HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-ET-0031.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Monday, August 24, 2026

Office of Community Services (OCS) Division of Community Assistance (DCA)

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management, Data Collection, and Compliance Support Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-ET-0031

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Agency priorities 8

Program description 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 22

Find the application package 23

Get registered 24

Learn more 24

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

Application checklist 26

Application contents and format 28

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 41

Application review 42

Award notices 49

Step 5: Submit Your Application 50

Application submission and deadlines 51

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 53

Post-award requirements and administration 54

Contacts and Support 56

Before you begin 3

Appendix A: Definitions 59

Modifications 63

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 6

Agency priorities 8

Program description 10

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Office of Community Services (OCS)

Division of Community Assistance (DCA)

Strengthening CSBG network capacity in data collection, reporting, and performance management to demonstrate outcomes and ensure accountability.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management, Data Collection, and Compliance Support

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-

ET-0031

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 Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is issuing a funding opportunity for one three-year cooperative agreement for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management, Data Collection, and Compliance Support.

This cooperative agreement will provide specialized training and technical assistance (TTA) to CSBG states, territories, tribes and eligible entities. It will transform data collection and performance management into tools for continuous improvement and impact.

The TTA emphasizes practical capacity building that enables the CSBG network to translate data into improvements.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $650,000

Total expected awards: 1

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $650,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $650,000

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 5

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.

Other eligibility criteria Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships), federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section9913&num=0&edition=prelim

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

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.

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.

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 7 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, and 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 8 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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Program description Overview 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 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 award recipients provide services directly to individuals and families. State and territory award 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.

Overarching priorities for OCS OCS-funded programs are administered by states, territories, and tribes to:

• Reduce the causes of poverty.

• Increase opportunity and economic security for individuals and families.

• Revitalize communities.

To achieve this vision, OCS has established several priorities to ensure that these goals are met across the CSBG network.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Top three goals The top three goals are outlined below. You must ensure that these priorities are considered throughout your planning and execution.

• Ensuring programs are of the highest quality possible and reach families and individuals with low incomes.

• Lifting voices from the field and using lessons learned to be thoughtful and innovative in our approach.

• Breaking down silos and implementing cross-cutting initiatives within OCS and ACF and across the federal government.

CSBG Alignment with 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 ACF’s priority: Promoting work and self-sufficiency. ACF 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 performance management, data collection and compliance support project description The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) operates under a strong Performance Management Framework with established annual reporting requirements.

However, the CSBG network needs to make better use of collected data to inform program services and support continuous improvement.

States, territories, tribes, and eligible entities experience differences in data systems, analytic expertise, capacity, and training needs. There is a critical need for training and technical assistance (TTA) that promotes the CSBG annual report and data analysis as a

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://acf.gov/a-home-for-every-child https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values 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 performance improvement tool and strategic asset, rather than just a compliance requirement.

Addressing these challenges through tailored TTA will help the CSBG network:

• Show return on investment to Congress and stakeholders.

• Identify which interventions produce the strongest poverty-reduction outcomes.

• Support evidence-based policy decisions about CSBG program design.

This NOFO will award one cooperative agreement to one organization with demonstrated capacity and expertise to provide comprehensive technical assistance in performance management activities to CSBG states, territories, tribes and eligible entities.

The cooperative agreement will address:

• Data collection and reporting.

• Outcome measurement.

• Approaches to remedy non-compliance issues resulting from monitoring visits.

This investment builds upon national infrastructure for CSBG performance excellence by:

• Supporting data quality.

• Strengthening outcome measurement capabilities.

• Contributing to the annual Report to Congress.

You will provide year-round, proactive support that emphasizes practical capacity-building, helping the CSBG network to translate data into actionable insights to inform and improve program outcomes.

This approach moves beyond reactive, compliance-focused assistance toward strategic, continuous improvement that shows measurable impact.

Program goals and objectives You will support performance management, data collection and reporting, as well as ongoing continuous improvement efforts. You will also be required to provide both planned and ad hoc high-quality, tailored TTA and consultation. This includes the development, implementation and dissemination of TTA resources and tools designed to address the goals and objectives below:

• Deliver tailored TTA to states, territories, and eligible entities to:

◦ Ensure adherence to CSBG performance standards.

◦ Improve data analysis.

◦ Improve capabilities to better measure outcomes.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

◦ Improve data quality and reporting capacity through the development of tools, templates, and guidance. This includes:

• Improving data verification.

• Aligning reporting with the CSBG Annual Report, including supporting information for the Report to Congress.

• Collaborate with federal partners to address emerging data needs. This includes:

◦ Developing resources that support performance management and outcome efforts across the CSBG network.

◦ Drafting the CSBG Report to Congress with compelling narratives supported by high-quality data.

• Post-Monitoring Compliance Support:

◦ Support post-monitoring compliance planning and implementation with CSBG award recipients by providing peer support for debriefing, developing templates, checklists, and draft policies and procedures to ensure accountability, efficiency, and improved service delivery.

◦ The goal is to help build capacity to prevent future non-compliance issues.

You will provide year-round support to CSBG award recipients to:

• Analyze trends.

• Adjust service delivery.

• Highlight the outcomes achieved to Congress and stakeholders.

• Identify which interventions produce the strongest poverty-reduction outcomes.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can serve an essential role in accomplishing the major objectives by providing knowledge, technical expertise, analysis, and new recommendations.

You must work with people or organizations that have proven experience following current national standards. These organizations should help communities improve:

• Economic mobility.

• Education.

• Workforce development.

• Transportation.

• Access to safe, stable housing.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Project timeline This opportunity has a 36-month project period that will be separated into two distinct phases.

Phase One (1 – 4 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.

