HRSA-25-028 Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due January 3, 2025

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) Div. of State and Community Health; Div. of HS and Perinatal Services; Div. of HV and Early Childhood Systems

Partnership for National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Opportunity number: HRSA-25-028

Contents Before you begin 4

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Basic information 6

Summary 6

Key facts 6

Key dates 7

Funding details 7

Eligibility 7

Cost sharing 8

Program description 8

Award information 15

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 19

Get registered 20

Find the application package 20

Application writing help 20

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22

Application contents and format 23

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 35

Application review 36

Selection process 42

Award notices 42

Step 5: Submit Your Application 43

Application submission and deadlines 44

Deadlines 44

Contents 2

Submission method 44

Other submissions 44

Application checklist 46

Step 6. Learn What Happens After Award 48

Post-award requirements and administration 49

Reporting 51

Contacts and Support 53

Endnotes 56

Contents 3

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 January 3, 2025.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 4 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

Jump to a step

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

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 6

Summary 6

Key facts 6

Key dates 7

Funding details 7

Eligibility 7

Cost sharing 8

Program description 8

Award information 15

Basic information Health Resources and Services Administration

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)

Div. of State and Community Health; Div. of HS and Perinatal Services; Div. of HV and Early Childhood Systems

Building capacity of MCH leaders through coordinated and collaborative support.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and Support.

Key facts Opportunity name:

Partnership for National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership

Opportunity number:

HRSA-25-028

Announcement version:

New

Federal assistance listing:

• 93.110 (Focus Area 1 and Focus Area 2)

• 93.926 (Focus Area 3)

• 93.870 (Focus Area 4)

Statutory authorities:

• 42 U.S.C. 701(a)(2)(Title V, § 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act) (Focus Area 1 and Focus Area 2)

• 42 U.S.C. § 254c-8 (Title III, § 330H of the Public Health Service Act) (Focus Area 3)

• 42 U.S.C. § 711(k)(2)(C) (Title V, § 511(k)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act) (Focus Area 4)

Summary The Partnership for National MCH Leadership program will provide vital support to improve the capacity of the following programs to better serve MCH populations and improve health outcomes:

• State Title V MCH Services Block Grant (Title V) (Focus Area 1)

• Urban MCH Programs (Focus Area 2) For purposes of this NOFO, urban MCH programs are located in any city or county health department having jurisdiction over one or more areas with populations of 100,000 or larger.

• Healthy Start (Focus Area 3)

• Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) (Focus Area 4)

The Partnership for National MCH Leadership is made up of one award recipient for each of the four focus areas (four recipients total) and will include organizations with national reach who will serve state MCH programs, urban MCH programs, Healthy Start, and MIECHV programs over a 5-year period. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) expands the Partnership for National MCH Leadership to provide collaborative support that ensures a more effective, coordinated system of MCH care.

This program requires recipients to build organizational capacity, provide education and training of the MCH workforce, offer opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, foster collaboration between states, U.S. territories and freely associated states, as applicable, and local MCH programs, and address the emerging needs of state and local MCH programs in the context of national priorities.

All four recipients should be essential MCH program leaders in states, U.S. territories and freely associated states, as applicable, and communities. Recipients will be funded to align key activities and increase capacity of state and local MCH leaders toward a more effective, coordinated system of MCH care.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Key dates NOFO issue date: October 3, 2024

Informational webinar:

October 29, 2024

Application deadline:

January 3, 2025

Expected award date is by:

April 1, 2025

Expected start date: May 1, Funding details Application types: Competing continuation, New

Expected total available funding in FY 2025: $3,122,500

Expected number and type of awards: Four cooperative agreements. One in each Focus Area.

Funding range per award: Up to $400,000 to up to $1,622,500, dependent on focus area

• Focus Area 1- State Title V MCH Programs: Up to $1,622,500 per year

• Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs: Up to $700,000 per year

• Focus Area 3- Healthy Start Programs: Up to $400,000 per year

• Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs: Up to $400,000 per year

Your application may only address one focus area and must indicate the focus area for which you are applying. You may submit multiple, separate applications that each address a separate focus area.

We plan to fund four awards in five, 12-month budget periods for a total 5-year period of performance from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030.

The program and awards depend on the appropriation of funds and are subject to change based on the availability and amount of appropriations.

Eligibility Who can apply We will only accept applications from eligible domestic organizations.

Types of eligible organizations These types of domestic organizations may apply:

• Public institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• Non-profits with or without a 501(c)(3) IRS status

• For-profit organizations, including small businesses

• State, county, city, township, and special district governments, including the District of Columbia, domestic territories, and the freely associated states

• Native American tribal governments

• Native American tribal organizations

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#c

“Domestic” means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Individuals are not eligible applicants under this NOFO.

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

These are the basic requirements you must meet to move forward in the competition.

We will not consider an application that:

• Is from an organization that does not meet all eligibility criteria.

• Requests funding above the award ceiling shown in the funding range.

• Does not provide a statement that indicates application Focus Area. Each application may only address one Focus Area.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

Application limits You may not submit more than one application per Focus Area. If you submit more than one application per Focus Area, we will only accept the last on-time submission for each Focus Area.

Cost sharing This program does not have a cost-sharing requirement. If you choose to share in the costs of the project, we will not consider it during merit review. We will hold you accountable for any funds you add, including through reporting.

Program description Purpose The purpose of the program is to support national organizations in building the capacity of state MCH programs, urban MCH programs, Healthy Start programs, and MIECHV programs to achieve the long-term goal to improve national MCH health outcomes and reduce associated disparities by better serving specific populations and awardees.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

The program objectives that must be accomplished by the end of the period of performance in 2030, include:

All Focus Areas

• Annually, the recipients are expected to participate in collaborative efforts with the Partnership for National MCH Leadership and other MCHB-funded capacity building partners led by the Focus Area 1 recipient. Examples of collaborative efforts could include participation in working groups or committees and development of shared resources and materials.

• By 2030, at least 50% of participants in learning opportunities have taken action to create systems level change.

• By 2030, at least 75% of participants in learning opportunities will have increased knowledge on effective strategies and practices to address emerging issues.

Focus Area 1- State Title V Programs also has the following program objectives:

• Annually, in September of each year, in collaboration with MCHB, plan and conduct an in-person national convening of Title V Directors, key Title V staff, MCHB capacity building providers, and other MCH stakeholders and partners.

• Annually, conduct at least one MCH leadership program for Title V Directors, Title V staff, and key stakeholders across all Title V population domains[1] and one MCH epidemiology workforce pathway program targeted towards current MCH epidemiology graduate students that trains 15-20 students per year.

Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs also has the following program objectives:

• Annually, conduct at least one year-long MCH leadership program for urban/local MCH professionals and one MCH epidemiology workforce training course targeted towards existing MCH epidemiology professionals.

Focus Area 3- Healthy Start Programs also has the following program objective:

• Annually, facilitate discussions with and obtain input from Healthy Start Project Directors regarding program strategy, design, and tactics to determine and share information about the most effective ways to meet key Healthy Start objectives.

Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs also has the following program objective:

• Annually, facilitate discussions with and obtain input from MIECHV Project Directors regarding program strategy, design, and tactics to determine and share information about the most effective ways to meet key MIECHV Program objectives.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

About MCHB

The HRSA MCHB administers programs with focus areas in maternal and women’s health, adolescent and young adult health, perinatal and infant health, child health, and children with special health care needs.

To learn more about MCHB and our Strategic Plan, visit Mission, Vision, and Work |

MCHB.

Background Strong state and local MCH programs across the country improve outcomes for MCH populations. These state and local MCH programs need capacity building support to increase their ability to address disparities and poor health outcomes experienced by under-resourced MCH populations and improve the overall health and well-being of all women, infants, and children. Title V programs will often lead or partner with urban/ local MCH organizations, Healthy Start, and/or MIECHV award recipients to understand and properly meet MCH health needs. Shared learning across states/jurisdictions and programs of strategies and best practices is key to the success of these programs, as many have similar challenges in addressing the needs of MCH populations. Targeted support is needed to align key activities of these programs and increase capacity of state and local MCH leaders to reach a more effective, coordinated system of care for

MCH.

The HRSA MCHB previously funded two separate cooperative agreements to ensure state Title V programs and urban MCH leaders were equipped to serve MCH populations as effectively as possible. These previous efforts:

• Increased the sharing of promising and best practices and supported innovation, collaboration, peer learning, and workforce development.

• Assisted state Title V leaders and urban MCH leaders in efforts to support and improve systems of care for the MCH population.

• Focused on improving outcomes for women, infants, children, adolescents, and children with special health care needs.

• Provided national, state, and urban partners with actionable information on MCH issues, including emerging issues.

In this NOFO, MCHB will expand the program to also engage specifically with Healthy Start and MIECHV recipients in these coordinated efforts. This expansion will increase the capacity of states and communities in collectively improving MCH outcomes.

Focus Area 1- State Title V Programs and Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://mchb.hrsa.gov/about-us/mission-vision-work https://mchb.hrsa.gov/about-us/mission-vision-work

The Title V MCH Services Block Grant is a formula grant under which funds are awarded to 59 states and jurisdictions upon their submission of an acceptable plan that addresses the health services needs within a state for the target population of mothers, infants, and children, which includes infants and children with special health care needs (CSHCN), and their families. Through Title V, each state and jurisdiction supports and promotes the development and coordination of systems of care for the MCH population, which are family-centered, community-based, and culturally appropriate.

The health and well-being of urban MCH populations has a significant impact on state MCH outcomes that are central to the work of the Title V Block Grant. This cooperative agreement supports the critical role of urban MCH programs in contributing to improved MCH outcomes and supports the alignment of state Title V activities with city and county health departments in urban areas where many health disparities are prominent.

For purposes of this NOFO, urban MCH leaders are defined as leaders of MCH programs in any city or county health department having jurisdiction over one or more areas with populations of 100,000 or larger.

Focus Area 3- Healthy Start Programs

The Healthy Start Program awards competitive grants to community-based organizations in areas and populations with infant mortality rates that are at least 1½ times the U.S. national average and/or with high indicators of poor perinatal outcomes, including populations experiencing the greatest racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. The program supports localized, community-based strategies to improve infant and maternal health outcomes before, during, and up to 18 months after pregnancy.

In fiscal year (FY) 2024 Healthy Start funds grants to 115 community-based organizations in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs

The MIECHV Program provides grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. territories, as well as tribal entities, to support voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services for expectant and new parents with young children up to kindergarten entry (up to age 5) living in communities at risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. HRSA must set aside 2% of MIECHV Program funding to support the home visiting workforce, including through technical assistance, research, and evaluation.[2]

This opportunity will support the home visiting workforce, including MIECHV Project Directors and other state staff, to advance high-quality evidence-based home visiting services.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Program requirements and expectations Funding under this program is expected to address program activities organized in the following four core functions:

Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate across all four focus areas and with other MCHB-funded capacity building partners to identify and align areas of common need, interest, and effort. This collaboration will strengthen coordination at the state and local levels among state Title V programs, urban MCH programs, Healthy Start programs, and MIECHV programs.

• The program activities that must be accomplished by each of the four recipients by the end of the period of performance in 2030, include:

◦ Collaborate with other MCHB-funded capacity building partners to align activities.

◦ Build organizational capacity to serve as a national resource, partner, and mentor for focus area stakeholders (Title V grantees, Healthy Start grantees, MIECHV grantees, or urban MCH leaders).

◦ Collaborate with other local, state, or national partners on emerging MCH issues.

Current and Emerging Public Health Issues: Respond quickly to and disseminate information about current and emerging MCH-related public health issues, including strategies to address related health disparities.

• The program activities that must be accomplished by each of the four recipients by the end of the period of performance in 2030, include:

◦ Support state and local MCH programs in response to current and emerging public health issues.

◦ Manage communications about current and emerging public health issues, which includes management of a listserv and hosting regional and national convenings.

◦ Develop tools/resources that bring awareness to emerging issues and highlight strategies.

◦ Advance federal priorities and other national issues related to MCH that may affect MCHB programs.

Peer Learning and Support: Facilitate peer-to-peer opportunities and ensure shared learning among focus area stakeholders (Title V grantees, Healthy Start grantees, MIECHV grantees, or urban MCH leaders).

• The program activities that must be accomplished by each of the four recipients by the end of the period of performance in 2030, include:

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

◦ Conduct learning opportunities to share effective practices and strategies and engage in collective problem solving.

◦ Conduct introductory outreach, which may include orientation materials and resources, to new MCH leaders in your focus area (Title V Directors, urban MCH leaders, Healthy Start Directors and MIECHV Directors).

Leadership and Workforce: Develop and support a highly skilled MCH workforce.

• The program activities that must be accomplished by each of the four recipients by the end of the period of performance in 2030, include:

◦ Build organizational capacity to serve as national resource and partner for MCH leaders and programs.

◦ Conduct or facilitate other methods to address workforce development, such as mentorship opportunities, virtual training opportunities, etc.

In addition, the

Focus Area 1- State Title V Programs recipient will also:

• Collaboration and Coordination:

◦ Develop and implement a plan annually to provide technical assistance, tools, and programmatic leadership that fosters collaboration between Title V, MIECHV, Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) programs, and related efforts to improve early childhood development and school readiness.

◦ Provide advisory support, as needed, to other recipients in the Partnership for National MCH Leadership to build capacity.

◦ Convene MCHB-funded capacity building partners.

◦ Collaborate with urban MCH recipient to provide support to state Title V programs and facilitate relationships with urban MCH programs.

• Current and Emerging Public Health Issues:

◦ Develop and implement plans for tracking and responding to grantee/ member inquiries and technical assistance requests across all Title V population domains, including family partnership.

• Peer Learning and Support:

◦ Hold an annual in-person national convening of Title V Directors, key Title V staff, MCHB capacity building providers and other MCH stakeholders and partners, in collaboration with MCHB, in September of each year.

◦ Facilitate efforts across all states to meet their National Performance Measure (NPM) and State Performance Measure (SPM) objectives.

• Leadership and Workforce:

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

◦ Conduct an annual MCH leadership program for new Title V Directors and staff.

◦ Design, implement, and evaluate an annual pathway program to build future state and local, including urban, MCH epidemiological capacity, training 15-20 students per year.

Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs recipient will also:

• Collaboration and Coordination:

◦ Collaborate with the Focus Area 1 recipient to provide support to state Title V programs and facilitate relationships with urban MCH programs.

• Leadership and Workforce:

◦ Design, implement, and evaluate an annual in-person training course focused on developing epidemiological skills for approximately 40 existing state and local, including urban, MCH analysts.

◦ Conduct an annual MCH leadership program for new urban/local MCH professionals.

Focus Area 3 – Healthy Start Programs recipient will also:

• Collaboration and Coordination:

◦ Form a community-based consortium of Healthy Start Project Directors and other state and local MCH organizations, including state agencies responsible for administering block grant programs under Title V of the Social Security Act and other community-based organizations, to increase alignment across areas of common need and interest.

◦ Coordinate their activities with the State agency or agencies that administer block grant programs under Title V of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.] in order to promote cooperation, integration, and dissemination of information with Statewide systems and with other community services funded under the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.

• Peer Learning and Support:

◦ Host an annual convening of Healthy Start Project Directors in conjunction with the annual Healthy Start grantee meeting.

• Leadership and Workforce:

◦ Design, implement, and evaluate a leadership development program that works with Healthy Start Project Directors to help them, and other key staff, grow as MCH leaders in their communities. The recipient should collaborate with the Supporting Healthy Start Performance Project (Healthy Start Technical Assistance Center) to ensure the leadership development program is distinct from the activities of the Project Director Mentorship Program.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs recipient will also:

• Peer Learning and Support:

◦ Host two annual in-person peer learning opportunities for MIECHV Project Directors and other key staff, in collaboration with MCHB.

• Leadership and Workforce:

◦ Design, implement, and evaluate a leadership development program to help MIECHV Project Directors and other key staff grow as leaders in the fields of home visiting, MCH, and early childhood systems.

Performance measurement, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) We expect you to measure your performance on key activities and program objectives.

This includes Discretionary Grants Information System (DGIS) measures noted in the Reporting section.

Award information Cooperative agreement terms Our responsibilitiesAside from monitoring and technical assistance, we also get involved in these ways:

• Participate in the planning and development of all project activities, including in-person or virtual meetings, during the period of performance.

• Ensure the services of HRSA personnel are available as participants in the planning and implementation of project activities during the period of performance.

