HRSA-25-071_final-v2.pdf

Bureau of Health Workforce

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due March 18, 2025

Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) Program Opportunity number: HRSA-25-071

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 11

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14

Get registered 15

Find the application package 15

Application writing help 15

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 17

Application contents and format 18

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 33

Application review 34

Selection process 38

Award notices 39

Step 5: Submit Your Application 40

Application submission and deadlines 41

Application checklist 42

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 44

Post-award requirements and administration 45

Contacts and Support 49

Endnotes 52

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 March 18, 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 3 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 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 11

Basic information Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Bureau of Health Workforce

Division of Nursing and Public Health

Increase diversity and representation among registered nurses through evidence-based, culturally inclusive education environments.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) Program

Opportunity number:

HRSA 25-071

Federal Assistance Listing: 93.178

Key dates

NOFO issue date:

December 18, 2024

Informational webinar:

Visit the HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities website to learn more about the informational webinar.

Application deadline:

March 18, 2025

Expected award date is by: June 15, 2025

Expected start date:

July 1, 2025

Summary The purpose of the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses).

Funding details Application Types: New, and Competing Continuation

Expected total available FY2025 funding: $22,200,000

Expected number and type of awards: Approximately 40 grants.

Funding range per award: Up to $555,000 per annual award

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

We plan to fund awards in 4 budget periods. Each budget period is 12 months in length.

The period of performance for this program is July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. Your request for years 2, 3, and 4 cannot exceed your year 1 request.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://bhw.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx

Eligibility Who can apply Eligible organizations include accredited schools of nursing, nursing centers, academic health centers, and domestic public or private entities, such as state and local departments of health, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations.

Types of eligible organizations These types of domestic* organizations may apply.

• Public institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) IRS status

• Nonprofits with an IRS status other than 501(c)(3)

• State and local governments, including the District of Columbia, domestic territories, and freely associated states

• County governments

• City, local, or township governments

• Special district governments

• Independent school districts

• Native American tribal governments

• Native American tribal organizations

“Domestic” means located in 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.

Other eligibility criteria Trainee eligibility To receive support under this program, a trainee must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program and be one of the following:

• A U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.

• An individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

• Any other person defined as a “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L.

104–193, as amended.

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

• Is submitted after the deadline.

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description Purpose The purpose of the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses).

The program uses comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to provide more inclusive and culturally aligned nursing education environments that will support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Please refer to the Bureau of Health Workforce Glossary for program terms applicable to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (i.e., disadvantaged background, underrepresented minority).

Background The American Nurses Association (ANA) reported that a lack of diversity in healthcare significantly increases health disparities and contributes to poorer health outcomes and high mortality at disproportionate rates among socially and economically marginalized groups.[1] HRSA defines diversity as the multiplicity of human differences among groups of people or individuals. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) opined that a diverse healthcare workforce requires recognition of many dimensions, including, but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, cultural background, socio-economic status, disabilities, and language.[2] HRSA describes diversity as “a multiplicity of human differences among groups of people or individuals.” [3] The 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) results found that 67% of licensed registered nurses who completed the survey identified as white, whereas a total of 33% identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, or from another group who are underrepresented in nursing compared to their representation in the U.S. population.[4]

Schools of nursing play a crucial role in increasing diversity in the nursing workforce by cultivating inclusive learning environments that are culturally responsive, support holistic healthcare, and foster trust and collaboration within communities in need.[5]

Patients are more likely to adhere to health recommendations and have better outcomes when providers are culturally competent or have shared cultural characteristics.[6]

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Nursing Workforce Diversity program trained 2,033 nursing students. Of those trained 99% came from a disadvantaged backgrounds, 76% identified as an underrepresented minority, and 23% came from rural

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://bhw.hrsa.gov/glossary backgrounds.[7] Evidenced-based strategies used to recruit and retain students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds include the implementation of holistic admissions, provision of scholarships and stipends to address socioeconomic barriers, and peer and mentor support to provide wraparound services to assist in student success.

The American Association of College of Nurses (AACN) reported only 22% of full-time nursing faculty identify as minorities.[8] In addition to diversifying faculty, partnerships with professional nursing and community-based organizations can create an inclusive environment outside of academia for nursing students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are racially or ethnically underrepresented in the field.

Professional nursing and community-based partnerships not only support students, but also provide advice and useful strategies for schools of nursing to advance their awareness and inclusion activities, provide professional support to clinical faculty, and offer other strategies for recruitment, enrollment, and retention that can help ensure an inclusive and diverse learning environment.[9]

Program goals

• Increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic and racial minorities underrepresented among registered nurses, who are enrolled in nursing degree programs, using evidence-based strategies such as holistic admissions as a best practice.

