hhs-2024-acl-aoa-lrli-0019_rev2.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due June 11, 2024

Administration on Aging

Lifespan Respite Care Program

Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Program Enhancement Grants Opportunity number: HHS-2024-ACL-AoA-LRLI-0019

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 20

Get registered 21

Find the application package 21

Step 3: Prepare your application 23

Application contents and format 24

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 35

Application review 36

Award notices 42

Step 5: Submit Your Application 43

Application submission and deadlines 44

Application checklist 46

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 47

Post-award requirements and administration 48

Contacts and Support 50

Appendix 52

Endnotes 59

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your

SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by June 11, 2024

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 11, 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 8

Basic information Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Lifespan Respite Care Program

Improve access to respite care for family caregivers

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Lifespan Respite Care

Program: State Program

Enhancement Grants

Opportunity number:

HHS-2024-ACL-AoA-

LRLI-0019

Federal assistance listing:

93.072

Statutory authority:

Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C 201), as amended

Key dates

Informational conference call:

April 23, 2024

Optional letter of intent deadline:

April 25, 2024

Application deadline:

June 11, 2024

Expected start date:

September 1, 2024

Expected award date:

September 1, 2024

Summary The Lifespan Respite Care Program improves statewide, quality access to respite care services to all family caregivers so that they are supported in their efforts. Grantees will collaborate with state respite organizations and coalitions to enhance and expand the availability of lifespan respite services.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected funding: Up to $2,087,682

Expected awards: Up to 7

Funding range: $200,000 up to approximately $400,000

We plan to fund awards in four 12-month budget periods for a total four-year period of performance of September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2028.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Eligibility Who can apply

Eligible applicants Only these types or organizations may apply:

• All States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

• Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

• By statute, eligible applicants are those state agencies that:

◦ Administer the State’s program under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

◦ Administer the State’s program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

◦ Are designated by the Governor of such State to administer the State’s programs under this title.

Other eligibility requirements

• Not all states that apply for funding will receive grants. Actual award amounts will vary based on the availability of federal funds.

• Only one application per state will be funded.

• States with no currently active grants are eligible to apply and will be given priority for funding.

• States with an active grant that is in a No Cost Extension (NCE) ending in 2024 are eligible to apply.

• States with one or more active grants are not eligible to apply for another grant.

• States with one active grant and a grant in an NCE period ending in 2024 are not eligible.

• Funding decisions are at the discretion of the administrator or their designee for

ACL. Only those applications ranking the highest in a third-party review will be recommended for funding by the ACL program officer.

• Successful applicants may be asked to revise their proposals based on smaller-than-requested award amounts.

• Funds made available under this announcement shall be used to supplement and must not supplant other federal, state, and local funds available for respite care services.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

• If you propose conduit or pass-through funding for another agency to lead the project, you will not be considered for funding.

• Grantees must work in collaboration with the state’s ADRC/No Wrong Door System and the statewide respite coalition or respite organization.

• Eligible state agencies funded under this announcement shall use grant funds solely for the purposes outlined in the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006, as amended.

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 25% of the project’s total cost.

You can calculate this cost-sharing requirement by using the following formula:

• Start with the federal share

• Multiply the federal share by 25 and divide that product by 75

Example: Multiply $120,000 (federal share) x 25 (required cost sharing percent) and divide that product by 75.

Cost sharing in this example is $40,000.

Types of cost sharing

You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization.

• Cash contributed by partners or other third parties.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from your organization, partners, or other third parties

Cost-sharing commitments

Recipients must follow through on their promise of cost-sharing funds. This includes those who have promised an amount more than the required minimum; however, you are discouraged from promising more than the required minimum amount of cost sharing. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may have to decrease your award amount. You’ll have to include your proposed cost-sharing funds when you fill out your

Standard Federal Forms (SF-424 and SF-424A) and your budget justification narrative.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description The Lifespan Respite Care Program,[1] enacted by Congress in 2006 under Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C 201) and reauthorized in 2020,[2] empowers coordinated state systems to provide accessible, community-based respite care services.

Respite services support family caregivers of children and adults across all age groups, disabilities, and chronic conditions. As an essential component of home and community-based long-term services, respite services can contribute to healthier family systems and the health and well-being of caregivers and care recipients. Respite care can be both planned and emergency-based to temporarily relieve the family caregivers.

The Lifespan Respite Care programs focus on elevating the quality and availability of respite services through:

• Expansion and enrichment: Boosting respite services across states

• Coordination and circulation: Enhancing dissemination and coordination of these services

• Streamlined access: Facilitating ease of access to these programs

• Gap fulfillment: Identifying and addressing any existent service gaps

• Quality improvement: Enhancing the overall quality of present respite services

It is ACL’s expectation that you use the relevant components of the 2022 National

Strategy to Support Family Caregivers[3] as a guide when developing your application.

LRLI Informational Conference Call

Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Phone number: (888) 469-1602

Participant passcode: 9897610

Funding opportunity description

Purpose

The U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) is providing this competitive grant opportunity to help eligible state agencies implement the requirements of the Lifespan

Respite Care Act of 2006, as amended (The Act). The purpose of the program is to improve access to, and quality of, respite care services to all family caregivers, thereby reducing family caregiver demands when supporting these individuals.

Additionally, Lifespan Respite Care programs should strive for equitable access to services for family caregivers and care recipients and address barriers to access, including but not limited to:

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ442/PLAW-109publ442.pdf https://archrespite.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PLAW-116publ324.pdf https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy

• Age

• Race

• Sexual orientation

• Socioeconomic status

• Cognitive ability

• Language

• Ethnicity

• Employment status

• Housing situation

• Education level

• People transitioning back to the community from facilities

◦ This includes those needing medical or behavioral health care services (for example, substance use disorder and mental health treatment) to manage both chronic and acute conditions or support needs

Respite care services should provide meaningful, person-centered, and family-directed respite options that further reduce isolation and barriers to accessing support services.

From the outset, all programs must address the respite needs of all populations regardless of the age, disability, or chronic condition of the care recipient population.

There is no phase-in or preference for specific age groups, disability categories, or populations.

Background

Lifespan respite care defined

The Lifespan Respite Care Act, as amended, defines lifespan respite care as a coordinated system of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults with special needs.

• Such a system brings together federal, state, and local resources and funding to support, expand, and streamline the delivery of planned and emergency respite services, while also providing for the recruitment and training of respite workers and caregiver training and empowerment.

• Respite can strengthen family systems while protecting the health and well-being of both the caregiver and the care recipient.

• It is a key component of community-based long-term services and supports (LTSS).

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

All proposed project activities should seek to improve the delivery and quality of respite services available to families across age and disability spectrums, by establishing coordinated lifespan respite systems.

The Lifespan Respite Care Act: An overview

First passed by Congress in 2006 and reauthorized in 2020, the Act is intended to accomplish several objectives, including:

• Expanding and enhancing the supply and accessibility of respite services within the state

• Assuring respite services are coordinated between and spread out across various funding streams and programs

• Streamlining caregiver access to programs and filling gaps in service

• Improving the overall quality and equity of available respite services

The evolving respite environment

Lifespan Respite Programs have been in existence in states since the 1990s. Since implementation of the federal program began in 2009, states have made considerable progress toward building sustainable programs capable of meeting the respite care needs of families and family caregivers across the lifespan.

In recent years, the environment in which Lifespan Respite Programs exist has been impacted by several key factors, including the current post-COVID-19 environment.

The passage of the Recognize Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family

Caregivers Act of 2017[4] and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG)

Act of 2018[5] and the release of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family

Caregivers[6] highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic competence, and the growing crisis brought about by shortages in the direct care workforce.

The passage of the RAISE Act and the formation and work of the Family Caregiving

Advisory Council[7] (FCAC) shined a spotlight on respite in its Initial Report to Congress[8] noting the importance of increasing awareness of respite and that it can mean different things for different family caregivers. For example, the report noted that “what constitutes ‘respite’ for the spouse of an older adult living with dementia (typically [in] an adult day program) differs significantly from what the parent of a child with autism who also has educational needs would view as an equivalent form of respite.”

Similarly, from the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’s[9]

Initial Report to Congress,[10] we know that due to “the round-the-clock nature of caring for children, especially young children and children with disabilities or exposure to trauma, [kin and grandparent caregivers] need a variety of formal and informal respite options.”

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2018-10/PLAW-115publ119%20-%20RAISE.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2018-10/PLAW-115publ119%20-%20RAISE.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2018-10/BILLS-115s1091enr%20-%20SGRG.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2018-10/BILLS-115s1091enr%20-%20SGRG.pdf https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/raise-family-caregiving-advisory-council https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/raise-family-caregiving-advisory-council https://acl.gov/SGRG/report https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/RAISE_SGRG/SGRG-InitialReportToCongress_2021-11-16.pdf

The reports of both advisory councils included a similar recommendation: “increase the availability of high-quality, setting-appropriate, and caregiver-defined respite to give caregivers a healthy and meaningful break from their responsibilities.”

The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers[11] provides an opportunity for states to rethink their respite systems of care and use the strategy as a roadmap for program planning and execution. Additionally, you are encouraged to review the latest policy brief from the ARCH Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center:

Role of Respite in the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers[12] and incorporate the ideas and approaches it contains, where appropriate. The strategy also supports the

Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers[13] through family caregiver supports such as respite care.

Additional resources include:

• First Principles: Cross-Cutting Considerations for Family Caregiver Support:[14] This component of the Strategy includes essential practices to support each of the four core principles discussed that you may want to incorporate into your plan.

• The National Center to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce:[15] This technical assistance and resource center funded by ACL works to support recruitment, retention, and professional development of workers who provide home- and community-based services.

• ACL’s Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (ARCH National

Respite Network and Resource Center) resource, “Providing and Receiving Respite

Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Voluntary National Guidelines for

Respite Care Agencies, Providers, Family Caregivers, and Respite Care Recipients”.[16]

• ACL’s Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (ARCH National

Respite Network and Resource Center) resource, “The Role of Respite in the

National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers”.[17]

Program priority areas The strongest applications will be those that are grounded in the Principles[18] and

Actions[19] outlined in the strategy.

Additionally, you should fully describe the approaches you will use for advancing the

State Lifespan Respite Systems in each of the following program priority areas:

• Direct service provision

• Continued focus on systems development

• Strengthened collaborations and partnerships

• Paid and volunteer respite provider training

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/ https://archrespite.org/library/the-role-of-respite-in-the-national-strategy-to-support-family-caregivers/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/18/executive-order-on-increasing-access-to-high-quality-care-and-supporting-caregivers/ https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/RAISE_SGRG/NatlStrategyFamCaregivers_FirstPrinciples.pdf https://acl.gov/programs/direct-care-workforce https://archrespite.org/library/providing-and-receiving-respite-care-safely-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ https://archrespite.org/library/providing-and-receiving-respite-care-safely-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ https://archrespite.org/library/providing-and-receiving-respite-care-safely-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ https://archrespite.org/library/the-role-of-respite-in-the-national-strategy-to-support-family-caregivers/ https://archrespite.org/library/the-role-of-respite-in-the-national-strategy-to-support-family-caregivers/ https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/RAISE_SGRG/NatlStrategyFamCaregivers_FirstPrinciples.pdf https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/RAISE_SGRG/NatlStrategyFamCaregivers_ActionsSCO.pdf

• Identification and reduction of gaps in current services

• Targeting underserved and underrepresented populations across the lifespan

Direct service provision

The Lifespan Respite Care Act stipulates the provision of five required and three optional services. Application narratives should clearly and completely describe the state agency’s plan for further developing and delivering each of the required and optional services in a way that considers the available evidence, emerging strategies, and promising practices in the field of respite.

