Programs & Tools:
Immunization Program Evaluation (IPE)
IPE Questions: updated OCT 26, 2011
- Are we required to conduct one evaluation per calendar year?
- Do we have to submit a new Evaluation Plan with each yearly grant application?
- What is the process and timeline for submitting a Final Report once we complete an evaluation?
- What is the process and timeline for submitting a new Evaluation Plan?
- When are Progress Reports to be submitted?
- How can I find out what other grantees are evaluating?
- Are we required to submit a logic model?
- Do we need to submit any documents for this evaluation requirement via eGrATIS or grants.gov?
- Do we need to evaluate a different component or topic when we finish with the current evaluation?
- We just completed an evaluation but are not sure what topic to evaluate next. Does CDC have suggestions for choosing a new evaluation topic?
- What should I do if I have a question, comment or suggestion?
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[DOCX-27KB] updated Oct 26, 2011
General IPE Questions
- Are we required to conduct one evaluation per calendar year?
No. There is flexibility with respect to the amount of time an evaluation takes – from planning to implementation. Some evaluations are more complex and require more time than others. We do however expect grantees to complete their evaluations in a reasonable amount of time, proportionate to the scope of the evaluation and estimated work required.
- Do we have to submit a new Evaluation Plan with each yearly grant application?
No. The timeline for developing and submitting a new plan will depend on the implementation and completion of the previous plan
- What is the process and timeline for submitting a Final Report once we complete an evaluation?
The Final Report should be completed and submitted within two months after an evaluation has been completed, using the Final Report Word Template disseminated 12/1/2010. The report needs to be submitted using PAPA. We suggest completing the Word template and pasting into PAPA. Certain items will be prefilled in PAPA based on past submissions; these items should be reviewed and corrected as needed.
- What is the process and timeline for submitting a new Evaluation Plan?
As of January 2011, grantees starting a new evaluation are first expected to submit a Topic Identification Report form within 2 months of submitting the Final Report of the previous evaluation. The purpose of the Topic Report form is for CDC to be able to provide technical assistance or suggestions early on, if needed. Once CDC provides approval of the evaluation topic, grantees will then be expected to submit an evaluation plan within 6 months of completing the preceding Final report.
Both the Topic Report and the Evaluation Plan should be submitted via PAPA. The Topic Report Word Template was disseminated 12/14/2010 and the Updated Evaluation Plan Word Template was disseminated 3/8/2011. CDC suggests completing the Word template and pasting into PAPA. - When are Progress Reports to be submitted?
Grantees are required to submit a progress report every August via PAPA.
- How can I find out what other grantees are evaluating?
CDC made the information for the first set of evaluations available at the Immunization Program Evaluation (IPE) website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/progeval/ under CDC -- