Frequently Asked Questions

General NOFO Information

What is the purpose of this notice of funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

The purpose of this NOFO is 1) to support the dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) campaign via the use of digital and social media platforms and 2) disseminate Together campaign materials, messaging, and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention at in- person and virtual events. This program will support organizations to expand the reach and dissemination of Together campaign resources using a variety of vehicles including publications, meetings, conferences, media (digital and social), and other mechanisms. Recipients will prioritize health communication and mobilization efforts among populations highly impacted by HIV and in the highest burden jurisdictions.

 

What are the objectives of this notice of funding opportunity?

NOFO recipients will leverage existing organizational structure, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate Let’s Stop HIV Together campaigns and other CDC resources via one or both categories: Category A: Digital and Social Media and Category B: Events.

 

What are the measurable outcomes?

The measurable outcomes are in alignment with one or more of the following performance goals for CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP).  The outcomes for funding Category A and B are as follows:

• Increase exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers
• Increase HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers
• Increase partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages
• Increase cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing, and referral services
• Increase HIV-related communication among engaged partners and networks

 

Can the NOFO be used to support research?

This notice of funding opportunity is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered.

Eligibility

Who may apply for funding?

This funding opportunity is open to any entity.

Applicants must submit the following information. If documents are not submitted, applicants will be deemed ineligible for funding under this notice of funding opportunity.

• Applicants must include digital and social media data indicating the total number of followers and subscribers across platforms. Social media data may include but is not limited to screenshots that clearly show the organization name, web link/handle, and the number of followers or subscribers. Name the file “Attachment B: Followers and Subscribers” and upload as a pdf at www. grants.gov. (Category A)
• Applicants must provide a chart to show the geographical location of members, chapters, or networks and programs being implemented within the jurisdictions to demonstrate national reach, infrastructure and organizational capacity to conduct activities in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The chart should also include the point of contact for each member, chapter, or network organization and which of the EHE Phase 1 Jurisdictions the applicant plans to provide services. Name the file Attachment K: Memberships Chart” and upload as a pdf at www.grants.gov. (Category B)

Budget and Funding

How much funding is available?

The approximate current fiscal year total funding is approximately $2,235,000, with an approximate total project period funding of $11,175,000.

Average One Year Award Amount:

• Category A: up to $125,000
• Category B: up to $225,000

Approximate Number of Awards: 12

• Category A: Digital and Social Media- 5
• Category B: Events 7

 

When will the funds be available?

Organizations that are selected will receive funding on or before September 30, 2021. Funds may be used during the budget period length of 12 months.

 

How long can funding for the projects be continued?

The project period is five years. Throughout the project period, CDC’s commitment to continuation of awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government. To be granted a continuation award, you must have:

• Completed all recipient requirements;
• Submitted appropriate data and programmatic reports on your annual target levels of performance for each program performance indicator;
• Demonstrated sufficient progress in programmatic activities.

 

Are matching funds required?

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this NOFO exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability are strongly encouraged.

 

What is a duns number, and how do i obtain one?

You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. You need a DUNS number even if you are applying by paper submission.

There is no charge for a DUNS number. You can obtain a DUNS number by going to https://www.dnb.com/duns.html or calling 1-866-794-1577.

Note: It can take up to 30 business days to receive your DUNS number, so be sure to start the process early.

 

Where do I find guidance on budget preparation?

Budget Preparation Guidelines can be found here https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf on the CDC’s Office of Financial Resources website.

Applicants must submit an itemized budget narrative (not included in the Project Narrative’s 20-page limit), budget must include:

• Salaries and wages
• Fringe benefits
• Consultant costs
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Travel
• Other categories
• Total Direct costs
• Total Indirect costs

Recipients will be expected to attend a Recipient Orientation meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, during Year 1 and should allocate funds to support the travel of up to three staff persons to attend the 3 or 4 day meeting.

Recipients must allocate 5% of the overall budget to support program evaluation (of funded activities).

Recipients must also allocate sufficient funds to enable appropriate program staff to attend all required CDC meetings and trainings that support the strategies described in this NOFO, as communicated by CDC in advance of the meetings throughout the project period.

NOTE: If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate agreement is required. If the indirect costs are requested, include a copy of the current negotiated federal indirect cost rate agreement or a cost allocation plan approval letter for those recipients under such a plan.

 

What are the funding restrictions?

You must take the following funding restrictions into account when you are planning your program and writing the budget:

• Recipients may not use funds for research.
• Recipients may not use funds for clinical care except as allowed by law.
• Recipients may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.
• Generally, recipients may not use funds to purchase furniture or equipment. Any such proposed spending must be clearly identified in the budget.
• Reimbursement of pre-award costs generally is not allowed, unless the CDC provides written approval to the recipient.
• Other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, no funds may be used for:
  • publicity or propaganda purposes, for the preparation, distribution, or use of any material designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before any legislative body
  • the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before any legislative body
• See Additional Requirement (AR) 12 for detailed guidance on this prohibition and additional guidance on lobbying for CDC recipients.
• The direct and primary recipient in a cooperative agreement program 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.
• Recipients may not use funds for construction.
• Recipients may not use funds to support direct implementation of school-based HIV prevention programs. (This restriction is not applicable to collaborations with school-based HIV prevention programs.)
• Recipients may not use funds to purchase or supply medications.
• Recipients may not use funds for clinical services, such as the provision of PrEP and nPEP; treatment of HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis, and/or TB; vaccination against hepatitis A or hepatitis B; and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).

Submission

Can I apply for both funding categories?

Applicants may apply for one or both categories. If applying for both categories, fully describe plans to implement activities and provide a separate work plan for each category.

Category A applicants must include strategies to engage with at least two of the priority populations. Applicants must submit digital and social media data or reports that demonstrate reach and engagement among priority populations. This file should be named Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data and uploaded as a pdf at www.grants.gov. Category B applicants must conduct events in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. Applicants must submit a map or chart to show the location of members, chapters, and/or networks to demonstrate national reach, infrastructure and organizational capacity to conduct activities in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The file should be named Attachment K: Membership Chart/Map and uploaded as a pdf at www.grants.gov. Failure to submit required supporting documents may result in non-compliance.

 

When is my application due?

Application Deadline: April 5, 2021

Applications must be received on www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time.  If your application does not meet the submission deadline, it will not be eligible for review and will be discarded. You will be notified that you did not meet the submission requirements.

 

How do I submit my application electronically?

Applications must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov. The application package can be downloaded at  www.grants.gov. Applicants can complete the application package off-line and submit the application by uploading it at www.grants.gov. All application attachments must be submitted using a PDF file format. Directions for creating PDF files can be found at www.grants.gov.  File formats other than PDF may not be readable by OGS Technical Information Management Section (TIMS) staff.

Electronic applications will be considered successful if they are available to OGS TIMS staff for processing from www.grants.gov the deadline date.

Application submission is not concluded until the validation process is completed successfully. After the application package is submitted, the applicant will receive a “submission receipt” email generated by www.grants.gov. A second email message to applicants will then be generated by www.grants.gov that will either validate or reject the submitted application package.

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. Applicants also 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. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.

If an applicant does not receive a “validation” email within two business days of application submission, the applicant should contact www.grants.gov.

Required Strategies and Activities

If we are funded, what activities are we required to do?

Category A: Digital and Social Media

1. Promote and disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages via digital and social media communications channels to increase awareness of CDC’s HIV prevention work. Promotional activities may include (but are not limited to) campaign graphics and web links on organization’s website, campaign graphics and hashtags on social media posts.
   1. Social media channels may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms.
      • Social media activities and strategies may include (but are not limited to) posts, Facebook Live, Facebook Watch, Instagram Stories, Twitter Chats, Twitter Town Halls, and ad boosts.
   2. Digital media channels may include (but not limited to) blogs, websites, online radio, and mobile applications.
      1. Digital media activities may include (but are not limited to) web banners, CDC resource widgets, syndicated web content, ad placements, podcasts, online written content (op-eds), and email marketing.
2. Leverage partners, and networks to expand the reach of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.
   1. Partners may include (but are not limited to) digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, civic and social organizations, health care provider associations, clinical advisors, local businesses, and media outlets.
3. Recipients must develop a Communication Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. The plan should include internal organizational strategies as well as external stakeholder efforts and describe how populations otherwise not reached by similar programs will receive program interventions and how these messages will be adapted and delivered. The plan should include the following components:
   1. Communication Objectives: Write the communication objectives to help support program objective. Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, and culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target audiences.
   2. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1-3, 4- 6, 7-9, 10-12).
   3. Audiences: Name the primary audiences to reach for the identified program objective and provide demographic information on the audiences important for tailoring interventions.
   4. Communication Activities: Identify communication activities to support the communication objective and ultimately the program objective. Please include communication channels (e.g., website, newsletter, social media platform) and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas. If leveraging communication channels of external partner, please indicate in this section of the application.
   5. Metrics: Include metrics that relate to communication evaluation efforts. Metrics vary by communication activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: number of social media posts, likes, shares, and comments; number of TV, radio, print, or web ad placements; number of media impressions for radio, print, or web ad placements; number of blog posts, likes, shares, and comments; and number of searches on CDC resource widgets.