• Timelines for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates, which are established at the discretion of the award recipient

• A clear plan for supporting award recipients and subrecipients through practices and policies that are responsive to organizational, fiscal, and governance challenges across the CSBG network.

• 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.

• 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 deliverables (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, deliverables for Phase One also include the following:

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

• An updated logic model.

• An updated Program 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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

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

◦ Presentations.

◦ 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 must also work closely with OCS staff to refine the work plan, logic model, proposed performance evaluation plan, and dissemination plan as needed.

You will also develop, refine, and disseminate TTA tools and resources for the entire CSBG network that focus on administering CSBG, including, but not limited to deliverables 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.

The tools will be distributed among the CSBG network 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 Program Performance Evaluation Plan.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

In the final report, you must discuss:

• Outcomes based on deliverables 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.

Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) measurable outcomes You will be required to track and measure the outcomes tied to TTA and other interventions.

Innovation in TTA offerings is expected, through processes such as Rapid-Cycle Learning (RCL) and change management. The impact of these offerings should be quantifiable and demonstrate a positive change in:

• Service delivery.

• Capacity building.

• Other critical knowledge areas.

You will need to implement outcome tracking and change measurement strategies.

These methods should compare against a common baseline and demonstrate the effectiveness of your work over the course of the project period.

You will be also required to track all technical assistance provided using the Office of Community Services Community Services Block Grant Training and Technical Assistance Tracking Form and submit quarterly reports. This strategic tool captures where targeted TTA is delivered within the CSBG network and details specific activities and focus areas.

See Appendix A for a list of definitions related to these and other requirements. All applicants are expected to be familiar with the given terms.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

CSBG TTA needs assessment survey In FY22, OCS invited the CSBG network 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 award recipients, to understand how public-facing activities affect the satisfaction of different target populations.

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

• Linkages.

• Training and technical assistance.

• Communication.

Strategic partnerships Strong strategic partnerships are essential to CSBG’s success because they respond to immediate community needs and help create long-term community change.

OCS encourages new, meaningful collaborations.

You are expected to invest in partnerships to support data-driven decision-making and infrastructure. Using these, you will be expected to:

• Strengthen service delivery.

• Improve reporting and compliance.

• Reduce potential instances of fraud, waste, and abuse.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6080697eb930441c9b025c423c51e6f9?dlg=Instructions

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 deliverables.

OCS program involvement may 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.

• 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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

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 or show preference 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.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72

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 costs.

• Proposal costs of the current accounting period of both successful and unsuccessful bids and proposals normally should be treated as indirect (F&A) costs and allocated currently to all activities of the non-Federal entity. No proposal costs of past accounting periods will be allocable to the current period. (45 CFR § 200.460)

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 20 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.

Program income If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 23

Get registered 24

Learn more 24

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 23 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 24 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 26

Application contents and format 28

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 26

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 27

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.

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

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 28

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 Dissemination plan: 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.

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 29

• 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.

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.

Your plan must:

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

• Achieve the goals.

• Identify how the proposed project will support and promote TTA efforts across the CSBG network.

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

• Describe the factors that could speed up or slow down project implementation.

◦ Explain how these factors would be managed.

• Include a strategy for delivering proactive, year-round TTA that moves the CSBG network from beyond compliance-focused support to continuous capacity-building assistance.

• Describe how you will account for differences in data systems, analytic expertise, capacity, and training across states, territories as well as tribes and tribal organizations.

• Explain your methodology for helping the network translate collected data into actionable insights that inform service delivery improvements and show return on investment to Congress and stakeholders.

• Describe anticipated processes and procedures to implement training and education on performance standards, data collection best practices, data verification, and data analysis.

• Detail how you will develop tools, templates, and guidance that improve data quality and reporting capacity aligned with the CSBG Annual Report and Report to Congress.

◦ This includes promoting data analysis as a performance improvement tool rather than solely a compliance requirement.

• Include a strategy for supporting states in developing compliance plans following OCS-led monitoring visits.

• Describe how you will provide peer-to-peer learning opportunities, ready-to-use templates and tools, and guidance that helps states address identified issues and build capacity to prevent similar problems in future monitoring cycles.

• Describe how you will collaborate with OCS and other federal partners to:

◦ Address emerging data needs.

◦ Develop resources that support performance management and outcome measurement efforts.

◦ Ensure your TTA model remains responsive and field-informed.

◦ Ensure your TTA model adapts to emerging priorities and promotes continuous improvement.

Bonus: Addressing A Home for Every Child Initiative

• Describe how the proposed project supports or advances ACF’s A Home for Every Child Initiative.

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

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.

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• Organizational charts.

• Resumes.

• Copy or description of the applicant organization’s personnel policies.

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• Information on compliance with federal/state/local government standards.

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

Additionally:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of each SME and the activities that you and SMEs will undertake in implementing the proposed project.

• Provide strong evidence of organizational capacity and prior experience in successfully completing similar projects, including work with low-income communities and implementing and evaluating emerging practices.

• Document the roles, responsibilities, and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors, and partners for each key project activity.

• You must ensure these are well-defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of your project with respect to the target population.

• Provide strong evidence of the level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the proposed primary staff members.

• Document how their specific qualifications and level of expertise will support project success.

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.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 34 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-D

• 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.

For more information, see 2 CFR 200.303(e).

Line-item budget and budget narrative The line-item budget and budget justification support the information you provide in the Budget Information Standard Form SF-424A.

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

Justify the costs you ask for and provide detail, including calculations for the “object class categories” in the Budget Information Standard Form. You will provide this information for each year of the period of performance. See information on funding periods.

As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are necessary, reasonable, allocable, and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• How you calculate your costs in ways that are clear and repeatable.

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

Please also review the Standard Form instructions.

To create your line-item budget and justification, see detailed budget instructions on our website.

1. Review 2.