HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-CSSG-0018.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due May 31, 2024

Administration on Aging

Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs

Expanding Outreach and Professional Training to Engage Older Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions in Evidence- Based Health Promotion Programs Opportunity number: HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-CSSG-0018

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 7

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 21

Get registered 22

Find the application package 22

Join the conference call 22

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23

Application contents and format 24

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31

Application review 32

Award notices 37

Step 5: Submit Your Application 38

Application submission and deadlines 39

Application checklist 41

Learn What Happens After Award 42

Post-award requirements and administration 43

Contacts and Support 45

Endnotes 47

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 May 31, 2024

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 31, 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 6

Program description 7

Basic information Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs

Expanding training to help older adults with behavioral health conditions join evidence-based programs.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Expanding Outreach and

Professional Training to

Engage Older Adults with

Behavioral Health

Conditions in Evidence-

Based Health Promotion

Programs

Opportunity number:

HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-

CSSG-0018

Federal assistance listing:

93.734

Key dates

Application deadline:

May 31, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

Informational call:

April 17, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET

Instant replay available on demand starting April 18, Optional notice of intent deadline:

April 25, 2024

Expected award date:

September 1, 2024

Expected start date:

September 1, 2024

Summary This project has three outcomes:

• Environmental scans and needs assessments of:

◦ Barriers that prevent adults with behavioral health conditions from participating in evidence-based programs

◦ Best practices to involve them in evidence-based programs

• Development, implementation, and dissemination of a training program for professionals in the aging and disability services network

• Resources and technical assistance materials shared with aging service network professionals serving older adults with behavioral health conditions and their caregivers

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected funding not to exceed: $3,260,699

Expected awards: 1

We plan to fully fund the award for three 12-month budget periods for a total of three years from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. As part of the application package, applicants are required to submit a combined budget narrative justification for all three years of the project, as well as a detailed budget narrative justification for each of the three years in this project’s period of performance. Funding for the three-year period can’t exceed $3,260,699.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks

Eligibility Who can apply

Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• Public, state-controlled, and private institutions of higher education

• Independent school districts

• Community-based organizations

• Faith-based organizations

• State, county, city, township, and special district governments

• Nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS

• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations

• Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities

Cost sharing This program has no 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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Program description Overview As the U.S. population ages, we must take a comprehensive approach to supporting the mental and behavioral health of older adults. There is a significant need to increase the competence and practical skills of the aging and disability services network to engage adults with behavioral health conditions in evidence-based community programs. More coordination and access among local aging and mental health services providers are also needed.

For two decades, the Administration on Aging (AoA) has provided community-based grants and research projects that have generated new knowledge and strategies to support older adults with physical and cognitive challenges. However, few AoA-funded projects have specifically focused on older adults with mental and behavioral health needs.

The AoA is funding an organization to work with community-based organizations and aging and disability service providers to increase the involvement of older adults with behavioral health needs in community-based, evidence-based programs, according to the

Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-D and/or the Administration for Community Living

(ACL) definition of evidence-based programs.

The project should specifically target older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions and/or older adults with a behavioral health condition and one or more chronic diseases. While your project must serve this target population broadly and nationwide, portions of your project may focus on some of our populations of special interest:

• Older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions experiencing homelessness

• Older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions living in rural areas

• Older adults with heightened risk of suicidal ideation and attempts

• Caregivers of older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions

Outcomes will include:

• Environmental scans and needs assessments of:

◦ Barriers that prevent older adults with behavioral health conditions from participating in evidence-based programs

◦ Best practices to involve them in evidence-based programs

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/disease-prevention

• Development, implementation, and dissemination of a training program for professionals in the aging and disability services network

• Resources and technical assistance materials shared with aging service network professionals serving older adults with behavioral health conditions and their caregivers

Definitions

This funding opportunity uses the following definitions.

• Behavioral health conditions refer to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms.

• Evidence-based programs refer to ACL’s definition of this term.

• The aging and disability services network refers to ACL’s definition of this term, with a focus on reaching aging services professionals such as State Units on Aging, Area

Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and congregate meal sites.

Statement of need

Behavioral health crisis

One in five older adults has a mental illness, substance use disorder, or both.[1] This behavioral health crisis was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020.

During the pandemic, older adults reported increased stress, anxiety, and depression and a decline in their emotional well-being.[2] [3] Today, older adults are seriously affected by:

• Anxiety and depression: These are the two most prevalent behavioral health conditions. Approximately 20% of older adults report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.[4] Older adults with these conditions have higher health costs than those without these conditions.[5]

• Loneliness and social isolation: Over 40% of older adults report feeling lonely, and nearly 25% are socially isolated.[6] Loneliness is associated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.[7] Social isolation increases premature death and is associated with a 50% increased risk for developing dementia.[8] [9]

• Suicide: Older adults are an especially high-risk group for suicide.[10] [11] In 2022, suicide deaths among older adults increased by 8%.[12] Men are at especially high risk, with men ages 75 and older having the highest suicide rate.[13]

• Substance use: Nearly 1 million older adults live with a substance use disorder.[14] Alcohol is the most-used substance among adults 65 and older, with about 65% reporting high-risk drinking.[15]

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-behavioral-health

• Serious mental illness: This includes one or more diagnoses of mental health disorders with significant loss of functioning. Schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and major depressive disorder are the most common serious mental illnesses.[16] Of the

49.2 million adults over 65 in the U.S., 1.4 to 4.8 percent experience serious mental illnesses.[17] [18]

Training the network to support older adults with behavioral health conditions

Aging and disability service providers need to prepare for the rapid increase of older adults with behavioral health needs. Providers need effective training to learn how to:

• Engage older adults with behavioral health needs in evidence-based programs and other community-based services to help them live independently in good health

• Identify and address behavioral health-related issues before the person’s condition declines

• De-escalate behavioral health and substance use crises in group settings to avoid endangering others

• Tell the difference between situational behavioral issues, which can be safely addressed at a group setting, and psychiatric emergencies that might require inpatient treatment

Increasing older adults’ participation in evidence-based community programs to improve behavioral health

Evidence-based programs supported by Older Americans Act Title III-D funding and

Administration for Community Living-Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs

(ACL-ONHPP) discretionary grants have been proven to improve health and well-being and reduce disease and injury. For example:

• The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives has been proven effective in treating depression in older adults. Participants experienced a 50% or higher reduction in symptoms of depression, and 36% saw their symptoms completely stop.[19]

• Chronic Disease Self-Management Education programs benefit older adults with chronic diseases, including behavioral health needs. They improve health-related outcomes and increase engagement with the health care system.[20]

• The Florida Brief Intervention and Treatment for Elders program significantly decreases participants’ depression and their misuse of alcohol and medication.[21]

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/disease-prevention https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/disease-prevention https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/disease-prevention https://www.ncoa.org/article/about-evidence-based-programs https://www.ncoa.org/article/about-evidence-based-programs

Goals The purpose of this project is to expand outreach and professional training nationally to increase the participation of older adults with behavioral health conditions in community-based, evidence-based programs, according to the Older Americans Act

(OAA) Title III-D and/or the ACL definition of evidence-based programs. The training will help the ACL aging and disability network to develop new practical skills. It will also improve coordination among local aging and behavioral health service providers.

Target population

For this project, the target population is:

• Older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions

OR

• Older adults with a behavioral health condition and one or more chronic diseases

While your project must serve this target population broadly and nationwide, portions of your project may focus on some of our populations of special interest:

• Older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions experiencing homelessness

• Older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions living in rural areas

• Older adults with heightened risk of suicidal ideation and attempts

• Caregivers of older adults with one or more behavioral health conditions

Training content should be person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate to meet the needs of the target population.

ACL notes that while the target population represents the people who should ultimately be helped through this award, most award activities will work with professionals in the aging and disability services network — not directly with the target population. The people you will work with directly during your project are referred to as “professionals” or “providers” throughout this notice of funding opportunity.

Target behavioral health conditions

Projects under this funding opportunity should include the following behavioral health conditions. ACL may approve other behavioral health conditions.

• Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and social anxiety)

• Bipolar disorder

• Depression

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Substance use disorders

Activities Successful projects should include the following two major activities to meet the goals of this program.

Activity 1: Assess needs and determine best practices

To be successful, your project should include conducting environmental scans and needs assessments.

• Conduct environmental scans and needs assessments that evaluate:

◦ Barriers that may prevent the target population from participating in evidence-based programs

◦ Gaps in training, such as how to determine the best evidence-based program for older adults based on their behavioral health needs

◦ Best practices, strategies, and resources for engaging the target population in evidence-based programs

◦ Available training programs and resources for professionals serving the target population in community settings, such as senior centers and congregate meal sites

◦ Resources and services that professionals can refer the target population to, including:

▪ Information on evidence-based programs

▪ Advice on when evidence-based programs may not be appropriate

◦ Ways to measure success in helping the target population reach essential services

• Include older adults with behavioral health conditions and other key groups in your needs assessments to ensure that you produce effective, usable, and accessible information. In keeping with Executive Order 14091, section 5, Delivering Equitable

Outcomes in Partnership with Underserved Communities, key groups may include:

◦ National consumer organizations for people with behavioral health conditions

◦ Organizations in the ACL aging and disability network

◦ Physical and behavioral health care providers

• When conducting environmental scans and needs assessments, involve the following groups to help ensure that scans produce information that is useful to the broader network.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-03779/p-43 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-03779/p-43

◦ Evidence-based program developers

◦ Experts

◦ Providers

◦ The aging and disability services network

◦ Community-based organizations

◦ Other key groups

• Develop a process for conducting ongoing environmental scans to ensure that organizations are updating their best practices and programs based on new information. Information collected should also include new, innovative programs that serve the target population and meet the ACL evidence-based criteria.

Activity 2: Create and disseminate a training program

To be successful, your project should include creating and disseminating a training program. This program should be the core of your project.

2a: Create a training program

Create a publicly available research-based training and related resources for community-based organizations, aging and disability network providers, and related stakeholders.

Your training should be based on the results of your environmental scans and needs assessments produced in activity 1 and additional insights from ACL.

The training should be grounded in research to enhance the competence and practice skills of providers serving the target population and enable them to better engage older adults with behavioral health conditions in evidence-based community programs. The training should also increase coordination among local aging and behavioral health service providers and better equip the network to meet the needs of older adults with behavioral health conditions.

The training should include at least 12 modules, which will be shared through the ACL behavioral health webpage. You should make at least three modules available on the ACL website within 18 months of receiving this award. All materials must be fully accessible.

See the information on 508 compliance in the Dissemination section for more information about this requirement.

The training should be broad and include multiple evidence-based programs, when possible. While we provide examples here, the majority of your project and training program should not focus on any one evidence-based program. Rather, professionals should be able to apply the majority of your training broadly.

All content created under your project should:

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 http://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/behavioral-health

• Help develop and expand knowledge to engage and retain the target population in evidence-based programs

• Have the potential for broad implementation throughout the aging and disability services network

Accessibility

• The training should be accessible online — evergreen and open to and free for anyone interested.

• The training should not require special tools or resources. Attendees should only need to have a computer with internet access and speakers.

• You should design the content to meet the needs and preferences of a diverse group with various degrees, training, education, and experience. For example, you could make a self-paced online version of the learning modules.

Credentialing or certificates of completion

• Provide program certificates of completion.

• Consider whether your training can provide continuing education units (CEUs) for aging and disability services workers.

Curriculum and content

The content should have the following learning objectives for your project to be successful:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health conditions

• Involve the target population in evidence-based programs

• Ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment in behavioral health evidence-based programs

• Increase knowledge of evidence-based programs and practices that aging and disability service providers can adopt to serve older adults with behavioral health needs

• Safely de-escalate crisis situations involving people with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders

• Give resources and referrals to people with behavioral health conditions, including:

◦ How to connect with local behavioral health service providers

◦ Information on evidence-based programs

◦ Information on when evidence-based programs may not be appropriate

Five of the twelve modules will include the following topics:

• At least three modules on involving the target population in the program that has been proven most effective for their specific behavioral health conditions

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

◦ For example, the PEARLS program has been proven effective for older adults with depression.

• At least two modules on using evidence-based programs to address behavioral health conditions among the target population as part of a state and/or national strategy, which should include community partnerships such as:

◦ Community mental health centers

◦ Certified community behavioral health clinics

◦ Other providers of behavioral health and substance use treatment services

Seven of the twelve module topics should be based on the results of the environmental scans and needs assessments in activity 1, your expertise, and collaboration with ACL.

Topics for these modules could include:

• An overview of behavioral health conditions in older adults, including:

◦ The most common behavioral health conditions

◦ How to recognize them

◦ How to support older adults with them

◦ How to address difficult behaviors due to behavioral health conditions

◦ How to recognize any personal biases and provide tools to address these biases so they do not affect programs and services

• Knowledge, skills, and resources to confidently recruit, engage, and retain the target population in evidence-based programs

• Management and safe de-escalation of behavioral health and/or psychiatric crises in a group setting

• Basic concepts and preparatory actions that professionals can use to de-escalate a range of situations

• Up-to-date information about evidence-based programs covering behavioral health conditions, disease prevention, and health promotion. Some examples of programs include:

◦ Behavioral health condition programs:

▪ Healthy IDEAS

▪ Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives

▪ Wellness Recovery Action Plan

▪ Brief Intervention and Treatment for Elders

◦ Chronic disease self-management education programs

• Ways that community-based organizations can measure their success in ensuring that the target population and their caregivers receive essential services

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-healthy-ideas https://ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-pearls-program-to-encourage-active-rewarding-lives https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-wellness-recovery-action-plan https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-florida-brite-project-brief-intervention-treatment-for-elders https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-chronic-disease-self-management-education-programs

• How to address stigma related to behavioral health conditions and prevent bullying of individuals with behavioral health conditions in evidence-based programs

• Self-care strategies and resources for service providers working with the target population

2b: Disseminate training program

• Create a national dissemination and marketing plan to recruit people to participate in the training program (see also Dissemination in the program description).

• Regularly reach out to aging and disability network professionals. Work with ACL resource centers and stakeholders to make sure they are aware of training opportunities. Potential stakeholders could include:

◦ National Institute of Senior Centers

◦ E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging

◦ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Substance Use and Mental Health block awardees

◦ SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Training awardees

◦ Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research

◦ Rehabilitation Research and Training Center awardees

Dissemination Through your dissemination activities, you will provide national leadership, expert guidance, technical assistance, and resources to community-based organizations, the aging and disability network, adults with behavioral health conditions and their caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Your project must include the following dissemination activities:

• Nationally disseminate the products created from this project (focusing on the training program), in line with activity 2b.

• Provide best practices on how to reach the target population and engage them in evidence-based community programs and services.

• Provide guidance on how to measure success in reaching such populations.

• Work with ACL-funded resource centers and ACL stakeholders to highlight their work and share their projects and best practices.