Category B: Events

1. Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events. Engagement efforts should be comprehensive and include multiple components and touch-points with priority populations. There should be a minimum of three engagement activities per event.
   1. Events may be in-person or virtual and may include (but are not limited to) national conventions, LGBT pride events, town halls, webinars, Zoom meetings, and online trainings.
      • Engagement activities may include (but are not limited to) ads in program book or app, in-person or virtual exhibit booths, workshops, conference bag inserts, GIF/photo booth, HIV testing and linkage services, and other innovative mechanisms.
2. Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach and dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.
   1. Partners may include (but are not limited to) digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, civic and social organizations, health care provider associations, clinical advisors, local businesses, and media outlets.
3. Recipients must develop an Events Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. The Events Plan should include internal organizational strategies as well as external stakeholder efforts. The plan should include the following components:
   1. Communication Objectives: Write communication objectives to help support the program objective. Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, and culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target audiences.
   2. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1-3, 4- 6, 7-9, 10-12).
   3. Audiences: Name the primary audience to reach for the identified program objective.
   4. Communication Activities: Identify event activities to support corresponding communication objectives and ultimately program objective. Please include event information, engagement activities, and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas. If leveraging external partners, please indicate in this section of the application.
   5. Metrics: Include metrics that relate to evaluation efforts. Metrics vary by event activities. Examples, but are not limited to, the following: number of materials disseminated; number of social media posts, likes, shares, and comments (associated with events); HIV testing and linkage services facilitated at events; and workshop/session attendance at events.

Completing the Application

Do I need to submit a letter of intent (LOI) and what is the format?

CDC recommends you submit an LOI. Although a letter of intent is not required, it is highly recommended and will assist CDC in planning for the review process.  Please submit only one LOI per organization.

You can access the LOI online at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/PS21-2104/index.html.

LOI Deadline:  February 17, 2021

Please email the LOI to NPT@cdc.gov.

Note: Do not send your application with the letter of intent.

 

What is included in an application?

Your application must contain the following information:

• Project Abstract
• Project Narrative
• Budget Narrative & Budget
• CDC Assurances and Certifications
• Table of Contents for Entire Submission

Additional Attachments

The following documents must be submitted as attachments with the application. These documents do not count toward the 20-page limit for the Project Narrative and Work Plan. Failure to submit documents may result in a lower score.  All attachments are located at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps21-2104/index.html

• Non-profit Organization Federal 501(c)(3) IRS Status Letter (if applicable)
• Workplan (for Category A and Category B, if applying for both categories)*
• Resumes/CVs for key PS21-2104 positions (Executive Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, and Business Official); name the file “Attachment A :Resumes/CVs” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)
• Digital and Social media data, such as screenshots indicating the number of followers and subscribers; name the file “Attachment B: Followers and Subscribers” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A)
• Staffing plan inclusive of position descriptions and staff roles; name the file “Attachment C: Staffing Plan” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)*
• Letters of Support (up to five), from civic, non-profit business, and/or faith- based organization; name the file “Attachment D: LOS” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)*
• Organizational Charts (Agency-wide and PS21-2104 PACT program); name the files “Attachment E: Org Charts” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)
• Partnership agreements (previous or current partnerships); name the file “Attachment F: Partnership Agreement” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)
• Partnership roster (include partner organization, location, and contact person); name the file “Attachment G: Partnership Roster” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)*
• Organization’s annual report; name the file “Attachment H: Annual Report” and upload as a pdf s at grants.gov. (Category A and B)
• Digital and social media data/reports; name the file “Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A)
• List of digital and social media influencers; name the file “Attachment J: Digital and Social Media Influencers” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A)
• Chart to show geographical location of members, chapters, or networks; name the file Attachment K: Memberships Chart” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category B)*
• Program evaluation data/reports; name the file “Attachment L: Evaluation Data” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category A and B)
• Event outcome data; name the file “Attachment M: Event Data” and upload as a pdf at grants.gov. (Category B)

*Templates and/or samples of these documents are located at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps21-2104/index.html.

Do I need to include a project abstract summary?

A project abstract must be submitted with the application. The abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed project including the purpose and outcomes.  This summary must not include any proprietary or confidential information. The abstract should be no more than one page in length.

 

What is the length of the project narrative?

There is a maximum limit of 20 pages and all pages should be numbered. If the narrative exceeds this page limit, content beyond the 20 pages will not be reviewed. The 20-page limit applies to the project narrative and work plan but does not include attachments.

 

What information must be included in the project narrative?

Applicants must submit a Project Narrative with the application forms. Applicants must name this file “Project Narrative” and upload it at www.grants.gov. The Project Narrative must include all the following headings (including subheadings): Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan. The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. It must address outcomes and activities to be conducted over the entire period of performance as identified in the CDC Project Description section. Applicants should use the federal plain language guidelines and Clear Communication Index to respond to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Note that recipients should also use these tools when creating public communication materials supported by this NOFO. Failure to follow the guidance and format may negatively impact scoring of the application.

Reporting Requirements and Evaluation

How are measures of effectiveness used?

You are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Funded organizations are required to meet the minimum requirements established in the NOFO program objectives. Performance goals are stated in the “CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement” section of the NOFO.

 

What are the reporting requirements?

Reporting provides continuous program monitoring and identifies successes and challenges that recipients encounter throughout the project period. Also, reporting is a requirement for recipients who want to apply for yearly continuation of funding.

Recipients must submit an annual performance report, progress reports, a final performance and financial report; participate in uniform data collection activities; and monthly data entry and electronic submission of data and reporting information. For items related to digital and social media metrics, recipients will be expected to establish appropriate internal systems to meet the reporting requirements. A detailed explanation of any additional reporting requirements will be provided in the Notice of Award to successful applicants.

Specific reporting requirements:

• Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan: Recipients must provide a more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan within the first six months of the project.
• Annual Progress Report: Recipients must submit the Annual Progress Report via grantsolutions.gov 120 days before the end of the budget period.
• Performance Measure Reporting: CDC programs must require recipients to submit performance measures annually as a minimum and may require reporting more frequently.
• End of Year Performance Report: Recipients must submit the End of Year Performance Report at the end of the performance year.
• Federal Financial Reporting (FFR): The annual FFR form (SF-425) is required and must be submitted within 90 days after each budget period ends. The report must include only those funds authorized and disbursed during the timeframe covered by the report.
• Final Performance (Closeout Report) and Financial Report: At the end of the project period, recipients must submit a final report including a final financial and performance report. This report is due 90 days after the project period ends.

Review Process

How does the CDC review and selection process work?

Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not advance to Phase II. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility or published submission requirements.

There are three steps to the evaluation process for complete and responsive applications:

Phase I:  All applications will be reviewed initially for completeness by CDC OGS staff and will be reviewed jointly for eligibility by the CDC NCHHSTP and OGS.

Phase II: The second step of the review process is an objective review and scoring by an independent review panel assigned by CDC, known as an Objective Review Panel (OR). A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria list in the “Review and Selection” section of the NOFO.

Phase III Review will be conducted after CDC’s internal objective review process. Applicants will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel.

The following factors may affect the funding decision and CDC’s decision not to fund in order by score and rank:

• Preference to ensure equitable balance in terms of targeted racial or ethnic minority groups. (The number of funded applicants serving each racial or ethnic minority group may be adjusted based on the burden of HIV disease in that group as measured by HIV reporting.)
• Preference to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.
• Preference for applicants proposing to serve underserved populations that are not addressed in other applications.
• Preference for the balance of funded applicants based on (1) burden of HIV within jurisdictions and (2) disproportionately affected geographic areas, as measured by CDC (geographical diversity).
• Preference for applicants that propose cost-effective programs that fully maximize the impact of CDC’s fiscal resources.

Awards

How will my organization be notified if it is selected for funding?

Recipients will receive an electronic copy of the Notice of Award (NoA) from CDC OGS. The NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized GMO and e-mailed to the recipient program director.

Any applicant awarded funds in response to this NOFO will be subject to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Of 2006 (FFATA) requirements.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of these results by e-mail with delivery receipt or by U.S. mail. The anticipated announcement award date is on or before September 30, 2021.

Technical Assistance

Is Technical Assistance With Writing My Application Available?

Technical assistance with the development of your PS21-2104 proposal is not available.

 

What if I need technical assistance with grants.gov?

If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants should contact Customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at support@www.grants.gov. Application submissions sent by email or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note that www.grants.gov is managed by HHS.

After consulting with the Contact Center, if the technical difficulties remain unresolved and electronic submission is not possible, applicants may email or call CDC OGS Grants Management Officer/ Grants Management Specialist (GMO/GMS), before the deadline, and request permission to submit a paper application. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Questions

Who may I contact for more information?

For programmatic technical assistance, contact:

Joynecia Clements-Powell, Public Health Analyst
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE- MS US8-5
Atlanta, GA 30329
Email: NPT@cdc.gov

For financial, awards management, or budget assistance, contact:

Arthur Lusby, Grants Management Officer
Office of Grants Services
2939 Flowers Road, MS TV-2
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-2865
Email: ALusby@cdc.gov

Hearing impairment assistance:
CDC telecommunications for persons with hearing impairment or other disabilities are available at TTY 1-888-232-6348.

Grants.gov assistance:
 If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov applicants should contact Customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by e-mail at support@www.grants.gov.  Application submissions sent by e-mail or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note the www.grants.gov is managed by HHS.