Transforming Lives Through Supported 

Employment Program

Short Title: Supported Employment Program

Grant Funding Opportunity 

NOFO Number: SM-23-008

Presented by: 

Mogens Bill Baerentzen, PhD

Public Health Advisor

Government Programs Officer

SAMHSA

Department of Health and 

Human Services

Abdallah Ibrahim, DrPH

Public Health Advisor

Government Programs Officer

SAMHSA

Department of Health and 

Human Services

Ernest Stevens

Grants Management Specialist

SAMHSA

Department of Health and 

Human Services
2

1. Key Information

2. Purpose of Program

3. Program Objectives

4. Eligibility

5. Eligibility for Tribes or Tribal Organizations

6. Required Activities

7. Allowable Activities

8. Data Collection and Measurement

9. Project Performance Assessment

10. Application Requirements

OBJECTIVES
3

Key Info

• Released on SAMHSA’s Website on February 28th, 2023

• Applications due – May 1st, 2023

• Anticipated Number of Awards – Up to 6

• Anticipated Award Amount – Up to $800,000 per year

• Length of Project – Up to 5 years

• Cost Sharing/Match Required? – No 
4

Purpose of Program

The purpose is to support state and community efforts to refine, implement, 

and sustain evidence-based supported employment programs and mutually 

compatible and supportive evidence-based practices (e.g., supported 

education) for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) or co-occurring 

mental and substance use disorders (COD). 

The awards provide resources to help individuals with SMI or COD achieve 

competitive employment and build paths to self-sufficiency and recovery. 

SAMHSA expects that this program will increase state and community 

capacity to implement and sustain Supported Employment Program (SEP) 

models and integrated supports to improve competitive employment 

outcomes.
5

Program Objectives

SAMHSA expects this program will improve employment and 

educational status of persons with mental illness and co-occurring 

mental illness and substance use disorders. 

Furthermore, the program will improve the following behavioral health 

outcomes in its participants:

• Housing stability,

• Rates of hospitalization, 

• Substance use, and

• Involvement with the criminal justice system. 
6

Eligibility

Eligibility is statutorily limited to:

• States and Territories, including the District of Columbia, 

• Political subdivisions of States, 

• Indian tribes, or tribal organizations (as such terms are defined in 

section 5304 of title 25), 

• Health facilities, or programs operated by or in accordance with a 

contract or award with the Indian Health Service, or 

• Other public or private non-profit entities.
7

Eligibility for Tribes or Tribal Organizations

Tribes and Tribal Organizations are encouraged to apply:

• At least one award will be made to tribes/tribal organizations pending adequate 

application volume.

• Any legally established organization of AI/ANs which is controlled, sanctioned, or 

chartered by such governing body, or which is democratically elected by the adult 

members of the Indian community to be served by such organization, and which 

includes the maximum participation of AI/ANs in all phases of its activities. 

• Consortia of tribes or tribal organizations are eligible to apply, but each 

participating entity must indicate its approval. A single tribe in the consortium 

must be the legal applicant, the recipient of the award, and the entity legally 

responsible for satisfying the grant requirements.
8

Required Activities

Section 3, Required Activities 

• Identify and implement an evidence-based Supported Employment model 

(e.g., Individual Placement and Support) that is responsive to the selected 

population(s) of focus and adheres to practice fidelity or standards.

• Conduct supported employment fidelity assessments no later than 90 days 

after service delivery begins and annually thereafter. Every fidelity 

assessment must include a plan to increase/improve adherence to the 

selected supported employment model.

• Provide specialized and individualized support to individuals with SMI and 

COD to choose, acquire, and maintain competitive employment.
9

Required Activities Continued

• Provide comprehensive treatment and recovery support services (e.g., psychiatric 

services including psychotropic medication, psychotherapeutic interventions, as 

indicated, inclusive of individual, group, family therapy(ies), case management, 

physical healthcare, social services supports (including housing, and assistance 

accessing state/federal benefits) for SMI and/or COD in conjunction with vocational 

services.

• Develop and implement an employer engagement strategy (i.e., job development 

strategy) that increases the program’s capacity to: (1) respond to the unique 

vocational interests of each person served; (2) develop and nurture relationships 

with appropriate employers in the community; (3) respond to changes in the local 

labor market; and (4) work with employers to develop tenure and long-term 

opportunities for persons hired. This strategy must be completed within 6 months 

of the project period and be updated as needed.
10

Required Activities Continued

• Provide program outreach and accessibility to services for under resourced 

populations to ensure that individuals and families can access supported 

employment services when and where they need them, and in a way that is 

responsive to their needs and preferences.

• Provide training on behavioral health implementation for the national Culturally and 

Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards to all program staff.

• Develop and implement a strategy to respond to the unique needs of individuals 

who are unsuccessful in finding employment (i.e., reassess, reengage, and adjust 

services to all individuals who do not find employment after 120 days). This strategy 

must be completed within 6 months of the project period and be updated as 

needed.
11

Required Activities Continued

• Develop and implement a strategy for long-term employment stability (e.g., 

strengthening natural supports for individuals who have worked for more than 90 

days). This strategy must be completed within 6 months of the project period and 

be updated as needed.

• Develop a sustainability plan that identifies mechanisms for sustaining activities 

funded by this grant and delineates steps necessary for exercising those 

mechanisms. This can be done in partnership with entities including the state 

Medicaid Authority, Department of Disability Services, etc.

• Assess for housing status and collaborate with homeless and housing service 

providers to link to the local HUD Coordinated Entry housing system. This is to 

assure that persons who are homeless and of risk of homelessness receive optimal 

SE services and housing supports.
12

Required Activities Continued

• Translate tools and resources available to recipients of services (see CLAS Standards 

5-8).

• Provide, increase, or enhance access to services for people of all 

racial/ethnic/marginalized groups in the community.

• Create conflict and grievance resolutions processes that are culturally and 

linguistically appropriate (CLAS standard 14).
Allowable Activities

Allowable activities are an allowable use of funds but are not required. 

Allowable activities include: 

• Implement supported education services for individuals who are 

enrolled in an educational/academic program at admission to the SEP 

program and/or who has an educational goal. This service must 

adhere to a supported education evidence-based model or practice.

• Employ a certified Peer Support Specialist (or comparable statecertified professional) to assist individuals who struggle in transition to 

work or may have interpersonal concerns in a new job.
Allowable Activities, continued

• Provide supported employment services within the structure of 

another program (e.g., a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 

Supportive Housing program).

• Participate with supported employment organizations to obtain 

technical assistance to implement and sustain evidence-based 

supported employment and adhere to fidelity.
15

Data Collection/Performance Measurement

All SAMHSA recipients are required to collect and report certain data so that 

SAMHSA can meet its obligations under the Government Performance and 

Results (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010. You must document your plan for 

data collection and reporting in your Project Narrative in response to Section 

E: Data Collection and Performance Measurement in Section V of this NOFO.

Award recipients are required to submit data into SAMHSA’s Performance 

Accountability and Reporting System (SPARS). SPARS access and training and 

technical assistance will be provided upon award.

Supported Employment recipients are required to report performance on 

National Outcomes Measures (NOMS) and Infrastructure Development, 

Prevention, and Mental Health Promotion (IPP) Indicators.
16

Recipients will collect data utilizing the NOMs Client-Level Measures 

Outcomes data collection tool. These data must be collected at baseline 

(i.e., the client’s entry into the project), six months post baseline, and 

discharge on the following:

• Behavioral Health Diagnosis(es)

• Demographic data

• Functioning in everyday life

• Stability in Housing

• Education and Employment

• Criminal and Criminal Justice Status

• Perception of Care

• Social Connectedness

Data Collection/Performance Measurement Continued
17

In addition, recipients are required to collect and report data quarterly in 

SPARS on the following Infrastructure Development, Prevention, and 

Mental Health Promotion (IPP) indicators:

• The number of individuals trained in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a 

result of the award.

• Number of individuals referred to mental health or related services.

• Number and percentage of individuals receiving mental health or 

related services after referral.

• Number of individuals contacted through program outreach efforts.

Data Collection/Performance Measurement Continued
18

Project Performance Assessment

In addition, recipients are required to report on their progress addressing the 

goals and objectives identified in your Project Narrative. Recipients must 

periodically review the performance data they report to SAMHSA (as required 

above), assess their progress, and use this information to improve the 

management of their project. The project performance assessment should be 

designed to help you determine whether you are achieving the goals, 

objectives, and outcomes you intend to achieve and whether adjustments 

need to be made to your project.
19

Project Performance Assessment, continued

Award recipients may be required to collect and report additional employment 

and employment retention data on individuals served by this award and 

include aggregated data in the annual project performance assessment. Your 

assigned Government Project Officer (GPO) will inform you of this requirement 

if applicable. Budget revisions may be permitted.

Performance assessments should be used to determine whether your project is 

having/will have the intended impact on behavioral health disparities. 

Recipients should also review the behavioral health Disparities Impact 

Statement (DIS) submitted within the first two months of the award. See 

Section VI.3 for information on required progress reports.
20

Section 3, Eligibility Requirements, subsection 3 Other requirements

• The Project Narrative must not exceed 10 pages. If the Project Narrative is 

over 10 pages, the application will not be considered for review. 

• Evidence of Experience and Credentials 

• SAMHSA believes that only existing, experienced, and appropriately 

credentialed organizations with demonstrated infrastructure and expertise will

be able to provide the required services quickly and effectively. 

• Applicants are encouraged to include appropriately credentialed organizations 

that provide services to underserved, diverse populations. 

• All Required Activities must be provided by applicants directly, by subrecipients, 

or through referrals to applicant partner agencies. 

• Applicants must submit evidence under Attachment 1 of their application 

meeting three additional requirements related to the provision of services.

Application Requirements
21

• A provider organization for direct client behavioral health (which includes 

both mental health and substance use) services appropriate to the award 

must be involved in the proposed project. The provider may be the 

applicant or another organization committed to the project. More than 

one provider organization may be involved.

• Each mental health provider organization must have at least two years of 

experience (as of the due date of the application) providing relevant 

services (official documents must establish that the organization has 

provided relevant services for the last two years).

• Each mental health provider organization must comply with all applicable 

local (city, county) and state licensing, accreditation, and certification 

requirements, as of the due date of the application.

Application Requirements, continued
22

Application Evaluation Criteria

SECTION A: Population of Focus and Statement of Need (15 points – approximately 1 

page)

SECTION B: Proposed Implementation Approach (30 points – approximately 5 pages not 

including Attachment 4 – Project Timeline) 

SECTION C: Proposed Evidence-Based Service/Practice (25 points – approximately 2 

pages)

SECTION D: Staff and Organizational Experience (20 points – approximately 1 page)

SECTION E: Data Collection and Performance Measurement (10 points – approximately 

1 page) 
23

Grants Management Overview

Division of Grants Management

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Presented by: Ernest Stevens, GMS
1. Applying for a Grant - Available Resources

2. Applicable Policies & Regulations

3. Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs

4. Budget Narrative & Justification

5. Sample Budget Template

6. SF-424A 

7. Key Personnel

8. Indirect Cost Rate

9. Funding Limitations/Restrictions

10. Questions/Technical Support 

OBJECTIVES
25

• A manual is available for 

applicants: Developing a Competitive

SAMHSA Grant Application (PDF | 1 MB).

• This manual will provide applicants with 

valuable information about how to prepare 

a strong grant application.

• Additional information can be found on: 

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grants- training-materials

APPLYING FOR A GRANT - AVAILABLE RESOURCES
26

• Learn more about registering, searching, and 

applying for federal grant opportunities.

• Recording of the SAMHSA Applicant Webinar

(39 minutes)

• NOFO Applicant Webinar Presentation (PDF | 

7 MB)

• Grants.gov Video Series

• For more information refer to: 

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/applying

• Note: Effective April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number will be 

replaced by a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned by the System for Award Management 

(SAM.gov). For more information, please refer to https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei.

APPLYING FOR A NEW SAMHSA GRANT - AVAILABLE RESOURCES (CONT’D.)
APPLICABLE POLICIES & REGULATIONS

• 45 CFR Part 75 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 

Requirements for Federal Awards - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitleA/subchapter-A/part-75

• HHS Grants Policy Statement - The HHS Grants Policy Statement document contains 

important information on the general terms and conditions for discretionary grants and 

cooperative agreement awards - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies- regulations/hhsgps107.pdf

• Financial Management Requirements - the financial management control areas provide 

recipients with guidance for ensuring their existing accounting and personnel policies 

and procedures (P&P) include the necessary controls. The guidance is also used by 

SAMHSA to complete Financial Capability Reviews (FCRs) of new and prospective 

grantees. Learn more about grantee financial management requirements.

• The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
APPLICABLE POLICIES & REGULATIONS (CONT’D.)

• 45 CFR PART 75—UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, 

AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR HHS AWARDS

Recipient Type Uniform Admin 

Requirements

Cost Principles Audit Requirements

State & Local 

Governments

45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart C and D

45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart E

45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart F

College & 

Universities

45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart C and D

45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart E

Non-Profits 45 CFR Part 75, 

Subpart E
Proposed budgets must contain allowable, reasonable, and allocable costs, as defined 

under 45 CFR 75.403, 75.404, and 75.405. 

• Allowable costs, unless otherwise authorized by program statute are necessary and 

reasonable for award performance and allowable under the cost principles. 

• Reasonable costs are not in excess of what would normally be incurred by a prudent 

person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made, given 

market rates, effort and the organization’s documented policies. 

• Allocable costs can be charged to a federal award if the goods or services are 

chargeable in accordance with relative benefits received.

FACTORS AFFECTING ALLOWABILITY OF COSTS
In an effort to reduce errors and expedite the review of your budget, it is highly recommended you 

use the SAMHSA Budget Template to complete the Detailed Budget and Narrative Justification 

required for submission with your application.

• Over the years, numerous recipients requested a template to present budget information. We heard you!!

• The budget template was created with extensive recipient consultation and input and designed to avoid all 

the common budget preparation pitfalls.

• The SAMHSA Budget Template includes a wealth of helpful tooltips and resources to assist and guide you 

with preparation of your budget.

• The budget template is available at: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/applying/forms-resources 

Note: For SAMHSA to view all your budget data, you must flatten/convert the PDF to a non-editable format 

by PRINTING TO PDF before submission.

The following resources provide guidance on use of the budget template:

• Key Features of the Budget Template

• Budget Template Users Guide

• Budget Review Checklist (For review of your Detailed Budget before submission)

SAMPLE BUDGET TEMPLATE
•All applications must include a detailed budget and narrative justification that explains 

the federal expenditures.

•The detailed budget and narrative justification must be consistent with and support the 

Project Narrative.

•The Budget Narrative and justification must be concrete and specific, providing 

justification for the basis of each proposed cost in the budget and how that cost was 

calculated. 

BUDGET NARRATIVE & JUSTIFICATION
•Detailed Breakdowns must be provided of the materials, quantities, number of persons, 

cost per unit/hour, number of hours/levels of effort, or other relevant basis to show 

how costs will be utilized towards achieving the grant’s goals and objectives. This is to 

facilitate the determination of whether the proposed costs are allowable, reasonable, and 

allocable.

•The total for each budget category in your detailed budget with narrative justification 

must match the corresponding total of each Object Class Category on your SF-424A in 

Section B Budget Categories.

•Your detailed budget with narrative justification should reflect the project costs for the 

first year ONLY. In your budget summary table, you will show the amounts requested for 

future years and justify/explain any change in amounts requested for future years from 

what was requested in year 1.

•An illustration of a budget and narrative justification is included in Appendix L of the 

NOFO.

BUDGET NARRATIVE & JUSTIFICATION (CONT’D.)
• “SECTION D - FORECASTED CASH NEEDS” column “Total for 1st year” line “15. TOTAL” MUST EQUAL

“SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY” subsection “New or Revised Budget” column “Total (g)” line “5.

Totals” amount.

• “SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES” column “Total (5)” line “K. TOTALS” MUST EQUAL “SECTION A 

-BUDGET SUMMARY” subsection “New or Revised Budget” column “Total (g)” line “5. Totals”

amount. 

• The number of years indicated in “SECTION E – BUDGET ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL FUNDS....” subsection

“FUTURE FUNDING PERIODS (YEARS)” MUST correlate with the number of years based on the “Start 

Date” and “End Date” in section “17. Proposed Project” on the SF 424. Enter data for the first budget 

period in Section D and enter future budget periods in Section E. Please refer to the Notice of

Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for additional guidance.

AVOIDING COMMON ISSUES WITH THE SF-424A
34

Section Direction for Completion

Section A – Budget 

Summary

On Row 1 input: “NOFO#-Federal” (e.g.

XX-19-000-Federal)

Under Catalog of Federal Domestic 

Assistance Number (b), Enter the CFDA# 

from the 1st page of the NOFO

Use the “New or Revised Budget” section 

for New Applications

Complete only Column “Federal (e)”

under the “New or Revised Budget” 

Header

Totals in Section A: Column Total for 

Federal (e) and Total (g) must match

Section B – Budget 

Categories

Section A totals [Federal (e) and Total (g)] 

must match Section B total.

SAMPLE SF-424A (MATCH NOT REQUIRED)
SAMPLE SF-424A (MATCH NOT REQUIRED)

 
36

SAMPLE SF-424A (MATCH NOT REQUIRED)

Section Direction for Completion

Section C – Non-Federal Resources Section C is not applicable (match not required)

Section D - Forecasted Cash Needs Section D is for the 1st Federal year of funding only (match not required). Show funds 

allocation PER Quarter

All totals for Row 13 (Federal) and Row 15 [Total (sum of lines 13 and 14)] should match 

(this should also match sections A, B & D).

Section D – Forecasted Cash Needs. Federal (line 13) amount must equal Section A 

Budget Summary and Section B Budget categories federal funding. Ensure that Section 

D “Total” amount = Section A and Section B Totals.

Section E - Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed For 

Balance of the Project

Section E is for the future budget period (year 2)

Federal funds needed for 2nds budget period in column (b)First

Federal funds needed for 3rd budget period (c) Second

Federal funds needed for 4th budget period (d) Third

Federal funds needed for 5th budget period (e) Fourth
 

SAMPLE SF-424A (MATCH NOT REQUIRED)

* Section D – Forecasted Cash Needs, Federal (line 13) amount must equal Section A Budget Summary and Section B Budget Categories federal funding.

Ensure that Section D “TOTAL” amount = Section A and Section B TOTALS.
KEY PERSONNEL

The Key Personnel for this program will be the Project Director with a 

minimum 0.5 FTE level of effort. 

List the positions within the detailed budget (even if funded in-kind or with 

matching contributions).

a) Provide the PD resumes and job/position descriptions.

1. List the Project Director (PD) or Authorized Official Representative (AOR) to be 

designated as “Contact” in section 8f and reflect their commons ID in Field #4 of the 

SF-424. Either the PD or the AOR can be designated as “Contact” in eRA to take 

actions and receive notifications but not both. 

2. If the PD position is being filled by a contractor/consultant, you must provide a copy 

of the formal written agreement tor that specifies the official relationship and 

addresses performance of all the required duties and responsibilities.
• Ensure that you submit your organization’s current negotiated Indirect Cost (IDC) rate 

agreement or cost allocation plan to support the charge of indirect costs. 

• If your organization is opting to use 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), then a 

clear statement must be made in your IDC narrative as follows: “XYZ Organization elects 

to use the de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC)”.

• Ensure that you accurately calculate the MTDC base to which your IDC rate is 

applicable.

• Include calculations to show how you arrived at your IDC base and IDC total.

INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT OR COST ALLOCATION PLAN
Refer to the program specific Funding Restrictions/Limitations in section IV and the 

Standard Funding Restrictions in Appendix I of NOFO, as well as to 45 CFR Part 75, for 

applicable administrative requirements and cost principles. 

The funding restrictions for this project are as follows:

 No more than 20 percent (20%) of the total grant award for the budget period may be used for 

data collection, performance measurement, and performance assessment, including incentives 

for participating in any required data collection follow-up.

Your proposed budget must also adhere to the funding limitations/restrictions specified in 

Appendix I

. 

FUNDING LIMITATIONS/RESTRICTIONS
Program/eligibility questions? 

Center for Mental Health Services, Division of 

Service and Systems Improvement, Homeless 

Programs Branch, SAMHSA 

(240) 276-1037

mogens.baerentzen@samhsa.hhs.gov

Fiscal/budget related questions? 

Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants 

Management, SAMHSA

(240) 276-1400

Email: FOACMHS@samhsa.hhs.gov

Review process/application status questions?

Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grant 

Review, SAMHSA

Email: dgr.applications@samhsa.hhs.gov

Problems submitting your application on 

Grants.gov?

Contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk:

Email: support@grants.gov

Phone: 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-

GRANTS)

eRA Commons Technical Questions?

Contact the eRA Service Desk

Web Support

Submit a Web Ticket (preferred method of 

contact)

Toll-Free: 1-866-504-9552

Phone: 301-402-7469 (Press 4 for SAMHSA 

Grantees)

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST 

(closed on federal holidays)

ANY QUESTIONS? CONSULT THE FOLLOWING: