HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-AK-0032.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due June 24, 2024

Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Division of Positive Youth Development

FY 2024 Competitive Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Opportunity number: HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-AK-0032

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 18

Get registered 19

Find the application package 19

Learn more 19

Join the webinar 20

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 21

Application contents and format 22

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 35

Application review 36

Award notices 43

Step 5: Submit Your Application 44

Application submission and deadlines 45

Application checklist 48

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 49

Post-award requirements and administration 50

Contacts and Support 52

Appendix 55

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks) You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days) You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by June 24, 2024 Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 24, 2024.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

Jump to a step

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB)

Division of Positive Youth Development

The purpose of the Competitive PREP program is to educate young people on abstinence, contraception, and adulthood preparation subjects (APS).

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity Name:

FY 2024 Competitive Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)

Opportunity Number:

HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-

AK-0032

Federal Assistance Listing:

93.092

Statutory authority number:

42 U.S.C. 713

Key dates

Application deadline:

June 24, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Optional notice of intent deadline:

May 21, 2024

Informational webinar:

May 2, 2024

Expected award date:

September 15, 2024

Expected start date:

September 30, 2024

See deadlines.

Summary The purpose of the Competitive PREP program is to educate youth and young adults on both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and promote successful transition of youth to adulthood through education on key topics. This opportunity supports the development and implementation of such projects in states that do not accept FY 2024 allocations for state PREP. Projects funded under this opportunity educate youth between the ages of 10 and 19 years (and, in the case of pregnant and parenting youth, under the age of 21) on the following topics:

• Abstinence.

• Contraception.

• At least three of the six congressionally mandated adulthood preparation subjects.

Funding details Type: Grant

Estimated total program funding: $12,434,864

Total expected awards: 21

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $250,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $450,000

Funding periods: 36-month period of performance with three 12-month budget periods

Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to federal funds availability.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Table: Funding available for FY 2024 CPREP awards

State/Territory FY2024 Awards Floor Ceiling

Florida $ 2,996,681 $ 250,000 $ 750,000

Idaho $ 318,903 $ 250,000 $ 318,903

Indiana $ 1,124,621 $ 250,000 $ 500,000

Kansas $ 497,812 $ 250,000 $ 497,812

New Hampshire $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000

North Dakota $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000

Texas $ 5,170,672 $ 250,000 $ 750,000

Virginia $ 1,326,175 $ 250,000 $ 750,000

American Samoa $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000

Marshall Islands $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000

Total $ 12,434,864

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Who can apply

Eligible applicants Applicants eligible for PREP funding are limited to the following local organizations, entities, and consortia:

• County governments

• City or township governments

• Special district governments

• Independent school districts

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)

• Public housing authorities

• Indian housing authorities

• Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

• Small businesses

• Others (see other eligibility criteria for clarification)

Applications from collaborative groups (consortia) must identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant. A primary applicant must be named in the application, and the application must include a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for each partnering organization. The primary applicant must be local to the eligible state. Consortia may propose to serve one or more eligible territories. Consortia proposing to serve an eligible state must serve only one state.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Locality restrictions Eligible applicants are limited to local organizations and entities, including faith-based organizations or consortia, with the capacity to develop and implement Competitive PREP projects in the states or territories that did not accept states’ allocations of PREP funding.

Applicants located in and/or proposing to manage a project from an ineligible state cannot propose a project that serves an eligible state.

In the case of consortia applying to serve an eligible state, applications from entities that are not located in the eligible state will be disqualified.

In the case of consortia applying to serve an eligible territory or a number of eligible territories, applications from entities that are not located in the eligible territories will be disqualified.

Other eligibility criteria Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization’s religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

See initial review for disqualification factors.

Cost sharing This program does not have a cost-sharing requirement. If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review. However, we will hold you accountable for any funds you add, including through reporting. If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may have to decrease your award amount or use other enforcement actions.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-87 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title42/pdf/USCODE-2021-title42-chap21B-sec2000bb.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title42/pdf/USCODE-2021-title42-chap21B-sec2000bb.pdf

Program description Program goal and objectives The goal of the Competitive PREP program is to prevent teen pregnancy, reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and promote successful transition of youth to adulthood. Projects should be targeted and holistic in approach.

