HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-DDUC-0057_rev1.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due February 24, 2025

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Intellectual and Developmental

University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research and Service Opportunity number: HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-DDUC-0057

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14

Get registered 15

Find the application package 15

Join the informational call 15

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 17

Application contents and format 18

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28

Application review 29

Award notices 38

Step 5: Submit Your Application 39

Application submission and deadlines 40

Application checklist 42

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 43

Post-award requirements and administration 44

Contacts and Support 46

Appendix A: Urban or rural poverty indicators 48

Appendix B: Descriptions of the four core functions 53

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 registrations are 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 the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 24, 2025.

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 9

Basic information Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Intellectual and Developmental

UCEDDs generate knowledge to support the independence and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

University Centers for

Excellence in

Developmental Disabilities, Education and Service

Opportunity number:

HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-

DDUC-0057

Federal Assistance Listing:

93.632

Statutory authority number: 156(a)(1) of the

DD Act

Key dates

Application deadline:

February 24, 2025

Informational webinar:

December 12, 2024

Expected award date:

July 1, 2025

Expected start date:

July 1, 2025

Summary The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) within the Administration for Community Living

(ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will use Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funds to make three, five-year grants available entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD).

These grantees carry out four core functions.

UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research and public service units of universities, or of public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities, that implement these four core functions. The core functions address areas of emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation and other services offered to people in a community). The national network of UCEDDs comprises 68 Centers, including at least one in every state and territory. As liaisons to service delivery systems, UCEDDs serve to positively affect the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected awards: 3

In accordance with the DD Act, Funding is the same per applicant per budget period.

Funding amount is subject to availability of funds.

Amount of the award floor: $620,675

Amount of the award ceiling: $640,536

We plan to fund awards in five, 12-month budget periods for a five-year period of performance of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Eligibility Who can apply

Eligible applicants Only UCEDD grantees awarded five-year core funds in FY 2020 may apply.

Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

To pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality, guidance is provided to advance the

Administration’s policy, as stated in E.O. 13985. This guidance is intended to begin to address inequities in HHS programs, processes, and policies that may be barriers to equal opportunity. By advancing equity in our NOFOs, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.

Section 151(a) of the DD Act states that appropriations authorized under section

156(a)(1) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each state designated as UCEDDs.

Other eligibility requirements

Entities eligible to apply for funds under this funding opportunity announcement are the

UCEDD grantees awarded five-year core funds in FY 2020 and their designation as a

UCEDD expires June 30, 2025.

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 $620,675 (federal share) x 25 (required cost sharing percent) and divide that product by 75.

Cost sharing in this example is $206,891.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

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 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. 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 funds when you fill out your Federal Financial

Reports.

Reduced Match

In certain circumstances, the minimum required match may be less than 25% of the total project cost. For example, if a project’s activities target people with developmental disabilities who live in an urban or rural poverty area as determined by the Secretary, the federal share of the cost of the project can be up to 90% of the necessary costs of the project (Section 154 (d)(2) of the DD Act).

Two-Tiered Eligibility System for Reduced Match

To meet the requirements in the DD Act, AoD has developed a system that you can use to request a reduced match on the core grant. It is optional to make this request. AoD will use a two-tiered system for determining eligibility for the reduced match:

• Tier 1: UCEDDs in states where the poverty rate is equal to or greater than the official national poverty rate would automatically qualify for the reduced match.

• Tier 2: UCEDDs in states with a poverty rate not equal to or greater than the official national poverty rate would have to show that the UCEDD activities will target people with developmental disabilities in urban or rural poverty areas.

You would demonstrate that at least 25%of your UCEDD projects target people with developmental disabilities who live in urban and rural poverty areas by providing the following information to AoD:

• The current state poverty rate

• A full listing of all your current projects, which can be generated from the National

Information Reporting System (NIRS)

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

• Identify which of your activities are targeting people with developmental disabilities living in urban and rural poverty areas by stating whether the activity is associated with any of the Urban and Rural Poverty Indicators listed in the announcement

◦ You can also explain if your activities target people with developmental disabilities in an urban and rural poverty area through other means

Because there are not federal poverty rates for Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, these jurisdictions can qualify for the reduced match by establishing that the UCEDD activity is associated with any of the Urban and Rural Poverty Indicators listed in the announcement, or targets people with developmental disabilities in an urban or rural poverty area through other means.

Appendix A shows the Urban or Rural Poverty Indicators that will be used to determine eligibility for the reduced match. Definitions of key terms are also provided in Appendix

A.

The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACL share and the reduced non-federal share.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Program description The goal of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) is to promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community.

As defined in the DD Act, the term “developmental disabilities” means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual is 22 years old, and which are likely to continue indefinitely.

Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas:

• Self-care

• Receptive and expressive language

• Learning

• Mobility

• Self-direction

• Capacity for independent living

• Economic self-sufficiency

The DD Act identifies several significant findings, including:

• Disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of people with developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community

• People whose disabilities occur during their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are likely to continue indefinitely

• People with developmental disabilities often require lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, advocates, community representatives and others to eliminate barriers and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families

The DD Act promotes best practices and policies. People with developmental disabilities:

• And their families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and supports they receive, and play decision making roles in relevant policies and programs

• Including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, can achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community, with services and supports that meet their individual needs

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

• Have competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be recognized and supported

◦ Any assistance towards these ends should be provided in an individualized manner that is consistent with their unique strengths, resources, and priorities, of the person

Toward these ends and through this funding opportunity, AoD seeks to support and accomplish the following:

• Increasing the ability of people with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice, self-determination and to engage in leadership activities in their communities

• Enhancing the capabilities of families in assisting people with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum potential

• Promoting systemic change that ensure the active and meaningful engagement and participation of people with developmental disabilities in community-based programs

• Promoting the active involvement of people with developmental disabilities and families in all aspects of grantee programs, activities, and services

• Ensuring the protection of the legal and human rights of people with developmental disabilities

• Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their families enjoy the same level of meaningful opportunities to access and use community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance available to other people with developmental disabilities and their families

• Promoting recruitment efforts that increase the number of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who work with people with developmental disabilities and their families in disciplines related to pre-service training, community training, practice, administration, and policymaking

UCEDDs are funded to provide leadership in, and advise federal, state, and community policymakers about, people with developmental disabilities. They are also funded to promote opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, productive, and integrated.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Four core functions The four core functions to achieve the DD Act are:

• Interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students and fellows

◦ May include the preparation and continuing education of leadership, direct service, clinical or other personnel to increase the capacity of states and communities

• Community services, including direct services, training, technical assistance, and model demonstrations

◦ These may be for people with developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policy makers, students, and other members of the community

• Research

◦ May include basic or applied research, evaluation, and the analysis of public policy in areas that affect or could affect people with developmental disabilities and their families

• Information dissemination

◦ Sharing information that demonstrates that the national network of UCEDDs is a national and international resource that includes specific areas of expertise that may be applied in diverse settings and circumstances

Funding policies and limitations For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrictions on them, see 45 CFR

75.420, 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 [PDF].

• 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.

• This grant program meets the ACL definition for training grants. Therefore, applicants must limit the indirect cost rate to eight percent of total direct costs,

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-grants-policy-statement-october-2024.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-grants-policy-statement-october-2024.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 exclusive of equipment, tuition and stipends, rental of space, major contracts or subgrants and renovation and alteration, under this program announcement.

According to Section 152 of the DD Act, grants must be made to each UCEDD that existed in the preceding Fiscal Year that meets the requirements of subtitle D. Funds are used to pay for the federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of the UCEDD.

The DD Act, Section 155, defines a State as the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Funds made available under this proposed funding opportunity will be used to pay for the federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of centers designated as

UCEDDs.

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments

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.

• This UCEDD Core grant program meets the ACL definition for training grants.

Therefore, applicants must limit the indirect cost rate to the approved eight percent of total direct costs, exclusive of equipment, tuition and stipends, rental of space, major contracts or subgrants and renovation and alteration, under this program announcement. See funding policies for additional, related information.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. Per 2 CFR 200.414(f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a 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 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of MTDC. You can use this rate indefinitely.

Program income

Program income is money earned 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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.307

Statutory authority The purpose of the DD Act is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs [Section 101(b)]. To achieve this purpose, the DD Act authorizes the following programs:

• (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Subtitle B);

• (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (Subtitle C);

• (3) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) (Subtitle D); and

• (4) Projects of National Significance (Subtitle E).

Each of these programs engages in systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy activities both as a collaborative network and as independent entities to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and enhance participation in community life in the State. Section 151(a) of the DD Act states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) of the DD Section 151(a) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each State designated as University

Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 15

Find the application package 15

Join the informational call 15

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 select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select 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.

Have questions? See Contacts and Support.

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it online. Go to

Search Grants at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-

DDUC- 0057. You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on our website.

Join the informational call An informational conference call will be held on:

• December 12, 2024

• 2 to 3 p.m. ET

We will provide general information on this funding opportunity. You must register for this call in advance. Contact Pamela.O’Brien@acl.hhs.gov to register for this call.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration%22%20%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants mailto:Pamela.O%E2%80%99Brien@acl.hhs.gov

Get technical assistance We will provide individual technical assistance on:

• December 12, 2024

• 2 to 3 p.m. ET

Requests for individual technical assistance must be made in advance. Contact

Pamela.obrien@acl.hhs.gov.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16 mailto:Pamela.obrien@acl.hhs.gov

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 18

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

Make sure you include each of these:

Component Grants.gov Submission 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 and budget justification 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 justification narrative: As needed

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

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers

Project narrative Page limit: 60 pages

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 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.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 18

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

The components of the project narrative counted as part of the 60-page limit include:

• Summary/abstract

• Problem statement

• Goals and objectives

• Proposed intervention

• Special target populations and organizations

• Outcomes

• Project management

• Evaluation

• Dissemination (sharing information)

• Organizational capability

• Equity experience of project team

Your application for core funding must describe a five-year plan for meeting the purpose of the DD Act.

Areas of emphasis

Your plan must outline a projected, measurable goal for one or more area(s) of emphasis, for each core function:

• Quality assurance

• Education and early intervention

• Childcare

• Health

• Employment

• Housing

• Transportation

• Recreation

• Other services available or offered to people in a community, including formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life

Your five-year plan must describe how the goals and your activities are:

• Based on data-driven strategic planning

• Developed in collaboration with the Consumer Advisory Committee

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 19

• Consistent with, and to the extent feasible, complement, and further the State

Developmental Disabilities Council goals contained in the State Plan, the goals of the

State Protection and Advocacy System, and goals of the other UCEDD(s) in the state

• Can be reviewed and revised annually, as necessary, to address emerging trends and needs

• Can be implemented in a manner consistent with the objectives of the DD Act.

Your five-year plan should include a description of how the core funding will be used as a resource to support program infrastructure, and how it will leverage additional public and private funds to achieve your projected goals.

The five-year plan must describe how the applicant will carry out each of the four UCEDD core functions. While drafting your project narrative, you should reference the full descriptions of the four core functions in Appendix B.

Cultural recruitment efforts

UCEDDs must demonstrate how they will promote recruitment that increases the number of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds working with people with developmental disabilities and their families, in disciplines related to pre-service training, community training, practice, administration, and policymaking.

• The application should describe the role of people with developmental disabilities and family members in the training program (e.g., serving as lead instructors, co-instructors, curriculum developers)

• The application should describe how the training program offers an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, which may include the use of a core curriculum.

• At the very least the description should include an overview of the variety of disciplines represented in both the faculty and students, which may include:

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Special Education Early Intervention

Community Development Transition / Special Education Audiology

Pediatrics Dentistry (Pediatric and Adult) Nursing

Law Health Administration Public Health

Medicine Nutrition Engineering

Behavioral Health Social Work Transportation

Psychology IT/Assistive/ Augmentative/

Alternative Technology

Psychiatry

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 20

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Special Education Early Intervention

Speech and Language Development Employment/ Post-Secondary

Education

Occupational Therapy

Architecture Public Policy Recreation

Rehabilitation Therapy General Education Other

Accountability requirements

Respondents to this funding opportunity announcement must describe how they will comply with the accountability requirements outlined in the DD Act. The application must include a statement that the UCEDD will adhere to the requirements in the DD Act for UCEDD.

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’s” 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.

Problem statement

Describe in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem your proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project will potentially affect older adults and people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and the health care and social services systems.

Also 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 involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and the

Consumer Advisory Council.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 21

Goals and objectives

Describe the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

Proposed intervention

Provide a clear and concise description of the intervention (approach) you are proposing to address the problem described in the problem statement section.

You should also describe why you chose the intervention, including factors such as:

• Lessons learned from similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country

• Factors in the larger environment that have created the right conditions for the intervention (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of)

Special target populations and organizations

This section should describe how you plan to involve the other UCEDDs in your state, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy Systems, Centers for Independent Living, and Consumer Advisory Councils in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of your proposed plan.

This section should also describe, how the plan will target people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, including limited-English speaking populations. Be sure to plan for and include people in unserved or underserved communities, and in urban and rural areas.

Outcomes

Clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes.

This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation address similar problems).

You can list measurable outcomes in the example, optional work plan grid in addition to any discussion included in the narrative.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the evaluation section to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Measurable outcome

A measurable outcome is an observable end-result that describes how an intervention i.e., the UCEDD five-year strategic plan benefits people with ID/DD and their families across racial, ethnic and cultural groups inclusive of those in unserved or underserved communities or urban and rural areas. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior. It can also describe a change in the degree to which people exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered.

Additional examples include:

• A change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system

• A new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network

• New knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living

• A measurable increase in community awareness

• A measurable increase in persons receiving services

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

Project management

Include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes.

Specify who will be responsible for day-to-day tasks such as:

• Leadership of project

• Monitoring the project’s on-going progress, (i.e., measure of performance towards the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement, and for your specific intervention/activities)

• Preparation of reports

• Communicating with other partners and ACL

You should also describe how you will monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Evaluation

Evaluation (project Impact) should describe the method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to:

• Determine whether the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s)

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23

• Document the lessons learned, both positive and negative, that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful

Additionally:

• This section should address how the conduct of the project and its results will be evaluated

• State what measures will be used to determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives

• Explain the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project

• Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results

• Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved

• Define how you will determine whether the project is consistent with the presented work plan

• Discuss the impact of the project’s various activities and their effectiveness

• Explain the methodology to annually gather and report data, outcomes and impacts using the UCEDD Annual Report Template, and using the Logic Model to report five-year outcomes.

◦ Your methodology should include use of quantitative and qualitative techniques to determine if the needs identified are being met and if the

UCEDD results are being achieved

Dissemination (sharing information)

This section should describe the method that will be used to share the project’s results and findings widely, in a timely manner, and in easily understandable formats. These results are for parties who might be interested in using them to inform their practice, service delivery, program development, and policymaking, including and especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project.

Organizational capability

Your application should include an organizational capability statement and vitae for key project personnel. Include a short two-page vitae for key project staff only. Neither vitas nor an organizational chart will count towards the narrative page limit.

The organizational capability statement should:

• Describe how the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized and the nature and scope of its work and the capabilities it possesses

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24

• Include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended

• Cover capabilities of the applicant agency not included in the program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products

• Include an organizational chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization

• Include information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals

• Describe the qualifications of the faculty and staff assigned to the UCEDD grant. The

UCEDD staff shall include a director [section 154 (a)(3)(G)] with:

◦ Appropriate academic credentials

◦ Demonstrated leadership

◦ Expertise regarding developmental disabilities

◦ Significant experience in managing grants and contracts

◦ The ability to leverage public and private funds

Equity experience of project team

For FY 2025, this guidance is provided to advance the Administration’s policy, as stated in

E.O. 13985, to pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. This guidance is intended to begin to address inequities in HHS programs, processes, and policies that may serve as barriers to equal opportunity. By advancing equity in our NOFOs, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.

Budget justification narrative Page limit: 40 pages

File name: Budget justification narrative

The budget justification narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form

424-A. See standard forms.

It includes added detail and justifies your costs. 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.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25

Applicants requesting funding for a multi-year grant program are required to provide a detailed budget justification narrative for each potential year of grant funding requested.

To create your budget justification narrative, see the example format on our website. Pay particular attention to the level of detail.

A combined UCEDD five-year budget justification narrative, as well as a detailed budget justification narrative for each year of the five-year potential grant funding is required.

HHS now uses the definitions for equipment and supplies in 2 CFR 200.1. The new definitions change the threshold for equipment to the lesser of the recipient’s capitalization level or $10,000 and the threshold for supplies to below that amount.

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

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for your project. The work plan connects your period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities, and measures. It provides more detail on how will measure outcomes and processes.

Applicants requesting funding for a multi-year grant program are required to provide a work plan for each potential year of grant funding requested.

To complete your work plan, see the project work plan sample template on our website.

Memorandum of understanding (MoU)

You will be evaluated on the documentation that you provide explaining that the UCEDD has a written agreement (MOU) or charter with the University which specifies the:

• UCEDD designation as an official, independent university component

• The relationships between the UCEDD and other university components

• The University’s commitment (including financial and other resources) to the

UCEDD, and the UCEDD’s commitment to the university

• That the UCEDD Director reports directly to a university administrator who will represent the interests of the UCEDD within the University

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.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Supplies) 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)

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.

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. See the SF-424 instructions. Line 8f Contact is name of the PI on grant (UCEDD

Director), not AOR

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

(SF-424A)

With application.

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) With application.

Other Attachments form With application.

Key Contacts With application.

Project Narrative Attachmentform With application.

Grants.gov Lobbying form(Certification Regarding

Lobbying)

With application

Project/Performance Site Location(s) With application.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/instructions/SF424_4_0-V4.0-Instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/instructions/SF424_4_0-V4.0-Instructions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and

Award

In this step

Application review 29

Award notices 38

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 organization that doesn’t meet all eligibility criteria

• Requests funding above the award ceiling shown in the funding range

• Is submitted after the deadline

We will not review any pages over the page limit.

Merit review A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the following criteria.

Criterion Total number of points = 100

Project relevance and current need 10 points

Approach 45 points

Budget 10 points

Project impact 15 points

Organizational capacity 20 points

Criteria

Project relevance and current need (Maximum points: 10)

Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:

• Provides a portrait of the state needs and clearly identifies the need for assistance based on relevant and current data, including that collected through planning studies (4 points)

• Describes how the Consumer Advisory Committee, people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, the State DD Council, the State Protection and Advocacy System, the other UCEDD(s) in the state, and representatives of state agencies were consulted in the development of the application (3 points)

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29

◦ Also provides evidence that feedback from these representatives was utilized in developing the project approach, including the goals and goal-related activities outlined in the five-year plan

• Shows a direct relationship between the needs identified based on research and planning studies and feedback from the key stakeholders Consumer Advisory

Committee, people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, the

State DD Council, the State Protection and Advocacy System, the other UCEDD(s) in the State, and representatives of State agencies and the goals and goal-related activities in the five-year plan (3 points)

Approach (Maximum points: 45)

Describes a five-year plan for meeting the purpose of the DD Act by outlining a projected measurable and attainable goal for one or more area(s) of emphasis.

