oppHHS-2018-ACL-AOD-PRRC-0286-cfda93.325-cidHHS-2018-ACL-AOD-PRRC-0286-instructions.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Paralysis Resource Center State Pilot Program

HHS-2018-ACL-AOD-PRRC-0286

Application Due Date: 04/17/2018

Paralysis Resource Center State Pilot Program

HHS-2018-ACL-AOD-PRRC-0286

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Submission Dates and Times

4. Intergovernmental Review

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information

Department of Health & Human Services

ACL Center: Administration on Disabilities Funding Opportunity Title: Paralysis Resource Center State Pilot

Program Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2018-ACL-AOD-PRRC-0286 Primary CFDA Number: 93.325 Due Date for Applications: 04/17/2018 Date for Informational Conference Call: 03/06/2018

Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3- 5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with https://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

Executive Summary The Independent Living Administration (ILA), a component of the Administration on Disabilities within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 funds authorized under Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 241, 247b(k)(2)).

This year, ACL will award approximately five (5) Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) State Pilot Program grants designed to enhance the capacity of community disability programming by improving and/or increasing the services and supports provided by community-based disability organizations working to improve the quality of life for individuals with paralysis. Grantees funded under this announcement will make subawards to community-based organizations across their states that provide long-term services and supports to people with paralysis. For purposes of this funding opportunity announcement and the activities of the State Pilot Program grantees, “paralysis” refers to a range of disabling conditions due to stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or any central nervous system disorder and result in difficulty or inability to move the upper or lower extremities.

ACL will continue to fund a National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) cooperative agreement under a separate funding opportunity announcement. The PRC State Pilot Program is designed, along with the NPRC, to help assess the most effective and efficient ways to enhance the capacity of community disability programming and increase the services and supports available for individuals with paralysis.

All activities funded under this grant will promote greater independence, equality, choice, and control for children, adults, and older persons with paralysis and enable them to more fully integrate into their communities.

https://www.grants.gov

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE:

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was established in April 2012 to serve older adults and people with disabilities as they fully engage and participate in their communities, make informed decisions, and exercise self-determination and control about their independence, well-being, and health. ACL’s mission is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, their families, and their support networks.

In 2009, Congress passed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, which authorized a three-part effort within the Public Health Services Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 241, 247b(k)(2)) to address the public health challenges posed by paralysis.[1] Title I and Title II of the Act provided the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with authority to create paralysis research consortia and fund research into clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols. Title III gave the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in HHS the authority to fund projects to improve the quality of life of individuals with paralysis [2]. The national Paralysis Resource Center was authorized to implement Title III of the Act. The PRC was funded through the CDC until 2014 when Congress transferred funding from CDC to ACL.[3] The CDC used the Title III funding for a single award to operate a national Paralysis Resource Center (PRC). This year, ACL will continue to fund a National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) cooperative agreement but will also fund through this funding opportunity announcement up to five (5) PRC State Pilot Program cooperative agreements to experienced organizations that will deliver programmatic capacity-building grants to community-based disability organizations across their states that provide long-term services and supports to people with paralysis, their families, and their support network. Applicants will use the majority of the funding to deliver subawards within their states and provide follow up technical assistance to these organizations.

Please note that this PRC State Pilot Program is part of an effort to ensure program efficiency and test two approaches for making subawards to community-based organizations that provide long-term services and supports to people with paralysis, their families, and their support networks. Information reported about the efficiency and effectiveness of these subawards will be compared to similar activities being funded under a separate funding opportunity announcement, the National Paralysis Resource Center. ACL will work closely with the PRC State Pilot Program grantees and NPRC to avoid duplication of subawards within the pilot states.

Congress transferred the program from CDC to ACL in 2014 because the program better aligned with ACL’s mission and goals. Since the move, the program has been increasingly focused on the principles of Independent Living, which stresses the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities – particularly individuals with significant disabilities – to exercise full choice and control over their lives and to live independently in their communities. It is expected that the successful applicants will demonstrate how these aims will be advanced particularly through active, meaningful collaboration with individuals with paralysis and independent living, self advocacy, and other consumer as well as family controlled organizations. Successful applicants also will provide evidence that individuals with paralysis and other disabilities will be actively and meaningfully engaged throughout all funded activities, including staffing, administration, and governance.

For purposes of this funding opportunity announcement and the activities of the State Pilot Program grantees, “paralysis” refers to a range of disabling conditions due to stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or any central nervous system disorder and result in difficulty or inability to move the upper or lower extremities.

Typical causes of paralysis include motor vehicle crashes, strokes, falls, acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds), and sports/recreational activities. The leading cause of paralysis according to a 2013 study was stroke, followed by spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke.[4] More than a quarter of a million Americans are currently living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and there are an estimated 17,500 new spinal cord injuries every year in the United States.

The number of people surviving traumatic injuries continues to grow as a result of improved emergency and acute care. Medical advances and technology has come a long way in the last few decades with new procedures and devices that enable individuals with any central nervous system injury or disorder to live longer and independently in the setting of their choice with support and services.

Finding and accessing the right long-term services and supports can be a daunting task for individuals with paralysis and their families – ultimately leading to increased healthcare costs and loss of independence. Individuals with paralysis can experience depression, isolation and a drop in social interactions. The current lack of opportunity for people with paralysis to experience programs aimed at increasing quality of life is unavailable or nonexistence.

All activities funded under this grant will promote greater independence, equality, choice, and control for individuals with paralysis and help them more fully integrate into their communities.

The funded activities will be designed to directly improve the quality of life of individuals with paralysis by building the programmatic capacity of community based disability organizations in the community that serve these individuals.

B. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:

There are three objectives within this funding opportunity announcement.

1. Providing Subawards to Community-based Disability Organizations

2. Measuring Performance

3. Collaborating and Partnering with Other Organizations, Agencies, and Programs

1. Providing Subawards to Community-based Disability Organizations The majority of the PRC State Pilot Program funds will be used to assist community based disability programs by increasing their capacity to serve people with paralysis, their families, and their support networks. Capacity building activities are those that produce measurable effects and result in community programs that are better able to provide increased or improved services and supports to individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks.

ACL expects the grantee to propose and use a competitive process to solicit, objectively evaluate, select, and make sub-awards to direct service providers throughout the state that the applicant resides in. Applicants should describe how they will provide follow-up technical assistance to community-based disability organizations across their states that provide long-term services and supports to people with paralysis and other disabilities, their families, and their support networks.

Applicants will describe how they will issue financial subawards to community-based disability programs through a competitive process in an amount representing at least 65 percent of the total federal funds requested.

This activity is intended to recognize and support organizations that assist individuals with paralysis, their families and support networks in ways that increase independence, provides social and education opportunities, and decreases depression, isolation and opportunities for social interactions.

For this funding opportunity, the definition of paralysis includes stroke, spinal cord injury, MS, cerebral palsy, or any central nervous system injury or disorder resulting in difficulty or inability to move the upper or lower extremities.

Applicants should carefully consider and describe the competitive process by which sub-awards will be made to other organizations for the purposes of providing innovative, direct services to people with paralysis. Such descriptions should include: 1) a proposed timeline detailing the competition solicitation, application review and awarding process; 2) areas of focus for sub-awards; 3) the range of services to be funded; 4) how those services will enhance existing services for people with paralysis, their families and their support networks; and 5) how provider networks outside those that typically provide services to people with paralysis might be engaged.

Examples of programmatic capacity building:

• Installing accessible playground equipment;

• Investing in accessible transportation;

• Career training and employment support services;

• Internship program for students with disabilities;

• Developing physical activity or injury prevention program;

• Training caregivers;

Applicants will focus these efforts on one or more priority areas of need for people with paralysis in their states. Examples of priority areas of need are but not limited to:

• improving accessibility to services and supports,

• providing assistive technology,

• expanding employment opportunities,

• facilitating nursing home transitions,

• establishing creative transportation options,

• supporting families and caregivers,

• facilitating access to integrated or specialized recreation.

Further, applicants are strongly encouraged to identify specific steps the project would take to help achieve two or more of the following HHS wide public health goals: reduce inappropriate use of opioid medications; effectively treat individuals with paralysis and co-occurring serious mental illness; and/or reduce childhood obesity. Also, applicants should identify how the project would make progress on two or more of the five ACL pillars and goals:

Better connect older persons and individuals with disabilities of all ages to resources;

Protect the rights and prevent the abuse of such individuals;

Support families and caregivers;

Enhance the employment opportunities of people with disabilities and older workers;

and Strengthen the reach, capacity, and business acumen of community based organizations.

Applicants funded under this announcement will describe how they will make subawards to community-based disability organizations across their states that provide long-term services and supports to people with any type of paralysis, their families, and their support networks and how they will provide follow-up technical assistance as a means to build the capacity of the subawardee organizations’ programming. Applicants will describe how they will work with subawardees to intentionally seek to make the best use of existing community resources in their projects.

ACL will work closely with applicants to ensure that funds are used appropriately and in the most effective manner possible. Within 45 days of receipt of an award under this announcement, applicants will be required to develop, with guidance from and in consultation with ACL, a detailed subaward work plan, which they will submit to ACL.

ACL will work with applicants to finalize their program strategy into a concrete competitive subaward work plan. ACL must review and approve this plan prior to the issuance of any competitive subawards, plans, and/or procedures for the issuance of competitive subawards under this announcement. Any plans and procedures for issuance of competitive subawards must follow the language as outlined in the subaward strategy section below.

Subaward Strategy Requirements Applicants for the PRC State Pilot Program should describe in detail how they will conduct a statewide competitive subaward program that incorporates the following criteria (see Section V.1.):

• At least 65 percent of the total annual federal funds awarded will be issued through a competitive statewide subaward process.

• The proposed subaward process should describe how the approach will ensure that funds are used for programmatic capacity building activities that further the ability of the subawardees to improve or increase their services and/or supports to individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks.

• The proposed subaward process should describe how the subaward application process will be completely open without any projects being pre-selected or otherwise given a competitive advantage or discriminated against.

• The proposed subaward process should describe how the proposed outreach activities for subaward applications will be broad and inclusive of a range of organizations that serve people with paralysis, including both secular and faith-based nonprofit organizations.

• Applicants will describe how they will provide follow up technical assistance to the organizations to which they issue subawards in order to maximize the impact of the subawards.

• The proposed subaward process should describe how subawards amounts will be appropriate to the projects and needs expressed by the subaward applicants. ACL expects most subaward amounts will generally be between $10,000 and $25,000.

• Applicants should describe how subawards will be made available to organizations with a history of providing services and supports to individuals with paralysis and their families and support networks in order to help them live more independently, to more fully integrate into their communities (for example, through transitions from institutions back into the community or by providing transportation and employment opportunities), and to alleviate burnout on the part of their families and others that assist them.

• Applicants should describe how all subawards will promote greater independence, equality, choice, and control for individuals with paralysis and help them more fully integrate into their communities.

• Applicants should ensure that there will be no requirement for subaward applicants to provide matching funds and no preference given in the selection process if any offer matching funds in their applications.

• Applicants should describe how they will make subawardees to nonprofit organizations that serve people with paralysis in the United States.

• Applicants should describe how they will not provide subaward recipients a second subaward for the duration of the funded period. Such organizations may continue to receive technical assistance provided by the applicant.

• Applicants should describe how they will require subawardees to expend their subawards within a 12-month period and not allow subawards to be used to provide medical services, direct services, nor direct fundraising activities.

Applicants for the PRC State Pilot Program should understand that, as grantees, they will be accountable for all federal funds received including all subawards provided under the grant program. Applicants should describe how they will ensure the subawards are used for the intended purposes of this program and that expenditures comply with both program and federal regulations. Applicants should also discuss how they will monitor, provide TA, and report on subaward activities.

2. Measuring Performance:

The applicants should describe how they will collect information to document and describe output and outcomes for the activities described in this funding announcement opportunity.

Applications to this announcement should include a brief description of expected sources for output and outcome data and methods for data collection (e.g., surveys of consumers, reviews of administrative records).

Applicants should discuss how they will measure the efficiency of the subaward making process as well as the efficacy of subawards (individually and in combination) on individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks. Specifically, the applicant will measure the costs of administering the subawards, the award rate (i.e., the number of subawards dived by the number of applications received), the percentage of the subawards that are completed on time and on budget, the level of satisfaction of the subawardees with the application / award process, the number of people proposed to be served throughout the life of the subaward compared to how many are served, and the level of satisfaction of the beneficiaries (i.e., individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks ) with the outcome of the subaward. If applicable, the applicant will also collect objective measures of the subaward specific benefits to individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks.

3. Collaborating and Partnering with Other Organizations, Agencies, and Programs:

Collaboration and partnership will be critical for the success of the PRC State Pilot Program.

PRC State Pilot Program applicants should have strong understanding of agencies and organizations vested in paralysis. Applicants should describe who they are currently partnering with and how they will reach out to, partner, and collaborate with other agencies and organizations that have similar goals, policy initiatives, and social practice. Applicants should describe how they will promote awareness and usage of the PRC State Pilot Program subgrants within the disability and aging networks and other community based organizations. ACL funds many initiatives that naturally work together and could potentially be strong community partners for the applicant. ACL houses the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Independent Living Administration.

Applicants should describe their collaborative efforts with other federally funded programs such as but not limited to the ones listed below.

ACL’s Assistive Technology program provides funds to each state and territory to support state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities. People with paralysis usually rely on durable medical equipment for mobility needs. Assistive technology (AT) comes in a variety of forms that include low tech AT devises such as a magnifier or Easy Reacher to high tech devises such as complex rehabilitation equipment. Partnering with these agencies can help connect options or needed equipment to those seeking assistance.

The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) Program: There are 354 federally funded centers across the country that are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that provides Independent Living services. CILs are required to provide the core services of information and referral, peer support, individual and system advocacy, independent living skills trainings and transition or diversion services from institutional setting and post-secondary transition to higher education and/or employment. Many CILs are also offer: sign language interpreters, support groups, assistance in securing housing or shelter, personal assistance services, transportation referral and assistance, mobility training, rehabilitation technology, recreation, and other services necessary to improve the ability of individuals with significant disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities.

https://www.acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technology https://www.acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living

An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit agency designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. AAAs coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their homes, if that is their preference, aided by services such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of supports available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best.

No Wrong Door (NWD) System initiative: is a collaborative effort of the ACL, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The development, implementation and oversight of a state’s NWD System has the support of the Governor and active involvement of the multiple state agencies that administer programs that effect LTSS populations. The NWD System initiative builds upon the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) program and supports efforts to streamline access to long-term services and support (LTSS) options by providing the infrastructure to promote the collaboration of local service organizations, making service delivery more efficient and person-centered. NWD Systems simplify access to LTSS, and are a key component of LTSS systems reform.

These entities are made up of community agencies and partner on many HHS initiatives collectively.

Veteran's Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) Program: This program is a partnership between the ACL and the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) to serve veterans of all ages through the VD-HCBS Program. The VD-HCBS program provides veterans with opportunities to self-direct their LTSS and continue living independently at home. Eligible Veterans manage their own flexible budgets, decide what mix of goods and services best meet their needs, and hire and supervise their own workers. Person-centered counselors within Aging & Disability Network Agencies provide facilitated assessment and care/service planning, arrange fiscal management services, and provide ongoing counseling and support to veterans, their families, and caregivers.

References:

1.United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce. Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act: Report (To Accompany H.R. 1727) (Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office). Volume 110, Issue 378 of Report. U.S. Government Printing Office, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-110hrpt937/html/CRPT-110hrpt937.htm; 2007.

Accessed 09.07.13.

2. Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:10.

Disability and Health Program. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth /programs.html; 2013. Accessed 09.07.13.

3 Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 4 Research & Practice; Prevalence and Causes of Paralysis—United States, 2013 Brian S.

Armour, PhD, Elizabeth A. Courtney-Long, MA, MSPH, Michael H. Fox, ScD, Heidi Fredine, MPH, and Anthony Cahill, PhD (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 23, 2016: e1–e3. oi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303270) accessed 12-8, 2017 https://www.acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging https://nwd.acl.gov/ https://nwd.acl.gov/VD-HCBS.html http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-110hrpt937/html/CRPT-110hrpt937.htm http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/programs.html http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/programs.html

Statutory Authority Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 241, 247b(k)(2)).

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $1,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: 5 Award Ceiling: $200,000 Per Budget Period Award Floor: $100,000 Per Budget Period Length of Project Period: 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods

The ACL project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement outlined below:

1. Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing a grant initiative and work with the grantees to ensure that the minimum requirements for the grant are met.

2. Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the grantee project, and, as necessary, collaborate with grantee to achieve a mutually agreed upon solution to any needs identified by the grantee or ACL.

3. Share information with the grantee about other federally sponsored projects and activities relevant to the interests of the grantee and its activities.

4. Work with the grantee on the development and implementation of performance measures and quality assurance systems to ensure that performance is measured and continuous improvement occurs.

5. Provide technical advice on grantee work products to ensure they are accurate, objective, unbiased, and of high professional quality, and that they do not violate federal, departmental, or agency grant rules.

6. ACL will monitor and assess these projects to determine their efficacy and efficiency.

7. Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

The grantee will agree to execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement outlined below:

1. Fulfill all of the requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in this program announcement

2. Collaborate with ACL in any in-scope modifications and execution of the work plan initially within 45 days of the award.

3. Evaluate the impact of overall project activities and ensure quality assurance systems are in place.

4. Share information with ACL and other entities as appropriate.

5. Work with the ACL program project officer to evaluate performance results reported semiannually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

6. Submit resumes of potential key staff hires as detailed under HHS grants prior approval requirements.

7. Submit required reports, participate in monthly meetings, and comply with prior approval requirements for post award changes.

8. Work with ACL NPRC Project Officer to brand the NPRC in such a way that recognizes and acknowledges ACL’s financial contributions to NPRC activities.

9. The Government retains all rights to all data and reports compiled as a result of this grant. No information furnished to or generated by the grantee in the performance of this grant shall be released to the public by the grantee without the prior approval of the project officer.

Once a cooperative agreement is in place, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time as long as it stays within the original confines of the proposed project description. Major changes may affect the integrity of the competitive review process. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the execution of an award notice. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference unless ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Domestic public or private non-profit entities including state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: No

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

Application Responsiveness Criteria The successful applicant will be an organization that meets the following criteria:

1. Organization/agency currently serves people with paralysis.

2. Documented commitment to make annual subawards totaling at least 65% of the total federal award.

3. Contains letters of support from partnering agencies and or organizations.

Application Screening Criteria All applications will be screened to assure a level playing field for all applicants. Applications that fail to meet the three screening criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration.

In order for an application to be reviewed, it must meet the following screening requirements:

1.Applications must be submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, by the due date listed in section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times.

2.The Project Narrative section of the Application must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

3.The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration.

NOTE: The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, Budget, Budget Narrative/Justification, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit.

Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from http://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an http://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the application deadline.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from http://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grant s/applying-grants.

Please note, ACL is requiring applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov. The Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with http://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants .gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. •At the http://www.grants .gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process. •All applicants must have a DUNS number (http://fedgov.dnb .com/webform/) and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam .gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Applicants should finalize a new, or renew an existing, registration at least two weeks before the application deadline. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://www.sam.gov http://www.sam.gov before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: https://www.sam.gov /sam/ transcript/ SAM_Quick_ Guide_Grants_ Registrations-v1.6. pdf.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. •Note:

Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System. •Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to: 1.Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2.Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and 3.Provide its DUNS number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a DUNS number at the time the subaward is made. •Since October 1, 2003, The Office of Management and Budget has required applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for federal grants or cooperative agreements. It is entered on the SF-

424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities. The DUNS number is free and easy to obtain. •Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 866- 705-5711 •You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. •After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from http://www.grants.gov that contains http://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from http://www.grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Elizabeth Leef Administration on Disabilities Phone Number: (202) 475-2482 E-mail: elizabeth.leef@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Project Narrative The Project Narrative is the most important part of the application, since it will be used as the primary basis to determine whether your project meets the minimum requirements for grants under the authorizing statutes. The Project Narrative should provide a clear and concise description of your project. ACL recommends that your project narrative include the following components: The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The https://www.sam.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:elizabeth.leef@acl.hhs.gov suggested length for the Project Narrative is 18 to 20 pages; 20 pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. The Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit, but all of the other sections noted below are included in the limit.

The sample components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 20 page limit include:

•Summary/Abstract •Problem Statement •Goal(s) and Objective(s) •Proposed Intervention •Special Target Populations and Organizations •Outcomes •Project Management •Evaluation •Dissemination •Organizational Capability

Summary/Abstract This section should include a brief - no more than 265 words maximum - description of the proposed project, including: goal(s), objectives, outcomes, and products to be developed.

Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the “Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract.

Problem Statement This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the particular problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project will potentially affect the paralysis population and/or their support networks (including specific subgroups within those populations), and possibly the health care and social services systems (e.g., the use of health care and/or nursing home services.)

Goals and Objectives This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives.

Proposed Intervention This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the “Problem Statement”. You should also describe the rationale for using the particular intervention, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country; factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention (e.g., existing social, economic or political factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

Special Target Populations and Organizations This section should describe how you plan to involve national, state and community-based organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposal project.

This section should also describe how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations and Veterans.

Outcomes This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. (NOTE: ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes). This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation to address the same or similar problems.) List measurable outcomes in the optional work plan grid (“Project Work Plan – Sample Template”) under “Measurable Outcomes” in addition to any discussion included in the narrative along with a description of how the project might benefit the field at large.

A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits consumers, communities, organizations, and/or systems. Possible outcomes relevant to this award include, but are not limited to, improved access to services; increased ability, among individuals with paralysis, to make informed choices regarding their health and quality of life;

reductions in barriers to health; and improved physical and emotional health among those served. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

Applicants should focus this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project and how that will be measured.

Applications will be scored on the clarity and nature of the proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited.

Project Management This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project; monitoring the project’s on-going progress, preparation of reports; communications with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Performance Measurement. Applicants should describe how they will measure the efficiency of the subaward making process as well as the efficacy of subawards (individually and in combination) on individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks.

Specifically, what are the administrative costs of administering the subawards, what is the subaward rate (i.e., the number of subawards/number of applications received), what percentage of the subawards are completed on time and on budget, the level of satisfaction of the subawardees with the application/award process, how many people are proposed to be served throughout the life of the subaward compared to how many are served, and the level of satisfaction of the beneficiaries (i.e., individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks ) with the outcome of the subaward. If applicable, objective measures of the subaward specific benefits to individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks should also be measured.

Evaluation/Performance Measurement Performance Measurement. Applicants should describe how they will measure the efficiency of the subaward making process as well as the efficacy of subawards (individually and in combination) on individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks.

Specifically, what are the administrative costs of administering the subawards, what is the subaward rate (i.e., the number of subawards/number of applications received), what percentage of the subawards are completed on time and on budget, the level of satisfaction of the subawardees with the application/award process, how many people are proposed to be served throughout the life of the subaward compared to how many are served, and the level of satisfaction of the beneficiaries (i.e., individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks ) with the outcome of the subaward. If applicable, objective measures of the subaward specific benefits to individuals with paralysis, their families, and their support networks should also be measured.

Dissemination This section should describe the method that will be used to disseminate the project’s results and findings in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats, to parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy-making, including and especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project.

Organizational Capability Each application should include an organizational capability statement and vitae for key project personnel. The organizational capability statement should describe how the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses. It should also include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after Federal financial assistance has ended.

This description should cover capabilities of the applicant agency not included in the program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience and/or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products. If appropriate, include an organization chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization.

Please attach short vitae for key project staff only. Neither vitas nor an organizational chart will count towards the narrative page limit. Also include information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals.

Budget Narrative/Justification The Budget Narrative/Justification can be provided using the format included in the document, “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format.” Applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to this document, which provides an example of the level of detail sought. A combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification, as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding is required.

Work Plan

The Project Work Plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and Budget and should cover all three (3) years of the project period. It should include a statement of the project’s overall goal, anticipated outcome(s), key objectives, and the major tasks / action steps that will be pursued to achieve the goal and outcome(s). For each major task / action step, the work plan should identify timeframes involved (including start- and end-dates), and the lead person responsible for completing the task. Please use the “Project Work Plan - Sample Template” format as a reference and resource, if desired.

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

Include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies in this part of the application. Any organization that is specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments. Applicants unable to scan the signed letters of commitment may fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at 202-205-0402 by the application submission deadline. In your fax, be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency name.

3. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications: 04/17/2018 Date for Informational Conference Call: 03/06/2018 The deadline for the submission of applications under this Program Announcement is noted above and applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

A pre-application teleconference will be offered Tuesday, Mar 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm (1 hour) Eastern Standard Time for this announcement. The purpose of this teleconference is to review the program announcement.

Meeting Password: 2018PRC Conference call number: 202-774-2300 Access Code: 991 309 470 Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3- 5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with http://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and (2) register…