HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019_Modified.pdf

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth, and Families - Children's Bureau

Hospital-Based Adoption-Sensitive Care Training

HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019

Application Due Date: 08/21/2024

Table of Contents Executive Summary

I. Program Description

II. Federal Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

III.3. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

The Project Description

The Project Budget and Budget Justification

Application Submission Options

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

IV.4. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Due Dates

Acknowledgement of Received Application

IV.5. Intergovernmental Review

IV.6. Funding Restrictions

IV.7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

V.2. Review and Selection Process

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

VI.1. Federal Award Notices

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VI.3. Reporting

VII. HHS Award Agency Contact(s)

VIII. Other Information

Reference Websites

Application Checklist

Funding Opportunity Title:

Hospital-Based Adoption-Sensitive Care Training Announcement Type:

Modification Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019

Assistance Listing Number:

93.652 Due Date for Applications:

08/21/2024

Executive Summary Notice:

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) carefully and observe the application formatting requirements listed in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. For more information on applying for an award, please visit "Applying for an ACF Award" at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been modified. Changes were made to the Application Package and HHS Award Agency Contact(s).

The purpose of this NOFO is to improve access to training and technical assistance (T/TA) on adoption-sensitive care. The T/TA is targeted for hospital-based service providers, doctors, nurses, and staff who provide pregnancy or adoption information and referrals. The recipient will provide T/TA to hospital staff using the existing Understanding Infant Adoption curriculum, or an equivalent, in accordance with Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program (IAATP) best-practice guidelines. Such activities will help ensure that expectant parents who wish to place a child for adoption have access to appropriately trained staff and comprehensive supports throughout the adoption process. The recipient will collaborate with the Children’s Bureau’s (CB's) clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG), to maintain a public website with the training materials and other adoption resources.

I. Program Description

Statutory Authority Title II, Section 203(b)(4) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C. 5113(b)(4)), as most recently amended by CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010.

Description

BACKGROUND

CB, an agency within the Administration for Children and Families under the Department of https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant

Health and Human Services (HHS), has a long history of awarding funds to organizations to develop and implement programs to train healthcare staff in providing adoption information and referrals to expectant parents. This project is expected to build on the knowledge gained through prior awards and utilize training standards developed by HHS, as described below, to improve access to adoption-sensitive care training for hospital staff across the country.

HHS developed "best-practice" guidelines to be followed in developing curriculum and providing training to implement the IAATP. These "best-practice" guidelines are critical for attaining the primary IAATP goal: Enhancing the ability of health care staff to provide adoption information and referral on an equal basis with all other courses of action. These guidelines were developed in consultation with 29 experts in the fields of adoption, child welfare, health services, medicine, law, and adoption counseling, as well as adoptive parents.

IAATP Guidelines Training Goals:

1. Impart up-to-date and accurate information about adoption, including the various types of adoptions (e.g., closed adoptions and adoptions involving varying levels of "openness" with respect to the amount of contact or information exchanged between adoptive parents and birth parents).

2. Be consistent with applicable state law, imparting information on the legal issues pertaining to adoption, including the rights of the birth mother and father.

3. Impart information to the trainees about the Multiethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Placement Act, particularly as it relates to the circumstances under which a birth parent may or may not choose adoptive parents for the child.

4. Impart information to the trainees about the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and particularly must explain that organizations that work with birth parents on adoption will ascertain as soon as possible whether a child is or will be subject to the ICWA prior to proceeding with the adoption process.

5. Impart information about how family members and the birth mother's community may impact her pregnancy decision process.

6. Impart information about the role of the birth father in the pregnancy decision.

7. Impart information about various adoption services available within the community and how to assess the quality of those services and their appropriateness for a particular woman.

8. Impart information on adolescent development and the differences between counseling adolescents at varying ages and counseling older women.

9. Impart information about the psychological and emotional reactions such as shame, grief, loss, guilt, and depression that the birth mother is likely to experience throughout the decision-making process as she considers various pregnancy options, as well as the emotions the birth father is likely to experience.

Basic Skills:

1. Increase awareness of attitudes and biases pertaining to adoption to be able to present adoption information in an objective, non-biased manner.

2. Increase sensitivity, understanding, and skills regarding the influences that both a birth mother and birth father may experience from family, peers, and community.

