hhs-2026-acl-aoa-omrc-0128_rev2.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Administration on Aging

Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-OMRC-0128

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16

Find the application package 17

Get registered 17

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

Application checklist 20

Application contents and format 21

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 32

Application review 33

Award notices 35

Step 5: Submit Your Application 36

Application submission and deadlines 37

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 38

Post-award requirements and administration 39

Contacts and Support 41

Before you begin 3

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 Wednesday, July 29, 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

Program description 10

Basic information Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Administration on Aging

Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides targeted expert technical assistance and training for State Long-Term

Care Ombudsman programs nationwide.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

National Long-Term Care

Ombudsman Resource

Center

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-

OMRC-0128

Federal assistance listing:

93.048

Cost sharing: 25%

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

July 29, 2026

Expected award date:

September 30, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

Summary ACL prioritizes protecting rights and preventing abuse, which are essential to dignity and independence. Every person, regardless of age or disability, should be able to live safely and free from harm. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (Center) contributes to this priority by assisting State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in the implementation of credible and effective State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs by:

• Enhancing the skills, knowledge, and management capacity of LTC Ombudsman programs to effectively respond to residents’ complaints and represent their interests on both an individual and systemic level.

• Strengthening the Ombudsman program by highlighting innovative, effective approaches for providing Ombudsman program services to long-term care facility residents, regardless of age.

• Supporting cross-training with protection and advocacy systems on common and complementary goals.

• Encouraging collaboration among federal, state, and community partners to improve prevention and accountability.

• Analyzing data and research related to the rights and safety of residents of long-term care facilities and the Ombudsman role in addressing systemic risks.

The Center achieves this by supporting the aging and disability network to effectively implement the Ombudsman program nationwide. The Center will host an annual State

Long-Term Care Ombudsman conference, provide orientation and enhanced technical assistance for new State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, provide a regular schedule of facilitated technical assistance for Ombudsman program representatives, and manage a website to include resources for program representatives (e.g., frequently asked

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 questions and tips for data reporting, on-demand training, tips for complaint-handling).

The Center should have the capability to analyze laws, regulations, programs, and practices and provide assistance in recruiting and retaining volunteers for State Long-

Term Care Ombudsman programs.

The Center facilitates peer-to-peer exchange, ensures fidelity and compliance to the

Older Americans Act, assesses training and technical assistance needs, and collaborates with other elder justice resource centers to share knowledge and skills related to long-term care and advocacy for residents.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $1,549,221

Expected total program funding per budget period: $516,407

Total expected awards: One

Funding range per applicant per budget period: $516,407

We plan to fund awards in three 12-month budget periods for a three-year period of performance from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2029.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• Domestic public or private non-profit entities including.

• State and local governments.

• Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/

Native American).

• Faith-based organizations.

• Community-based organizations.

• Hospitals.

• Institutions of higher education.

Other eligibility criteria

• Demonstrated capability of providing leadership, training, and technical assistance to the nationwide LTC Ombudsman network.

• Demonstrated experience working with state and local LTC Ombudsman programs, state aging agencies, and other aging service provider organizations.

• Demonstrated capacity to deliver value-added technical assistance to individual ACL

LTC Ombudsman grantees.

• Project director for this project who is a national leader in the area of long-term care consumer advocacy and will work full-time on the cooperative agreement.

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

We won’t consider an application that:

• Is submitted after the deadline.

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

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

• Does not meet the “Other eligibility criteria”

• Does not comply with the required format for project and budget narratives.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

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.

Cost sharing

25% cost sharing requirement

This program requires you to contribute 25% of the project’s total cost. You can calculate this cost-sharing requirement in two ways:

• Method 1: Start with the federal share.

Calculation: Divide the federal share by 3.

For example: $90,000 / 3 = $30,000.

• Method 2: Start with the total project cost.

Calculation: Multiply the total project cost by 25%.

For example: $120,000 x 25% = $30,000.

Types of cost sharing

You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization, partners, or other third parties.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from partners or other third parties.

Cost-sharing commitments

If awarded, you must provide the amount of cost-sharing funds you promised, even if you promised more than the required minimum. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may decrease the amount of funding we give you or use other enforcement actions.

You’ll have to include your cost-sharing funds when you fill out your federal financial reports.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

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 42 U.S.C. §3012

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section3012&num=0&edition=prelim

Program description State long-term care Ombudsman program One of ACL’s priorities is to protect rights and prevent abuse. ACL’s leadership affirms that every person, regardless of age or disability, should be able to live safely and free from harm. Therefore, ACL will strengthen systems that safeguard the rights of older adults and people with disabilities; expand elder justice initiatives that prevent, detect, and respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation; enhance collaboration among federal state, and community partners to improve prevention and accountability; and invest in data and research to understand and address systemic risks to individual rights and safety.

