HRSA-25-080 Final 12-2.pdf

Bureau of Health Workforce

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due March 3, 2025

Behavioral Health Workforce Development Technical Assistance Program Opportunity number: HRSA-25-080

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 13

Get registered 14

Find the application package 14

Application writing help 14

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 15

Application contents and format 16

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28

Application review 29

Award notices 33

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34

Application submission and deadlines 35

Application checklist 36

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 38

Post-award requirements and administration 39

Contacts and Support 43

Endnotes 47

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 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 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 10

Basic information Health Resources and Services Administration

Bureau of Health Workforce

Division of Nursing and Public Health

Providing technical assistance to recipients of HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Development programs.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Behavioral Health Workforce Development Technical Assistance Program Opportunity number:

HRSA-25-080

Announcement version:

New Federal assistance listing:

93.732 Statutory authority:

42 U.S.C. §§ 294e-1 and 295o-2 (Sections 756 and 799A of the Public Health Service Act)

Key dates

NOFO issue date:

December 2, 2024 Informational webinar:

Visit the program website for information.

Application deadline:

March 3, 2025 Expected award date is by:

September 1, 2025 Expected start date:

September 1, 2025

Summary The Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD) Technical Assistance Program provides tailored technical assistance (TA) to current recipients of the HRSA-funded Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals, Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Paraprofessionals, Graduate Psychology Education program, and future BHWD program recipients.

Funding details Application types: New, competing continuation

Expected total available funding in FY 2025: $2,499,000

Expected number and type of awards: One cooperative agreement

Funding range per award: Up to $2,499,000 per annual award

We plan to fund four 12-month budget periods for a total 4-year period of performance of September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2029. Your request for Years 2, 3, and 4 cannot exceed Your year 1 request.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2022&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2022-title42-section294a&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy0yMDIyLXRpdGxlNDItc2VjdGlvbjI5NGU%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7C2022 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2022&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2022-title42-section294a&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy0yMDIyLXRpdGxlNDItc2VjdGlvbjI5NGU%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7C2022 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2022&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2022-title42-section294a&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy0yMDIyLXRpdGxlNDItc2VjdGlvbjI5NGU%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7C2022 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2022&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2022-title42-section294a&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy0yMDIyLXRpdGxlNDItc2VjdGlvbjI5NGU%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7C2022 https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs/behavioral-health-workforce-development-technical-assistance-evaluation-bhwd-tae-program https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs/behavioral-health-workforce-development-technical-assistance-evaluation-bhwd-tae-program https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355771

Eligibility Who can apply You can apply if you are a:

• Health professions school.

• Academic health center.

• State or local government.

• Other public or private nonprofit entity that provides training and academic support to health professionals.

Types of eligible organizations If otherwise eligible, these types of domestic* organizations may apply.

• Public institutions of higher education.

• Private nonprofit institutions of higher education.

• Nonprofits with or without a 501(c)(3) IRS status.

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

• Faith-based and community-based organizations.

• Native American tribal governments.

• Native American tribal organizations.

• Current BHWD TA program recipient - The current BHWD TA program recipient, whose funding ends on August 30, 2025, may apply as a competing continuation applicant.

*“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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Other eligibility criteria You must be either accredited to provide behavioral health training by a national accrediting body as specified by the U.S. Department of Education or approved by a state or tribal government to provide a behavioral health-related training program. You must provide a copy of your active accreditation, or active approval from a state or tribal government, as attachment 1.

You must maintain your accreditation or state/tribal approval status throughout the performance period and notify us of any change in status.

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.

• Fails to submit active accreditation or active approval from state government as attachment 1.

Application limits You may not submit more than one application per Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). If you submit more than one application under the same UEI, we will only accept the last on-time submission.

More than one application may be submitted from the same organization under separate UEIs.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description Purpose The purpose of the BHWD TA program is to support recipients of HRSA’s BHWD programs, including, Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals, Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Paraprofessionals, and Graduate Psychology Education program, and future BHWD program recipients.[1] The TA will help programs expand the number of highly trained behavioral health providers across the nation.

Background The United States continues to face a mental health and substance use disorder crisis.

In 2023, 32.8 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 and above (84.5 million people) had either a mental illness or a substance use disorder (SUD).[2] Among the 12.8 million adults aged 18 or older with co-occurring mental illness and SUD, only 29.7 percent received both substance use and mental health treatment in 2023.[3] In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93, 087 drug overdose deaths were reported in the United States during the 12-month period ending in June 2024.[4] Most opioid-related overdose deaths involve other substances,[5] signaling the ongoing need for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As a result, training in mental health, opioid use disorder (OUD), and other SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services continue to be vital for behavioral health professionals.

BHWD programs train behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals in integrated, interprofessional care that emphasizes mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The BHWD programs expand workforce capacity by equipping dedicated behavioral health providers to work in areas with the highest demand and highest need.

Critical shortages and uneven distribution of behavioral health providers in rural and low-income urban communities have significantly limited accessibility and quality of care across the nation.[6] HRSA’s National Center for Workforce Analysis has projected substantial shortages within the behavioral health workforce by 2036, specifically addiction counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Population demographics, social determinants of health, and mental illness stigma also affect access to behavioral health services.[7]

These barriers demonstrate the need for a diverse, culturally and linguistically competent workforce that can meet the needs of the populations receiving services.

Research has shown that a diverse workforce improves access to and quality of care in

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355772 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355771 underserved populations.[8] Therefore, behavioral health providers need continuous specialized training to provide comprehensive care and innovative treatments for communities in high-need, high-demand areas.

Program goals

• Develop and design targeted TA to deliver specialized learning and training for the

BHWD programs serving high-need, high-demand areas, such as rural and medically underserved communities.

• Establish a robust behavioral health infrastructure through community and academic partnerships, fostering collaborative learning and responsive treatment for those impacted by mental health and SUDs.

Program requirements and expectations

• Develop and disseminate evidence-based training and other learning opportunities to improve and enhance clinical skills and cultural competency within the BHWD programs.

• Develop a community of practice for BHWD program recipients that include:

◦ Academic institutions.

◦ Community partners.

◦ Experiential placement sites.

◦ Organizations at various levels.

◦ Other TA programs.

• Create a comprehensive collection of the latest evidence-based research and tools, incorporating best practices and approaches for mental health and SUD interventions.

• Provide tailored TA to BHWD program recipients through various methods including:

◦ Individual and group virtual TA.

◦ Webinars.

◦ Engagement calls.

• Develop and maintain a public-facing website featuring resources such as toolkits, guidelines, and best practices. The site should also include a private portal for BHWD program recipients to request TA.

• Continuously review the effectiveness and security of the TA program’s public website, private portal, TA resources, and training tools by monitoring processes and progress toward meeting goals.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

• Establish standardized data collection protocols to assess and monitor the needs and outcomes of TA products and services provided to BHWD program recipients.

• Develop a plan to evaluate TA provided through rapid-cycle quality improvement (RCQI) for BHWD program recipients.

• Develop and issue publications for BHWD program recipients on the TA program’s public website. Include briefings or reports on topics such as:

◦ Types of didactic models, curricula, and evidence-based approaches for trainee preparation.

◦ Outcomes and recommendations for identifying, establishing, and supporting training sites and networks, emphasizing local, community-based, and nontraditional sites.

• Participate in federally designed evaluations to assess program effectiveness and efficiency, upon request.

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

• Consulting on

◦ The strategic direction of the services provided, including planning, developing, and evaluating all phases of the project.

◦ Developing outcome measures specific to the TA provided.

◦ Plans for the recipient’s learning collaboratives.

◦ Plans for the TA that the recipient will provide.

• Reviewing and approving

◦ Project activities and products before the recipient disseminates them.

◦ Publications and other products created by the recipient.

• Providing programmatic input and consultation to develop and deliver TA.

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

• Completing activities proposed by you and approved by HRSA. (Note that in consultation with HRSA, you can modify these proposals.)

• Collaborating with federal, state, and other HRSA-funded entities.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.healthworkforceta.org/research-alerts/rapid-cycle-quality-improvement-resources/

• Collaborating with HRSA and BHWD program recipients to identify TA needs.

• Collaborating with HRSA to implement TA strategies and develop activities that:

◦ Meet individual recipient needs.

◦ Can be used by any entity receiving TA.

• Collaborating with HRSA to develop data collection tools, training materials, and publications to strengthen BHWD programs.

• Developing and maintaining a public-facing website with a private portal for BHWD program recipients to request TA. The private portal will only be accessible to you and BHWD program recipients. The website must be accessible, consistent with federal guidelines.

◦ The website will be expected to support:

▪ TA resources, such as e-based materials, tools and services, e-resources for mental health and SUDs, and other relevant behavioral health resources.

▪ Logistical and administrative information, such as information for national meetings, initiatives, a calendar of events, online trainings, and publications.

◦ The public-facing website must be accessible, consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This website will also serve as a repository of learning collaboratives, webinars, toolkits, and other resources for BHWD program recipients and the community.

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 goals.

◦ 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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Maintenance of effort Federal funds must add to any existing nonfederal 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. §§ 295n-2(b) (§ 797(b) of the Public Health Service Act). We will enforce these statutory requirements through all available mechanisms. You must provide supporting documentation in attachment 5.

General limitations

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

Budget Information in section 3.1.4 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 75.400(g).

• 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. Note this limitation may be updated.

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

Indirect costs Indirect costs are for a common or joint purpose across more than one project and that cannot be easily separated by project (like 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.

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.

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 12 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section295n-2&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=1 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) 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 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 14

Find the application package 14

Application writing help 14

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 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-25-080.

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.

Join the webinar The webinar will provide an overview of pertinent information in the NOFO and an opportunity for you to ask questions. Visit the HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities website for 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 14 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://bhw.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx https://bhw.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 16

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

Application page limit: 60 pages.

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 Use the Research and Related Other Project Information form.

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.

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 details on completing each 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 R&R Application Guide.

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. For more information, see section 3.1.2 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 16 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=25 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=25 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=1

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

Use the section headers and the order below.

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

• Briefly describe the purpose of your project.

• Describe the problem and its contributing factors.

• Describe how you will address barriers your program may face while providing TA for BHWD program recipients. These barriers may include:

◦ Challenges in delivering TA.

◦ Developing products and services for different behavioral health disciplines and BHWD programs.

◦ Implementing activities.

• Propose an actionable framework that targets learning disparities and expands learning opportunities to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. This framework may include making sure that products and services are accessible, including TA for BHWD program recipients serving in rural and underserved areas.

Need See merit review criterion 1: Purpose and need

Describe how your program will do the following, citing data where possible:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive strategy to understand the current behavioral health landscape, including:

◦ Mental health professional shortages.

◦ Service accessibility.

◦ Clinical training that may impact the implementation of services for mental health disorders, as well as prevention, treatment, and recovery services for SUDs across the lifespan.

• Disseminate best practices and evidence-based approaches for treatment modalities and interventions for mental health disorders, as well as prevention, treatment, and recovery services for SUDs for various behavioral health disciplines.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 17

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Tell us how you’ll address your stated needs and meet the program requirements and expectations described in this NOFO.

• Describe how you plan to identify the TA needs of BHWD program recipients.

• Describe how you plan to create and deliver TA in collaboration with academic and community-based programs focusing on mental health and SUDs.

• Describe your plan to enhance BHWD programs to train the behavioral health workforce in evidence-based practices and interventions in mental health and SUDs.

• Describe how you will build a community of practice with academic and community partners, including other TA programs or centers, to compile and develop up-to-date resources for BHWD program recipients.

• Describe your plan to evaluate the quality, thoroughness, and feasibility of your proposed activities and timelines.

• Describe how you plan to evaluate the TA provided through rapid cycle quality improvement for BHWD program recipients, focusing on enhancing trainees’ readiness for practice based on their discipline, education level, and certifications or licensures while addressing the needs of faculty and experiential site supervisors.

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

• Describe your overall work plan.

• Describe how you’ll achieve each of the program goals and program requirements during the period of performance.

• Describe how the work plan aligns with the approach and incorporates the activities and strategies to institute a TA program.

• Provide a timeline that includes each activity and identify who is responsible for them. As needed, identify how key stakeholders will help plan, design, and carry out all activities.

• Include how these stakeholders address the needs of the populations and communities served.

• You will also upload a more detailed work plan in attachment 7. Ensure that you address each program requirement. Activities should clearly demonstrate how you will meet each goal during each budget year.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 18

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 2: Response

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

• Discuss challenges providing TA to BHWD programs. Explain how you’ll resolve these challenges, and provide examples of how you have used these strategies in similar situations. Challenges may include:

◦ Developing learning collaboratives.

◦ Managing TA.

◦ Responding to rapid-response requests from HRSA.

◦ Creating and participating in academic community partnerships.

◦ Developing and maintaining a secure, public-facing website with private portal access for award recipients.

◦ Explain approaches that you’ll use to resolve these challenges and provide examples of how you have used these strategies in similar situations.

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. Describe how you will collect and report required performance data accurately and on time for the following data metrics:

◦ Number, type, and location of TA events that each BHWD program and individual program recipients requested during each project period.

◦ Number and type of TA events you provided to BHWD programs, including the number of individual and group TA sessions, webinars, online trainings, and engagement calls.

◦ Number and type of publications you disseminated and maintained on the TA program’s public website.

◦ Number and type of community of practice learning collaboratives.

◦ Number of surveys received from BHWD program recipients that used your TA services.

◦ Number and types of satisfaction ratings and impact the services had on their programs.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 19

◦ Number of web links on the public website to products, tools, and evaluation resources for mental health and SUDs.

• Describe how you will manage and securely store data.

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

• Program evaluation. The evaluation should examine processes and progress toward program goals and expected outcomes. Evaluations must follow the HHS Evaluation Policy, as well as the standards and best practices 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 target population. Propose a plan for sustaining the project after the federal funding ends. Describe the actions you’ll take to:

• Support key elements of your projects. Examples include training methods or strategies that have been effective in improving practices.

• Obtain future sources of funding.

• Determine the timing to become self-sufficient.

• Resolve specific challenges that you’ll likely encounter in sustaining the program.

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 as attachment 2.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 20 https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/department-health-human-services-evaluation-policy https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/department-health-human-services-evaluation-policy https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf

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

• Describe your organization’s capacity to assess the unique needs of the BHWD programs you will serve.

• Describe the organizations you will partner with to fulfill the program goals and meet the program requirements. Include key agreements in attachment 3 and letters of support in attachment 8.

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

◦ You will also include biographical sketches for key staff using the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile form. See the other required forms.

◦ There can only be one project director. They must be employed by your organization.

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

Your budget should follow the instructions in section 3.1.4 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.

Provide a separate required line-item budget and budget narrative for each year of each subaward or contract.

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

The budget narrative should include a line-item narrative justification per budget cost category and align with the SF424 R&R budget form. As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable and necessary 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 3.1.5 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 21 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=1 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=1 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)

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

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

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

You must provide documentation of your institution’s accreditation or provisional accreditation. Please do not provide only the web link to the accreditation body’s website. HRSA will not open any links included in the application.

Entities must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, as specified by the U.S. Department of Education, or must be approved by the state or tribal government.

Accredited health professions schools and academic health centers applicants are required to submit accreditation documentation.

You must submit documentation that:

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

• Includes the name of the accrediting/authorizing body.

• Provides the date of initial accreditation approval.

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

• If you are on provisional accreditation status, provide proof of this status.

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

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 the applicant organization.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22

Attachment 3: Letters of agreement, memoranda of understanding, and contracts As applicable—Counts toward page limit.

Provide a letter of support for each organization or department involved in your proposed project. Letters of support must be from someone who holds the authority to speak for the organization or department (such as a CEO or chair), be signed and dated, and indicate understanding of and a commitment to the project, including any resource commitments (such as in-kind services, dollars, staff, space, or equipment).

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. Make sure any letters of agreement are signed and dated.

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

See Section 3.1.7 of the R&R Application Guide [PDF].

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 and experience qualifications and your reasons for the amount of time you request for each staff position.

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 nonfederal funds that support proposed activities. These include cash, in-kind, or other contributions. Do not include any federal funds. See the 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

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/research-related-application-guide.pdf

Attachment 6: 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 7: Work plan Required—Counts toward page limit.

Provide a comprehensive work plan that addresses all program requirements. Outline specific steps you will take to successfully implement the proposed activities identified in the approach section to achieve program goals. These activities should clearly demonstrate how each goal will be met during each budget year.

A sample work plan can be found on BHW’s grants site.

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.

Attachment 9-15: Other relevant documents As applicable—Counts toward page limit.

Include any other documents that are relevant to the application.

If you have additional material to submit, such as explanations of mandatory disclosures, you can use this form.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24 http://bhw.hrsa.gov/grants/technicalassistance/workplantemplate.docx

Other required standard 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.

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, if applicable.

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

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

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

Follow the instructions for the Application for Federal Assistance in section 3.1.1 of the R&R Application Guide.

Research and Related Other Project Information Only the project narrative counts toward 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.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=6

• 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.

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 the project narrative and 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 nonpublic, 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 format, including the following:

◦ Name and title.

◦ Education and training. For each entry include institution and location, degree earned, if any, date, 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.

Please note, the R&R Application Guide states that biographical sketches count toward the page limit. However, per this NOFO, 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 26 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=43

Research and Related Budget form Only the budget narrative counts toward 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 4.1.iv of the R&R Application Guide.

• You will complete the form for each budget year for the proposed performance period. After completing the first budget period in the form, you may click “Add Period” to move to the next.

R & R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Form Counts toward the page limit.

You will also complete R & R Subaward Budget Attachments for each subaward you propose. These include subcontracts. You will do this using the R & R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form.

To complete the budget forms, follow the instructions in section 3.1.4 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 toward the page limit.

Follow the form instructions on Grants.gov.

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

Follow the form instructions on Grants.gov.

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=1

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 29

Award notices 33

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

Also, we will not review any pages over the 60-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 10 points

2. Response 40 points

3. Impact 30 points

4. Resources and capabilities 10 points

5. Support requested 10 points

Criterion 1: Purpose and need (10 Points) See project narrative Introduction and purpose and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the purpose of your project, the problem, and its contributing factors.

• Includes how you will address barriers your program may face while providing TA for BHWD program recipients.

• Proposes an actionable framework that targets learning disparities and expands learning opportunities to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, such by making sure that products and services are accessible, including TA for BHWD program recipients serving in rural and underserved areas.

• Demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to understand the current behavioral health landscape, including mental health professional shortages, service accessibility, and clinical training that may impact the implementation of services for mental health disorders, as well as prevention, treatment, and recovery services for SUDs across the lifespan.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29

• Describes a plan for disseminating best practices and evidence-based approaches for treatment modalities and interventions for mental health disorders, as well as prevention, treatment, and recovery services for SUDs for various behavioral health disciplines.

Criterion 2: Response (40 Points) See the project narrative Approach, Work plan, and Resolving challenges sections.

Approach (20 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Addresses program goals and the program’s requirements and expectations.

• Describes how you plan to identify the TA needs of BHWD program recipients.

• Describes how you plan to create and deliver TA in collaboration with academic and community-based programs focusing on mental health and SUDs.

• Describes your plan to enhance BHWD programs to train the behavioral health workforce in evidence-based practices and interventions in mental health and SUDs.

• Describes how you plan to build a community of practice with academic and community partners.

• Evaluates the quality, thoroughness, and feasibility of your proposed activities and timelines.

• Describes how you plan to evaluate the TA provided through RCQI for BHWD program recipients, focusing on enhancing trainees’ readiness for practice based on their discipline, education level, and certifications/licensures while addressing the needs of faculty and experiential site supervisors.

High-level work plan (15 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes concrete steps you will use to achieve the program goals and requirements.

• Describes how the work plan aligns with the program’s approach and integrates targets for key activities within the four-year grant implementation period.

• Includes a timeline for each activity, assigns responsibilities, and outlines stakeholder involvement in planning, designing, and carrying out activities.

• Provides a more detailed work plan that addresses program goals and requirements during each budget year in attachment 7.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30

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

• Describes the challenges you may face when designing and carrying out the project.

• Describes challenges providing TA to multidisciplinary professional and paraprofessional workforce development programs.

• Discusses how you plan to resolve these challenges, and provides examples.

Criterion 3: Impact (30 Points) See project narrative Performance reporting and evaluation and Sustainability sections.

Performance reporting and evaluation (20 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes plans for effectively sharing project results that could be replicated by others or be national in scope.

• Demonstrates strong and effective methods to monitor and evaluate project results.

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

• Presents a high-quality plan to collect, manage, and report data to ensure accurate and timely performance.

• Describes a plan to manage and securely store data.

• Proposes a plan to use data for continuous quality improvement and to monitor and evaluate project results.

• Demonstrates your organization and staff’s capacity to carry out the project.

• Anticipates evaluation obstacles and proposes plans to address them.

Sustainability (10 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Proposes a plan that supports key elements of your project and proposes a solid plan for sustaining the project beyond the federal funding.

•…