3. Improve basic counseling skills, including cultural competence, listening, building rapport, recognizing someone in crisis, being empathetic, and treating clients with respect.

4. Be skilled to provide counseling in a non-directive counseling to ensure that adoption information, and information about other pregnancy options, is presented objectively, without bias or judgment.

5. Increase knowledge of adoption and adoption procedures, consistent with state and federal laws, to be able to present accurate and up-to-date information during counseling consistent.

6. Increase knowledge of available adoption-related referral resources and how to assess the quality and/or appropriateness of these resources.

7. Have basic case management skills for counseling pregnant women, including the ability to assess service needs and make appropriate referrals.

Curriculum Elements:

1. Includes interactive exercises that promote skills development, such as role-playing and discussions of potential responses to various scenarios.

2. Includes exercises, such as attitude awareness activities, that promote awareness of personal biases, prejudices, and negative attitudes and how they impact the provision of adoption information, as well as information on other pregnancy options.

3. Includes a component in which birth parents, adoptive parents, and/or adult adoptees present their experiences with adoption.

4. Includes resource materials that trainees can take with them to refer to when they are providing counseling on pregnancy options and to disseminate to the women they are counseling.

Training Structure:

1. Should involve no more than two 6-hour days.

2. Conducted by experienced trainers who effectively implement principles of adult learning.

3. Includes presentations and opportunities for interaction with professionals from both the health field and the adoption field.

More information on the IAATP best-practice guidelines can be found on the CB website.

Through a 2017 Hospital-Based Adoption Support Services project, the existing Understanding Infant Adoption (UIA) curriculum was updated to follow the IAATP guidelines. The UIA (version) 6 curriculum Trainers Guide, Participant Handbook, and PowerPoint slides are available on the Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG) website. The project also developed 7 supplemental online courses on the topics of: Adoption Then and Now, Birth Father Experience, Complex Circumstances, Compassion Fatigue, Open Adoption, Practicing Cultural Humility, and Supporting Adolescents. These courses and related materials can be accessed with a free account on the CB’s learning management system platform, CAPlearn.

PROGRAM GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

The purpose of this NOFO is to award one 24-month project to improve access to adoption-sensitive care T/TA for hospital-based service providers, doctors, nurses, and other staff who https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/grant-funding/infant-adoption-awareness-training-program https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/infant-adoption-training-initiative-understanding-infant-adoption/?top=1509 https://learn.childwelfare.gov/user/login?moodle_url=true&destination=lms/course/index.php?categoryid=37 provide pregnancy or adoption information and referrals. The goal of this project is to implement an existing infant adoption awareness training curriculum and provide technical assistance activities, as necessary, in accordance with IAATP best-practice guidelines. Enhancing the capacity of hospital staff will help ensure that expectant parents who wish to place a child for adoption have access to appropriately trained staff and comprehensive supports throughout the adoption process.

ACF’s preference is for the non-profit recipient to be a health care-based, educational organization, with a focus on adoption. Furthermore, the recipient should partner with health care professionals, hospitals, and community organizations.

To accomplish the goals of this funding, the recipient will:

A. Select an Infant Adoption Awareness Training curriculum. The project will utilize the UIA Curriculum or an equivalent curriculum that adheres to IAATP best-practice guidelines. The selected curriculum should build and develop the capacity and increase the comfort level of hospital staff to provide expectant parents with information and counseling on adoption, and other available options, in a nondirective and noncoercive manner necessary to make an informed decision. While adhering to IAATP best-practice guidelines, the selected curriculum must also be designed to:

• Present all information objectively;

• Include all parents in counseling services; and

• Make appropriate community-based referrals, as necessary.

In addition to the IAATP best-practice guidelines, it is expected that the selected curriculum and technical assistance provided will:

• Be competency-based;

• Be provided in multiple modalities (e.g., in-person, virtual, self-paced) and languages, as necessary, to meet the needs of hospital staff.

• Incorporate modern technology and reflect current knowledge of adult learning;

• Incorporate interactional learning, when possible; and

• Conform to professionally recognized standards for curriculum format and style.

If changes are made to the approved curriculum or if supplemental trainings are developed, they will need to be submitted to CB for approval prior to implementation.

