Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Monday, August 24, 2026

Office of Community Services Division of Community Assistance

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Essentials for Improved Outcomes Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-ET-0030

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 9

Program description 11

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 24

Find the application package 25

Get registered 26

Learn more 26

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

Application checklist 28

Application contents and format 30

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 43

Application review 44

Award notices 51

Step 5: Submit Your Application 52

Application submission and deadlines 53

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 56

Post-award requirements and administration 57

Contacts and Support 59

Before you begin 3

Appendices 62

Modifications 67

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 Monday, August 24, 2026.

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/

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

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 9

Program description 11

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Assistance

Strengthening understanding of CSBG requirements, critical program elements, and compliance, to increase the impact of CSBG.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Essentials for Improved Outcomes

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-

ET-0030

Federal assistance listing:

93.569

NOFO version:

Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

August 24, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

See intergovernmental review for other submission processes that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Essentials for Improved Outcomes will support a national competition to identify one organization to help states, tribes, territories, and eligible entities:

• Strengthen their understanding of CSBG statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Enhance their implementation of critical program elements. Examples include:

◦ A community needs assessment.

◦ A tripartite board.

◦ Monitoring and reporting compliance.

• Support the coordination and development of additional anti-poverty resources that support the overall administration of CSBG.

Strengthening capacity to navigate complex systems is critical to successful CSBG administration. By fostering collaboration and service models for navigating systems like foster care, behavioral health, housing, and other public assistances, recipients can ensure children and families receive specialized support for building stable, permanent environments.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $600,000

Total expected awards: 1

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $600,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $600,000

We plan to fund a three-year project period. The project period has three one-year budget periods.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants As prescribed by Section 678A(c)(2) of the CSBG Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 9913(c)(2)), eligible applicants are CSBG-eligible entities, or statewide or local organizations or associations, with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities.

Any subrecipient(s) must meet these eligibility requirements.

Other eligibility criteria Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships), federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is from an individual (including a sole proprietorship), a federal entity, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from ACF.

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review. If you receive an award, we will include your voluntary commitment in the award, and you must report on the funds. If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may have to decrease your award amount or use other enforcement actions.

Statutory authority Sections 674(b)(2)(A) and 678A of the CSBG Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 9903(b)(2)(A) and 9913).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section9903&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section9913&num=0&edition=prelim

Agency priorities Required alignment with ACF vision, mission, values, priorities, and guiding principles The recipient of this award must implement any funds awarded under this NOFO to effectuate program goals or agency priorities in accordance with ACF’s vision, mission, values, priorities, & guiding principles when authorized. Funded activities must advance ACF’s vision of resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure children, youth, families, and communities, and support ACF’s mission to foster health and well-being through effective, accountable, and compassionate human services when awarded in any programs that authorize these priorities.

Consistent with ACF’s values, in carrying out any project that is funded under this NOFO, the recipient is required to adhere to the following principle:

1. Program integrity and fiscal stewardship: Administer funds in accordance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and award conditions; maintain strong internal controls; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

The recipient is also required to adhere to the following principles when consistent with the authority and scope of the award and its activities:

2. Evidence-based and outcome-focused practices: Design and deliver services using evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches, establish measurable performance goals, and use data to monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

3. Partnership and local leadership: Coordinate with state, tribal, territorial, local, and community partners, as appropriate, and tailor services to meet community-identified needs while respecting local decision-making authority.

In addition, in keeping with ACF’s priorities, the recipient must administer any project that is awarded under this NOFO in accordance with the following objectives when consistent with the scope of the award and its activities in programs that are authorized to advance them:

4. Family stability and child well-being: Strengthen families, promote safe and stable home environments, and improve outcomes for children and youth through prevention-focused and developmentally appropriate services.

5. Work, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility: Support pathways to employment, job retention, and economic independence for individuals and

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values families, including through workforce development, education, and supportive services.

6. High-quality early care and learning: Where applicable, invest in high-quality early childhood programs that support school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success.

The recipient must demonstrate ongoing compliance with these values and priorities, in all programs that are authorized to advance them, through program design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with the applicable requirements may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, or other enforcement actions consistent with federal grant regulations found at 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of this award.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Program description Background CSBG is a federal block grant that funds states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and federally and state-recognized tribes and tribal organizations (hereinafter referred to as CSBG grant recipients).