For more information on emerging, model, or promising practices in the field of respite and family caregiver support, you should review information available on the Lifespan

Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center webpage.[20]

Enhanced systems development

You should describe in detail your objectives for advancing existing lifespan respite care services statewide, with a focus on the following areas:

• Capacity-building of respite care providers (both paid and unpaid)

• Leveraging resources across various funding streams and partners to sustain and expand available respite care services

• Implementing key administrative functions (including logistical, information technology, communications, operational, and service coordination activities)

• Ongoing monitoring and quality assurance of respite care services

Strengthened collaborations and partnerships

Partnership, collaboration, and stakeholder involvement are critical to creating a successful statewide Lifespan Respite Care Program. Whether these partnerships are facilitated by the state agency, the statewide respite coalition/organization, the state aging and disability resource center, or collaborative efforts, having the broadest possible array of stakeholders involved is essential.

You should propose approaches for expanding collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure the program reaches the broadest population of eligible service recipients possible.

Potential stakeholders include:

• State and local government entities that administer and deliver human services designed to meet the respite care needs of family caregivers

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/ https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/

• State and local chapters of organizations as well as entities representing individuals with special needs from across the disease and disability spectrum, and for whom respite is an essential component of their ongoing support

• Any other public, private, or nonprofit entities that provide respite care services or other support to caregivers focused on special or targeted populations, that may not be otherwise involved with the state’s existing respite care coalition

• Any additional federally funded, local, or state program that may provide support or resources that can be leveraged to further expand lifespan respite care services

Paid and volunteer respite workforce training

• You should describe the extent to which your proposed projects will work to expand or strengthen the respite care workforce, whether paid or volunteer, including recruitment, training, and oversight

◦ Emphasize cultural competence and quality in service delivery

• You should describe how the quality and safety of any respite care services provided will be monitored, including methods to ensure that respite care workers and volunteers are appropriately screened

◦ They should also possess the necessary skills to care for the needs of the care recipient in the absence of the family caregiver

Identification and reduction of gaps in current services

• You are expected to demonstrate knowledge of your current system of respite services and provide details that inform how the current system of respite services forms the foundation for your statewide systems of lifespan respite care services, including how such services are targeted and delivered.

• Based on your description of the current statewide respite care system, you should then identify and explain known gaps in the provision of respite services and propose how those gaps in respite services will be addressed.

Targeting underserved and underrepresented populations across the lifespan

• You are expected to address equity among populations across the lifespan, particularly given what we know about the disproportionate impact COVID-19 had on many traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.

• Underserved and underrepresented populations are defined as those in greatest economic and social need, who are further isolated from services and supports because of systemic inequalities based on race, ethnicity, cultural background, Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 sexual orientation, gender identity, geographic location, or limited English proficiency.

• Describe any underserved populations to be served by your proposed program as defined by Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for

Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government[21], dated January 20, 2021, and Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals[22] consistent with Executive Order

13988 of January 20, 2021 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation).[23]

• You are expected to explain current efforts, and results, under their current lifespan respite system of care to serve underserved and underrepresented populations across the lifespan.

• Based on this description, you should then explain how they propose to target and increase services to traditionally underserved populations that are identified in their local communities.

Additional application elements and considerations In addition to the program priority areas, you should clearly and concisely address the following in your application:

Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement

A memorandum of understanding/agreement (MoU/A) regarding the joint responsibility for the development of the state’s lifespan respite program between the eligible State agency and the public or private nonprofit statewide respite coalition or organization must be in place at the time of application and submitted with the application. Applicants are encouraged to embed flexibility within the MoU/A so that all parties to the agreement can modify scope, tasks, or partnerships as the need arises. See attachments.

Program performance and outcomes measurement Performance measurement is an important part of creating a fully functioning Lifespan

Respite Care System. Your goals should identify relevant consumer-based, programmatic, and systems-level outcomes the state would like to measure, as well as proposed approaches.

You should choose and identify consumer-level outcome measures or draw on the ARCH

National Respite Network and Resource Center’s “Measuring Systems Change and

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/06/15/executive-order-on-advancing-equality-for-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-and-intersex-individuals/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/06/15/executive-order-on-advancing-equality-for-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-and-intersex-individuals/ https://archrespite.org/library/measuring-systems-change-and-consumer-outcomes/

Consumer Outcomes: Recommendations for Developing Performance Metrics for State

Lifespan Respite Programs” to assist in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing useful performance metrics, such as caregiver or system change outcomes.[24]

You should describe how you plan to count and record the experiences of the people being served in their Lifespan Respite Program. You should describe how data will be collected together with current respite programs and funding streams.

Data collection and reporting Awardees will work with ACL to complete the data collection and reporting requirements, as stated in Section 2904 of the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act of

2020.[25] Respite Care Program applicants, funded through this announcement, will use the Office of Management and Budget-approved data collection tools developed for this program.

Sustainability Through this funding announcement, ACL expects to realize tangible, measurable, and sustainable advancements in state capacities to provide respite and related services (see proposed intervention section) to family caregivers across the age and disability spectrum.

You will be evaluated, in part, on the extent to which you have a clear, feasible plan for the project’s sustainability beyond the period of Federal funding. You are encouraged to consider and propose a range of potential approaches for ensuring the sustainability of the project once Federal funding has ended.

Tools and resources for the sustainability of Lifespan Respite Programs are available on the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Centers’ sustainability tools webpages.[26]

Product dissemination and sharing To enable other states to replicate programs and approaches and eliminate the need to

“reinvent the wheel,” you will be asked to submit to ACL and the ACL Lifespan Respite

Technical Assistance Center key products that can serve as resource guides for future

Lifespan Respite Care Program development, enhancement, and expansion. You should submit copies of all final products to ACL at the conclusion of the award.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://archrespite.org/library/measuring-systems-change-and-consumer-outcomes/ https://archrespite.org/library/measuring-systems-change-and-consumer-outcomes/ https://archrespite.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PLAW-116publ324.pdf https://archrespite.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PLAW-116publ324.pdf https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/sustainability-tools/ https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/sustainability-tools/

Participation in technical assistance efforts You will be expected to participate in technical assistance activities as they pertain to

Lifespan Respite Care Program and System development, management, and integration.

This includes participating in regularly scheduled conference calls, webcasts, and one-on-one technical assistance opportunities initiated by yourself, the ACL project officer, or the

Lifespan Respite Program Technical Assistance Resource Center.[27]

State project directors are strongly encouraged to budget resources for travel to and participation in the National Respite Conference, convened annually by the ARCH

Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center. This conference provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in respite program development and the opportunity to network and share best practices associated with

Lifespan Respite Care Program implementation and Lifespan Respite Care System development.

Sub-awards and subcontracts You may carry out your project directly or by subaward to, or contract with, public or private entities. Due to the nature of this program, the State project director must maintain an active role in managing and leading all aspects of the state’s lifespan respite project. If you propose conduit or pass-through funding for another agency to lead the project, you will not be considered for funding.

You should clearly describe, if necessary, your processes for sub-awarding or subcontracting specific activities. For activities undertaken by partner organizations, whether through subawards or subcontracts, you should clearly describe how you will oversee all sub-activities to ensure continuity across the project. Finally, you should describe how the State project director, along with the stakeholder groups, will guide the design and implementation of the statewide lifespan respite care system.

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

• Collaborate with ACL/AoA in finalizing, executing, and modifying the work plan

• Fulfill all the requirements of the grant initiative as outlined in this funding opportunity, and carry out project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded

• Communicate with the ACL/AoA project officer regularly 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 16 https://archrespite.org/

• Meet with the ACL/AoA project officer at least semi-annually, or at such other times as are agreed upon by either party, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement

• Submit the required semi-annual and final progress reports

• Participate in technical assistance efforts as provided by the Lifespan Respite

Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC)

• Use the new semi-annual reporting and data collection tools as required in Section

2904 of the Act, approved for use by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• In accordance with the Stevens Amendment, all HHS grant and cooperative agreement recipients are required to acknowledge federal funding when publicly communicating projects or programs funded through HHS federal financial assistance

• You must use the following language when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other ACL-supported publications and forums describing projects or programs funded in whole with ACL funding:

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.

Our responsibilities

The ACL/AoA project officer shall carry out the following activities for the cooperative agreement:

• Collaborate with you to finalize, execute, and modify the work plan

• Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing grants, working with you to ensure that the minimum requirements of the grant are met

• Work with you to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues addressed by the project, and as necessary, negotiate with you to achieve a solution to any needs identified by you or ACL/AoA

• Assist you in understanding the policy concerns and/or priorities of ACL, the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, and the federal government by conducing periodic briefings and carrying out ongoing consultations

• Share information with you about other federally sponsored projects and activities that are relevant to you and your activities

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/document/stevens-amendment

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.

• 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

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments

Funding restrictions The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report number 11-43 has raised considerable concerns about awardees and contractors charging the Federal government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. If meals are to be charged toward the grant, they must meet the following criteria outlined in the Grants Policy Statement.

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

• For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program)

• Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, for example, in programs providing children’s services such as Head Start

• When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday as a part of a formal compensation arrangement

• As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel

• Under a conference award, when meals are a necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meal costs are not duplicated in participants’ per diem or subsistence allowances

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 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 https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-11-43.pdf

◦ Note: This rule only applies if the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference

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 this program is the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C

201), as amended.

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/section-75.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.2(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/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 21

Find the application package 21

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.

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-

LRLI-0019. You can also refer to the readiness checklist:

Readiness checklist Applying for an award takes time. Registering with sam.gov can take over two weeks.

There are a few things that need to happen before you can apply:

• Make sure your organization is eligible.

• As soon as possible, register in sam.gov or make sure your registration is up to date.

• To register, go to sam.gov entity registration and click Get Started.

• See a checklist for what you will need to register in SAM.

• The Entity Registration page also includes a video that walks you through the registration process. If you need help, you can call (866) 606-8220 or live chat with the federal service desk.

• Get a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). You get your UEI when you register in sam.gov.

(This is different from a DUNS number. See DUNS to UEI transition information).

• Register in grants.gov. See how to register in grants.gov.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 21 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/search-grants http://sam.gov/ http://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://cz.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/Entity-Registration-Checklist.pdf https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp http://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei http://grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/register.html

• Begin working on gaining the required memorandum of agreement (MoA) or memorandum of understanding (MoU) and letters of commitment from key participating organizations and agencies. See attachments.

• Read over this NOFO.

• Make sure that you understand the screening and responsiveness factors that could affect your ability to get an award.

• Submit an optional letter of intent.

• Review the post-award requirements to make sure you can meet them.

To find the application package, go to Grants.gov and search using Keyword: Lifespan

Respite Care Program: State Program Enhancement Grants and Opportunity Number:

HHS-2024-ACL-AoA-LRLI-0019.

You can also find information on the ACL website at applying for grants.

ACL requires you to use grants.gov Workspace. Workspace is a shared online environment where your team can access and edit at the same time. For instructions, go to get started on your workspace application.

Join the informational call LRLI 0019 Informational Conference Call

Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Phone number: (888) 469-1602

Participant passcode: 9897610

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 22 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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 Grants.gov Submission Forms

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary form.

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Budget justification 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 narrative

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF, double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” plain white paper

Size: 11-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for Project Narrative main content: Double-spaced

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

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers

Project Narratives that exceed 30 pages will have the additional pages removed. Only the first 30 pages of the project narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration.

The project work plan, budget justification narratives, memorandum of understanding/ agreement, letters of commitment, and vitae of key project personnel are not counted as part of the project narrative for purposes of the 30-page limit.

Step 3: Prepare your application 24

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

• Goals: Broad overall purpose, like a mission statement that says what you want to do and where you want to be

• Objectives: Narrow, specific, and clear steps toward the goals. These are the “how” to achieve the goals

• Outcomes: These are the measurable results of a project

◦ Include expected changes among those served, such as clients, systems, organizations, and communities

◦ These should tie directly to your goals and those of this funding

• Products: The materials and other deliverables you expect to generate through the project

Project narrative Page Limit: 30

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 statutory 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.

Problem statement

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of lifespan respite care services currently available within the state, including increased availability of services because of previous funding award activities, existing gaps, and unmet needs that need to be addressed.

You should also describe how you anticipate challenges related to scaling existing lifespan respite care services, as well as available partners and resources that will support scaling.

Discuss the impact of existing lifespan respite care services on older adults and people with disabilities (including specific subgroups within those populations), their families, and caregivers.

Step 3: Prepare your application 25

For purposes of this funding opportunity, you are required to include the following descriptive information as it pertains to the caregiving needs and current respite care infrastructure in your state:

• The population of family caregivers in the state, and the criteria used to identify family caregivers eligible for respite care services

• The extent and nature of the respite care needs of that population

• Existing respite care services for that population, including number of family caregivers being served and the extent of unmet demand or need

• Existing methods to coordinate respite care information and services to the population at the State and local level, and barriers that impede increased access to lifespan respite care services

• A description of respite care services available to family caregivers in the eligible

State agency’s State or locality, including unmet needs and how the eligible State agency’s plan for use of funds will improve the coordination and distribution of equitable respite care services for family caregivers

Goals and objectives

This section should consist of a description of the project’s goals and major objectives.

Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

Proposed intervention

This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the problem statement.

• You should describe the rationale for using the particular intervention. Some examples of rationales are:

◦ Evidence-based interventions

◦ Lessons learned for similar projects previously tested in your community or in other areas of the country

• You should also describe factors in the larger environment that have created the

“right conditions” for the intervention, for example, existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of

• Note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers

• Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to form, including with other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups

Step 3: Prepare your application 26

Describe the following:

• How you will provide the following using evidence-informed interventions and funds provided under this funding opportunity:

◦ Respite care information dissemination and coordination

◦ Respite care services

◦ Respite care workers and volunteer recruitment and training programs

◦ Training programs for family caregivers

• A plan for administration, collaboration, and coordination of the proposed respite care activities with other related services or programs offered by public or private, nonprofit entities such as:

◦ Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems

◦ Medicaid

◦ National Family Caregiver Support Programs

◦ Veterans Affairs

◦ Protection and Advocacy entities

◦ Developmental Disability Councils

◦ University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

◦ Area Agencies on Aging

◦ Centers for Independent Living

◦ Community-based organizations providing support to people with disabilities

◦ Faith-based entities

• How the population, including family caregivers, care recipients, and relevant public or private agencies, will participate in the planning and implementation of the proposed respite care activities

• How the proposed respite care activities will use other Federal, State, and local funds, programs, contributions, other forms of reimbursement, personnel, and facilities

• How the quality and safety of any respite care services provided will be monitored

• Include methods to ensure that respite care workers and volunteers are appropriately screened and possess the necessary skills to care for care recipient in the absence of the family caregiver

• The planned measures that will ensure confidentiality of the individuals served by the program

Step 3: Prepare your application 27

Special target populations and organizations

• This section should describe how you plan to involve caregivers of older adults or children, adults with disabilities who use or need respite care, and stakeholder organizations in a meaningful way.

• This section should also describe how the proposed strategy targets other populations, particularly those in greatest economic and social need, who are isolated from services and support because of systemic inequalities based on race, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, geographic location, or limited English proficiency.

• You should be able to clearly describe the populations and organizations targeted, including the extent to which you have been successful responding to the needs of the populations you’ve targeted.

• You will also describe how funds from this funding opportunity will be used to address newly identified or existing unmet respite needs that expand, enhance, or build upon previous efforts.

• This section should describe how you plan to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project.

• This section should also describe how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including but not limited to low-income families, rural populations, limited-English-proficiency populations, and Native American populations.

Outcomes

• This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcomes that will result from the project.