B. Finalize the project work plan and T/TA implementation plan. The recipient will finalize their project work plan and T/TA implementation plan. The project work plan should include all key activities to be completed throughout the project. The T/TA implementation plan should detail how the project will implement the selected curriculum and provide technical assistance, as necessary, to hospital staff who may provide adoption supports services to expectant parents.

Within 90 days of the award, key project staff must attend an orientation kickoff meeting in Washington, DC, supported by this funding. During this meeting, CB staff will discuss the recipient’s draft work plan and T/TA implementation plan. Within 30 days of this meeting, the recipient will submit a formal, revised work plan and T/TA implementation plan based on their application. Once the recipient receives approval, implementation can begin.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/infant-adoption-training-initiative-understanding-infant-adoption/?top=1509 https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/infant-adoption-training-initiative-understanding-infant-adoption/?top=1509 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/grant-funding/infant-adoption-awareness-training-program

C. Disseminate the curriculum, resources, and lessons learned. A goal of this project is to ensure training materials and related resources are widely available and accessible. Throughout the project, the recipient will collaborate with CB’s clearinghouse, CWIG, to maintain a public website with the training materials and other adoption resources. This can be done through a website the recipient develops, or the content can be hosted or linked to CWIG’s website, childwelfare.gov. The recipient will work with CWIG to determine the technology requirements for hosting or linking to training materials and adoption resources to ensure computability across ACF websites.

Requirements for Recipient Electronic and Information Technology are available on the ACF Administrative and National Policy Requirements website. The recipient is encouraged to use Section 508 standards to ensure accessibility. See the Section 508 Tips Sheet and ACF Digital Toolbox for more information. Additionally, the recipient must acknowledge HHS funding in any public documents related to the awarded project. See the ACF Administrative and National Policy Requirements website, specifically the Stevens Amendment, for more information.

The recipient will be required to produce and submit a high-quality final program and evaluation report within 120 days of project end date suitable for archiving in the CB Discretionary Grant Library. This report should focus on what was accomplished and learned during the project period. The report should also share where the training materials and other adoption resources can be accessed after the project ends.

The work plan should include a comprehensive plan for dissemination that includes website development and maintenance.

D. Evaluate the project’s performance. The recipient will evaluate the implementation of program services to meet project goals and objectives and contribute to continuous quality improvement (CQI). The evaluation should be outcome-focused and include measurable objectives.

Subawards Recipients under this program may opt to transfer a portion of substantive programmatic work to other organizations through subaward(s). The prime recipient must maintain a substantive role in the project. ACF defines a substantive role as conducting activities and/or providing services funded under the award that are necessary and integral to the completion of the project.

Subrecipient monitoring activities alone, as specified in 45 CFR 75.352, do not constitute a substantive role. Furthermore, ACF does 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.

Subrecipient(s) must meet the eligibility requirements identified in the NOFO, Section III.1.

Eligible Applicants. Additionally, all subrecipient(s) must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number assigned by the System for Award Management (SAM), if they do not already have one. Prime recipients are required to check SAM to verify that the subrecipient(s) is/are not debarred, suspended, or ineligible.

Please reference the Award Term and Condition on Subawards on the ACF Administrative and National Policy Requirements website for further requirements involving subawards.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/ https://www.childwelfare.gov/ https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/508_tip_sheet.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/digital-toolbox/accessibility https://www.acf.hhs.gov/digital-toolbox/accessibility https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://cwlibrary.childwelfare.gov/discovery/search?vid=01CWIG_INST:CBDG https://cwlibrary.childwelfare.gov/discovery/search?vid=01CWIG_INST:CBDG

II. Federal Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$1,000,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$1,000,000 Per Project Period

Award Floor:

$750,000 Per Project Period

Average Projected Award Amount:

$1,000,000 Per Project Period

Anticipated Project Start Date:

09/30/2024 Length of Project Periods:

Other

Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' 24-month project period and budget period.

Additional Information on Awards:

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

Applications requesting an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period, or per project period, as stated in this section, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Please see Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Description of ACF's Anticipated Substantial Involvement Under the Cooperative Agreement Award

This project will be awarded through a cooperative agreement with CB. A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding federal assistance where substantial federal involvement is anticipated to provide programmatic benefit to the recipient that would not otherwise be available. A cooperative agreement will clearly define the respective responsibilities of CB and the recipient and is finalized and signed within 30 days of project start date. CB anticipates that involvement and collaboration may include the following activities:

• CB review and approval of proposed deliverables and activities before implementation begins.