CSBG supports a wide range of individual-, family-, and community-level services and strategies to address the needs of individuals and families with low incomes in rural and urban areas to:

• Minimize the causes and conditions of poverty.

• Revitalize communities.

• Empower individuals and families with low incomes to become self-sufficient.

Tribal grant recipients provide services directly to individuals and families. State and territory grant recipients work with eligible entities to tailor CSBG-funded programs and services to meet the most pressing needs in their local communities.

Common areas where the CSBG network designates funding include:

• Collaboration and linkages across anti-poverty programs and organizations.

• Crisis and emergency supports.

• Assistance with housing, nutrition, utility, transportation, employment, and educational needs.

• Income- and asset-building services.

• Upstream services aimed at creating pathways out of poverty.

CSBG essentials for improved outcomes project summary The agreement will support TTA that helps the CSBG network:

• Increase their knowledge and understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Enhance their ability to implement critical program elements.

• Support the coordination and development of their anti-poverty resources.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

You will be expected to provide TTA that enhances CSBG networks’ ability to:

• Improve how they apply statutory requirements to administrative, fiscal, and program operations, as well as in varying community contexts.

• Use workforce development strategies to retain qualified staff.

• Develop cross-system partnership models to serve multi-need families.

• Improve performance measures to better reflect client outcomes.

• Assist clients in navigating complex systems such as:

◦ Foster care.

◦ Veterans’ services.

◦ Reentry supports for justice-involved people.

• Serve families at risk of child welfare involvement.

◦ This supports ACF’s A Home for Every Child initiative, which aligns with CSBG’s mission of self-sufficiency.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and promoting practices that enhance organizational, fiscal, and governance effectiveness, grounded in statutory and regulatory compliance.

• Delivering responsive and innovative TTA through various formats.

• Supporting the use of CSBG Organizational Standards to improve accountability and performance across the network.

• Collaborating with national partners to meet the goals of the CSBG Performance Management Framework (See definition in Appendix A).

• Guiding the development of systems and partnerships that support client navigation of key service areas, including:

◦ Foster care.

◦ Veterans’ benefits.

◦ Justice system reentry.

You will also collect data and report on your work to show outcomes and measurable improvements. OCS will be substantially involved throughout the cooperative agreement to ensure alignment with CSBG priorities and to assess the effectiveness of the TTA provided.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

Objectives of CSBG essentials for improved outcomes You will be required to provide planned and ad hoc high-quality, tailored TTA and consultation. You will also be required to develop, implement, and disseminate TTA resources and tools that address three main objectives.

As needed, you will develop resources and tools that address the TTA needs of eligible entities.

Objective 1: Strengthening the understanding of CSBG statutory and regulatory requirements You must focus TTA efforts on the following:

• Strengthening operational capacity for CSBG administration through foundational knowledge of CSBG statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Promoting practices and policies that align with the CSBG legislation and regulations.

◦ These must be responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges, including but not limited to:

▪ Tripartite boards.

▪ Board bylaw provisions.

▪ Contract provisions.

▪ Personnel policies.

▪ Organizational.

• Integrating enhanced and newly acquired knowledge of CSBG statutory requirements into administrative, fiscal, and programmatic policies and operating procedures, and providing guidance to ensure knowledge is sustained long term.

• Engaging and integrating territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations into TTA efforts.

• Organizational stability, capacity, and efficiency particularly for eligible entities that are considering options for strategic restructuring, shared administrative or service arrangements, mergers, or implementation of organizational standards.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Objective 2: Enhancing implementation of critical program elements Your TTA efforts must:

• Promote implementation of evidence-informed service delivery models and strategic partnership models.

◦ These will be tools for CSBG network staff.

• Provide structure to ease navigation and support coordination of complex systems (e.g., child welfare, veterans’ services, etc.).

• Provide tangible guidance that improves CSBG grant recipients and subrecipients ability to develop and conduct critical administrative operations. The guidance should include:

◦ Community needs assessment.

◦ Tripartite board.

◦ Monitoring.

◦ Service delivery.

• Provide TTA to new CSBG state staff and eligible leadership that addresses basic knowledge of CSBG. Basic knowledge includes:

◦ History of community action.

◦ Structure of the CSBG network.

◦ CSBG statutory and regulatory requirements.

◦ Other critical elements of administering a CSBG program including community needs assessments, grants management, and reporting.

• Align CSBG services with other prevention efforts. Examples include:

◦ Family First Prevention Plans.

◦ Title IV-E prevention services.

• Support administrative priorities such as ACF’ Initiative, A Home for Every Child.

Objective 3: Applying compliance requirements to administrative and program operations Your TTA efforts must:

• Strengthen governance and fiscal oversight to reduce opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Support consistent implementation of CSBG Organizational Standards using guidance on performance enhancement techniques.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

• Equip states, territories, and eligible entities to recognize warning signs that predict child welfare involvement and trauma.

◦ This also includes providing guidance on navigating complex systems that support family stability and self-sufficiency.

• Address CSBG-specific staff onboarding, orientation, and professional development.

CSBG support of ACF priorities OCS’ work supports the ACF objective of ensuring a home for every child by relieving the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to family breakdown and child-welfare interventions.

The initiative works toward a ratio of greater than 1:1 for the number of foster homes to the number of children in the foster care system. By strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of the CSBG network, CSBG may reduce the need for child welfare and foster care interventions.

This funding opportunity aligns with the following ACF priority: Promoting work and self-sufficiency. CF will prioritize programs and policies that promote work as the primary pathway to self-sufficiency and economic independence. TTA offered under this opportunity should assist CSBG grant recipients in providing meaningful workforce development, financial literacy, and other related supports as needed.

CSBG training and technical assistance Through CSBG discretionary awards, OCS provides funding to support CSBG training and technical assistance (TTA) efforts. Eligible applicants for these awards include statewide or local organizations or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations to help address the needs of families, individuals, and communities with low incomes.

These organizations collaborate with OCS and support CSBG-funded states, territories, tribes and tribal organizations, and eligible entities to increase effectiveness and accountability and to generate robust results for the people and communities served.

With the support of CSBG funding, CSBG TTA award recipients provide the CSBG network with information on promising practices and capacity building resources to streamline operations and reduce potential instances of waste, fraud, and abuse.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://acf.gov/a-home-for-every-child https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=for%20America%E2%80%99s%20children.-,Promoting%20Work%20and%20Self%2DSufficiency,-Work%20is%20not https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=for%20America%E2%80%99s%20children.-,Promoting%20Work%20and%20Self%2DSufficiency,-Work%20is%20not

CSBG Implementation of ACF Priorities OCS’ work supports the ACF objective of ensuring a home for every child by relieving the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to family breakdown and child-welfare interventions.

The initiative aims for a ratio of greater than 1:1 for the number of foster homes to the number of children in the foster care system. By strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of the CSBG network, CSBG may reduce the need for child welfare and foster care interventions.

This funding opportunity aligns with the following ACF priority:

CSBG performance management You must provide TTA related to the implementation of organizational standards, which are a component of the CSBG Performance Management Framework.

The Performance Management Framework (as defined in CSBG-Information Memorandum-152) aligns with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010.

The Performance Management Framework focuses on strengthening the CSBG network to meet current challenges, while positioning it for growth and increased capabilities to achieve family, agency, and community outcomes. Its components currently include:

• Performance measurement tools (e.g., the Community Needs Assessment, customer satisfaction survey) organizational standards.

• Results Oriented Management and Accountability [ROMA] Next Generation [NG] Accountability measures.

• Reporting tools (e.g., the CSBG State Plan, the CSBG Annual Report, the CSBG Report to Congress, and the OCS Annual Report).

• Monitoring and oversight.

CSBG essentials for improved outcomes timeline The CSBG Essentials for Improved Outcomes cooperative agreement has a 36-month project period that will be separated into two distinct phases.

The activities for each phase must be aligned closely with and promote promising practices toward the program’s priorities.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16 https://acf.gov/a-home-for-every-child https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-152-annual-report https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-152-annual-report https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-138-state-establishment-organizational-standards-csbg-eligible-entities https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy-guidance/csbg-im-144-state-and-federal-accountability-measures-and-data-collection https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/report/csbg-reports-congress https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/report/csbg-reports-congress

Phase One (one to four months):

Planning and preparation During this phase, you must develop a work plan for implementation of TTA as well as an approach for identifying any additional TTA needs within the network.

OCS will provide a template for a work plan that covers the performance period.

The work plan must document and track the following:

• Detailed project goals, performance measures, and intended outcomes responsive to the project objectives.

• Timelines for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates.

• A clear plan for supporting grant recipients and subrecipients through practices and policies that are responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges across the CSBG network in support of the CSBG essentials project objectives.

• A clear plan for using SMEs with demonstrated experience in providing guidance on issues impacting the administration of CSBG at the state and/or local level.

• A clear plan for managing planned and ad hoc TTA requests and activities that are responsive to the needs of the CSBG network in the areas of administrative and regulatory compliance, implementation of critical program elements, and overall program administration.

• How the work will be completed (i.e., individualized one-on-one virtual or in-person TTA, mass virtual or in-person training, and training materials).

• Progress on defined products (i.e., training materials, webinars, manuals).

In Phase One, you must consider how the TTA tools and resources can be beneficial to the entire CSBG network.

In addition to the work plan, activities for Phase One also include the following:

• A draft outline of the TTA tools that will be implemented in Phase Two.

• An updated Project Performance Evaluation Plan, as needed.

• An engagement plan for integrating territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations into TTA efforts.

◦ The plan should document the unique needs of territories, direct-funded tribes and tribal organizations, eligible entities, and state associations within the network.

• A dissemination plan for presenting and socializing the tools with the CSBG network. Socializing tools should happen through:

◦ Presentations.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17

◦ Conferences.

◦ Webcasts.

◦ Outreach campaigns.

◦ Small group TTA sessions.

Phase Two (remainder of project period):

Implementation and evaluation During Phase Two, you will provide TTA as noted in your work plan. You will also develop, refine, and disseminate TTA tools and resources for the entire CSBG network that focus on administering CSBG, including activities such as:

• Webinars.

• Training modules.

• Podcasts.

• Presentations.

• Toolkits.

• Other learning tools.

TTA tools and resources must incorporate practices and policies focused on ensuring the effective and efficient administration of CSBG programming, as well as responsive services and positive outcomes in the areas of administrative and regulatory compliance, implementation of critical program elements, and overall program administration.

The tools will be distributed among the CSBG network using per the dissemination plan, and then housed in a resource library, as specified by OCS.

Semi-annual and final reports Throughout Phase Two, you must continue to engage in:

• Ongoing program performance evaluation to inform semi-annual Performance Progress Reports (PPR).

• A final PPR to be delivered to OCS.

In the semi-annual and final reports, you must provide qualitative and quantitative data that reflects the focus areas and data points noted in the Project Performance Evaluation Plan.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

In the final report, you must discuss:

• Outcomes based on activities defined in the work plan.

• How the effectiveness of the TTA tools and resources created were measured and evaluated.

• The development of a body of knowledge, lessons learned, and promising practices.

◦ How they can be replicated for future TTA deployments.

• How the project will promote community-wide, transformative, and sustainable changes beyond the project period.

During this phase, you must also work closely with OCS staff to refine the work plan, logic model, Project Performance Evaluation Plan, and dissemination plan, as needed.

Activities for Phase Two include the following:

• Revised engagement plan, as needed.

• Sustainability Plan describing how TTA resources will outlive the award and can be adapted for future use by OCS and the CSBG network.

• Creation of defined TTA tools.

• Assessment on the return of investment.

CSBG TTA needs assessment survey In FY22, OCS invited CSBG recipients to complete the online CSBG TTA Needs Assessment Survey. The survey’s goals were to inform and strengthen OCS-funded TTA to ensure that OCS is meeting the TTA needs of the CSBG network.

The survey results continue to help inform OCS’ TTA Learning Agenda for CSBG discretionary awards and contracts, including this cooperative agreement. OCS published the results of the survey in the CSBG Needs Assessment Dashboard (FY22).