It is important that PREP programs place equal emphasis on both abstinence and contraception to prevent teen pregnancy and STIs.

The following are objectives of the Competitive PREP program:

• Use best practices to replicate evidence-based effective programs or incorporate elements of effective programs that are proven to change behaviors, including delaying sexual activity, increasing condom and contraceptive use for sexually active youth, and reducing pregnancy among youth.

• Implement curricula that include medically accurate information and are age-appropriate, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and inclusive.

• Promote successful and healthy transition to adulthood through implementing at least three of the six adulthood preparation subjects.

• Provide prevention education to youth between the ages of 10 and 19, or pregnant and parenting youth under 21 years of age, who are at high risk for becoming pregnant or who have special circumstances.

Project requirements Projects must address all the requirements detailed in the following subsections.

For a glossary of terms used in this NOFO, please see the appendix.

Abstinence and contraceptive education Programs must place substantial emphasis on both abstinence and contraception education to prevent pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, among youth (42 U.S.C.

713(b)(2)(A)(I, ii)).

Prioritizing the well-being of every young person should be the cornerstone of all programs. Projects should focus on equipping youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed choices about their health, avoid risky behaviors, and maximize their potential for success. Additionally, programs must be tailored to the cultural context of the target group to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=42+U.S.C.+%EF%BF%BD+713(b)(2)&f=treesort&fq=true&num=137&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title42-section713 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=42+U.S.C.+%EF%BF%BD+713(b)(2)&f=treesort&fq=true&num=137&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title42-section713

Adulthood preparation subjects (APS) PREP statute requires all programs to include APS. The APS are designed to support youths’ successful transition to adulthood. All PREP projects must address at least three of the following six APS:

• Healthy relationships, including marriage and family interactions.

• Adolescent development, such as the development of healthy attitudes and values about adolescent growth and development, body image, racial and ethnic diversity, and other related subjects.

• Financial literacy.

• Parent-child communication.

• Educational and career success, such as developing skills for employment preparation, job seeking, independent living, financial self-sufficiency, and workplace productivity.

• Healthy life skills, such as goal setting, decision making, negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills, and stress management.

For more information on implementing APS in PREP programs, please see the report titled Conceptual Models for Adulthood Preparation Subjects within the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) and the Adulthood Preparation Subjects Resource Guide.

Evidence-based programs or elements of effective programs PREP programs are required to replicate or incorporate elements of programs that have been shown to be effective in changing youths’ behavior (42 U.S.C. 713(b)(2)(B)(i)).

PREP projects must use programs or models that address content requirements while meeting the needs of your chosen populations. More information on evidence-based programs may be found on the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Evidence Review (TPPER) website.

You should check with program model developers to clearly identify the essential or core components of the model programs you use. For more information on core components within adolescent pregnancy prevention programs, please reference the CDC Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool.

When selecting or changing programs or models to implement in PREP projects, recipients must ensure that such programs or models have:

• References to a journal article or study where the program or model was shown to be effective.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/conceptual-models-adulthood-preparation-subjects-within-personal-responsibility https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/conceptual-models-adulthood-preparation-subjects-within-personal-responsibility https://teenpregnancy.acf.hhs.gov/resources/adulthood-preparation-subjects-resource-guide https://teenpregnancy.acf.hhs.gov/resources/adulthood-preparation-subjects-resource-guide https://youth.gov/evidence-innovation/tpper https://youth.gov/evidence-innovation/tpper https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/hecat/index.htm

• Data that demonstrates how the selected overall program systematically applies core curriculum components that have been found to be effective in delaying sexual activity, increasing condom or contraceptive use for sexually active youth, or reducing pregnancy among youth.

• A compelling research basis and rationale for lessons that address your selected APS topics.

Fidelity and adaptations Intervention designs must sustain fidelity to the original evidence-based or effective program model. When a full program model is being implemented with fidelity, adaptations to the program should be minimal. Any component that you add to an evidence-based program must be appropriately integrated into the evidence-based program model and should not alter the core components of that program model.

Developers that distribute evidence-based curricula often offer guidance on their core components and address how to ensure fidelity. They may offer checklists or other tools to assist with implementation. Programs must consult with developers to obtain prior approval for proposed adaptations.

We encourage you to work with program developers to adapt evidence-based models or elements of evidence-based models that address the unique needs of the populations served.

Medically accurate materials and appropriate approach Your program must be medically accurate, culturally appropriate, linguistically appropriate, and age appropriate.

• Medically accurate: Program materials such as texts, supplements, workbooks, videos, flyers, handouts, posters, and flash cards should be reviewed in comparison to current medical statements of fact and in accordance with the most up-to-date scientifically supported information.

• Culturally and linguistically appropriate: You must provide plans to use culturally sensitive interventions that incorporate the norms, beliefs, and values of the target population into the intervention. The proposed project should demonstrate cultural competence in providing socially, linguistically, and culturally appropriate interventions with the target population.

• Age appropriate: Your program must provide age-appropriate information and activities. The topics, messages, and teaching methods implemented by the project must be consistent with the developmental and social maturity of the program participants and emphasize preventing and reducing teen pregnancies, STIs, and sexual activity.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

• Linkages and referrals: Your program should provide teenage pregnancy prevention-related referrals to other providers of health care services (such as services related to substance abuse, tobacco cessation, family planning, mental health issues, and intimate partner violence), local public health agencies, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other social service agencies and supports.

◦ Such linkages and referrals should be youth friendly.

◦ These services cannot be paid for with PREP funds. For more information, see funding policies and limitations.

◦ We encourage you to develop partnerships and procedures to help facilitate these referrals. Programs are required to document referrals and track the initiation of service delivery and follow-up.

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and/or two spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) inclusivity: Your project should be LGBTQIA2S+ inclusive. Project materials, practices, and services should not discriminate against, alienate, exclude, or stigmatize LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their families.

Equity and populations served Programs should advance equity by assessing existing inequities in programs and youth needs and collaborating with young people and communities.

Youth are defined as those who are 10 to 19 years old (42 U.S.C. 713(e)(4)), except in the case of pregnant and parenting youth, which may include youth under 21 years old (42 U.S.C. 713(a)(1)(C)(III)).

PREP programs should reach populations that have been historically underrepresented and underserved, including:

• Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and American Indian/Alaska Native teens.

• Teens from rural areas and territories.

Your program should coordinate, communicate, and engage with community-based organizations whose mission is to reach such populations. Your program should also include staff development and training opportunities to increase knowledge of equity-related barriers and opportunities related to gender, race, and other characteristics.

Your project must be welcoming, non-stigmatizing, and accessible to all youth. Their participation must be voluntary.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

You must provide PREP programming especially to youth who are at the highest risk for or vulnerable to pregnancies and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, or who have other special circumstances, such as:

• Youth in foster care.

• Youth experiencing homelessness.

• Youth living with HIV/AIDS.

• Victims of human trafficking.

• Pregnant and parenting youth who are under 21 years of age.

• Youth residing in areas with relatively high teen birth rates compared to all youth within the state or territory.

Additionally, projects should serve youth populations with increased vulnerabilities such as:

• Multi-systems-involved youth.

• Youth who have run away.

• Youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+.

• Out-of-school youth.

Positive youth development approach Positive youth development (PYD) must be incorporated into all PREP programming.

You can learn more at Youth.gov about the key principles of PYD. For more information on integrating PYD into programs, please see Integrating Positive Youth Development into Programs on Youth.gov.

Meaningful youth engagement and leading in partnership with youth and young adults are important components of the overarching PYD strategy. Meaningful youth engagement views youth as equal partners with adults in the decision-making process rather than mere beneficiaries of programs. Involving youth as partners in making decisions that affect them increases the likelihood that the decisions will be accepted, adopted, and made part of their everyday lives.

PYD also encourages projects to consult with and engage young people and offer them opportunities to have input on program implementation. When engaging and collaborating with youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness, you are encouraged to provide compensation for their expertise and may do so using these funds. You can learn more at Youth.gov about ways to lead in partnership with youth and young adults with lived experience.For additional information on youth partnership, please see Involving Youth in Positive Youth Development on Youth.gov.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://youth.gov/youth-topics/key-principles-positive-youth-development https://youth.gov/youth-topics/integrating-positive-youth-development-programs https://youth.gov/youth-topics/integrating-positive-youth-development-programs https://youth.gov/youth-topics/key-principles-positive-youth-development https://youth.gov/youth-topics/involving-youth-positive-youth-development

You can also use the online assessment tool at Youth.gov to find effective ways to engage youth in your programs.

Trauma-informed care PREP programs should consider the trauma and mental health needs of young people who have experienced maltreatment, abuse, or violence.

Projects should incorporate trauma-informed approaches. Project staff should be trained to realize the widespread impact of trauma and recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in youth. Projects should build organizational and staff capacity to fully integrate knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices and resist re-traumatizing youth.

For youth with experiences of trauma, you should consider underlying skills, competencies, and attitudes that improve basic functioning across a range of life domains. For example, effective programming that supports mental health, development of coping strategies, and increased protective factors in a youth’s life can minimize negative risk-taking behaviors and increase their capacity to thrive. For more information on trauma-informed care, please see the Promising Youth Programs Trauma-Informed Care brief.

PREP performance measures The purpose of the performance measures is to monitor and provide feedback about whether recipients are implementing PREP programs as intended and to demonstrate progress toward expected objectives.

All recipients and subrecipients, including their implementation sites, will be required to collect and submit information on program implementation and program outcomes through a common set of PREP performance measures twice a year. This requirement applies to any community partners who agree to host a site or recruit program participants (such as school districts or nonprofits). Recipients are responsible for making sure that all subrecipients and implementation sites collect and submit the PREP performance measures.

The three categories of PREP performance measures for data collection and submission are:

• Structure, cost, and support for program implementation.

• Attendance, reach, and dosage.

• Participants’ entry and exit surveys (which capture characteristics, behaviors, program experiences, and perceptions of effects).

FYSB will provide training on how to collect and submit data on performance measures.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://youth.gov/docs/pyd_AssessmentTool.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/opre/INCORPORATING%20TRAUMA-INFORMED%20CARE%20IN%20ADOLESCENT%20PREGNANCY%20PREVENTION%20PROGRAMS_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/opre/INCORPORATING%20TRAUMA-INFORMED%20CARE%20IN%20ADOLESCENT%20PREGNANCY%20PREVENTION%20PROGRAMS_0.pdf

For more information about the PREP performance measures, including definitions, survey instruments, and data collection tools, please visit the PREP Performance Evaluation website.

Note: Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C.

3501-3521), under this NOFO, ACF will not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information covered by such Act, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. ACF has obtained OMB approval (OMB Control Number 0970-0497; expiration date July 31, 2026) under PRA to request and collect performance measures.

Local evaluation Local evaluations are optional. You may propose to conduct recipient-specific program evaluations of your Competitive PREP projects. Programs are not required to propose local evaluations, and programs’ funding levels will not be affected if programs propose or do not propose to conduct a local evaluation. If you opt to conduct a local evaluation, it must:

• Be conducted by an independent evaluator.

• Answer important questions of interest to the program.

• Include an appropriate evaluation design.

• Meet expectations of rigor that FYSB provides through a system of technical assistance for recipients and their local evaluators.

Per FYSB’s Common Framework for Research and Evaluation, research must be credible, consistently implemented, applicable (beyond the grant itself), and neutral.

If you opt to conduct a local evaluation, you may only propose one. The research questions must drive the local evaluation, including its design, methods, data, and analyses. Examples of research topics may include the following:

• The impact of adding specific skills-based programming related to APS.

• The groups of adolescents reached and whether programming addresses the perceived needs of target populations.

• Determining the differential outcomes or impacts of programming that adheres to standard curricula versus programming with significant adaptations.

Among these and other FYSB-approved topics, programs may conduct descriptive and/ or impact studies on PREP implementation sites. Descriptive studies include implementation studies and outcome studies. Implementation studies document how PREP programs are designed and implemented, and outcome studies examine implementation or participant outcomes. Impact studies require an appropriate study

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://prepeval.acf.hhs.gov/ https://prepeval.acf.hhs.gov/ https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=44+USC+3501&f=treesort&fq=true&num=105&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title44-section3501 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=44+USC+3501&f=treesort&fq=true&num=105&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title44-section3501 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=44+USC+3521&f=treesort&fq=true&num=21&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title44-section3521 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/opre/acf_common_framework_for_research_and_evaluation_v02_a.pdf design to assess the effectiveness of programming. Programs may opt to conduct an implementation and/or impact local evaluation.

No more than 20% of the total budget can be allocated toward conducting the local evaluation. Programs should not undertake evaluative activities with PREP funds unless they adhere to overall guidance in this NOFO and best practices consistent with technical assistance from FYSB.

Any proposed local evaluation should be in addition to the planned delivery of adolescent pregnancy prevention education designed to serve participants and must not replace programming by the program or its providers.

National evaluation FYSB is engaged in a learning agenda to increase understanding of what works and why for PREP projects. FYSB may select projects funded under this NOFO to participate in one or more national rigorous federal evaluations. If selected, all grant recipients and applicable subrecipients must participate.

Federal evaluations are subject to the PRA of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), and FYSB will receive all approvals prior to launching any evaluations.

Project sustainability Recipients should collaborate with their subrecipients and partners to implement their sustainability plan to ensure that the project continues after the period of federal funding ends. Please refer to the project sustainability plan subsection of the project narrative section for detailed information on expectations.

Post-award requirements Please refer to Step 6 for details on FYSB organizational requirements. Accepting federal funds under this NOFO signifies that your organization agrees to comply with the post-award requirements.

Funding policies and limitations We do not allow the following costs under this NOFO:

• Construction

• Purchase of real property

• Major renovation

PREP allows funded agencies and organizations to assist the youth in their programs in finding services and making referrals, but health care and other such services may not be paid for with PREP funds.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

PREP programs that opt to conduct a local evaluation are allowed to set aside a maximum of 20% of their annual PREP allocation for evaluation activities.

See 45 CFR §§ 75.420 – 75.475 for information on costs that are always unallowable or have restrictions.

Indirect costs Indirect costs are those for a common or joint purpose across more than one project and that cannot be easily separated by project.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of the following two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. You currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. Per 45 CFR § 75.414(f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate. If you are awaiting approval of an indirect cost proposal, you may also use the de minimis rate. If you choose this method, costs included in the indirect cost pool must not be charged as direct costs.

This rate is 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See 45 CFR § 75.2 for the definition of MTDC. You can use this rate indefinitely.

Learn more at 45 CFR § 75.414, Indirect Costs.

Subawards The prime recipient must maintain a substantive role in the project. We define a substantive role as conducting funded activities and providing services that are necessary and integral to completing the project. Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone is not a substantive role. See 45 CFR § 75.352 for information on subrecipient monitoring.

We do not fund awards where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

Statutory authority PREP is authorized and funded by section 513 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 713).

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.2(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.352

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 19

Find the application package 19

Learn more 19

Join the webinar 20

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it online. Go to Search Grants at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number HHS-2024-ACF- ACYF-AK-0032. Then, click the “Package” tab.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials, you may request them from the Grants Management Contact.

If you are also unable to apply through Grants.gov, see exemptions for paper submissions.

Learn more Visit Applying for an ACF Grant Award on the ACF Grants Page.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 19 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration http://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/search-grants https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant

Join the webinar For more information about this opportunity, join our informational webinar. Details are as follows:

Date: May 2, 2024 Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Webinar ID: 160 373 0226 Passcode: 476993

Join the webinar through Zoom.

To join by telephone, call the following numbers. For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location:

• +1 669-254-5252 US (San Jose)

• +1 646-828-7666 US (New York)

• +1 646-964-1167 US (US Spanish Line)

• +1 415-449-4000 US (US Spanish Line)

• +1 551-285-1373 US (New Jersey)

• +1 669-216-1590 US (San Jose)

International numbers are also available.

The goals of the webinar are to develop a better understanding of eligibility, formatting and submission requirements, and programmatic expectations.

Please submit your questions on this NOFO in advance by sending an email to:

fysb.nofo.cprep@acf.hhs.gov.

Participants may submit questions anonymously. The due date for submitting questions is April 29, 2024. Only questions submitted in advance and by the due date will be considered for answering during the session.

Applicants unable to attend can access the recording and transcript on the FYSB website after the session has concluded.

If there is a discrepancy between the NOFO and the presentation and/or presentation materials, the NOFO takes precedence.

This webinar is fully voluntary. Opting to participate or not to participate will not affect eligibility, application scoring, or the awards process. Participants may remain anonymous during the webinar.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 20 https://acf-hhs-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1603730226?pwd=SUFiSWtOckx5cjY2ck5jVXY5NURZZz09 https://acf-hhs-gov.zoomgov.com/u/aCLX1KWyF mailto:fysb.nofo.cprep@acf.hhs.gov https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/grants/funding-opportunities

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 22

Application contents and format Application components You will submit two files plus the other required forms in the application package.

File One: Project Narrative Attachment Form Includes:

• Table of contents

• Project summary, one page

• Project narrative

• Line-item budget and budget narrative

File Two: Other Attachments Form Includes all attachments.

Other required forms Includes other required forms.

Required format Page limit for File One and File Two combined: 115 pages

File Format: Portable Document File (PDF) is recommended, but not required. ACF supports the following file formats when you attach files to the Project Narrative Attachment Form and the Other Attachments Form:

• Adobe PDF – Portable Document Format (.pdf)

• Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)

• Image Formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)

Paper Size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches

Margins: 1 inch all around

Language: English

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22

If possible, include page numbers.

Do not include external links to information you want reviewers to assess.

Fonts Font: Times New Roman

Size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in tables and graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing Table of contents: Must be single-spaced

Project summary: Must be single-spaced

Project narrative: Must be double-spaced

Objectives and need for assistance: Must be double-spaced

Expected outcomes: Must be double-spaced

Approach: Must be double-spaced

Project timeline and milestones: Must be double-spaced

Program performance evaluation plan: Must be double-spaced

Organizational capacity (such as resumes, job descriptions, organizational charts): Can be single-spaced

Logic model: Can be single-spaced

Line-Item budget and budget narrative: Can be single-spaced

Plan for oversight of federal awards: Must be double-spaced

Project sustainability plan: Must be double-spaced

Attachments: As needed

Tables and footnotes throughout: Can be single-spaced

Table of contents At the beginning of File One, insert a table of contents that guides a reader through the contents of both files in your application. If possible, include links to the relevant content in File One.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23

Project summary Provide a one-page summary of the project description. Do not cross-reference to other parts of the application. The summary must include:

• At the top, the project title, applicant name, address, phone numbers, email addresses, and any website URL.

• A brief description of the project, including the needs and population you will address and your proposed services.

Project narrative The project narrative is where you address all your proposed activities. It is a critical section of your application, which we evaluate and rank against other applications using the merit review criteria. Remember that substance and measurable outcomes are more important than length. We are particularly interested in project narratives that convey strategies for achieving intended performance.

In it, you must:

• Explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in the program description section.

• Make sure your narrative is clear, concise, and complete.

• Use cross-referencing rather than repetition.

• Be sure to include any required supporting documents noted. You generally provide these in your attachments.

• Use the headings and order of the sections that follow.

Geographic location Provide the precise physical location of your project and boundaries of the area you will serve. If you will include any subrecipients in your project that will serve the geographic areas, include their locations as well.

Need for assistance Identify the problems you plan to solve. These problems could be physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, etc. To do so:

• Demonstrate the need, including the nature and scope of the problem.

• You may provide supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials, in an application appendix.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24

• Include any relevant data based on planning studies or needs assessments. You may refer to them in the endnotes or footnotes.

• Use demographic data and participant or beneficiary information where you can.

Objectives State your main objectives and any sub-objectives. Address how the objectives stated relate to the overall purpose of this program and describe how you will achieve the objectives.

All proposed objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-framed, inclusive, and equitable (S.M.A.R.T.I.E.), as follows:

• Specific: An objective specifies one major result directly related to the program goal, and states who is going to be doing what, to whom, and by how much.

• Measurable: An objective must describe in realistic terms the expected results and specify how such results will be measured.

• Achievable: The accomplishment specified in the objective must be achievable within the proposed timeline and as a direct result of the program activities.

• Realistic: The objective must be reasonable in nature. The specified outcomes must be described in realistic terms.

• Time-framed: The objective must specify a target date or time frame for its accomplishments.

• Inclusive: The objective must bring traditionally marginalized people—particularly those most impacted—into processes, activities, and decision-making in a way that shares power.

• Equitable: The objective must seek to address systemic injustice, inequity, or oppression.

Expected outcomes Identify the outcomes you plan to achieve from the project. Outcomes should relate to the overall program, as described in the program description section. If research is part of the proposed work, outcomes must include hypothesized results and implications of the proposed research.

Approach Outline your action plan. Describe the scope and detail of how you will accomplish your proposed project. Account for all functions or activities you identify in your application.

Explain potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing your project goals. Explain the strategies you will use to address them. Be sure to mention that your project will be

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25 fully functioning and serving youth within 90 days following the Notice of Award (NoA) for the grant.

Use the headings and order of sections that follow to describe your proposed project.

Further details about most sections are in the project requirements section.

Abstinence and contraceptive education Describe how the project will emphasize both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.

Adulthood preparation subjects (APS) Identify at least three of the six APS that will be incorporated into the program and explain your plan to incorporate them, as addressed in the project requirements.

Evidence-based programs or elements of effective programs Provide a rationale for choosing the evidence-based or effective model proposed for implementation. Cite data that demonstrates evidence of effectiveness of the program proposed.

Identify the methods you will use to ensure that facilitators/educators who will deliver the program have been or will be formally trained in the program model or elements of the program model by professionals who can provide follow-up technical assistance to facilitators/educators.

Fidelity and adaptations Provide a plan for how the intervention will be implemented with fidelity, including consistent fidelity monitoring of program implementation.

If applicable, describe any proposed adaptations and the rationale for the adaptations.

Include an explanation of why the adaptations do not alter the core components of the evidence-based program model or elements of those models.

Medically accurate materials and appropriate approach Explain how you will ensure that all curricula, services, and materials are:

• Medically accurate

• Culturally appropriate

• Age appropriate

• Linguistically appropriate

• Inclusive

• Voluntary

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26

Linkages and referrals Describe the range of mechanisms that will be used to deliver services (such as school-based programs, clinic-based programs, and/or youth development programs). The description should identify referral resources, include information about how referrals will be made to other services and programs, and explain how follow-up will take place, when appropriate.

Equity and populations served Identify your chosen population and describe the rationale for selecting it, as well as a clear justification for the estimate of the overall number of program participants expected to participate in each year of the project. FYSB requires that you include a description of the types of participants by age groups or grades, race, ethnicity, and other descriptive factors.

You must also provide a detailed, thorough, and realistic description of the recruitment and retention plan for your chosen population. The approach described must be specific for the target population, service delivery location, and implementation setting.

Identify the methods that will ensure that facilitators/educators who will deliver the programs have been or will be formally trained in equity, cultural competence, and cultural humility and provide a description of the types and frequency of diversity, equity, and inclusion training that will be conducted throughout the project period.

Positive youth development approach Describe how the project will include a PYD approach as part of the programming.

Trauma-informed care Describe how the project will be trauma informed.

Local and national evaluation If you plan to conduct a local evaluation, you must describe a plan to implement the evaluation in the project period. Your plan must include the following:

• Proposed research questions.

• A plan for rigorous evaluation design.

• A plan to procure an independent evaluator (including the types of experience of the independent evaluator and proposed evaluation infrastructure).

• A plan for data collection and reporting on OMB-cleared program performance measures.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27

Local evaluation plans should be clearly described with an understanding that modifications may be required after an evaluator is officially hired and/or federal government-sponsored technical assistance is provided. You must describe the use of viable methods to determine whether the project outcomes were achieved.

You must clearly state your agreement that you and any subrecipients will participate, if selected, in the national evaluation.

Project timeline and milestones Provide a timeline for your project that includes milestones. To do so:

• Organize the information by task and subtask, showing related milestones.

• Provide monthly or quarterly quantitative projections for what you plan to accomplish and by when. For example, provide the number of people you plan to serve or the number of a certain activity you plan to complete.

• If you can’t quantify some of your accomplishments, provide their target dates.

• Cover the full period of performance in your timeline.

Organizational capacity Provide the following information for your full project team including the applicant organization and any cooperating partners, contractors, and subrecipients:

• Provide a clear and realistic description of the recruitment, retention, professional development training, and technical assistance plan for facilitators/educators throughout the project period.

• Provide a clear description of the organizational executive leadership and the existing staffing structure or a proposed staffing plan that will support full program implementation within 90 days of grant award.

• Provide evidence that your team has the relevant experience and expertise needed to carry out your project.

• Describe your team’s experience with administering, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.

• Provide evidence that your team has the organizational capability to fulfill their roles and functions effectively.

• You must provide a succinct plan to monitor the effective management and coordination of activities by any partners, contractors and subcontractors, and consultants, if applicable.

• You will provide some supporting information in the attachments section.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 28

Plan for oversight of federal award funds and activities You must ensure proper award oversight. The regulation that governs this oversight is 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart D. It includes standards for:

• Financial and program management

• Property management

• Procurement

• Performance and financial monitoring and reporting

• Subrecipient monitoring and management

• Record retention and access

• Remedies for noncompliance

• Prior written approval

Describe your framework to ensure proper oversight of federal funds and activities.

Include:

• A description of the governance, policies and procedures, and systems you use for record keeping and financial management.

• A description of the procedures to identify and mitigate risks and issues. These might include audit findings, continuous performance assessment findings, and monitoring.

• The key staff who will be responsible for maintaining oversight of program activities staff and any partners or subrecipients.

Project performance evaluation plan Describe a plan for how you will evaluate your project’s performance and how it will contribute to continuous quality improvement. This plan must describe:

• How you will monitor and assess ongoing activities and the progress towards the project’s goals and objectives.

• The inputs, key activities, and expected outcomes of the funded activities. Inputs might include your collaborative partners, key staff, budget, service processes, or other resources.

• How you will measure the inputs, activities, and outcomes.

• How you will use the resulting information to inform improvement of funded activities.

• Any processes that support the overall data quality.

• The organizational systems and processes that will track performance outcomes.

• Whether the project is having the expected impacts.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 29 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subpart-D

• How your organization will collect and manage data in a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting of performance outcomes. This might include assigned skilled staff, data management software, and data integrity.

• Any potential obstacles to implementing the project performance evaluation and how you will address them.

• A timeline for how you will review information from the performance evaluation and apply it to your ongoing project.

All recipients and subrecipients will be required to monitor and report on program implementation and outcomes through a common set of performance measures.

Applicants must describe a plan for collecting, reporting, and utilizing performance measures data. The plan must include a description of how data will be collected, managed, and secured in a way that affords accurate and timely reporting to FYSB and the protection of participants’ information.

Logic model You must submit a logic model for designing, managing, and evaluating the project. A logic model is a diagram that:

• Presents how inputs drive activities to produce outputs, outcomes, and the ultimate goals of the proposed project.

• Explains the links among project elements.

• Targets the identified objectives and goals of the project.

While there are many versions of logic models, for the purposes of this funding opportunity, the logic model may include the connections between:

• Inputs such as additional resources, organizational profile, collaborative partners, key staff, or budget.

• Target population, such as the individuals to be served or identified needs.

• Activities, mechanisms, and processes such as evidenced-based practices, best practices, approach, key intervention and evaluation components, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

• Outputs, which include the immediate…