Updated January 6, 2014
Standard Template
ACL Funding Opportunity Announcements
This document is designed for use by ACL Project Officers in developing Funding Opportunity Announcements for new competitive grant awards. It is designed to standardize the format and content used for all ACL Funding Opportunity Announcements. It allows for flexibility in tailoring announcements to particular programs, but also includes standard elements (forms, formats, text), which should be included in all ACL announcements.
Please note that instructions for the Program Officer are in italics. Text in regular type can be used, or modified, according to the needs of a particular funding opportunity.
FYI: Headings shown in red within the body of the template are linked to the Table of Contents; do not worry about the red font.
When customizing your Program Announcement, please follow these basic guidelines to help ensure your document is 508 compliant:
Do not underline text, underlines are reserved for hyperlinks
Use only round or disc bullets created through bulleted list
Hyperlinks must include http://
OMB Approval No. 0985-0018
Expiration
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Insert Name of Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Announcement and Grant Application Instructions
U.S. Administration for Community Living
FY 2014
Table of Contents
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION 4
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 6
3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria 8
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 9
1. Address to Request Application Package 9
2. Content and Form of Application Submission 12
3. Submission Dates and Times 17
4. Intergovernmental Review 17
6. Other Submissions Requirements 18
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 19
2. Review and Selection Process 21
3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date 21
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 22
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 22
Instructions for Completing Required Forms 26
Standard Form 424A – Sample Format 37
Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format 39
Budget Narrative/Justification –– Sample Template 42
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
ACL Center INSERT CENTER NAME
Funding Opportunity Title: INSERT PROGRAM NAME
Announcement Type: INSERT
Insert “Initial” or “Modification” and date of funding opportunity announcement being modified
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2014-ACL-xxxx-xx-xxxx
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: INSERT NUMBER
Key Dates: The deadline date for submission of applications is 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on insert date.
In addition to deadline date, any time sensitive dates regarding the announcement should be reflected in this section, for example letters of intent or pre-applications.
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.
Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary: (Optional)
If the announcement is long or complex, staff may wish to include a short executive summary before the full text (e.g., concise description of opportunity, total amount to be awarded, who is eligible). For examples of additional overview content used in other Program Announcements, please see [section] of the Grants Menu Toolkit.
This section must include a complete description of the program or project activities and area of interest for which applications are being sought. It should adequately describe the funding opportunity in plain language. The statutory authority and governing program regulations, if any, must be specified in this section.
This section is also where you will want to discuss specific populations, including underserved populations, to be targeted. This might include minority groups such as elders of color or LGBT elders, tribal organizations, disease specific populations, rural or frontier elders, isolated older adults or other underserved groups. You may request applicants to target these groups directly or by partnering with organizations representing specific populations. For additional information, see “Opportunities to Better Address LGBT Elder and Elder of Color Issues in ACL Grant Programs” under the Miscellaneous Documents section of the Grants Toolkit.
The following additional information also may be included in this section: a-program funding priorities, b-whether this is a new program or, if not, past experience under the program or initiative and any changes, c-relation to Presidential or Secretarial priorities, d-any related programs or initiatives.
Statutory Authority
The statutory authority for grants under this Program Announcement is contained in … ##.###).
This section must provide an indication of the potential funding under the funding opportunity announcement. The information provided in this section must be consistent with any information provided in the synopsis for the data elements related to funding. This must be an estimate of the aggregate amount of Federal funds expected to be available for award (current year and, if available, future years), the anticipated number of awards, the dollar range, including funding floor and ceiling amounts, of individual awards (specifying whether on an annual or overall project basis), anticipated start date and the expected duration of support, i.e., length of the competitive segment. If no funding floor is provided, OGM will include an estimated amount. This information is especially important for an applicant not only to determine whether to apply but also for its preparation of an application scope and budget consistent with ACL expectations.
Address the type of applications sought, e.g., new and/or competing continuation applications or competing supplemental applications.
Indicate whether grants and/or cooperative agreements are anticipated. If cooperative agreements are anticipated, this section or a referenced attachment must include the complete terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement and a statement of ACL’s anticipated substantial involvement specific to the type of activities that are the subject of the funding opportunity announcement. By including the complete terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement in the Program Announcement, language can be added to the Notice of Award (NoA), which makes the terms and conditions effective immediately upon award notification and eliminates the need for the grantee to sign anything.
If the statement of ACL’s anticipated substantial involvement and the terms and conditions are not included in this section, this section must provide a cross-reference to the detailed information in section I.
The terms and conditions should include three sections: (1) a descriptive list of ACL responsibilities, (2)a descriptive list of Awardee responsibilities, and (3) a description of an arbitration process should there be post-award disagreements and/or a statement explaining post-award changes require the mutual consent of both parties. For examples of cooperative agreements already in use, please see [section] of the Grants Menu Toolkit.
Suggested language to be used in a Program Announcement is:
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 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.
This section also should address, if appropriate, whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new awards.
Unless eligibility is restricted by statute or regulation, all entities are potentially eligible. Although all of the types of eligible organizations need not be specified, if, for example, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, LGBT and/or tribal organizations are eligible, the announcement must explicitly state that they are eligible. There may be instances where it is necessary or appropriate to limit competition. Limited competition refers to any administrative restriction of competition to other than all eligible applicants. Limited competition also refers to instances where eligibility is limited to incumbent grantees. Any time a competition is limited, or there is a deviation from policy, an official deviation request must be submitted, and approved, by the Department or OPDIV CGMO. If you are unsure whether a deviation request is required, please check with your GMS. Templates for deviation requests are available on the Grants Menu Toolkit.
If you are holding a full and open competition, eligibility would read as follows:
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.
This section must address whether or not the applicant will be required to match or share in project costs if an award is made (if matching or cost sharing is not required, the announcement must so state). The statutory or regulatory basis for the requirement should be cited. If the matching or cost sharing is required, the announcement must indicate whether or not the presence of matching or cost sharing will be a “responsiveness” criterion. Note that the value of matching or cost sharing should not be used as a “responsiveness” criterion as a means of increasing applicants’ voluntary contributions.
Any application documentation requirements related to matching or cost sharing proposed, such as letters of commitment or other documentation must be addressed in the funding opportunity announcement.
The standard ACL language below may be modified as needed and inserted in the Program Announcement.
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.
Application Responsiveness Criteria
This section must address any eligibility factors, including “responsiveness” criteria, not addressed.
Program Officers are asked to consider including specific “responsiveness criteria” in the Program Announcement, This will allow for more effective screening and increased options to eliminate non-responsive applications.
Below is an example that demonstrates how “responsiveness” criteria can be used in support of a Program.
Applications that do not meet the following responsiveness criteria will be administratively eliminated and will not be reviewed:
Evidence Based Disease and Disability Prevention: National Resource Center
The successful applicant will be an organization that meets the following criteria:
Demonstrated expertise in the implementation of evidence-based disease and disability prevention programs for the elderly, including the Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, fall prevention, and physical activity programs.
Demonstrated experience in working with state aging agencies, state health and public health agencies, community-level aging service provider organizations, and community health provider organizations.
The capacity to deliver value added technical assistance to each of the 24 current ACL state EBDP grantees on all phases of the EBDP program interventions that are being implemented in their state within 30 days of being awarded this cooperative agreement.
Demonstrated capacity and experience in working with ACL’s public and private collaborators in the EBDP Program including CDC, AHRQ, CMS, NIH, SAMSHA, HRSA, and national and local foundations.
Provides a project director for this project that is a national leader in the development of EBDP programs and will work full time on this project or on work that is consistent with and directly related to the development of EBDP programs.
This section of the announcement also should address any special eligibility criteria for individuals that may be involved in the project, such as the principal investigator or project director, or eligibility for sub-recipients, beneficiaries, or program participants other than the direct recipient of the award.
If ACL requires submission of a pre-application that will be used to “screen out” applicants, this section must so indicate. With pre-application submissions, those entities that do not submit one, or those that submit one that is deemed unacceptable, will be ineligible to submit an application for consideration and this section must so indicate.
Application Screening Criteria
Below is standard language for this section. Additional screening criteria can be added at the discretion of the Program Officer and may include proof of non-profit status, letters of support, minimum effort of the Principle Investigator, or maximum funding that may be provided to sub-contractors or others.
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:
Applications must be submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, Insert Date.
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.
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.
Application materials can be obtained from http://www.grants.gov or http://www.acl.gov/Funding_Opportunities/Announcements/Index.aspx.
Please note, ACL is requiring applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov. The Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered with http://www.grants.gov, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with http://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time. At http://www.grants.gov, 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 (http://www.grants.gov).
Applications submitted via http://www.grants.gov:
You may access the electronic application for this program on http://www.grants.gov. You must search the downloadable application page by the Funding Opportunity Number (HHS-2012-ACL-____-__-____Insert Number) or CFDA number (Insert Number).
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 through http://www.grants.gov because of the time involved to complete the registration process.
All applicants must have a DUNS number (www.dnb.com) 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. 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: https://www.sam.gov /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:
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 registered in 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 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 be determined 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 1-866-705-5711 or by using this link to access a guide: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/duns_num_guide.pdf.
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 http://www.grants.gov compatibility information and submission instructions provided at http://www.grants.gov (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 http://www.grants.govthat contains http://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from http://www.grants.gov.
After the Administration for Community Living retrieves your application form from http://www.grants.gov, a return receipt will be emailed to the applicant contact. This will be in addition to the validation number provided by http://www.grants.gov.
Each year organizations applying for Federal grants through http://www.grants.gov 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 www.SAM.gov in three days; however, you must update your registration on www.SAM.gov every year, which can take five days. When you register, or update your registration on www.SAM.gov, 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
Insert Project Officer/Contact name
Insert Center Name
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone Number: 202-357-XXXX
E-mail: firstname.lastname@acl.hhs.gov
This section must indicate what application form and other documents need to be submitted to ACL in order to be considered for funding. In addition, specification of any potentially applicable public policy requirements (e.g., lobbying or debt status) that the applicant must address (whether in the application narrative, in an assurance or certification, or otherwise) as part of its application submission and how the applicant’s response/compliance will affect the evaluation and/or award process. This section must also specify whether pre-applications are required or letters of intent are encouraged and if proof of non-profit status is required (and what constitutes acceptable proof) in order to determine eligibility.
If applicable, identify whether applications will be screened on whether the application is responsive to the priority area description.
The following is standard language for ACL applications. Project Officers may choose to modify this language to meet the needs of their grant program
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. The deadline for submission of the letter of intent is (Insert date here). Letters of intent should be sent to:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Community Living
Insert Project Officer Name
Insert Office or Center Name
Email: firstname.lastname@acl.hhs.gov
Fax: 202-357-XXXX
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 ten to twenty pages; twenty 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 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 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:
Summary/Abstract. This section should include a brief - no more than 265 words maximum - description of the proposed project, including: goal(s), objectives, outcomes, and products to be developed. Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the “Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract.”
Problem Statement. This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the particular problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address, including how the project will potentially affect the elderly population and/or their caregivers (including specific subgroups within those populations), and possibly the health care and social services systems (e.g., the use of health care and/or nursing home services.)
Goals and Objectives. This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives. 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, economic or political factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.
Special Target Populations and Organizations. This section should describe how you plan to involve 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.
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.
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 Capability 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.
Standard language that can be used, or modified as needed, for multi-year grants can be found below.
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.
Below you will find standard language that can be used, or modified as needed, for a one year grant program.
The Project Work Plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and Budget. 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.
Include confirmation of the commitments to the project (should it be funded) made by key collaborating organizations and agencies in this part of the application. Any organization that is specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project should be considered an essential collaborator. For applications submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov, signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments. Applicants unable to scan the signed letters of commitment may fax them to the ACL Office of Grants Management at 202-357-3467 by the application submission deadline. In your fax, be sure to include the funding opportunity number and your agency name.
Standard language that can be used, or modified as needed, for multi-year grants can be found below.
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
Below you will find standard language that can be used, or modified as needed, for a one year grants program.
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.
This section must specify the deadline for application submission and, if required, letters of intent.
The following is standard ACL language that may be modified to meet specific grant program requirements.
The deadline for the submission of applications under this Program Announcement is insert date, 2013. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, insert date, 2013.
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.
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. After the Administration for Community Living retrieves your application form from http://www.grants.gov, a return receipt will be emailed to the applicant contact. This will be in addition to the validation number provided by http://www.grants.gov.
If the funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,’’ the program staff must say so. In alerting applicants that they must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process under EO 12372, you should inform them that the names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed in the Office of Management and Budget’s home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/.
If not subject to the EO, indicate the following:
This funding opportunity announcement is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”
Identify any activities which are not fundable under the grant program, e.g., construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings. This section also may include any other types of funding restrictions, e.g., ceiling amounts for particular activities if an application will consist of multiple programmatic components. This section should also indicate whether pre-award costs are allowable.
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; and
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)
This section must indicate where applications or letters of intent should be submitted. This section may also be used for information not included in any other section of Application and Submission Information.
The following is standard ACL language that may be modified to meet specific grant program requirements.
Letters of intent should be emailed or faxed to:
Insert Project Officer Name
Email: firstname.lastname@acl.hhs.gov
Fax: 202-357-XXXX
This section must include the evaluation criteria and any sub-criteria that will be used in the application review.
Below are standard ACL review criteria which should be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, to address the priorities and goals of each funding opportunity. Project officers must ensure the review criteria total adds up to a maximum of 100 points across the five elements.
Applications are scored by assigning a maximum of 100 points across five criteria:
Project Relevance & Current Need Weight: 20 points
Does the proposed project clearly and adequately identify the relevance of the priority areas, as described in this Program Announcement, in relation to current state/community needs? (10 points).
Does the application adequately and appropriately describe and document the key problem(s)/condition(s) relevant to the applicant’s purpose/need? Is the proposed project justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information and knowledge? (10 points)
Approach Weight: 30 points
Is the intervention clearly defined? Does it reflect a coherent and feasible approach for successfully addressing the identified problem and achieving the identified outcome(s)? Does the project take into account barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact on the project’s success? Does the intervention optimize the use of potential partnerships with other organizations and/or consumer groups, as appropriate? (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 carryout the project? (10 points)
Does the application describe how local community-based organizations will be involved in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project? Does the application include disadvantaged populations, including limited-English speaking populations in its target population? (10 points)
Budget Weight: 10 points
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? (5 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? (5 points)
Project Impact Weight: 20 points
Are the expected project benefits/results clear, realistic, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the project? Are the anticipated outcomes of the proposed project likely to be achieved and will they significantly benefit the populations affected by the intervention, and the field of aging as a whole? Are the proposed outcomes quantifiable and measurable, consistent with the definition of a project outcome contained in “Project Work Plan – Sample Template?” (7 points)
Does the project evaluation reflect a thoughtful and well-designed approach that will be able to successfully measure whether or not the project has achieved its proposed outcome(s)? Does the plan include the qualitative and/or quantitative methods necessary to reliably measure outcomes? Is the evaluation also designed to capture “lessons learned” from the overall effort that might be of use to others in the field of aging, especially those who might be interested in replicating the project? (7 points)
Is there a realistic plan to try to secure resources to continue some or all project activities after Federal financial assistance has ended? (3 points)
Will the dissemination plan get relevant and easy to use information in a timely manner to parties that might be interested in making use of its findings, particularly to those who might want to replicate the project? (3 points)
Organizational Capacity Weight: 20 points
Does the applicant organization clearly identify their capacity for carrying out the proposed project and evaluation? (10 points)
Do the proposed project director(s), key staff and consultants have the background, experience, and other qualifications required to carry out their designated roles? Are letters from participating organizations included, as appropriate, and do they express the clear commitment and areas of responsibility of those organizations, consistent with the work plan description of their intended roles and contributions? (10 points)
This section should provide a brief explanation of the review process that will be used. When non-Federal reviewers are used, the announcement should indicate that applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget. Please do not include Social Security Numbers in your submission.
Below we have detailed standard ACL review and selection process requirements which may be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, for a particular funding opportunity.
An independent review panel of at least three individuals will evaluate applications that pass the screening and meet the responsiveness criteria if applicable. These reviewers are experts in their field, and are drawn from academic institutions, non-profit organizations, state and local government, and Federal government agencies. Based on the Application Review Criteria as outlined under section V.1, the reviewers will comment on and score the applications, focusing their comments and scoring decisions on the identified criteria.
Final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Secretary for Aging (ASA). In making these decisions, the ASA will take into consideration: recommendations of the review panel; reviews for programmatic and grants management compliance; the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government considering the available funding and anticipated results; and the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the benefits expected.
(Optional)
This section should be used if the Program Officer wants to include information about when applicants can expect to learn about the disposition of their applications, whether successful or unsuccessful. You may list the earliest possible date or a date range, understanding they are target dates or utilize the paragraphs below.
This section should indicate that successful applicants will receive formal notification of their award in the form of an electronic Notice of Award. Below we have detailed standard ACL award notice language which may be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, for a particular funding opportunity.
