U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Network for Tobacco Control and Prevention
Announcement Type: New Competing – Type 1
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-DP08-811
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:
93.283Key Dates:
Application Deadline: April 21, 2008
Authority: Section 317(k) (2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Section 247b (k) (2) as Amended]
Background:
Tobacco National Networks have been funded since 2001 to provide leadership, expertise and promotion of policy-related initiatives (including environmental and systems change) and increase utilization of proven or potentially promising practices when available or appropriate. Successes and lessons learned from this initiative includes the development policies that restrict tobacco use, an increase in the participation of tobacco prevention efforts by underserved populations, and the development of population specific tools that communities can use in tobacco prevention efforts. The Office on Smoking and Health seeks to continue the success and progression of work by the original initiative by seeking applications for a new five year funding cycle.
Purpose:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2008 funds to develop a consortium of national networks to expand the science of tobacco control within populations experiencing tobacco-related disparities. The consortium of national networks will facilitate a process by which network participants will inform the tobacco prevention community about: the depth of industry targeting; the gaps in data used to describe the burden of tobacco; and strategies to implement proven or promising interventions in specific populations. Each Network will build capacity in communities by recruiting individuals and organizations to facilitate learning and information sharing across and within network participants.
Compelling evidence indicates that race and ethnicity correlate with persistent, and often increasing, health disparities among U.S. populations and demands national attention. Although many aspects of the health of the nation have improved, the health of some racial and ethnic groups has improved less than others. Socioeconomic and cultural differences among racial and ethnic groups in the United States will likely continue to influence future patterns of disease, disability, and health care use. In addition to these populations there may be others experiencing tobacco-related disparities.
The population groups that are the focus for this Cooperative Agreement were identified as a result of the scientific evidence demonstrating these populations continue to experience significant tobacco-related disparities. For the purpose of this program announcement, these include: African American (AA); American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN); Asian American/Pacific Islander (AA/PI); and Hispanic/Latino (H/L). Only one award per specific population will be made. An Award will also be made to one organization that proposes to address low socio-economic status (low SES) groups and to one organization that can make a compelling argument to fund a national organization to support tobacco use prevention efforts for a specific population using quantitative and qualitative data to support the need for a National Network.
Funding in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 will be available to one of the organizations selected for funding as a National Network under this program announcement. The funding is to maintain a central website that contains contact information, description of materials, calendar of events, and information about the consortium of National Networks that will be beneficial to all the networks and other partners of the National Tobacco Control Program.
This program announcement addresses the “Healthy People 2010” focus areas. It is closely aligned with the two primary goals of “Healthy People 2010": 1) to increase quality and years of healthy life; and 2) to eliminate health disparities among segments of the population, including differences that occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education or income, disability, geographic location, or sexual orientation.
Measurable outcomes of this effort will be in alignment with one (or more) of the following performance goals for the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP):
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 Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/regs/hrpp/researchDefinition.htm
Recipient Activities and Performance Measures:
Activity A.
Maintain and strengthen a national tobacco control network by:1.
Recruiting participants (throughout the project period) with expertise in: industry targeting; data; strategies to implement proven or promising interventions; and resources for specific populations. Additionally, secure the involvement of organizations not historically involved in tobacco control. A participant is any individual or organization with experience working in the identified population.2.
Each network will establish and utilize a process by which decisions will be made for the network reflecting input from the diverse representation of network participants.3.
Increasing the Network’s capacity to identify and/or provide expert consultation using Network participants and experience with the specific population.Performance will be measured by:
1.
Maintaining a current participant list that gives names, organization or entity, tobacco expertise (if any), and a brief description of participant engagement in the Network.2.
Documenting of a process for identifying expertise among Network participants as well as the existence of a system to access this expertise for consultative purposes.
Activity B.
Facilitate learning and information sharing between Network participants, CDC OSH, States, and other national tobacco control partners by:1.
Developing a system for communicating with Network participants and other members of the National Networks Consortium.2.
Participating in external communications with NTCP members, CDC OSH, and national partners.3.