• Increase the number of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are retained and graduate from nursing degree programs.

• Increase the number of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds who receive academic and social support for educational success in nursing degree programs.

Program requirements and expectations If you are funded under this funding opportunity, you will be required to:

• Implement a comprehensive systems approach that supports the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses.

• Provide academic support services such as tutoring, counseling, supplemental instruction, and others that improve and promote academic success for nursing students.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

• Increase the recruitment and retention of faculty and preceptors who have diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences that promote diversity in nursing education and clinical practice.

• Provide student support services such as financial support and mentorship (professional, academic, or peer) that support retention and promote an inclusive educational environment from admittance to graduation.

• Establish and maintain partnerships to include technical assistance from professional nursing organizations to increase enrollment and retention of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic and racial minorities underrepresented among registered nurses, including through the provision of support services.

• Evaluate your program’s efficacy by:

◦ Following the HHS Evaluation Policy and standards described in OMB Memorandum M-20-12.

◦ Completing HRSA’s annual performance reporting requirements.

◦ Following up with graduates to collect employment information for a minimum of 1 year after graduation.

◦ Participating in federally designed evaluations to assess program effectiveness and efficiency upon request.

• The proposed PD must be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Your application should indicate the time commitment and qualifications of the PD in the project narrative. HRSA recognizes only one PD.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files/200386/hhs-evaluation-policy.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf

Award information Funding policies and limitations Policies

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates 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.

◦ Your satisfactory progress in meeting the project’s goals.

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

• If we receive more funding for this program, we consider options such as:

◦ Funding more applicants from the rank order list.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

Maintenance of effort Federal funds must add to any existing non-federal funds for your proposed activities. If you receive an award, you will have to spend at least as much as you spent in the last fiscal year before the award. This policy is required by 42 U.S.C. § 296b(b) (Section 803(b) of the Public Health Service Act).

We will enforce these statutory requirements through all available mechanisms.

You must provide supporting documentation in your Attachments 5.

General limitations

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

Budget Information in section 3.14 of the R&R 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 75.216(b).

• Congress’s current appropriations act includes a salary limitation, which applies to this program. As of January 2024, the salary rate limitation is $221,900. This limitation may be updated.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=15 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 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)

Program-specific limitations Additionally, these specific costs are not allowed:

• Accreditation costs like renewals or annual fees, credentialing, licensing, continuing education fees, certification exam or licensing fees, and franchise fees and expenses.

• Membership dues that directly fund lobbying activities.

• Laboratory fees.

• Food or drinks.

• Liability insurance, unemployment insurance, life insurance, taxes, fees, retirement plans, or other fringe benefits for trainees.

◦ Health insurance for trainees is allowed.

• Payment of temporary personnel replacement costs for the time faculty, preceptors, or participants are away from usual worksite during involvement in project activities.

• Paid release time for project faculty.

• Construction or major renovation.

• Foreign travel.

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.

Per 45 CFR 75.414 (c) indirect costs for training awards cannot exceed 8 percent of modified total direct costs.

For modified total direct costs, we use the definition at 2 CFR 200.1. MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 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/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

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 13 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 15

Find the application package 15

Application writing help 15

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. 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 select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select 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.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

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 25-071.

After you select the opportunity we recommend you select Subscribe 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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15 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

Join the webinar We will hold a pre-application technical assistance (TA) webinar. The webinar will provide an overview of pertinent information in the NOFO and an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.

Visit the HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities website to learn more about the resources available for this funding opportunity.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 18

Application contents and format Applications include 5 main components. This section includes guidance on each.

**Application page limit: ** 60-page limit for overall application.

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

Make sure you include each of these:

Components Submission Form Included in the page limit?

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary Form. No

Project narrative Research and Related Other Project Information.

Yes

Budget narrative Use the Research and Related Budget form (Line L).

Yes

Attachments Insert each in the Other Attachments form. Yes, unless otherwise marked below.

Other required forms Upload using each required form. Indicated in the other required forms section.

See the application checklist for a full list of all application requirements. See form instructions for more detail on completing each form.

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

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 18 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=14

Project abstract Complete the information in the Project Abstract Summary form. Include a short description of your proposed project. Include the needs you plan to address, the proposed services, and the population groups you plan to serve.

When applicable, identify if you are requesting a funding priority or preference. For more information, see section3.1.2 of the R&R Application Guide.

Project narrative In this section, you will describe all aspects of your project. Project activities must comply with the non-discrimination requirements described in Section VI.

Use the following section headers in the order shown.

Introduction and purpose See merit review criterion 1: Purpose and need

• Briefly describe the purpose of your project.

• Propose an actionable framework you will use to achieve the project’s goals to increase the number of nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds, including how you will address diversity and promote inclusion and representation among registered nurses in the nursing workforce.

• Include efforts you will take to address social determinants that impede trainees’ access to education and program success.

Need See merit review criterion 1: Purpose and need

• Describe the gaps and unmet needs that this program will address for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses.

• Discuss challenges in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and clinical preceptors.

• Describe the social determinants that impede access and success in nursing education among the population to be served.

• Describe the recruitment, enrollment, and retention challenges for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 19

• Discuss the health disparities of people in the surrounding communities to be served and the impact the project will have on the community.

• Use and cite demographic data whenever possible.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 20

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Explain how your project will address social determinants of education for students in your referenced student population.

• Explain how your project will address social determinants of health in the referenced population in the surrounding communities.

• Explain how you will meet the program’s requirements and expectations.

• Include how you will recruit, retain, and support students with this grant. Include current and projected enrollment and graduate data in your response.

• Discuss your comprehensive systems approach that implements evidence-based strategies to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds from enrollment through graduation. Include strategies for recruitment, retention, and to support of diverse faculty and preceptors to support the student population from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Describe the academic and social support strategies that will be implemented by your proposed partnerships to accomplish the goals of the project.

• Explain when you will use linguistic trainings supported by the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).

High-level work plan See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Describe how you’ll achieve each of your project goals during the period of performance.

• Identify key stakeholders responsible for planning, designing, and carrying out all project activities.

• Provide a timeline that identifies each activity and the responsible stakeholder(s) for each activity.

• Identify the projected number of students who will receive support over the period of performance.

• Provide a detailed work plan in your Standardized Work Plan (SWP). See other required forms.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 21

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Discuss challenges that you are likely to encounter in designing and carrying out the activities in the work plan.

• Explain approaches that you’ll use to address and resolve the challenges.

Performance reporting and evaluation See merit review criteria 3: Impact and 4: Resources and capabilities

• Outcomes. Describe the expected outcomes (desired results) of the funded activities.

• Performance Measurement and Reporting. See NWD Reporting Manual for performance measure requirements and examples of reporting forms.

◦ Describe the systems and processes that you’ll use to track performance outcomes.

◦ Detail how you will collect, and report required performance data accurately and on time.

◦ Describe how you will manage and securely store data.

◦ Describe your process to track trainees after program completion for up to 1 year to include collection of trainees’ NPI numbers. (Note: Trainees are encouraged to apply for an NPI for the purpose of collecting post-graduation employment demographics, such as registered nurses pursuing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

◦ Describe the capacity of the institution to track, collect, and report required performance measures on an annual basis, including but not limited to:

▪ Student demographic data, such as the number and percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds retained in the nursing program.

▪ Faculty demographic data.

▪ Demographic descriptions of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

▪ Student financial support.

◦ Describe how you will monitor and analyze performance data to support continuous quality improvement.

• Program Evaluation. If applicable, the evaluation should examine processes and progress towards goals, program objectives, and expected outcomes. Evaluations must follow the HHS Evaluation Policy, as well as the standards and best practices

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22 https://grants4.hrsa.gov/WebBPMHExternal/Interface/ProgramManualhtmL.aspx?FormCode=1&IsPM=True&EHBActivityCode=D19 described in OMB Memorandum M-20-12.

Describe your plan to evaluate the project. Include:

◦ The evaluation questions, methods, data to be collected, and timeline for implementation.

◦ The evaluation barriers and your plan to address them.

◦ The evaluation capacity of your organization and staff. Include experience, skills, and knowledge.

◦ How you will disseminate results, how you will assess whether your dissemination plan is effective, whether the results are national in scope, and the extent of potential replication.

See Reporting for more information.

Sustainability See merit review criterion 3: Impact

We expect you to sustain key project elements that improve practices and outcomes for the population to be served. Propose a plan for project sustainability after the period of federal funding ends.

Describe:

• Key elements of your project. Examples include training methods or strategies that have been effective in improving practices.

• How you will obtain future sources of funding.

• How you will determine the timing to become self-sufficient.

• Challenges that you’ll likely encounter in sustaining the program. Include how you will resolve these challenges.

Organizational information See merit review criterion 4: 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. Include a project organization chart.

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

• Describe the organization(s) you will partner with to fulfill the program goals and meet the project requirements. Include key agreements in Attachment 3 and letters of support in Attachment 8.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23

• Include a staffing plan and job descriptions for key faculty and staff in Attachment 4.

• Describe project personnel and their experience serving the specified population.

• Describe curriculum and learning activities that clearly link to increasing student and faculty self-awareness of multicultural issues and engaging individuals, families, and communities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.

• Demonstrate the institutional commitment to creating an environment of diversity and inclusion among student and faculty populations.

• Include biographical sketches for key staff using the Research & Related Senior/ Key Person Profile form. See other required forms.

Budget and budget narrative See merit review criterion 5: Support requested

Your budget should follow the instructions in section 3.14 of the R&R Application Guide and any specific instructions listed in this section.

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

Reminder: Indirect costs for training awards cannot exceed 8% of modified total direct costs. The total project or program costs are all allowable (direct and indirect) costs incurred for the HRSA award activity or project. This includes costs charged to the award and non-federal funds used to satisfy any matching or cost sharing requirement (which may include maintenance of effort, if applicable).

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in the Research and Related Budget Form. See other required forms. Your budget should show a well-organized plan. The merit review committee reviews both.

The budget narrative includes an itemized breakdown and a clear justification of the requested costs. As you develop 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.

To create your budget narrative, see detailed instructions in section 3.15 of the R&R Application Guide. Follow these additional instructions specific to this NOFO.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Supplies) https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=18 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=18

Participant and trainee support costs If you include participant or trainee support costs:

• List tuition, fees, health insurance, stipends, travel, and other costs.

• Identify the number of participants and trainees.

• Separate these costs from others so we can identify them easily.

• Include a subtotal entitled “Total Participant and Trainee Support Costs” with the summary of these costs.

• A minimum of 30 percent of the total annual budget must be allocated to participant/trainee support.

Preceptor costs Preceptors can be either your employee, contractor, or consultant. Preceptor costs are unique and different than trainee costs, which are for your students. Allowable preceptor costs may include:

• Stipends (paid as salary for employees or allowance).

• Continuing education, other trainings, and fees.

• Travel.

If the preceptor is an employee, specify those costs under Section B: Other Personnel, Section D: Travel, and Section F: Other Direct Costs.

If the preceptor is a consultant or contractor, lists those costs under Section F: Other Direct Costs.

Include the number of preceptors in your budget narrative.

Note: Students supported under this grant are not responsible for preceptor costs.

Consultant services Identify each consultant, the services they will perform, the total number of days, travel costs, and the total estimated costs.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25

Attachments Place your PDF attachments in order in the Other Attachments form.

Attachment 1: Accreditation documentation Required. Counts toward page limit.

You must provide documentation of your nursing school’s nursing accreditation, or provisional accreditation affiliated with the proposed project. The accreditation must be recognized by a national nurse education accrediting agency or by a state approval agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If your accreditation or approval status cannot be verified, you will be considered nonresponsive and deemed ineligible.

You must submit documentation that:

• Demonstrates continuing accreditation or approval from the relevant accrediting/ approval body and that you are not on probation.

• Includes the name of the accrediting or authorizing body.

• Provides the date of initial accreditation approval.

• Outlines the date of the next expected accrediting or approval body review (or expiration date of current accreditation or approval).

• Provides proof of status if you have provisional accreditation.

You are responsible for verifying that the project partners maintain current accreditation or approval throughout the period of performance.

Please do not provide only the web link to the accreditation body’s website. HRSA will not open any links included in the application.

Substantive change notification Accredited nursing programs that modify (such as a change to a BSN-DNP program) or add a nursing specialty that requires substantive change notification to the national nursing accrediting body must include documentation of the approval of that change from the accrediting agency.

Newly established programs of nursing accreditation A new program of nursing that — by reason of an insufficient period of operation — is not eligible for accreditation by a state agency or recognized accrediting body at the time applications are due will be deemed accredited under the following conditions:

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26

• The Secretary of Education finds, after consultation with the appropriate recognized State approval or accrediting body or bodies, that there is reasonable assurance that the program will meet the accreditation standards of such body or bodies prior to the beginning of the academic year, following the normal graduation date of students of the first entering class in such a program.

• You have submitted such Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the U.S.

Department of Education with your application.

Attachment 2: Project organizational chart Required. Counts toward page limit.

Provide a one-page diagram that shows the full project’s organizational structure.

Include all aspects, not just for your organization.

Attachment 3: Letters of agreement, memoranda of understanding, letters of intent, and contracts Required. Counts toward page limit.

Provide any documents that describe working relationships between your organization and other organizations and programs you cite in the proposal.

Documents that confirm actual or pending contractual or other agreements should clearly describe the roles of the contractors and partners and any deliverables.

All letters of agreement or intent must be signed and dated.

It is not necessary to include the entire contents of lengthy agreements, so long as the included document provides the information that relates to the requirements of the

NOFO.

Include these required formal agreements as Attachment 3.

Any other applicable letters of support can be included in Attachment 8.

Attachment 4: Staffing plan and job descriptions Required. Counts toward page limit.

See Section 3.1.7of the R&R Application Guide.

Include a staffing plan that shows the staff positions that will support the project and key information about each.

Justify your staffing choices, including education, experience, qualifications, and your reasons for the amount of time you request for each staff position.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=22

For key personnel, attach a one-page job description. It must include the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Attachment 5: Maintenance of effort documentation Required. Counts toward page limit.

Specify the non-federal funds that support proposed activities. These include cash, in-kind, or other contributions. Do not include any federal funds. See Maintenance of Effort requirement.

Use the sample format below to provide the Maintenance of Effort documentation.

FY Before Application:

Actual Non-Federal Expenditures

First FY of Award:

Estimated Non-Federal Expenditures

Attachment 6: Funding preference documentation As applicable. Counts toward page limit.

Provide documents that prove you qualify for a funding preference.

See Selection Process for information about how these apply.

Attachment 7: Tables and charts As applicable. Counts toward page limit.

Provide tables or charts that give more details about the proposal. These might be Gantt, PERT, or flow chart.

Attachment 8: Letters of support As applicable. Counts toward the page limit.

You may provide letters of support from organizations or departments involved in the proposed project.

Letters of support can also be from individuals within your institution who hold the authority to speak for the organization or department such as a CEO or chair.

Recommenders should indicate an understanding of and commitment to the project.

Recommenders should sign and date their letter of support.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 28

Attachments 9 to 15: Other relevant documents As applicable. Counts towards the page limit.

Other required forms You will need to complete some other forms. Upload the forms listed below at Grants.gov. You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and any available instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

See the application checklist for a full list of all application requirements.

Forms Submission Requirement

SF-424 R & R (Application for Federal Assistance) form

Yes, with application.

Research and Related Other Project Information

Yes, with application.

Standardized Work Plan (SWP) form Yes, with application.

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form

Yes, with application.

Research and Related Budget form Yes, with application.

R & R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form Yes, with application.

Project/Performance Site Locations(s) form Yes, with application.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form If applicable, with the application or before the award.

BHW Program Specific Data form Yes, with application.

* Only what you attach in addition to these forms counts against the page limit. The form itself does not count.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 29 https://www.grants.gov/forms

Form instructions SF-424 R&R form Does not count against the page limit.

Follow the instructions in section3.1 of the R&R Application Guide.

Research and Related Other Project Information form Only the project narrative counts against the page limit.

In addition to the requirements in the project narrative section, you will provide some additional information in this form.

• Complete sections 1 through 6.

• Upload a blank document in item 7: Project Summary/Abstract to avoid a cross-form error with your Project Abstract Summary Form.

• Upload your project narrative in item 8.

• Leave items 9, 10, and 11 blank.

• If you have more than 10 subawards, you may use item 12 to add subaward budgets that could not fit in your R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Form.

Standardized Work Plan form Does not count against the page limit.

In addition to the requirements in project narrative, high-level work plan, follow these instructions:

• Submit your work plan through the SWP form. Provide a detailed work plan that demonstrates your experience or ability implementing a project of the proposed scope.

• Follow the instructions in the SWP form.

• Select your organizational priorities that best fit the objective.

• Write Health Equity in the “Other Priority Linkage” if your objective or sub-objectives align with this priority.

The program goals for this NOFO must be entered in the Program Goals section of the SWP form exactly as written in this NOFO. Do not add, subtract, or modify goals.

Certain program goals might also need to be duplicated exactly as they are listed on the

NOFO.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 30 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=8

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form The attached biographical sketches do not count toward the page limit.

In addition to the requirements in Project Narrative, Organizational Information, follow these instructions.

• Include biographical sketches for people who will hold the key positions.

• Try to use no more than two pages per person.

• Do not include personally identifiable information.

• If you include someone you have not hired yet, include a letter of commitment from that person with their biographical sketch.

• Upload sketches in this form.

• Include:

◦ Name and title.

◦ Education and training. For each entry include Institution and location, degree and date earned, if any, and field of study.

◦ Section A, Personal Statement. Briefly describe why the individual’s experience and qualifications make them well-suited for their role.

◦ Section B, Positions and Honors. List in chronological order previous and current positions. List any honors. Include present membership on any federal government public advisory committee.

◦ Section C, Other Support. This section is optional. List selected ongoing and completed projects during the last three years. Begin with any projects relevant to the proposed project. Briefly indicate the overall goals of the projects and responsibilities of the person.

◦ Other information. If they apply, include language fluency and experience working with populations that are culturally and linguistically different from their own.

The R&R Application Guide states that biographical sketches count toward the page limit. However, per this Notice of Funding Opportunity, your biographical sketches will not count toward the page limit.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 31 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=22

Research and Related Budget form Only the budget narrative counts against the page limit.

In addition to the requirements in the budget and budget narrative section, follow these instructions:

• Complete the Research and Related Budget Form. Follow the instructions in section 3.14 of the R&R Application Guide.

• Complete the form for each budget year for the proposed performance period.

After completing the first budget period in the form, you may select “Add Period” to move to the next.

R & R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form Counts against the page limit.*

Complete the R & R Subaward Budget Attachment form for each subaward and subcontract you propose.

To complete the budget forms, follow the instructions in section 3.14 of the R&R Application Guide.

If you have more than 10 subawards, you may upload the extra budget forms in the Research and Related Other Project Information form in Block 12 “Other Attachments”.

Project/Performance Site Location(s) form Counts against the page limit.*

Follow the form instructions in Grants.gov.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form Does not count against the page limit.

Follow the form instructions in Grants.gov.

BHW Program Specific Data form Does not count against page limit.

Follow the form instructions in Grants.gov.

* Only what you attach in addition to these forms counts against the page limit. The form itself does not count.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 32 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 34

Selection process 38

Award notices 39

Application review Initial review We review each application to make sure it meets eligibility criteria, including the completeness and the responsiveness criteria. If your application does not meet these criteria, it will not be funded.

Also, we will not review any pages over the page limit.

Merit review A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use these criteria.

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Purpose and need 15 points

2. Response 40 points

3. Impact 20 points

4. Resources and capabilities 15 points

5. Support requested 10 points

Criterion 1: Purpose and need (15 points) See Project Narrative Introduction and purpose, and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the purpose of the project, the populations to be served.

• Provides a plan for implementing an actionable framework that targets learning disparities and expands opportunities to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This may include recruitment of students from rural and underserved areas.

• Describes the efforts you will make to address the non-academic barriers to trainee’s access to education and success in your program. These barriers might include physical health, psychological health, physical environment, social environment, and economic stability. Trainees include students and program participants.

• Describes the plan to serve the unmet needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 34

• Describes the problem and its contributing factors to recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and preceptors.

• Explain how you will address the recruitment, enrollment, and retention challenges, among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Explain how training will address the health disparities of the surrounding communities.

Criterion 2: Response (40 points) See Project Narrative Approach, High-level work plan, and Resolving challenges sections.

Approach (25 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Proposes a project that responds to the program’s purpose.

• Proposes goals and objectives that relate to the project.

• Describes the key stakeholders’ roles, responsibilities, timeline of activities, involved in the implementation of the project.

• Describes the evidence-based strategies implemented to support the project goals and program requirements.

High-Level Work Plan (10 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the activities you will use to achieve each of the objectives and address the needs of the population to be served.

• Explains your strategies to improve trainees’ cultural competence to meet the needs of underserved communities. This includes strategies that increase the use of culturally and linguistically appropriate services by providing training based on the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care Standards.

Resolution of Challenges (5 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the obstacles and challenges you may face during project design and implementation. This includes the quality of your plan to deal with them.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 35

Criterion 3: Impact (20 points) See Project Narrative Performance reporting and evaluation and Sustainability sections.

Performance reporting and evaluation (10 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Presents a quality plan to collect and manage data to ensure accurate and timely performance.

• Describes your process to collect, manage, store, and report NPI numbers for eligible participants. This includes a process to track trainees after program completion for up to one year.

• Includes measures that will assess that program goals have been met and to what extent the results are because of the project.

◦ Include the number of students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds recruited, retained, and graduated.

◦ Include the faculty demographic data.

◦ Include supportive services like student financial support.

• Demonstrates strong and effective methods to monitor and…