MCHB HRSA-22-078 (UA5) Autism CARES National ITRC_Final.pdf

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

Division of MCH Workforce Development

Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center

Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-22-078

Funding Opportunity Type(s): Competing Continuation, New

Assistance Listings (AL/CFDA) Number: 93.877

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Fiscal Year 2022

Application Due Date: April 7, 2022 Ensure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations and passwords are current immediately!

HRSA will not approve deadline extensions for lack of registration.

Registration in all systems may take up to 1 month to complete.

Issuance Date: January 7, 2022

Robyn Schulhof, MA Senior Public Health Analyst HRSA, Maternal and Child Health Bureau Telephone: (301) 443-0258 Email: rschulhof@hrsa.gov

See Section VII for a complete list of agency contacts.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 280i-1(e)(3) (Title III, § 399BB(e)(3) of the Public Health Service Act) mailto:rschulhof@hrsa.gov

HRSA-22-078 i

508 COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER

Note: Persons using assistive technology may not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please email or call one of the HRSA staff listed in Section VII.

Agency Contacts.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center (called the Resource Center for this notice of funding opportunity).

The purpose of the Resource Center is to provide technical assistance in order to build the capacity of interdisciplinary training programs to train health professionals to utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose or rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) across their lifespan, and to provide evidence-based interventions for children with ASD/DD. Specifically, the Resource Center will help HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s (MCHB) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) training programs improve their interdisciplinary training and practice by producing resources and providing technical assistance (TA) to ultimately improve the lives of people with ASD/DD. LEND and DBP programs train professionals from a broad range of disciplines to enhance trainees’ clinical expertise and leadership skills.

Funding Opportunity Title: Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center

Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-22-078

Due Date for Applications: April 7, 2022

Anticipated Total Annual Available

FY 2022 Funding:

$800,000

Estimated Number and Type of Award(s): Up to one cooperative agreement

Estimated Annual Award Amount: Up to $800,000 subject to the availability of appropriated funds

Cost Sharing/Match Required: No

Period of Performance: September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2027 (5 years)

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Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants include any domestic public or private entity. Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations are also eligible to apply for these funds. See Section III.1 of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for complete eligibility information.

Application Guide

You (the applicant organization/agency) are responsible for reading and complying with the instructions included in HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide, available online at http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf, except where instructed in this NOFO to do otherwise.

Technical Assistance

A technical assistance webinar has been scheduled to help you understand, prepare, and submit your award application:

Webinar

Day and Date: Thursday, February 3, 2022 Time: 1–2 p.m. ET Call-In Number: 1-833-568-8864 Meeting ID: 161 673 6134 Passcode: 17656767

Weblink:

https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1616736134?pwd=bHdBNEQ0Y04vREg0bkdVNWRYTzkyU T09 Attendees should select, “Join with Audio.”

HRSA will record the webinar and make it available at:

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx.

http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1616736134?pwd=bHdBNEQ0Y04vREg0bkdVNWRYTzkyUT09 https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1616736134?pwd=bHdBNEQ0Y04vREg0bkdVNWRYTzkyUT09 https://mchb.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx

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Table of Contents

I. PROGRAM FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1. PURPOSE

2. BACKGROUND

II. AWARD INFORMATION

1. TYPE OF APPLICATION AND AWARD

2. SUMMARY OF FUNDING

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2. COST SHARING/MATCHING

3. OTHER

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

i. Project Abstract

ii. Project Narrative

iii. Budget Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 6

iv. Budget Narrative Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 6

v. Program-Specific Forms

vi. Attachments

3. DUN AND BRADSTREET DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER TRANSITION

TO THE UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)

4. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

6. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. REVIEW CRITERIA

2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

3. ASSESSMENT OF RISK

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. AWARD NOTICES

2. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

3. REPORTING

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX: LOGIC MODEL FOR AUTISM CARES ACT NATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY

TRAINING RESOURCE CENTER

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I. Program Funding Opportunity Description

1. Purpose

This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center (the Resource Center).

