FAQ Topics: LEAP in Health IT, 2023
2023 LEAP in Health IT Questions
Questions for Week Ending 06-09-2023
- Q:
- Can the Budget Narrative required as part of the Project Narrative simply refer to the standalone Budget Narrative?
- If #1 is no, how does the information in the Project Narrative: Budget Narrative differ from the standalone Budget Narrative?
- If #1 is no, should the budget information be identical in both locations?
A:
- There are two parts of the NOFO that explain the requirement for a budget narrative. On page 22 of the NOFO, as part of the project narrative, we ask that the applicant provide a breakdown of how they plan to spend their allotted resources to complete their proposed activities. This should be no more than 3 pages of the project narrative. Additionally, as part of the appendices to the application, the applicant must submit a detailed budget narrative and supporting SF-424a form to breakdown the costs proposed to complete activities. Please see appendix D in the NOFO on page 54 for the template to be used. Please see page 23 for additional information regarding budget narratives.
- The budget narrative, as part of the project narrative provides high level information regarding how the funds will be utilized. The budget narrative mentioned in the appendices is required as part of the budget submission, in addition to the SF-424a to support the costs broken out by cost category.
- The budget information in the budget narrative as well as the budget narrative that accompanies the SF-424a should align.
- Q: From the NOFO, it looks like a 2–3-page budget narrative is required to be in the overall Project Narrative Attachment in addition to being included in the Budget Narrative Attachment form. Can you please confirm our understanding or clarify the budget narrative requirement?
A: There are two parts of the NOFO that explain the requirement for a budget narrative. On page 22 of the NOFO, as part of the project narrative, we ask that the applicant provide a breakdown of how they plan to spend their allotted resources to complete their proposed activities. This should be no more than 3 pages of the project narrative. Additionally, as part of the appendices to the application, the applicant must submit a detailed budget narrative and supporting SF-424a form to breakdown the costs proposed to complete activities. Please see appendix D in the NOFO on page 54 for the template to be used. Please see page 23 for additional information regarding budget narratives.
- Q: The NOFO indicates, on page 49, the SF-424A Budget Information will be completed for a two-year project and based on the Budget Narrative example in the NOFO (page 54), the Budget Narrative will also reflect the costs for the 2-year project only. However, applicants are encouraged to submit their application based on a five-year budget period. We have the following questions:
- If an applicant is going to submit budget information for years 3, 4, and 5, must applicants list the budget line items for years 3, 4, and 5 in the SF-424A, and if so, where? If not in the SF-424A, where do applicants list the budget line items for years 3-5?
- If an applicant is going to submit budget information for years 3, 4, and 5, must applicants describe the budget line items for years 3, 4, and 5 in the Budget Narrative
- If an applicant is going to submit budget information for years 3, 4, and 5, is there a minimum or maximum amount applicants should budget for these years? If there are no minimum or maximum amounts at this time, do applicants just estimate their project costs for those years (without a minimum or maximum amount in mind)?
A:
- Please submit a separate SF-424A for years 3 to 5. SF-424A for years 1 to 2 should not exceed $1,000,000 in federal funds.
- Yes. Please follow the same suit for budget narratives as indicated above.
- At this time, there is not a requirement for budget amounts for years 3 to 5. Applicants are encouraged to estimate budgets for years 3 to 5 as best as they can.
- Q: I am contacting you because I would like to apply for an opportunity in regards to LEAP technology. I understand I have to apply at grantsolutions.gov, but when attempting to access the site to apply via Grants.gov — it gives me an error message. Citing, I cannot apply this way. Question: Will I need to create a separate account with Grant Solutions in order to apply?
A: Applicants must Submit all material electronically through Grants.gov; this process is outlined in the NOFO on page 24. You can find the NOFO by going to this page, clicking on the opportunity number, followed by the related documents tab. The file name is listed as LEAP-FY2022-NOFO-FINAL.pdf.
- Q: Has the “Notice of Funding Opportunity” document been posted for 2023? On the grants.gov page, when clicking into Opportunity NAP-AX-22-001 and going to the “Related Documents” tab, the NOFO appears to be from 2022. I am looking for the detailed application criteria information that is referenced as being included in the NOFO. Can a link to this document be provided?
A: Yes, it has been posted. The document labeled LEAP FY2023 Special Emphasis Notice (SEN) was posted on April 10, 2023. You can find this document by going to this page and clicking on the opportunity number, followed by the Related Documents tab. As stated on page 10 of the SEN, “Unless otherwise indicated in this Notice, all requirements, instructions, and terms and conditions of the Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology (IT) funding opportunity (NAP-AX-22-001 at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=nap-ax-22-001 ) will apply to applications submitted and awards made in response to this Notice.” For application submission instructions please reference Section E in the document titled “Notice of Funding Opportunity” posted on June 14, 2022. - Q: We are interested in submitting an application for Funding Opportunity # NAP-AX-22-001; Title: Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology. The Notice of Funding Opportunity’s (attached) Key Dates section (page 15 of 59) lists 2022 dates (see below). Is there an updated version available for download that lists 2023 dates for the application due date, award date, etc.?
A: Please reference the LEAP FY2023 Special Emphasis Notice (SEN) that was posted on April 10, 2023 for application information and deadlines. You can find this document by going to this page and clicking on opportunity number, followed by the Related Documents tab. The file name is listed as LEAP FY2023 Special Emphasis Notice.pdf. Additionally, you can refer to slide 49 of the SEN informational session held on April 25, 2023
- Q: Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
A: There is no matching requirement under this funding opportunity. - Q: Should the Budget Narrative be submitted as an Appendix, or as the last section in the Project Narrative?
A: There are two parts of the NOFO that explain the requirement for a budget narrative. On page 22 of the NOFO, as part of the project narrative, we ask that the applicant provide a breakdown of how they plan to spend their allotted resources to complete their proposed activities. This should be no more than 3 pages of the project narrative. Additionally, as part of the appendices to the application, the applicant must submit a detailed budget narrative and supporting SF-424a form to breakdown the costs proposed to complete activities. Please see appendix D in the NOFO on page 54 for the template to be used. Please see page 23 for additional information regarding budget narratives. - Q: I was hoping you could clarify the deadline for us. The Grant Opportunity page lists the current closing date for applications as September 30th, 2027 and has an application deadline of June 12, 2023. Will there be additional applications considered with certain deadlines after the June 12th, 2023 date? Or is June 12th the final deadline?
A: The application deadline for this year’s Special Emphasis Notice (SEN) is June 12, 2023. Applications submitted after June 12, 2023 for this year’s SEN will not be considered. Please refer to the FY23 SEN that was posted on April 10, 2023 for application information and deadlines. - Q: I was unable to make the informational session held on 4/25 – would I be able to access the video and slides for the 2023 LEAP NOFO? I don’t believe it is posted on the website.
A: The slides and recording of the information session are available here: www.healthit.gov/topic/onc-funding-opportunities/leading-edge-acceleration-projects-leap-health-information.
- Q: We are looking for clarification regarding the timeline for completing the work. We understand that the grant will be awarded in the 2023 fiscal year. Is it safe to assume that the project has to be completed 12 months from the award date and not in the fiscal year 2023?
A: All awards made under this SEN are for a 2-year period of performance. Recipients will have two years from award date to complete their project in alignment with their project plan and associated budget.
- Q: I was unable to attend the information session and would like to know if the information session on April 25th was recorded? If so, where can we find a copy?
A: Once they are ready, the slides and recording of the information session will be made available here under the section titled “informational session” under the 2023 SEN: view page - Q: The guidelines state that proprietary technology cannot be used in the implementation of this grant. Does this mean that any product used in the assessment, monitoring and reporting of data quality must be non-proprietary?
A: Using and integrating with proprietary technologies is acceptable for piloting purposes. For details regarding requirements of using non-proprietary technology, please refer to the section titled “Health IT Coordination Requirements” on page 37 of the NOFO. - Q: At this time, is there a set date these awards will be announced?
A: The estimated award date for this funding opportunity is August 1, 2023. The application period closes June 12, 2023, at Noon (12:00pm) ET. - Q: What is the purpose of a letter of intent if they’re not required – are there specific things that should be included to get any potential benefit?
A: A letter of intent is encouraged but not required. This letter of intent will assist ONC in planning for the application review process. For more details, please refer to section B. “Funding Opportunity Award Information” (page 16) of the NOFO. - Q: I want to clarify, only 2 applicants can be awarded the grants, one applicant per?
A: Correct, ONC may fund one applicant (one award) per area of interest. - Q: Is a fax number required as part of the project abstract?
A:No, a fax number is not required to be added in the project abstract. - Q: How can interested for-profit parties with technological solutions identify public and/or not-for-profit partner organizations to constitute a consortium to submit a joint application?
A: Please refer to page 13 of the NOFO where it says “for profit organizations may participate in projects as members of a consortia or as a sub-recipient only. Page 25 discusses application instructions. - Q: Would multiple PIs be accepted?
A: No, each project must have one Principal Investigator (PI) who serves as the sole point of authority and accountability for the project.
- Q: There is a statement under area 2: “An applicant’s proposal shall not rely on proprietary technology.” Given that EHRs are proprietary technologies, can you further specify any requirements for IP developed or piloted through the selected projects?
A: The solution should be non-proprietary, however integrating with proprietary technologies is acceptable for piloting purposes. For details regarding requirements of using non-proprietary technology, please refer to the section titled “Health IT Coordination Requirements” on page 37 of the NOFO.
- Q: Are 501(c)6 organizations eligible to apply?
A: Yes. A 501c-6 is considered a non-profit organization and is therefore eligible to apply. Please refer to page 24 of the original Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for required documents that must be included in your application package as proof of non-profit status.