If you have any questions regarding funding opportunity announcement (FOA) PS12-1201 and application submission, please review the attached FOA and the Frequently Asked Questions document in its entirety; however, if your questions were not addressed, please forward your inquiries to HDFOA@cdc.gov.

1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA)?
   

   Funds available under this announcement are intended to support a cooperative agreement program for health departments to implement high impact, comprehensive HIV prevention programs and reduce new HIV infections. 

   The FOA, Comprehensive HIV prevention Programs for Health Departments includes three categories:

   • Category A: HIV Prevention Programs for Health Departments (core HIV prevention required program components and activities; as well as recommended program components)
   • Category B: Expanded HIV Testing for Disproportionately Affected Populations (referred to as Expanded Testing Program)
   • Category C: Demonstration Projects for Innovative, High Impact HIV Prevention Interventions and Strategies

   The purpose of this FOA is to enhance health departments’ capacities to increase HIV testing, link HIV positive persons to medical care and other essential services, and increase program monitoring and accountability. 

   This program addresses the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) goals of:

   • Reducing new infections;
   • Increasing access to care;
   • Improving health outcomes for people living with HIV; and
   • Promoting health equity.

   The FOA addresses the “Healthy People 2020” focus area(s) of HIV prevention.

2. WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC GOAL OF THIS FOA?
   

   The goal of this FOA is to support the reduction of HIV transmission by building the capacity of health departments to:

   • Focus HIV prevention efforts in communities and local areas where HIV is most heavily concentrated to achieve the greatest impact in decreasing the risks of acquiring HIV;
   • Increase HIV testing opportunities;
   • Increase awareness and educate communities about the threat of HIV and how to prevent it;
   • Increase access to care and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV by linking them to continuous and coordinated quality care and much needed medical, prevention and social services;
   • Expand targeted efforts to prevent HIV infection using a combination of effective, evidence-based approaches, including delivery of integrated and coordinated biomedical, behavioral, and structural HIV prevention interventions; and
   • Reduce HIV-related disparities and promote health equity.
3. 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):

   • Decrease the annual HIV incidence rate in communities where HIV is most heavily concentrated.
   • Decrease the rate of HIV transmission by HIV-infected persons.
   • Decrease risky sexual and drug-using behaviors among persons at high risk for acquiring HIV.
   • Increase the proportion of HIV-infected people in the United States who know they are infected.
   • Increase the proportion of HIV-infected persons who are linked to prevention and care services.
4. CAN THE FOA BE USED TO SUPPORT RESEARCH?
   

   This announcement only supports non-research activities, as defined by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be reviewed. For CDC’s definition of research, please refer to the CDC website here.

5. WHERE CAN I VIEW THE FOA?
   

   Visit www.Grants.gov to view and learn more about the FOA, as well as its associated attachments and appendices. Definitions for terms used frequently throughout the FOA can be found in Attachment I: Glossary of Terms. Visit the FOA website.

6. WHERE CAN I GET THE LATEST FOA-RELATED UPDATES?
   

   CDC has established a website to help applicants better understand the goals and objectives of the FOA. The website containsa copy of the FOA in its entirety, as well as links to the www.Grants.gov and additional updates and information.

   This website will be updated regularly with the latest information about the FOA and all related technical assistance (TA) activities. Visit the FOA website.

7. IS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH WRITING MY APPLICATION AVAILABLE?
   

   Technical assistance (TA) resource information can be obtained from the FOA website.

   In addition to the website, the following technical assistance activities will help applicants complete the application process and receive assistance online or via conference calls related to the FOA.

   Pre-Application Webcast Conference Calls
   A series of webcast conference calls have been scheduled from July - August, 2011, to support applicants with the FOA process. Following a series of presentations on the FOA application process by CDC staff, participants will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions they have related to the FOA.  Representatives from the Division’s Prevention Program Branch (PPB), Program Evaluation Branch (PEB), and Capacity Building Branch (CBB), as well as CDC’s Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) will be available during these webinars. The conference call schedule and call-in information can be found on the FOA website.

   HD FOA Information line (404-639-8330)
   CDC has established an information telephone line for potential applicants to request information and ask questions about the application process. The information line will be open 24 hours a day from June 30- August 26, 2011.  Responses to all questions will be forwarded to the questioner via email and posted on the CDC FOA website.

   Last Chance Technical Assistance Calls
   A final Technical Assistance Call has been scheduled for August 25, 2011. Applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the submission of their application.

   Instructions and specific dates/times for the Pre-Application Webcast Conference Calls will be available on the the FOA website.

8. HOW MUCH MONEY IS AVAILABLE?
   

   During the first fiscal year of the project, approximately $284,000,000 million will be available to agencies awarded funds under Category A; approximately $54,830,000 million will be available to agencies awarded funds under Category B; and approximately $20 million will be available to agencies awarded funds under Category C.

   Note: These amounts are estimates, which include direct and indirect costs and are subject to availability of funds.

9. HOW MANY AWARDS WILL CDC PROVIDE, AND WHAT SORT OF FUNDING CAN GRANTEES EXPECT TO RECEIVE?
   
   • Approximate Number of Awards:
     • Category A: 69 awards
     • Category B: 36 awards
     • Category C: 34 awards
   • Approximate Average Award:
     • Categories A and B: See funding table for average award for each jurisdiction.
     • Category C: See funding ranges for awards.

   Note: This amount is for the first 12-month budget period and includes both direct and indirect costs. 

   • Floor of Individual Award Range:
   • Categories A and B: See funding table for floor amount for each jurisdiction.
   • Category C: None
   • Ceiling of Individual Award Range:
   • Categories A and B: See funding table for ceiling amount for each jurisdiction.
   • Category C: $2,000,000 per proposal.

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

   • Funding estimates may change based on the availability of funds.
10. WHEN WILL THE FUNDS BE AVAILABLE?
    

    Health departments that are selected for awards under this FOA will receive funding by January 1, 2012.

11. HOW LONG WILL FUNDING FOR THE PROJECTS BE CONTINUED?
    

    The project period for Categories A and B is five years and four years for Category C. Throughout the project period, CDC’s commitment to continuation of awards will be contingent 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.
    • Demonstrated sufficient progress in programmatic activities.
12. ARE MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED?
    

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

13. IS MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT REQUIRED?
    

    Maintenance of effort is not required for this program.

14. WHO MAY APPLY FOR FUNDING?
    

    Applicants eligible for Category A and Category C of this FOA are limited to state, local and territorial health departments or their Bona Fide Agents.  This includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.  Also eligible are the local (county or city) health departments serving the ten (10) specific Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) or specified Metropolitan Divisions (MDs) that have the highest unadjusted number of persons living with a diagnosis of HIV infection as of year-end 2008.  The ten cities are Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

    Applicants eligible for Category B of this FOA are limited to state, local and territorial health departments or their Bona Fide Agents with at least 3,000 Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino adults and adolescents (unadjusted number) living with a diagnosis of HIV infection as of year-end 2008.  Eligible jurisdictions are Alabama, Atlanta, Arizona, Baltimore, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Chicago, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Georgia, Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Los Angeles, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, New York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.

    Note: Community-based organizations, For-profit agencies, hospitals, colleges/universities, and research institutions are not eligible to apply.

15. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
    

    General Requirements
    Applicants must:

    • Submit an application for eligible categories (A, B, and/or C).  Only one application per health department can be submitted. An application for Category A must be submitted if the applicant intends to apply for Categories B and/or C.
    • Not request funding greater than the ceiling of the award range, including indirect costs. (Category C only)
    • Adhere to the required page limits and comply with the format requirements.
    • Submit letter of agreement between local (city or county) and state health departments for jurisdictions with eligible state and local health departments

    Notes:

    • All information submitted with your application is subject to verification during a post award site visit and/or a recipient capability assessment (RCA).
    • You may not submit an application as the principal partner of another organization that does not meet the criteria above.
    • If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special requirements, it will not be entered into the review process. Late submissions will be considered non-responsive.
16. IF WE ARE FUNDED, WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED ACTIVITIES?
    

