hhs-2025-acl-aod-il-0020 (1)_Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due June 16, 2025

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Independent Living Programs

Centers for Independent Living Competition—American Samoa Opportunity number: HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-IL-0020

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 16

Get registered 17

Find the application package 17

Join the informational call 17

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 19

Application contents and format 20

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 26

Application review 27

Award notices 30

Step 5: Submit Your Application 31

Application submission and deadlines 32

Application checklist 34

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 35

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Contacts and Support 38

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 June 16, 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 8

Basic information Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Independent Living Programs

Helping people in American Samoa with significant disabilities to live independently.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name: Centers for Independent Living

Competition – American

Samoa

Opportunity number:

HHS-2025-ACL-AOD-IL-0020

Announcement type: New

Federal Assistance Listing:

93.432

Statutory authority number:

29 U.S.C. Section 796f-1;

Section 711 and Section 722 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973, as amended

Key dates

Application submission deadline: June 16, 2025

Informational webinar:

May 16, 2025.

For webinar information, please ask Peter Nye at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov or

(202) 795-7606.

Expected award date:

September 1, 2025

Expected start date:

September 1, 2025

See other submissions for other time frames that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary This program funds Centers for Independent Living to provide services to people with significant disabilities, as authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the

Act).

Centers funded must provide at least the following core services:

• Information and referral.

• Independent living skills training.

• Peer counseling.

• Individual and systems advocacy.

• Services that:

◦ Help people transition from nursing homes and other facilities to the community.

◦ Assist those at risk of entering facilities.

◦ Help youth transition to postsecondary life.

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $159,762

Expected awards: 1

Funding per applicant per budget period: $159,762

CIL awards are funded annually with each annual award having a two-year period of performance. For example, the first year of this award would have a performance period of September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. The next annual award would run from

September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-1.htm mailto:peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• Applicants are required to be consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies.

All types of private nonprofit entities may apply, including:

• Indian tribal organizations (American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native American).

• Faith-based organizations.

• Community-based organizations.

If the applicant does not meet the prior eligibility requirements and is not a nonprofit, the designated state entity may still apply under section 724 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-3).

(See the selection process section.)

Geographic area

• You must propose to serve areas identified as unserved or underserved by the territory of American Samoa.

• You must demonstrate in your project narrative how a proposed new center is consistent with the design for a statewide network of centers in American Samoa’s

Plan for Independent Living.

Legal authority Your organization must have the legal authority to:

• Carry out the purpose of title VII, part C of the Rehabilitation Act

(29 U.S.C. subpart 3, Centers for Independent Living).

• Perform the functions listed in section 725(b) and (c) of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4) and 45 CFR part 1329, subpart C, within a community located in American Samoa.

• Receive and administer:

◦ Funds under 45 CFR part 1329, State Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living.

◦ Funds and contributions from public or private sources that may support a center.

◦ Funds from other public and private programs.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-1329

• Plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center, consistent with the standards and assurances in sections 725(b) and (c) of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4) and subpart C of

45 CFR part 1329.

Completeness and responsiveness criteria We will review your application to make sure it meets these requirements:

• Is from an organization that meets all eligibility criteria.

• Requests funding within the listed funding range.

• Is submitted by the deadline.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement. If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review. However, we will hold you accountable for any funds you add, including through reporting.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm

Program description Statutory authority 29 U.S.C. Section 796f-1; Section 711 and Section 722 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Background Centers for Independent Living (CILs):

• Are consumer-driven agencies that work with people with significant disabilities.

◦ A “person with a significant disability,” in this context, means a person with a severe physical or mental impairment whose ability to function independently in the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment is substantially limited and for whom the delivery of independent living services will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family or community or to continue in employment, respectively (29 U.S.C. 705(21)(B)).

• Provide independent living services focused on enabling people to achieve independence in their community.

