HHS-2022-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0031.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

2022 Empowering Communities to Deliver and Sustain Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs

HHS-2022-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0031

01/25/2022

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

Project Abstract

Project Relevance and Current Need

Approach

Outcomes and Evaluation

Organizational Capacity

Letters of Commitment

Work Plan

Budget Narrative/Justification

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 Aging Funding Opportunity Title:

2022 Empowering Communities to Deliver and Sustain Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2022-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0031

Primary CFDA Number:

93.761 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

12/17/2021 Due Date for Applications:

01/25/2022 Date for Informational Conference Call:

12/01/2021 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 The mission of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. Through this funding opportunity, the Administration on Aging (AoA), part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), plans to award approximately six to eight Cooperative Agreements to domestic public or private non-profit entities.

The intent of this funding opportunity is to help communities develop or expand capacity for, deliver, and sustain evidence-based falls prevention programs to reduce falls and/or falls risk among older adults and adults with disabilities, particularly those in underserved geographic https://www.grants.gov/ areas and/or populations, as defined by Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

Applicants must request a total budget between $500,000 - $600,000 in federal funds for the three-year project. All awards are subject to the availability of federal funds.

The awards will be made in the form of Cooperative Agreements to allow for substantial collaboration and involvement with ACL and the National Falls Prevention Resource Center throughout the project period. These Cooperative Agreements have an anticipated start date of May 1, 2022.

An informational conference call will be held on December 1, 2021 at 1:00 pm EST.

The dial-in information is below:

Toll Free Number: 888-324-7178, Passcode: 6890780

A recording will be available approximately one hour after the call concludes at the following number:

Toll Free Playback Number: 800-813-5529

I. Funding Opportunity Description Background Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent.

Falls are common, costly and can be deadly. One out of four older adults fall each year [1]. In 2018, adults over the age of 65 reported more than 35 million falls and over 8 million reported a fall-related injury. Additionally, an estimated 3 million older adults were treated in emergency departments for falls injuries and more than 950,000 of these patients were hospitalized [2]. In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion [3].

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than one out of three people age 50+ reported being less physically active. More than 25% reported that they are in worse physical condition than before the pandemic. From March 2020 to January 2021, 25% of older adults experienced a fall [4]. Lack of movement can lead to lower body weakness which is a condition that contributes to falls [5].

Fortunately, falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Research has shown that falls and fall risks can be addressed through risk identification and targeted intervention, including a combination of clinical intervention and community-based programs [6]. When implemented as a part of a results-oriented, comprehensive strategy, community-based programs play a critical role in reducing falls and falls risk among older adults and adults with disabilities across the nation. These programs have been proven to reduce falls and/or falls risk factors [7][8][9], as well as provide a positive return on investment [10].

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

Between 2014 and 2021, ACL/AoA awarded 80 discretionary grants to states, community-based organizations, and tribal organizations to implement evidence-based falls prevention programs.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/

Between September 1, 2014 and September 1, 2021 over 136,000 individuals participated in an AoA-supported evidence-based falls prevention program. For more information about ACL’s Falls Prevention Program, including profiles of current grantees, please visit:

https://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/falls-prevention.

Purpose This funding opportunity has two goals:

Goal 1: Develop or expand capacity to significantly increase the number of older adults and adults with disabilities, particularly those in underserved areas/populations, who participate in evidence-based falls prevention programs to empower them to reduce their risk of falls.

Goal 2: Enhance the sustainability of evidence-based falls prevention programs through the implementation of robust sustainability strategies.

Applicants for this funding opportunity must propose to deliver two or more evidence-based falls prevention programs. These programs must be on the list of pre-approved interventions found in Appendix A.

All applicants must propose to implement at least one program that can be delivered in a remote format, i.e., by video conference or some other modality that does not involve an in-person component. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) maintains a website that tracks remote program guidance (https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/). All applicants should contact the program administrator(s) for any program(s) they are interested in delivering remotely to confirm that: 1) the programs are allowed for remote delivery; and 2) that training is readily available for applicants who need it. Note that the NCOA website includes programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A, as well as other programs not on the list. For this funding opportunity, applicants may ONLY propose programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A.

All applicants who do not have adequate existing capacity for any in-person and/or remote program(s) they are proposing must include a letter from the program administrator(s) in their application indicating that they will be able to get training in the programs no later than three months after the start date of the grant (if selected for funding).

Related Federal Activities This opportunity does not duplicate nor overlap with existing Federal efforts related to falls prevention. It aligns with current efforts to maximize the impact of this funding. Some examples of existing national, state, and local falls prevention efforts that could be leveraged include:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control uses data to report the latest burden and health implications for various injuries including falls, the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Using this data, CDC is building partnerships with health systems, providers of health care, and those who pay for health care services. These partnerships will improve what is known about the burden of falls and the integration of effective fall prevention strategies and patient care. The CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & https://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/falls-prevention https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/ https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/

Injuries (STEADI) initiative provides resources and tools for health care providers. These tools include online trainings, screening tools, case studies, videos and information on how to conduct functional assessments, and patient educational materials. CDC is also working with suppliers of electronic health records systems to facilitate the adoption and use of the STEADI tools in the clinic setting. CDC supports opportunities to broaden and improve the linkage between primary care providers and evidence-based community falls prevention programs supported by ACL. Related resources include:

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

Dwelling Older Adults

The ACL-funded National Falls Prevention Resource Center (NFPRC), based at the National Council on Aging, works to increase public awareness about the risks of falls and how to prevent them, support the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs, and serve as a national clearinghouse of tools and best practices. The NFPRC also leads the Falls Free® Initiative, a national effort to address the growing public health issue of falls, fall-related injuries, and deaths. The initiative includes 70 national organizations and a 43-member State Coalition on Falls Prevention Workgroup charged with collaboratively promoting effective strategies to address falls. Related resources include:

o FallsFree CheckUp o National Falls Prevention Resource Center Webpage o Falls Free® Initiative o Falls Prevention Awareness Week o 2015 Falls Free® National Action Plan o Fall Prevention Facts o Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers o Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Programs o Address a Significant Public Health Issue: Funding for Falls Prevention Programs

REFERENCES

[1] U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Facts About Falls. Accessed October 6, 2021 from http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html.

[2] Moreland B, Kakara R, Henry A. Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;

69:875–881. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a5external icon. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6927a5.htm [3] U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Facts About Falls. Accessed October 6, 2021 from http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html.

[4] Malani P, Kullgren J, Solway E, Hoffman G., Singer D., Kirch M. National Poll on Healthy Aging Physical Functioning and Falls During the COVID-19 Pandemic, August 2021, https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/168424/0239_NPHA-Falls-report- FINAL-08022021.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y [5] U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Facts About Falls. Accessed http://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/pdf/falls/CDC_Falls_Compendium-2015-a.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/pdf/falls/CDC_Falls_Compendium-2015-a.pdf https://ncoa.org/article/falls-free-checkup https://www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/falls-resource-center/ https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-free-initiative/ https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-awareness-week/#:~:text=Falls%20Prevention%20Awareness%20Week%2C%20September,this%20important%20public%20health%20message.

https://ncoa.org/article/2015-falls-free-national-falls-prevention-action-plan https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/ https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs https://www.ncoa.org/article/address-a-significant-public-health-issue-funding-for-falls-prevention-programs http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a5 http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a5 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6927a5.htm http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/168424/0239_NPHA-Falls-report-FINAL-08022021.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/168424/0239_NPHA-Falls-report-FINAL-08022021.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y

October 6, 2021 from http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html [6] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-Dwelling Older Adults, available at:

https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/pdf/falls/cdc_falls_compendium-2015-a.pdf [7] Fuzhong L, Harmer P, Fisher JK, Mcauley E. (2004) Tai Chi: Improving Functional Balance and Predicting Subsequent Falls in Older Persons. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 36 (12): 2046- 2052.

[8] Clemson L, Cumming RG, Kendig H, Swann M, Heard R, Taylor K. (2004) The Effectiveness of a Community-Based Program for Reducing the Incidence of Falls in the Elderly: A Randomized Trial. J Am Geriatr Soc., 52 (9): 1487–1494.

[9] Healy, T.C., Peng, C., Haynes, P., McMahon, E., Botler, J., & Gross, L. (2008). The feasibility and effectiveness of translating A Matter of Balance into a volunteer lay leader model.

Journal of Applied Gerontology, 27(1): 34-51.

[10] Carande-Kulisa, V., et al. (2015), A cost–benefit analysis of three older adult fall prevention interventions, Journal of Safety Research, Accessed January 4th, 2016 from:

http://www.scien cedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437514001170.

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this Notice of Funding Opportunity is contained in the Older Americans Act, Title IV; and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300u-11 (Prevention and Public Health Fund).

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$3,800,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$600,000 Per Project Period

Award Floor:

$500,000 Per Project Period

Length of Project Period:

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

Current or previous ACL falls prevention grantees are not excluded from this funding opportunity, but must provide a strong rationale for the need for additional funding. This must include an explanation of how this proposal significantly differs from previous projects. This may not be a continuation of current efforts or activities supported by previously awarded ACL http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/pdf/falls/cdc_falls_compendium-2015-a.pdf http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437514001170 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437514001170 falls prevention grants (particularly because sustainability without additional federal funding has been a goal of all previous ACL falls prevention funding opportunities). Applicants must propose an innovative approach that addresses the goals of this funding opportunity that features new partnerships and/or programs. Repeat awardees will be expected to meet the participant and sustainability goals that they included in each of their awards.

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

The grantee agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

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

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

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

Attendance is expected annually for the duration of your grant activities (including any no-cost extension period, if applicable). Although it remains unknown if future conferences will be in-person or video conference (not requiring travel), all applicants must include funds in your budgets for each budget year for two people to attend the conference in the Washington, D.C. area. Awardees will be able to apply any unused travel funds to other grant activities that is mutually agreed upon by the grantee and the ACL project officer..

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

5. Communicate with the AoA Project Officer monthly, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

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

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

8. Participate in relevant ACL/National Falls Prevention Resource Center education (e.g.

webinars, workgroups, etc.), provided that ACL/National Falls Prevention Resource Center gives reasonable notice of the subject, date, and time of the event.

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

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

This project 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-governmental source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor are an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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

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

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

3. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the strategic goals and objectives, policy perspectives, and priorities of AoA, ACL, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and about other federally-sponsored projects and activities relevant to activities funded under this announcement.

4. Provide technical assistance to the grantee on the provision of technical support and associated tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant.

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

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

Once a Cooperative Agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend the Agreement or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as the request stays within the scope of work. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process.

Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice, unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments. When an award is issued the Cooperative Agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants For FY 2022 the below guidance is provided to advance the Administration’s policy, as stated in E.O. 13985, to “pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” This guidance is intended to begin to address inequities in HHS programs, processes, and policies that may serve as barriers to equal opportunity. By advancing equity in our NOFOs, we can “create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.”

Domestic public or private non-profit entities including state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status, independent school districts, faith-based organizations, and community organizations.

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 Not Applicable

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.grants.gov/

4. Applications must include a Budget Narrative/Justification for years 1, 2 and 3 along with a combined Budget Narrative/Justification for the proposed 36-month budget period. The proposed combined Budget Narrative/Justification must not exceed the award ceiling of $600,000.

5. Applications must include a Project Workplan for years 1, 2 and 3. Project Workplans must be consistent with proposed Project Narrative and Budget Narrative/Justification.

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 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.

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/ https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://www.sam.gov/ 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.

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.

Contact person regarding this Notice of Funding Opportunity:

https://www.grants.gov/

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

Administration on Aging Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs Donna Bethge Email: Donna.Bethge@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission Letter of Intent Due Date for Letter Of Intent 12/17/2021

12/17/2021 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:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Aging Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs Donna Bethge Email: Donna.bethge@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, Times New Roman or Arial. The entirety of the Project Narrative, including tables, graphics, and headings must be double-spaced. You can use smaller font sizes to complete the Standard Forms and Sample Formats outside of the Project Narrative section, such as the Project Work Plan and Budget Narrative/Justification. Twenty (20) pages is the maximum length allowed.

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

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

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

mailto:Donna.Bethge@acl.hhs.gov mailto:Donna.bethge@acl.hhs.gov

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

1. Project Abstract

2. Project Relevance and Current Need

3. Approach

4. Outcomes and Evaluation

5. Organizational Capacity

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

Project Abstract This section should include a brief description of the proposed project, including goals, objectives, and outcomes. Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract (see appendix).

In your abstract, clearly specify:

1. The results-oriented goals, objectives, and outcomes of your proposed project;

2. The two or more evidence-based falls prevention programs you plan to implement/disseminate (reference Appendix A for approved programs);

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

4. Key partners;

5. Target population(s); and

6. Targeted/impacted geographic area(s).

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

In this section:

1. Briefly describe and cite (using reliable population-based, state, and local data sources) the impact of falls in your state/region/tribe and how your proposed evidence-based falls prevention programs will address this impact.

2. Describe the gap between the current availability of your proposed falls prevention programs and the ideal situation where the programs are readily available. This should include a description of the current delivery status of falls prevention programs, sustainability efforts, geographic/population reach of the proposed programs in your state/region/tribe and the extent to which a network exists for systematically delivering and sustaining these programs.

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

4. If you are a current or past ACL falls prevention grantee, you must describe how your proposed project significantly differs from your current or previously funded work, including:

What your key outcomes and goals from that project were and if you met those participant targets or are on pace to meet them;

The extent to which you secured innovative funding arrangements to continue to offer and/or expand the availability of evidence-based falls prevention programs beyond the end of the grant period; and

Your rationale for the need for additional funding (i.e. not a continuation of current efforts, but rather an innovative approach that features new partnerships and/or programs, substantially increased geographic reach, and/or increased engagement of older adults and adults with disabilities that experience health disparities).

Approach Capacity Building and Program Implementation

In this sub-section, the applicant must describe how they will develop or expand capacity to deliver falls prevention programs to older adults and adults with disabilities, including any key partners and underserved populations as defined by Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

This sub-section should:

1. State your project’s results-oriented goals and major objectives that align with Goal 1 described in this funding opportunity:

Goal 1: Develop or expand capacity to significantly increase the number of older adults and adults with disabilities, particularly those in underserved areas/populations, who participate in evidence-based falls prevention programs to empower them to reduce their risk of falls.

2. Identify the two or more evidence-based falls prevention programs that you propose to implement and a rationale for selecting the programs. The rationale should relate to the project relevance and current need of the population(s) and target area(s) identified. The programs must be on the list of pre-approved interventions in Appendix A. Do not propose programs that are not included on this list. Applicants can use the guidelines in the Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program Risk Continuum to assist them in selecting their proposed falls prevention programs.

3. Propose to implement at least one program that can be delivered in a remote format, i.e., by video conference or some other modality that does not involve an in-person component. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) maintains a website that tracks remote program guidance: (https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/). All applicants should contact the program administrator(s) for any program(s) they are interested in delivering remotely to confirm that: 1) the programs are allowed for remote delivery; and

2) that training is readily available for applicants who need it. Note that the NCOA website includes programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A, as well as other https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs-risk-continuum-guidance-for-program-selection https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/ https://www.ncoa.org/news/ncoa-news/center-for-healthy-aging-news/track-health-promotion-program-guidance-during-covid-19/ programs not on the list. For this funding opportunity, applicants may ONLY propose programs on the pre-approved list in Appendix A.

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

5. State the projected total number of participants that you expect to reach through your proposed evidence-based falls prevention programs, broken down by program, and explain how you developed your target numbers for each of the programs. For any proposed programs, please also specify a target number of completers and a target completion rate. Provide a rationale for these targets, e.g., by referencing your previous experience delivering falls prevention programs, the number of older adults and/or adults with disabilities in your state/region/tribe that you may be able to reach, the potential program saturation of the target participant population, partner commitments, referral systems, and other factors. Targets should be realistic and achievable. In developing your participant/completer targets, please reference Appendix D Guidance for Administration for Community Living Evidence-based Falls Prevention Program Grant Applicants: Considerations for Estimating Program Participation Targets.

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

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

7. Describe whether your existing infrastructure for the proposed programs is adequate. If not, describe and provide a rationale for any proposed trainings. If you require training, you must include a Letter of Commitment in your application from the program administrator that will provide training. The letter should state that the training will be provided no more than three months after the applicant receives the Notice of Award.

Letter should be submitted as an appendix. See Letters of Commitment section.

8. Describe how you intend to identify, market to, and recruit participants for your proposed programs.

9. Describe any major challenges and barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will address those challenges and barriers.

Special Target Populations

Describe any underserved population(s) to be served by the proposed falls prevention programs as defined by Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government dated January 20, 2021.

Provide a rationale (citing relevant data) for selecting the target population(s) and describe any involvement of organizations that would be collaborating in reaching the proposed population(s). The Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Risk Continuum is a useful https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs-risk-continuum-guidance-for-program-selection resource for ensuring the programs selected are appropriate for the identified target population(s).

Key Partners

Describe your key partners and their role in the dissemination of your proposed programs. Note that you must include a Letter of Commitment from each of the key partners described and attached as an appendix. See Letters of Commitment section.

Sustainability

In this sub-section the applicant must describe how they will establish or strengthen and enhance the sustainability of their proposed falls prevention programs. The goal of sustainability is to integrate and embed evidence-based programs into a community’s network of coordinated health and social services so that they become a routine and integral component of your organization’s operations. Sustainability strategies can include a combination of approaches including: funding from healthcare entities, other federal funding, philanthropy, public funding, Older Americans Act IIID, development of referral partnerships, etc. For more information on business planning and financial sustainability, please visit: https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/community-integrated-health-care and https://www.ncoa.org/article/sustainability.

This sub-section should:

1. State the project’s goals and major objectives related to Goal 2 of this funding opportunity.

Goal 2: Enhance the sustainability of evidence-based falls prevention programs through the implementation of robust sustainability strategies.

2. Describe your sustainability strategies to support the proposed programs during and beyond the grant period, including:

Any proposed or current centralized and coordinated processes to promote a unified and consistent approach across your state/region/tribe to achieve the goal of an integrated, sustainable evidence-based prevention program network, i.e. Community Integrated Health Network or Hub. If these strategies are already being implemented, describe how they will be enhanced by this proposal.

Who your sustainability partners are, the role they will play, and how you plan to engage them on a regular basis. Note that you must include a Letter of Commitment from each of the key partners described, and attach as an appendix. See Letters of Commitment section.

Any other business planning efforts to be undertaken (e.g., infrastructure, health IT, etc.); and

Any major sustainability challenges and/or barriers you anticipate encountering (or are encountering), and how your project will address those challenges and barriers.

Outcomes and Evaluation This section should clearly identify and describe the measurable outcome(s) that will result from your proposed project, how you will establish and maintain quality assurance, and disseminate your project's findings to the field at large.

https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/community-integrated-health-care https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/community-integrated-health-care https://www.ncoa.org/article/sustainability https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/common/BA_roundtable_workgroup_paper_2020-03-01-v3.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/common/BA_roundtable_workgroup_paper_2020-03-01-v3.pdf

Project Outcomes

In this section you must:

1. Describe the quantifiable and measurable results-oriented outcomes that will be achieved during the project period. Note that the outcomes must address the two goals of this funding opportunity.

2. List measurable outcomes in the Work Plan grid under "Measurable Outcomes", in addition to any discussion included in the narrative.

* A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits participants. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior. A measurable outcome is different than a measurable “output”, defined as the number of clients served or the number of training sessions held.

Quality Assurance

Describe your plans for maintaining quality assurance including methods, techniques, and tools that will be used to:

1. Monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives;

2. Monitor whether the proposed programs are being implemented with fidelity*, as well as identify processes for corrective actions;

3. Ensure the ACL-required dataset (see Appendix C) is being collected and accurately reported by the delivery partners and how you will identify and troubleshoot any potential problems.

*Fidelity is the extent to which delivery of the evidence-based program consistently adheres to the program’s intent and design. In other words, the extent to which you are delivering the program exactly how it is meant to be implemented.