• CB and recipient collaboration in key project activities (e.g., strategic planning, provision of T/TA, review of training materials or products, dissemination, and evaluation).

• CB monitoring of funding requirements and progress toward the program goals and activities.

• CB monitoring of performance which may exceed those federal stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.

NOTE: Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), CB 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.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants All entities with a non-profit status are eligible.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. See Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

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.

Reference to Legal Status See Section IV.2. Legal Status of Applicant Entity for documentation required to support eligibility.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No See Section IV.2. The Project Budget and Budget Justification, Commitment of Non-Federal Resources for more information.

III.3. Other Applicants must provide documentation to substantiate their nonprofit status for eligibility. See Section IV.2. The Project Description, Legal Status of Applicant Entity for more information.

Application Disqualification Factors Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

https://digital.gov/resources/paperwork-reduction-act-44-u-s-c-3501-et-seq/#:~:text=Act%20(44%20U.S.C.-,3501%20et%20seq.),of%20information%20from%20the%20public.

Award Ceiling Disqualification

Applications that request an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period or per project period, as stated in Section II. Federal Award Information, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for the first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period.

Required Electronic Application Submission

ACF requires electronic submission of applications at Grants.gov. Paper applications received that have not been approved for an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

If you do not have an internet connection or sufficient capacity to upload large documents to the internet you may contact ACF for an exemption that will allow you to submit your application in paper format. Information and the requirements for requesting an exemption from required electronic application submission are found in "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Electronic Application Submission."

Missing the Application Deadline (Late Applications)

The deadline for electronic application submission is 11:59 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Electronic applications submitted to Grants.gov after 11:59 pm ET on the due date, as indicated by a dated and time-stamped email from Grants.gov, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Applications submitted to Grants.gov which fail their validation check, will not be received at, or acknowledged by ACF. If you submit an application for the same NOFO more than once, only the last on-time submission will be acknowledged.

Paper applications with an approved exemption from the electronic submission requirement must be received by 4:30 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications received after 4:30 pm ET on the due date will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Notification of Application Disqualification Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by email or by USPS postal mail within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this NOFO.

IV. Application and Submission Information https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package CB Operations Center

C/O LCG, INC

ATTN: HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019

6000 Executive Blvd Suite 410 Rockville

MD

20852 cb@grantreview.org Application Packages

Electronic Application Submission:

The electronic application submission package is available in the NOFO's listing at Grants.gov.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

FORMATTING APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS

Notice of Two-File Requirement Applicants applying via Grants.gov must upload only two electronic files, excluding Standard Forms (SFs) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved forms. Additional files will be removed prior to the merit review.

FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

Signature of Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) Each applicant must designate an authorized organization representative (AOR) with authority to act on the organization’s behalf on matters related to the application submission and administration of awards. The AOR signature must appear on all forms in which a signature is required. By signing, the AOR agrees the organization will abide by all applicable Federal statutes, regulations and terms and conditions of the award.

Accepted Font Style and Size Applications must be in Times New Roman 12-point font, except for footnotes, which may be 10-point font. Pages that contain blurred or illegible text will be removed.

If documents must be scanned, the font size on any scanned documents must be large enough so that it is readable. You may not scan more than one page of a documents onto a single page.

Pages with blurred text will be removed from the application.

English Language Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of United States (U.S.) dollars. See 45 CFR §75.111 for more information.

Page Limitations You must observe the page limitation(s) listed under "PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS" later in this section. Page limitation(s) do not include SFs and OMB-approved forms.

All applications must be double-spaced. An application that exceeds the cited page limitation for double-spaced pages will have extra pages removed, and those pages will not be reviewed.

Application Elements Exempted from Double-Spacing Requirements The following elements of the application submission are exempt from the double-spacing requirements and may be single-spaced:

• Table of Contents

• One-page Project Summary

• Required Assurances and Certifications

• SFs and OMB-approved forms

• Resumes, Logic Models, Proof of Legal Status/Non-Profit Status, Third-Party

Agreements, Letters of Support, footnotes and tables

• Line-Item Budget and/or the Budget Justification

Adherence to NOFO Formatting, Font, and Page Limitation Requirements Applications that fail to adhere to ACF’s NOFO formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will be adjusted by the removal of page(s) from the application. Pages will be removed before the merit review and will not be made available to reviewers.

NOTE: Applicants failing to adhere to ACF’s NOFO formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will receive a letter from ACF notifying them that their application was amended.

The letter will be sent after awards have been issued and will specify the reason(s) for removal of page(s).

Corrections/Updates to Submitted Applications When applicants revise a previously submitted application, ACF will accept only the last on-time application for pre-review under the Application Disqualification Factors. See Section III.3.

Other, Application Disqualification Factors and Section IV.2. Application Submission Options.

Copies Required Applicants must submit one complete copy of the application package electronically. Applicants must follow the registration and application submission instructions provided at Grants.gov.

Accepted Application Format With the exception of the required SFs and OMB-approved forms, all application materials must be formatted so that they are 8 ½" x 11" white paper with 1-inch margins all around.

If possible, applicants are encouraged to include page numbers for each page within the application.

PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:

With the exception of SFs and OMB-approved forms, the application submission is limited to 75 pages in its entirety. The two files applicants must submit are:

The Project Description file must include these items:

• Table of Contents

• Project Summary

• Project Description

• Evaluation Plan

• Project Timeline and Milestones

• Organizational Capacity

• Budget and Budget Justification

The Appendices file must include these items:

• Proof of Legal Status

• Third-Party Agreements

• Organizational Capacity Supporting Documents

• Indirect Cost Rate Letter (if applicable)

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

You are required to submit applications electronically unless you have received an exemption that will allow submission in paper format. See Section IV.2. Application Submission Options for information about requesting an exemption.

Electronic applications will only be accepted via Grants.gov. ACF will not accept applications submitted via email or via facsimile.

Each applicant is required to upload ONLY two electronic files, excluding SFs and OMB-approved forms.

File One: Must contain the entire Project Description, and the Budget and Budget Justification (including a line-item budget and a budget narrative).

File Two: Must contain all documents required in the Appendices.

Formatting Submission Files ACF strongly recommends that File One and File Two be uploaded as Portable Document Files (PDFs).

To adhere to the two-file requirement, you may need to convert and/or merge documents together using a PDF converter software. Applicants using Adobe Acrobat Reader software will be able to merge these documents together. ACF recommends merging documents electronically rather than scanning multiple documents into one document manually.

Applicants must ensure that the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader they are using is compatible with Grants.gov. To verify Adobe software compatibility please go to Grants.gov and click on “Applicants” at the top bar menu and select “Adobe Software Compatibility."

Naming Application Submission Files Carefully observe the file naming conventions required by Grants.gov. Limit file names to 50 characters (characters and spaces).Please also see https://www.grants.gov/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.

Use only file formats supported by ACF While ACF supports all of the following file formats, we strongly recommend that the two files (Project Description and Appendices) are uploaded as PDFs in order to comply with the two-file upload limitation.

ACF supports the following file formats:

• 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)

Documents in file formats not listed here will be removed from the application and will not be used in the merit review. This may make the application incomplete, and ACF will not make awards based on an incomplete application.

Do Not Encrypt or Password-Protect the Electronic Application Files If ACF cannot access submitted electronic files because they are encrypted or password protected, the affected file will not be reviewed. This may make the application incomplete, and ACF will not make awards based on an incomplete application.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PAPER APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS:

You must receive an exemption in order for a paper application to be accepted for review. For more information on the exemption, see "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission."

Applicants with an approved exemption for paper application submission should download the forms package associated with the NOFO's Synopsis on Grants.gov under the Package tab.

All copies of mailed paper applications must be submitted in a single package. If an applicant is submitting multiple applications under a single NOFO, or multiple applications under separate NOFOs, each submission must be packaged separately. The package(s) must be clearly labeled with the NOFO title and Funding Opportunity Number.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf

Applicants must submit one original and two copies of the complete application, including all SFs and OMB-approved forms. The original copy must have original signatures. Copies of the application, not the original, will be reproduced by the federal government for review. All application materials must be one-sided for duplication purposes. All pages in the application submission must be sequentially numbered.

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Applicants seeking an award under this funding opportunity must submit the listed SFs, assurances, and certifications with the application. All required SFs, assurances, and certifications are available in the Application Package posted for this NOFO at Grants.gov.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Certification

Applicants self-certify their maintenance of effort.