• Conduct ongoing reviews of the establishment and implementation of activities, procedures, measures, and tools for accomplishing the goals of the cooperative agreement.

• Participate, as appropriate, in conference calls, meetings and capacity building/ technical assistance sessions that are conducted during the period of the cooperative agreement.

• Assist with the establishment and facilitation of collaborative relationships with federal and state contacts, HRSA-funded awards, and other entities that may contribute to successful project outcomes.

• Review and provide advisory input on written documents, including publications, and information and materials developed by the recipients, funded in part, or in whole under the cooperative agreement to support approved activities conducted, prior to submission for publication or public circulation.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

• Help the recipients to circulate project findings, best practices, and lessons learned from the project.

Your responsibilitiesYou must follow all relevant laws and policies. Your other responsibilities will include:

• Completing activities proposed in this NOFO.

• Meeting with the HRSA project officer at the time of the award and throughout the entire period of performance to review current strategies and ensure that project activities and goals align with the HRSA priorities for this program.

• Communicating in a timely manner with the HRSA project officer, which includes meeting monthly in person, by phone, or using virtual technology, for status updates which may include written notes.

• Providing the HRSA project officer with the opportunity to review and provide input on written documents.

• This includes information and materials to support the activities conducted through the cooperative agreement, from the start as part of concept development, and includes the review of drafts and final products prior to submission for publication or public circulation.

• Collaborating with HRSA to review activities, procedures and budget items and information prior to circulation, contracts, and interagency agreements.

• Leveraging existing products or resources developed by the previously funded entities.

• Developing products that are accurate and fact-based.

• Collaborating with the other Partnership for National MCH Leadership award recipients to leverage information exchange, where feasible.

• Establishing contacts that may be relevant to the project’s mission, which includes federal and non-federal partners and other HRSA projects, such as MCHB-funded resource centers.

• Assuring that all recipient administrative data and performance measure reports, as designated by HRSA, will be completed and submitted on time.

• Being flexible and responsive to changing MCH priorities, which may mean modifying activities and initiatives as priorities change, while also staying within the scope of effort and consulting with the federal project officer for approval.

• Consulting with the HRSA project officer before scheduling any meetings or events that pertain to the scope of work at which the HRSA project officer’s attendance may be appropriate.

• Leveraging resources internally and externally to maximize the program efficiency and effectiveness.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

Funding policies and limitations Policies

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

• Support beyond the first budget year will depend on:

• Appropriation of funds

• Satisfactory progress in meeting the project’s objectives

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

• If we receive more funding for this program, we may:

• Fund more applicants from the rank order list

• Extend the period of performance

• Award supplemental funding

General limitations

• For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrict, see Budget in

Section 3.1.4. of the Application Guide. You can also see 45 CFR part 75, or any superseding regulation, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

• You cannot earn profit from the federal award. See 45 CFR 75.400(g).

• The salary rate limitation imposed by the current appropriations act applies to this program. As of January 2024, the salary rate limitation is $221,900. Note this limitation may apply in future years and will be updated.

See Manage Your Grant for other information on costs and financial management.

Indirect costs Indirect costs are costs you charge across more than one project that cannot be easily separated by project. For example, this could include utilities for a building that supports multiple projects. Learn more at 45 CFR 75.414, Indirect costs.

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

Method 1 – Approved rate. You currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency at time of award.

Method 2 – De minimis rate. Per 2 CFR 200.414(f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate. If you choose this method, costs included in the indirect cost pool must not be charged as direct costs.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75#p-75.216(b) https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/manage-your-grant https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414

This rate is 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of MTDC. You can use this rate indefinitely.

Program income Program income is money earned as a result of your award-supported project activities. You must use any program income you generate from awarded funds for approved project-related activities. Find more about program income at 45 CFR 75.307.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 20

Find the application package 20

Application writing help 20

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist to find out what you’ll need to register.

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

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

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it online. Go to Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number HRSA-25-028.

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

Application writing help Visit HHS Tips for Preparing Grant Proposals.

Visit HRSA’s How to Prepare Your Application page for more guidance.

See Apply for a Grant for other help and resources.

Join the webinar For more information about this opportunity, join the webinar on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET. You can join at https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/ 1614256303?pwd=h09nyMDTQahesQbT6VxD3smOLxa4gU.1

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 20 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application/assurances-non-construction-programs https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application/assurances-non-construction-programs https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.grants.gov/search-grants https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/get-ready-for-grants-management/tips-for-preparing-grant-proposals/index.html https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1614256303?pwd=h09nyMDTQahesQbT6VxD3smOLxa4gU.1 https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1614256303?pwd=h09nyMDTQahesQbT6VxD3smOLxa4gU.1

If you are not able to join through your computer, you can call in at 833-568-8864 with meeting ID 161 425 6303, Passcode 07185401.

We will record the webinar. Visit the HRSA’s open opportunities website to learn more about the resources available for this funding opportunity.

Have questions? Go to Contacts and Support.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 21 https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 23

Application contents and format Applications include five main components. This section includes guidance on each.

Application page limit: 50 pages

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using U.S. dollars.

Make sure you include each of these:

Components Submission Format

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary form

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form

Attachments Insert each in the Attachments form

Other required forms Upload using each required form

Required format You must format your narratives and attachments using our required formats for fonts, size, color, format, and margins. See the formatting guidelines in Section 3.2 of the Application Guide.

Project abstract Complete the information in the Project Abstract Summary Form. Indicate your Focus Area in the first sentence. Include a short description of your proposed program.

Include the needs you plan to address, the proposed services, and the population groups you plan to serve. For more information, see section 3.1.2. of the Application Guide.

Project narrative In this section, you will describe all aspects of your program. Project activities must comply with the nondiscrimination requirements.

Use the section headers and the order listed.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=24 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=13

Introduction See merit review criterion 1: Need

Briefly describe the purpose of your program.

Need See merit review criterion 1: Need

• Describe the problem you will address by the proposed activities.

• Outline the needs of MCH leaders based on the focus area for which you are applying (Focus Area 1- State Title V MCH Programs, Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs, Focus Area 3- Healthy Start Programs, Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs) related to the activities outlined in the Approach section.

• Describe the resources available to state or local MCH leaders.

• Discuss any relevant barriers that the project hopes to overcome.

• Identify gaps of state or local MCH programs in meeting needs of the MCH population.

• Describe the benefit to the MCH population if these needs could be met more effectively.

• Use and cite data to support the information provided.

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

Describe how you will strengthen MCH program capacity to advance quality public health programming that responds to the needs of the MCH population by addressing the following four core functions for the focus area for which you are applying.

Four core functionsCollaboration and Coordination, all Focus Areas:

• Tell us how you will serve as a national resource, partner, and mentor for stakeholders in your focus area. If you do not currently have the capacity for national reach, explain how you will build the organizational capacity to serve stakeholders in your focus area nationally (i.e., states, U.S. territories and freely associated states).

• Describe how you will collaborate with other MCHB-funded capacity building partners to amplify federal priorities and ensure alignment of activities.

• Describe how you will foster collaboration between national, state, and urban/ local MCH leaders to ensure a coordinated public health system that promotes the health and well-being of the MCH population, identifies common priorities among

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24 state and local MCH programs, and assures optimal alignment of initiatives to address common priorities.

Current and Emerging Public Health Issues, all Focus Areas:

• Describe your plans to support and enhance MCH programs’ (in your focus area) capacity for monitoring and responding to current and emerging public health issues. This may include, but is not limited to:

◦ Conduct assessment/surveillance of MCH program capacity, identifying MCH needs at the state and urban/local level as well as assessing gaps in knowledge and MCH services delivery, to address emerging MCH needs.

◦ Develop and conduct learning opportunities for MCH leaders in your focus area to facilitate their sharing of innovative and effective approaches and engage in collective problem solving.

◦ Develop a plan for engaging with and gathering feedback, information, and inquiries from your focus area stakeholders, or impacting your focus area stakeholders, to stay abreast of current and emerging needs.

◦ Develop a plan for identifying and responding to individual MCH leader/ program issues in your focus area (e.g., programs in the lowest 10% of performance) or system-wide concerns (among many stakeholders with similar issues).

• Describe how you will manage communications, which includes management of a listserv and hosting regional and national convenings to disseminate information.

• Describe how you will develop tools and/or resources that increase awareness of emerging issues and strategies to address them and/or offer training related to emerging issues and threats.

Peer Learning and Support, all Focus Areas:

• Describe how you will conduct peer learning opportunities, host learning collaborative cohorts, and/or convene meetings to share effective practices and strategies and engage in collective problem solving.

• Include an approach for frequency of peer learning opportunities. Activities may include convening meeting(s), peer-to-peer engagements, or other learning environments for MCH leaders, or other innovative methods.

• Describe how tools and resources will be developed to share peer resources, connect with MCHB-funded capacity building providers, and provide awareness of emerging issues and strategies. This may include presentations for national meetings and webinars addressing issues important to improving MCH outcomes.

• Describe how tools and resources will be developed assuring input from grantees/ members, and in response to grantee/member needs.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25

• Describe how you will promote and support development/publication of issue briefs, newsletters, reports, one-pagers, and/or other materials or products that support peer learning.

• Describe how you will conduct orientation for new MCH leaders, providing essential knowledge and skill development utilizing existing resources.

Leadership and Workforce, all Focus Areas:

• Describe how you will build internal organizational capacity to serve as national resource, partner, and support for MCH leaders and programs.

• Describe how you will contribute to a highly skilled and well-trained MCH workforce by developing and conducting educational opportunities aimed at the core functions of public health, MCH epidemiology, program development, or leadership.

In addition, Focus Area 1- State Title V Programs applicants will also:Collaboration and Coordination

• Describe how you will serve as a convener of the Partnership for MCH Leadership recipients and other key MCHB-funded capacity building partners (as identified by

MCHB).

• Include relevant experience and expertise to support this role.

• Describe how you will develop a formal plan that describes how you will convene these recipients and key programs, including at least two collaborative efforts with each provider annually.

• Provide examples of collaborative efforts, which could include participation in working groups or committees, shared resources and materials, and referrals for technical assistance.

• Describe how you will provide technical assistance and leadership that fosters collaboration between Title V, MIECHV, Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) programs, and related efforts to improve early childhood development and school readiness.

Current and Emerging Public Health Issues

• Describe how you will coordinate with other MCHB-funded national organizations that provide technical assistance to Title V programs across all Title V population domains, including family partnership.

• Develop a plan for responding to grantee/member inquiries and technical assistance requests. Include how your organization will track responses across all Title V population domains, including family partnership.

• Describe how you will amplify priorities related to the Title V MCH Services Block Grant program and other national issues related to MCH, addressing all population

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26 health domains. Tell us how you will help all 59 state and jurisdictional Title V programs address those federal priorities.

Peer Learning and Support

• Describe how you will hold an annual in-person national convening of Title V Directors, key Title V staff, MCHB- funded capacity building partners and other MCH stakeholders and partners, in collaboration with MCHB, in September of each year.

• Describe how you will promote best practices for improving MCH outcomes through various activities. This may include identification and dissemination of best practices, provision of stipend support for peer learning and replication, developing presentations for national meetings, conducting webinars, or other methods.

• Describe how you will facilitate efforts across all states to meet their National Performance Measures (NPM) and State Performance Measures (SPM) objectives.

Leadership and Workforce

• Describe how your organization, with MCHB’s involvement, will design, implement, and evaluate an annual pathway program to build future state and local, including urban, MCH epidemiological capacity. This program is expected to include approximately 15-20, 12-week graduate-level student internship placements per year in state and local health agencies using both virtual and in-person approaches. Such placements serve a dual purpose of filling critical state/ local needs for data analysis, program evaluation, or needs assessment while providing practical student training opportunities that may promote state/local career trajectories.

• Describe how you will conduct an annual leadership development program for at least 20 state MCH leaders.

Focus Area 2- Urban MCH Programs applicants will also:Leadership and Workforce:

• Describe how your organization, with MCHB’s involvement, will design, implement, and evaluate an annual in-person training course focused on developing epidemiological skills for approximately 40 existing state and local, including urban, MCH analysts of varying levels of training and expertise, per year.

Content may include a variety of topics, such as analytic methods, needs assessment, performance measurement, program evaluation, and effective data presentation and translation that are needed to promote effective data driven MCH policy and practice at the state and local level.

• Describe how you will conduct a mentorship workforce development program for at least 20 Urban MCH leaders annually. Program should also include regular

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27 learning sessions for participants focused on a variety of topics related to leadership, career advancement and MCH.

• Describe how you will assess Urban MCH workforce strengths and needs.

Focus Area 3 – Healthy Start Programs applicants will also:Collaboration and Coordination:

• Describe how you will coordinate your activities with the State agency or agencies that administer block grant programs under title V of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.] in order to promote cooperation, integration, and dissemination of information with Statewide systems and with other community services funded under the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.

• Describe how you will form a community-based consortium of Healthy Start Project Directors and other state and local MCH organizations, including state agencies responsible for administering block grant programs under Title V of the Social Security Act and other community-based organizations, to increase alignment across areas of common need and interest.

Leadership and Workforce:

• Describe how you will design, implement, and evaluate a leadership development program that works with Healthy Start Project Directors to help them and other key staff grow as MCH leaders, capable of engaging and fostering partnerships outside their offices with MCH organizations at the community, state, and national levels. The recipient should collaborate with the Supporting Healthy Start Performance Project (Healthy Start Technical Assistance Center) to ensure the leadership development program is distinct from the activities of the Project Director Mentorship Program, which assist Healthy Start Project Directors with becoming more effective managers and leaders within their organizations.

Focus Area 4- MIECHV Programs applicants will also:Leadership and Workforce:

• Describe how you will design, implement, and evaluate a workforce support leadership development program to help MIECHV Project Directors and other key staff become stronger leaders in home visiting, MCH, and early childhood systems.

High-level work plan See merit review criteria 2: Response and 4: Impact

• Describe how you’ll achieve each of the objectives during the period of performance. You’ll find these in the Approach section.

• Provide a work plan and a timeline as Attachment 1 that describes the activities or steps, that you will use to achieve each of the proposed objectives included in the Approach section. The work plan and the timeline should cover the entire 5-year period of performance and identify the responsible staff.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 28

• Use a timeline that includes each activity and identifies responsible project personnel, including the personnel of any key partners.

• Identify meaningful support and collaboration with key partners or stakeholders, including involvement of MCHB, in planning, designing, and implementing all activities, including developing the application.

• The work plan’s activities should be supported by, aligned with, and appropriate for, the needs assessment, proposed budget, and organizational capacity.

• You will also include a more detailed work plan in your Attachments.

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Discuss challenges that you are likely to encounter in your work plan and explain the approaches that you will use to resolve such challenges.

Performance reporting, evaluation and technical support capacity See merit review criteria 3: Performance reporting and evaluation and 5: Resources and capabilities

• Monitoring. Describe how you will track project-related processes, activities, and milestones, and use data to identify actual or potential challenges to implementation. Provide an initial list of measures (indicators, metrics) you will use to monitor progress.

• Performance Measurement. Provide your plan for measuring and tracking program goals and objectives outlined in the Purpose section. The plan should include required and/or proposed measures outlined in the Program requirements and expectations section and plans for the timely collection and reporting of all measures.

See Reporting for more information.

Organizational information See merit review criterion 5: Resources and capabilities

• Briefly describe your mission, structure, and the scope of your current activities.

Explain how they support your ability to carry out the program requirements and meet program expectations. Indicate if you are a membership organization for your focus area.

• Describe your capacity and expertise to (1) provide capacity building support and activities to MCH programs in the focus area for which you are applying (focus area

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 29

1- State Title V Programs, focus area 2- Urban MCH Programs, focus area 3- Healthy Start Programs, focus area 4- MIECHV Programs), (2) collaborate with other MCHB-funded partners, (3) connect stakeholders, and (4) measure program performance.

If you don’t currently have this capacity and expertise, discuss how you will strengthen your organizational capacity to be able to conduct these activities.

• Describe current experience, skills, and knowledge of program personnel.

Describe expertise and past work with MCH populations on a national level.

• Demonstrate expertise and past success with leading peer learning opportunities using the techniques you are proposing in this application.

• Discuss how you’ll follow the approved plan, account for federal funds, and record all costs to avoid audit findings.

• Describe organizations who will partner with you to fulfill the goals of the program and meet the proposed objectives.

• Include key organizations/people who are willing to support your plan in Attachment 4,…