    Throughout the term of this funding opportunity announcement, applicants will be required to implement an HIV Prevention Program that is composed of some combination of interventions and services.
    Applicants are required to implement the following for each category in which funding is requested.

    Category A: HIV Prevention Programs for Health Departments

    The purpose of Category A is to support and enhance the ability of health departments to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive HIV prevention programs that are effective, scalable and intended to yield maximum impact on reducing new HIV infections.

    Category A is required for all applicants applying for funding. Approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of Category A funding resources must be allocated to the required core components and activities.  Applicants must implement all four (4) of the core components, although the distribution of resources and implementation of the elements under each core component should be based on scalability and balance of resources, epidemiological data, local need, and priority populations. Applicants must also implement the three (3) required activities to support the core components.

    Required Core Components:

    • HIV Testing
    • Comprehensive Prevention with Positives
    • Condom Distribution
    • Policy Initiatives

    Required Core Activities:

    • Jurisdictional HIV Prevention Planning
    • Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
    • Program Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Quality Assurance

    In addition to addressing the required core components and activities, applicants may consider implementing, but are not required, the recommended program components during the project period under Category A.  Up to twenty-five percent (25%) of Category A funding resources may be allocated to the recommended program components.

    Recommended Program Components:

    • Evidence-based HIV Prevention Interventions for HIV-negative persons at highest risk for acquiring HIV
    • Social Marketing, Media, and Mobilization
    • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Services

    Please refer to the FOA for details of each component and activity under Category A.

    Category B: Expanded HIV Testing for Disproportionately Affected Populations (referred to as Expanded Testing Program)

    The purpose of Category B is to support health departments to implement expanded HIV testing efforts for populations disproportionately affected by HIV – African Americans, Hispanics, Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM), and Injection Drug Users (IDUs), primarily in healthcare settings. 

    The goal for Category B is to increase the number of persons who receive HIV testing, and the number and proportion of HIV-infected persons who are aware of their infection by:

    • providing routine HIV testing in healthcare settings serving these populations
    • expanding targeted HIV testing in non-healthcare settings or venues where high-risk members of these populations can be accessed
    • ensuring that persons testing positive for HIV infection (new positives and previously diagnosed positives not in care) receive HIV test results, prevention counseling and linkage to medical care, Partner Services, and HIV prevention services.

    Category B also supports integration of HCV, HBV, STDs, and TB testing with testing and prevention services for HIV, and adoption of sustainable, routine HIV screening programs in healthcare facilities, consistent with CDC’s 2006 Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings.

    At least seventy percent (70%) of Category B funding must be allocated to the delivery of services in healthcare settings.  Up to thirty percent (30%) may be used to support targeted testing efforts in non-healthcare settings.

    Key components to be conducted under Category B and implemented during the project period include the following:

    • Expanded HIV Testing in Healthcare Settings (required)
    • Expanded HIV Testing in Non-healthcare Settings (optional)
    • Service Integration (optional)

    National-level objectives and performance standards that will be used for HIV testing, linkage to care, and other related activities funded under Category B include: 

    • Among all funded jurisdictions, CDC expects that approximately 1.1 million HIV tests are provided nationwide and approximately 5,500 HIV-infected persons who were previously not aware of their infection are identified in the first year of funding.  When the program is fully implemented, annually conduct approximately 1.3 million HIV tests and identify approximately 6,500 HIV-infected persons who were previously not aware of their infection.

    Please refer to the FOA for details of program activities conducted under Category B.

    Category C: Demonstration Projects for Innovative, High Impact HIV Prevention Interventions and Strategies

    This funding will support implementation and evaluation of innovative, high impact HIV prevention activities that address any of the following focus areas:

    1. Structural, behavioral, and/or biomedical interventions, or a combination thereof, that will have a high impact in reducing HIV incidence.
    2. Innovative testing activities that increase identification of undiagnosed HIV infections and/or improve the cost effectiveness of HIV testing activities.
    3. Enhanced linkage to and retention in care for persons with newly and prior diagnosis of HIV infection
    4. Advanced use of technology (e.g. internet partner services)
    5. Programmatic and epidemiologic use of CD4, viral load and other surveillance data to assess and reduce HIV transmission risk.

    Please refer to the FOA for details of program activities conducted under Category C.

17. IS HIV PREVENTION PLANNING REQUIRED?
    

    All funded jurisdictions are required to have in place a prevention planning process to include the development of a jurisdictional HIV prevention plan and the establishment of an HIV prevention planning group (formerly HIV Community Planning Group). Community planning has evolved into HIV prevention planning, which aims to contribute to HIV prevention through developing both targeted and broad-based collaboration among stakeholders. Prevention planning will entail broadening the group of partners and stakeholders engaged in prevention planning, improving the scientific basis of program decisions, and targeting resources to those communities at highest risk for HIV transmission and acquisition.

18. ARE THERE ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ACTIVITIES?
    

    The following activities are required of all award recipients. They must be discussed in the project narrative, but do not require a separate sub-budget.

    Other Required Activities (applicable for all Categories)

    1. Ensure that appropriate health department and community representatives attend required CDC-sponsored meetings.
    2. Adhere to CDC policies for securing prior approval for CDC-sponsored conferences and meetings.
    3. Submit any newly developed public information resources and materials to the CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) to be added to the database and accessed by other organizations and agencies.
    4. If using materials that include the name or logo of either CDC or the Department of Health and Human Services, submit a copy of the proposed material to CDC for approval.
    5. Comply with the requirements set forth in the HIV Content Review Guidelines.
    6. In addition to funding under this announcement, demonstrate effort to sustain HIV prevention efforts throughout the jurisdiction.
    7. Facilitate efforts to coordinate and collaborate among existing categorical program.
    8. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships within and external to the health department for shared planning, implementation, and sustainability of program efforts.
    9. Ensure ongoing communication and information sharing between the state and local health departments and other providers.
    10. Collect and submit additional information as required for interim and annual progress reports.

    Collect and submit additional data requirements according to the most recent National HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance.

19. HOW WILL CDC ASSIST MY ORGANIZATION IF WE ARE FUNDED?
    

    In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff are substantially involved in program activities. In addition to grant monitoring, CDC involvement will include:

    1. Provide consultation and technical assistance (TA) to grantees on all aspects of the implementation of the funding program as well as all protocols, procedures, and instruments related to the plan, both directly and through CDC’s network of grantees and partners.
    2. Work with grantees to address training and CBA/TA needs that are crucial to the successful execution of the plan, and that are not addressed by other funding sources.  
    3. Facilitate coordination, collaboration, and where feasible, service integration among other CDC programs, health departments and their programmatic divisions, local planning groups, directly-funded CBOs, national capacity building assistance providers, care providers and other critical partners working with at risk populations and towards common goals of risk reduction, disease detection, and a continuum of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
    4. Monitor grantee progress in implementing the program and work with grantees through consultation via site visits, email, telephone, and review of progress reports to support implementation of the program plan.  
    5. Monitor grantee progress in conducting monitoring and evaluation activities. Work with grantees through consultation via site visits, email, telephone, and review of progress reports and other data reports to support progress, program improvement, and reductions in HIV transmission.
    6. Provide requirements and expectations for standardized and other data reporting and support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities with technical assistance, web-based training on M&E, M&E-related materials such as data collection tools, and on-line TA via the National HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Service Center.
    7. Facilitate necessary CDC and other clearances.  
    8. Plan, convene, and facilitate grantee meetings during the project period. 
20. DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT, AND WHAT IS THE FORMAT?
    

    CDC requires applicants to complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) for Category C only. 

    Although a letter of intent is required for Category C, it is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows CDC program staff to estimate and plan the review of submitted applications.

    The LOI must contain the following information:

    • Number and title of this funding opportunity.
    • Number of projects proposed
    • Descriptive title of proposed project.
    • Focus area(s) that the project(s) will address
    • Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator/Project Director.
    • Statement identifying which focus area under Category C the applicant is applying.
    • Applicant information, including name, address, and DUNS number.

    CDC requires applicants to submit the LOI toHDFOA@cdc.gov.

    Attention:
    Erica Dunbar – CDC – RFA – PS12-1201
    Department of Health and Human Services
    CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention

    Prevention Program Branch

    LOI Deadline Date:
    July 21, 2011 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Note: Do not send your application with the Letter of Intent.

21. WHAT IS A DUNS NUMBER, AND HOW DO I GET ONE?
    

    Applicants 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.

    There is no charge for a DUNS number, and you can obtain one by going to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do or by calling 1-866-705-5711.

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

22. HOW DO I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
    

    CDC requires you to submit applications electronically at www.Grants.gov, the official U.S. government agency-wide
    e-grant website. The application package can be downloaded from www.Grants.gov.
    Applicants are able to complete it offline and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov.
    Email submissions will not be accepted.

    Electronic applications will be considered as having met the deadline if the application has been successfully submitted electronically by the applicant’s Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) to www.Grants.gov on or before the deadline date and time. Applications will receive an electronically stamped date/time, along with an assigned tracking number; this documentation will serve as receipt of submission. The AOR will receive an email notice of receipt when HHS/CDC receives the application.

    If the applicant has technical difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service can be reached by email at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the exception of holidays.

    HHS/CDC recommends that organizations submit their applications to Grants.gov at least seven days prior to the deadline so that they have time to resolve any unanticipated technical difficulties.

    If you still have questions, contact the Procurement and Grant Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO TIMS) staff at 770-488-2700 or PGOTIM@cdc.gov. Applicants are asked to allow two to three days after the submission deadline before calling, which allows time for submissions to be processed and logged.

    Note: The application is not complete until you have completed the validation process. Validation may take as long as two business days to complete. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the due date.

23. WHEN IS MY APPLICATION DUE?
    

    Application Deadline Date:
    September 14, 2011

    Applications must be received in the CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the deadline date.

    If the application submission does not meet the published deadline, it will not be eligible for review and the applicant will be notified that the application did not meet the submission requirements. 

    Applicants must download the SF 424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity. If access to the Internet is not available or if the applicant encounters difficulty in accessing the forms on-line, contact the PGO TIMS staff at 770-488-2700 for further instruction. CDC Telecommunications for the hearing impaired or disabled is available at TTY 1-888-232-6348.

24. WHAT FIRST STEPS SHOULD I TAKE TO APPLY ONLINE?
    

    Step One: Visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to familiarize yourself with the registration and submission processes.

    Step Two:
    Complete the one-time registration process under “Get Registered” (if you have not registered previously). The registration process will take three to five days to complete; however, as part of the Grants.gov registration process, registering an applicant with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) could take an additional one to two days to complete.

    Grants.gov provides checklists and all the information you need to register. Registration allows you to be credentialed electronically and safeguards the entire application process.

    Step Three:
    Download Adobe software at Grants.gov in order to access, complete, and submit your application securely.

    Step Four:
    Make preparations to submit all documents for your application in a PDF format. Information about PDF software is available in the Help section at Grants.gov. Use of file formats other than PDF may result in the application’s being unreadable by staff.

    Step Five:
    Create a plan that allows you to submit your electronic application prior to the closing date, so that if you have any difficulties, you can submit a hard copy of the application prior to the deadline. An email confirmation will be sent to confirm the submission of a completed application.

25. WHAT IF I NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH GRANTS.GOV?
    

    If you have technical assistance questions/needs relating to Grants.gov, you can reach customer service by e-mail at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the exception of all federal holidays.

26. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN APPLICATION?
    

    Applicants should submit one single application, to include separate sections for each Category to which the applicant is applying.  Unless specifically indicated, this announcement requires submission of the following information:

    • Table of Contents
    • Cover Letter
    • Application Form (with DUNS number included)
    • Project Abstract
    • Project Narrative (for Category A, B and/or C)
    • Letter of Agreement (for jurisdictions eligible for direct funding to cities)
    • Jurisdiction HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Profile (if available)                                   
    • Management Plan (for each requested category)
    •  Curriculum Vitae or resume       
    • Budget and Budget Justification (for each requested category)                         
    • Detailed line item budget                                                                                      
    • Budget justification                                                                                               
    • Standard form 424A                                                                                           
    • CDC Form 0.1113 Assurance of Compliance

    Note: In the FOA refer to Attachment XIII: Application Checklist for items to be included with the application. 

27. WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN THE COVER LETTER?
    

    A cover letter must be included with your application.

    Your cover letter must contain the following:

    • Organization’s name and address, as well as your project director’s/principle investigator’s name and contact information.
    • A statement about the category or categories under which you are applying (Category A, B, and/or C), and the name of the focus area or services you propose to implement under Category C (if applicable).
    • A statement indicating the service area for program implementation (based on the letter of agreement, if applicable).
    • A statement of total amount of funding requested.
    • Written in “plain language” (e.g., not using jargon, unexplained acronyms, and confusing sentence structure).

    Your cover letter must follow this format:

    • Maximum number of pages: 2
    • Font size: 12-point unreduced
    • Font type: Times New Roman
    • Spacing: Single-spaced
    • Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
    • Page margin size: 1 inch
    • Printed only on one side of page
28. WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN THE TABLE OF CONTENTS?
    

    A table of contents must be included with your application. It must include page numbers where each section starts and a list of all application sections and appendices within the application package. The table of contents will not count toward your project narrative page count.

29. DO I NEED A LETTER OF AGREEMENT, AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED?
    

    Jurisdictions with eligible local (city or county) and state health departments must discuss how the state and local area will work collaboratively during the project period to ensure appropriate provision of services within the MSA or MD and document any agreements reached in a Letter or Agreement, which must be submitted by both parties as part of their application. 

    City or county health departments will be responsible for providing services to the entire MSA or specified MD.  In the event the city or county health department is unable or unwilling to provide services for the entire MSA or MD, the state may assume responsibility for any areas left uncovered and apply for a portion of the city or county’s funding allocation commensurate with the additional responsibilities and resource needs.  City and county health departments may opt not to apply; if this occurs, their funding allocation will then be available to the state to provide services for that MSA.

    At a minimum, the Letter of Agreement must include the following:

    • Name and address of entity providing HIV prevention services
    • Funding source (i.e. CDC PS12-1201)
    • Scope of services to be provided (i.e. a statement of the funding requested by each eligible entity, the assignment of responsibility for geographic areas, general services to be provided)
    • Date agreement is in effect
    • Signature of authorized representatives and dated.

    Refer to Attachment XI: Sample Letter of Agreement between Local and State Health Departments.
    The letter of agreement will not count toward your project narrative page count.

30. WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN THE PROJECT ABSTRACT?
    

    A project abstract must be submitted with the application and contain a summary of your proposed activity (or activities) that is suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained description of your project and should contain a statement of objectives and methods to be employed.  It should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields and, insofar as possible, understandable to a technically literate lay reader. This abstract must not include any proprietary/confidential information.

    The abstract must follow this format:

    • Maximum of 2-3 paragraphs (no more than one page)
    • Font size: 12-point unreduced
    • Font type: Times New Roman
    • Spacing: Single-spaced
    • Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
    • Page margin size: 1 inch
31. WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN THE PROJECT NARRATIVE?
    

    The project narrative should address activities to be conducted over the entire project period and provide more specific information for the activities during the first year of funding.  Applicants should refer to the criteria listed in the FOA for each Category the applicant is applying for.

    The project narrative must be uploaded in a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. The narrative must be submitted in the following format:

    • Maximum number of pages:

    • 50 pages for Category A.
    • 30 pages for Category B.
    • 10 pages for Category C.

    If your narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first pages which are within the page limit will be reviewed.

    • Font size: 12 point unreduced, Times New Roman
    • Spacing: Double-spaced
    • Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
    • Page margin size: One inch
    • Number all narrative pages; not to exceed the maximum number of pages
    • Printed only on one side of the page
32. HOW DO I NAME ELECTRONIC FILES?
    

    Each section and appendix of the application submitted to Grants.gov should clearly identify the category of funding for which it is submitted. Applicants may label each file with the state abbreviation and the category of funding (e.g., AL for Alabama, HPPHD for HIV Prevention Programs for Health Departments, ETP for Expanded HIV Testing Program, and DP for Demonstration Project).

33. WHERE DO I FIND GUIDANCE ON BUDGET PREPARATION?
    

    You must take the following funding restrictions into account when you are completing your budget: 

    • Funds may not be used for research.
    • Funds may not be used for clinical care.
    • Funds may only be expended for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services, such as contractual.
    • Generally, HHS/CDC/ATSDR funding may not be used for the purchase of furniture or equipment. Any such proposed spending must be identified in the budget.
    • Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
    • Grantees may not use funds for the purchase of medications, treatment vaccinations, or other medicines. 
    • Projects that involve the collection of information from 10 or more individuals and are funded by a grant/cooperative agreement will be subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    .Note: If requesting indirect costs in the budget, the indirect cost rate agreement should be uploaded as a PDF file with “Other Attachment Forms” when submitting via Grants.gov.

34. IS MY APPLICATION SUBJECT TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW?
    

    Your application is not subject to intergovernmental review. Executive order 12372 does not apply to this program.

35. HOW DOES THE CDC REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS WORK?
    
    Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement and Grants Office staff and for responsiveness jointly by the NCHHSTP and PGO.

    A CDC Objective Review Panel will be conducted in conjunction with a Structured Review by the Prevention Program Branch based on the evaluation criteria listed in Section V of the FOA.  All eligible applicants submitting complete and responsive applications will be funded for Category A. Funding for Category B is based on limited eligibility. Funding for Category C is competitive and based on application strengths.  Applications for Category B and Category C will be reviewed by an Objective Review Panel.

    Selection Process
    All eligible and technically acceptable applications will be funded for Category A. For Categories B and C, all applications deemed eligible and technically acceptable by the review panel will be funded in order of score and rank.

    In addition, the following factors may affect the funding decision: availability of funds, geographic diversity, and relevance to DHAP program priorities.

    Note: CDC will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank order.

36. WHAT ARE THE FUNDING RESTRICTIONS?
    

    You must take the following funding restrictions into account when you are completing your budget: 

    • Funds may not be used for research.
    • Funds may not be used for clinical care.
    • Funds may only be expended for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services, such as contractual.
    • Generally, HHS/CDC/ATSDR funding may not be used for the purchase of furniture or equipment. Any such proposed spending must be identified in the budget.
    • Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
    • Grantees may not use funds for the purchase of medications, treatment vaccinations, or other medicines. 
    • Projects that involve the collection of information from 10 or more individuals and are funded by a grant/cooperative agreement will be subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    .Note: If requesting indirect costs in the budget, the indirect cost rate agreement should be uploaded as a PDF file with “Other Attachment Forms” when submitting via Grants.gov.

37. HOW IS THE WRITTEN APPLICATION SCORED?
    

    Eligible applicants are required to provide a project narrative for the applied categories.

    Your written application will be evaluated on the following criteria:

    Structured Review for Category A: No point value.

    Structured Review for Category B: No point value.

    Objective Review for Category C:Total points = 500 points

    A. Background and Need (50 points)

    B. Program Description (200 points)

    C. Program Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation (200 points)

    D. Staffing and Management (50 points)

    E. Budget and Budget Justification (Reviewed, but not scored.)

    Although the budget is not scored, applicants should consider the following in development of their budget. Is the justification and itemized budget reasonable and consistent with stated objectives and planned program activities for conducting the project?

    If the applicant requests indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement is required. If the indirect cost rate is a provisional rate, the agreement should be less than 12 months of age. The indirect cost rate agreement should be uploaded as a PDF file with “Other Attachment Forms” when submitting via Grants.gov.

    Applicants may request federal personnel, equipment, or supplies as Direct Assistance (DA) to support Category A and Category B activities, in lieu of a portion of financial assistance (FA).

    The applicant can obtain guidance for completing a detailed justified budget at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.

38. WHAT IS A RECIPIENT CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT?
    

    A Recipient Capability Assessment (RCA) is an assessment to evaluate an organization’s ability to manage CDC funds.

    Note: All information submitted with the application is subject to verification during a post-award site visit and/or recipient capability assessment (RCA).

39. WHAT OTHER FACTORS AFFECT THE FUNDING DECISION?
    

    All eligible and technically acceptable applications will be funded for Category A. For Categories B and C, all applications deemed eligible and technically acceptable by the review panel will be funded in order of score and rank.

    In addition, the following factors may affect the funding decision: availability of funds, geographic diversity, and relevance to DHAP program priorities.

    Note: CDC will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank order.

40. HOW WILL MY ORGANIZATION BE NOTIFIED IF WE ARE SELECTED FOR FUNDING?
    

    Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between you and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized Grants Management Officer and emailed to your program director, and a hard copy will be mailed to the fiscal officer identified in your application.

    Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS, CCR Registration, and Transparency Act requirements.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of their application review by mail.

41. WHAT ARE OUR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IF FUNDED?
    

    The interim progress report (IPR) is due no less than 90 days before the end of the budget period. The IPR will serve as the non-competing continuation application and must contain the following elements:

    • Standard Form 424S.
    • SF 424A: Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.
    • Budget Narrative.
    • Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
    • Project Narrative.

    Additionally, funded applicants must provide CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of the following reports:
    Annual progress report (APR), due 90 days after the end of the budget period. Additional guidance on what to include in this report may be provided by CDC well in advance of the due date. It must include:

    • Progress the grantee has made toward achieving the target levels and goals of performance for each objective.
    • Current budget period financial progress.
    • Additional requested information.

    Financial Status Report* (SF 269) and annual progress report, are due no more than 90 days after the end of the budget period.

    Final performance report and Financial Status Report*, are due no more than 90 after the end of the project period.

    In addition, successful applicants are required to collect and submit additional data requirements according to the most recent National HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance.

42. WHO MAY I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
    

    General questions:
    Technical Information Management Section
    CDC Procurement and Grants Office
    2920 Brandywine Road, MS E-14
    Atlanta, GA 30341
    Phone: 770-488-2700
    Email: PGOTIM@cdc.gov

    Program technical assistance:
    Erica Dunbar, Program Leader
    Department of Health and Human Services
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Prevention Program Branch
    1600 Clifton Rd. MS E-58
    Atlanta, GA 30333
    Telephone: 404-639-8330
    Email: HDFOA@cdc.gov

    Financial, grants management, or budget assistance:
    Angie Tuttle, Grants Management Specialist
    Department of Health and Human Services
    CDC Procurement and Grants Office
    2920 Brandywine Road, MS E-15
    Atlanta, GA 30341
    Telephone: 770-488-2863
    Email: atuttle@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 you have technical difficulties with Grants.gov, customer service can be reached by email at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the exception of holidays.