PKG00261187-instructions.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Disabilities

Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance Grant

HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ILTA-0423

Application Due Date: 06/22/2020

Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance Grant

HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ILTA-0423

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: Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance Grant Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2020-ACL-AOD-ILTA-0423 Primary CFDA Number: 93.432 Due Date for Letter of Intent: 05/22/2020 Due Date for Applications: 06/22/2020 Date for Informational Conference Call: N/A

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 Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking a qualified applicant for a single cooperative agreement to operate the Centers for Independent Living Training & Technical Assistance Center (CIL T&TA Center). The Centers for Independent Living (CIL) T&TA Center will provide expertise in operational and fiscal management, programmatic, and compliance knowledge for CILs funded by the Administration on Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the authority of section 721(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The CIL T&TA will also be responsible for demonstrably improving the outcomes of CILs and coordinating and partnering with other T&TA Centers funded by ACL that provide support to CILs and advance community living.

The successful applicant will demonstrate programmatic and operational excellence with the demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, outcome-driven T&TA on key areas related to:

Ensuring the provision and innovation of independent living services with an emphasis on:

o Information and referral services;

o Independent living skills training;

o Peer counseling;

o Individual and systems advocacy; and o Services that:

i. Facilitate transition from institutions to community-based residences;

ii. Assist people at risk of entering institutions to remain in the community;

iii. Facilitate the transition of youth to post-secondary life.

https://www.grants.gov

Ensuring CILs maintain statutory compliance including with standards and assurances and critical and non-critical areas of programmatic, operational, and fiscal management;

and

Improving performance, outcomes, operations, and governance of CILs.

The CIL T&TA Center will develop an aggressive work plan with measurable goals and objectives, as well as performance based outcomes on the key areas that demonstrate outcomes for CIL grantees which include compliance with financial and non-critical matters.

The award is a cooperative agreement to facilitate a partnership between the selected applicant and ACL, which will have substantial involvement throughout the duration of the project. The cooperative agreement will provide for expert training, technical assistance, and targeted support to the Centers for Independent Living in every State, Territory, and the District of Columbia.

CILs conduct activities and provide direct support services to individuals with significant disabilities to enable them to live independently in their communities of choice. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, authorizes a CIL Training and Technical Assistance award. Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), ACL intends to award one (1) cooperative agreement over a 36-month project period at a Federal funding level up to $889,490 per year, pending availability of funds. All activities funded under this award will achieve measurable outcomes that enhance the skills, knowledge, and management capacity and capabilities of CILs to enable them to effectively provide core independent living services to people with significant disabilities and maintain programmatic and operational excellence.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to announce the availability of Federal funds for a single awardee that demonstrates the ability to successfully design and implement a Centers for Independent Living Training & Technical Assistance Center (CIL T&TA Center). The CIL T&TA Center will provide operational, programmatic, and compliance expertise for CILs. Key functions of the CIL T&TA must:

Provide Training and Technical Assistance -Coordinate training and technical assistance to ensure operational excellence in financial and core programmatic responsibilities:

o Submit to ACL a strategic plan documenting and establishing a direction for the development of training, materials, and products that demonstrate effectiveness and results in critical and non-critical operational and fiscal management;

o Enhance efficient use of fiscal Federal funds via a thorough understanding of fiscal requirements, use of accessible technology, accurate tracking and reporting of fiscal information, and proactive use of fiscal data to improve agency performance;

o Provide training opportunities and resources to CILs both in-person, and in accessible user-friendly digital formats (i.e. webinars, on-line modules, virtual meetings);

o Research, identify, and provide training and information on promising practices/strategies for CIL program grantees (i.e., creating and updating work plans, establishing goals and objectives, collaborating with the SILC):

Review information to help understand the current landscape of the CIL network; and Determine how information can best be incorporated into technical assistance strategies, resources, and tools.

o Develop training materials and procedures to educate, recruit, and train staff and qualified board members; so CILs can adequately provide core services, become fiscally and programmatically sound, and understand the role of Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP);

o Conduct on-going evaluation of training and technical assistance opportunities:

Synthesize the evaluation data and use the information to improve future results; and Share the results with ACL and the CIL grantees.

o Provide to ACL technical editing, graphic design, and desktop publishing support to finalize the draft of fact sheets, publications, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), press releases, and training materials and products that improve the administration of the CIL program;

o Ensure CILs are adhering to ACL administrative requirements:

Develop training materials related to the timely and accurate submission of fiscal and programmatic reports to ACL; and Increase the number of approved reports submitted in Federal reporting systems.

o Provide effective TA to CIL grantees on Federal reporting systems, by increasing the number of approved CIL Performance Progress Report (PPR) submissions.

Improve CIL Service Delivery -Develop and operationalize products and services to create efficiencies and measurable impact in service delivery by improving performance, outcomes, operations, and governance:

o Collect and analyze long-term sustaining promising practices related to complying with standards and assurances for CILs according to section 725(a)(b)(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended;

Promote and practice the independent living philosophy of:

Consumer control of the center regarding decision-making, service delivery, management, and establishment of the policy and direction of the center;

Self-help and self-advocacy;

Development of peer relationships and peer role models; and Equal access for individuals with significant disabilities, within their communities, and to all services, programs, activities, resources, and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.

Provide services on a cross-disability basis, including individuals with significant disabilities who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs;

Facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals selected by individuals with significant disabilities who seek such assistance by CLs;

Increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent living in order to facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals by individuals with significant disabilities; and Conduct resource development activities to diversify funding sources.

o Report on the number or percentage of CILs who scored 100% on critical compliance with all financial matters, and 80% on non-critical compliance matters:

Develop training material and procedures to address CILs that were not able to meet the minimum threshold; and Provide intensive T&TA to CILs until they are compliant.

o Ensure CILs maintain statutory compliance and deliver service innovation pertaining to the provision of independent living core services:

Independent living skills training;

Information and referral services;

Peer counseling;

Individual advocacy training; and Transition and community integration.

Develop and Maintain Critical Partnerships - Foster Federal, State, and national partnerships to expand external stakeholder network:

o Establish and maintain a partner-focused working relationship with the Administration on Disabilities and its programs, and other Federal agencies that fosters a shared accountability for overall outcomes and responsibility for specific project efforts requiring close collaboration, including federal initiatives involving the CILs;

o Establish a partner-focused working relationship with CILs that facilitates improved CIL operations (program, fiscal, and CIL organizational competency), performance and outcomes; maintenance/achievement of statutory compliance;

and positioning of CILs as leaders and agents of systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state and local levels;

o Establish a multi-stakeholder, representative, participatory group to provide guidance and general direction in the design and implementation of the T/TA contract;

o Establish a partner-focused working relationship with the T/TA provider for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy agencies, and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) to enhance the relationship among the disability networks in each state/territory and:

Collaborate to develop and implement outcomes-based measurement of T/TA and advance understanding and collection of outcomes across disability network programs;

Address issues related to disability network collaboration; and

Address pressing disability issues in the States/Territories.

o Work cooperatively with organizations and agencies, including other ACL funded T&TA centers, to maximize collaboration on areas of mutual benefit;

o Establish a partner focused working relationship with external organizations to enhance the relationship among the independent living network: and Attend and speak at relevant conferences and trainings as needed;

Address issues related to independent living network collaboration; and Address pressing CIL program issues.

o Exchange and transfer knowledge and best practices between State and national partners to:

Develop and utilize advancements in technology and services; and Expand external network resources.

Develop Evaluation Strategies - Provide effective evaluation strategies for T&TA activities:

o Demonstrate grantee compliance, competency, and training delivery results;

o Evaluate the effectiveness of T&TA activities monthly, quarterly, and annually including the following items:

Status of all tasks and deliverables;

Problems encountered or expected along with suggested corrective actions; and Proposed alternative tactics necessary to evaluate activities.

o Conduct follow-up surveys 3-4 months after on-location conferences, workshops, and online courses. The follow-up surveys should identify:

Changes implemented by CILs;

Measurable impact based on the training; and Barriers encountered that prevent results.

Plan and Organize a National Training and Technical Assistance Institute - Conduct a bi-annual training and technical assistance institute to increase CIL performance and compliance with statutory requirements. Specific areas include service delivery innovation, peer-to-peer training/sharing, and dissemination/translation of research:

o Provide grantees with the opportunity to learn from each other, to share educational resources and promising practices, and expand partnerships across states;

o Provide an accessible and inclusive learning environment;

o Recruit expert speakers; and o Promote the event to CILs.

Develop a Compliant Online and Digital Presence - Maintain an online and digital presence that responds to changing online and digital trends:

o Maintain, and monitor a real-time webpage for grantees, to support technical assistance and training opportunities;

o Operate a collaboration platform for the sharing of documents among grantees, other internal and external stakeholders, and ACL staff;

o Ensure the accessibility, security, and privacy of the data and systems used to support the CIL program; and o Maintain, and monitor an email listserv for grantee communication and information dissemination purposes.

Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this Program Announcement is contained in Section 721(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by the Workforce and Opportunity Act of 2014 (U.S.C. Sec. 796e-O)

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $889,490 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Award Ceiling: $889,490 Per Project Period Award Floor: $639,490 Per Project Period Length of Project Period: 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Cooperative Agreement ACL plans to fund one award for up to $889,490 per year, for a total project period of three (3) years, contingent upon availability of Federal funds. ACL will be substantially involved in grantee activities. The terms and conditions for this cooperative agreement are as follows and will be incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award (NOA).

Grantee Responsibilities The grantee will execute the responsibilities of the cooperative agreement and will:

Collaborate with ACL on any in-scope modifications and execution of the work plan, initially within 45 days of the award;

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

Share information with ACL, national, State and local partner organizations, and other entities as appropriate;

Periodically or as needed, submit to ACL draft materials developed for on-location trainings, webinars, online courses, and web-based tutorials to ACL for review and approval at least 30 calendar days prior to the anticipated publication date;

Provide to ACL a report on intensive support activities, with issues, goals, outcome measures, performance and compliance updates, timeframe and a close-out report on a regular basis, and detailed information upon request;

Submit to ACL information on potential key personnel hires as detailed under the HHS Grants Policy Statement (HHS GPS) prior approval requirements;

Provide ACL a copy of the agreements or language sub-grantees must adhere to if when they are required to provide T&TA to CILs;

Fulfill all the requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in the proposal work plan;

Develop and provide high quality T&TA to CILs based on information from surveys;

results of ACL’s monitoring reviews; evaluations from other project trainings, and other available data;

Conduct evaluations, in addition to customer satisfaction with project services, and use results to improve the quality, effectiveness, and relevance of all project activities, evaluate and identify practices in service delivery and operations, that could be useful examples for other CILs;

Refer CILs and eligible agencies to other applicable non-IL specific T&TA resources available through government or non-government resources so as not to duplicate resources;

Utilize a broad range of available, accessible technologies and methodologies to provide T&TA to CILs and eligible agencies in the most effective and cost-efficient manner;

Identify and develop accessible T&TA materials and disseminate these materials to CILs and other eligible agencies;

Conduct a bi-annual training and technical assistance institute;

Provide focused, intensive support, and rapid T&TA to CILs identified jointly by the grantee and ACL as needed, or to CILs requesting such assistance;

Coordinate and collaborate with other T&TA projects in ACL’s TA network, including other IL-related training and TA entities to ensure that training and TA is complementary and non-duplicative, and that dissemination activities are effective and efficient;

Provide ACL a copy of the fee structure and methodology that determines what is “reasonable” when charging fees for trainings and technical assistance to CILs;

Report to ACL a tracking methodology of any fees received (Program income/Unrestricted funds) for training and technical assistance funded in whole or in part under this cooperative agreement with ACL; and

Ensure all reports, material, and products include an ACL approved funding statement.

ACL Responsibilities ACL anticipates having substantial involvement with this cooperative agreement during the performance of all funded activities. This involvement may include collaboration, participation, or intervention in all funded activities. Grantees will be expected to maintain regular contact with their Federal Program Officer and to share with ACL all significant products from their projects.

The Administration for Community Living agrees to work cooperatively in the development and execution of the activities of the project as follows:

Perform the day-to-day Federal responsibilities of managing the Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance grant;

ACL and the grantee will work cooperatively to clarify the issues to be addressed by the project and develop the work plan for each year of the project. Within 45 days of the award, the grantee will agree upon and adhere to a revised work plan (based on any required budget or program revisions) that details expectations for major activities, products, and reports during the current budget period. The work plan will include timelines, staff assignments, work locations, and areas that require ACL review, and/or prior approval. ACL or the grantee can propose a revision in the final work plan at any time. Within reason, changes in the final work plan will require agreement of all parties;

Provide to the grantee relevant issues and the T&TA needs as necessary;

Communicate to the grantee any field-based comments and recommendations for improving project activities;

Refer to the grantee other CILs that would benefit from T&TA identified through monitoring activities;

Review evaluations of training provided by the grantee and make recommendations to revise training as needed;

Review and approve real-time webpage and digital content, periodically or as needed;

Periodically or as needed review and approve T&TA materials developed by the grantee within 30 days of the date in which materials were submitted;

Review and approve agreements or language sub-grantees must adhere to if when they are required to provide T&TA to CILs;

o Review and approve the T&TA fee structure and methodology developed by the grantee in a timely manner;

o Review and approve the outcome measurement and evaluation criteria developed by the grantee in a timely manner;

o Review and approve potential key personnel, presenters, and contractors as necessary.

o Convene regularly scheduled teleconferences with the Project Director to discuss pertinent project issues;

o Review project reports submitted by the grantee and provide timely feedback as needed; and o Participate in the bi-annual training and technical assistance institute and other in-person and online learning events.

The grantee and ACL will work cooperatively to determine the priority activities to be completed by the project and develop the work plan for each year of the project. Within 45 days of the award and each continuation award thereafter, the grantee will finalize and adhere to a work plan that details its plans to accomplish major activities, products, and reports during the current budget period. The work plan will include a detailed timetable with tangible milestones, project and activity implementation plans, including potential sub-grantees/subcontractors, staff assignments, and other areas that may require ACL consultation, review, and/or prior approval.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Domestic public or private non-profit entities and institutions of higher education. 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:

Demonstrated knowledge of the CIL program and expertise in independent living.

Demonstrated experience in working with State entities and community-level service provider organizations.

Demonstrated expertise in providing technical training and support to professionals.

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 ½” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of not less than 11, 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, 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 requires applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov in Workspace. Grants.gov Workspace is the standard way for 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/ organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants /applicants/workspace-overview.html The 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. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www .sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration. 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 before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: https://www.sam.gov/SAM /pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

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.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

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

Regina D. Blye, MPAff Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) Phone Number: (202) 795-7374 E-mail: Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Due Date for Letter of Intent: 05/22/2020 Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be electronically sent to:

Regina D. Blye, MPAff U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Disabilities Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) E-mail: Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov

Project Narrative 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 suggested http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Regina.Blye@acl.hhs.gov length for the Project Narrative is 10 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

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:

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 would potentially enhance the fiscal integrity of and service provision by CILs to meet the needs of their communities. It should also describe how the project would enhance the ability of CILs to implement the new core services of transition, among other things.

Goals and Objectives This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

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 or economic 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 organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. This section should also describe whether, and if so, how the proposed intervention will target disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations, those of greatest economic need and those of greatest social need.

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. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior.) It can also describe a change in the degree to which consumers exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered. Additional examples include: a change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system; a new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. 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.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. It is totally appropriate for a project to have only ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design. How would you propose measuring your:

• Provision of technical assistance, training and information to CILs to enhance their overall efficiency and effectiveness in providing the IL Core Services and carrying out their grantee responsibilities.

• Provision of standardized expert information and access to resources that assist CILs in obtaining and/or maintaining competency in the provision of IL Core Services, financial management, and effective governance, among other issues.

• Facilitation of communication and peer-to-peer learning between the CILs on a national level.

• Continuous assessment of CIL needs and special capabilities, and evaluation of the effectiveness of CIL T&TA Center activities in meeting CIL needs.

• Development and maintenance of a state-of-the-art website that meets the needs of the target population.

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.

Evaluation This section should describe the method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether or not the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s), and 2) document the “lessons learned” – both positive and negative - from the project that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful.

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 Capacity Statement 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 two (2) 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.

NOTE : Applicants requesting funding for a multi-year grant program are REQUIRED to provide a Project Work Plan for EACH potential year of grant funding requested.

Goal: Measurable Outcome(s):

* Time Frame (Start/End Dates by Month in Project Cycle)

Major Objectives Key Tasks Lead Person 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* 6* 7* 8* 9* 10* 11* 12*

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

NOTE: Please do not infer from this sample format that your work plan must have 6 major objectives. If you need more pages, simply repeat this format on additional pages.

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.

3. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications: 06/22/2020 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 yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov Web page: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only.)

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, please contact the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII of this notice and provide a written explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. ACL will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.

Note: We will not consider your application for further review if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the application deadline or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

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 cut off date.

Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) will automatically send applicants a tracking number and date of receipt verification electronically once the application has been successfully received and validated in http://www.grants.gov.

4. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity announcement is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

5. Funding Restrictions The following activities are not fundable:

Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings Basic research (e.g. scientific or medical experiments) Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches

Note: A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has raised considerable concerns about grantees and contractors charging the Federal Government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. Executive Orders on Promoting Efficient Spending (E.O. 13589) and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government (E.O. 13576) have been issued and instruct Federal agencies to promote efficient spending. Therefore, if meals are to be charged in your proposal, applicants should understand such costs must meet the following criteria outlined in the Executive Orders and HHS Grants Policy Statement:

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

o For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program);

o Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children’s services (e.g., Head Start);

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ o When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement;

o As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel; and o Under a conference grant, when meals are a necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meal costs are not duplicated in participants’ per diem or subsistence allowances. (Note: conference grant means the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference)

6. Other Submission Requirements Letters of intent should be emailed to:

Regina D. Blye, MPAff U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Administration on Disabilities Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP)

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria Applicants must document all of their source material. If any text, language and/or materials are from another source, the applicant must make it clear the material is being quoted and where the text comes from. The applicant must also cite any sources when they obtain numbers, ideas, or other material that is not their own. If the applicant fails to comply with this requirement, regardless of the severity or frequency of the plagiarism, the reviewers shall reduce their scores accordingly even to the degree of issuing no points at all.

Applications are scored by assigning a maximum of 100 points across the desired review criteria:

a. Project Relevance & Current Need

b. Approach

c. Budget

d. Project Impact

e. Organizational Capacity

Project Relevance & Current Need Maximum Points:20

Does the proposed project clearly and adequately identify the relevance of the priority areas, as described in this Program Announcement, in relation to current CIL program needs? (10 points)

Does the application adequately and appropriately describe and document the key areas to be addressed in providing standardized expert information and access to resources that assist CILs in obtaining and/or maintaining competency in the areas of provision of independent living core services, governance, financial and programmatic operations, and board and staff roles and responsibilities? Is the proposed project justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information and knowledge? (10 points)

Approach Maximum Points:20

Does the applicant provide a clear plan to provide technical assistance, training and information to CILs to enhance their overall efficiency and effectiveness? Does the application provide a plan to facilitate communication and peer-to-peer learning between the CIL grantees? Is there a plan to provide CILs access to easily replicable and proven effective best practices? Does the project take into account barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact on the project’s success? (10 points)

Is the project work plan clear and comprehensive? Does it include sensible and feasible timeframes for the accomplishment of tasks presented? Does the work plan include specific objectives and tasks that are linked to measurable outcomes? Does the proposal include a clear and coherent management plan? Are the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partners clearly defined and linked to specific objectives and tasks? Are the qualifications of the project staff, consultants and/or partners, and the proposed level of effort, adequate to carry out the project? (10 points)

Budget Maximum Points:20

Is the budget justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested? Is the time commitment of the proposed director and other key project personnel sufficient to assure proper direction, management and timely completion of the project? (10 points)

Are budget line items clearly delineated and consistent with work plan objectives? For example, has a multiyear budget covering the entire proposed project period been included as well as a budget covering each individual year? (10 points)

Project Impact Maximum Points:20

Are the expected project benefits/results clear, realistic, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the project?