Administration for Community Living. Administration on Aging

Transcription

1 Administration for Community Living Administration on Aging National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) HHS-2014-ACL-AOA-AB-0069 Application Due Date: 07/01/2014

2 National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) HHS-2014-ACL-AOA-AB-0069 TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Executive Summary 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

3 Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Community Living ACL Center: Administration on Aging Funding Opportunity Title: National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2014-ACL-AOA-AB-0069 Primary CFDA Number: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 06/02/2014 Due Date for Applications: 07/01/2014 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 Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission. Executive Summary Established in Section 202(d) of the OAA in 1992, the NCEA serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. The NCEA is operated as a grant program and provides relevant information, materials, and support to enhance state and local efforts to prevent and address elder mistreatment. NCEA disseminates information to professionals and the public, and it provides technical assistance and training to states and to community-based organizations. The NCEA makes available news and resources; collaborates on research; provides consultation, education, and training; identifies and provides information about promising practices and interventions; answers inquiries and requests for information; and operates a listserv forum for professionals. Through this program announcement, ACL plans to award a total of one (1) cooperative agreement to run the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Information Clearinghouse. 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 are eligible to apply under this program announcement. The use of subcontractors, subgrantees, or consultants to execute the proposal's programmatic activities may not constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort required to carry out the proposed activities for any budget period/year. Grantees are required to match at least 25% of the total program costs from non-federal cash or in-kind resources. (Please note: One (1) contract will be awarded through a separate procurement, unrelated to this announcement, to operate and maintain the website for the NCEA information clearinghouse.) I. Funding Opportunity Description 1 of 37

4 1. Background As the population of older Americans age 60 and older increases, the problem of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation continues to grow. Despite the absence of robust national elder abuse prevalence data, the number of reported cases of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are on the rise. A 2004 national survey of State Adult Protective Services (APS) programs conducted by ACL s National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) showed a 16 percent increase in the number of elder abuse cases from an identical study conducted in 2000.[1 ] According to a 1998 national incidence study (the only such study ever conducted), 84 percent of all elder abuse incidents go unreported, meaning that for every reported case of abuse there are over five that go unreported.[2 ] Together, these data suggest that a minimum of 2.5 million elders are abused, neglected, and exploited annually and that the problem is growing larger each year. The negative effects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation on the health and independence of seniors is extensive. Research has demonstrated that older victims of even modest forms of abuse have dramatically higher (300 percent) morbidity and mortality rates than non-abused older people.[3 ] Additional adverse health impacts include an increased likelihood of heart attacks, dementia, depression, chronic diseases and psychological distress. The result of these unnecessary health problems is a growing number of seniors who access the healthcare system more frequently (including emergency room visits and hospital admissions), and are ultimately forced to leave their homes and communities prematurely.[4 ] The federal interest to address this problem of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation began in 1962, when Congress authorized payments to states to establish protective services for adults through the Public Welfare Amendments to the Social Security Act. The state mandates and programs to protect and provide services to older adults continued into the mid 1980s. As of 1985, 46 states had a designated agency to address elder abuse under the auspice of adult protective services.[5 ] Most recently in 2010, Congress passed the Elder Justice Act, the first piece of comprehensive legislative authority designed to address and combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As the effective and visible federal advocate for older Americans, the Administration on Aging (AoA; now the Administration for Community Living (ACL)) has been committed to protecting seniors from elder mistreatment for many years. Since 1972, AoA/ACL has administered a number of programs promoting elder justice and elder rights. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was established in the Older Americans Act (OAA) to represent the rights and advocate on behalf of older residents living in nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential settings. The Title VII Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Program was established in the OAA in 1992 to provide states with funding to support state and community-based elder justice networks that protect vulnerable seniors and provide them with critical information. Their activities include training professionals in how to recognize and respond to elder abuse cases, conducting public awareness and education campaigns, and creating state and community-based elder abuse prevention coalitions and multidisciplinary teams. The NCEA was first created in 1988 as an information clearinghouse demonstration project on abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with the goals of identifying best practices in prevention and treatment, serving as a repository of research, and conducting demonstration projects to promote effective and coordinated responses to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Along with the establishment of the OAA Title VII Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Program in 1992, amendments were also made to Title II of the OAA to permanently establish and maintain the NCEA. Since its inception, the NCEA has provided relevant information, materials, and support to enhance state 2 of 37

5 Since its inception, the NCEA has provided relevant information, materials, and support to enhance state and local efforts to prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The NCEA disseminates information to professionals and the public, and it provides technical assistance and training to states and to community-based organizations. The NCEA makes available news and resources; collaborates on research; provides consultation, education, and training; identifies and provides information about promising practices and interventions; answers inquiries and requests for information; operates a listserv forum for professionals; and provides analysis on program and policy development. The NCEA has proved a valuable resource to many professionals working in some way with older victims of elder mistreatment, including: adult protective services (APS); national, state, and local aging networks; law enforcement; health care professionals; domestic violence networks; and others. 2. Project Objectives The environment in which our prevention and response systems operate is swiftly changing. New research findings will be released in the coming months and years. As our understanding increases of the underlying causes, risk and protective factors, and effective interventions, existing programmatic and policy responses to elder maltreatment will need to change to incorporate this new information. As new professions are being targeted and trained to identify and respond to elder maltreatment, new service and systemic needs and gaps will be identified and will need to be addressed. As agendas and strategic blueprints are developed and refined, programs, systems, and policies will need to be re-evaluated for relevance, with some becoming obsolete and some rising to a new level of priority than before. As the momentum of progress continues to build in the field to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, it is essential that our systems and programs remain flexible and responsive to this dynamic environment. ACL envisions the NCEA as a global, comprehensive resource center that is an authoritative source of accurate information, a central referral point, and a key stakeholder in providing insight on these and other developments and issues in the field of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In order to carry out its mission as a national clearinghouse of information on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation with over a 25-year history, ACL expects that the NCEA will be responsive to the changing needs and priorities in the field of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Inherent in such flexibility is the ability to capitalize on and leverage new research findings, new initiatives, and new opportunities. As a leader in the field, the NCEA should strive to strengthen existing, and seek out new, collaborations and partnerships with other entities to better address the multidimensional issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. ACL envisions the NCEA to continue to serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment, and to tailor its activities to meet the special needs of disadvantaged populations, including limited-english speakers and other underrepresented groups, to carry out its mission: National, state, and local partners in the field will be fully prepared to ensure that older Americans will live with dignity, integrity, independence, and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation. To achieve this mission, the following objectives have been established for the NCEA: 1. Develop and disseminate information for targeted groups of professionals to increase the identification and reporting of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to guide programs that protect older people. 2. Provide tools to increase the ability of professionals, especially those of the aging network and community-based agencies who have access to frail seniors on a daily basis, to identify, address, and prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 3. Promote systems change by fostering the development of programs, models, and initiatives that 3 of 37

6 measurably decrease the incidence of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is expected that to fully achieve its mission and objectives, the NCEA, as a current and state-of-the-art information clearinghouse, should incorporate the latest technology to generate and disseminate knowledge that can build and strengthen elder rights networks and enhance the effectiveness of state and community-based elder abuse prevention and intervention programs. As a national clearinghouse of information, the NCEA should be a resource for the general public and the myriad professionals who work to prevent, address, and ameliorate elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including elder rights advocates, social service professionals, the health care sector, law enforcement, legal professionals, public policy leaders, and researchers. ACL has identified the following targets to establish a vision for activities of the NCEA. ACL does not expect the NCEA grantee to address all of the targets each year. At a minimum, applicants must identify how they propose to meet the core targets for the NCEA (as established in statute), as well as any other targets they have identified as the highest priority to accomplish: Core Targets Core Targets are those activities that are required to be carried out by Section 202(d) of the OAA. Serve as a national authority on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; Annually compile, publish, and disseminate a summary of recently conducted research on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (202(d)(2)(a)); Develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on all programs (including private programs) showing promise of success for the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (202(d)(2)(b)), currently the NCEA Promising Practices Database ; Compile, publish, and disseminate training materials for personnel who are engaged or intend to engage in the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (202(d)(2)(c)); Provide technical assistance to State agencies and to other public and nonprofit private agencies and organizations to assist the agencies and organizations in planning, improving, developing, and carrying out programs and activities relating to the special problems of abuse, neglect, and exploitation(202(d)(2)(d)); Research and review state programs and promising practices for adult protective services in order to develop model standards which could be adopted throughout the country (meets Section 202(d)(2)(e)). Secondary Targets Secondary Targets are those activities and/or issue areas identified by ACL as having the most 4 of 37