Successful applicants will receive an electronic Notice of Award. The Notice of Award is the authorizing document from the U.S. Administration for Community Living authorizing official, Officer of Grants Management, and the ACL Office of Budget and Finance. Acceptance of this award is signified by the drawdown of funds from the Payment Management System. Unsuccessful applicants are generally notified within 30 days of the final funding decision and will receive a disapproval letter via e-mail or U.S. mail. Unless indicated otherwise in this announcement, unsuccessful applications will not be retained by the agency and destroyed.
This section must specify applicable administrative regulations, program policies or other requirements that will become terms and conditions of the award.
Below is standard ACL language for this section which may be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, for a particular funding opportunity.
The award is subject to DHHS Administrative Requirements, which can be found in 45CFR Part 74 and 92 and the Standard Terms and Conditions, included in the Notice of Award as well as implemented through the HHS Grants Policy Statement located at http://www.hhs.gov/grantsnet/adminis/gpd/index.htm.
This section must specify the type and frequency of post-award reporting requirements, (both performance and financial), any required form or formatting, and the means of submission.
Below we have detailed standard ACL language that may be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, for a particular funding opportunity.
Effective March 1, 2011, ACL requires the submission of the SF-425 (Federal Financial Report). The reporting cycle will be reflected in the Notice of Award. The ACL program progress report is due semi-annually from the start date of the award and is due within 30 days of the reporting period end date. The final progress report and SF-425 reports are due 90 days after the end of the project period.
Grantees are required to complete the federal cash transactions portion of the SF-425 within the Payment Managements System as identified in their award documents for the calendar quarters ending 3/31, 6/30, 9/30, and 12/31 through the life of their award. In addition, the fully completed SF-425 will be required as denoted in the Notice of Award terms and conditions.
The Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires data entry at the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (http://www.FSRS.gov) for all sub-awards and sub-contracts issued for $25,000 or more as well as addressing executive compensation for both grantee and sub-award organizations.
For further guidance please see the following link:
http://www.acl.gov/Funding_Opportunities/Grantee_Info/FFATA.aspx
Project Officer:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Community Living
Washington, DC 20201
Attn: ______________
Telephone: (202) 357-XXXX, e-mail: firstname.lastname@acl.hhs.gov
Grants Management Specialist:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Community Living
Washington, DC 20201
Attn: ______________
e-mail: grants.office@acl.hhs.gov
This section is not required and should be used only for information that is not integral to a potential applicant’s understanding of the funding opportunity or that does not require an applicant’s compliance. It may include information that may be useful to a potential applicant in deciding whether or not to apply and in preparing an application.
Below is information that is included in ACL grant opportunities which may be supplemented or modified, as appropriate, for a particular funding opportunity.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The project description and Budget Narrative/Justification is approved under OMB control number 0985-0018 which expires on 8/31/13. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.
Instructions
for Completing Required Forms
(SF 424, Budget (SF 424A), Budget
Narrative/Justification)
SF 424 – Sample Format with Example
Budget Narrative/Justification Format – Sample Format
Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Template
Project Work Plan - Sample Template
Instructions for Completing the Summary/Abstract
(SF 424, Budget (SF 424A), Budget Narrative/Justification)
This section provides step-by-step instructions for completing the four (4) standard Federal forms required as part of your grant application, including special instructions for completing Standard Budget Forms 424 and 424A. Standard Forms 424 and 424A are used for a wide variety of Federal grant programs, and Federal agencies have the discretion to require some or all of the information on these forms. ACL does not require all the information on these Standard Forms. Accordingly, please use the instructions below in lieu of the standard instructions attached to SF 424 and 424A to complete these forms.
a. Standard Form 424
1. Type of Submission: (REQUIRED): Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.
Preapplication
Application
Changed/Corrected Application – If ACL requests, check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application.
2. Type of Application: (REQUIRED) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.
New
Continuation
Revision
3. Date Received: Leave this field blank.
4. Applicant Identifier: Leave this field blank
5a Federal Entity Identifier: Leave this field blank
5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned Federal award (grant) number.
6. Date Received by State: Leave this field blank.
7. State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank.
8. Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:
a. Legal Name: (REQUIRED): Enter the name that the organization has registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), formally the Central Contractor Registry. Information on registering with SAM may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website (http://www.grants.gov) or by going directly to the SAM website (www.sam.gov).
b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (REQUIRED): Enter the Employer or Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, we encourage the organization to include the correct suffix used to identify your organization in order to properly align access to the Payment Management System.
c. Organizational DUNS: (REQUIRED) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website (http://www.grants.gov). Your DUNS number can be verified at http://www2.zapdata.com/CompanyLookup.do.
d. Address: (REQUIRED) Enter the complete address including the county.
e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit (and department or division, if applicable) that will undertake the project.
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the name (First and last name required), organizational affiliation (if affiliated with an organization other than the applicant organization), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person to contact on
matters related to this application.
9. Type of Applicant: (REQUIRED) Select the applicant organization “type” from the following drop down list.
A. State Government B. County Government C. City or Township Government D. Special District Government E. Regional Organization F. U.S. Territory or Possession G. Independent School District H. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education I. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) J. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) K. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization L. Public/Indian Housing Authority M. Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) N. Nonprofit without 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) O. Private Institution of Higher Education P. Individual Q. For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) R. Small Business S. Hispanic-serving Institution T. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) U. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) V. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions W. Non-domestic (non-US) Entity X. Other (specify)
10. Name Of Federal Agency: (REQUIRED) Enter U.S. Administration for Community Living
11. Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: The CFDA number can be found on page one of the Program Announcement.
12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (REQUIRED) The Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity can be found on page one of the Program Announcement.
13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Leave this field blank.
14. Areas Affected By Project: List the largest political entity affected (cities, counties, state etc).
15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (REQUIRED) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project (This is not a narrative description).
16. Congressional Districts Of: (REQUIRED) 16a. Enter the applicant’s Congressional District, and 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters State Abbreviation – 3 characters District Number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12th district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103rd district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. See the below website to find your congressional district:
http://www.house.gov/Welcome.shtml
17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (REQUIRED) Enter the proposed start date and final end date of the project. If you are applying for a multi-year grant, such as a 3 year grant project, the final project end date will be 3 years after the proposed start date. In general, all start dates on the SF424 should be the 1st of the month and the end date of the last day of the month of the final year, for example 7/01/2012 to 6/30/2015. The Grants Officer can alter the start and end date at their discretion.
18. Estimated Funding: (REQUIRED) If requesting multi-year funding, enter the full amount requested from the Federal Government in line item 18.a., as a multi-year total. For example and illustrative purposes only, if year one is $100,000, year two is $100,000, and year three is $100,000, then the full amount of Federal funds requested would be reflected as $300,000. The amount of matching funds is denoted by lines b. through f. with a combined Federal and non-Federal total entered on line g. Lines b. through f. represents contributions to the project by the applicant and by your partners during the total project period, broken down by each type of contributor. The value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable.
NOTE: Applicants should review cost sharing or matching principles contained in Subpart C of 45 CFR Part 74 or 45 CFR Part 92 before completing Item 18 and the Budget Information Sections A, B and C noted below.
All budget information entered under item 18 should cover the total project period. For sub-item 18a, enter the Federal funds being requested. Sub-items 18b-18e is considered matching funds. The dollar amounts entered in sub-items 18b-18f must total at least 1/3rd of the amount of Federal funds being requested (the amount in 18a). For a full explanation of ACL’s match requirements, see the information in the box below. For sub-item 18f (program income), enter only the amount, if any, that is going to be used as part of the required match. Program Income submitted as match will become a part of the award match and recipients will be held accountable to meet their share of project expenses even if program income is not generated during the award period.
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. Examples of non-Federal cash match includes budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. Generally, most contributions from sub-contractors or sub-grantees (third parties) will be non-Federal in-kind matching funds. Volunteered time and use of third party facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations.
NOTE: Indirect charges may only be requested if: (1) the applicant has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency; or (2) the applicant is a state or local government agency. State governments should enter the amount of indirect costs determined in accordance with DHHS requirements. If indirect costs are to be included in the application, a copy of the approved indirect cost agreement must be included with the application. Further, if any sub-contractors or sub-grantees are requesting indirect costs, a copy of the latest approved indirect cost agreements must also be included with the application, or reference to an approved cost allocation plan.
ACL’s Match Requirement
Under many ACL programs, 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 (i.e., the amount on line 18g.). This “three-to-one” ratio is reflected in the following formula which you can use to calculate your minimum required match:
Federal Funds Requested * Match Percentage = Minimum Match Requirement
Inverse Match Percentage
Examples of varying match levels:
1) $100,000 (federal funds requested) * 5% (match) = $5,263
95%
2) $100,000 * 25%(match) = $33,333
75%
3) $100,000 * 35%(match) = $53,846
65%
4) $100,000 * 45%(match) = $81,818
55%
If the required non-Federal share is not provided by the completion date of the funded project period, ACL will reduce the Federal dollars awarded when closing out the award to meet the match percentage, which may result in a requirement to return Federal funds.
19. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? Check c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372
20. Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. If yes, include an explanation on the continuation sheet.
21. Authorized Representative: (Required) To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the name (First and last name required) title (Required), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person authorized to sign for the applicant. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain Federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)
Standard Form 424A
NOTE: Standard Form 424A is designed to accommodate applications for multiple grant programs; thus, for purposes of this ACL program, many of the budget item columns and rows are not applicable. You should only consider and respond to the budget items for which guidance is provided below. Unless otherwise indicated, the SF 424A should reflect a multi year budget. See Attachment B.
Section A ‑ Budget Summary
Line 5: Leave columns (c) and (d) blank. Enter TOTAL Federal costs in column (e) and total non‑Federal costs (including third party in‑kind contributions and any program income to be used as part of the grantee match) in column (f). Enter the sum of columns (e) and (f) in column (g).
Section B ‑ Budget Categories
Column 1: Enter the breakdown of how you plan to use the Federal funds being
requested by object class category (see instructions for each object class category in Attachment C).
Column 2: Enter the breakdown of how you plan to use the non-Federal share by object class category.
Column 5: Enter the total funds required for the project (sum of Columns 1 and 2) by object class category.
Section C – Non Federal Resources
Column A: Enter the federal grant program.
Column B: Enter in any non-federal resources that the applicant will contribute to the project.
Column C: Enter in any non-federal resources that the state will contribute to the project.
Column D: Enter in any non-federal resources that other sources will contribute to the project.
Column E: Enter the total non-federal resources for each program listed in column A.
Section D –Forecasted Cash Needs
Line 13: Enter Federal forecasted cash needs broken down by quarter for the first year only.
Line 14: Enter Non-Federal forecasted cash needs broken down by quarter for the first year.
Line 15: Enter total forecasted cash needs broken down by quarter for the first year.
Note: This area is not meant to be one whereby an applicant merely divides the requested funding by four and inserts that amount in each quarter but an area where thought is given as to how your estimated expenses will be incurred during each quarter. For example, if you have initial start up costs in the first quarter of your award reflect that in quarter one or you do not expect to have contracts awarded and funded until quarter three, reflect those costs in that quarter.
Section E – Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project (i.e. subsequent years 2, 3, 4 or 5 as applicable).
Column A: Enter the federal grant program
Column B (first): Enter the requested year two funding.
Column C (second): Enter the requested year three funding.
Column D (third): Enter the requested year four funding, if applicable.
Column E (forth): Enter the requested year five funding, if applicable.
Section F – Other Budget Information
Line 21: Enter the total Indirect Charges
Line 22: Enter the total Direct charges (calculation of indirect rate and direct charges).
Line 23: Enter any pertinent remarks related to the budget.
Separate Budget Narrative/Justification Requirement
Applicants requesting funding for multi-year grant programs are REQUIRED to provide a combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification, as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding. A separate Budget Narrative/Justification is also REQUIRED for each potential year of grant funding requested.
For your use in developing and presenting your Budget Narrative/Justification, a sample format with examples and a blank sample template have been included in these Attachments. In your Budget Narrative/Justification, you should include a breakdown of the budgetary costs for all of the object class categories noted in Section B, across three columns: Federal; non-Federal cash; and non-Federal in-kind. Cost breakdowns, or justifications, are required for any cost of $1,000 or for the thresholds as established in the examples. The Budget Narratives/Justifications should fully explain and justify the costs in each of the major budget items for each of the object class categories, as described below. Non-Federal cash as well as, sub-contractor or sub-grantee (third party) in-kind contributions designated as match must be clearly identified and explained in the Budget Narrative/Justification The full Budget Narrative/Justification should be included in the application immediately following the SF 424 forms.
Line 6a: Personnel: Enter total costs of salaries and wages of applicant/grantee staff. Do
not include the costs of consultants, which should be included under 6h ‑ Other.
In the Justification: Identify the project director, if known. Specify the key staff, their titles, and time commitments in the budget justification.
Line 6b: Fringe Benefits: Enter the total costs of fringe benefits unless treated as part of
an approved indirect cost rate.
In the Justification: If the total fringe benefit rate exceeds 35% of Personnel costs, provide a break‑down of amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, retirement, etc. A percentage of 35% or less does not require a break down but you must show the percentage charged for each full/part time employee.
Line 6c: Travel: Enter total costs of all travel (local and non-local) for staff on the project. NEW: Local travel is considered under this cost item not under Other. Local transportation (all travel which does not require per diem is considered local travel). Do not enter costs for consultant's travel - this should be included in line 6h.
In the Justification: Include the total number of trips, number of travelers, destinations, purpose (e.g., attend conference), length of stay, subsistence allowances (per diem), and transportation costs (including mileage rates).
Line 6d: Equipment: Enter the total costs of all equipment to be acquired by the project. For all grantees, "equipment" is non‑expendable tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. If the item does not meet the $5,000 threshold, include it in your budget under Supplies, line 6e.
In the Justification: Equipment to be purchased with federal funds must be justified as necessary for the conduct of the project. The equipment must be used for project-related functions. Further, the purchase of specific items of equipment should not be included in the submitted budget if those items of equipment, or a reasonable facsimile, are otherwise available to the applicant or its sub‑grantees.
Line 6e: Supplies: Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable personal property
(supplies) other than those included on line 6d.
In the Justification: . For any grant award that has supply costs in excess of 5% of total direct costs (Federal or Non-Federal), you must provide a detailed break down of the supply items (e.g., 6% of $100,000 = $6,000 – breakdown of supplies needed). If the 5% is applied against $1 million total direct costs (5% x $1,000,000 = $50,000) a detailed breakdown of supplies is not needed. Please note: any supply costs of $5,000 or less regardless of total direct costs does not require a detailed budget breakdown (e.g., 5% x $100,000 = $5,000 – no breakdown needed).
Line 6f: Contractual: Regardless of the dollar value of any contract, you must follow your established policies and procedures for procurements and meet the minimum standards established in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR’s) mentioned below. Enter the total costs of all contracts, including (1) procurement contracts (except those which belong on other lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.). Note: The 33% provision has been removed and line item budget detail is not required as long as you meet the established procurement standards. Also include any awards to organizations for the provision of technical assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. Please be advised: A subrecipient is involved in financial assistance activities by receiving a sub-award and a subcontractor is involved in procurement activities by receiving a sub-contract. Through the recipient, a subrecipient performs work to accomplish the public purpose authorized by law. Generally speaking, a sub-contractor does not seek to accomplish a public benefit and does not perform substantive work on the project. It is merely a vendor providing goods or services to directly benefit the recipient, for example procuring landscaping or janitorial services. In either case, you are encouraged to clearly describe the type of work that will be accomplished and type of relationship with the lower tiered entity whether it be labeled as a subaward or subcontract.
In the Justification: Provide the following three items – 1) Attach a list of contractors indicating the name of the organization; 2) the purpose of the contract; and 3) the estimated dollar amount. If the name of the contractor and estimated costs are not available or have not been negotiated, indicate when this information will be available. The Federal government reserves the right to request the final executed contracts at any time. If an individual contractual item is over the small purchase threshold, currently set at $100K in the CFR, you must certify that your procurement standards are in accordance with the policies and procedures as stated in 45 CFR 74.44 for non-profits and 92.36 for states, in lieu of providing separate detailed budgets. This certification should be referenced in the justification and attached to the budget narrative.
Line 6g: Construction: Leave blank since construction is not an allowable costs for this program.
Line 6h: Other: Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable, may
include, but are not limited to: insurance, medical and dental costs (i.e. for project volunteers this is different from personnel fringe benefits),non-contractual fees and travel paid directly to individual consultants, postage, space and equipment rentals/lease, printing and publication, computer use, training and staff development costs (i.e. registration fees). If a cost does not clearly fit under another category, and it qualifies as an allowable cost, then rest assured this is where it belongs.
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. If meals are to be charged towards the grant they must meet the following criteria outlined in the 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; and
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: the sole purpose of the grant award is to hold a conference).
In the Justification: Provide a reasonable explanation for items in this category. For example, individual consultants explain the nature of services provided and the relation to activities in the work plan or indicate where it is described in the work plan. Describe the types of activities for staff development costs.
Line 6i: Total Direct Charges: Show the totals of Lines 6a through 6h.
Line 6j: Indirect Charges: Enter the total amount of indirect charges (costs), if any. If
no indirect costs are requested, enter "none." Indirect charges may be requested if: (1) the applicant has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services or another federal agency; or (2) the applicant is a state or local government agency. State governments should enter the amount of indirect costs determined in accordance with DHHS requirements. An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. Indirect Costs can only be claimed on Federal funds, more specifically, they are to only be claimed on the Federal share of your direct costs. Any unused portion of the grantee’s eligible Indirect Cost amount that are not claimed on the Federal share of direct charges can be claimed as un-reimbursed indirect charges, and that portion can be used towards meeting the recipient match.
Line 6k: Total: Enter the total amounts of Lines 6i and 6j.
Line 7: Program Income: As appropriate, include the estimated amount of income, if any, you expect to be generated from this project that you wish to designate as match (equal to the amount shown for Item 15(f) on Form 424). Note: Any program income indicated at the bottom of Section B and for item 15(f) on the face sheet of Form 424 will be included as part of non-Federal match and will be subject to the rules for documenting completion of this pledge. If program income is expected, but is not needed to achieve matching funds, do not include that portion here or on Item 15(f) of the Form 424 face sheet. Any anticipated program income that will not be applied as grantee match should be described in the Level of Effort section of the Program Narrative.
c. Standard Form 424B – Assurances (required)
This form contains assurances required of applicants under the discretionary funds programs administered by the Administration for Community Living. Please note that a duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must certify that the organization is in compliance with these assurances.
d. Certification Regarding Lobbying (required)
This form contains certifications that are required of the applicant organization regarding lobbying. Please note that a duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must attest to the applicant’s compliance with these certifications.
Proof of Non-Profit Status (as applicable)
Non-profit applicants must submit proof of non-profit status. Any of the following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
Indirect Cost Agreement
Applicants that have included indirect costs in their budgets must include a copy of the current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency. This is optional for applicants that have not included indirect costs in their budgets.
OMB Approval No. 0348-0044 BUDGET INFORMATION--Non-Construction Programs |
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SECTION A-BUDGET SUMMARY |
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Grant Program Function or Activity (a) |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b) |
Estimated Unobligated Funds |
New or Revised Budget
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Federal (c) |
Non-Federal (d) |
Federal (e) |
Non-Federal (f) |
Total (g) |
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1. LifeSpan Respite |
93.048 |
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340,294 |
113,433 |
453,727 |
2. |
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3. |
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4. |
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5. TOTALS |
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340,294 |
113,433 |
453,727 |
SECTION B-BUDGET CATEGORIES |
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6. Object Class Categories |
GRANT PROGRAM, FUNCTION OR ACTIVITY |
Total (5) |
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(1) Year 1 |
(2) Year 2 |
(3) Year 3 |
(4) |
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a. Personnel |
71,254 |
30,000 |
35,000 |
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136,254 |
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b. Fringe Benefits |
26,114 |
15,000 |
20,000 |
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61,114 |
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c. Travel |
7,647 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
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17,647 |
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d. Equipment |
10,000 |
0 |
0 |
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10,000 |
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e. Supplies |
9,460 |
2,500 |
1,000 |
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12,960 |
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f. Contractual |
30,171 |
0 |
0 |
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30,171 |
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g. Construction |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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h. Other |
11,480 |
55,833 |
47,334 |
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114,647 |
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i. Total Direct Charges (sum 6a-h) |
166,126 |
108,333 |
108,334 |
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382,793 |
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j. Indirect Charges @ |
20,934 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
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70,934 |
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k. TOTALS (sum 6i and j) |
187,060 |
133,333 |
133,334 |
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453,727 |
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7. Program Income |
None |
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Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424A (7-97) Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102
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SECTION C-NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES |
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(a) Grant Program |
(b) Applicant |
(c) State |
(d) Other sources |
(e) TOTALS |
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8. Life Span Respite
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80,886 |
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32,547 |
113,433 |
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9.
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10.
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11.
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12. TOTALS (sum of lines 8 and 11) |
80,886 |
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32,547 |
113,433 |
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SECTION D-FORECASTED CASH NEEDS |
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13. Federal |
Total for 1st Year |
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
4th Quarter |
140,294 |
20,000
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50,000 |
20,000 |
50,294 |
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14. Non-Federal |
46,766 |
12,000 |
10,000 |
9,000 |
15,766 |
15. TOTAL (sum of lines 13 and 14) |
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SECTION E-BUDGET ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL FUNDS NEEDED FOR BALANCE OF THE PROJECT |
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(a) Grant Program |
Future Funding Periods (Years) |
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(b) First |
(c) Second |
(d) |
(e) |
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16. Life Span Respite
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100,000 |
100,000
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17.
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18.
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19.
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20. TOTALS (sum of lines 16-19) |
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SECTION F-OTHER BUDGET INFORMATION (Attach additional Sheets if Necessary) |
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21. Direct Charges: |
22. Indirect Charges: |
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23. Remarks
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Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424A (7-97) Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 |
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NOTE : Applicants requesting funding for a multi-year grant program are REQUIRED to provide a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for EACH potential year of grant funding requested.
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Object Class Category |
Federal Funds |
Non-Federal Cash |
Non-Federal In-Kind |
TOTAL |
Justification |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Personnel |
$47,700 |
$23,554 |
$0 |
$71,254 |
Federal Project Director (name) = .5 FTE @ $95,401/yr = $47,700 Non-Fed Cash Officer Manager (name) = .5FTE @ $47,108/yr = $23,554
Total $71,254 |
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Fringe Benefits
|
$17,482 |
$8,632 |
$0 |
$26,114 |
Federal Fringe on Project Director at 36.65% = $17,482 FICA (7.65%) Health (25%) Dental (2%) Life (1%) Unemployment (1%) Non-Fed Cash Fringe on Office Manager at 36.65% = $8,632 FICA (7.65%) Health (25%) Dental (2%) Life (1%) Unemployment (1%) |
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Travel
|
$4,707 |
$2,940 |
$0 |
$7,647 |
Federal Local travel: 6 TA site visits for 1 person Mileage: 6RT @ .585 x 700 miles $2,457 Lodging: 15 days @ $110/day $1,650 Per Diem: 15 days @ $40/day $600 Total $4,707 Non-Fed Cash Travel to National Conference in (Destination) for 3 people Airfare 1 RT x 3 staff @ $500 $1,500 Lodging: 3 days x 3 staff @ $120/day $1,080 Per Diem: 3 days x 3 staff @ $40/day $360 Total $2,940 |
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Equipment |
$10,000 |
$0 |
$0 |
$10,000 |
No Equipment requested OR: Call Center Equipment Installation = $5,000 Phones = $5,000 Total $10,000
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Supplies
|
$3,700 |
$5,760 |
$0 |
$9,460 |
Federal 2 desks @ $1,500 $3,000 2 chairs @ $300 $600 2 cabinets @ $200 $400 Non-Fed Cash 2 Laptop computers $3,000 Printer cartridges @ $50/month $300 Consumable supplies (pens, paper, clips etc…) @ $180/month $2,160 Total $9,460 |
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Contractual
|
$30,171 |
$0 |
$0 |
$30,171 |
(organization name, purpose of contract and estimated dollar amount) Contract with AAA to provide respite services: 11 care givers @ $1,682 = $18,502 Volunteer Coordinator = $11,669 Total $30,171
If contract details are unknown due to contract yet to be made provide same information listed above and: A detailed evaluation plan and budget will be submitted by (date), when contract is made. |
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Other
|
$5,600 |
$0 |
$5,880 |
$11,480 |
Federal 2 consultants @ $100/hr for 24.5 hours each = $4,900 Printing 10,000 Brochures @ $.05 = $500 Local conference registration fee (name conference) = $200 Total $5,600 In-Kind Volunteers 15 volunteers @ $8/hr for 49 hours = $5,880 |
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Indirect Charges
|
$20,934 |
$0 |
$0 |
$20,934 |
21.5 % of salaries and fringe = $20,934
IDC rate is attached. |
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TOTAL |
$140,294 |
$40,886 |
$5,880 |
$187,060 |
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NOTE : Applicants requesting funding for a multi-year grant program are REQUIRED to provide a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for EACH potential year of grant funding requested.
Object Class Category |
Federal Funds |
Non-Federal Cash |
Non-Federal In-Kind |
TOTAL |
Justification |
Personnel |
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Fringe Benefits |
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Supplies |
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Contractual |
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Other |
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Indirect Charges |
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TOTAL |
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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 |
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Project Work Plan, Page 2 – Sample Template
Goal:
Measurable Outcome(s):
* Time Frame (Start/End Dates by Month in Project Cycle)
Major Objectives |
Key Tasks |
Lead Person |
1* |
2* |
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Project Work Plan, Page 3 – Sample Template
Goal:
Measurable Outcome(s):
* Time Frame (Start/End Dates by Month in Project Cycle)
Major Objectives |
Key Tasks |
Lead Person |
1* |
2* |
3* |
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NOTE: Please do note 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.
All applications for grant funding must include a Summary/Abstract that concisely describes the proposed project. It should be written for the general public.
To ensure uniformity, limit the length to 265 words or less, on a single page with a font size of not less than 11, doubled-spaced.
The abstract must include the project’s goal(s), objectives, overall approach (including target population and significant partnerships), anticipated outcomes, products, and duration. The following are very simple descriptions of these terms, and a sample Compendium abstract.
Goal(s) – broad, overall purpose, usually in a mission statement, i.e. what you want to do, where you want to be.
Objective(s) – narrow, more specific, identifiable or measurable steps toward a goal. Part of the planning process or sequence (the “how”) to attain the goal(s).
Outcomes - measurable results of a project. Positive benefits or negative changes, or measurable characteristics that occur as a result of an organization’s or program’s activities. (Outcomes are the end-point)
Products – materials, deliverables.
A model abstract/summary is provided below:
The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), in partnership with the Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network (DLRCN) and key stakeholders will, in the course of this two-year project, expand and maintain a statewide coordinated lifespan respite system that builds on the infrastructure currently in place. The goal of this project is to improve the delivery and quality of respite services available to families across age and disability spectrums by expanding and coordinating existing respite systems in Delaware. The objectives are: 1) to improve lifespan respite infrastructure; 2) to improve the provision of information and awareness about respite service; 3) to streamline access to respite services through the Delaware ADRC; 4) to increase availability of respite services. Anticipated outcomes include: 1) families and caregivers of all ages and disabilities will have greater options for choosing a respite provider; 2) providers will demonstrate increased ability to provide specialized respite care; 3) families will have streamlined access to information and satisfaction with respite services; 4) respite care will be provided using a variety of existing funding sources and 5) a sustainability plan will be developed to support the project in the future. The expected products are marketing and outreach materials, caregiver training, respite worker training, a Respite Online searchable database, two new Caregiver Resource Centers (CRC), an annual Respite Summit, a respite voucher program and 24/7 telephone information and referral services.
Page
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Fiscal Year 2012 Program Announcement and Grant Application Instructions |
| Subject | Name of Opportunity |
| Author | Administration on Aging |
| Last Modified By | DHHS |
| File Modified | 2014-01-22 |
| File Created | 2014-01-06 |