The MOE should be on the applicant organization's letterhead.

Submission is required for all applicants under this NOFO. See Section IV.2. Formatting Application Submissions for instructions on its placement in the application submission.

Required for all applications.

Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification / IRB Certification / Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule)

Submission of the required information and forms is due with the application package by the due date listed in the Overview and Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. If the information is not available at the time of application, it must

Form is available at http:// www.hhs.gov/ ohrp/ assurances/ forms/index.html.

General information about the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations can be obtained at http://www. hhs.gov/ ohrp/ . Applicants may also contact OHRP by email (OHRP@HHS.gov) or by phone (240-453-6900).

http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/assurances/forms/index.html http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/assurances/forms/index.html http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/assurances/forms/index.html http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/ http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/ mailto:OHRP@HHS.gov

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description be submitted prior to the award of a grant.

SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

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

Required of all applicants.

Applicants must have a UEI and maintain an active SAM registration throughout the application and project award period.

Obtain a UEI and SAM registration at:

http://www.sam.gov.

See Section IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) for more information.

SF-424 Key Contact Form

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form)

Submission required of all applicants with the application package. If it is not submitted with the application package, it must be submitted prior to award.

Submission of the certification is required for all applicants.

SF-424A - Budget Information - Non- Construction Programs and SF-424B - Assurances - Non- Construction Programs

Submission is required for all applicants when applying for a non-construction project.

SFs must be used.

Required for all applications when applying for a non-construction project.

https://www.sam.gov/

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Forms must be submitted by the application due date.

By signing and submitting the SF- 424B, applicants are making the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination.

SF-Project/Performance Site Location(s) (SF-P/PSL)

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications. In the SF-P/PSL, applicants must cite their primary location and up to 29 additional performance sites.

SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

If submission of this form is applicable, it is due at the time of application. If it is not available at the time of application, it may also be submitted prior to award.

If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit the SF-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.

Additional Required Assurances and Certifications Mandatory Grant Disclosures All applicants and recipients are required to submit, in writing, to ACF and the HHS Office of the Inspector General, all information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. (Mandatory Disclosures, 45 CFR § 75.113)

Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Grants Management, ATTN: Grants Management Specialist, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer Building, Corridor 3200, Washington, DC 20201

And to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN:

Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201

Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or Email: grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

Proprietary Information and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) ACF will be using non-federal reviewers in the review process. You have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applications are submitted electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review process.

The Project Description The Project Description Overview

General Expectations and Instructions The Project Description requests the information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for financial assistance. It must address all activities for which federal funds are being requested and all application requirements as stated in this section. The Project Description must explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in Section I. Program Description. As a reminder, reviewers will be evaluating this section in accordance with Section V.1. Criteria.

The Project Description must be clear, concise, and complete. ACF is particularly interested in Project Descriptions that convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project Descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length.

Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting documents designated as required must be included in the Appendix of the application.

Letter of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this NOFO. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an applicant from the merit review. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert mailto:grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov reviewers needed to evaluate applications.

Please submit a letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this funding opportunity; the name and address of the applicant organization; and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person.

Letter of intent should be sent to:

CB Operations Center C/O LCG, Inc.

Attn: HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019- Letter of Intent 6000 Executive Blvd Suite 410 Rockville, MD 20852

Table of Contents List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. The table of contents may be single spaced.

Project Summary Provide a summary of the project description. The summary must include a brief description of the applicant's proposed project including the needs to be addressed, the proposed activities or services, and if applicable, the population group(s) to be served. The summary must be clear, accurate, concise, and without cross-references to other parts of the application. Please place the following at the top of the Project Summary:

• Project Title

• Applicant Name

• Address

• Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax, Cell)

• Email Address

• Website Address, if applicable

The Project Summary must be single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, and limited to one page in length. Additional pages will be removed and will not be reviewed.

Geographic Location Describe the precise physical location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. If the geographic area(s) are served by both the primary recipient and subrecipient organization(s), describe the locations covered by all organizations anticipated to receive funding from the award.

Legal Status of Applicant Entity Applicants must provide the following documentation:

Non-Profit Organizations

Proof of Non-Profit Status Options:

Option 1: 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are eligible Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.

• A statement from a state taxing body, state attorney general, or other appropriate state official certifying that the applicant organization has non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a state or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Unless directed otherwise, applicants must include proof of non-profit status in the Appendices file of the application submission.