• Create tip sheets, fact sheets, reports, webinars, and other technical assistance materials for professionals serving the target population and their caregivers. These materials should include:

◦ Findings and best practices identified by your environmental scans and needs assessments

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://acl.gov/programs/strengthening-aging-and-disability-networks/national-resource-centers https://acl.gov/programs/strengthening-aging-and-disability-networks/national-resource-centers https://www.ncoa.org/page/the-national-institute-of-senior-centers https://e4center.org/ https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grants-dashboard?f%5B0%5D=by_nofo_number%3ASM-23-002#awards-tab https://thenetwork.bu.edu/cader/ https://acl.gov/programs/research-and-development/rehabilitation-research-and-training

◦ Information about evidence-based programs

◦ Resources and support for professionals serving the target population

◦ Resources and services to support the target population and their caregivers

Accessibility and 508 compliance

All the information and products you create and share as part of this project must meet the government’s accessibility standards, known as Section 508. For example:

• Webinars must include live captioning, and American Sign Language interpreters must be available if requested.

◦ If a module is jargon-heavy or highly technical, captioning should be done by professional captioners. If automatic captioning tools are used, captions must be edited in the final recording to correct errors.

• Videos must include accurate captions.

• All files, such as PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint slide decks, must be navigable by screen readers and have sufficient contrast.

All your information and products must also meet the cultural and linguistic needs of your intended audience. ACL will review and approve the products before you share them with the public. At the end of your project, you will provide all the resources you develop to ACL.

Evaluation To be successful, in your project you should report your performance on these measures:

• How your activities change the projects and activities that professionals and providers implement — for example, how professionals reach and serve the target population

• Extent to which training participants use the information they learned to create or change programs

• Participant satisfaction with the training program

• Lessons learned from your project to educate others in the field of aging

• Number of professionals who participate in trainings

• Number of professionals who complete trainings

• Number of professionals you reach with leadership, expert guidance, technical assistance, and resources

• Number, type, and content area of activities and resources produced

You may also select and report on additional metrics of your choosing.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16 https://www.section508.gov/

Cooperative agreement terms Cooperative agreements require substantial ACL project involvement after an award is made. There are specific roles for both you and ACL.

Your responsibilities

Recipient must execute the activities as noted in the program description and the following responsibilities of the cooperative agreement:

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

• Communicate with the ACL project officer at such times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement.

• Comply with all reporting requirements.

• Work collaboratively with ACL and ACL national resource centers to ensure grant activities build upon current efforts and avoid duplication of efforts.

• Include the following disclaimers on all products produced using this grant funding:

◦ HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that is NOT funded with other non-governmental sources: “This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/ was] supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”

◦ HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that IS partially funded with other nongovernmental sources: “This [project/publication/program/website, etc.]

[is/was] supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with XX percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”

• Successfully complete the post-award project alignment period to finalize and align project work plans.

• Finalize project work plans.

• Immediately notify ACL of needed or anticipated modifications to the work plan.

• Work with ACL to post 508-compliant content onto the ACL behavioral health webpage.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://acl.gov/programs/strengthening-aging-and-disability-networks/national-resource-centers

• Identify networks of aging and human services agencies that serve the identified population.

• Collaborate with ACL, the National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education

Resource Center, and other stakeholders to provide technical assistance and resources.

• Provide training and technical assistance to the ACL aging and disability network.

• Share information with ACL and other entities as appropriate.

• Participate in regular technical assistance-related calls, as determined by ACL.

• Improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement.

• Ensure the project continues by creating contingency plans should staff turnover or delays in hiring staff occur.

Our responsibilities

The ACL project officer agrees to execute the following responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the recipient in the finalization, execution, and modification of the work plan.

• Help facilitate the upload of grantee resources onto the ACL behavioral health webpage.

• Provide consultation in:

◦ Identifying issues in technical assistance and resource needs.

◦ Understanding the OAA and associated regulations.

◦ Connecting with the ACL aging and disability network.

• Attend and participate in major project events, as appropriate and feasible.

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

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

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

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

Agreement.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/national-cdsme-resource-center https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/national-cdsme-resource-center https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks http://www.acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/behavioral-health

Once a Cooperative Agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend the agreement or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as the request stays within the scope of work. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. Unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments, when an award is issued the

Cooperative Agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference.

Funding policies and limitations For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrictions on them, see 45 CFR part 75, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

Funding policies

• Under this NOFO, you can’t continue existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

• Meals are allowed only in limited circumstances linked to program activities, like during travel or when approved in advance by ACL. See Allowable Costs and

Activities, Exhibit 4: Selected Items of Cost, Meals in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• Prohibition of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. See 2

CFR 200.216 to make sure this does not apply to any proposed equipment in your application.

Unallowable costs

IMPORTANT: The successful awardee, including any sub-awardees, will not be permitted to use project funds for:

• Construction and/or rehabilitation of buildings

• Basic research

• Medical care

• Income maintenance

• Equipment purchases, unless such equipment is demonstrated to be necessary to carry out an activity otherwise fundable under Title IV of the Older Americans Act

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216

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. Learn more at 45 CFR 75.414, Indirect Costs.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of 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.

Program income

It is called program income if you make any income from your project activities. You will have to use those funds to add to the project activities. Find more about program income at 45 CFR 75.307.

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/section-75.414#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/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 22

Find the application package 22

Join the conference call 22

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

Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-

CSSG-0018. You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on our website.

Join the conference call For more information about this opportunity, join the informational conference call on

April 17, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET.

• Phone number: 888-282-1747

• Passcode: 3796373

We will record the call. If you are not able to join live, you can replay it by calling the following number.

• Replay phone number: 888-566-0450

• Replay passcode: 4321

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 22 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 24

Application contents and format Applications include five main components. This section includes guidance on each.

Make sure you include each of these:

Component Submission format

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary form.

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form.

Attachments Insert each in the Other Attachments form.

Standard forms Upload using each required form.

Required format for project and budget narratives

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF

Size: 11-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for Project Narrative main content: Double-spaced

Spacing for Budget Narrative: As needed

Spacing for project summary, tables, footnotes: Single-spaced

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24

Project abstract Page limit: 1

Provide a brief project summary of no more than 265 words. You will need to include:

• Statement of need: The problem you plan to address

• Goals: Broad overall purpose, like a mission statement, that says what you want to do and describes your target population

• Activities: Narrow, specific, and clear steps explaining how you will achieve your goals

• Outcomes: The measurable results of a project. Include expected changes among those served, such as clients, systems, organizations, and communities. Tie these outcomes directly to your goals and the goals of this funding opportunity.

• Organizational capacity: Your organization’s expertise and ability to successfully complete the project

• Products: The materials and other deliverables you expect to create through the project, including training and dissemination materials

Project narrative Page limit: 20

File name: Project Narrative

The project narrative is the most important part of the application. We use it as the primary basis to decide whether your project meets the requirements and to review its merit. The project narrative should give a clear and concise description of your project.

Be sure to cite all your sources. Merit reviewers may lower your score if you do not.

Also study the merit review criteria to make sure you answer all questions and cover all topics reviewers will look at.

Statement of need

Refer and respond to the statement of need in the program description. Describe the specific problem you plan to address. Use both quantitative and qualitative terms.

Explain why your project is needed.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25

Goals

Refer and respond to the goals in the program description. Describe your project’s goals and major objectives.

This section should also describe the target populations you plan to focus on, as defined in the program description. If your project will address any of the populations of special interest, describe which ones.

Activities

Refer and respond to the activities section of the program description.

Describe the specific activities you are proposing. Make sure to respond to each activity described in the program description, and explain how your proposed activities fulfill these requirements.

Dissemination

Explain how you will address each required activity discussed in the dissemination section of the program description.

Also describe:

• What you plan to share about the project’s results

• How you plan to share it:

◦ Promptly

◦ In easily understandable formats

◦ With people who might want to use your results to inform their own practice, programs, or policy

Evaluation

In this section, explain how you will address measures in the evaluation section of the program description.

