," University of Chicago Legal Forum: Vol. 1989, Article 8.

Statutory Authority Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$ 485,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$ 485,000 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/115/6%20/1607.full.pdf http://www.ncwd-youth.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/policy-brief-05.pdf http://www.ncwd-youth.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/policy-brief-05.pdf file:///C:/Users/dana.fink/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/LN7TIYFC/autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/HealthCareTransition_ASAN_PolicyBrief_r2.pdf file:///C:/Users/dana.fink/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/LN7TIYFC/autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/HealthCareTransition_ASAN_PolicyBrief_r2.pdf file:///C:/Users/dana.fink/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/LN7TIYFC/ncil.org/about/aboutil/

Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$ 450,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' The terms and conditions for this cooperative agreement are as follows and will be incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award (NOA).

The ACL project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement outlined below:

1. Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing a grant initiative and work with the grantee to ensure that the minimum requirements for the grant are met. Conduct regular conference calls to ensure goals and objectives are being met.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Fulfill all of the requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in this program announcement.

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

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

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

5. Work with the ACL program project officer to evaluate performance results reported semi-annually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

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

7. Report semi-annually on project accomplishments, challenges, and progress towards measurable objectives.

8. Acknowledge that the Government retains all rights to all data, reports, and websites/webpages created and/or compiled as a result of this grant and agree that no information furnished to or generated by the grantee in the performance of this grant shall be released to the public by the grantee without the prior approval of the project officer.

9. Ensure all virtual materials and platforms are in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as it stays within the original confines of the proposed project description. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments.

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.

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

No For awards that require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-federal resources (at or above the statutory requirement) in their application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by project period for fully funded awards. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to provide the statutorily required matching or cost sharing amount (and any voluntary committed amount in excess) may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

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 N/A

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

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

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

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

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

4. Applications must contain a budget request that is equal to or more than the “Award Floor” amount and not more than the “Award Ceiling” amount as found in Section II of this funding opportunity announcement.

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.

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 mailto:support@grants.gov

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

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

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

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

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

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

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

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

Since October 1, 2003, The Office of Management and Budget has required applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for federal grants or cooperative agreements. It is entered on the SF-424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities. The DUNS number is free and easy to obtain.

Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 866-705-5711.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

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 acknowledgement from https://www.grants.gov that containshttps://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form fromhttps://www.grants.gov.

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

Dana Fink dana.fink@acl.hhs.gov 202.795.7604

2. Content and Form of Application Submission Letter of Intent 06/11/2021 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to: Dana Fink dana.fink@acl.hhs.gov 202.795.7604

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Calibri or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 20 to 25 pages; 25 pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed 25 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 25 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. The Project Work Plan, Logic Model, Letters of Commitment, Organizational Charts, and Résumés/Vitae of Key https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:dana.fink@acl.hhs.gov mailto:dana.fink@acl.hhs.gov

Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 25-page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit.

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

Summary/Abstract Statement of Need Goals and Objectives Proposed Approach Independent Living, Self-Determination, and Intersectionality Outcomes Organizational Capability and Project Management

Summary/Abstract Include in this section a brief (265 words maximum) description of the proposed project that includes the project’s goals, objectives, overall approach (including target populations and significant partnerships), anticipated outcomes, and products to be developed.

Statement of Need Use this section to demonstrate the nature and scope of the issues facing youth with ID/DD as they transition to adult providers and models of care, in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

Goals and Objectives Use this section to describe the project’s goals and major objectives

Proposed Approach Use this section to provide a clear and concise description of the project you propose to use to address the problem you described in the “Statement of Need” including the following required activities:

Landscape Analysis Resource Development and Dissemination Steering Committee Community of Practice Collaboration with ACL National Resource Centers Other Partnerships Website Mobile Application (App) Evaluation Sustainability

In this section, also, note the major barriers you anticipate and your strategies to overcome them.

Independent Living, Self-Determination, and Intersectionality In this section, describe how your project will engage the principles of independent living, self-determination, and intersectionality. Describe how youth with ID/DD will be engaged in each component of the project, including youth with ID/DD with intersectional identities and other multiply marginalized youth.

Outcomes In this section, clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from your project. If you use the optional work plan grid found in the Appendix section at the end of this funding announcement, list your measurable outcomes in the grid in addition to including them in the narrative. Also, describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations address the same or similar problems in their communities.)

Organizational Capability and Project Management In this section, delineate the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partner organizations. Describe how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. Clearly specify who will 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); preparation of reports; and communications with partners and ACL. Also, describe the approach you will use to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives. This section should also 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. Applicants should demonstrate that the organization has resources and capabilities to support the provision of person-centered services and culturally and linguistically competent services.

BUDGET NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION

For the Budget Narrative/Justification, you may use the “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format” found in the Appendix section at the end of this funding announcement. Applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to this format, which provides an example of the level of detail ACL is looking for. ACL requires that you submit a combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification covering the life of the grant as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding. Applicants should ensure they budget appropriately for every youth to fully participate in the Steering Committee, including the cost of reasonable accommodations, virtual meeting platforms, and potentially stipends for the young adults’ time

PROJECT WORK PLAN

Your Project Work Plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative/Justification. In your Project Work Plan, include a statement of the project’s overall goal, the anticipated outcome(s), the key objectives, and the major tasks / action steps that you will undertake to achieve the goal and outcome(s). For each major task / action step in the Project Work Plan, identify timeframes involved (including start- and end-dates) and the lead person responsible. You may use the “Project Work Plan - Sample Template” format found in the Appendix section at the end of this funding announcement as a reference and resource.

LETTERS OF COMMITMENT

In this part of your application, include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies. Any organization you name in your application as having a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, scan and include signed letters of commitment as attachments. If you are unable to scan the signed letters of commitment, you may fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at 202-357- 3467 by the application submission deadline. In your fax, be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency/organization name.

3. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 07/12/2021

07/12/2021 Date for Informational Conference Call:

06/01/2021 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 submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and (2) register yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov web page: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only)

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, please contact the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII of this notice and provide a written explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. ACL will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Note: We will not consider your application for further review if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the application deadline or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

If for any reason (including submitting to the wrong funding opportunity number or making corrections/updates) an application is submitted more than once prior to the application due date, ACL will only accept your last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, prior to the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from http://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an http://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the cut off date.

Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) will automatically send applicants a tracking number and date of receipt verification electronically once the application has been successfully received and validated in http://www.grants.gov.

The informational call will take place on June 1, 2021 at 3:00pm Eastern Time. Please use the following call-in information: (877) 950-3161, Participant Code – 2004960#

4. Intergovernmental Review This program is not subject to Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

5. Funding Restrictions The following activities are not fundable:

Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings Basic research (e.g. scientific or medical experiments) Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches

Note: A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has raised considerable concerns about grantees and contractors charging the Federal Government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. Executive Orders on Promoting Efficient Spending (E.O. 13589) and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government (E.O. 13576) have been issued and instruct Federal agencies to promote efficient spending. Therefore, if meals are to be charged in your proposal, applicants should understand such costs must meet the following criteria outlined in the Executive Orders and HHS Grants Policy Statement:

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

o For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program);

o Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children’s services (e.g. Head Start);

o When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement, http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ o As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel; and o Under a conference grant, when meals are necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meal costs are not duplicated in participants' per diem or subsistence allowances. (Note: conference grant means the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference.)

The following updated sections 2 CFR 200.216 “Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment” became effective on or after August 13, 2020.

Recommended Actions for any recipient that has received a loan, grant, or cooperative agreement on or after August 13, 2020:

Develop a compliance plan to implement 2 CFR 200.216 regulation.

Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure that your organization does not expend federal funds (in whole or in part) on covered equipment, services or systems.

Determine through reasonable inquiry whether your organization currently uses “covered telecommunication” equipment, services, or systems and take necessary actions to comply with the regulation as quickly as is feasibly possible.

6. Other Submission Requirements V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria An independent review panel will evaluate and score applications by assigning a maximum of 100 points across the following review criteria:

Statement of Need Maximum Points: 9 To what extent does the application:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of the nature and scope of the issues facing youth with ID/DD as they transition to adult providers and models of care and the need to improve their health care transitions? (2 points)

Use both quantitative and qualitative data to identify the need to improve health care transitions for youth with ID/DD, including data on unserved and underserved populations? (2 points)

Demonstrate that youth with ID/DD and their health needs and goals were included in the process of developing the application and proposed approach? (5 points)

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes Maximum Points: 10 To what extent does the application:

Outline the project’s major goals and objectives in a clear and concise manner that are attainable and address the stated need and achieve the outcomes of the project? (4 points)

Include proposed outcomes for the project that are clear, realistic, quantifiable, measurable, and consistent with both the program goals as stated in this funding announcement (Section 1.C.) and the definition of a project outcome contained in Project Work Plan – Sample Template? (3 points)

Include a logic model that provides an overall conceptual framework for achieving the projects goals and outcome? (3 points)

Proposed Approach Maximum Points: 45

1. Overall Approach (5 points)

To what extent is the overall approach outlined in the application adequate, reasonable, feasible, appropriate, and likely to result in the desired outcomes?

2. Landscape Analysis (5 points)

To what extent does the application:

Describe a well-designed process for developing a landscape analysis of existing efforts that will help to identify gaps? (2 points)

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