You should use the TTA Needs Assessment Survey and the dashboard to drive decisions.

You should also model future survey materials using the original survey questions to continue your data analysis.

American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey data Since 2015, OCS has used American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) data, collected through surveys of eligible entities and CSBG grant recipients, to understand how public-facing activities affect the satisfaction of different target populations.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions

You will be expected to use recent ACSI data to inform your work, analyzing feedback for:

• Linkages.

• Training and technical assistance.

• Communication.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) SMEs can serve an essential role in accomplishing the major objectives outlined in this NOFO by providing knowledge, technical expertise, analysis, and innovative recommendations that lead to successful outcomes to meet the TTA needs of the CSBG network. The award recipient must engage with individuals or organizations with demonstrated experience in providing guidance on administrative, fiscal, and program operations impacting the CSBG network and the administration of CSBG programs.

OCS response to nationally declared emergency If there is a nationally declared emergency during your project period, both you and OCS will remain flexible and adjust program or cooperative agreement requirements as needed.

OCS may decide to allow requirements to be met virtually and may adjust timelines.

Cooperative agreement— Description of ACF’s involvement OCS will have substantial involvement directly with the award recipient. The responsibility for the management, control, direction, and performance of the project will be shared by OCS and the award recipient. OCS will have the right to intervene (including interruption or modification) in the conduct or performance of project activities if the award recipient does not adhere to the goals, objectives, and requirements as outlined in this NOFO and the signed cooperative agreement. OCS and the award recipient will collaborate on all activities involving the design and direction of TTA products, training, or any other activities.

OCS program involvement will include:

• Providing program guidance and input, as appropriate.

• Approving all work plans and schedules.

• Reviewing and providing feedback on the activities, documentation, procedures, measures, and tools established throughout the project period.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20

• Reviewing, providing feedback, and agreeing with activities, procedures, tools, measures, products, and written materials prior to external communication and dissemination.

◦ This will happen on an ongoing basis.

• Reviewing or participating in TTA activities, including webinars and one-on-one trainings.

Funding policies and limitations Changes in HHS regulations As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in 2 CFR 300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

General policies

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period 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 we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, you may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

◦ Any efforts that promote a “discriminatory equity ideology.”

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, ACF will also not allow funds awarded under this NOFO to support any services or activities that inculcate or promote gender ideology.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR part 200.

Program-specific limitations and policies We do not allow the following costs under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO):

• Construction.

• Purchase of real property.

• Major renovation.

• Pre-award.

Indirect costs Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

Subawards As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 22 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332

Salary rate limitation The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive Level II.

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACF grant or cooperative agreement.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 23 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 25

Get registered 26

Learn more 26

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it at this NOFO’s Grants.gov opportunity page. Then select the Package tab.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 25 https://www.grants.gov/support

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. 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.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations [PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

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

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

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.

Learn more Visit Applying for an ACF Grant Award on the ACF Grants page.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 26 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 28

Application contents and format 30

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply. You will find the forms in Grants.gov.

File one: Narratives Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Component Included in page limit?

Table of contents Yes

Project summary Yes

Project narrative Yes

Line-item budget and budget narrative Yes

File two: Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments form.

Component Included in page limit?

ACF priorities alignment attestation No

Indirect cost agreement Yes

Legal proof of nonprofit status Yes

Legal proof of for-profit status Yes

Legal proof of small businesses Yes

Additional eligibility documentation No

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart) Yes

Third-party agreements Yes

Step 3: Build Your Application 28

Standard forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Component Included in page limit?

Project Abstract Summary 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

Key Contacts No

Grants.gov Lobbying form No

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) (SF-P/PSL) No

Step 3: Build Your Application 29

Application contents and format You will submit two files plus the standard forms in the application package.

Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application.

Required format Page limit for file one and file two combined: 75 pages

File format: Portable Document Format (PDF) is recommended, but not required. ACF supports the following file formats when you attach files to the Project Narrative Attachment form and the Other Attachments form:

Accepted file formats

• Adobe PDF (.pdf)

• Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)

• Image formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)

Document formats Paper size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches Margins: 1 inch all around Language: English

If possible, include page numbers.

Do not include external links to information you want reviewers to assess because reviewers will score the application solely on information provided in the application.

Fonts Font: Times New Roman Color: Black Size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in tables and graphics may be 10-point.

Step 3: Build Your Application 30

Spacing Table of contents: Must be single-spaced Project summary: Must be single-spaced Project narrative: Must be double-spaced Objectives: Can be single-spaced Expected Outcomes: Can be single-spaced Approach: Can be single-spaced Project Timeline and Milestones: Can be single-spaced Logic Model: Can be single-spaced Program Performance Evaluation Plan: Can be single-spaced Plan for Oversight of Federal Award Funds and Activities: Can be single-spaced Line-item budget and budget narrative: Can be single-spaced Attachments: Can be single-spaced

Tables and footnotes throughout: Can be single-spaced

See disqualifying factors to understand what may disqualify your application from consideration.

See intergovernmental review to find out if you need to make any other submissions.

File one: Narratives To submit file one, you will use the Project Narrative Attachment form found in the Grants.gov application package for this NOFO.

This file includes:

• Table of contents.

• Project summary, one page.

• Project narrative.

• Line-item budget and budget narrative.

Table of contents At the beginning of file one, insert a table of contents that guides a reader through the contents of both files in your application. If possible, include links to the relevant content in file one.

Project summary Provide a one-page summary of the project description. Do not cross-reference to other parts of your application. The summary must include:

• At the top, the project title, applicant name, address, phone numbers, email addresses, and any website URL.

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

• A brief description of the project, including the needs and population you will address, your proposed services or research questions.

Project narrative The project narrative is where you address all your proposed activities. It is a critical section of your application, which we evaluate using merit review criteria and rank based on application scores.

Remember that substance and measurable outcomes are more important than length.

We are particularly interested in project narratives that convey strategies for achieving intended performance.

In it, you must:

• Explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in the program description section.

• Make sure your narrative is clear, concise, and complete.

• Use cross-referencing rather than repetition.

• Be sure to include any required supporting documents noted. You generally provide these in your attachments.

• Use the headings and order of the sections that follow.

Purpose and need

Objectives

State your main objectives and any sub-objectives. Address how the objectives stated relate to the overall purpose of this program and describe how you will achieve the objectives.

Specifically:

• Clearly describe how the goals and objectives of proposed project activities will advance the capacity for knowledge, program implementation, and compliance across the CSBG network.

Response

Approach

Outline your action plan. Describe the scope of your proposed project and describe in detail how you will accomplish it. Account for all functions or activities you identify in your application.

Explain potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing your project goals. Explain the strategies you will use to address them.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

Your plan must:

• Present a well-conceived overall approach to the project.

• Describe how the project will follow the phases, including a strategy for achieving the project goals within the 36‑month period, and provide a clear plan for developing the required activities and milestones associated with those phases.

• Include details demonstrating that the project will be implemented effectively and will achieve the objectives.

• Clearly identify how the proposed project will support and promote TTA efforts within the CSBG network.

◦ It must include an engagement plan to integrate territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations into TTA efforts.

• Focus on assessment, planning, the development and implementation of TTA strategies and follow-up.

• Present a clear description of how the created TTA tools and resources will develop a body of knowledge that can be replicated and implemented across the CSBG network.

• Describe the factors that could accelerate or hinder project implementation and explain how these factors would be managed.

• Include a description of the anticipated processes and procedures to implement training and education relevant to the CSBG network.

• Include a description of how you will develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engage SMEs to meet the administrative, fiscal, and program operations TTA needs.

• Clearly describe how the proposed strategic partnerships and SMEs will help ensure high quality, tailored TTA that address the major objectives.

◦ Describe how proposed partners will contribute to the goals and objectives of the project.

Project timeline and milestones

Provide a timeline for your project that includes milestones. To do so:

• Organize the information by task and subtask, showing related milestones.

• Provide monthly or quarterly quantitative projections for tasks you plan to complete and by when. For example, provide the number of people you plan to serve or the number of a certain activity you plan to complete by a specific date.

• Provide target dates for activities you can’t quantify.

• Cover the full period of performance in your timeline.

Step 3: Build Your Application 33

Logic model

You must submit a logic model for designing, managing, and evaluating the project. A logic model is a diagram that:

• Presents how inputs drive activities to produce outputs, outcomes, and the ultimate goals of the proposed project.

• Explains the links among project elements.

• Targets the identified objectives and goals of the project.

While there are many versions of logic models, for the purposes of this funding opportunity, the logic model may include the connections between:

• Inputs such as additional resources, organizational profile, collaborative partners, key staff, and budget.

• Target population, such as the individuals to be served or identified needs.

• Activities, mechanisms, and processes such as evidence-based practices, best practices, approach, key intervention and evaluation components, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

• Outputs, which include the immediate and direct results of program activities.

• Outcomes, which include the short- and long-term results you expect the project to achieve. These are typically described as changes in people or systems.

• Project goals, such as overarching objectives and reasons for proposing the project.

Impact

Project performance evaluation plan

Describe how you will evaluate your project’s performance and how it will contribute to continuous quality improvement. This plan must describe:

• How you will monitor ongoing activities and progress toward the project’s goals and objectives.

• The inputs, key activities, and expected outcomes of the funded activities. Inputs might include your collaborative partners, key staff, budget, service processes, or other resources.

• How you will measure the inputs, activities, and outcomes.

• How you will use the resulting information to improve your funded activities.

• Any processes that support overall data quality.

• The organizational systems and processes you will use to track performance outcomes.

Step 3: Build Your Application 34

• How your organization will collect and manage data in a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting of performance outcomes. This might include assigned skilled staff, data management software, and data integrity.

• Any potential obstacles to implementing the project performance evaluation and how you will address them.

• A timeline for how you will review information from the performance evaluation and apply it to your ongoing project.

Specifically:

• Demonstrate innovative approaches to TTA delivery and implementation and highlight proven methods for identifying emerging trends in economic support services that can modernize the CSBG network across all levels.

• Describe a plan for a program performance evaluation that will contribute to continuous quality improvement and will be used to monitor ongoing activities and the progress towards the goals and objectives of the project.

• Clearly identify how the proposed project will promote TTA efforts within the CSBG network and produce desired outcomes.

• Clearly present a plan for developing resources that reduces opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse.

Expected outcomes

Identify the outcomes you plan to achieve from the project. Outcomes should relate to the overall program as described in the program description section. If research is part of the proposed work, outcomes must include hypothesized results and implications of the proposed research.

Resources and capabilities

Organizational capacity

Provide the following information for your full project team, including the applicant organization and any cooperating partners, contractors, and subrecipients:

• Provide evidence that your team has the relevant experience and expertise needed to carry out your project.

• Describe your team’s experience (including any partnering organizations) with administering, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.

• Provide evidence that your team, including partnering organizations, has the organizational capability to fulfill their roles and functions effectively.

• You must disclose your plan to enter into subaward agreements. If planning subawards, describe the work each subrecipient will complete.

Step 3: Build Your Application 35

• Organizational Charts

• Resumes.

• Provide some supporting information in the organizational capacity supporting information section of your attachments.

Plan for oversight of federal award funds and activities

You must ensure proper award oversight. The regulation that governs this oversight is 2 CFR part 200. It includes standards for:

• Financial and program management.

• Property management.

• Procurement.

• Performance and financial monitoring and reporting.

• Subrecipient monitoring and management.

• Record retention and access.

• Remedies for noncompliance.

• Prior written approval.

Describe your framework to make sure that your federal funds and activities have proper oversight. Include:

• A description of the governance, policies and procedures, and systems you use for record-keeping and financial management.

• A description of the procedures you use to identify and mitigate risks and issues.

These might include audit findings, continuous performance assessment findings, and monitoring.

• The key staff who will be responsible for maintaining oversight of program staff and any partners or subrecipients.

Protection of sensitive or confidential information

Describe how you will collect and safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other information that is considered sensitive. Make sure your approach is consistent with applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality. Provide:

• The methods and systems you will use to make sure that you properly handle confidential and sensitive information, including information from any subrecipients or contractors.

• A plan for the disposition of such information at the end of the period of performance.

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