HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0047.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program

HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0047

06/10/2022

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

Summary/Abstract

Problem Statement

Goals and Objectives

Proposed Intervention

Special Target Populations and Organizations

Outcomes

Project Management

Evaluation

Dissemination

Organizational Capability

Budget Narrative/Justification

Work Plan

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title:

Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2022-ACL-AOD-TBSG-0047

Primary CFDA Number:

93.234 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

Date will be generated on synopsis publication Due Date for Applications:

06/10/2022 Date for Informational Conference Call:

04/13/2022 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 Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Disabilities (AOD) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) https://www.grants.gov/

State Partnership Program grants. The purpose of this program is to create and strengthen person- centered, culturally competent systems of services and supports that maximize the independence and overall health and well-being of all people with TBI across the lifespan, their family members, and their support networks. The TBI State Partnership Program seeks to build and maintain an interstate community of collaboration that enhances the national impact of the program through, among other things, workgroups focused on specific topics related to individuals with TBI.

For the 2022 funding cycle, ACL is funding the TBI State Partnership Program grants to one (1) state for building, enhancing, or expanding infrastructure that supports the stated purpose of the TBI State Partnership Program. Applicants for this program must agree to:

Provide a required 2:1 state match;

Support a state TBI Advisory Board with a person-centered focus that includes a make-up of at least 50% individuals with TBI within the first 12 months of the start of the grant;

Provide the equivalent of 1 full-time employee at the state or sub-awardee level;

Create a TBI state plan developed by and with individuals with lived experience and family members/support networks that clearly outlines how the state is assessing and serving all people with TBI with an emphasis on diverse, underserved populations; and

Establish culturally competent resource facilitation practices that educate individuals with TBI and their support networks on available resources, services, and supports within their state and/or communities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Statement of Need / Purpose

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year [1]. An estimated 80,000-90,000 of these people experience long-term or permanent disability that impacts their daily living activities [2].

The effects of TBI may occur immediately following an incident in which a person acquires a TBI or may develop months or even years after an injury is sustained. Depending on the severity, TBI may affect a person’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and/or behavioral capacities, which may impact an individual’s ability to attend and/or fully participate in various aspects of community living, including education and employment.

The complex nature of TBI coupled with the variability of symptoms take a toll on individuals with TBI across the lifespan, their families, their support networks, and society. COVID-19 has compounded the negative impacts for everyone living with a TBI in multiple ways and on many levels. Furthermore, when intersectionality is considered for multiply marginalized individuals, those impacts grow exponentially.

The purpose of the TBI State Partnership Program is to create and strengthen person-centered, culturally competent systems of services and supports that maximize the independence and overall health and well-being of people with TBI across the lifespan and the people who support them. As a result of the TBI State Partnership Program, AoD envisions individuals with TBI will experience:

Increased self-determination, independence, and quality of life Highly streamlined, coordinated pathways to services and supports Increased availability of high quality, person-centered, culturally competent, evidence- based services and supports Person-centered, culturally competent services and supports with the capacity to serve and support diverse and underserved populations

B. Program History / Background

Congressional funding for traumatic brain injury programming dates back to the TBI Act of 1996 (PL 104-166). The current authorizing legislation, the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L 115-377; (42 U.S.C. 300d–52), raised the authorization levels for the TBI State Partnership Program and the TBI Protection and Advocacy program and officially designated ACL as the administering agency for both programs. The FY 2022 funding cycle provides one level of funding for states to create and strengthen person-centered systems of services and supports that maximize the independence and overall health and well-being of people with TBI across the lifespan and all other demographics and that also support their family members and support networks. The TBI State Partnership Program also requires grantees to work with one another collaboratively through interstate workgroups focused on specific issues related to providing the best services and supports for individuals with TBI.