Objectives Clearly state the principal and if applicable, subordinate objectives of the project. Applicants must address how the objectives stated relate to the overall purpose of the program and describe how objectives will be achieved.

Expected Outcomes Identify the outcomes to be achieved from the project. Outcomes should relate to the overall program as described in Section I. Program Description. If research is part of the proposed work, outcomes must include hypothesized results and implications of the proposed research.

Approach Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed project will be accomplished. Applicants must account for all functions or activities identified in the application.

Cite potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing project goals and explain strategies that will be used to address these challenges.

Applicants must describe a clear plan of action for accomplishing each of the activities identified in Section I. Program Description, Program Goals and Activities and clearly describe any proposed innovations in strategies or partnership. Activities must include:

A. Selecting an Infant Adoption Awareness Training curriculum that adheres to the requirements in Section I. Program Description, Program Goals and Activities.

B. Finalizing the project work plan and T/TA implementation plan. Applicant must describe the key activities to be completed throughout the project, including how they plan to deliver the curriculum and provide technical assistance, using an innovative and deliberate approach to hospital staff. This should include how the project will:

• Recruit, select, and train individuals to provide T/TA to designated hospital staff.

• Ensure selected trainers are knowledgeable in all elements of the adoption process and IAATP best practice guidelines.

• Provide and tailor T/TA based on the needs of hospital staff. Include how staff needs will be assessed.

C. Disseminating the curriculum, resources, and lessons learned. Applicants must describe how they will make the curriculum and related materials widely available and accessible. Include how the project will collaborate with CWIG to ensure project materials are compatible across ACF websites.

Project Timeline and Milestones Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections (for the entire project period) of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity, in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. Data may be organized and presented as project tasks and subtasks with their corresponding timelines during the project period. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.

Organizational Capacity Provide the following information on the applicant organization and, if applicable, on any cooperating partners:

• Organizational charts.

• Resumes.

• Copy or description of the applicant organization's fiscal control and accountability procedures.

• Evidence that the applicant organization, and any partnering organizations, have relevant experience and expertise with administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of programs similar to that offered under this funding opportunity.

• Evidence that each participating organization, including partners, contractors and/or subrecipients, possess the organizational capability to fulfill their role(s) and function(s) effectively.

• Job descriptions for each vacant key position.

Provide a list of current and pending funded support for ongoing projects and proposals from all sources including federal, state, and local governments; public or private foundations; for-profit organizations; etc. All projects and proposals requiring a committed portion of time for the Project Director, Principal Investigator, Evaluator, and/or key personnel must be included.

Indicate the total award amount, awarding entity, and amount of time staff will devote to each project.

Describe a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project that ensures effective oversight, appropriate staffing, and required engagement and collaboration.

Describe the expertise and relevant experience of proposed staff and partners for the project activities. Include knowledge of adoption processes and applicable laws that will be necessary to achieve the program goals and objectives listed in Section I. Program Description, Program Goals and Objectives. Describe how the applicant organization aligns with ACF’s preferences for the following:

• health-care-based,

• educational organization,

• focus on adoption, and

• partner with healthcare professionals, hospitals, and community organizations.

If known at the time of application submission, disclose an intent to enter into subaward arrangements in their application. For each proposed subaward, include a description of the work to be performed by the subrecipient(s).

Plan for Oversight of Federal Award Funds and Activities Recipients are required to ensure proper oversight in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart D.

These regulations set forth the following standards for effective oversight:

• 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 the framework (e.g., governance, policies and procedures, risk management, systems) in place to ensure proper oversight of federal funds and activities in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart D. The description must include: system(s) for record-keeping and financial management; procedures to identify and mitigate risks and issues (e.g., audit findings, continuous program performance assessment findings, program monitoring); and those key staff that will be responsible for maintaining oversight of program activities staff, and, if applicable, partner(s) and/or subrecipient(s).

Program Performance Evaluation Plan Applicants must describe a plan for the program performance evaluation that will contribute to continuous quality improvement. The program performance evaluation must monitor ongoing activities and the progress towards the goals and objectives of the project. Include descriptions of the inputs (e.g., organizational profile, collaborative partners, key staff, budget, service processes and other resources), key activities, and expected outcomes of the funded activities.