Also include the techniques and tools you will use to:

• Collect data and measure the outcomes listed in the outcomes section of your project narrative

• Determine whether the project achieved its outcomes

• Document lessons learned – both positive and negative

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26

Outcomes

Outcomes are the results you expect from your project. You should describe the quantifiable and measurable outcomes that will result from your project. These should be achievable during the project period. Refer to the outcomes listed in the program description, which align with the activities, dissemination, and evaluation sections. This section of your application should be brief, since you will have described your activities, dissemination, and evaluation in depth earlier in the application.

Note: A measurable outcome is not a measurable output, like the number of clients served, the number of training sessions held, or the number of service units provided.

Instead, outcomes should represent the meaningful results of these outputs and concrete progress toward your goals.

Your outcomes should match those in your work plan.

Organizational capacity and project management

In this section, you should describe:

• How your organization is organized

• The nature and scope of your organization’s work and skills

• The roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partner organizations

◦ You will include supplemental information in your commitment letters.

• How each person will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes

• Who will have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks like:

◦ Project leadership

◦ Monitoring progress, including toward stated goals

◦ Preparing reports

◦ Communicating with other partners and ACL

• How you will track the progress of tasks and objectives

• Your organization’s experience:

◦ Creating online training programs for professionals in the aging and disability network

◦ Conducting outreach to the target population and their caregivers to involve them in evidence-based community programs

◦ Providing technical assistance to the aging and disability network to help members provide evidence-based programs or services

◦ Facilitating a nationwide project

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27

• Any capabilities that you have not mentioned elsewhere in your project narrative.

Those might include:

◦ Current or prior experience relevant to the project

◦ Relevant reports, publications, or products your project team has prepared, such as online training modules

• The roles of any planned partnerships, including other organizations, supporters, and consumer groups

• How you will meaningfully involve ACL, the aging and disability services network, and stakeholders in planning and carrying out your project

Budget narrative Page limit: None

File name: Budget Narrative

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form 424-A. See standard forms. It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities

• The restrictions on spending funds. See Funding limitations.

Justify all the costs, including showing how you calculated them. To create your budget narrative, see the Sample Budget Format [PDF] on our website.

You will need to:

• Include a combined budget narrative justification for all three years of the project.

• Include a detailed budget narrative justification for each of the three years in this project’s period of performance.

• Delineate budget line items and link them to your work plan.

Attachments Page limit: None

You will upload attachments in Grants.gov using the Other Attachments Form.

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for each of the three years of the project. The work plan connects your period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities, and measures.

It provides more detail on how you will measure outcomes and processes.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 28 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf

The work plan should be consistent with the rest of your project narrative and your budget. It should include:

• A statement of the project’s goal, key objectives, expected outcomes, and major tasks or action steps

• For each major task or action step:

◦ The time frames involved, including start and end dates

◦ The lead person responsible for completing the task

To complete your work plan, see the Project Work Plan Sample Template on ACL’s website.

Indirect cost agreement

If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

Commitment letters

Include letters from any organization that will have a significant role in carrying out your project. The letter should explain their role and their commitment to the project.

• Include confirmation of project commitments made by key collaborating organizations and agencies.

• Include commitments from any organization that will significantly help carry out the project.

Proof of nonprofit status

If your organization is a nonprofit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

• A copy of a current tax exemption certificate from the IRS

• A letter from your state’s tax department, attorney general, or another state official saying that your group is a nonprofit and that none of your net earnings go to private shareholders or others

• A certified copy of your certificate of incorporation. This document must show that your group is a nonprofit

• Any of these documents for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group that your organization is a nonprofit affiliate

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 29 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.2(Cognizant%20agency%20for%20indirect%20costs)

Resume and job descriptions

For key personnel, attach resumes for positions that are filled. If a position isn’t filled, attach the job description with qualifications.

Standard forms You will need to complete some other standard forms. Upload the following forms at

Grants.gov. You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Form Submission requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) With application

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) With application

Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) With application

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 30 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

Step 4:

Learn About Review and

Award

In this step

Application review 32

Award notices 37

Application review Initial review We review each application to make sure it meets basic requirements. We won’t consider an application that:

• Is from an…