hhs-2026-acl-aod-dduc-0022 v1.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-AOD-DDUC-0022

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 11

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17

Find the application package 18

Get registered 19

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

Application checklist 21

Application contents and format 22

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31

Application review 32

Award notices 34

Step 5: Submit Your Application 35

Application submission and deadlines 36

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 37

Post-award requirements and administration 38

Contacts and Support 40

Before you begin 3

Appendix A: Urban or rural poverty indicators 42

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 22, 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 11

Basic information Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Administration on Disabilities

Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Supporting the independence and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

University Centers for

Excellence in

Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research and

Service

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-AOD-

DDUC-0022

Federal assistance listing:

93.632

Cost sharing: 25%

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Expected award date:

September 30, 2026

Expected project start date: September 30, 2026

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

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

(ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will support two University

Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

(UCEDD) with five-year funding awards.

UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities, or of public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that carry out four core functions, including interdisciplinary training, community services, research, and information dissemination, to address:

• Quality assurance.

• Education and early intervention.

• Childcare.

• Health.

• Employment.

• Housing.

• Transportation.

• Recreation.

• Other services offered to people in a community.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $3,145,210

Expected total program funding per budget period: $629,042

Total expected awards: 2

Funding range per applicant per budget period: $629,042 to $636,192

We plan to fund awards in five 12-month budget periods for a five-year period of performance from September 30, 2026 to September 29, 2031.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

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

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

FY 2021 may apply.

Other eligibility criteria You are only eligible to apply for funds under this NOFO if:

• You received a five-year UCEDD grant in FY 2021.

• Your designation as a UCEDD expires on June 30, 2026.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 25% of the project’s total cost.

To calculate your cost-sharing requirement, use this formula:

($ Federal share X 25) / 75 = $ Your cost-sharing requirement

To calculate it:

• Start with the federal share.

• Multiply the federal share by 25.

• Divide that product by 75.

Here’s an example with a federal share of $620,675:

($620,675 x 25) / 75 = $206,891 = Your cost sharing requirement

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.

Reduced cost-sharing

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Two-tiered eligibility system for reduced cost-sharing

(Optional) To meet the requirements in the DD Act, we use a two-tiered system to determine eligibility for reduced cost-sharing:

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

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

To demonstrate that at least 25% of your UCEDD projects target people with developmental disabilities who live in urban and rural poverty areas, include the following in your budget narrative:

• The current state poverty rate.

• A full listing of all your current projects. You can generate this from the National

Information Reporting System (NIRS).

• State whether the activity is associated with any of the urban and rural poverty indicators in Appendix A.

• Or explain if your activities target people with developmental disabilities in an urban and rural poverty area in other ways.

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands do not have federal poverty rates. They can qualify for reduced cost-sharing by establishing that the UCEDD activity:

• Is associated with any of the urban and rural poverty indicators in Appendix A.

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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

Statutory authority The purpose of the DD Act is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.

To achieve this purpose, the DD Act authorizes the following programs:

• State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Subtitle B).

• Protection and Advocacy Systems (Subtitle C).

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

• Projects of National Significance (Subtitle E).

Each of these programs engage in systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy activities. They work as a collaborative network and as independent entities to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and enhance participation in community life in the state.

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

156(a)(1) of the DD Section 151(a) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each state that are designated as UCEDDs.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Program description This NOFO supports the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD

Act). The goal of the DD Act is to promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration in the community.

The DD Act defines developmental disability as a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:

• Can be attributed to a mental or physical impairment, or combination of both.

• Manifests before the individual is 22 years old.

• Is likely to continue indefinitely.

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

• Self-care.

• Receptive and expressive language.

• Learning.

• Mobility.

• Self-direction.

• Capacity for independent living.

• Economic self-sufficiency.

The DD Act identifies several significant findings, including:

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

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

• People with developmental disabilities often require lifelong specialized services and assistance that should:

◦ Be provided by many agencies, professionals, advocates, community representatives, and others.

◦ Eliminate barriers.

◦ Meet the needs of individuals and their families.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

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

• And their families make the decisions about the services and supports they receive.

They also play decision-making roles in relevant policies and programs.

• Can achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into their communities, with services and support that meet their individual needs. This includes those with the most severe developmental disabilities.

• Are competent, capable, and have personal goals that should be recognized and supported.

Any supports provided to advance these outcomes should be individualized and consistent with the unique strengths, resources, and priorities of the person.

This NOFO seeks to support these practices and policies and accomplish the following:

• Increase the ability of people with developmental disabilities to promote self-determination, person-centered practices, and meaningful inclusion in all aspects of community life.

• Enhance the capabilities of families assisting people with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum potential.

• Promote systemic change that ensures that people with developmental disabilities actively and meaningfully participate in community-based programs.

• Invite people with developmental disabilities and their families to participate in all aspects of grantee programs, activities, and services.

• Ensure the legal and human rights of people with developmental disabilities are protected.

• Ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families enjoy the same level of meaningful opportunities to access and use community services, individualized support, and other forms of assistance that are available to other people with developmental disabilities and their families.

UCEDDs are expected to:

• Lead and advise federal, state, and community policymakers about people with developmental disabilities.

• Promote opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to be self-determined, independent, productive, and integrated in their communities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

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

• Interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education for students and fellows.

• Community services of training and technical assistance (TA). It may also include direct services and model demonstrations of services.

• Research.

• Information dissemination.

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.

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

• 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

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

For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrictions, see 45 CFR 75.420, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

This NOFO meets the ACL definition for training grants. This means you must limit the indirect cost rate to eight percent of total direct costs.

This NOFO excludes equipment, tuition and stipends, rental of space, major contracts or subgrants, and renovation and alteration.

According to Section 152 of the DD Act, awards must be made to each UCEDD that existed in the preceding fiscal year that meets the requirements of subtitle D. Awards pay for the federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of the UCEDD. The

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

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Funds made available under this NOFO will pay for the federal share of the cost of administering and operating

UCEDD centers.

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/on/2025-09-30/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08

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.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 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 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

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 16 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 18

Get registered 19

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-AOD-DDUC-0022. 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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 18 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants 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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 19 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

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 21

Application contents and format 22

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. 60 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

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 21

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

Application page limit: 60 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: 60

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.

Project summary

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

• 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

Describe in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem your proposed intervention is designed to address. Include how the project will potentially affect:

• People with developmental disabilities across the age span.

• Their families and caregivers.

• The healthcare and social services systems.

Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers.

Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve to ensure effective delivery, including other organizations, supporters, and the Consumer

Advisory Council.

Goals and objectives

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

Table: Scoring criteria

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

Project relevance and current need that meets these criteria. 10 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 23

Approach

Proposed intervention

Clearly and concisely describe the intervention or approach you propose to address the problem identified in the problem statement section.

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

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

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

Project management

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

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

• Leadership of project.

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

• Preparation of reports.

• Communicating with other partners and ACL.

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

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.

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

Table: Scoring criteria

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

An approach that meets these criteria. 45 points

Project impact

Special target populations and organizations

This section should describe how you plan to meaningfully involve the following as you plan and implement your proposed plan:

• Other UCEDDs in your state.

• State Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

• Protection and Advocacy Systems.

• Centers for Independent Living.

• Consumer Advisory Council.

This section should describe how the plan will target and include people in unserved or underserved communities, such as in urban and rural areas.

Outcomes

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

Examples of measurable outcomes include:

• Number of individuals who received specialized services from the UCEDD to enhance the well-being and status of the recipient.

• Percent of UCEDD long term trainees reporting an increase in knowledge or skills and/or change in attitude.

• Average dollar amount leveraged per core dollar across five-year period.

• Percent of individuals with DD receiving services from former UCEDD long-term trainees.

• Percent of former UCEDD long-term trainees in leadership positions.

• Impact statement(s) for TA projects/activities over the five years.

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

You can list measurable outcomes in the example, optional work plan grid.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 25 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Keep the focus of this section on the outcome(s) that will be produced by the project.

Use the evaluation section to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

Evaluation

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

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

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

In this section, you also need to:

• Address how the conduct of the project and its results will be evaluated.

• State what measures will be used to determine how well the project has achieved its stated objectives.

• Explain the extent to which the accomplished objectives can be attributed to the project.

• Discuss the criteria you will use to evaluate results.

• Explain the methodology you will use to determine if:

◦ The needs identified and discussed are being met.

◦ The project results and benefits are being achieved.

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

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

• Explain the methodology you will use to annually gather and report data, outcomes, and impacts, using the UCEDD Annual Report Template. Use the UCEDD logic model to report five-year outcomes.

◦ Use quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Dissemination

Describe the method you will use to share the project’s results and findings widely, in a timely manner, and in easily understandable formats. These results are for parties who might be interested in using them to inform their practice, service delivery, program development, and policymaking. This includes those who would be interested in replicating the project.

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

Table: Scoring criteria

Project impact that meets these criteria. 15 points

Capability and expertise

Organizational capability

Include an organizational capability statement and short, two-page vitae for key project personnel. These do not count towards the project narrative page limit.

In the organizational capability statement:

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

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

• Cover capabilities that you did not cover in the program narrative. This might include any current or previous relevant experience, or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products.

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

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

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

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

◦ Appropriate academic credentials.

◦ Demonstrated leadership.

◦ Expertise regarding developmental disabilities.

◦ Significant experience in managing grants and contracts.

• The ability to leverage public and private funds.

Experience of the project team

• Clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partner organizations. Describe how they will help achieve the project’s objectives and outcomes.

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

◦ Leading the project.

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

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

◦ Preparing reports.

◦ Communicating with other partners and ACL.

◦ Tracking progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Table: Scoring criteria

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

Capability and expertise that meets these criteria. 20 points

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.

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

• Include a description of cost-sharing commitments (e.g. reduced cost-sharing and the two-tiered eligibility system).

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

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 28 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf

Table: Scoring criteria for budget and budget narrative

A budget narrative that meets these criteria. 10 points

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.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 29 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 30 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 32

Award notices 34

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

Project relevance and current need 10 points

Approach 45 points

Project impact 15 points

Capability and expertise 20 points

Budget narrative 10 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.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 32 https://sam.gov/entity-information

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 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 priorities for 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 priority to applications that align with agency priorities.

Your application may receive this priority if it aligns with ACL operational drivers.

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

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

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

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 [PDF].

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 34 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 36

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 requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Application

Deadline

Due on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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

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

Submission method

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

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

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

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

See Contacts and Support if you need help.

Intergovernmental review Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs does not apply to this NOFO. You do not need to take any action.

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 36 https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html

Step 6:

Learn What Happens

After Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 38

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

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

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

• The rules listed in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements, effective October 1, 2025. These replace those in 45 CFR

75, with some exceptions in 2 CFR 300.

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

Notice of Award.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, Appendix D: HHS

Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

• All anti-discrimination laws: By applying for or accepting federal funds from HHS, recipients certify compliance with all federal antidiscrimination laws and these requirements and that complying with those laws is a material condition of receiving federal funding streams. Recipients are responsible for ensuring subrecipients, contractors, and partners also comply.

Compliance and oversight Recipients must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the Administration for

Community Living’s (ACL) Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities through program design, implementation, performance reporting, fiscal management, and evaluation.

Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with applicable statutory authorities and agency priorities may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, enforcement actions, or other remedies consistent with 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of the award.

Through alignment with these priorities, funded projects will help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and full participation in the communities they call home.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 38 https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html

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

2 CFR 200 and 300, including 2 CFR 200.308 and 2 CFR 300.308.

Reporting If your application is successful, you will have to submit financial and performance reports. To learn more about reporting, see Managing a Grant, Funding Requirements on our website.

Financial and performance reports

The terms and conditions in the Notice of Award will have information on performance and financial reports including:

• How often you will report.

• Any required form or formatting.

• How to submit them.

FFATA and FSRS reporting

The Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires:

• Data entry at the FFATA Subaward Reporting System for all subawards and subcontracts you issue for $30,000 or more.

• Reporting executive compensation for both recipient and subaward organizations.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 39 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.308 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-300.308 https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant

Contacts and Support

In this step

Agency contacts 41

Help with systems 41

Reference websites 41

Agency contacts Program and eligibility David Jones

David.Jones@acl.hhs.gov

202-795-7367

Financial and budget Rasheed Williams

Rasheed.Williams@acl.hhs.gov

202-401-5481

Help with systems Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. Hold on to your ticket number.

• Phone: 1-800-518-4726

• Email: support@Grants.gov

SAM.gov If you need help, you can:

• Call 866-606-8220.

• Live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

Reference websites

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Home Page | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Applying for Grants | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Application Tips | ACL Administration for Community Living

• How to Apply for a Competitive Grant | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• United States Code (U.S.C.)

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

Contacts and Support 41 mailto:David.Jones@acl.hhs.gov mailto:Rasheed.Williams@acl.hhs.gov mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fsd.