An amendment has been made to section VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Developing and Disseminating Targeted Immunization Materials
Announcement Type: New
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-IP08-804
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.185
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: July 29, 2008
Authority: Section 317(k)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(1)).
Purpose: The purpose of the program is to provide support for the dissemination of immunization information using electronic and/or digital formats to enhance the effectiveness of disease prevention programs that reduce the annual burden of vaccine preventable diseases. This program addresses the “Healthy People 2010" focus areas of Health Communications and Immunization and Infectious Diseases.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the following performance goal for CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD): Improve infant, child, adolescent and adult immunization programs by:
- Increasing coverage of recommended vaccines while eliminating disparities (e.g. racial/ethnic or financial),
- Strengthening systems to assure adolescent and adult immunization, and
- Improving effectiveness and efficiencies of state immunization programs.
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
Activities:
Awardee activities will enhance the ability of public and private sector organizations along with local, state, and national agencies to reduce the annual toll inflicted by vaccine preventable diseases through the development of educational materials and the rapid dissemination of immunization information.
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:
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. CDC’s involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section above.
Award Mechanism: U38
Fiscal Year Funds: 2008
Approximate Year-One Funding: $ 150,000, including direct and indirect costs.
Approximate Total Three -Year Project Period Funding: $ 450,000 including direct and indirect costs. (This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
Approximate Number of Awards: 1
Approximate Average Award: $150,000 (This amount is for the Year-One budge period, and includes both direct and indirect costs.)
Floor of Individual Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $150,000 (This ceiling is for the Year-One budget period, and includes direct [and/or] and indirect costs).
Anticipated Award Date: August 29, 2008
Budget Period Length: 12 months
Project Period Length: 3 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. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are listed below:
· National Nonprofit Organizations
· Faith-Based Organizations
· Colleges and Universities
· Hospitals
Justification of limitation:
While CDC is viewed as a trusted and credible source for immunization information, recent studies have shown that many people are influenced by immunization information from web-based communications or other electronic media resources, some of which is not scientific, accurate, or credible (see Vaccine Criticism on the World Wide Web, Zimmerman et al, J Med Internet Res., 2005 Jun3 29; 7(2):e17) and Antivaccination Activists on the World Wide Web, Davies P, Chapman S, Leask J, Arch Dis Child, 2002 Jul;87(1):22-5). This cooperative agreement is designed to provide an alternate source of scientific, accurate and credible immunization information using electronic and/or digital formats, both to complement CDC’s own web-based resources, and to provide information for persons who would prefer to receive immunization information from non-government sources. Because of potential conflicts of interest, organizations that could profit from increased immunization rates, or that could create specialized and targeted immunization messages, such as for-profit organizations and small businesses, are not eligible. Also, since the intent of this announcement is to support national activities, state and local governments are not eligible. While state and local governments receive funds to support immunization programs through the Vaccines for Children and 317 Immunization Grants Program, there are few resources for national programs such as those supported under the proposed cooperative agreement. CDC has funded similar cooperative agreements in the past, and found them to be invaluable in reaching people who would not otherwise have access to scientific, accurate, or credible immunization information. The proposed cooperative agreement would enable the continuation and strengthening of similar activities.
This announcement is limited to organizations that are national in scope. National is defined as having an active membership or constituency in multiple states or regions throughout the country. Such organizations will be able to ensure that activities and products from the cooperative agreement are conducted in a manner that will maximize the population that may benefit from this program.
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program.
III.3. Other
CDC will not accept and review applications with budgets greater than the ceiling of the award range.
If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that your application did not meet submission requirements.
In addition, to be eligible to apply, an organization must:
a. Have at least a three year record of developing and disseminating health related information and materials to segmented audiences including healthcare providers and the general public, as demonstrated by agency annual reports, previous Memoranda of Agreement, or, a listing of previous grants with a similar focus with dates and brief descriptions of each. (Upload all documentation in grants.gov and include at the beginning of the appendices. Label “Documentation A.”)
b. Be able to operate nationally, as demonstrated by language in its bi-laws or letters of incorporation, or a letter from the Board of Directors stating that the organization operates nationally. (Upload all documentation in grants.gov and include at the beginning of appendices. Label “Documentation B.”)
c. Have at least a three year record of operating nationally, as demonstrated by the date on the bi-laws or letters of incorporation, agency annual reports, previous Memoranda of Agreement, or a listing of previous grants with a national focus. (Upload all documentation in grants.gov and include at the beginning of appendices. Label “Documentation C.”)
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.
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.
IV.1. Address to Request Application Package
To apply for this funding opportunity use the application forms package posted in Grants.gov.
Electronic Submission:
The applicant must 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.
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.
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 will have time to address them.
IV.2. Content and Form of Submission
Application:
A Project Abstract must be submitted with the application forms. All electronic project abstracts must be uploaded in a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. The abstract must be submitted in the following format:
The Project Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained description of the 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 project abstract will not count towards the maximum number of pages.
A project narrative must be submitted with the application forms. All electronic narratives must be uploaded in a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. The narrative must be submitted in the following format, if submitting a paper application:
The narrative should address activities to be conducted over the entire project period and must include the following items in the order listed:
In addition to the required documentation detailed under “Other”, additional information may be included in the application appendices. This additional information includes:
· Curricula Vitae or Resumes
· Organizational Charts
· Letters of support, Letters of Intent, Memoranda of Agreement
· Samples of proposed program materials
· Documents pertaining to plans to subcontract a portion of project activities to affiliate, chapter, and community-based organizations. (Include a description of the review process to be used to review and select applications.)
The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative page limit; however, applicants should be careful to include only relevant materials in the appendices; all materials will be evaluated and the inclusion of irrelevant materials could weaken or negatively impact applications.
The agency or organization is 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.
Additional requirements that may request submission of additional documentation with the application are listed in section “VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.”
Application Deadline Date: July 29, 2008
Applications must be received in the CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
Applications are required to 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.
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
The application is subject to Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, as governed by Executive Order (EO) 12372. This order sets up a system for state and local governmental review of proposed federal assistance applications. Contact the state single point of contact (SPOC) as early as possible to alert the SPOC to prospective applications and to receive instructions on the State’s process. Visit the following Web address to get the current SPOC list:
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
HHS/CDC requires 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 an electronic submission. 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.
V.1. Criteria
The application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
following criteria:
· Background and Need (10 points)
o Does the applicant appear to understand the health problems associated with under-immunization in children, adolescents, adults and/or healthcare workers?
o Does the applicant justify what materials are needed and for which audiences? How well does the applicant justify what format(s) would be the most effective and efficient for dissemination of immunization information?
o Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the cooperative agreement?
· Program Plan (40 Points)
o Does the applicant’s program support the development of targeted educational materials using electronic, and/or digital formats for the general public and health care providers to increase immunization rates across the lifespan (in children, adolescents, adults) and among healthcare workers?
o Does the applicant have a realistic plan in place to disseminate critical immunization information in response to outbreaks of vaccine preventable disease, vaccine shortages, or other potential urgent information concerning vaccines or vaccine preventable diseases within 24 hours of a CDC announcement?
o Does the applicant’s program utilize established health communication, health education, and/or social marketing strategies and methods to implement program activities? Does the applicant segment immunization information to each targeted audience?
o Is the applicant’s timeline logical? Does it directly link program activities to personnel responsible for implementing each segment of the program for the entire project period?
o Do the applicant’s goals and measurable objectives pertain to the focus of the project for the entire project period? Are the objectives SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound? For example, by the end of the six month of the first project year, the applicant will hold two continuing education conference calls concerning immunization related topics with 100 or more providers on each call.
o Does the applicant describe plans for obtaining additional resources from non-federal sources to supplement program activities and ensure continuation of the activities after the end of the project period?
· Coordination and Collaboration Plan (10 points)
o Does the applicant demonstrate a commitment to work with immunization provider organizations, other non-governmental organizations, and state and local health departments to further the goals of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases? Does the applicant include relevant letters of intent or memoranda of agreement from potential partners? Were these letters or memoranda written in the last twelve months? Do they indicate the nature of participation, the period of performance, and names and titles of individuals who will be involved in the project?
o Does the applicant describe how it will avoid duplication of services and communicate with other organizations that conduct similar immunization education activities?