States’ Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs are key contributors to ACL’s priorities. They work to resolve problems related to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals who live in LTC facilities, such as nursing homes, board and care and assisted living facilities, and other residential care communities. Ombudsman programs promote policies and consumer protections to improve long-term services and supports at the facility, local, state, and national levels. Begun in 1972 as a demonstration program, today the Ombudsman program operates in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, under the authorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Each state has an Office of the State LTC Ombudsman, headed by a full-time State LTC

Ombudsman who directs the program statewide. Ombudsmen designate staff and thousands of volunteers as representatives to directly serve residents.The OAA requires

Ombudsman programs to:

• Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

• Provide information to residents about Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).

• Ensure that residents have regular and timely access to ombudsman services.

• Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative. legal, and other remedies to protect residents.

• Analyze, comment on, and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents.

Cooperative agreement terms Cooperative agreements require substantial ACL project involvement after an award is made. There are specific roles for both you and ACL.

Your responsibilities

1. Fulfill all requirements of the grant as outlined in this program announcement, and carry out project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

2. The Principal Investigator/ Project Director (PI/PD) must attend all regularly scheduled calls and communicate with the AoA Project Officer monthly, or other agreed-upon times, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

3. Comply with all other reporting requirements, as outlined in Section VI (Award

Administration Information) of this Funding Opportunity and the Notice of Award.

4. If sub-awarding, the grantee is expected to use a transparent and open process for soliciting, reviewing, selecting, and making required sub-awards to organizations.

Applicants should describe how the process will be designed, administered, and monitored.

5. Include the following disclaimers on all products produced using this grant funding:

• HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that is NOT funded with other non-governmental sources:

◦ “This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the

Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with

100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/

HHS or the U.S. Government.”

• HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement that IS partially funded with other nongovernmental sources:

◦ “This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the

Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with

XX percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/

HHS, or the U.S. Government.

6. Respond to ACL requests promptly.

7. Funds may not be used to market and self-promote the Resource Center’s success.

8. The Center will disseminate through the Center’s website all final training modules, toolkits, etc. and other products designed for state Ombudsmen and representatives of the Office, both paid and volunteer.

9. The Center will develop and maintain the content for the Center’s webpages. The website will provide information for the public about the LTC Ombudsman program and include both state and local contact information for LTC Ombudsman programs.

10. The Center will provide ACL a period of two weeks prior to their release and/or publication, to review and comment upon all materials, reports, documents, etc.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 produced by the Center with funds provided through this award. The Center will provide electronic copies of all document drafts and its semi-annual and final reports to facilitate ACL review. Grantee will be required to submit and upload documentation to the notes section of Grant Solutions, the electronic ACL grants system.

Our responsibilities

1. Perform day-to-day Federal responsibilities of managing a Cooperative Agreement and work with the grantee to ensure that minimum grant requirements are met.

2. ACL will work cooperatively in the development and execution of the activities of the Center.

3. ACL will work with the Center to address any concerns identified by the Center and to review the Center proposed work plan for each year of the project. Any changes in the final work plan will require agreement of both parties.

4. ACL will assist the Center to understand the policy concerns and/or priorities of the

Administrator for the Administration for Community Living by conducting periodic briefings and by providing ongoing consultation.

5. ACL will also share with the Center information about other federally supported projects and activities relevant to the Center’s scope of work and ensure there is no duplication of effort with other ACL funded activities.

6. ACL will provide data and reports from the National Ombudsman Reporting System to assist the Center in identifying trends and inform technical assistance and training.

ACL will meet with the Center Director monthly, or at such other times as are required, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under the Agreement.

Managing disagreements

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as it stays within the original confines of the proposed project description. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the

Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

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.

Policies

All activities proposed in your application and budget narrative must align with applicable law, including but not limited to statutes, executive orders, federal regulations, and applicable judicial holdings. Accordingly, discretionary awards shall not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate: racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans, or the belief that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety.

If an application does not align, the application will not receive funding to the extent permitted by law and applicable court orders.

• 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.

• 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.

• Under this NOFO, you can’t continue existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

• Meals are allowed only in limited circumstances linked to program activities, like during travel or when approved in advance by ACL. See Allowable Costs and

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

Activities, Exhibit 4: Selected Items of Cost, Meals in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• There are restrictions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. See 2 CFR 200.216 to make sure this does not apply to any proposed equipment in your application.

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments.

• 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 200.420.

Program-specific limitations and policies

Pre-award costs are allowable with prior approval of ACL.

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).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 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

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

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 ACL 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 15 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 17

Get registered 17

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can search for it at

Grants.gov using opportunity number HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-OMRC-0128. 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.

You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on ACL’s website.

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.

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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.grants.gov/support 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

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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 18 https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 20

Application contents and format 21

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

Grants.gov.

Narratives

Item Grants.gov form Page limit

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form. 20 pages

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form. None

Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments Form.

Item Page limit

Indirect cost agreement None

Commitment letters None

Proof of nonprofit status None

Resumes and job descriptions None

Organizational chart None

Other required forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Item Page limit

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

Application contents and format This section includes guidance on each component found in the application checklist.

Application page limit: 20 pages

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using

U.S. dollars.

Required format Required format for project and budget narratives.

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF

Size: 11-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for project narrative main content: Double-spaced

Spacing for budget narrative: As needed

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

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Project narrative Page limit: 20

The project narrative is the most important part of the application. We use it as the primary basis to decide whether your project meets the statutory requirements and to review its merit. The project narrative should give a clear and concise description of your project.

Be sure to cite all your sources. Merit reviewers may lower your score if you do not.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 21

Project summary

Provide a brief project summary of no more than 265 words. Write it for the general public. You will need to include:

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

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

• Overall approach: General overview of what you will do.

• Outcomes: These are the measurable results of a project. Include expected changes among those served, such as clients, systems, organizations, and communities.

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

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

• Duration: The anticipated start and end dates of the period of performance.

Project relevance and current need

Problem statement

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem or issue (e.g., challenges faced by State LTC Ombudsman programs, the need to enhance collaboration and strengthen systems that safeguard the rights of older adults and people with disabilities), the proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project will potentially affect older adults and /or people with disabilities, their families and caregivers and the health care and social services systems.

Goals and objectives

Provide SMART goals and specific objectives aligned with the award’s purpose as outlined above. The examples below are for illustration only:

1. At least 60% of Ombudsman programs with complaint resolution rates below the national average will increase the rate of resolution year over year.

2. 100% of State Ombudsmen or designees will receive annual training for completion of the National Ombudsman Reporting System report.

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

• A problem statement including the nature and scope of issues to be addressed (e.g., challenges faced by State Ombudsman programs, the need to enhance collaboration and strengthen systems that safeguard the rights of older adults and people with disabilities).

(3 pts)

• Impact on older adults and/or people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and the healthcare and social service systems. (2 pts)

• Goals and objectives aligned with the purpose of the opportunity with measurable targets. (5 pts)

10 points

Approach

Proposed intervention

This section should clearly and concisely describe:

1. Proposed interventions to address the problem described in the

“Problem Statement.”

2. The rationale for using the intervention, including factors such as lessons learned from similar projects, factors that have created the right conditions for the intervention.

3. Major barriers anticipated, and how the Center will be able to overcome those barriers.

4. The role and makeup of any strategic partnerships the applicant plans to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

Project management

This section should explain the applicant’s organizational structure, staffing, and expertise to manage the Center. The narrative should include:

1. Delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes.

2. Who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as leadership of project, monitoring the project’s on-going progress toward the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities, preparation of reports, communication with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Step 3: Build Your Application 23

Work plan

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

To create your work plan:

• Use the Project Work Plan Sample Template on our website.

• Include the project’s overall goal, expected outcomes, key objectives, and the major action steps needed to achieve them.

• For each major action step, include start and end dates and the lead responsible person.

For each project year, include:

1. A conference for State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen with optional participation by state-level staff.

2. Technical assistance activities and delivery methods for target population(s).

3. Resources developed (must be Section 508-compliant), dissemination, and events, incorporating where feasible ACL’s strategic priorities including, but not limited to, protecting rights and preventing abuse.

4. Website maintenance and analytics, incorporating information that connects people to services in keeping with ACL’s strategic priorities.

5. Evaluation processes.

6. Reporting (responsiveness to ACL requirements).

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

1. Clearly defined intervention that reflects a coherent and feasible approach for successfully addressing identified problems and achieving the identified outcome. (5 pts)

2. Consideration of barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact the project’s success. (2 pts)

3. Optimized use of potential partnerships with other organizations and/or consumer groups, as appropriate, especially to engage elder justice partners involved in advocacy to respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. (2 pts)

4. Clear, comprehensive work plan and sensible and feasible timeframes for the accomplishment of tasks presented. (8 pts)

5. Specific objectives and tasks that are linked to measurable outcomes. (2 pts)

6. A clear and coherent management plan including roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partners linked to specific objectives and tasks. (2 pts)

37 points

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 24 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK https://acl.gov/about-acl

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

7. Qualifications of staff, consultants, and/or partners, with proposed effort that is adequate for carrying out the project. (4 pts)

8. The role and makeup of any strategic partnerships the applicant plans to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups. (2 pts)

9. Identification of who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as leadership of project, monitoring the project’s on-going progress toward the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for specific intervention/activities, preparation of reports, communication with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives. (3 pts)

10. For each project year:

◦ State Ombudsman conference. (2 pts)

◦ Technical assistance activities and delivery methods for target population(s). (2 pts)

◦ Resources developed (must be Section 508-compliant), dissemination, and events incorporating where feasible ACL’s strategic priorities including, but not limited to, protecting rights and preventing abuse. (1 pt)

◦ Website maintenance and use of analytics incorporating information that connects people to services in keeping with ACL’s strategic priorities. (1 pt)

◦ Evaluation processes (1 pt)

Project impact

Special target populations and organizations

The Center’s work with LTC Ombudsman programs aims to improve the quality of care and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities receiving long-term care, primarily receiving care and services in long-term care facilities. This may include families and caregivers who represent long-term care facility residents.

The Center’s work will impact this population through its support of:

1. 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program grantees and their local representatives.

2. Aging network partners including State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and local service providers. Throughout the rest of the announcement, the term

“network” will be used to reference the above defined population.

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

The application must include:

• How the applicant plans to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed Center projects.

• Challenges in achieving impact for the target population, as defined in Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description, and your plan to address those challenges.

• How you will identify and prioritize resources, training, and technical assistance to

Ombudsman programs to achieve outcomes for the target population, with priorities relating to applicable ACL strategic priorities.

Outcomes

This section of the narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcomes that will result from the Center’s work. List and describe expected outcomes that match measurable outcomes in the Work Plan and address the goals of this NOFO. Outcomes are the observable end results that describe, for example, how an intervention benefits consumers.

Defined specific, measurable outcomes should include at a minimum:

• Demonstrated impact of technical assistance and training on grantee performance.

• Utilization rates and measurable impact of resources.

• Evidence of continuous evaluation activities.

A measurable outcome reflects a change or result. Counting activities or services delivered shows outputs not outcomes. ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes. Reviewers will score applications on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited.

Evaluation

In this section, describe:

• The techniques and tools you will use to evaluate the effectiveness of activities through measurable outcomes.

• How you will measure reach and participation.

• How you will document lessons learned – both positive and negative - and how that will influence technical assistance and training provided.

Dissemination

This section should:

• Describe the method that will be used to disseminate results in a timely manner in easily understood formats, consistent with the work plan and budget justification.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

• Ensure the materials created are easy to understand and accessible to target populations in compliance with Section 508.

• Describe how results will reach intended users, including the partnerships and outreach channels you will use.

• Identify the method to publicize your role and resources available to raise awareness of the Center nationwide.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

1. How the applicant plans to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed Center projects. (1 pt)

2. Challenges in achieving impact for the target population and a plan to address those challenges. (1 pt)

3. How the applicant will identify and prioritize resources, training, and technical assistance to Ombudsman programs to achieve outcomes for the target population with priorities relating to applicable ACL strategic priorities. (3 pts)

4. Expected results clear, realistic, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the project. (3 pts)

5. Anticipated outcomes likely to be achieved and will significantly benefit the populations affected by the intervention, and the network as a whole. (2 pts)

6. Proposed outcomes quantifiable and measurable, consistent with the definition of a project outcome contained in the NOFO. (2 pts)

7. Project evaluation that reflects a thoughtful and well-designed approach that will be able to successfully measure whether the activity achieved its proposed outcome(s). (2 pts)

8. Qualitative and/or quantitative methods necessary to reliably measure outcomes. (2 pts)

9. Evaluation designed to capture lessons learned from the overall effort that might be of use to others in the aging and disability network. (2 pts)

10. Evidence of lessons learned – both positive and negative – and how that will influence technical assistance and training provided to Ombudsman programs. (3 pts)

11. A description of the method that will be used to disseminate results in a timely manner in easily understood formats, consistent with the work plan and budget justification. (3 pts)

12. A plan to ensure the materials created are easy to understand and accessible to target populations in compliance with Section 508. (2 pts)

13. How results will reach intended users, including the partnerships and outreach channels the applicant will use. (3 pts)

14. Method to publicize their role and resources available to raise awareness of the Center nationwide. (2 pts)

31 points

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Capability and expertise

Organizational capability

1. Clear description of the organization, the nature and scope of work, and capability to implement the Center for national impact.

2. Demonstration of the applicant’s ability to handle high-volume tasks such as call coordination, follow-through, and capacity to rapidly respond to Ombudsman program requests.

3. Include an organizational chart as an appendix to the application.

4. Provide information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role in implementing the project and achieving project goals.

Experience of the project team

Describe the qualifications of the Project Director and key personnel who will have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as website updates, previous experience managing nationally scoped technical assistance for the network and providing targeted technical assistance with knowledge of the Older Americans Act Title VII program requirements. Resumes will be included as attachments.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

1. A clear description of the organization, the nature and scope of work, and capability to implement the Center for national impact. (5 pts)

2. Evidence of the applicant’s ability to handle high-volume tasks such as call coordination, follow-through, and capacity to rapidly respond to Ombudsman program requests. (4 pts)

3. Qualifications of the Project Director and key personnel. (2 pts)

4. Evidence of the applicant’s previous experience managing nationally scoped technical assistance for the network and providing targeted technical assistance. (4 pts)

5. Evidence of the applicant’s knowledge of Title VII program requirements. (2 pts)

17 points

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Budget narrative Page limit: None

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form-424A.

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

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

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

When you develop your budget narrative:

• We encourage you to use the ACL Budget Narrative Sample Format [PDF]. This format shows the level of detail we are looking for in your application.

• Justify all the costs and show how you calculated them.

• You will need to create a budget narrative that shows all years combined along with separate, detailed budget narratives for each year.

Reviewers will assess your budget (SF-424A) and your budget narrative to score this section.

Table: Scoring criteria for budget and budget narrative

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Detail, cost justification, and alignment with the work plan. 5 points

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 29 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf

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

Indirect cost agreement

If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

Commitment letters

Include letters from any organization that will have a significant role in carrying out your project. The letter should explain their role and their commitment to the project.

Proof of nonprofit status

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

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

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

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

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

Resumes and job descriptions

For key personnel, attach resumes for positions that are filled. For positions that aren’t filled, attach the job descriptions with qualifications.

Organizational chart

Provide an organizational chart that shows titles of project personnel and where they fit in the organizational structure.

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Step 3: Build Your Application 30 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XI/subchapter-A/part-1108/subpart-B/section-1108.85

Other required forms You will need to complete some other forms in Grants.gov. You can find them in the

NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Form Submission requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Important: Public information

When filling out your SF-424 form, pay attention to Box 15: Descriptive Title of

Applicant’s Project.

We share what you put there with USAspending. This is where the public goes to learn how the federal government spends their money.

Instead of just a title, insert a short description of your project and what it will do.

See instructions and examples [PDF].

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 31 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 33

Award notices 35

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets the responsiveness requirements listed in the disqualifying factors section. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will disqualify it and we will not move it to the merit review

(scoring) phase.

We will not review any pages over the page limit.

Scoring process A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the merit review scoring criteria in the project narrative and budget narrative sections of this

NOFO. You can find the specific criteria in each section of the project narrative and in the budget narrative section.

Criteria summary

Heading Points

Project summary 0 points

Purpose and need 10 points

Response 37 points

Impact 31 points

Resources and capabilities (including budget narrative) 22 points

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will mismanage federal funds or fail to complete the project objectives. We need to make sure you’ve handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices.

We use SAM.gov Responsibility/Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. We also check Exclusions.

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

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 200.206.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 33 https://sam.gov/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

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

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

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

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

• Available funding.

We may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

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

• Choose to fund no applications under this funding opportunity.

The ACL administrator makes all final award decisions.

Funding preferencesfor alignment with agency priorities

Before we make final funding decisions, ACL leadership will review all potential awards.

They will check for:

• Adherence to applicable laws.

• Alignment to agency priorities (see Administration for Community Living’s (ACL)

Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities).

To the extent allowed by law and court orders, we will give a funding preference to applications that align with agency priorities.

Your application may receive this preference if it emphasizes activities that connect people to services and experience collaborating with federal, state, and/or community partners to improve abuse prevention and accountability .

Merit review criteria also include factors related to ACL’s priorities.

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Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 34

Award notices If your application is successful, we will email a Notice of Award (NoA) to your authorized official. We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. Until you receive the

NoA, you don’t have permission to start work.

See an example NoA on our website.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 35 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 37

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

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI…