Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement: CDC-RFA-PS-24-0028

Taken from the Q&A session of the Informational Call for CDC-RFA-PS-24-0028.

1. What is the allowable mix of research and non-research activities? What are the implications for the project narrative and budget narrative?

There is no ideal mix of research and non-research activities in the NOFO. Applicants should consider the budget implications when proposing the mix of activities and clearly delineate the research from non-research line items in the budget, since this will have implications for the budget indirect cost rates. Keep in mind that the key purpose of the NOFO should be preserved when considering the types of activities to propose. Note that all costs associated with research will be restricted until all institutional review board and other applicable approvals have been received.

2. Are applicants to propose at least 3 examples or exactly 3 examples?

Applicants must address 3 of the 4 priority areas. Applicants may cover all 4 priority areas if desired within the 15-page limit.

3. How should applicants decide between research and non-research activities?

The rationale for proposing research should be clearly tied to the NOFO strategies and priority areas. Applicants should refer to the definition of research in the CFR (see in 45 CFR 75.2, 42 CFR 52.2, and in 45 CFR 46.102(l)). There should be a justified need for why research is being proposed.

4. Is there an extent to which in the evaluation section of the NOFO, applicants should explain activities that would monitor outputs quantitatively versus qualitatively? Should applicants explain the extent to which they will evaluate the quality of the work or is CDC looking for how applicants will monitor the outputs of the work?

There are two potential approaches that would be relevant: assessment of quality or validity of models and quantitively outputs/outcomes. Note that the outputs and outcomes are not final and will be finalized with CDC after award.

5. Can applicants use hyperlinks to external websites, hyperlinks to other parts of the narrative (internal to document), or both?

Links are allowed for citations and references within the project narrative.

6. Does text in tables need to be 12-point font or are tables exempt from font requirements?

Applicants should use consistent font throughout the project narrative.

7. Are there any guidelines for the use of “consultants” within the project team? Are there restrictions on minimum or maximum hours of effort or funding for a consultant?

Applicants should follow requirements for consultants in CDC Budget Preparation Guidelines.

The CDC budget guidelines goes through each cost category and how to present the costs. Justifications need to be clear as to how it’s reasonable and necessary to achieve the project.

8. Are tables exempt from the font requirement or are tables exempt from the font requirement?

Applicants should use consistent font throughout the project narrative.

9. Is there any limitation on collaborative efforts with different types of organizations that would be classified as charities and 501c3?

Please refer to the NOFO on the benefits of collaborating with a wide variety of partners. Conflict of interest guidelines must be followed. Please refer to the NOFO for guidance on collaborations and requirements for consultants in CDC Budget Preparation Guidelines.

10. Can applicants include collaborators from the industry who do not require any funding (i.e., unfunded collaborators)? Is there any limitation on types of organizations or collaborators?

Applicants may include collaboration with unfunded industry partners to meet the objectives of the award to the extent the collaboration is consistent with the terms in the NOFO and the notice of award.  CDC defers to applicants to identify and establish collaborations that will aid in meeting the objectives of the award and describe those collaborations in their application for consideration.