FAQ: Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Projects (DPs)

Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-24-042 (New)

NOFO technical assistance

Where can I find the notice?

You can find the notice of funding opportunity on the following websites:

• Grants.gov
• MCHB Funding Page

When and where can I find a recording of the NOFO Technical Assistance webinar?

The HRSA-24-042 NOFO TA webinar recording and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be added to this funding opportunity’s MCHB Funding Page. We will add the recording and the FAQs to this website as soon as we can. To access the TA webinar recording now, please see the alert box on the MCHB Funding Page.

What needs to be completed prior to submission of the award application?

An applicant’s SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations and passwords must be current in order to submit an application to HRSA. Registrations in all systems may take up to one month to complete, so do not wait to activate or update accounts in these two systems.

How do I resolve technical errors while preparing or submitting my application in Grants.gov?

For assistance with submitting the application in Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding federal holidays at:
Grants.gov Contact Center
Telephone: 1-800-518-4726 (International callers dial 606-545-5035)
Email: support@grants.gov

I am getting a “Bad Request” error when trying to submit my application. What should I do?

HRSA-24-041 was modified on February 23, 2024. If you encounter a “Bad Request” or any other error while applying to one or more funding opportunities, please contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Eligibility & multiple applications

Who is eligible to apply to the HRSA-24-042 funding opportunity?

Per the Eligibility section of the NOFO (pages 8-9):

"You can apply…if your organization is in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau and is:

• Public or private
• Community-based organizations
• Institutes of higher education
• Tribal (governments, organizations)”

A complete list of eligible applicants can be found in the eligibility section of the posting for this NOFO on Grants.gov.

Is it possible for an organization to apply for one of the Demonstration Project grants (under HRSA-24-042) and apply for the National Coordinating Center on Transition cooperative agreements (under HRSA-24-041)?

No, an applicant may not apply for the HRSA-24-042 Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Project funding opportunity and the HRSA-24-041 NCCT funding opportunity.

Is it possible for an organization to apply for two Demonstration Project grants, one for autism and one for epilepsy?

No. Per page 9 of the NOFO, “Applicants applying for the HRSA-24-042 (DPs) may only apply for one focus area, autism or epilepsy, and must clearly state the focus area for which they are applying. HRSA will not consider funding applicants who apply to more than one funding opportunity number or focus area.”

The NOFO mentions that organizations can apply as a consortium. Does this mean multiple organizations can submit a joint application for a Demonstration Project?

Yes. Per page 9 of the NOFO, “Organizations can come together as a consortium to submit a joint application for a DP focus area (autism or epilepsy)…Each consortium member must demonstrate substantial involvement in the project and contribute significantly to the goals of the project. The roles and responsibilities of each consortium member must be clearly defined in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement (MOU/A). The proposed MOU/A must be supported in writing by all consortium members and submitted as Attachment 9.”

How do we know if our agency/organization is both eligible and has the experience needed to carry out the work of this NOFO?

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all sections of the NOFO to determine their agency’s/organization’s eligibility and capacity to fulfill the Program Requirements and Expectations of the award. 

Please see the following sections for information specific to applicant eligibility and capacity:

• The Eligibility Information on pages 8-9 of the NOFO.
• The Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-13 of the NOFO.
• The Organizational Information section of the NOFO (pages 18-19), which details the application instructions related to organizational capacity and experience.

If you feel that you meet the eligibility requirements and can address program requirements and expectations, then you are encouraged to apply.

What is the minimum number of organizations to serve as a consortium?

There is no minimum number of organizations to serve as a consortium.

Do applications for HRSA-24-042 need to provide evidence of the partnerships that will be developed/maintained to implement the proposed project?

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all sections of the NOFO to determine the information needed about partnerships.

Please see the following sections for more information:

• The Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-13 of the NOFO explains the ways in which the applicant organization’s partnerships are expected to inform the work of the overall project.
• The Organizational Information section on pages 18-19 of the NOFO describes the information needed about both internal capacity of the applicant organization and the capacity of partner organizations to fulfill the Programs Requirements and Expectations.
• The Approach section on pages 20-22 of the NOFO describes the information needed about the ways in which partnerships and collaborations will be developed and maintained by the applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to provide enough information so that objective reviewers understand how the above sections will be addressed and implemented if funded.

Can organizations identified as potential sub-awardees be included in applications for both HRSA-24-042 (DP) and for HRSA-24-041 (NCCT)?

The NOFO does not specify which organizations can be included as sub-awardees.

Can organizations applying for HRSA-24-042 (DP) also be included as sub-awardees as part of HRSA-24-041 (NCCT) applications?

Yes. Per page 9 of the NOFO:

“Applicants can only apply for funding under one funding opportunity number, either HRSA-24-042 (DPs) or HRSA-24-041 (NCCT). Applicants applying for the HRSA-24-042 (DPs) may only apply for one focus area, autism or epilepsy, and must clearly state the focus area for which they are applying. HRSA will not consider funding applicants who apply to more than one funding opportunity number or focus area.”

Can applications for HRSA-24-041 (NCCT) include prospective National Transition Advisory Council members who are also planning to submit applications for HRSA-24-042 (DP)?

Yes. Please see the description of the National Transition Advisory Council in the Program Requirements and Expectation section, which can be found on page 15 of the NOFO:

“Identify members and convene a National Transition Advisory Council (NTAC) to inform and support the work of the NCCT throughout the period of performance. The NTAC should help the NCCT identify transition-related emerging issues, future trends, and assist with the development of resource materials The NTAC should be comprised of transition age (13-26) YSHCN, including YAES; families/caregivers; persons with lived experience; and representatives of child and adult serving agencies (for example, federal agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), etc.) with established transition-related supports and services. Representatives from state Title V and F2F programs should be included.”

Application preparation

Note for applicants: Please see the HRSA SF-424 Application Guide (PDF - 680 KB) for specific instructions on application formatting (e.g., font size, margins, etc.).

What is the application page limit?

The HRSA-24-042 application page limit is 50 pages.

Which attachments count toward the application page limit?

Unless otherwise noted within the NOFO, most attachments count toward the application page limit.

Please see the Application Page Limit details on page 10 of the NOFO:

“These items don’t count toward the page limit:

• Standard OMB-approved forms you find in the NOFO’s workspace application package
• Abstract (standard form (SF) "Project_Abstract Summary”
• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
• Proof of non-profit status (if it applies)”
• Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel

Please see the individual attachment descriptions (pages 26-27) for details regarding attachment requirements and page limits.

Can letters of support be scanned together and submitted as a single attachment?

Please see the individual attachment descriptions (pages 26-27) for details regarding attachment requirements and page limits.

What needs to be completed prior to application submission?

An applicant’s SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations and passwords must be current in order to submit an application to HRSA. Registrations in all systems may take up to one month to complete, so do not wait to activate or update accounts in these two systems.

Please note that a Unique Entity ID (UEI) is required to apply for this funding. You must register in the SAM.gov to receive your UEI. You cannot use a DUNS number to apply. For more details, visit the following webpage: General Service Administration’s UEI Update.

Do we need to use a specific template for the work plan attachment?

No, the NOFO does not require a specific template for the work plan sketch attachment. Per page 26 of the NOFO, applicants should “attach the project’s work plan. Make sure it includes everything that Section IV.2.ii. Project Narrative details. If you’ll make subawards or spend funds on contracts, describe how your organization will document funds.”

Do we need to use a specific template for the biographical sketch attachment?

No, the NOFO does not require a specific template for the biographical sketch attachment. Per page 26 of the NOFO, the biographical sketch should not exceed two pages in length per person. You can find additional information about recommended narrative and attachment formatting within the HRSA SF-424 Application Guide (PDF - 680 KB) (pages 35-40).

If the key personnel providing biographical sketches are not yet hired, will letters of support sharing their commitment to the project suffice?

Yes. Per the biographical sketch instructions on page 26 of the NOFO, “If you include someone you haven’t hired yet, include a letter of commitment from that person with the biographical sketch.”

Page 26 of the NOFO include the instruction to “not include personally identifiable information (PII)” as part of Attachment 3: Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel. Can you please clarify what is meant by personally identifiable information (PII)?

HHS considers names a neutral source of PII and are not a form of personal information restricted from use in the application. The NOFO, on page 26, should read “Do not include sensitive personally identifiable information (PII).” Please proceed with the instructions on pages 25-26, that is:

• Identify selected staff by name for the jobs described in Attachment 2.
• Include bio sketches in Attachment 3 for the named staff identified in Attachment 2, and the letters of commitment for those named for positions but not yet hired.

Page 23 of the NOFO includes the instruction to, “Use a timeline that includes each activity and identifies who is responsible for each.” Can you clarify if the timeline referenced refers to the Work Plan attachment, or if a separate timeline also required within the proposal narrative?

The instruction to “Use a timeline that includes each activity and identifies who is responsible for each” is specific to the Work Plan attachment.

Do applications need to adhere to any specific formatting guidelines?

For information on the Narrative and Attachment Formatting Guidelines, please see page 35 of the HRSA Application Guide (PDF - 680 KB).

When is the final deadline for applications? Is there a recommended timeline for submitting the application?

The final application deadline is Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. It is recommended to not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case there are issues.

Page 28 of the NOFO states: “We suggest you submit your application to Grants.gov at least 3 calendar days before the deadline to allow for any unexpected events.”

Please see HRSA’s page Understand our Policy on Late Submissions for additional information regarding application deadlines.

Definitions

Note for applicants: For specific definitions, we encourage applicants to refer to the NOFO glossary and footnotes.

How does the NOFO define “implementation science?” Is this the same thing as “quality improvement (QI)?”

Please see the “implementation science” definition used within the Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms and Phrases. This can be found on page 50 of the NOFO:

“The scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practice into routine practice and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services.”

Please provide more information about the life course approach.

Please see the “life course approach” definition used within the Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms and Phrases. This can be found on page 50 of the NOFO:

“Aims to address YAES well-being at all ages by addressing their needs, ensuring access to services, and safeguarding the human right to quality of life throughout their lifetime.”

How does HRSA operationalize the terms “stakeholders” and “advisory council?”

Please see the “stakeholders” definition used within the Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms and Phrases.

This can be found on page 51 of the NOFO:

“Include but are not limited to youth, families/caregivers, community-based organizations, state agencies, education systems (secondary, post-secondary, and inclusive post-secondary), vocation systems, health care providers, state Title V programs, Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, etc.”

For information about the expected role of the Advisory Council, please refer to the Program Requirements and Expectations section on pages 11-13 of the NOFO.

Please explain how the term “transitioning from child to adult serving systems” is operationalized.

Please see the Program Goal section on page 1 of the NOFO for an explanation of how the term is being used for the purpose of this program. For examples of both child and adult serving systems, please refer to the Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms and Phrases on pages 47-48 of the NOFO.

Program objectives

Can you provide more information about this funding opportunity?

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all sections of the NOFO to understanding this funding opportunity. 

Please see the following sections:

• The Program Funding Opportunity Description on pages 1-5 of the NOFO.
• The Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-14 of the NOFO.

If you feel that you can address program requirements and expectations, then you are encouraged to apply.

Some YAES within our target population/catchment area have both autism and epilepsy. Can our application discuss how [we] will serve YAES with co-occurring conditions?

Please refer to the footnote at the bottom of page 1 of the NOFO for an explanation of how HRSA views co-occurring conditions for the purposes of this program:

“HRSA acknowledges the co-occurrence of autism in epilepsy in children and youth. A project focused on autism can include youth with autism who have a co-occurring epilepsy diagnosis as part of their target population. A project focused on epilepsy can include youth with epilepsy who have a co-occurring autism diagnosis as part of their target population.”

Is the program looking to improve self-efficacy for families/caregivers or YAES?

On page 2 of the NOFO, HRSA-24-042 Objective 3 is as follows:

“By August 2029, increase by 75% from baseline the percentage of all families/caregivers of YAES in the catchment area that report improved self-efficacy with the transition process.”

Program requirements & activities

For the narrative sections of the NOFO, should applications address all 5 prospective years of the grant, or should applicants focus on year 1?

All proposed activities should cover the entire five-year project period, including the narrative, work plan, SF-424, and budget narrative. Applications should make clear how the applicant organization is going to fulfill all activities in the Program Requirements and Expectation section on pages 14-16 of the NOFO that address all five years of the project period. The application should also address all questions and prompts in the Project Narrative section on pages 17-24 of the NOFO.

Is health care transition a primary focus of the HRSA-24-042 (DP) grants?

While incorporating “health care transition approaches to support positive health outcomes for YAES and their families/caregivers” is a required activity as noted in the Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-14 of the NOFO, the overall Program Goal is on page 1 of the NOFO.

“The goal of this program is to improve outcomes including quality of life and well-being for YAES and their families/caregivers transitioning from child to adult systems. These systems include but are not limited to postsecondary education, inclusive postsecondary education, employment, community, independent/daily living, and health care.”

Additional information about child serving and adult serving systems can be found in Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms and Phrases on pages 47-48 on the NOFO.

Is there a sample size requirement for target population of YAES?

Please refer to the definition of “catchment area” on pages 1-2 of the NOFO as well as the Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-14 of the NOFO. The sample size should be adequate to meet the requirements of the NOFO.

Budget

Should we be using the NIH salary cap (now $212,100) when budgeting for faculty/personnel?

As of January 2023, the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2023 raised the Salary Rate Limitation for Executive Level II to $212,100. This limits the direct salary that can be charged to a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract. Please view the new U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Salary tables for 2023.

The budget period is for five years, but the SF-424A only allows applicants to enter four years of budgetary information. How can we supply the budget information for the fifth year in our application?

You will submit the SF-424A Section B for the 5th year as a separate attachment (Attachment 7). Please see the HRSA Application Guide (PDF - 680 KB) and page 27 of the NOFO for additional instructions.

For the Demonstration Projects, since Year 1 is a planning year and Years 2-5 are intended for implementation, how detailed of a budget should be provided for Years 2-5?

Please provide a budget that clearly demonstrates your plans and abilities to meet the Program Requirements and Expectations on pages 11-14 of the NOFO.

How much can the Demonstration Projects apply for each year?

Please see Summary of Funding on pages 7-8 of the NOFO for funding details. Award is subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

The ceiling amount for the award includes both indirect and direct costs. You may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $450,000 per year for either the autism or epilepsy funding.

Can an individual serve in a staffing role for more than one application submitted to HRSA or more than one HRSA-funded program?

An individual can serve in one staffing role per application submitted to HRSA. Please see the HRSA Application Guide (PDF - 680 KB) for detailed information on budget preparation, personnel justification, and related cost principles.

The NOFO requires HRSA-24-042 (DP) applicants to budget for attending the in-person meetings hosted by the HRSA-24-041 (NCCT) recipient in years 3 and 5. Are there additional requirements as to who from each DP is required to attend?

The NOFO does not specify additional requirements, including who from DP teams is required to attend. Page 25 of the NOFO provides information and resources for budgeting for participant compensation. Regarding in-person meeting attendance, page 25 of the NOFO states that Demonstration Projects “should budget to attend…in person meetings in years three (3) and five (5).”

The NOFO requires the Demonstration Projects to budget for participant compensation and in-person meeting attendance. Are there additional requirements for how these funds can be used?

Page 25 of the NOFO provides information and resources for budgeting for participant compensation. Regarding in-person meeting attendance, page 25 of the NOFO states that Demonstration Projects “should budget to attend…in person meetings in years three (3) and five (5).” The NOFO does not specify additional requirements.

Other

Can applications for HRSA-24-042 include co-principal investigators?

Yes, applications for HRSA-24-042 can include co-principal investigators.

Can applications for HRSA-24-042 include an internal evaluator or must an external evaluator be hired?

Applicants must decide how the evaluation activities will be implemented. Applicants should review all sections of the NOFO to determine their agency’s/organization’s capacity to fulfill the Program Requirements and Expectations (pages 11-13) of the award, including the Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity section (pages 23-24).

When will the successful applicant be announced? How far ahead of the September 1, 2024 project start date?

The project start date is September 1, 2024, and, if funding becomes available for this program, HRSA’s goal is to issue the award at least 15 days in advance of the project start date.

How will the submitted HRSA-24-042 applications be reviewed?

Page 37 of the NOFO describes the Review and Selection Process. The applications will be reviewed by an independent, objective review committee. Reviewers are professionals with expertise and experience consistent with the HRSA mission and competitive program needs to address the availability and delivery of quality health care to all Americans. We do not expect to have federal reviewers on the panel.

HRSA uses the following review process: HRSA ensures that the objective review process is independent, efficient, effective, economical, and complies with the applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. Applications are reviewed by subject matter experts knowledgeable in health and public health disciplines for which support is requested. Review findings are advisory to HRSA programs responsible for making award decisions.

Learn how to become a HRSA reviewer.