• Were created under title VII, part C, section 721 of the Act and amended by the

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014 (29 U.S.C. subpart C, Centers for

Independent Living).

• Must adhere to standards in section 725 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4).

Required activities, standards, and assurances Under this program, we require you to carry out certain activities. Section 725 of the Act

(29 U.S.C. 796f-4) requires that you meet certain standards and provide certain assurances. We describe these in this section. Be sure to address them all in your project narrative.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-1.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm

Approach

See project narrative, approach.

Your center must conduct the following activities:

• Help people with significant disabilities to develop and achieve their independent living goals.

• Promote and practice the independent living philosophy, including:

◦ Consumer control of decision-making, service delivery, management, policy setting, and direction in the center.

◦ Self-help and self-advocacy.

◦ Development of peer relationships and peer role models.

◦ Equal access for people with significant disabilities to all services, programs, activities, resources, and facilities within their communities, whether public or private, regardless of funding sources.

• Offer services to people with various types of significant disabilities, including underserved people, as described in title VII, Independent Living Services and

Centers for Independent Living.

• Ensure that consumers are eligible for its services, without excluding anyone based on their type of disability.

• Work to increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent living.

• Provide independent living core services and, as appropriate, a combination of other independent living services. These core services are:

◦ Information and referral.

◦ Independent living skills training.

◦ Peer counseling.

◦ Individual and systems advocacy.

◦ Services that:

▪ Help people transition from nursing homes and other facilities to the community.

▪ Help those at risk of entering facilities.

▪ Help youth who have left secondary education with Individualized

Education Programs (IEPs) transition to postsecondary life.

• Provide the other independent living services, which are:

◦ Counseling services.

◦ Services related to securing housing or shelter.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII.htm

◦ Rehabilitation technology.

◦ Mobility training.

◦ Services and training for individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities.

◦ Personal assistance services.

◦ Surveys, directories, and other activities to identify appropriate housing, recreation opportunities, and accessible transportation, and other support services.

◦ Consumer information programs on rehabilitation and independent living services available under the Rehab Act.

◦ Education and training necessary for living in a community and participating in community activities.

◦ Supporting living.

◦ Transportation.

◦ Physical rehabilitation.

◦ Therapeutic treatment.

◦ Provision of needed prostheses and other appliances and devices.

◦ Individual and group social and recreational services.

◦ Training to develop skills specifically designed for youths who are individuals with disabilities to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and explore career options.

◦ Services for children.

◦ Services under other federal, state, or local programs designed to provide resources, training, counseling, or other assistance, of substantial benefit in enhancing the independence, productivity, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

◦ Appropriate preventive services to decrease the need of individuals assisted under this Act for similar services in the future.

◦ Community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society of individuals with disabilities.

◦ Such other services as may be necessary and not inconsistent with the provision of the Rehab Act.

• Increase the capacity of communities within the center’s service area to meet the needs of people with significant disabilities.

• Notify people with significant disabilities who could benefit from services about the client assistance program, including contact information.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

• Conduct aggressive outreach about the center’s services to reach people with significant disabilities who are unserved or underserved by programs under this title, especially minority groups and urban and rural populations.

Outcomes

See project narrative, outcomes.

As you carry out your project, you must evaluate your program each year, prepare an annual report, and keep records that enable you to meet your performance standards.

Your reports must include:

• How well the center complies with the standards.

• The number and types of people with significant disabilities receiving services through the center.

• The types of services provided through the center, and the number of people receiving each type of service.

• The sources and amounts of funding for the center.

• The number of people with significant disabilities employed by the center, including in management and decision-making positions.

• If possible, a comparison of the center’s activities in prior years with those in the most recent year.

Project management

See project narrative, project management.

Your center must:

• Develop resources to obtain funding from sources other than chapter 1 of the Act –

Individuals with Significant Disabilities (29 U.S.C. part A).

• Ensure that people with disabilities design and operate the center.

• Comply with the standards in section 725 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4(b)).

• Establish clear priorities through three year program and financial planning goals for the center, including:

◦ Overall goals or a mission.

◦ A work plan for achieving the goals or mission.

◦ Specific objectives, service priorities, and types of services to be provided.

◦ How your proposed activities are consistent with the most recent three-year

State Plan for Independent Living under section 704 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796c).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm

• Use sound organizational and staffing practices, including employing and promoting qualified people with significant disabilities, as required under section 503 of the

Act (29 U.S.C. 793).

• Practice sound fiscal management.

• Submit to the Statewide Independent Living Council a copy of its approved funding application and the annual report required in section 725(c)(8) of the Act (29 U.S.C.

796f-4).

• At the end of each fiscal year, prepare and submit a report to the Office of

Independent Living Programs (OILP) that contains the information described in section 725(c)(8) of the Act and information regarding how well the center complies with the standards in section 725(b) (29 U.S.C. 796f-4).

• Develop and use independent living plans described in section 704(e) of the Act (29

U.S.C. 796c) to achieve its goals.

Organizational capability

See project narrative, organizational capability.

The center will need to:

• Meet all eligibility requirements for this funding.

• Be governed by a board in which a majority of members are people with significant disabilities.

• Ensure that the majority of the staff, including people in decision-making positions, are people with disabilities.

• Train center staff on how to serve unserved and underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

Collaborations

See project narrative, collaborations.

You should plan to collaborate with other groups, including those listed here.

The federal government

Establish and maintain a partnership with the Administration on Disabilities (AoD) and its

Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP). This relationship should foster a shared accountability for outcomes and activities requiring close collaboration, including federal initiatives involving the CILs.

CILs

• Establish a partnership with other CILs. This relationship should improve CIL operations in the areas of:

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapV-sec793.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm

◦ Organizational competency, particularly program and fiscal business practices.

◦ Performance and outcomes.

◦ Statutory compliance.

◦ Positioning of CILs as leaders and agents of systems change, capacity building, and advocacy.

Other key stakeholders

• Establish a partnership with the Statewide Independent Living Council to enhance the relationship among the CIL networks in each state and territory and:

◦ Collaborate to develop and carry out outcomes-based measurement, and increase understanding and collection of outcomes across CIL network programs.

◦ Address issues related to CIL network collaboration.

◦ Address pressing disability issues in the states and territories.

• Establish a partnership among CILs and other relevant federally funded and non-federally-funded entities and programs. Include those funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act (WIOA) to ensure CILs can help improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

Other groups to identify and address emerging priorities and needs

Convene groups of experts and representatives, including those from the CIL network and from federal agencies, to:

• Identify and discuss emerging issues and practices.

• Develop programs, resources, or strategies on emerging issues and priorities that fulfill consumers’ needs.

Program-specific limitations For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrictions on them, see 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].

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 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

• 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.

• Support beyond the first budget year will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

◦ If the awarded applicant is a DSE, the application will be competed again next year until a community-based, non-profit, disability-led organization applies. If there is no such applicant, the DSE may continue to be awarded as long as the prior points apply.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

See also program-specific limitations.

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments.

• Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

For guidance on some types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see 45 CFR part 75, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

Salary rate limitation

The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. As of

January 2025, the salary rate limitation is $225,700. We will update this limitation in future years. See Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (2024) .

Indirect costs

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

There are two methods to calculate indirect costs:

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2882/text

• 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 as a result of your award-supported project activities.

You must use program income for the purposes and under the conditions of the award.

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 15 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

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 17

Find the application package 17

Join the informational call 17

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.

When you register or update your SAM.gov registration, you must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations. You must agree to those for grants specifically, as opposed to contracts, because the two sets of agreements are different.

You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

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

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

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

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

IL-0020. You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on our website.

After you select the opportunity, we recommend that you select the Subscribe button to get updates.