7 relevance to the identified needs of the field, as well as to ACL and HHS strategic priorities. Translate and disseminate relevant research and demonstrations into practice; Facilitate, foster, and/or develop innovative approaches to improving the guardianship system, addressing guardianship abuse, and incorporating the principles of supported decision making into guardianship; Engage in activities to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; Develop and employ a communications strategy, inclusive of a listserve for professionals (currently the NCEA Elder Abuse Listserv), a system to respond to requests from the public and professionals, and creation and dissemination of information materials (i.e. website content, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, and/or issue briefs). Applicants must clearly identify how the activities proposed in their applications address the above goals and priorities, including a discussion of their capacity and ability to be responsive and flexible to a rapidly changing environment. Applicants should be sure to identify the duration, frequency, and level of effort they anticipate for conducting the proposed activities in order to benefit the general public, as well as the expected outcomes of their proposed activities and the corresponding performance metrics. (See Sections IV and V below for more explanation.) Please Note: ACL will maintain and operate a website for the National Center on Elder Abuse, which will be obtained through procurement entirely separate from this program announcement. As established by HHS Grant s Polic y State ment, [i]n all cases, whether HHS funded all or part of the project or program resulting in the data, the Federal government must be given a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license for the Federal government to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the material and to authorize others to do so for Federal purposes, e.g., to make it available in government-sponsored databases for use by other researchers. Data developed by a subrecipient also are subject to this policy (II-69). Any product developed under this grant may be copyrighted without ACL prior approval. However, the grantee may not in any way infringe upon the royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license of the Federal government. As such and within these parameters, ACL expects to assess all materials developed under this cooperative agreement for their appropriateness to post on the NCEA websi te for the use and benefit of the general public. ACL also retains the right to grant permission for others to use, distribute, and cite materials developed under this grant. Section I. Citations: [1 ] Teaster, Pamela, et al. (2004). The 2004 Survey of State Adult Protective Services: Abuse of Adults 60 Years of Age and Older. Retrieved from: http :// /NCEAr oot /Main_ Site /pdf / %20FIN AL %2060 +REPOR T.pdf [2 ] Tatara, Toshio, et al. (1998). The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study Final Report. Retrieved from: http :// /AoARo ot /AoA_P rogra ms /Elder _Righ ts /Elder _Abus e /docs /ABuse Repor t_ful l.pdf [3 ] Lachs, M.S., Williams, C.S., O'Brien, S., Pillemer, K.A., & Charlson, M.E. (1998). The Mortality of Elder Mistreatment. JAMA. 280: and Baker, M.W. (2007). Elder Mistreatment: Risk, 5 of 37

8 Vulnerability, and Early Mortality. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Vol. 12, No. 6, [4 ] Lachs M. S., Williams C., O'Brien S., Hurst L., Kossack A., Siegal A., et al. (1997). ED Use By Older Victims of Family Violence. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 30: [5 ] National Research Council. (2003). Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in an Aging America. Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect. Richard J. Bonnie and Robert B. Wallace, Editors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Statutory Authority The statutory authority for grants under this program announcement is contained in Title II, Section 202 (d) (42 U.S.C. 3012) of the Older Americans Act, as amended by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006, P.L (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance ) II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Funding: $765,152 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Award Ceiling: $765,152 Per Budget Period Award Floor: $0 Per Budget Period Average Projected Award Amount: $765,152 Per Budget Period 36-month project with three 12-month budget periods Under this competition, the Administration for Community Living will award one (1) cooperative agreement of approximately $765,152, for up to three (3) years, to operate a National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Information Clearinghouse. The use of subcontractors, subgrantees, or consultants (referred to as "subrecipients" in this funding opportunity announcement) to execute the proposal's programmatic activities may not constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort required to carry out substantive, programmatic activities at any time. If subrecipients will be used to accomplish substantive, programmatic activities, applications must clearly identify the projects where subrecipients will be engaged and clearly identify the total percentage of effort subrecipients are estimated to provide. Please note that the maximum 20% level of effort does not apply per project or task, but is a 20% maximum for all programmatic activities in toto. Applications for continuation funding of the NCEA Information Clearinghouse beyond the initial year will be reviewed on a non-competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, contingent on satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination by ACL that continued funding will be in the best interest of the government. This is a new cooperative agreement. ACL will be substantially involved in the NCEA Information Clearinghouse (as listed in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description). The cooperative agreement will include the following terms: As provided by the terms of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (P.L ), this 6 of 37

9 Cooperative Agreement provides for the substantial involvement and collaboration of ACL in activities that the recipient organization will carry out in accordance with the provisions of the approved grant award. The grantee agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below: 1. Fulfill all of the requirements of the grant initiative as outlined in this program announcement, including carrying out activities to meet the statutory requirements of the NCEA as identified in Section 202 (d) of the Older Americans Act, as well as carry out project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded. 2. Collaborate with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the execution of the work plan, and collaborate with ACL in understanding the programmatic and budgetary issues of the project. Based on these negotiations and emerging issues in the field, if necessary, the grantee will revise the project work plan and/or budget detailing expectations for major activities and products during the grant period. 3. Evaluate the impact of NCEA activities, and provide recommendations on ways to enhance the program. 4. Meet with the ACL project officer at least once each month, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement. 5. Collaborate with other entities to respond to requests for technical assistance concerning elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation via , telephone, or on-site when appropriate. 6. Work with other entities, both private and public, to foster an environment of multidisciplinary collaboration amongst the parties working to prevent or address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 7. Produce products and/or materials under this award that are accurate, objective, unbiased, and of high professional quality, and that do not violate federal, departmental, or agency grant rules. Before publicly disseminating materials developed under this grant, grantee will provide the ACL project officer a copy of the final product in order for the ACL project officer to have at least 15 business days to ensure the product meets the requirements set forth in the program announcement and cooperative agreement. 8. Submit to the ACL project officer a final, clean copy of all data developed or supported with these grant funds, in the format in which it was developed or produced, as provided for in the HHS Grant s Polic y State ment and referenced in the Notice of Award. The HHS Grants Policy Statement defines data as: recorded information, regardless of the form or media on which it may be recorded, and includes writings, films, sound recordings, pictorial reproductions, drawings, designs or other graphic representations, procedural manuals, forms, diagrams, work flow charts, equipment descriptions, data files, data processing or computer programs (software), statistical records, and other research data (p. II-69, Footnote 18). 7 of 37

10 9. Include the following disclaimer on all products produced using grant funding for the NCEA: "This (report/document/etc.) was completed for the National Center on Elder Abuse and is supported in part by a grant (No. XXX) from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Grantees carrying out projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL or DHHS policy." The ACL project officer agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below: 1. Perform the day-to-day Federal responsibilities of managing a grant initiative and will work with the grantee 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, negotiate with grantee to achieve a mutually agreed upon solution to any needs identified by the grantee or ACL. 3. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the policy concerns and/or priorities of the NCEA program, ACL, and the Department of Health and Human Services by conducting periodic briefings and by carrying out ongoing consultations. ACL will also share information with the grantee about other federally sponsored projects and activities relevant to the interests of the NCEA grantees and their activities. 4. Provide technical advice to the grantee on the provision of technical support and associated tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant. 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. Before publicly disseminating materials developed under this grant, grantee will provide the ACL project officer a copy of the final product, and within 15 business days, the ACL project officer will provide guidance and feedback on whether the product meets the requirements set forth in the program announcement and this cooperative agreement. 6. Provide consultation to the grantee in identifying emerging issues and modifying workplan priorities as necessary as they relate to the goals and objectives of the NCEA grant program. 7. Attend and participate in major project events, as appropriate. 8. Meet with the grantee project director at least once each month, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement. 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. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or 8 of 37

11 work plan shall be effective upon the mutual agreement of both parties, except where ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 74 or 92, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference. 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. Applicants must demonstrate the skills and experience outlined in Section 3 below to be considered for funding under this program announcement. The use of subcontractors, subgrantees, or consultants to execute the proposal's programmatic activities may not constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort required to carry out all programmatic activities at any time. If subrecipients will be used to accomplish programmatic activities, applications must clearly identify the projects where subrecipients will be engaged and clearly identify the total percentage of effort subrecipients are estimated to provide. Please note that the maximum 20% level of effort does not apply per project or task, but is a 20% maximum for all programmatic activities in toto. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement: Yes Under this ACL program, ACL will fund no more than 75% of the project s total cost, which means the applicant must cover at least 25% of the project s total cost with non-federal resources. In other words, for every three (3) dollars received in Federal funding, the applicant must contribute at least one (1) dollar in non-federal resources toward the project s total cost. This three-to-one ratio is reflected in the formula included under Item 18 in the Instructions for Completing Requested Forms. You can use this formula to calculate your minimum required match. A common error applicants make is to match 25% of the Federal share, rather than 25% of the project s total cost. There are two types of match: 1) non-federal cash and 2) non-federal in-kind. In general, costs borne by the applicant and cash contributions of any and all third parties involved in the project, including sub-grantees, contractors and consultants, are considered matching funds. Volunteered time and use of facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations. Examples of non-federal cash match includes budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency s budget for costs associated with the project. ACL encourages you to not exceed the minimum match requirement. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review. Match is not one of the responsiveness criteria as noted in Section III, 3 Application Screening Criteria. 3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria Application Responsiveness Criteria 9 of 37

12 Applications will be programmatically reviewed to determine whether they meet the following responsiveness criteria. Those that do not will be administratively eliminated and will not be reviewed. The applicant demonstrates the following qualifications: Expertise in elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation issues; Experience operating a large resource center serving state-wide, regional, or national audiences and stakeholders; Organizational capacity to run a national resource center that provides technical assistance and conducts activities on a wide array of programs and efforts to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including multidisciplinary teams; public awareness; research; direct services; training; and other prevention, intervention, or remediation efforts. Please Note: It is not necessary that an applicant demonstrate existing, full capacity to carry out the activities of this grant program. Applicants are permitted to propose a period of staffing up, in which case their application must clearly detail how and in what timeframe this will be accomplished. 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 :// s.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 X pages. Project Narratives that exceed X pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first X 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 X-page limit. Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from http :// s.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an http :// s.gov ;submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the application deadline. In addition to the above three screening criteria, all applications will also be reviewed for the following 2 items to ensure a level playing field for all applicants: A. Substantive Programmatic Involvement: The application clearly identifies that the use of subcontractors, subgrantees, or consultants (referred to as subrecipients in this funding opportunity announcement) to execute the proposal's substantive, programmatic activities does not constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort required to carry out all substantive, programmatic activities at any time. If subrecipients will be used to accomplish substantive programmatic activities, the 10 of 37

13 at any time. If subrecipients will be used to accomplish substantive programmatic activities, the application clearly identifies the projects where subrecipients will be engaged, details how subrecipients are meaningfully integrated into the work of the NCEA throughout the course of the activity, and clearly identifies the total percentage of effort estimated that all subrecipients will provide. The transfer of substantive programmatic work does not include contracting for routine goods or services used in or in support of a grant. Please note: The maximum 20% level of effort does not apply per project or task, but is a 20% maximum for all substantive programmatic activities in toto. Level of effort is measured in terms of the budget. Therefore, no more than 20% of the project s total budget may be allocated to subrecipients, including in-kind contributions or paid work. Letters of commitment are required for any proposed subrecipients. Letters of commitment must specifically identify the work the subrecipient is agreeing to do. Applications are required to identify subrecipients for substantive programmatic work to ensure that the grant recipient of record is not acting as a conduit to another party (that may not be eligible to receive funding directly) and remains eligible for an award. B. The Project Workplan and Budget provide information for the entire three (3) year grant period. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from or Please note, ACL is requiring applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through The Grants.gov ( registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered with please begin this process immediately. For assistance with please contact them at support@grants.gov or between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time. At you will be able to download a copy of the application packet, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov website ( Applications submitted via You may access the electronic application for this program on You must search the downloadable application page by the Funding Opportunity Number or CFDA number. At the 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 through because of the time involved to complete the registration process. All applicants must have a DUNS number ( and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. 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 before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: /sam/ transcript/ SAM_Quick_Guide_Grants_Registrations-v1.6. pdf. HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for, and ultimately receive, federal grant funds from any HHS Agency, or receive sub-awards directly from recipients of those grant funds to: 11 of 37

14 Be registered in the SAM prior to submitting an application or plan; 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 Provide its active DUNS number in each application or plan it submits to the OPDIV. The agency is prohibited from making an award until an applicant has complied with these requirements. At the time an award is ready to be made, if the intended recipient has not complied with these requirements, the agency: May determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award; and May use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. Note: Failure to submit the correct 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 be: 1. Be registered 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 umber in each application or plan it submits to the OPDIV. An award cannot be made until the applicant has complied with these requirements. At the time an award is ready to be made, if the intended recipient has not complied with these requirements, the OPDIV/STAFFDIV: May determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award; and May use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. 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 or by using this link to access a guide: You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. Prior to application submission, Microsoft Vista and Office 2007 users should review the compatibility information and submission instructions provided at (click on Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Information ). Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this Program Announcement. After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from that contains tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from 12 of 37

15 After the Administration for Community Living retrieves your application form from a return receipt will be ed to the applicant contact. This will be in addition to the validation number provided by Each year organizations applying for Federal grants through need to register or update their registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) [Formerly the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)]. You can complete the initial registration on in three days; however, you must update your registration on every year, which can take five days. When you register, or update your registration on you must have your DUNS number and other information about your organization available. To keep your SAM.gov registration active, be sure to renew at least once each year. If your registration expires you cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed. Contact person regarding this Program Announcement: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Stephanie Whittier Eliason Office of Elder Rights Phone Number: (202) Stephanie.WhittierEliason@aoa.hhs.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission a. Letter of Intent Letter of Intent Due Date for Letter of Intent: 06/02/2014 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 sent to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Stephanie Whittier Eliason Office of Elder Rights Stephanie.whittiereliason@acl.hhs.gov Fax: b. Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8 ½ x 11 paper with 1 margins on both sides, and a standard font size of not less than 11, preferably Times New Roman or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is X to X pages; X pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed X pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first X 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 X-page limit, but all of 13 of 37

16 the other sections noted below are included in the limit. The components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the X 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 or not 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: In preparing the Project Narrative, it is recommended that you review Section V.1., "Review Criteria", to be sure you understand how your application's project narrative will be reviewed and scored. 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 older adults and /or people with disabilities, their families and caregivers and the health care and social services systems. Specific to this funding opportunity, this section should detail how the project will potentially affect its targeted population(s), including older adults, their caregivers, specific subgroups within those populations, and the systems involved in the prevention, identification, and/or response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is recommended that applicants focus their problem statement on the specific aspects of the programmatic and policy considerations bearing on the development of elder abuse prevention and intervention programs and the roles of the national, state, and local agencies responsible for their operation as it pertains to their proposed activities, rather than providing a broad or sweeping historical overview that is not directly related to the proposed interventions and activities. 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 14 of 37

17 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. Specific to this funding opportunity, this section should detail: the nature of the activities to be undertaken to carry out the "Core" and "Secondary" targets identified for the NCEA in this program announcement, how the proposed activities address system gaps and identified issues, and how the proposed activities will assist in achieving the overall project goals and objectives. Applicants are expected to present a clear connection between identified system gaps/needs and the proposed activities. At minimum, applicants should: 1. Indicate a plan for addressing the problems or issues on a national level. Provide detailed descriptions of specific products or outcomes proposed for development or modification. 2. In addition to the NCEA website, demonstrate how technology will be incorporated to advertise and advance programs and services, provide training and/or technical assistance, and disseminate information and products. 3. Describe the role and makeup of potential subrecipients who are intended to be involved in completing specific tasks, and identify the percentage of level of effort (not to exceed a total of 20%) subrecipients are anticipated to provide in completing substantive, programmatic activities. 4. Provide specifics about the intervention strategies, expected outcomes and barriers for all anticipated years of the grant (3). Special Target Populations and Organizations This section should describe how you plan to involve 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. 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 aging network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of aging; 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. 15 of 37

18 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. 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. Specific to this funding opportunity, this section should include a clear delineation of any subrecipients, and how they will contribute to achieving the project s objectives and outcomes. This section should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the substantive, programmatic work understaken by subrecipients. ACL expects that throughout the grant period, the Project Director will have involvement in, and substantial knowledge about, all aspects of the project. 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. Specific to this funding opportunity, please note that all appropriate findings and products will be posted on the NCEA website as determined by the ACL project officer. Therefore, applicants should propose other/additional innovative approaches to informing parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy-making, especially to those parties who would be interested in replicating the project. As the NCEA is a national information clearinghouse, ACL expects that nationwide dissemination of products and knowledge will occur. 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 16 of 37

19 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. Specific to this funding announcement, this section should include a discussion of any current or previous relevant experience and/or the record of the project team in operating a large resource center and building partnerships, and should be sure to address the "responsiveness criteria" outlined in Section III.3. This section is another place that would be appropriate to identify that subrecipients do not constitute more than 20% of the level of effort your organization will expend on substantice, programmatic activities. c. 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. d. 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 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 by the application submission deadline. In your fax, be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency name. Specific to this funding opportunity, Letters of Commitment are REQUIRED for all organizations and entities that have been specifically named as a subrecipient to carry out substantive, programmatic aspects of the project. The signed letters of commitment must detail the specific role(s) and resources that will be provided, or activities that will be undertaken, in support of the applicant. The organization s expertise, experience, and access to the targeted population(s) should also be described in the letter of commitment. Letters of commitment are not the same as letters of support. Letters of support are letters that are general in nature that speak to the writer s belief in the capability of an applicant to accomplish a goal/task. Letters of support also may indicate an intent or interest to work together in the future, but they lack specificity. Applicants should NOT provide letters of support, and letters of support such as this will be removed from the application package and not considered during the review. e. 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. 17 of 37

20 Please Note: Because the proposal must demonstrate a clear and strong relationship between the stated objectives, project activities, and the budget, the budget justification should describe the cost estimated per project, activity, or product proposed. This budget justification should define the amount of work that is planned and expected to be performed and what it will cost. This will also be used to help determine if subrecipients constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort to carry out substantive, programmatic activities. 3. Submission Dates and Times 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 Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission. Unsuccessful submissions will require authenticated verification from indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an submission error notification and/or tracking number in order to substantiate missing the cut off date. 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 Due Date for Applications: 07/01/ 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 number 11-43, 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 (EO 13589) and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government (EO 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: For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program); Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children s services (e.g., Headstart); When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement; As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel; 18 of 37