The purpose of the Resource Center is to provide technical assistance in order to build the capacity of interdisciplinary training programs to train health professionals to utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose or rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) across their lifespan, and provide evidence-based interventions for children with ASD/DD. Specifically, the Resource Center will help HRSA/MCHB’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) Training programs improve their interdisciplinary training and practice by producing resources and providing technical assistance (TA) to ultimately improve the lives of people with ASD/DD. LEND and DBP programs train professionals from a broad range of disciplines to enhance trainees’ clinical expertise and leadership skills.

The Resource Center is expected to:

1) Provide technical assistance and develop training resources for the HRSA/MCHB-funded Autism CARES training programs, primarily to interdisciplinary LEND and DBP programs.

2) Identify and disseminate resources and tools to recipients to improve the training and interdisciplinary practice among LEND and DBP programs.

3) Conduct data analysis and management activities that support training programs’ capacity to collect, analyze and utilize training and quality improvement data, as well as collect autism-specific data from programs per MCHB requests.

4) Advance systems development strategies to improve health services and other systems for children with ASD/DD and their families, including children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) or have complex health conditions.

5) Promote family and self-advocate involvement in LEND and DBP programs.

6) Promote health equity within the LEND and DBP training programs.

7) Support forums for recipient collaboration, sharing of effective practices, and opportunities to address emerging issues guided by MCHB’s program priorities and the Autism CARES Act.

8) Support and lead LEND and DBP workgroups on current and emerging topics affecting those with ASD/DD, that may include, but are not limited to: the role of self-advocates in training programs, the role of family members in training programs, pediatric audiology/early hearing detection systems for children with ASD/DD, quality improvement initiatives, and public health emergencies and their effect on individuals with ASD/DD.

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9) Form partnerships with federal agencies and organizations relevant to the disability/autism community including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others.

HRSA encourages substantial experience and expertise from applicants in the following areas:

• Developmental disabilities, including autism;

• Provision of technical assistance to workforce training programs focused on improving the lives of those with ASD/DD and their families;

• Interdisciplinary training programs serving those with ASD/DD;

• Database management including data collection and assessing the impact of

ASD/DD services data;

• Leadership in facilitating and convening topical workgroups relevant to those with disabilities; and

• Planning, executing, and actively participating in complex meetings and federal recipient site visits.

2. Background

About MCHB and Strategic Plan

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) administers programs with focus areas in maternal and women’s health, adolescent and young adult health, perinatal and infant health, child health, and children with special health care needs. To achieve its mission of improving the health and well-being of America’s mothers, children, and families, MCHB is implementing a strategic plan that includes the following four goals:

Goal 1: Assure access to high quality and equitable health services to optimize health and well-being for all MCH populations

Goal 2: Achieve health equity for MCH populations

Goal 3: Strengthen public health capacity and workforce for MCH

Goal 4: Maximize impact through leadership, partnership, and stewardship

This cooperative agreement addresses all four of MCHB’s goals. The Resource Center aims to achieve health equity for individuals with disabilities. By strengthening systems of care, including growing a trained workforce serving individuals with disabilities, the center aims to assure high quality services for individuals with ASD/DD. In particular, the Resource Center supports the leadership efforts of the LEND and DBP training programs through its TA efforts.

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MCHB is committed to promoting equity1 in health programs for mothers, children, and families. Addressing issues of equity involves an understanding of intersectionality and how multiple forms of discrimination impact individuals’ lived experiences.2

To learn more about MCHB and the bureau’s strategic plan, visit https://mchb.hrsa.gov/about.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities

This program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 280i-1(e)(3) (Title III, § 399BB(e)(3) of the Public Health Service Act), as amended by the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-60). The Autism CARES Act of 2019 emphasizes improving health outcomes and the well-being of individuals with ASD/DD across the lifespan.

In carrying out the provisions of the Autism CARES Act of 2019, HRSA supports training programs, research, and state systems grants to:

• Improve access to early screening, diagnosis and intervention for children with ASD or other DDs;

• Promote the use of early screening and evidence-based interventions for individuals at higher risk for ASD and other DDs;

• Increase the number of professionals trained to diagnose ASD and other DDs;

• Increase the number of professionals able to provide evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD or other DDs;

• Provide information and education on ASD and other DDs to increase public awareness; and

• Promote research and distribute information on the development and validation of reliable screening tools and interventions for ASD and other DDs.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by social and behavioral challenges. Children with ASD are at increased risk for physical and mental health comorbidities and experience disparities in access to appropriate health care. A comprehensive picture of ASD among children in the U.S is best understood by examining two key estimates of ASD prevalence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 44 children have

1 The term “equity” means: “[T]he consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color;

members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.” Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, 86 FR 7009, at § 2(a) (Jan. 20, 2021), https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01- 25/pdf/2021-01753.pdf 2 See Executive Order 13988 on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, 86 FR 2023, at § 1 (Jan. 20, 2021), https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021- 01761.pdf https://mchb.hrsa.gov/about https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021-01753.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021-01753.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021-01761.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021-01761.pdf

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ASD,3 while parent-reported data from the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health documented that one in 32 children aged 3–17 years have a diagnosis of ASD.4 The Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center serves as a critical support to training programs. The Autism CARES Act of 2019 allows for one or more grants to be funded as a TA provider to the network of interdisciplinary training programs. MCHB administers the Resource Center as part of a continuum of autism investments with shared goals of supporting individuals with ASD/DD through education, early detection, research, and intervention.

The Resource Center is critical to supporting the growing LEND and DBP networks, and in turn, strengthening the system of care for individuals with ASD/DD. The LEND program, for example, grew from 52 to 60 recipients in Fiscal Year 2021. The Resource Center will be essential in providing technical assistance and support to each program to maximize its impact on trainees and improve the future workforce supporting individuals with disabilities.

II. Award Information

1. Type of Application and Award

Type(s) of applications sought: Competing Continuation, New

HRSA will provide funding in the form of a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a financial assistance mechanism where HRSA anticipates substantial involvement with the recipient during performance of the contemplated project.

HRSA program involvement will include:

• Provide experienced MCHB personnel to participate in the planning and execution of ASD/DD and interdisciplinary training activities under this cooperative agreement;

• Participate in the planning and scheduling of meetings and seminars conducted during the period of the cooperative agreement;

• Participate in regular meetings and/or communications with the recipient to assess progress;

• Review procedures to be established for ongoing monitoring and successful accomplishment of the scope of work proposed;

• Participate in the design, direction, and evaluation of innovative activities;

• Participate actively, with the Resource Center and consultants, on recipient site visits;

3 Maenner MJ, Shaw KA, Bakian A et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2018.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/ss/ss7011a1.htm 4 Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data query.

Retrieved 10/15/2021 from https://www.childhealthdata.org/.

https://www.childhealthdata.org/

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• Facilitate efforts in the provision of technical support and training/education to specified programs;

• Assist in identifying other recipients and professional and national organizations with whom the recipient will be asked to develop collaborative relationships; and

• Provide review and advisory input of any publications, audiovisuals, and other materials produced, as well as meetings planned, under the auspices of this cooperative agreement.

The cooperative agreement recipient’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Complete activities proposed in response to the Methodology section of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO);

• Provide the federal project officer with the opportunity to review and discuss any publications, audiovisuals, and other materials produced under the auspices of this cooperative agreement;

• Consult with the federal project officer at the time of concept development of materials and include review of drafts and final products;

• Participate in meetings and conference calls with HRSA conducted during the period of this cooperative agreement; and

• Collaborate with HRSA on ongoing review of activities, procedures, and budget items.

2. Summary of Funding

HRSA estimates approximately $800,000 to be available annually to fund one recipient.

The actual amount available will not be determined until enactment of the final FY 2022 federal appropriation. You may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $800,000 total costs (includes both direct and indirect, facilities and administrative costs) per year. This program notice is subject to the appropriation of funds, and is a contingency action taken to ensure that, should funds become available for this purpose, HRSA can process applications and award funds appropriately.

The period of performance is September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2027 (5 years).

Funding beyond the first year is subject to the availability of appropriated funds for the Resource Center in subsequent fiscal years, satisfactory progress, and a decision that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

All HRSA awards are subject to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 45 CFR part 75.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=4d52364ec83fab994c665943dadf9cf7&ty=HTML&h=L&r=PART&n=pt45.1.75

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III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include any domestic public or private entity. Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations are also eligible to apply for these funds.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

Cost sharing/matching is not required for this program.

3. Other

HRSA may not consider an application for funding if it contains any of the non-responsive criteria below:

• Exceeds the ceiling amount

• Fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.4

NOTE: Multiple applications from an organization are not allowable.

HRSA will only accept your last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, before the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

HRSA requires you to apply electronically. HRSA encourages you to apply through Grants.gov using the SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) workspace application package associated with this NOFO following the directions provided at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Form Alert: For the Project Abstract Summary, applicants using the SF-424 R&R Application Package are encountering a “Cross-Form Error” associated with the Project Summary/Abstract field in the “Research and Related Other Project Information” form, Box 7. To avoid the “Cross-Form Error,” you must attach a blank document in Box 7 of the “Research and Related Other Project Information” form, and use the Project Abstract Summary Form 2.0 in workspace to complete the Project Abstract Summary.

See Section IV.2.i Project Abstract for content information.

The NOFO is also known as “Instructions” on Grants.gov. You must select “Subscribe” and provide your email address for HRSA-22-078 in order to receive notifications including modifications, clarifications, and/or republications of the NOFO on Grants.gov.

You will also receive notifications of documents placed in the RELATED DOCUMENTS https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

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tab on Grants.gov that may affect the NOFO and your application. You are ultimately responsible for reviewing the For Applicants page for all information relevant to this

NOFO.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Format Requirements Section 4 of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide provides general instructions for the budget, budget justification, staffing plan and personnel requirements, assurances, certifications, etc. You must submit the information outlined in the HRSA SF-424 R&R Application Guide in addition to the program-specific information below. You are responsible for reading and complying with the instructions included in HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide except where instructed in the NOFO to do otherwise. You must submit the application in the English language and in the terms of U.S. dollars (45 CFR § 75.111(a)).

See Section 8.5 of the HRSA SF-424 R&R Application Guide for the Application Completeness Checklist.

Application Page Limitation The total size of all uploaded files included in the page limit shall be no more than the equivalent of 75 pages when printed by HRSA. The page limit includes the project and budget narratives, and attachments required in the Application Guide and this NOFO.

Please note: Effective April 22, 2021, the abstract is no longer an attachment that counts in the page limit. The abstract is the standard form (SF) "Project Abstract Summary.” Standard OMB-approved forms included in the workspace application package do not count in the page limit. If you use an OMB-approved form that is not included in the workspace application package for HRSA-22-078, it may count against the page limit. Therefore, we strongly recommend you only use Grants.gov workspace forms associated with this NOFO to avoid exceeding the page limit. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement and proof of non-profit status (if applicable) do not count in the page limit. It is therefore important to take appropriate measures to ensure your application does not exceed the specified page limit. Any application exceeding the page limit of 75 will not be read, evaluated, or considered for funding.

Applications must be complete, within the maximum specified page limit, and validated by Grants.gov under HRSA-22-078 before the deadline.

Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion Certification

1) You certify on behalf of the applicant organization, by submission of your proposal, that neither you nor your principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf

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2) Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 45 CFR § 75.371, including suspension or debarment. (See also 2 CFR parts 180 and 376, and 31 U.S.C. § 3354).

3) If you are unable to attest to the statements in this certification, you must include an explanation in Attachments 6-10: Other Relevant Documents.

See Section 4.1 viii of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide for additional information on all certifications.

Temporary Reassignment of State and Local Personnel during a Public Health Emergency Section 319(e) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act provides the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with discretion upon request by a state or tribal organization to authorize the temporary reassignment of state, tribal, and local personnel during a declared federal public health emergency. The temporary reassignment provision is applicable to state, tribal, and local public health department or agency personnel whose positions are funded, in full or part, under PHS programs and allows such personnel to immediately respond to the public health emergency in the affected jurisdiction. Funds provided under the award may be used to support personnel who are temporarily reassigned in accordance with § 319(e). Please reference detailed information available on the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) website.