• The plan (3 points):

◦ Provides quantitative projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each core function or activity

◦ Provides such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities to be accomplished

◦ Provides a chronological order of approach with target dates

• Describes the UCEDD’s goals, objectives and activities reflect interagency collaborations and strategies to effect systemic change in the state and local communities and service systems (2 points)

◦ Also describes how the five-year plan for the UCEDD complements and furthers the State DD Council five-year plan, the Protection and Advocacy

Statement of Goals and Priorities, and the five-year plan for the other

UCEDD(s) in the state

• Describes how the infrastructure and resources obtained through funds made available under the grant will be utilized to leverage additional public and private funds to achieve the projected goals developed in the five-year plan (2 points)

• Describes how the UCEDD will carry out the Interdisciplinary Pre-service Preparation core function as an instructional program offered by the UCEDD that (3 points):

◦ Integrates knowledge and methods from two or more distinct disciplines

◦ Integrates direct contributions to the field made by people with disabilities and family members

◦ Examines and advances professional practice, scholarship and policy that impacts the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families

◦ Is designed to advance an individual’s academic or professional credentials

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30

◦ Takes place in an academic setting or program

◦ Reflects a mix of students and faculty from diverse academic disciplines/ academic programs (e.g., Audiology, Dentistry, Early Intervention, Early

Childhood, Special Education, Medicine, Nursing, Pediatrics, etc. see Section

IV.2. for a full listing of possible disciplines)

◦ Reflects a mix of cultures that reflect the diversity of the community

◦ May lead to the award of an initial academic degree, professional certificate, or advanced academic credential; and contribute to a discipline-specific course of study offered by the UCEDD or by another academic department

• Describes the core curriculum for the Interdisciplinary Pre-service Preparation

Instructional program which (2 points):

◦ Incorporates cultural diversity and demonstrates cultural competence/ responsiveness

◦ Prepares trainees to address the needs of people of developmental disabilities and their families in a culturally competent/responsive manner

◦ Prepares trainees to be active participants in research and dissemination efforts

◦ Prepares trainees to be consumers of research as it informs practice and policy

• Demonstrates how efforts to recruit UCEDD trainees in disciplines related to developmental disabilities in the areas of pre-service training, community training, practice, administration, and policymaking will focus on bringing larger numbers of racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistically diverse trainees into the disciplines (2 points)

• Describes a continuing education program that is comprised of seminar(s) or courses of instruction offered by a UCEDD that (3 points):

◦ Serves to maintain professional credentials

◦ Encourages professionals to expand their knowledge base and stay current on new developments

◦ Offers certificates of completion or CEUs (or their equivalents)

• Describes meaningful roles (may include serving as course instructors and developers of curriculum) of people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education training program (3 points)

◦ Also describes how the UCEDD participates in broader university academic programs that prepare personnel in a wide range of social and community roles that will contribute to the accommodation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31

• Describes community services core function activities of training or technical assistance for people with developmental disabilities, families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policy- makers, students and other members of the community (2 points)

◦ These may be services, supports, and assistance for people with developmental disabilities through demonstration and model activities

• Describes how community services offer innovative designs and methods that (5 points):

◦ Promote the inclusion and integration, productivity, and human rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life

◦ Are integrated into the community setting and involves community members, agencies and other organizations

◦ Addresses a local or universal need

◦ Are based on evidence and can be replicated

◦ Will promote increased and meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and their families to access community services, support, and other forms of available assistance

◦ Are designed so communities can be accessible to and responsive to the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families, and are enriched by full participation in community activities, and contributions by people with developmental disabilities and their families

• Describes community services training and/or technical assistance (T/TA) activities that (3 points):

◦ Use capacity building strategies to strengthen the capability of communities, systems and service providers

◦ Are planned collaboratively, including the participation of people with developmental disabilities and their families

◦ Address the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families from diverse cultural, linguistic and ethnic backgrounds who reside within the geographic area

◦ Describes how community services demonstration service activities address and provide evidence of an emerging, critical problem that reflects current trends or anticipated developments in the field

• Describes a research program, which may include basic or applied research, evaluation, and the analysis of public policy in areas that affect or could affect people with DD and their families (3 points)

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 32

• Describes how people with developmental disabilities and their families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse groups, will be active participants in the research process, ensuring…