· Evaluation Plan (20 Points)
o Does the applicant have a realistic plan in place to evaluate the significant aspects of its program?
o Does the plan provide baseline measures or include a plan as to how they will obtain baseline measures?
o Does the plan include one-year, and three-year overall target performance measures? Do these include process measures (the extent to which the program was implemented according to the program plan)? Do these include impact/outcome measures (the extent to which the program changed provider behaviors or impacted immunization rates)?
o Does the applicant have a plan for using process and outcome data to improve the program and ensure long-term project success?
· Organizational Capacity (20 points)
o Does the applicant provide a narrative, including background information on the history, mission, and reach of the organization? Based on the narrative, does this organization have the capacity, culture, and infrastructure to successfully carryout this project?
o Are the applicant’s past and current experiences, knowledge, and expertise documented and relevant? Does the applicant include details of past experiences working with health care providers and the general public regarding promotion and education of immunization issues?
o Does the applicant show that qualified and experienced personnel will be working on the project? Does the applicant include curricula vitae and an organizational chart of the applicant organization specifying the location and staffing plan for the proposed project? Are staff roles and responsibilities defined and appropriate?
· Budget Information (not scored):
o Is the proposed budget adequately justified, reasonable, and consistent with proposed project activities and this program announcement?
o Is the budget presented in a table format as shown on http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide/htm? Is a written narrative provided describing and justifying each line item in the table?
o Is sufficient funding set aside for travel to the annual National Immunization Conference and an annual reverse site visit to the CDC in Atlanta, GA?
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 CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases 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 as stated in the GPD 2.04 at http://198.102.218.46/doc/gpd204.doc.
Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel.
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.
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:
(Public Law 89-665, 80 Stat. 915)
Additional information on the requirements can be found on the CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/Addtl_Reqmnts.htm.
The resulting award is subject to the requirements of Section 106 (g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104
CDC Assurances and Certifications can be found on the CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/foamain.shtm
For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
The applicant must provide CDC with an annual interim progress report via www.grants.gov:
1. The interim progress report is due 90 days before the end of the budget period. The progress report will serve as the non-competing continuation application, and must contain the following elements:
a. Standard Form (“SF”) 424S Form.
b. SF-424A Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.
c. Budget Narrative
d. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
e. Project Summary
f. Future Plans
g. Progress towards Objectives
h. Partner Information
i. Products Information
2. An annual progress report is due 90 days after the end of the budget period. The annual progress report must contain the following elements:
a. Project Summary
b. Future Plans
c. Progress towards Objectives
d. Partners Information
e. Products Information
These reports must be submitted to the attention of the Grants Management Specialist listed in the “VII. Agency Contacts” section of this announcement.
CDC encourages inquiries concerning this announcement.
For general questions, contact:
CDC Procurement and Grants Office
2920 Brandywine Road, MS E-14
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-2700
For program technical assistance, contact:
Duane Kilgus
CDC, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
1600 Clifton Road, MS E52
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 404-639-6354
Fax: 404-639-8828
Dgk9@cdc.gov
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Peaches Brown, Grants Management Specialist
CDC Procurement and Grants Office
2920 Brandywine Road, MS –K14
Telephone: 770-488-2738
E-mail: prb0@cdc.gov
CDC Telecommunications for the hearing impaired or disabled is available at: TTY 770-488-2783.
VIII. Other Information
Other CDC funding opportunity announcements can be found on the CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm.
Applicants may access the application process and other awarding documents using the Electronic Research Administration System (eRA Commons). A one-time registration is required for interested institutions/organizations at http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htm
Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD/PIs) should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the eRA Commons.
1. Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
2. Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
Note that if a PD/PI is also an HHS peer-reviewer with an Individual DUNS and CCR registration, that particular DUNS number and CCR registration are for the individual reviewer only. These are different than any DUNS number and CCR registration used by an applicant organization. Individual DUNS and CCR registration should be used only for the purposes of personal reimbursement and should not be used on any grant applications submitted to the Federal Government.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, applicants should check with their business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in the eRA Commons. HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to register to utilize these helpful on-line tools when applying for funding opportunities.
CDC Home Page: http://www.cdc.gov
CDC Funding Web Page: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm
CDC Forms Web Page:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/app_and_forms.shtm