What is the purpose of this program announcement?

This program announcement (PA) is consistent with CDC’s Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance plan and the CDC goal to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the United States. Funds are available under this announcement for a cooperative agreement program for nonprofit organizations to develop and implement HIV prevention programs in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.

The specific goals of this announcement are to:

• Fund community-based organizations to implement selected, standardized HIV prevention models to complement HIV prevention activities and interventions conducted by state and local health departments by addressing high priorities identified by the state or local Community Planning Group (CPG).
• Administer effective HIV prevention services to persons at high risk for HIV infection or transmission.
• Reduce barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and increase access to HIV testing and use of quality medical care, treatment, and ongoing prevention services.
   

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What are the specific objectives of this program announcement?

• Reduce HIV transmission.
• Reduce barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection.
• Increase the number of individuals at high risk for HIV infection who both become informed of their serostatus and who begin receiving appropriate HIV prevention services.
• Increase the use of evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention.
• Increase access to quality medical care and ongoing HIV prevention services for persons living with HIV.
• Complement HIV prevention activities and program models supported by state and local health departments.
• Increase outreach and education efforts to encourage persons at high risk for HIV infection or transmission to learn their HIV status.

This program announcement also addresses the “Healthy People 2010” focus area of HIV prevention and the CDC’s Advancing HIV Prevention (AHP) initiative.

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What are the measurable outcomes?

The measurable outcomes will be 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):

• Reduce the number of new HIV infections.
• Increase the number of persons living with HIV who know their status.
• Increase the number of persons living with HIV who are linked to appropriate prevention, care, and treatment services.

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Can the PA be used to support research?

This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be reviewed. For the definition of research, please see the CDC website.

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Where can I view the PA?

Visit www.grants.gov to view and learn more about the PA, including all of the attachments and appendices. Definitions for terms used frequently throughout the FAQ can be found in PA Attachment I: Glossary of Terms.

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Where can I get the latest PA related updates?

The PA website will be constantly updated with the latest information about the PA and all related technical assistance (TA) activities.

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Is technical assistance with writing my application available?

Technical assistance with your application (such as reviewing, editing, and feedback) is available through the PA website.

Capacity building assistance (CBA) in two focus areas can also be requested through the PA website:

• Organizational infrastructure (e.g., budget development, board development, fiscal management procedures and protocols, and developing information tracking systems)
• Strengthening behavioral interventions (e.g., adapting specific HIV prevention interventions for subpopulations, review of existing curricula, and strategic planning and program design)

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How much money is available?

The approximate current fiscal year funding is $1.8 million:

• Category A (The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico): $1.3 million
• Category B (The United States Virgin Islands): $500,000

The approximate total project period funding is $9 million.

Note: These amounts are estimates and are subject to availability of funds. The type of award is cooperative agreement.

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How will the funds be distributed?

• Approximate Number of Awards: 8
• Approximate Average Award: $250,000
• Floor of Individual Award Range: $200,000
• Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $300,000

The average, floor, and ceiling amounts are for the first 12-month budget period and include both direct and indirect costs.

Notes:

• Funding estimates may change based on the availability of funds.
• If a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award range is requested, your application will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that the application did not meet the submission requirements.

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When will the funds be available?

Organizations that are selected will receive funding July 1, 2008. Funds may be used during the budget period length of 12 months.

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