C. Program Goals (Outcomes and Performance Measures)

The goals of this funding opportunity are:

To increase collaboration and coordination of state level activities across systems and supports and to ensure all people with TBI, including those from diverse and underserved populations, and other stakeholders are provided ample opportunity to contribute meaningfully to needs assessments and state plans that will drive improvement of TBI services and supports.

To allow for more comprehensive data collection that shows the level of need for various types of services and supports across systems and identify barriers to services and supports.

To create a greater understanding of state demographics, resources, and program impact among partners as well as the effectiveness of different services or supports.

To create a better coordinated public investment in effective, high-quality, equitable, evidence-based services and supports for all individuals with TBI, their families, and their support networks that results in fewer people with TBI encountering barriers to needed services and supports.

The TBI State Partnership Program has approved performance measures that all grantees are required to report on semi-annually. Performance measures can be found in Section I.D.7. of this funding announcement and include but are not limited to the following:

Grant Activities Partnership Activities Planning and Infrastructure Information and Referral and Assistance Screenings (if applicable) Resource Facilitation Trainings, Outreach, and Awareness

D. Required Activities

Applicants should respond to this funding announcement by submitting proposals that demonstrate the approach they will take, if funded, to create and strengthen a person-centered, culturally competent system of services and supports within their state that maximizes the independence and overall health and well-being of people with TBI across the lifespan, their families, and their support networks. Applicants should explain how they plan to implement the seven required activities listed here along with other activities they deem necessary to achieve the outcomes for people with TBI of

Increased self-determination, independence, and quality of life;

Highly streamlined, coordinated pathways to services and supports;

Increased availability of high quality, person-centered, culturally competent, evidence- based services and supports; and Person-centered, culturally competent services and supports with the capacity to serve and support diverse and underserved populations.

1. State TBI Advisory Board

Per 42 U.S. Code § 300d–52, all recipients of this funding opportunity must agree “to establish an advisory board within the appropriate health department of the State or American Indian consortium or within another department as designated by the chief executive officer of the State or American Indian consortium.”

The state TBI advisory board provides the forum through which grantees assure a variety of diverse stakeholders participate in determining the needs of all individuals with TBI within the state. It also creates a structure for statewide cross-systems collaboration essential for the success of the project.

Applicants should describe how their program’s advisory board representation will be in accordance with 42 U.S.C, § 300d–52, which specifies “an Advisory Board shall be comprised of representatives of:

i. the corresponding State, Territory or American Indian consortium agencies involved;

ii. public and nonprofit private health related organizations;

iii. other disability advisory or planning groups within the State, Territory or

American Indian consortium;

iv. members of an organization or foundation representing individuals with traumatic brain injury in that State, Territory or region;

v. injury control programs at the State or local level if such programs exist; and

vi. a substantial number of individuals with traumatic brain injury, or the family members of such individuals.”

Individuals with TBI and other disabilities, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, have the right to be engaged in and lead the decision-making processes related to their services and supports. Applicants should describe how your state TBI advisory board meets the following membership requirements:

Includes at least 50% of people with TBI (including those from diverse and underserved populations)

Includes family member(s) of individuals with TBI Includes representation from Centers for Independent Living and/or the

State Independent Living Council Includes representation from an Aging and Disability Resource Center (if one exists within your state) Includes representation from the Protection & Advocacy agency in your state Includes representation from the long-term care ombudsman in your state Includes representation from a TBI Model System Center (funded by the

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)) if one exists within your state

Is representative of the state and includes individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations from both rural and urban areas.

If your state TBI advisory board does not currently meet all these membership requirements, describe in your application your plan to bring it into compliance in a timely manner if you are funded. Not currently meeting these requirements will not disqualify you from receiving a grant award, but please note that ACL may take the following actions with regard to grantees who do not make significant progress toward meeting these requirements within the first 12-months of the grant (particularly the requirement that your state TBI advisory board is comprised of 50% people with a TBI):

Increased monitoring More frequent (quarterly) reporting Conversion from advanced to reimbursement payments Loss of funds

2. TBI State Plan

Within the first 12 months of the grant, each grantee will develop a culturally competent state plan that will serve as a strategic plan for the TBI efforts in the state, including all efforts required under this program. The state plan will be a living document and help guide the state in determining how best to improve the services and supports for all people living with TBI in their state. ACL expects grantees to use the information in the state plan as a foundation for advancing their statewide systems of TBI services, including how they will target and deliver such services in a culturally competent manner and address known gaps in services. ACL will review each grantee's state plan to ensure it aligns with program goals.

Applicants for this program should outline a clear process for how they will develop the state plan in collaboration with the state TBI state advisory board. Applicants who are current/former grantees working under a previously developed state plan may outline how they will review and update their existing state plans. Applicants should describe how they will also involve individuals with TBI from outside the state TBI advisory board who represent underserved populations, including individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the development and/or updating of the state plan. The process should make use of the results of a comprehensive review and analysis of the services, supports, and other assistance available to all people with TBI, as well as the extent of the unmet needs, especially with regard to unserved and underserved regions and culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the state. State plans will include goals for closing the gap of unmet or insufficiently met needs of children, youth, adults, and older persons with TBI from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the state along with objectives and activities for the grantees’ funded projects.

In addition to the above, applicants should indicate in their application which of the following goals they anticipate incorporating into their state plan:

Mitigating and overcoming the impact of the COVID-19 crisis Working towards racial equity and addressing the impact of systemic racism Supporting the economic recovery of communities and families

3. TBI Resource Facilitation

Individuals with TBI are often in need of individualized assistance to facilitate connection with community support services. Resource facilitation (RF) is an evidence-based, personalized intervention that promotes access between individuals with TBI and their support networks and the appropriate community-based resources, supports, and services. Applicants should describe how their TBI State Partnership Program will establish and/or increase capacity in a statewide resource facilitation service that assists all Individuals with TBI, their family members, and their support networks with education and information to effectively identify and navigate the resources, services, and supports within their state and/or communities.

4. TBI Grantee Workgroups

TBI State Partnership Program workgroups are collaborative teams of grantees that focus on individual topics and issues that affect people with TBI. Applicants should indicate in their applications the top three or four topics on which they are most interested in working. Applicants should also indicate if they have any additional areas of interest and/or expertise that are not listed here. Applicants should also describe how they will support full engagement in the workgroups.

Active workgroups and their current projects are described below. These particular projects may be continued into the new grant cycle, or the workgroups may choose other projects that fit within the context and topic area of the workgroup.

Advisory Board & Survivor Engagement: This workgroup focuses on developing and maintaining effective advisory boards as well as best practices for engaging people with

TBI. Workgroup members collaborate on a tool kit that addresses all aspects of advisory board development, management, and engagement

Using Data to Connect People to Services: This workgroup supports state efforts in using data to expand access to services for individuals living with brain injury, their families, and their support networks by developing and sharing tools and best practices.

Return to Learn & Return to Play: This workgroup identifies and shares best practices across states with regard to students' transition back to school after sustaining a brain injury.

Criminal & Juvenile Justice: This workgroup focuses on information sharing among states with interest in brain injury identification and implementation of supports in a variety of criminal and juvenile justice settings.

Opioid Use & Mental Health Needs: This workgroup identifies and shares best practices across states with regard to addressing the intersections between substance use-related disorders, mental health, and brain injuries.

Child Welfare: This workgroup focuses on best practices and resources for identification, collaboration, and approaches related to access and support related to TBI for children, caregivers, and guardians within welfare systems.

Transition & Employment: This workgroup focuses on describing the core knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) direct service professionals should possess to help individuals with brain injury achieve and sustain successful employment.

Underserved Populations: This workgroup identifies and shares best practices across states with regard to underserved populations accessing appropriate resources after sustaining a brain injury. Underserved populations include rural/ frontier communities, victims of violence, those struggling with substance use disorder, unhoused, and those affected by co-occurring disorders.

Workforce Training & Development: This workgroup focuses on establishing a nation-wide culturally competent professional development training infrastructure for TBI service professionals.

5. Program Sustainability Plan

ACL expects to realize tangible, measurable, and sustainable advancements in the capacity of states to serve people with TBI, their families, and their support networks in a culturally competent manner through this funding opportunity. Applicants should outline a plan for project sustainability beyond the period of federal funding that is reasonable and feasible. AoD encourages applicants to consider and propose a range of potential approaches for ensuring sustainability of project efforts once federal funding has ended.

6. Grantee Meetings

Grantees will participate in two national or regional TBI-related conferences convened by ACL or ACL partners annually. These events provide grantees the opportunity to learn from each other, to share educational resources and promising practices, and to expand partnerships across states. Applications should include a budget that provides funding for at least two individuals to participate in two meetings annually.

7. Data Collection and Performance Reporting Applicants should describe the process they will use for collecting data that shows the impact of grant activities, including in the following areas represented by the approved program performance measures:

Increased capacity to provide access to comprehensive and coordinated services for individuals with TBI and their families

The strengthening of a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence and overall health and well-being of all people with TBI across the lifespan and supports their family members and support networks

Improved national coordination and collaboration around TBI services and supports The establishment of innovative community living programs with respect to TBI Improved access to health, community living, employment, and other services for individuals with TBI and their families Identifying gaps in existing systems of services and supports and potential solutions for filling those gaps Data collection and how to utilize collected data to fulfill the intended purpose of the TBI

State Partnership Program

In addition to providing statewide data, grantees will work with ACL, the TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center, and other state or federal partners as appropriate to submit common data elements that will be used to generate indices, products, technical assistance, and services that will be useful to TBI stakeholders.

E. Optional Activities

Applicants should describe how they will use remaining funds for other activities that strengthen the system of services and supports that maximizes the independence and overall health and well-being of persons with TBI across the lifespan. Examples of some of these allowable activities are listed below. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive:

Hosting trainings for service professionals in the state who are working with people with TBI

Providing training for people with TBI on areas of interest such as employment, advocacy, independent living skills, peer support, TBI self-management, health promotion, or cross disability systems change

Screening people for TBI Providing information and referral services Establishing/supporting statewide TBI registries as well as reporting procedures of incidents of TBI Establishing/enhancing a TBI Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver within the state Establishing/enhancing a TBI trust fund in the state Performing a needs and resources assessment for specific subpopulations of people with TBI Hosting or presenting at conferences Establishing/enhancing a peer or family mentorship program or support groups

F. Definitions

Person-centered planning: A process for selecting and organizing the services and supports that an older adult or person with a disability may need to live in the community.

Diversity: The practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.

Resource facilitation: A process that involves identifying, navigating, and obtaining needed resources, services, and supports for individuals with TBI, their families, and their support networks. Resource Facilitation begins with assessing an individual's needs and providing on-going support to meet those needs. Depending on the availability of resources, resource facilitation may also include advocating for and accessing services and supports, routine follow-up, and/or reassessment to determine additional needs or efficacy of existing services and supports. [3] Intersectionality: Intersectionality is an analytical framework that describes how individual characteristics like race, class, gender identity, disability, sexual preference, and socioeconomic status, and their relationship to privilege and oppression, intersect to have a compounded impact on the individual. [4] References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html #:~:text=Traumatic%20brain%20injury%20(TBI)%20is,people%20are%20hospitalized% 20and%20survive.

2. Vos, P., & Diaz-Arrastia, R. (2015). Traumatic brain injury. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

3. Adapted from NORC resource facilitation state survey, 2009

4. 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 The statutory authority for grants under this funding announcement is contained in the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L 115-377; 42 U.S.C. 300d–52).

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$200,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$200,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/tbi_report_to_congress.html

$200,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

48-month project period with four 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' It is the desire of ACL to fund one additional state who may benefit directly from the TBI State Partnership Program. 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.

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

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 monthly conference calls to ensure goals and objectives are being met.

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

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

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

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

Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

Provide guidance and technical assistance on required performance measurement.

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

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

Implement the proposed grant activities.

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

Share information with ACL; the TBI State grantees; national, state, and local partner organizations; and other entities as appropriate.

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

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

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.”

State governments, territorial governments, and federally recognized Indian Tribal governments and Native American organizations are the only eligible applicants for funding. The application for a TBI State Partnership Program grant may only come from the agency designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the state as the lead agency for TBI within the state, territory, or Indian tribal government. Only one application from each state, territorial government, federally recognized Indian tribal government or Native American organization may enter the review process to be considered for a TBI State Partnership Program award.

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

Yes 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.

Cost Sharing/Matching is required for this program per § 1252(c) of the Public Health Service Act. The state, territory, or federally recognized Indian Tribal government or Native American organization must agree to make available non-federal contributions in an amount that is not less than $1 for every $2 of federal funds provided under the grant. Non-federal funds may be cash or in-kind and fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. State, territorial, or Indian Tribal government contributions may not include any amounts provided by the federal government. The match, as required by the TBI legislation, must come from state or local sources and may be governmental or non-governmental resources.

There are two types of match: 1) non-federal cash and 2) non-federal in-kind. In general, costs borne by the applicant and cash contributions from any and all third parties involved in the project, including sub-grantees, contractors, consultants, or other project partners (e.g., nonprofits, faith groups, businesses, foundations, TBI trust funds, etc.) are considered matching funds. Volunteered time and use of facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations. Examples of non-federal cash match include budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review.

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, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 25-page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission.

For example, you will be required to provide an https://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the application deadline."

http://www.grants.gov/

IV. Application and Submission Information

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

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

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

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

Eastern Time.

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

All applicants must have a UEI and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to 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:

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM. Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic 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.

Application materials can be obtained from https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants.

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

Eliabeth Leef Administration on Disabilities Washington, D.C. 20201 Phone Number: 202-475-2482 E-mail: elizabeth.leef@acl.hhs.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants mailto:rebecca.ellison@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission Letter of Intent Date will be generated on synopsis publication 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:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

Elizabeth Leef

Administration on Disabilities

Email:elizabeth.leef@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, 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, Letters of Commitment, Organizational Charts, and Resumes/Vitae of Key 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 Special Target Populations Outcomes Project Management Evaluation mailto:firstname.lastname@acl.hhs.gov

Dissemination Organizational Capability

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

Problem Statement Statement of Need: Use this section to demonstrate the nature and scope of the particular need for assistance, in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

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

Proposed Intervention 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.” Also, describe the rationale for using the particular project, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country; factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also, note the major barriers you anticipate and your strategies to overcome them. Be sure to describe the makeup of any strategic partnerships and the role they will play in your project.

Special Target Populations and Organizations In this section, describe how your project will target disadvantaged populations, including racially marginalized communities, limited-English speaking populations, and/or those of greatest economic and social need.

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

Project Management Use this section to 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.

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

Dissemination Use this section to describe how you will disseminate the project’s results and findings to others who might be interested, particularly those who are interested in replicating the project in whole or in part. Include details in how you will do this in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats.

Organizational Capability Use this section of your application to describe the capability and capacity of the applicant and any partner organizations that will have a significant role in implementing the project and/or achieving the project goals. Include resumes/vitae for key project personnel. Describe the organization of the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency that will have responsibility for this project), the nature and scope of its work, and its capacity. Also, include a description of the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended.

NOTE: Resumes/vitae for project staff along with any organizational charts do not count toward the Project Narrative page limit.

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.

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 from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies 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. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

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

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