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

• May 16, 2025

• 1 to 3 p.m. ET

We will provide general information on this funding opportunity. You must register for this call in advance.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://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

Contact peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov to register for this call (and receive the Zoom link).

Get technical assistance We will provide individual technical assistance on:

• May 23, 2025

• 3 to 4 p.m. ET

For information about this technical assistance call, please ask Peter Nye at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov or (202) 795-7606.

If you would like individual technical assistance, you must request it in advance.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 18

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 20

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 Form

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.

See requirements for the optional notice of intent and other submissions.

Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application.

If you don’t provide the required documents, your application is incomplete. See completeness and responsiveness criteria to understand what may disqualify your application from consideration.

Required format for project and budget justification narratives

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

File format: PDF

Color: Black

Font size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for project narrative main content: Single-spaced

Spacing for budget justification narrative: Single-spaced

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

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 20

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 your vision for the future if your organization receives this award.

• 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.

Project narrative Page limit: 20 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.

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

Problem statement

Describe the problem that your center plans to solve.

Goals and objectives

• Goals: Broad overall purpose, like a mission statement that says what you want to do and how you want to do it.

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

Proposed intervention

See program description, approach and merit review criteria, approach.

• Describe how your center will conduct all the activities described in the program description, approach.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 21

• Describe how you will observe the standards and assurances in section 725 of the

Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794f-4).

• Describe your organization’s experience working with people with significant disabilities and providing independent living services.

Special target populations and organizations

Describe how your center will serve unserved and underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

Outcomes

See project narrative, outcomes.

Describe how will evaluate your program each year, prepare an annual report, and keep records that enable you to meet your performance standards, such as:

• How well the center complies with the standards.

• The number and types of people with significant disabilities receiving services through the center.

• The types of services provided through the center, and the number of people receiving each type of service.

• The sources and amounts of funding for the center.

• The number of people with significant disabilities employed by the center, including in management and decision-making positions.

• If possible, a comparison of the center’s activities in prior years with those in the most recent year.

Project management

See project narrative, project management.

Describe how the applicant will do the following:

• Develop resources to obtain funding from sources other than chapter 1 of the Act –

Individuals with Significant Disabilities (29 U.S.C. part A).

• Ensure that people with disabilities design and operate the center.

• Comply with the standards in section 725 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4(b)).

• Establish clear priorities through one- and two-year program and financial planning goals for the center, including:

◦ Overall goals or a mission.

◦ A work plan for achieving the goals or mission.

◦ Specific objectives, service priorities, and types of services to be provided.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm

◦ How your proposed activities are consistent with the most recent three-year

State Plan for Independent Living under section 704 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 796c).

• Use sound organizational and staffing practices, including employing and promoting qualified people with significant disabilities, as required under section 503 of the

Act (29 U.S.C. 793).

• Practice sound fiscal management.

• Submit to the Statewide Independent Living Council a copy of its approved funding application and the annual report required in section 725(c)(8) of the Act (29 U.S.C.

796f-4).

• At the end of each fiscal year, prepare and submit a report to the designated state unit or the administrator that contains the information described in section

725(c)(8) of the Act and information regarding how well the center complies with the standards in section 725(b) (29 U.S.C. 796f-4).

• Develop and use independent living plans described in section 704(e) of the Act (29

U.S.C. 796c) to achieve its goals.

Organizational capability

See project narrative, organizational capability.

Describe how the applicant meets or will be able to meet the following requirements:

• Meet all eligibility requirements for this funding.

• Be governed by a board in which a majority of members are people with significant disabilities.

• Ensure that the majority of the staff, including people in decision-making positions, are people with disabilities.

• Train center staff on how to serve unserved and underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

Equity experience of project team

Please describe the experience of members of the project team in increasing equity for:

• Rural populations.

• Other demographic groups that have been unserved and underserved in American

Samoa.

Budget justification narrative Page limit: None

File name: Budget Justification Narrative

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapV-sec793.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart1-sec796c.htm

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

424-A. See standard forms.

It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. As you develop your budget, consider:

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

• The restrictions on spending funds. See funding policies and limitations.

Justify all the costs, including showing how you calculated them.

To create your budget justification narrative, see the ACL example format.

HHS now uses the definitions for equipment and supplies in 2 CFR 200.1. The definitions set the threshold for equipment to the lesser of the recipient’s capitalization level at

$10,000 and the threshold for supplies to below that amount.

Attachments Page limit: None

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

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for 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.

• Describe how you will address all the items and reporting requirements in the program description, outcomes.

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

• In your work plan, identify the measurable outcomes that will result from the project.

• You can also explain any element of your work plan more fully in this section.

You should focus on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes.

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 24 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.

Proof of nonprofit status

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

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

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

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

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

Resume and job descriptions

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

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

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

Form Submission requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) With application.

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

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

Other Attachments Form With application.

Key Contacts With application.

Project Narrative Attachment Form 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 25 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

Step 4:

Learn About Review and

Award

In this step

Application review 27

Award notices 30

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets the completeness and responsiveness criteria. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will not move it to the merit review phase. We won’t consider an application that:

• Is from an organization that doesn’t meet all the completeness and responsiveness criteria.

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

We will not review any pages that exceed 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 =

Approach 10 points

Outcomes 25 points

Project management, organizational capability, and collaborations

35 points

Budget and budget justification narrative 30 points

Criteria

Approach (Maximum points: 10 points)

See program description, approach, and project narrative, approach.

• Does the application describe how you will conduct all the activities described in the program description, approach?

• Does the application describe how you will observe the standards and assurances in section 725 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 796f-4)?

• Does the application describe experience working with people with significant disabilities and providing independent living services?

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 27 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title29/html/USCODE-2022-title29-chap16-subchapVII-partA-subpart3-sec796f-4.htm

Outcomes (Maximum Points: 25 points)

Reviewers will score your application on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes.

• Does the application describe how you will address all the items and reporting requirements in the program description, outcomes?

• Does the application clearly identify the measurable outcomes that people with significant disabilities will achieve from this project?

• Does the application include a work plan that clearly identifies goals, objectives, measurable outcomes, tasks, lead person assigned, and timelines?

Project management, organizational capability, and collaborations

(Maximum points: 35 points)

See program description, organizational capability and project narrative, organizational capability.

• Does the application describe how you will address all the items in the program description, organizational capability?

• Does the application describe how your organization is well positioned to support the project?

• Does the application describe how the proposed project fits into the structure of your organization?

• Does the application provide evidence of facilities, fiscal controls, and other resources needed to achieve project goals?

• Does the application describe how your organization’s mission and activities complement and will support the proposed project?

• Does the application clearly explain how this project will interact with other non-IL activities in the organization?

Budget and budget justification narrative (Maximum points: 30 points)

See budget justification narrative.

Clarity (0 to 5 points)

• Is the budget clear and easy to understand?

Justification (0 to 10 points)

• Does the budget justification narrative provide a detailed justification for the amount requested?

Details (0 to 15 points)

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28

• Does the budget include line-item details and detailed calculations for each budget object class in the Budget Information Form SF-424A? These are:

◦ Personnel

◦ Fringe benefits

◦ Travel

◦ Equipment

◦ Supplies

◦ Contractual

◦ Other

◦ Indirect costs

We do not consider voluntary cost sharing during merit review.

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will not prudently manage federal funds. We need to make sure you’ve handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices. We use SAM.gov Responsibility / Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. You can comment on your organization’s information in SAM.gov. We’ll consider your comments before making a decision about your level of risk.

If we find a significant risk, we may choose not to fund your application or to place specific conditions on the award.

For more details, see 45 CFR 75.420.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not the only factor.

• The larger portfolio of agency-funded projects, including the diversity of project types and geographic distribution.

