Frequently Asked Questions PS15-1510

Training and Technical Assistance for Health Department Demonstration Projects for Comprehensive Prevention, Care, Behavioral, and Social Services for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) of Color At Risk for and Living with HIV Infection

In lieu of final pre-application technical assistance conference call, CDC has updated PS15-1510 frequently asked questions (FAQs). For other questions, please send an email to or call (404) 639-2245.

• New – We’re applying for the CDC-RFA-PS15-1510 and want to know do we use footnotes or a Reference List to document resources used in the Project Narrative? Where do we attach and upload the Reference List? Is there a specific file name to use?  CDC-RFA-PS15-1510 does not place restrictions on the use of footnotes or a reference list to document resources. It is up to the applicant’s discretion to determine how resources are documented.
• New – For PS15-1510, can an organization provide evidence of support and/or partnership for more than one applicant? Yes. An organization (e.g., health department, community-based organizations, health organizations, etc.) may provide letters of support, memoranda of agreement, service agreements, and other documentation of support or collaboration for multiple PS15-1510 applicant organizations.
• New – Are both the training of provider (TOP) and training of trainer (TOT) curricula responsible for addressing the 9 core competency categories listed in the FOA? Yes. The TOP and TOT curricula should both address the 9 core competency categories. For the TOP, competency-related topics include but are not limited to those listed for Activity 1.B.
• New – What is the difference between a training of provider (TOP) and training of trainer (TOT) curriculum? The proposed training program should include two curricula: 1) a TOP curriculum to build capacity within PS15-1509 funded health departments and their local collaborative partner organizations to provide HIV prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection and 2) a TOT curriculum to build the capacity of PS15-1509 health department trainers and others to deliver the TOP curriculum to their collaborative partners.
• New – For the competency-based training of provider (TOP) curriculum, what are the job duties, performance expectations, and performance measurement criteria related to the 24 required activities for PS15-1509? The competency-based approach to training requires that trainers {PS15-1510 awardee and PS15-1509 funded health department and other trainers} and staff {PS15-1509 funded health department and collaborative partner staff} work together to identify the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviors that directly relate to real working conditions and settings. Jobs are associated with the PS15-1509 staff that will be providing direct services to MSM of color at risk for or living with HIV.
• New – Under Activity 1.B., “select a competency category” is the first step for developing a competency-based training of provider (TOP) curriculum. Does this mean there are separate curricula for each core competency category? Are the competency categories the nine listed on pages 6-7/40, the seven listed on page 9/40, or both? The applicant should develop a single TOP curriculum and supporting tools to build the capacity of PS15-1509 funded health departments and their collaborative partners to deliver comprehensive HIV services to MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection. The TOP curriculum should address the nine core competency categories on pages 6-7 and address the competency-related topics including but not limited to those listed on page 9.
• New – Under Activity 1.B., “sequentially separate all required sub-competencies” is the fourth step for developing a competency-based training of provider (TOP) curriculum. What are the required sub-competencies? In the description of Strategy #1, examples of sub-competencies are provided for each core competency category. For more information, these referenced core competency categories were adapted from Core Competencies for Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care (link retired).
• New – Is the training of trainer (TOT) curriculum only to be delivered face to face, or can it include other ways of learning? The TOT curriculum should include, but is not limited to, face-to-face delivery.
• New – Will the training of provider (TOP) curriculum only to be delivered by health department trainers, or can the PS15-1510 awardee also deliver TOP trainings to direct services staff within PS15-1509 funded health department and local collaborative organizational partners (e.g., community-based organizations, clinics, etc.)? The PS15-1510 awardee must provide a training of trainer (TOT) curriculum that builds the capacity of PS15-1509 funded health department trainers and other staff to deliver the TOP curriculum to their local collaborative organizational partners (CBOs, clinics, others). These health departments will be the primary providers of the TOP trainings within their respective jurisdictions. However, as a means of support to a requesting PS15-1509 funded jurisdiction, the PS15-1510 awardee may provide assistance with the local delivery of TOP trainings.
• New – Should the training of provider (TOP) and training of trainer (TOT) curricula have both English and Spanish versions? Applicants should have a strategy to ensure that the development and delivery of all information, training, and technical assistance is culturally, linguistically, and educationally appropriate to the capacity building needs of the requesting target population (i.e., PS15-1509 funded health departments and their organizational partners) and secondary target populations of MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection.
• New – Is there a cap for indirect cost rates? No. Applicants’ negotiated indirect cost rates will apply. If applicable, applicants should submit an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
• New – Can an organization apply for both PS15-1509 and PS15-1510? Yes. An organization that meets the respective eligibility criteria for PS15-1509 and PS15-1510 may apply for both funding opportunity announcements.
• New – Should the applicant submit samples of training curricula to demonstrate work? Yes. Applicants should submit evidence of expertise and experience related to 1) developing and delivering competency-based training and technical assistance for the HIV prevention and/or care workforce and 2) engaging, assessing, linking, and retaining MSM of color for comprehensive HIV prevention and care, behavioral health, and social services. Evidence may include: lists of training, samples of curricula, technical assistance products, staff resumes or curricula vitae, letters of support, etc.

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA)? 
The purpose of PS15-1510 is to strengthen the capacity of PS15-1509 funded health departments and their collaborative partners (e.g., CBOs, clinics, behavioral health and social services providers, patient navigators, and others that interface with MSM of color) to plan, implement, and sustain (ongoing engagement, assessment, linkage, and retention) comprehensive prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services models for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection.

What are the specific objectives of this FOA?
Based on a set of core competency categories, PS15-1510 supports the innovative development and delivery of information reflective of the most advanced HIV-related science and practice; state-of-the-art training culminating in a certificate of completion; and tailored technical assistance to facilitate PS15-1509 funded health departments and their local collaborative partners in the provision of comprehensive prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services specifically for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV.

The PS15-1510 awardee will deliver both a training-of-providers (TOP) and training-of-trainers (TOT) to PS15-1509 funded health department trainers and staff. Health departments will then deliver the TOP to participating partners’ staff within their local collaboratives. The PS15-1510 awardee will also deliver ongoing information, training, and tailored technical assistance to the health departments and their partners. The following schematic depicts this three-tiered capacity building program model.

What are the measurable outcomes this FOA?
The program is expected to demonstrate measurable progress among its target population toward addressing the following key short-term outcomes depicted in the logic model. These include:

1. Increased availability and accessibility of competency-based training and technical assistance for the delivery of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color;
2. Increased utilization by target population (i.e., PS15-1509 funded health departments and their local organizational partners) of competency-based training and technical assistance for the delivery of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color; and
3. Improved capacity of target population to implement competency-based training-of-trainer (TOT) and training-of-provider (TOP) curricula, as appropriate, for the delivery of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color.

A measurable intermediate outcome will be ongoing PS15-1510 program improvements based upon the additional short-term outcomes of the awardee and CDC collaboratively develop, collect, and monitor strong process and outcome measures; and increased data sharing among the awardee, CDC, and other partners including local and state health departments.

Can this FOA be used to support research?
PS15-1510 is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered (link retired).

Where can I view this FOA?
Visit www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?oppId=275553 (link retired) to view and learn more about the FOA.

What are the key dates regarding this FOA?

• Date of Publication: March 31, 201
• Due Date for Letter of Intent Due: April 21, 2015
• Due Date for Application: June 1, 2015
• Date of Award Announcement: No later than September 30, 2015
• Award Date: September 30 1, 2015
• Project Period: September 30, 2015 – September 29, 2018

What technical assistance (TA) will be available for FOA applicants?
During the 60-day application phase (March 31, 2015 – June 1, 2015), applicants will have access to the following TA:

• a webcast providing a PS15-1510 overview
• a conference call for questions/answers related to PS15-1510
• PS15-1510 inquiry email box at HIPTA@CDC.GOV or voicemail box at (404) 639-2245. CDC will respond within 2 business days.
• PS15-1510 website with up-to-date information regarding the FOA, scheduling/logistics for TA events, and access to additional resources

Which organizations are eligible to apply for this FOA?
Organizations that meet any of the following criteria:

• State governments (includes the District of Columbia)
• County governments or their bona fide agents
• City or township governments or their bona fide agents
• Special district governments or their bona fide agents
• Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Are state, local, territorial, and tribal governments or their bona fide agents (e.g., health departments) eligible to apply for this FOA?
Yes. However, applicants must submit with evidence of capacity to implement a national program (e.g., articles of incorporation, by-laws, board resolution, charter, mission statement, etc.). The awardee will be expected to implement a national work plan.

Can non-profit organizations without a 501 (c) (3) status apply for this FOA?
No. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with an established 501C3 status (e.g., public nonprofit, private nonprofit). These applicants must submit evidence of having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS.

Can organizations other than governments or their bona fide and non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) status apply for this FOA?
No. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with an established 501C3 status (e.g., public nonprofit, private nonprofit) and health departments with expertise and experience working in the development and delivery of national competency-based training and technical assistance related to the provision of comprehensive prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection. These organizations are best positioned to implement PS15-1510 strategies and activities while facilitating active communication among CDC, PS15-1509 funded health departments, and their local collaborative organizational partners.

What are the special requirements for eligibility?
Applicants must electronically submit a complete application package that complies with specifications as described in FOA section D. Required Registrations to www.grants.gov no later than June 1, 2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Applicants must upload the following application package requirements as appropriately labeled PDF documents which may include weblinks for additional information. Evidence can be uploaded in Grants.gov under “Other Attachment Forms” with the suggested labels.

• Table of Contents for Entire Submission
• Project Abstract (maximum 1 page)
• Project Narrative including Work Plan (maximum 20 pages)
• Budget Narrative
• Evidence of capacity to implement a national program (e.g., articles of incorporation, by-laws, board resolution, charter, mission statement, etc.)
• Evidence of expertise and experience developing and delivering competency-based training and technical assistance for the HIV prevention and/or care workforce (e.g., list of trainings, samples of existing training curricula, technical assistance products, staff resumes/CVs, letters of support, etc.). Label “Proof of Training TA Expertise”.
• Evidence of expertise and experience in engaging, assessing, linking, and retaining MSM of color for comprehensive HIV prevention and care, behavioral health, and social services (e.g. Staff resumes/CVs, samples of existing training curriculum, TA products, letters of support, etc.). Label “Proof of MSM of Color Expertise”
• Evidence of proposed or existing key collaborations (e.g., Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Letters of Commitment, or Service Agreements). Label “Collaborations”.
• Organizational Chart(s) that identify location and structure of proposed program
• Evidence of Non-Profit Organization IRS 501 (c) (3) status, if applicable
• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable
• CDC Assurances and Certifications

Applicants are not allowed to include any other attachments. If the required documents listed in this section are not submitted with the application in www.grants.gov no later than June 1, 2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, the application will be considered incomplete, non-responsive, and/or late and will not be entered into the review process.

The award ceiling for this FOA is $2,500,000 1st year; $2,000,000 2nd year; and, $1,000,000 3rd year. CDC will consider any application requesting an award higher than these amounts as non-responsive, and it will receive no further review in the funding competition.

Can an organization currently receiving funding from the Capacity Building Branch (CBB) apply for funding under this FOA?
Yes. Any organization that meets all PS15-1510 eligibility requirements can apply for funding.

Can an organization seeking to directly deliver HIV prevention services to clients apply for funding under this FOA?
No. PS15-1510 will not support the direct delivery of any HIV prevention services. The programmatic goal is to build the capacity of PS15-1509 funded health departments and local collaborative organizations to optimally plan, implement, and sustain their programs and services.

Can an organization seeking to profit (e.g., fees to access informational materials, deliver training or technical assistance, or develop new or existing products) apply for funding under PS14-1403?
No. The awardee will be required to deliver free (not for fee) training and TA products and services.

Can I apply if I missed the letter of intent (LOI) submission deadline?
Yes. The LOI is requested, but not required, to apply for PS15-1510. It is not considered a part of the application nor used in any way to judge the applicant. A LOI is a non-binding statement that CDC uses solely for internal planning purposes.

• Funding opportunity announcement number and title
• Name of applicant organization
• Project Director’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address
• For application submission, primary point of contact’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if different from above)

The LOI must be emailed no later than April 21, 2015 to:

Rhondette Jones, Lead
Training and Development Team, Capacity Building Branch
CDC, NCHHSTP, DHAP
Email address: HIPTA@CDC.GOV

What are the program strategies and activities supported by this FOA?
Strategy #1: Develop a competency-based training program to build capacity of PS15-1509 funded health departments and their partners to provide comprehensive HIV prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection. (Year 1)

Activities:
1. A Assess target audience
1. B Develop competency-based training-of- providers (TOP) curriculum and performance support tools
1. C Develop a competency-based training of trainers (TOT) curriculum
1. D Develop a plan to deliver the TOP and TOT curricula

Strategy #2: Provide competency-based training and technical assistance to health department trainers and staff to deliver the TOP curriculum to provider staff (e.g., CBOs, clinics, others) participating in local collaborative as described in PS15-1509. (Years 2-3)

Activities:
2. A Deliver the TOP and TOT curricula
2. B Provide intensive and tailored technical assistance

Strategy #3: Conduct monitoring and evaluation of training and technical assistance provided to PS15-1509 funded health departments and their local organizational partners (Years 1-3)

Activities:
3. A Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan
3. B Implement monitoring and evaluation activities

What is a “competency-based training program” for this FOA?
The training program should include (1) a training-of-provider (TOP) curriculum (to include: training manuals, participants manual, support tools, or other learning materials) for PS15-1509 health department grantees and their collaborative organizational partners, (2) a training-of-trainers (TOT) for PS15-1509 health department training staff, and (3) supporting products for ongoing training and technical assistance. The training program should address the following core competency categories adapted from Core Competencies for Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care (link retired).

• INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: The ability to establish rapport quickly and to communicate effectively with MSM of color, regardless of their age or socioeconomic circumstances, as consumers of HIV prevention and care, behavioral health, and social services;
• COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK: The ability to function effectively as a member of an inter-professional team seeking to provide comprehensive, integrated services to MSM of color;
• SCREENING & ASSESSMENT: The ability to conduct brief, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate screening of and to conduct or arrange for more detailed assessments when indicated for MSM of color;
• CARE PLANNING & CARE COORDINATION: The ability to create and implement integrated care plans, ensuring access to an array of linked services, and the exchange of information among MSM of color, their family members, and services providers;
• INTERVENTION: The ability to provide a range of brief, focused prevention, treatment and recovery services, as well as longer-term treatment and support for MSM of color at risk for or living with HIV and other illnesses;
• CULTURAL COMPETENCE & ADAPTATION: The ability to provide services that are relevant to the culture of MSM of color and their families, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status;
• SYSTEMS ORIENTED PRACTICE: The ability to function effectively within the organizational and financial structures of the local system for comprehensive prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV;
• PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING & QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: The ability to assess and continually improve the services for MSM of color delivered as an individual provider and as an inter-professional team; and
• INFORMATICS: The ability to use information technology to support and improve integrated healthcare for MSM of color. Examples include: using electronic health records efficiently and effectively; employing computer and web-based screening, assessment, and intervention tools; utilizing tele-health applications; and safeguarding privacy and confidentiality.

For more information about competency-based training requirements, please review the CDC Program Description in FOA PS15-1510.

What is the target population for this FOA?
Applicants should propose to address competency-based training and technical assistance needs of the target population (which are PS15-1509 funded health departments and their local collaborative partner organizations) to deliver comprehensive prevention, care, behavioral health, and social services for MSM of color at risk for and living with HIV infection.

What information should an applicant know about submitting documentation of current or proposed collaborations?

Memorandums of Agreement (MOA), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), letters of commitment, or service agreements may formally document the scope of work, intensity, and duration of collaborations with external partners. Each document should thoroughly describe the proposed collaboration and specific activities, which parties are responsible for what, and the intended outcomes and benefits for the overall CBA program.

These documents should be on official letterhead, signed by all collaborating parties, and electronically submitted with your application. Do not mail, email, or fax these documents. Upload these documents as a PDF file named “Collaborations” to www.grants.gov. Please minimize the number of submitted pages by only providing documents that directly address your execution of the proposed programmatic approach.

Should the proposed work plan reflect objectives and activities for only the first budget year or the entire three years of the project?
Applicants are required to submit both a three-year overview of the project and a detailed first year work plan. The workplan also should include proposed plans for staffing, evaluation, and reporting. The work plan is included in the 20 page limit for the narrative.

Is there an application checklist to ensure that I am submitting all required materials?
Yes. An application checklist is here.

What is the total project period funding for this FOA?
CDC will award approximately $5,500,000 in total project period funding. However, this amount is subject to the decreased or increased availability of funds.

What is the fiscal year (FY) 2015 funding for this FOA?
During the first year, CDC will award approximately $2,500,000 in FY2015 funding. Subsequent funding will be $2,000,000 (year 2) and $1,000,000 (year 3). However, these amounts are subject to the decreased or increased availability of funds.

What is the purpose of an indirect cost rate agreement?
The purpose of an indirect cost rate agreement is to publish the reimbursement rate(s) negotiated between the federal government and an awardee which reflects the indirect costs (e.g. facilities and administrative costs) and fringe benefit expenses incurred by the organization in the conduct of federal programs

How does an indirect cost rate impact my award?
Indirect cost rate agreements streamline the process of awarding, monitoring, and closing out federal grants. The indirect cost rate allows the grant officer to calculate the appropriate allocation of indirect costs associated with any one project by applying the negotiated indirect cost rate to the respective base used to develop the rate. However, if the grant officer determines that the awardee does not have a currently effective indirect cost rate, the award may not include an amount for indirect costs.

How do I apply for an indirect cost rate agreement?
The applicant must submit a formal indirect cost rate proposal to the Department of Health and Human Services, Program Support Center, Division of Cost Allocation (DCA)..

Pending DCA approval of my indirect cost rate proposal, may I still request indirect costs in my application for this FOA?
Yes. If an applicant organization has never established an indirect cost rate (usually a new recipient) and intends to establish one, the award shall include a provisional amount equaling one-half of the amount of indirect costs requested by the applicant, up to a maximum of 10 percent of direct salaries and wages (exclusive of fringe benefits). If the awardee fails to provide a timely (i.e., by March 31, 2015) negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, indirect costs paid in anticipation of establishment of a rate will be disallowed.

What is the process for the review and selection of applications for this FOA?
Phase I Review: All applications will be reviewed initially for completeness by CDC PGO staff and will be reviewed jointly for eligibility by the CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention and PGO. Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not advance to Phase II review. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility or published submission requirements.
Phase II Review: A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the scoring criteria as listed in in FOA PS15-1510 Section E. Review and Selection Process.
Phase III Review: Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel. However, CDC may conduct pre-decisional site visits to further inform funding determinations.

How many mandatory post-award meetings/events is the awardee expected to attend with the CDC? When will these meetings occur within the program year?
The awardee, at a minimum, will be expected to participate in a first-year CDC-sponsored orientation meeting. Additionally, successful applicants may be asked to attend an annual meeting with the PS14-1403 CBA Providers Network, the bi-annual HIV Prevention Leadership Summit, and the bi-annual National HIV Prevention Conference (December 2015). Applicants’ budgets should reflect the participation of a minimum of 2 or 3 staff in each of these required activities.

Describe CDC’s right to and use of training and technical assistance products developed under this FOA.
The awardee may elect to copyright products developed with PS15-1510 funding. However, the federal government retains the right to unlimited usage of all products and may authorize others to reproduce and distribute these products. All products must be submitted to the CDC Project Officer.