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If you have any questions regarding notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) PS19-1904, please review the below Frequently Asked Questions. If you need further assistance, please submit your questions to CBANOFO@cdc.gov.

General

Where can I find notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) PS19-1904: Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) for High Impact HIV Prevention Program Integration?

To access the application package for PS19-1904: Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) for High Impact HIV Prevention Program Integration:

  1. Go to: www.grants.gov
  2. Select: “Applicants” from the top menu
  3. Select: “Apply for Grants”
  4. Select: “Download a Grant Application Package”
  5. In the “Funding Opportunity Number” box, type: CDC-RFA-PS19-1904

For additional information, please visit the PS19-1904 website https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps19-1904/index.html. The website will be updated regularly with new information.

What are the key dates for this funding opportunity?

Publication: September 12, 2018
Letters of Intent Due: October 12, 2018
Applications Due: November 12, 2018
Award Date: April 1, 2019
Project Period: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2024

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

CDC announces the competitive availability of fiscal year 2019 funds to implement a capacity building assistance (CBA) program to strengthen the capacity and improve the performance of the nation’s HIV prevention workforce. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) supports a CBA Provider Network (CPN) to implement the following four program components: 1) national training; 2) regional TA; 3) continuous quality improvement and sustainability for CBOs; and 4) marketing and administrative support for the CPN. These components prioritize building individual competencies and technical expertise, strengthening organizational capacities, and enabling supportive structural environments for the HIV prevention workforce to optimally plan, integrate, implement, and sustain comprehensive HIV prevention programs and services. This NOFO promotes and supports national prevention goals, the HIV care continuum, and CDC’s High Impact HIV Prevention (HIP) approach.

What is the overall approach of this funding opportunity?

The overall approach is for a CBA Provider Network to implement the following program components:

Component 1: National Training
Track A. Electronic Learning (ELearning) Training Center
Track B. Classroom Learning Training Center

Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance
Track A. Clinical HIV Testing and Prevention for Persons with HIV
Track B. Nonclinical HIV Testing and Prevention for HIV-Negative Persons
Track C. Integrated HIV Activities and Structural Interventions

Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for CBOs

Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CPN

What are the measurable outcomes for this funding opportunity?

This program is expected to demonstrate measurable progress toward addressing short-term and intermediate outcomes that appear bolded in the logic model and as described in the section entitled “CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy” further describes the outputs and indicators that quantify program outcomes. A summary of short-term and intermediate outcomes to be measured and reported by funding recipients is as follows:

Component 1: National Training
Short-term Outcomes:

Track A: Electronic Learning (eLearning) Training Center

  • Increased CDC-approved trainings available in eLearning or blended learning formats
  • Increased organizations implementing CDC-supported HIP interventions and public health strategies

Track B: Classroom Learning Training Center

  • Increased CDC-approved trainings available in classroom and blended learning formats
  • Increased organizations implementing CDC-supported HIP interventions and public health strategies
  • Increased national trainers with the capacity to deliver CDC-approved classroom or blended learning trainings
  • Increased health departments conducting HIP intervention and public health strategy trainings using CDC-approved curricula
  • Continued trainer capacity to deliver all new and existing CDC-approved classroom or blended learning training curricula

Intermediate Outcomes:

  • Improved sustainability of HIP interventions and public health strategies being implemented by CDC-funded programs
  • Improved delivery of HIV testing services among priority populations
  • Increased identification of newly and previously diagnosed HIV infections
  • Improved delivery of HIV prevention services to persons with HIV (PWH) and HIV-negative persons
  • Improved linkage to and retention in HIV medical care for PWH
  • Improved linkage to essential supportive services for PWH and HIV-negative persons

Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance
Short-term Outcomes:
Track A: Clinical HIV Testing and Prevention for Persons with HIV

  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs to implement clinical HIV testing
  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs to implement services to prevent new HIV infections and reduce transmission of HIV

Track B: Nonclinical HIV Testing and Prevention for HIV-Negative Persons

  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs to implement nonclinical HIV testing
  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs to implement services to prevent new HIV infections and reduce transmission of HIV

Track C: Integrated HIV Activities and Structural Interventions

  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs for HIV activities integration
  • Strengthened capacity of CDC-funded programs to implement structural interventions

Intermediate Outcomes:
Track A: Clinical HIV Testing and Prevention for Persons with HIV

  • Improved delivery of clinical HIV testing services
  • Increased identification of newly and previously diagnosed HIV infections
  • Improved delivery of HIV prevention services to PWH
  • Improved linkage to and retention in HIV medical care for PWH
  • Improved linkage to essential supportive services for PWH

Track B: Nonclinical HIV Testing and Prevention for HIV-Negative Persons

  • Improved delivery of nonclinical HIV testing services among priority populations
  • Increased identification of newly and previously diagnosed HIV infections
  • Improved delivery of HIV prevention services for HIV-negative persons
  • Improved linkage to essential supportive services for HIV-negative persons

Track C: Integrated HIV Activities and Structural Interventions

  • Increased identification of newly and previously diagnosed HIV infections
  • Improved linkage to HIV prevention services for PWH and HIV-negative persons
  • Improved linkage to and retention in HIV medical care for PWH
  • Improved linkage to essential supportive services for PWH and HIV-negative persons

Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for Community-Based Organizations
Short-term Outcome:

  • Improved capacity of CDC-funded CBOs to plan, manage, and sustain HIV prevention programs and services and to reduce HIV-related disparities

Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for CBA Provider Network (CPN)
Short-term Outcomes:

  • Increased HIV prevention workforce knowledge of CBA services and resources
  • Increased HIV prevention workforce use of CBA services and resources

How does this approach differ from the current CBA program (PS14-1403)?

Component 1: National Training
There is a separation of web-based and classroom-based training. Under Track A: eLearning Training Center, one CBA provider will be responsible for developing and/or delivering all existing and new web-based training. Under Track B: Classroom Learning Training Center, one CBA provider will be responsible for developing and/or delivering all existing and new classroom-based training. The two CBA providers will share responsibility for the collaborative development and/or delivery of existing and new training with a blended learning format. Additionally, national training participants will receive a follow-up activity to determine implementation status and challenges. Training participants in need of technical assistance will be referred to Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance.

Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance
Technical assistance (TA) will be tailored and delivered to meet the capacity building needs within four geographic regions (i.e., Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). Each region will have a team of three CBA providers; one for each of the following: Track A. Clinical HIV Testing and Prevention for Persons with HIV, Track B. Nonclinical HIV Testing and Prevention for HIV-Negative Persons, and Track C. Integrated HIV Activities and Structural Interventions. These teams of CBA providers will be physically located within their respective geographic regions identified for TA delivery. CBA providers will collaboratively develop and implement jurisdictional CBA plans for CDC-funded health departments and CBOs within their geographic regions. Identified needs for national training will be referred to Component 1: National Training.

Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
This distance-learning program will further support senior and mid-level HIV prevention program managers within CDC directly funded CBOs seeking to improve the quality of their HIV prevention programs and services and/or sustainability of their organizations.

Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CBA Provider Network (CPN)
Renewed focus on marketing of the CBA program and administrative support for communication, coordination and collaboration among the CPN.

What is the target population for this funding opportunity?

For purposes of this funding opportunity, the target population is comprised of the interdisciplinary HIV prevention workforce (e.g., professional, technical, clinical, and managerial staff) within current and future CDC-funded state and local health departments and CBOs and their local partner organizations (e.g., healthcare organizations and non-CDC-funded CBOs). The HIV prevention workforce plans, integrates, implements, and sustains comprehensive HIV prevention programs and services for persons with and populations at greatest risk of HIV infection. Successful applicants must provide CBA services in a manner that is available, accessible, and acceptable to the HIV prevention workforce regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, geography, socioeconomic status, disability status, primary language, health literacy, and other relevant social dimensions.

Component 1: National Training and Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance will serve CDC-funded health departments, CBOs, and their local partners. Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for CBOs will serve CDC-funded CBOs. Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CBA Provider Network (CPN) will serve the CPN.

How does this funding opportunity address health disparities?

Health equity is a desirable goal that entails the provision of optimal health for all despite social or economic disadvantage. HIV-related health disparities are associated with social determinants that influence the health of populations most disproportionately affected by HIV. Social determinants of health also affect disparities in viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. For example, environmental factors such as unstable housing conditions, high-risk sexual and social networks, and poor social support are associated with increased risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. This program supports efforts to reduce health disparities and promote health equity, particularly among persons with and populations at greatest risk of HIV infection, including blacks/African Americans; Hispanics/Latinos; all races/ethnicities of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); people who inject drugs (PWID); and transgender persons. Funding recipients should use existing relevant data as well as culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV prevention messages, strategies, and interventions to accurately focus required CBA program activities for addressing social determinants of health, reducing health disparities, and promoting health equity among populations served by CDC-funded health departments and CBOs and their local partners. Details of a health equity strategy and approach are outlined in the NCHHSTP Social Determinants of Health White Paper.

What technical assistance (TA) is available for applicants?

During the 60-day application phase (September 12, 2019 – November 12, 2019), applicants may access TA through the following:

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Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity?

Eligibility Information

Can an organization currently receiving federal funding to provide capacity building assistance (e.g., training or technical assistance) apply for this funding opportunity?

Yes. Any organization that meets all eligibility requirements can apply for funding opportunity.

Can a state, tribal, or local health department apply for this funding opportunity?

Yes. Any organization that meets all eligibility requirements can apply for funding opportunity.

Can an organization use funding to deliver HIV prevention programs and/or services to clients?

No. This program supports building the capacity of organizations to improve their delivery of HIV prevention programs and/or services. However, organizations that deliver HIV prevention program and/or services are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity to deliver capacity building assistance.

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 this funding opportunity?

No. This program supports the delivery of free CBA (i.e., training and/or technical assistance) services and products.

Can an organization seeking to conduct research apply for this funding opportunity?

PS19-1904 is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered. Research for this purpose is defined at https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/24235.

Can an organization seeking to conduct capacity building activities outside of the U.S. and its territories apply for this funding opportunity?

No. PS19-1904 is only for activities conducted within the U.S. and its territories.

May an organization submit an application and be a subcontractor for another organization’s application?

Yes. An organization may submit an application and be a subcontractor for another organization’s application. However, there should be no duplication of effort.

Is there a limit as to the number of applications that an organization can be listed as a subcontractor?

No. An organization may subcontract with an unlimited number of applicant organizations. However, there should be no duplication of effort.

What is duplication of effort?

The applicant is responsible for reporting if their application will result in programmatic, budgetary, or commitment overlap with another application or award (i.e., grant, cooperative agreement, or contract) submitted to another funding source in the same fiscal year.

Programmatic overlap occurs when (1) substantially the same project is proposed in more than one application or is submitted to two or more funding sources for review and funding consideration or (2) a specific objective and the project design for accomplishing the objective are the same or closely related in two or more applications or awards, regardless of the funding source. Budgetary overlap occurs when duplicate or equivalent budgetary items (e.g., equipment, salaries) are requested in an application but already are provided by another source. Commitment overlap occurs when an individual’s time commitment exceeds 100 percent, whether or not salary support is requested in the application. Overlap, whether programmatic, budgetary, or commitment of an individual’s effort greater than 100 percent, is not permitted. Any overlap will be resolved by the CDC with the applicant and the principle director/principle investigator prior to award.

Report Submission: The applicant must upload the report in Grants.gov under “Other Attachment Forms.” The document should be labeled: “Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap.”

Is there a limit as to the number of subcontractors proposed by an applicant organization?

No. An applicant organization may propose to use an unlimited number of subcontractors.  However, as the direct and primary funding recipient, an applicant organization must perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes and not merely serve as a conduit for an award to another party or provider who is ineligible.  Additionally, all required documentation required for submission with the application package must be based upon the applicant organization; therefore, the applicant organization must have the capacity to implement the proposed program

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Funding and Budget Information

What is the available funding for which an organization can apply?

To inform the development of applications, see the table of the potential range of funding amounts [PDF – 7 KB]. As there are no award ceiling amounts published in PS19-1904, applicants may request a funding amount that exceeds the ceiling amounts listed in the funding range table.

Does the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) cap the indirect cost rate for applicant organizations?

Yes. Unless an exempted organization (i.e., state, tribal, or local governments), CDC will consider any application requesting to use an indirect cost rate above 8% as nonresponsive, and the application will receive no further review. This NOFO will have indirect costs budgeted and reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement, and are not subject to upward or downward adjustment. This indirect cost rate is applicable to organizations other than state, tribal, or local governments. Indirect costs under grants to local government agencies (other than those designated as “major” pursuant to OMB Circular A-87) shall be budgeted and reimbursed on the basis of the rates computed and proposed by the local government in its grant application unless the awarding office requests Division of Cost Allocation, HHS involvement.

Does the 8% indirect cost rate also apply to subcontractors?

Yes. Unless an exempted organization (i.e., state, tribal, or local governments), the 8% indirect cost rate should be applied to subcontractors.

Is the Budget Narrative part of the 19 page-limit Project Narrative?

No.  The Budget Narrative is not included in the page limitation for the Project Narrative.  The Budget Narrative has no page limit.

Should the Budget Narrative be for year 1 or for all 5 years of the project?

Applicants are required to submit a detailed Budget Narrative for Year 1 of the project. Applicants may also submit an overall 5-year project budget. For more information, please review the “Budget Narrative” section (p.46) of the funding opportunity announcement.

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Components and Tracks

Can an organization apply for funding under more than one component?

No. An organization cannot apply for more than one component. Applicants must select Component 1: National Training, Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance, Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability of CBOs, OR Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CPN.

Can an organization apply for funding under more than one track for one component?

No. An organization cannot apply for more than one track. For Component 1: National Training, applicants must select either Track A. Electronic Learning (ELearning) Training Center OR Track B. Classroom Learning Training Center. For Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance, applicants must select Track A. Clinical HIV Testing and Prevention for Persons with HIV OR Track B. Nonclinical HIV Testing and Prevention for HIV-Negative Persons OR Track C. Integrated HIV Activities and Structural Interventions.

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Component 1: National Training

What are “CDC-approved” trainings?

CDC-approved trainings include those for CDC-supported high-impact HIV prevention (HIP) interventions and public health strategies. As directed by CDC, national training may also include supplemental topics such as social determinants of health, recruitment, retention, adaptation, and evaluation. For additional information, please review the PS19-1904 Program Guidance for Component 1: National Training (Attachment C) [PDF – 1.29 MB] posted on the PS19-1904 website.

For Component 1, Track A: Electronic Learning Training Center, how many modules need to be produced per year?

Per budget year, the successful applicant will develop and deliver new content training for a minimum of three HIP interventions, public health strategies, and/or topics of national importance; update and transition existing content  from classroom-based training for a minimum of three HIP interventions, public health strategies, and/or topics of national importance; and collaborate with Track B funding recipient to develop new or revise eLearning elements for existing blended training (i.e., asynchronous and/or synchronous web-based training and in-person classroom training) for HIP interventions, public health strategies, and/or topics of national importance.

Where can I find more information about CDC’s approach to national training under PS19-1904?

For additional information, please review PS19-1904 Program Guidance for Component 1: National Training [PDF – 1.09 MB] available on the PS19-1904 website.

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Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance (TA)

What are the geographic regions for TA delivery?
Applicants must deliver TA for all jurisdictions within one of the following regions:

West: Region comprised of AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY and the Pacific Island Jurisdictions of American Samoa, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau with approximately 33 CDC-funded programs.
Midwest: Region comprised of IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI with approximately 27 CDC-funded programs.
Northeast: Region comprised of CT, MA, ME, VT, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and the territories of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands with approximately 47 CDC-funded programs
South: Region comprised of AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV and with approximately 57 CDC-funded programs.

For Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance (TA), why must applicants select a geographic region in which they have an established operating unit or office?

The purpose of this requirement is to promote and support regional TA providers and services that are acceptable, relevant, available, and accessible to CDC-funded HIV prevention programs and their local partners. This requirement incorporates preferences expressed by the HIV prevention workforce during multiple listening session and funding recipient meetings that were held throughout the development of the funding opportunity announcement. In addition, this approach can reduce the travel costs associated with regional TA delivery, thereby further maximizing the use and impact of federal funding within each region.

For purposes of Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance (TA), what is an established operating unit or office for implementation of a regional TA program?

An established operating unit or office is 1) physically located within the selected TA delivery region and 2) where the applicant will conduct the business of implementing its proposed program for regional TA delivery. An established operating unit or office contributes to an applicant’s demonstration of organizational capacity to implement a regional TA program. Pre-decisional site visits (Phase III Review) will be conducted with the operating unit or office located within the region selected by the applicant for TA delivery.

What is the required time-period for an operating unit or office to be considered “established” by CDC?

There is no required time-period for an operating unit or office to be considered “established” in a region by CDC. However, as published in the funding opportunity announcement, CDC may apply a preference for applicants with extensive experience (at least 2 years) building the capacity of the HIV prevention workforce in that region.

If an applicant has an established operating unit or office in more than one region, can it submit an application to deliver technical assistance (TA) in more than one region?

No. An organization may submit only one application to deliver TA in only one region where it has an established operating unit or office.

If an applicant does not have an established operating unit or office in a region, can it submit an application to deliver technical assistance (TA) in that region?

No. An organization that does not have an established operating unit or office in a region cannot submit an application to deliver TA in that region.

Can an applicant subcontract with an organization that does not have an established operating unit or office to implement a regional technical assistance (TA) program?

Yes. An applicant may subcontract with an organization that does not have an established operating unit or office within the proposed region. However, the applicant organization, not the subcontracting organization, must have an established operating unit or office to implement a regional technical assistance (TA) program. The direct and primary funding recipient must perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes and not merely serve as a conduit for an award to another party or provider.

How will CDC ensure programmatic coverage for all tracks within all regions?

For final Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance funding determinations, CDC will use rank order of scores and consider funding preferences to ensure coverage across all tracks within all regions. In accordance with the “Review and Selection” section of the NOFO, CDC may consider the rank order of scores for same track applicants located outside of a TA delivery region under the following conditions:

  • No eligible applicants with the preferred two-years of experience for a track are located within a region (Phase I Review);
  • Eligible applicants for a track located within a region fail to successfully complete the objective review process (Phase II Review);
  • Eligible applicants for a track located within a region fail to receive at least 50 of the 75 available points during a pre-decisional site visit (Phase III Review).

How should applicants indicate interest in delivering technical assistance outside of their selected region?

All Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance applicants are encouraged to submit 1) a list of all operating unit and/or office locations, 2) documentation of all track-relevant operational experience regardless of selected region, and 3) express any interest in potential consideration by CDC to deliver TA for the same track but in a different region. For consideration by CDC, all of this information must be included as a part of the applicant’s demonstration of organizational capacity (see “Additional Information on Eligibility”). Please note that this potential consideration will not result in multiple awards for any applicant.

Component 1: National Training, Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for CBOs, and Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CPN are national in scope and without the geographic limitation for applications.

Are funding recipients required to train the public health workforce on [high impact HIV prevention] HIP interventions as is required under the current CBA program [PS14-1403]?

For Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance, funding recipients will develop and deliver technical assistance services and products to support the planning, integration, implementation, and sustainability of HIP interventions by the HIV prevention workforce. Component 1: National Training will be develop and deliver training for HIP interventions.

Should an applicant have capacity to address all activities listed in a specific track?

Yes. An applicant should have capacity in the all the areas listed for any specific track.

Is the expectation that we receive an individual letter of commitment or support from every CDC directly funded health department and CBO within a region, or will a sample of letters be sufficient?  Is there a minimum number of letters required?

There is not the expectation that an applicant receive a letter of support or commitment from every CDC-funded health department or CBO within a selected TA region.  Within the discretion of the applicant, a sample of letters is sufficient.  There is no minimum number of letters.

Where can I find additional information about CDC’s approach to regional technical assistance under PS19-1904?

For additional information, please review PS19-1904 Program Guidance for Component 2: Regional Technical Assistance [PDF – 1.29 MB] posted on the PS19-1904 website.

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Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for CBOs

Should the course curriculum include specific topics and a pre-determined agenda, or can it be adjusted to meet the needs of the participants?

The examples of CQI and sustainability topics to be addressed by the distance-learning program include, but are not limited to, those list in the NOFO. There are no additional expectations for content of course curriculum beyond the parameters provided in the NOFO. The proposed design (e.g., content and structure) of a distance-learning program is a point of innovation among applicants for Component 3: Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability for CBOs.   Any further guidance from CDC may comprise an application element that will be competitively reviewed and scored as described in the “Review and Selection” section of the funding opportunity.

Can a project target CBOs serving a specific population (e.g., Blacks, Latinos, person who inject drugs, etc.)?

The successful applicant will develop and conduct a distance-learning program to further support leadership within CDC directly funded CBOs seeking to improve the quality of their HIV prevention programs and services and/or sustainability of their organizations. Consideration should be given to the unique responsibilities and differing needs of senior and mid-level managers of HIV prevention programs and services for persons with HIV (PWH) and populations at greatest risk for HIV infection including but not limited to a specific community or subpopulation.

Can the distance learning program address race-based health disparities?

The distance-learning program should incorporate the adaptation and/or application of an evidence based model that addresses programmatic continuous quality improvement (CQI) and organizational sustainability contextualized to address the capacity building needs of senior and mid-level managers of HIV prevention programs and services within CDC directly funded CBOs serving PWH and populations at greatest risk for HIV infection.  Examples of topical areas to be addressed by the distance learning program should include, but are not limited to:

  • Sustaining programmatic successes through leadership and stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors;
  • Network analysis to identify opportunities for new and/or improved collaborative efforts for organizational sustainability;
  • Establishing, assessing, and sustaining strategic partnerships to improve program performance;
  • HIV prevention workforce and organizational sustainability (e.g., effective hiring, management, retention, and succession planning); and
  • Identification of processes and strategies to address programmatic challenges and social determinants of health associated with HIV-related health disparities.

Is it required to use CDC’s system and process for awarding continuing education (CE) units or will an applicant be able to use their own system and process for awarding CE units?

In consultation with CDC, the successful applicant will establish and implement requirements for acknowledgement or confirmation of completion for distance-learning program, and, as appropriate, secure professional continuing education units. An applicant should propose how it will address this requirement.

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Component 4: Marketing and Administrative Support for the CPN

What is CDC’s preferred software for webinars?

A preferred software for webinars would be compatible with Microsoft Office Suite.

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Application Form and Content

Where can I obtain the application package for this funding opportunity?

Visit www.grants.gov to view and download the application package for this funding opportunity. Additional resources regarding this funding opportunity are available.

What should applicants know about the requested letter of intent (LOI)?

Letter of Intent

What is the page limit for the Project Narrative?

The Project Narrative is a project description limited to 19 pages.  The Project Narrative must include the following subheadings: Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP), Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan. For the EPMP and Work Plan sections of the Project Narrative, the applicant can state “Refer to Attachment X” or “Other Attachments”. The attached Work Plan and EPMP will be reviewed as a part of the Project Narrative. However, they will not count towards the 19-page limit for the Project Narrative. The Work Plan and EPMP have no page limit and may be uploaded as named documents under “Other Attachments”.

What is the level of detail expected for the workplan?

Applicants should provide a concise narrative of an overarching approach to meet intended program outcomes during the five-year project period (i.e., Five-Year Overview of Proposed Program). Applicants should also provide a detailed Year 1 work plan that includes:

  • Intended program outcomes aligned with component requirements;
  • Component requirements aligned with SMART objectives; and
  • SMART objectives aligned with action steps, timelines, responsible parties, deliverables, and performance measurement.

To support applicants, a recommended work plan template is available.

Further determination regarding the level of detail for the workplan lies within the discretion of the applicant and is subject to criteria for the competitive review of applications as described in the “Review and Selection” section of PS19-1904.

Does the 12-point font requirement apply to the workplan, tables, graphics, etc.?

No. However, the entire application submission should be easily readable to better facilitate its review.

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

Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), letters of commitment or support, service agreements, and other required documentation as listed in the “Additional Eligibility Requirements” section of the NOFO contribute to the three-phase evaluation of an application as described in the “Review and Selection” section. As appropriate, applicants must “describe and document” any proposed collaboration (e.g., scope of work, intensity, and duration), 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.  Please minimize the number of submitted pages by only providing documents that directly address your execution of the proposed program.

What should applicants know about weblinks or hyperlinks within the Project Narrative?

Applicants must “describe and document” their organizational capacity to implement the approach. Applicants are encouraged to provide weblinks or hyperlinks for supporting documentation that addresses the application requirements as outlined in the “Additional Eligibility Information” section of the funding opportunity announcement. As a part of the Project Narrative, any listed weblinks or hyperlinks will be counted toward the 19-page limit.  However, the referenced supporting documentation will not be included in the Project Narrative page limit. This documentation be reviewed during the three-phase evaluation of an application as described in the “Review and Selection” section of the NOFO.

As listed in the “Administrative and National Policy Requirements” section of the NOFO, an Additional Requirement does not apply to my organization.  What should I do?

For those administrative requirements not applicable to your organization, simply provide a written statement affirming that fact.

What is Attachment F: CDC Assurance of Compliance?

To address Additional Requirement – 5: HIV Program Review Panel Requirements, applicant should complete Attachment F: CDC Assurance of Compliance with Content of AIDS-Related Written Materials, Pictorials, Audiovisuals, Questionnaires, Survey Instruments, and education Sessions. The form is available on PS19-1904 website under “Attachments and Important Resources”

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Application Submission

Can an organization submit more than one application?

No. An organization may submit only one application.  The application should be for only one component.  CDC will consider multiple applications from a single applicant or any application that does not clearly indicate selection of one component as nonresponsive, and the application will receive no further review.

Is there an application checklist to ensure that I am submitting all required materials?

Yes. Application Submission Checklist

The application deadline date is a Federal holiday (Veterans Day).  Will this affect the submission of an application on November 12, 2018?

No. On November 12, 2018, applicants will have full access to the necessary application submission forms and instructions posted for this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) on www.grants.gov.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to allocate ample time for filing to guarantee that their application can be submitted and validated by the deadline published in the NOFO. This validation process may take as long as two business days. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the status of their application to ensure that submission of their package has been completed and no submission errors have occurred. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.  Note: On November 12, 2018, applicants will not have access to OGS TIMS staff or the www.grants.gov Contact Center to address any encountered technical difficulties related to application submission.

Application Review and Selection

What is the process for the review and selection of applications for this funding opportunity?

After You Apply

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