• The past performance of the applicant. We may choose not to fund applicants with management or financial problems.

• Reasonableness of proposed costs to the expected results and the likelihood you will achieve those results.

• Available funding.

We may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29 https://sam.gov/content/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08/section-75.420

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Decide not to allow a prime recipient to subaward if they may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

• Choose to fund no applications under this funding opportunity.

The ACL administrator makes all final award decisions.

Award notices If you are successful, we will email a Notice of Award (NoA) to your authorized official.

We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you about the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. Until you receive the NoA, you don’t have permission to start work.

By drawing down funds, you accept the terms and conditions of the award. The award incorporates the requirements of the program and funding authorities, the grant regulations, the GPS, and the NOFO.

To see what is in a NoA, see an example on our website.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 32

Application checklist 34

Application submission and deadlines See find the application package to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Deadlines

Application

Due on June 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Grants.gov creates a date and time record when it receives the application. If you submit the same application more than once, we will accept the last on-time submission.

The grants management officer may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as documented natural disasters or a verifiable widespread disruption of electric or mail service.

If you can’t submit your application because of problems with Grants.gov, you will need verification for us to consider accepting your application. Call the Federal Service Desk before the application due time and record your tracking number. Save your tracking number and any error messages you receive.

Submission methods

Grants.gov

You must submit your application through Grants.gov. See get registered.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password protect any files.

See Contacts and Support if you need help.

Other submissions

Intergovernmental review

You will need to submit application information for intergovernmental review under

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. Under this order,

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 32 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html states may design their own processes for obtaining, reviewing, and commenting on some applications. Some states have this process and others don’t.

To find out your state’s approach, see the list of state single points of contact. If you find a contact on the list for your state, contact them as soon as you can to learn their process.

If you do not find a contact for your state, you don’t need to do anything further.

This requirement never applies to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations.

Mandatory disclosure

You must submit any information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. See

Mandatory Disclosures, 45 CFR 75.113.

Send written disclosures to ACL at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov and to the Office of Inspector

General at grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov.

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 33 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.113 mailto:grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply:

Component How to upload Page limit

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary form. Yes

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form. Yes

Budget justification narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form. No

Attachments (7 total) Insert each in a single Other Attachments form.

Work plan No

Indirect cost agreement No

Commitment letters No

Proof of nonprofit status No

Resumes and job descriptions No

Letters of support No

Report on overlap No

Standard forms (8 total) Upload using each required form. No

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) No

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

No

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

(SF-424B)

No

Other Attachments Form No

Key Contacts No

Project Narrative Attachment Form No

Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Certification Regarding Lobbying)

No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) No

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34

Step 6:

Learn What Happens After

Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Post-award requirements and administration Administrative and national policy requirements There are important rules you need to know if you get an award. You must follow:

• All terms and conditions in the Notice of Award. You can find information at

Managing a Grant on our website. We incorporate this NOFO by reference.

• The rules listed in 45 CFR 75, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards, or any superseding regulations. Effective

October 1, 2024, HHS adopted the following superseding provisions:

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Modified Total Direct Cost.

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Equipment.

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Supplies.

◦ 2 CFR 200.313(e), Equipment, Disposition.

◦ 2 CFR 200.314(a), Supplies.

◦ 2 CFR 200.320, Methods of procurement to be followed.

◦ 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed amount subawards.

◦ 2 CFR 200.344, Closeout.

◦ 2 CFR 200.414(f), Indirect (F&A) costs.

◦ 2 CFR 200.501, Audit requirements.

• The HHS Grants Policy Statement [PDF] (GPS). This document has terms and conditions tied to your award. If there are any exceptions to the GPS, they’ll be listed in your Notice of Award.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in the HHS Administrative and National Policy Requirements

[PDF].

Managing changes After award, either you or ACL may request changes. We manage these using the rules at

45 CFR 75, including 45 CFR § 75.308.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After…