Program-Specific Instructions In addition to application requirements and instructions in Section 4 of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide (including the budget, budget justification, staffing plan and personnel requirements, assurances, certifications, and abstract), include the following:

i. Project Abstract Use the Standard OMB-approved Project Abstract Summary Form 2.0 that is included in the workspace application package. Do not upload the abstract as an attachment or it will count toward the page limitation. See Form Alert in Section IV.1 Application Package. Please use the guidance below. It is most current and differs slightly from that in Section 4.1.ix of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide.

Provide a summary of the application in the Project Abstract box of the Project Abstract Summary Form using 4,000 characters or less.

• Address

• Project Director Name

• Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax)

• Email Address

• Website Address, if applicable

• List all grant program funds requested in the application, if applicable

• If requesting a funding preference, priority, or special consideration as outlined in https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=4d52364ec83fab994c665943dadf9cf7&ty=HTML&h=L&r=PART&n=pt45.1.75#se45.1.75_1371 http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/legal/pahpa/section201/Pages/default.aspx http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/legal/pahpa/section201/Pages/default.aspx http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf

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Section V. 2. of the program-specific NOFO, indicate here.

Because the abstract is often distributed to provide information to the public and Congress, prepare this so that it is clear, accurate, concise, and without reference to other parts of the application. It must include a brief description of the proposed project including the needs to be addressed, the proposed services, and the population group(s) to be served. If the application is funded, your project abstract information (as submitted) will be made available to public websites and/or databases including USAspending.gov.

NARRATIVE GUIDANCE

To ensure that you fully address the review criteria, the table below provides a crosswalk between the narrative language and where each section falls within the review criteria. Any forms or attachments referenced in a narrative section may be considered during the objective review.

Narrative Section Review Criteria

Introduction (1) Need

Needs Assessment (1) Need

Methodology (2) Response

Work Plan and Logic Model (2) Response and (4) Impact

Resolution of Challenges (2) Response

Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity

(3) Evaluative Measures, (4) Impact, and

(5) Resources/Capabilities

Organizational Information (5) Resources/Capabilities

Budget Narrative (6) Support Requested

ii. Project Narrative

This section provides a comprehensive description of all aspects of the proposed project. It should be succinct, self-explanatory, consistent with forms and attachments, and organized in alignment with the sections and format below so that reviewers can understand the proposed project.

Successful applications will contain the information below. Please use the following section headers for the narrative:

http://www.usaspending.gov/

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INTRODUCTION -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 1 Briefly describe the purpose of the proposed project in relation to the Purpose section of this NOFO.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 1 Briefly describe the background of the proposal, critically evaluating the national need/demand for technical assistance in the area of interdisciplinary leadership training in ASD/DD, including children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) or have complex health conditions. Specifically identify issues to be addressed and gaps which the Resource Center is intended to fill. (If available, a summary of needs assessment findings should be included.) State concisely the importance of the project by relating the specific objectives to the potential of the project to meet the purposes of the program described in the NOFO. The systems serving children with ASD/DD should be discussed and described in detail in this section.

METHODOLOGY -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 2 Propose methods that you will use to address the stated needs and meet each of the previously described program requirements and expectations in this NOFO.

Technical Assistance (TA) and Quality Improvement (QI) Discuss how you will assess needs and provide TA to LEND and DBP programs including LEND pediatric audiology supplemental recipients; coordinate efforts between CARES training investments; collect and analyze relevant program data;

and participate in the CARES evaluation efforts.

Describe QI methods you will use, as well as your ability to support existing network-wide QI initiatives. Discuss how you will produce and disseminate tools and resources to LEND and DBP recipients to provide useful and timely TA.

Collaboration Describe the proposed project's existing and planned methods of collaboration and coordination with other relevant agencies, organizations, key public and private providers, family members, self-advocacy/consumer groups, professional membership organizations, and other partnerships relevant to the disability community, especially for those with ASD/DD.

Data Management and Analysis Discuss how you will utilize a data system to collect relevant data from individual LEND and DBP programs and support recipient reporting requests from MCHB in the DGIS performance measurement system. Outline how you will support data collection for specific autism data that is collected annually from LEND and DBP programs and reported to MCHB for the CARES evaluation.

Program Coordination, Site Visits, and Meeting Planning Site visits are a critical component of technical assistance to support Autism CARES recipient programs. Describe how you will participate in site visits with

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MCHB project officer(s) to provide technical assistance to LEND and DBP recipients.

Forums to ensure cross-program collaboration are critical to the development of robust LEND and DBP programs. The Resource Center will be instrumental in supporting these opportunities. Describe how you will support cross-collaboration opportunities for recipient and trainees to share training and other practices with one another. Describe a plan to convene all MCHB CARES Act recipients, and plans to convene trainees from the 12 LEND audiology supplement recipients.

Emerging Issues Describe how the Resource Center will support LEND and DBP workgroups that address emerging issues affecting individuals with ASD/DD, especially workforce-related training issues.

Describe how the Resource Center will promote family and self-advocate involvement in LEND and DBP programs.

Describe how the Resource Center will promote and incorporate health equity into your program via resources/tools, workgroups, or other mechanisms.

WORK PLAN AND LOGIC MODEL -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 2 and Review Criterion 4 Work Plan Describe the specific activities that will be used to carry out each objective in the Methodology section of this NOFO. Use a timeline that includes each activity and identifies responsible staff. The work plan should specifically address the Resource Center’s technical assistance activities and timelines; dissemination plans for curricula and tools, innovative projects and activities, and long term impacts of these efforts. Include the work plan as Attachment 1.

Logic Model

Submit a logic model for designing and managing the project in Attachment 1. A logic model is an approximately one-page diagram that presents the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the links among program elements.

While there are many versions of logic models, for the purposes of this notice, the logic model should summarize the connections between the:

• Program inputs (e.g., organizational profile, collaborative partners, key personnel, budget, other resources)

• Activities (e.g., approach, listing key interventions, if applicable)

• Outputs (i.e., the direct products of program activities)

• Outcomes (i.e., the short and longer term impacts of a program)

Although there are similarities, a logic model is not a work plan. A work plan is an “action” guide with a time line used during program implementation; the work plan provides the “how to” steps. You can find additional information on developing

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logic models at the following website:

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/prep-logic-model-ts_0.pdf.

A sample logic model can be found in Appendix: Autism CARES Act National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center.

RESOLUTION OF CHALLENGES -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion Discuss challenges that you are likely to encounter in designing and implementing the activities described in the work plan, and approaches that you will use to resolve such challenges.

EVALUATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT CAPACITY -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 3, Review Criterion 4, and Review Criterion 5 Describe your planned program performance evaluation that will contribute to continuous quality improvement. The program performance evaluation should monitor ongoing processes and the progress towards the goals and objectives of the project. Include descriptions of the inputs (e.g., organizational profile, collaborative partners, key personnel, budget, and other resources), key processes, and expected outcomes of the funded activities.

Describe the systems and processes that will support your organization's performance management requirements through effective tracking of performance outcomes, including a description of how the organization will collect and manage data (e.g., assigned skilled staff, data management software) in a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting of performance outcomes. Describe current experience, skills, and knowledge, including individuals on staff, materials published, and previous work of a similar nature. As appropriate, describe the data collection strategy to collect, analyze and track data to measure process and impact/outcomes, and explain how the data will be used to inform program development and service delivery. Describe any potential obstacles for implementing the program performance evaluation and your plan to address those obstacles.

Describe how you will, in collaboration with LEND and DBP training programs, use your evaluation data to increase the workforce trained to work with or provide services to individuals with ASD/DD.

Identify measures that will be used to assess performance and progress towards the objectives outlined in the Purpose section. Document your plans/ability to collect and report data on these measures in your annual progress reports. This includes plans for establishing baseline data and targets.

In addition to required MCHB performance measures, suggested measures could include:

• Number of individual and group TA opportunities provided to LEND and DBP programs, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/prep-logic-model-ts_0.pdf

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• Number of workgroups convened on current and emerging disability topics,

• Number of grantee meetings convened for LENDs, DBPs, and the CARES network,

• Number of resources developed on behalf of or in conjunction with LEND and DBP programs, and

• Number of site visits provided to LEND and DBP recipients, with MCHB staff.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION -- Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 5 The staffing plan and job descriptions for key faculty/staff must be included in Attachment 2 (Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions). However, the biographical sketches must be uploaded in the SF-424 RESEARCH & RELATED Senior Key Person Profile form that can be accessed in the Application Package under “Mandatory.”

A successful application will have a project director/principal investigator with a clear role in directing the overall project activities. The senior manager of this cooperative agreement must have demonstrated leadership and experience in public health, and ideally in training programs serving children and youth with ASD/DD. He/she is expected to devote a minimum 85 percent FTE specifically to this cooperative agreement because the time needed to provide extensive TA to the 64 current training programs is substantial. The senior manager must be the person having direct, functional responsibility for the program and will be the HRSA project officer’s main point of contact.

Sufficient expertise and staffing time to provide content expertise and technical assistance in these areas must be documented. In addition to the senior manager, the team should include at least three additional staff at a minimum of 80 percent FTE each to be devoted to activities of this cooperative agreement. Other staff support may be included for support functions such as IT, data management, meeting planning, technical assistance oversight, financial oversight, etc.

Your TA team should demonstrate its understanding of the health and related issues for individuals with ASD/DD, including any intersection with DHH populations due to the audiology supplemental funding received by some LEND recipients. Your TA team should also demonstrate its capacity to understand workforce needs relevant to the disability community, particularly through LEND and DBP programs. Staff should have competency in leading and staffing various topical groups and providing direct technical assistance to recipients. Staff who will support LEND and DBP site visits should be able to provide substantive technical assistance to programs, along with MCHB staff.

Demonstrate how your organization would support a Resource Center of this type and magnitude, and how the work of this cooperative agreement relates to the overall organizational mission.

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In your application:

• Include a staffing plan and job descriptions for key faculty/staff in Attachment 2 (Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions).

• Include a specific description of the available resources to carry out the program (e.g., staffing/personnel FTE levels, and organizational capacity).

Briefly describe the physical setting(s) in which the program will take place.

• Provide information on your organization’s current mission and structure, and scope of current activities. Describe how this organizational structure impacts the organization’s ability to meet program requirements and expectations. Describe the extent to which your organization understands the needs of the disability community, particularly in relation to workforce needs.

• Provide a description of the organizational management of the project, including an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of project personnel, project collaborators, and consultants. Document the capabilities of the senior manager and other project personnel to provide TA and support on issues around training and ASD/DD.

• Describe briefly the administrative and organizational structure within which the program will function, including relationships with other departments, institutions, organizations, or agencies relevant to the program. Charts outlining these relationships may be included as an attachment or in the narrative. Submit an organization chart of the primary organization as Attachment 4.

• Include letters of support (Attachments 6–10) that speak to the expertise the Resource Center brings to recipients, previous accomplishments and the focus of future engagement around project activities. A list of letters available from supporting agencies is sufficient due to page limitations, if necessary.

iii. Budget Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 6

The directions offered in the SF-424 R&R Application Guide may differ from those offered by Grants.gov. Follow the instructions in Section 4.1.iv of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide and the additional budget instructions provided below. A budget that follows the R&R Application Guide will ensure that, if HRSA selects your application for funding, you will have a well-organized plan and, by carefully following the approved plan, may avoid audit issues during the implementation phase.

http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf

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Reminder: The Total Project or Program Costs are the total allowable costs (inclusive of direct and indirect costs) you incur to carry out a HRSA-supported project or activity. Total project or program costs include costs charged to the award and costs borne by you to satisfy a matching or cost-sharing requirement, as applicable.

As required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), Division H, § 202 and Division A of the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117- 70), “None of the funds appropriated in this title shall be used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or other extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II.” See Section 4.1.iv Budget – Salary Limitation of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide for additional information. Note that these or other salary limitations may apply in the following fiscal years, as required by law.

iv. Budget Narrative Corresponds to Section V’s Review Criterion 6

• See Section 4.1.v of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide.

In your application:

• Provide cost justifications in relation to the objectives, activities, and the anticipated project results; and

• Include salary for dedicated key personnel devoted to meeting the project objectives.

• Include costs for site visits and meeting planning (grantee meetings and other large meetings of CARES grantees).

v. Program-Specific Forms Program specific forms are not required for application.

vi. Attachments

Provide the following items in the order specified below to complete the content of the application. Unless otherwise noted, attachments count toward the application page limitation. Your indirect cost rate agreement and proof of non-profit status (if applicable) will not count toward the page limitation. Clearly label each attachment.

You must upload attachments into the application. Any hyperlinked attachments will not be reviewed/opened by HRSA.

Attachment 1: Work Plan and Logic Model Attach the work plan for the project that includes all information detailed in Section IV.2.ii. Project Narrative. Also include the required logic model in this attachment. If you will make subawards or expend funds on contracts, describe how your organization will ensure proper documentation of funds.

Attachment 2: Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions for Key Personnel (see Section 4.1.vi. of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide)

Keep each job description to one page in length as much as is possible. Include http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf

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the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of proposed project staff. Also include a description of your organization’s time keeping process to ensure that you will comply with the federal standards related to documenting personnel costs.

Attachment 3: Letters of Agreement, Memoranda of Understanding, and/or Description(s) of Proposed/Existing Contracts (project-specific)

Provide documentation of actual or pending contractual agreements that clearly describe the roles of contractors and deliverables. A list of agreements or contracts is sufficient due to page limitations

Attachment 4: Project Organizational Chart Provide a one-page depiction of the project’s organizational structure.

Attachment 5 (optional): Tables, Charts, etc.

This attachment should give more details about the proposal.

Attachments 6–10: Other Relevant Documents Include here any other documents that are relevant to the application, including letters of support. Letters of support must be dated and specifically indicate a commitment to the project/program (in-kind services, dollars, staff, space, equipment, etc.). A list of letters of support is sufficient, if necessary, due to page constraints.

3. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number Transition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

You must obtain a valid DUNS number, also known as the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and provide that number in the application. In April 2022, the *DUNS number will be replaced by the UEI, a “new, non-proprietary identifier” requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). For more details, visit the following webpages: Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms and General Service Administration’s UEI Update.

You must register with SAM and continue to maintain active SAM registration with current information at all times during which you have an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by an agency (unless you are an individual or federal agency that is exempted from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or you have an exception approved by the agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)). For your SAM.gov registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator.

If you are chosen as a recipient, HRSA will not make an award until you have complied with all applicable SAM requirements. If you have not fully complied with the requirements by the time HRSA is ready to make an award, you may be deemed not qualified to receive an award, and HRSA may use that determination as the basis for making an award to another applicant.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html https://www.gsa.gov/entityid https://www.gsa.gov/entityid

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If you have already completed Grants.gov registration for HRSA or another federal agency, confirm that it is still active and that the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) has been approved.

*Currently, the Grants.gov registration process requires information in three separate systems:

• Dun and Bradstreet (https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html)

• System for Award Management (SAM) (https://sam.gov/content/home | SAM.gov Knowledge Base)

• Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/)

For more details, see Section 3.1 of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide.

In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non- Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized. Effective January 1, 2020, the forms themselves are no longer part of HRSA’s application packages instead, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM. Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM.gov.

If you fail to allow ample time to complete registration with SAM or Grants.gov, you will not be eligible for a deadline extension or waiver of the electronic submission requirement.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date The due date for applications under this NOFO is April 7, 2022 11:59 p.m. ET. HRSA suggests submitting applications to Grants.gov at least 3 calendar days before the deadline to allow for any unforeseen circumstances. See Section 8.2.5 – Summary of emails from Grants.gov of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide for additional information.

5. Intergovernmental Review

The Resource Center program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, as implemented by 45 CFR part 100.

See Section 4.1 ii of HRSA’s SF-424 R&R Application Guide for additional information.

https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsa_kb_view2&kb_id=f66d8e6cdb76d4100d73f81d0f9619c6 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsa_kb_view2&kb_id=f66d8e6cdb76d4100d73f81d0f9619c6 https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/applicationguide/sf424rrguidev2.pdf https://sam.gov/content/home

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6. Funding Restrictions

You may request funding for a period of performance of up to 5 years, at no more than $800,000 per year (inclusive of direct and indirect costs). This program notice is subject to the appropriation of funds, and is a contingency action taken to ensure that, should funds become available for this purpose, HRSA…