Raising the awareness and importance of tobacco control among Network participants and the organizations they may represent.4.
Promoting collaboration among Network participants.5.
Promoting culturally competent implementation of policies that reduce initiation of tobacco use, promote cessation, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities within the specific population. Promoting community specific responses to tobacco industry co-optation of communities through the use of counter-marketing messages and prevention strategies.Performance will be measured by:
1.
The effectiveness of a communication system of the Network (i.e., list serve, web site, conference calls, electronic newsletters and updates) to educate and inform Network participants of each other’s activities, opportunities, and challenges.2.
Participating in an external communication system for the exchange and dissemination of information (i.e., participating on technical assistance calls; maintaining and disseminating a list of experts in various areas of tobacco control; participating in national and state conferences and meetings with poster presentations or as a panelist; communicating to the all interested parties the perspective of the respective population regarding tobacco matters).3.
Documenting Network participants’ involvement in tobacco control activities.4.
Documenting collaboration between Network participants.5.
Providing evidence of Network-driven opportunities for participants to learn about culturally competent implementation of policies that reduce initiation of tobacco use, promote cessation, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities.6.
Documenting the existence of a system to identify and share community specific responses to tobacco industry co-optation of communities through the use of counter-marketing messages and prevention strategies.Activity C.
Assess the impact of tobacco on the population as well as gaps in data, interventions, and/or evaluation by:1.
Maintaining a repository of current literature, research and proven or promising practices related to tobacco control in the specific population and a mechanism for dissemination.2.
Convening Network participants to identify and recommend for further evaluation promising practices for the specific population.3.
Convening Network participants to identify gaps in methodologies and needed resources and make recommendations.Performance will be measured by:
1.
Providing evidence of a repository, which makes information available of current literature, research and proven or promising practices related to tobacco control in the specific population and a mechanism for dissemination.2.
Providing recommendations from convening Network participants to identify and recommend for further evaluation promising practices for the specific population.3.
Providing recommendations from convening Network participants to identify gaps in methodologies and needed resources.
Activity D.
Identify strategies and methodology for evaluation progress and performance.Performance will be measured by:
1.
Reporting results and using them to enhance progress and performance.
Activity E. Participate in central website development and maintenance.
Performance will be measured by:
1.
Respond in a supportive manner to the needs of the website administrator (to be determined) and maintaining an active link to the Consortium website from each Network’s website (if one exists).
Funding for Central Website
Following the selection of the Networks, one Network will be selected to maintain
and evaluate a central website that contains contact information, description of
materials, calendar of events, and other useful information about the initiative.
Recipient activities for the selected network are as follows:
Activity A.
Ensure the Central Website contains current and accurate information.Performance will be measured by:
1.
Maintain a website that is accessible and contains current information including, but limited to:a.
Description of the National Network Initiativeb.
Description of each Networkc.
Contact information for each Networkd.
Calendar of events for each Networke.
Articles, vignettes, and case studies that demonstrate promising and proven strategies in tobacco control.
Activity B.
Evaluate the Central Website for usability, effectiveness as a forum for sharing information, and appropriateness of content.Performance will be measured by:
1.
Developing and implementing an evaluation plan that includes measures of usability, effectiveness as a forum for sharing information, and appropriateness of content.
In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
CDC activities for this program are as follows:
A.
Facilitating communication between national networks and other tobacco control national partners; including other federal agencies. Providing up-to-date information that includes diffusion of proven and promising practices and current research and data in areas of tobacco use prevention and control.B. Conducting workshops, trainings and skill building seminars to increase the networks’ ability to implement program activities.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. CDC’s involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section above.
Award Mechanism: U58
Fiscal Year Funds: 2008
Approximate Current Fiscal Year Funding: $ 2.5 million
Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $ 12.5 million (This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds and includes both direct and indirect costs.)
Approximate Number of Awards: up to 6
Approximate Average Award: $ 300,000 - $400,000 (This amount is for the first 12-month budget period, and includes both direct and indirect costs.)
Floor of Individual Award Range: $ None
Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $ 400,000 (This ceiling is for the first 12-month budget period.) This includes both direct and indirect costs.
Anticipated Award Date: June 30, 2008
Budget Period Length: 12 months
Project Period Length: 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.
III.1. Applicant’s Eligibility
For this program announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has chosen to establish six networks that will develop a consortium of national networks to expand the science of tobacco control within populations experiencing tobacco-related disparities. The consortium of national networks will facilitate a process by which network participants will inform the tobacco prevention community about: the depth of industry targeting; the gaps in data used to describe the burden of tobacco; and strategies to implement proven or promising interventions in specific populations. Each Network will build capacity in communities by recruiting individuals and organizations to facilitate learning and information sharing across and within network participants.
The six organizations selected to represent the population groups selected for this Cooperative Agreement are a result of the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating these populations continue to experience significant tobacco-related disparities. Prevalence of current cigarette smoking varies substantially across populations and subpopulations. The tobacco industry targets vulnerable populations’ by promoting and advertising its products in these communities. Competition is limited to:
A Bona Fide Agent is an agency/organization identified by the state as eligible to submit an application under the state eligibility in lieu of a state application. If applying as a bona fide agent of a state or local government, a letter from the state or local government as documentation of the status is required. Attach with “Other Attachment Forms” when submitting via www.grants.gov.
There will be only one award per specific population. One additional award may be made available to an organization that can make a compelling argument to fund another specific population using quantitative and qualitative data to support the need for a National Network.
III.2. Costs Sharing
Costs sharing funds of ten (10) percent of the total amount requested in cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination thereof.
III.3. Other
If a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award range is requested, the application will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The applicant will be notified that the application did not meet the submission requirements.
Special Requirements:
If the application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the review process. The applicant will be notified the application did not meet submission requirements.
Minimum Requirement
Eligible organizations must meet ALL of the criteria listed below and provide evidence of eligibility by attaching a copy of Addendum 1, Eligibility Certification Form to the application proposal. Applicants not meeting all criteria listed below will not be eligible for funding.
All applicants must have:
A. Experience conducting process and/or outcome evaluations.
B. Evidence of effectiveness in implementing programs in the specific population.
C. A mission that demonstrates a commitment to improve the health of the specific population.
D. Proof of non-profit tax-exempt status as evidenced by an Internal Revenue Service determination letter, minutes or form 990.
E. A relationship to one of the specified population groups. A relationship is one in which there is a documented history of assisting and working with the specific population as an important component of the organization’s mission.
* Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting a grant, loan, or an award.
Electronic Submission:
CDC strongly encourages the applicant to submit the application electronically by utilizing the forms and instructions posted for this announcement on www.Grants.gov, the official Federal agency wide E-grant Web site. Only applicants who apply on-line are permitted to forego paper copy submission of all application forms. Applicants are able to complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. E-mail submissions will not be accepted.
Registering your organization through www.Grants.gov is the first step in submitting applications online. Registration information is located in the “Get Registered” screen of www.Grants.gov. While application submission through www.Grants.gov is optional, we strongly encourage you to use this online tool.
Please visit www.Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to familiarize yourself with the registration and submission processes. Under “Get Registered,” the one-time registration process will take three to five days to complete; however, as part of the Grants.gov registration process, registering your organization with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) annually, could take an additional one to two days to complete. We suggest submitting electronic applications prior to the closing date so if difficulties are encountered, you can submit a hard copy of the application prior to the deadline.
Agencies are also 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. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access the Dun and Bradstreet website or call 1-866-705-5711.
Paper Submission:
If access to the Internet is not available or if there is difficulty accessing the forms on-line, contact the CDC Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIMS) staff at 770-488-2700. For technical difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service can be reached by E-mail at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Application forms and instructions are available on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/app_and_forms.shtm
If submitting a paper application, the following additional format requirements must be followed:
·
Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches·
Page margin size: One inch·
Printed only on one side of page·
Paper application should be held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not bound in any other way.·
The paper submission must be clearly marked: “BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.”
IV-1 Content and Form of Submission
First Step - Grants.gov Mandatory Documents
Applicants are required to open and complete all of the documents in the Mandatory Documents Box in Grants.gov, starting with the 424 Form first. Mandatory Documents are as follows:
Second Step – Funding Opportunity Announcement Mandatory Documents
Applicants are required to upload or attach all of the following mandatory documents by component in PDF file format in the order stated below as attachments in Grants.gov. Directions for creating PDF files can be found on the Grants.gov website. Use of file formats other than PDF may result in an unreadable file.
These attachments must be submitted using the following format unless otherwise indicated above:
Third Step – Other Applicant Determined Attachments
Additional applicant determined information may also be uploaded as attachments in Grants.gov. These documents will not be counted toward the narrative page limit; however, attachments. This additional information may include table and charts Roman (fonts as low as 10 point may be used for tables and charts). No more than 5 electronic attachments should be uploaded per application.
Project Narrative
The narrative should address objectives to be conducted over the 5-year project period, and must include the following items in the order listed:
A. Executive Summary (one page)
Briefly describe:
1. Type of organization and the specific population served;
2. Need for the project;
3. Capacity to implement the ‘Recipient Activities.’
4. Proposed program objectives and activities;
5. Key organizations that will be included in the Network.
B. Narrative (not more than 19 pages)
1. Need
a. Describe the need for tobacco control initiatives in the respective specific population.
b. Describe the need for and benefits of a national network to address tobacco-related disparities in the respective specific population.
c. Describe the feasibility of developing and/or implementing programs using promising or proven practices to meet the needs of the specific population.
2. Capacity
a.
Describe your organization’s established relationships with experts and organizations nationally (including, but not limited to: national; state; local; academic; non-governmental organization; and private entities) serving the specific population.b. Describe your organization’s experience convening, facilitating, building and maintaining workgroups, coalitions, and networks. Include: 1) type of constituents; 2) number of constituents; and 3) location of constituents (intercity, rural, and multi-state).
c.
Describe how your organization has formed linkages and collaborative partnerships, including providing technical assistance, with public and private agencies including national organizations, Federal agencies, State and local health departments, and community-based organizations.d.
Describe your organization’s experience in implementing within the specific population proven strategies in tobacco prevention as identified in the CDC’s Best Practices in Tobacco Control and the Guide to Community Preventative Services.3. Organization Structure
a. Describe your organization’s organizational structure and how that structure can support the development of a tobacco control agenda and Network. (Submit a copy of the organizational chart).
b. Document that the mission and goals of your organization demonstrates a commitment to improve the health of the specific population.
c. Submit a copy of your organization’s smoke free worksite policy or a letter of commitment from the organization’s president or executive director to develop and implement one by the date of this award (if selected).
d. Document your organization’s commitment to hold any Network stakeholder meetings in a smoke free city.
e. Submit a copy of proof of non-profit status.
f. Show evidence of capacity to carry out fiduciary responsibilities over administration and management of projects.
4. Project Management and Staffing Plan
a. Describe how you will manage the project to accomplish the ‘Recipient Activities.’ Identify challenges you expect to arise and how you will problem-solve to overcome them.
b. Describe the proposed project staffing. Staffing should include the commitment of adequate number of staff to provide direction for the proposed activities.
c. Demonstrate that staff members have the professional background, experience, and organizational support needed to fulfill the proposed responsibilities. Include curriculum vitae (limit to 2 pages) for each staff member and job descriptions for staff.
d. If other organizations provide contractual or in-kind services, provide the name(s) of the organization(s), their capacity to and roles in carrying out the proposed activities, and how progress will be monitored.
5. Collaborative and Network Activities
a. Briefly describe the specific agencies, organizations and individuals your organization is currently collaborating with and identify other organizations you will invite to join the Network. In addition, list up to 10 potential participants that you perceive as most critical to partner with and describe why each is important. Briefly describe how collaborators were and will be involved in designing, implementing and providing input into activities. Be specific about their roles and the activities in which you will seek collaboration.
b. Describe how your organization plans to ensure diversity in Network participants’ backgrounds and expertise.
c. Provide letters of commitment from key organizations that clearly details their roles and responsibilities within the Network. Letters of commitment will not be counted as part of the application page limit.
d. Describe your plans to encourage State tobacco control programs’ participation in the Network to enhance efforts to reach and implement programs within the specific population.
6. Annual Action Plan (AAP)
Provide a narrative that describes your objectives to be conducted over the five-year project period and the annual action plan. In addition to the narrative, applicants are encouraged to use the AAP format included as Addendum 2 to summarize the key elements of the plan. In the narrative section applicants must address in detail the Recipient Activities listed in the “Activity” section.
The AAP should include the following:
a. Objectives: Provide SMART objectives (Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; and Time-phased) to be accomplished during the first year and a timeline that identifies major activities and assigns approximate dates for their inception and completion.
b. Key strategies and activities: Describe key strategies and activities to be conducted to meet Network objectives and accomplish the ‘Recipient Activities.’ Include a timeline for listed activities.
c. Tracking Progress: Provide a plan for monitoring and tracking progress toward accomplishing activities.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a line item budget and detailed justification for the first year. The budget should be consistent with stated program objectives and planned activities outlined in the annual action plan. The Budget will not be counted as part of the application page limit.
If proposed contractor(s) are known at time of the application provides the following:
1.
Name of contractor/consultant2.
Method of selection3.
Method of accountability4.
Scope of service5.
Period of performance6.
Detailed budget and budget justificationTo the extent necessary, applicants are encouraged to include budget items for technological support necessary for accessing and downloading information and communication with partners via the Internet.
Travel for the following CDC/OSH-sponsored meetings:
a.
Up to two (2) individuals (Program Manager and key staff) to attend a Training Institute in Phoenix, Arizona (July 2008), lasting 4 days. Each Network will have an opportunity to meet with OSH staff and review the management plan, annual action plan, NTCP Goals and Objectives and technical assistance needs and resources in a meeting that will be held in conjunction with the training. First year only.b.
Up to two (2) staff to Atlanta to attend a training to be determined, lasting two (2) days.c.
Up to two (2) staff to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the 2009 National Tobacco Control or Health Conference.
If requesting 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.
The recommended guidance for completing a detailed justified budget can be found on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.
Funding for Central Website (narrative not more than 10 pages)
One organization will be selected based on criteria detailed in section V.1. Criteria. If applying for funding to maintain and evaluate the Central Website, the applicant should provide the following:
1.
Narrative that details experience in developing, maintaining and evaluating a website, convening others to gather information, developing articles for publication and evaluating the efforts of the group.2.
Narrative that describes your annual action plan. (In addition to the narrative, applicants are encouraged to use the AAP format included as Addendum 2 to summarize the key elements of the plan.) The AAP should include the following:a. Objectives: Provide SMART objectives (Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; and Time-phased) to be accomplished during the first year.
b. Key strategies and activities: Describe key strategies and activities to be conducted to meet objectives and accomplish the ‘Recipient Activities’ for the central website.
c. Timeline: Provide a timeline that identifies major activities and assigns approximate dates for their inception and completion.
d. Tracking Progress: Provide a plan for monitoring and tracking progress toward accomplishing activities.
3.
Separate budget and justification.
Application Deadline Date: April 21, 2008
Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
Applications may be submitted electronically at www.Grants.gov. Applications completed on-line through Grants.gov are considered formally submitted when the applicant organization’s Authorizing Organization Representative (AOR) electronically submits the application to www.Grants.gov. Electronic applications will be considered as having met the deadline if the application has been successfully submitted electronically by the applicant organization’s AOR to Grants.gov on or before the deadline date and time.
When submission of the application is done electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), the application will be electronically time/date stamped and a tracking number will be assigned, which will serve as receipt of submission. The AOR will receive an e-mail notice of receipt when HHS/CDC receives the application.
If submittal of the application is by the United States Postal Service or commercial delivery service, the applicant must ensure that the carrier will be able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. The applicant will be given the opportunity to submit documentation of the carrier’s guarantee, if HHS/CDC receives the submission after the closing date due to: (1) carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the closing date and time; or (2) significant weather delays or natural disasters. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, HHS/CDC will consider the submission as having been received by the deadline.
If a hard copy application is submitted, HHS/CDC will not notify the applicant upon receipt of the submission. If questions arise on the receipt of the application, the applicant should first contact the carrier. If the applicant still has questions, contact the PGOTIMS staff at (770) 488-2700. The applicant should wait two to three days after the submission deadline before calling. This will allow time for submissions to be processed and logged.
This announcement is the definitive guide on application content, submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in the application instructions. If the application submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be eligible for review. The application face page will be returned by HHS/CDC with a written explanation of the reason for non-acceptance. The applicant will be notified the application did not meet the submission requirements.
IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
IV.5. Funding Restrictions
Restrictions, which must be taken into account while writing the budget, are as follows:
If requesting 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.
The recommended guidance for completing a detailed justified budget can be found on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.
IV.6. Other Submission Requirements
A letter of intent is not applicable to this funding opportunity announcement.
Application Submission Address:
Electronic Submission:
HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to submit applications electronically at www.Grants.gov. The application package can be downloaded from www.Grants.gov. Applicants are able to complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. If the applicant has technical difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service can be reached by E-mail at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
HHS/CDC recommends that submittal of the application to Grants.gov should be prior to the closing date to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the deadline. Applicants may also submit a back-up paper submission of the application. Any such paper submission must be received in accordance with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. of the grant announcement. The paper submission must be clearly marked: “BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.” The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-electronic submissions. If both electronic and back-up paper submissions are received by the deadline, the electronic version will be considered the official submission.
The applicant must submit all application attachments using a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. Directions for creating PDF files can be found on the Grants.gov Web site. Use of file formats other than PDF may result in the file being unreadable by staff.
AND/OR
Paper Submission:
Applicants should submit the original and two hard copies of the application by mail or express delivery service to:
2920 Brandywine Road, MS E-14
Atlanta, GA 30341
V.1. Criteria
Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the performance goals stated in the “Purpose” section of this announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative and must measure the intended outcome. The measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.
The application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
A. Executive Summary (Reviewed but not scored)
The extent the applicant describes the following: type of organization and the specific population served; need for the project; capacity to implement the ‘Recipient Activities’; proposed program objectives and activities; key organizations that will be included in the Network.
B. Narrative (100 Points)
1.
Need (10 points)a.
The extent the applicant describes the need for tobacco control initiatives in the respective specific population.b.
The extent the applicant describes the need for and benefits of a national network to address tobacco-related disparities in the respective specific population.c.
The extent the applicant describes the feasibility of developing and/or implementing programs using promising or proven practices to meet the needs of the specific population.2.
Capacity (15 points)a.
The extent the applicant describes the organization’s established relationships with experts and organizations nationally (including, but not limited to: national; state; local; academic; non-governmental organization; and private entities) serving the specific population.b.
The extent the applicant describes the organization’s experience convening, facilitating, building and maintaining workgroups, coalitions, and networks. Include: 1) type of constituents; 2) number of constituents; and 3) location of constituents (intercity, rural, and multi-state).c.
The extent the applicant describes how the organization has formed linkages and collaborative partnerships, including providing technical assistance, with public and private agencies including national organizations, Federal agencies, State and local health departments, and community-based organizations.d.
The extent the applicant describes the organization’s experience in implementing within the specific population proven strategies in tobacco prevention such as the CDC’s Best Practices in Tobacco Control and the Community Guide for Prevention Services.3. Organization Structure (10 points)
a.
The extent the applicant describes its organizational structure and how that structure can support the development of a tobacco control agenda and Network. (Submit a copy of the organizational chart).b.
The extent the applicant documents that the mission and goals of the organization demonstrates a commitment to improve the health of the specific population.c. The applicant submitted a copy of the organization’s smoke free worksite policy or a letter of commitment from the organization’s president or executive director to develop and implement one by the date of this award (if selected).
d. The extent the applicant documents the organization’s commitment to hold any Network stakeholder meetings in a smoke free city.
e. The applicant submitted a copy of proof of non-profit status.
f. The extent the applicant provided evidence of capacity to carry out fiduciary responsibilities over administration and management of projects.
4. Project Management and Staffing Plan (5 points)
a. The extent the applicant describes how it will manage the project to accomplish the ‘Recipient Activities’ and identifies challenges expected to arise and how to problem-solve to overcome them.
b. The extent the applicant describes the proposed project staffing and includes the commitment of adequate number of staff to provide direction for the proposed activities.
c. The extent the applicant demonstrates that staff members have the professional background, experience, and organizational support needed to fulfill the proposed responsibilities. Curriculum vitae (limit to 2 pages) for each staff member and job descriptions for staff have been included.
d. If other organizations provide contractual or in-kind services, the extent the applicant provides the name(s) of the organization(s), their capacity to and roles in carrying out the proposed activities, and how progress will be monitored.
5. Collaborative and Network Activities (10 points)
a. The extent the applicant describes the specific agencies, organizations and individuals currently considered collaborators. Additionally, the applicant identifies other organizations that will be invited to join the Network and has listed up to 10 potential participants that are perceived as most critical to partner with (describing why each is important, how collaborators were and will be involved in designing, implementing and providing input into activities being specific about their roles and the activities in such collaboration).
b. The extent the applicant describes how the organization plans to ensure diversity in Network participants’ backgrounds and expertise.
c. The applicant provides letters of commitment from key organizations that clearly details their roles and responsibilities within the Network.
d. The extent the applicant describes plans to encourage State tobacco control programs’ participation in the Network to enhance efforts to reach and implement programs within the specific population.
6. Annual Action Plan (AAP) (50 points)
a. The extent the applicant describes objectives, key strategies, and activities that accomplish the ‘Recipient Activities’ listed in the “activity” section and includes a timeline for these activities. (40 points)
b. The applicant provides SMART objectives (Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; and Time-phased) to be accomplished during the first year and includes a timeline that identifies major activities and assigns approximate dates for their inception and completion. (5 points)
c. The applicant provides a plan for monitoring and tracking progress toward accomplishing activities. (5 points)
7.
Budget and Budget justification (Reviewed but not scored)a.
The extent to which the budget is consistent with program activities and objectives, reasonable, itemized, clearly justified, and consistent with the work plan and intended use of funds.Funding for the Central Website
The application for funding to maintain the Central Website and to maintain an electronic database, which serves as a repository of the consortium’s activities and partnerships will be evaluated against the following criteria:
A. The extent the applicant demonstrates the ability and experience to develop and maintain a website. (23%)
B. The extent the applicant demonstrates the ability and experience to convene groups and facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information. (23%)
C. The extent the applicant demonstrates the ability and experience to write informative articles, vignettes, case studies and other publications that share promising and proven strategies in tobacco control. (23%)
D. The extent the applicant demonstrates ability and experience to evaluate efforts related to the website design and effectiveness. (23%)
E. The extent the applicant includes objectives that are realistic and related to identified needs and purpose of the Central Website and identifies realistic timelines, a process for tracking progress toward accomplishing activities and responsible parties for leading activities. (8%)
V.2. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff and for responsiveness jointly by the Office on Smoking and Health and PGO. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through the review process. Applicants will be notified the application did not meet submission requirements.
An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive applications according to the criteria listed in the “V.1. Criteria” section above. The objective review process will follow the policy requirements. The objective evaluation will be conducted by CDC employees outside the funding division.
Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel.
The following funding prefaces will affect the funding decision:
One application per specific population group will be awarded in accordance with the purpose of this Program Announcement.
CDC will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank order.
VI.1. Award Notices
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 the recipient and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized Grants Management Officer and emailed to the program director and a hard copy mailed to the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application review by mail.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Successful applicants must comply with the administrative requirements outlined in 45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92, as appropriate. The following additional requirements apply to this project: