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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Health Professions

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FY2012 FOA Frequently Asked Questions

Application Procedure Questions

  1. When is the 2012 NFLP application due for Phase 1 and Phase 2?
  2. How do you access the HRSA EHBs, Phase 2 application package? Will it be made available after submitting the Grants.gov, Phase I application?
  3. What is the definition of a “previous recipient”?  Should previous recipients apply as renewal applicants?
  4. Should previous institutional recipients with a large increase in students eligible for funding, submit a full application or an abbreviated application?
  5. Should previous recipients apply in 2012-2013 if the school has a prior year NFLP loan fund balance?  Would the applicant be considered new if they apply the following year in FY2013-2014?
  6. Should previous applicants formally notify HRSA if we do not apply for additional funds?
  7. What documentation is needed for previous recipients that have added a new program?
  8. Is there a section in the EHBs that applicants can select if they are previous recipients to show that the project narrative is not required?
  9. Is there a five year application renewal limit for previous recipients?
  10. Does the 5-year funding period start from the FY 2012 application year? Will renewal documentation be submitted every year during those five renewal years?
  11. Are the Authorizing Official Representative (AOR) and the Project Director (PD) the same person?
  12. If the Project Director changed in the last project award period, should we submit a Prior Approval Request for the new Project Director prior to submitting a new application? Is there a specific form to submit change of Project Director?
  13. What should be included in the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) documentation?
  14. Tables E1- E.3 in the Program Specific Form appear to have ‘private institution’ rows and columns grayed-out.  If we are a private institution, where do we enter our information?
  15. For Table E.4 in the Program Specific Form, how do you report graduates who received NFLP funding in 2011-12 or in 2010-11?  How are do you report NFLP graduates that are still in their 12 month grace period and will not graduate until after the application is submitted?
  16. When is Attachment 5 required?

Eligibility Questions

  1. Do students in the BSN to PhD program qualify for funds?
  2. Are DNP students eligible for loan support if the DNP program is currently running but is not eligible for accreditation until April 2013?
  3. Which accreditation documents are required?
  4. If a previous institutional recipient has recently had a new program accredited by CCNE, should this documentation be included in the application?  Where do you submit the information in the application?
  5. Our program will have its re-accreditation site visit by CCNE in Fall 2012. Should we submit our current accreditation documentation, which expires in May 2013?

Funding/Use of Funds Questions

  1. How are NFLP award to institutions determined?
  2. Does the school have to make the 1/9 institutional contribution?
  3. Does the school have to manage the collection of repayments for the NFLP?
  4. Can the NFLP funds be used to cover part of overhead or salaries to administer the program?
  5. How should the funds be distributed across eligible students?  Would current students receiving NFLP funding be considered a priority before new students?
  6. Is there any way for the school to determine the number and amount of previous NFLP loans made to students?
  7. What is the interest earned on the Federal award and the 1/9th institutional contribution?

Student Eligibility and Support Questions

  1. What are the student eligibility requirements for NFLP support? Are students on work/student visas or green cards considered eligible?
  2. For how long can eligible students receive NFLP loan support?
  3. Should applicants request funding to support students for the entire program or just the upcoming year?
  4. Can CNL students who previously received funding continue to receive loan funding in the upcoming year?
  5. How long can the school take to distribute the funds?
  6. Can schools determine the individual student's need for nursing education coursework?
  7. Can current faculty members who are enrolled in an advanced degree nursing program receive NFLP loan support?
  8. If the NFLP student recipient graduates but does not establish full-time employment as nurse faculty during the specified timeframe, what interest rate is charged?  How does the financial aid office determine this rate?

Application Procedure Questions

1. When is the 2012 NFLP application due for Phase 1 and Phase 2?
The Phase 1 application deadline date in Grants.gov is April 20, 2012 8:00pm EST.  The Phase 2 application deadline date in the HRSA EHBs is April 30, 2012 5:00pm EST.

2. How do you access the HRSA EHBs, Phase 2 application package? Will it be made available after submitting the Grants.gov, Phase I application?
Once the Phase 1 application has been successfully submitted to Grants.gov, the applicant will receive an email from HRSA within 48 hours. This email will provide instructions and necessary information needed to access your Phase 2 application through HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (HRSA’s EHBs).

3. What is the definition of a “previous recipient”?  Should previous recipients apply as renewal applicants?
Previous recipients are institutional applicants that have received prior NFLP funding and currently operate an institutional NFLP loan fund.  Previous recipients must apply as a ‘NEW’ applicant each.  NFLP funds are awarded annually for a 1-year project/budget period.     

4. Should previous institutional recipients with a large increase in students eligible for funding, submit a full application or an abbreviated application?
Previous recipients should submit the abbreviated application as described in the 2012 NFLP Funding Opportunity Announcement.  Applicants should request the appropriate level of NFLP loan funds needed to replenish the institutional NFLP loan fund to provide support the increased number of eligible students.

5. Should previous recipients apply in 2012-2013 if the school has a prior year NFLP loan fund balance?  Would the applicant be considered new if they apply the following year in FY2013-2014?
If the school has a sufficient NFLP loan fund balance to provide loan support for the 2012-2013 project period, there is no requirement to apply for funds in FY 2012.  Previous recipients may apply each year only when additional funds are needed to support students. If your institution does not apply for the FY2012-2013 project period, you may apply as a NEW applicant in the FY2013-2014 project period.

6. Should previous applicants formally notify HRSA if we do not apply for additional funds?
No, schools do not need to notify HRSA if they do not apply for additional funds.  

7. What documentation is needed for previous recipients that have added a new program?
Previous recipients must submit Attachment 6 (Nursing Program Addition or Change) to provide a description of the program addition or substantive program change. Applicants should follow the outline provided on Page 22 of the 2012 NFLP announcement.    There is 3-page limit for the Attachment 6 submission.  

8. Is there a section in the EHBs that applicants can select if they are previous recipients to show that the project narrative is not required?
No.  Previous recipients are not required to submit the project narrative.  

9. Is there a five year application renewal limit for previous recipients?
No.  As of the 2012 NFLP application release date, the five year timeframe for renewal applicants (previous recipients) no longer applies to NFLP. Previous recipients may apply annually for additional NFLP funds as needed.  There is, however, a five year limit for the number of years a single student may receive NFLP loan support

10. Does the 5-year funding period start from the FY 2012 application year? Will renewal documentation be submitted every year during those five renewal years?
No.  As of the 2012 NFLP application release date, the five year timeframe for renewal applicants (previous recipients of NFLP funds) no longer applies to NFLP.  Previous recipients will submit the abbreviated application information for future application periods.

11. Are the Authorizing Official Representative (AOR) and the Project Director (PD) the same person?
The Authorizing Official (AOR) is the person authorized by the applicant organization to act for the applicant and to assume the obligations imposed by the federal laws, regulations, requirements, and conditions that apply to grant applications or grant awards.   The “Project Director” (PD) is the person designated by the grantee to direct the project or activity being supported by the grant.  He or she is responsible and accountable to the grantee and HRSA for the proper conduct of the project or activity.  For appropriate institution and program accountability, the AOR and the PD should be two different individuals.  

12. If the Project Director changed in the last project award period, should we submit a Prior Approval Request for the new Project Director prior to submitting a new application? Is there a specific form to submit change of Project Director?
Yes.  Previous recipients must request prior approval for any change in the NFLP Project Director (PD) from the prior award period as soon as the change occurs.

The prior approval request must be submitted through the HRSA EHBs under the “Work on Post Award Submission” section.  The prior approval documentation must be written, signed and submitted from a third person (i.e. an independent party to the request) with authorizing official responsibilities within the institution.  The request must include the following information:  grant number; project/budget period, PD change from/to new PD name, and; effective date of change.  The school must upload copy of a bio-sketch/résumé/CV of new PD.

13. What should be included in the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) documentation?
Applicant must document the MOE by providing the non-Federal expenditures.  The 1/9 Institutional Capital Contribution (ICC) required by applicants who are awarded NFLP funds represents the non-Federal expenditure.  For the 2011 non-Federal expenditures (actual), new applicants should indicate $0 and previous recipients should provide the school’s actual 1/9 institutional contribution amount for the prior 2011-2012.  For the 2012 non-Federal expenditures (estimated), new applicants and previous recipients should provide the estimated 1/9 institutional contribution amount based of the Federal funds requested in the 2012 application.  Use the format provided under Section IV of the 2012 NFLP Funding Opportunity Announcement.

14. Tables E1- E.3 in the Program Specific Form appear to have ‘private institution’ rows and columns grayed-out.  If we are a private institution, where do we enter our information?
Within the application, under the Program Specific Information Form, Part 1, data fields are enabled based upon the selection of ‘Public’ or ‘Private’ as the type of institution. Data fields for private will be enabled  under Part 3, tables E.1, E.2 and E.3 only if ‘private’ is selected under Part 1.

15. For Table E.4 in the Program Specific Form, how do you report graduates who received NFLP funding in 2011-12 or in 2010-11?  How are do you report NFLP graduates that are still in their 12 month grace period and will not graduate until after the application is submitted?
Within the application, under the Program Specific Information Form, Table E.4, applicants should provide the number of NFLP students that have graduated and the number of NFLP graduates that have established employment as full-time nurse faculty as of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.  Applicants should provide the actual number of NFLP students that have or will graduate by June 2012.

16. When is Attachment 5 required?
Attachment 5 is required to request the ‘Doctoral Funding Priority’ for applicants that offer doctoral programs that prepare nurse educators. Sample language: ATTACHMENT 5 – The NFLP Doctoral Funding Priority is requested in this application to support doctoral nursing students enrolled in the [insert PhD, DNSc and/or DNP program] at [institution name].

Eligibility Questions

17. Do students in the BSN to PhD program qualify for funds?
Yes.  The NFLP provides support for MSN and doctoral students.  Students enrolled in a BSN to PhD nursing program are eligible for NFLP support only when they become enrolled in the graduate-level portion of the program.  

18. Are DNP students eligible for loan support if the DNP program is currently running but is not eligible for accreditation until April 2013?
No.  Students enrolled in the DNP program are not eligible for NFLP loan support until he DNP program has received full accreditation approval from a national accrediting agency (CCNE or NLNAC) review board.

19. Which accreditation documents are required?
New applicants must provide the acceptable accreditation documentation as described in the 2012 NFLP funding opportunity announcement under Section III, Page 4. The only acceptable forms of accreditation documentation include an official letter or certificate of accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (COA). The accreditation certificate must include the date of expiration; if not, a letter must be provided.

Previous recipients must provide current accreditation documentation only if the past accreditation submission to HRSA has expired or will expire prior to June 30, 2013. If the continuing program has received ongoing accreditation, the applicant should submit (upload) the current accreditation letter as Attachment 1 within the Program Specific Form.

20. If a previous institutional recipient has recently had a new program accredited by CCNE, should this documentation be included in the application?  Where do you submit the information in the application?
Yes.  If the continuing program has been accredited based new or substantive change to the program, the applicant should submit (upload) a description of the new program as Attachment 6 within the Program Specific Form.

21. Our program will have its re-accreditation site visit by CCNE in Fall 2012. Should we submit our current accreditation documentation, which expires in May 2013?  
Yes.  Your school should submit evidence of current accreditation through May 2013.  Since the accreditation is due to expire prior to the upcoming June 30, 2013 project end date, your school must submit a letter of accreditation that states when the ongoing accreditation decision will be made by the accrediting body.

Funding/Use of Funds Questions

22. How are NFLP award to institutions determined?
NFLP awards are formula-based.  Awards are determined by the data provided in the application on the NFLP Program Specific Form.  The award amount is based on the number of continuing students committed for loan support and a select number of new students expected to request loan support.

23. Does the school have to make the 1/9 institutional contribution?
Yes.  The school is required to deposit the Institutional Capital Contribution (ICC) that is equal to no less than one-ninth of the Federal Capital Contribution (FCC) award.  

24. Does the school have to manage the collection of repayments for the NFLP?
Yes.  Schools are responsible for managing and reporting the NFLP loan fund account activities.

25. Can the NFLP funds be used to cover part of overhead or salaries to administer the program?
No.  NFLP funds may not be used to cover the costs for salaries to administer the program equipment, overhead, etc. The NFLP funds awarded (FCC) and the 1/9th institutional contribution may only be used for making loans to students and for costs of collection.  The cost of administering the program is generally paid by the institution’s use of a loan servicing agency who, in some cases, may already service other similar loan programs at your school.

26. How should the funds be distributed across eligible students?  Would current students receiving NFLP funding be considered a priority before new students?
Continuing students committed for support must be given the opportunity for loan support ahead of new students requesting NFLP loans.  For new students, schools should support new doctoral students ahead of new Master’s students.

27. Is there any way for the school to determine the number and amount of previous NFLP loans made to students?
The school is responsible for selecting NFLP loan recipients and maintaining a record of the number of students that receive NFLP loan support. The number of NFLP loans made to students must be reported by the school annually when the NFLP Annual Operating Report (AOR) is submitted to HRSA.  The AOR is used to report loan fund activity, expenditures and monitor institutional performance.

28. What is the interest earned on the Federal award and the 1/9th institutional contribution?
The NFLP award (FCC) and the 1/9 institutional contribution must be deposited into an interest-bearing account. The interest earned from the funds within the institutional loan fund account is considered investment income.  At all times, the loan fund account must contain the Federal contribution, the institutional contribution and any investment income earnings.

Student Eligibility and Support Questions

29. What are the student eligibility requirements for NFLP support? Are students on work/student visas or green cards considered eligible?
Eligible students must be enrolled full-time or part-time in an eligible master’s or doctoral nursing degree program that prepares qualified nurse educators; must be a citizen or national of the United States, or a lawful permanent resident of the 50 States and its territories; must be in good academic standing in accordance with the school’s policy; and must not be in default on other Federal debt.  A student who is in the United States on a work/student visa or green card status is not eligible for NFLP loan support.

30. For how long can eligible students receive NFLP loan support?
Eligible students may receive NFLP loan support annually for the academic year period.  A single student may not exceed five (5) years of NFLP loam support.

31. Should applicants request funding to support students for the entire program or just the upcoming year?
Applicants should request NFLP funds to provide loan support to students for one academic year period at a time, and each academic year thereafter towards completion of the program.

32. Can CNL students who previously received funding continue to receive loan funding in the upcoming year?
No.  As of fiscal year 2012, students enrolled in a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program are not eligible for NFLP support.  CNL students who received previous NFLP support should not receive additional NFLP support.

33. How long can the school take to distribute the funds?
Schools should attempt to use the loan funds during the current academic period; however, schools are permitted to retain unused NFLP funds in the institutional loan fund account without fiscal year restriction for making additional loans in future academic periods.

34. Can schools determine the individual student's need for nursing education coursework?  
Yes.  The school may determine if all or part of the educator coursework offered for the nursing degree program(s) is required for each NFLP student.  Educator coursework that has already been completed should not be duplicated.  The DNP student will be required to complete a non-duplicative, educator component that is offered as part of the DNP program in order to be eligible for NFLP support.

35. Can current faculty members who are enrolled in an advanced degree nursing program receive NFLP loan support?
Yes.  If the student is enrolled and also a faculty member, the student is eligible for NFLP loan support if he/she is pursuing the next higher nursing degree.  For example, a MSN prepared faculty member who is pursuing a doctoral nursing degree program to teach at a higher level is eligible.

36. If the NFLP student recipient graduates but does not establish full-time employment as nurse faculty during the specified timeframe, what interest rate is charged?  How does the financial aid office determine this rate?
If the NFLP borrower graduates and does not establish full-time employment as nurse faculty within the specified timeframe, the borrower will repay the NFLP loan at the prevailing interest rate which is determined by the Treasury Department.  The prevailing interest rate (annual rate of interest) is published quarterly in the Federal Register. The rate is fixed.  The financial aid office should refer to the HHS Office of Finance web site at http://dhhs.gov/asfr/of/finpollibrary/chronorates.html for information on the current "consumer interest” rates.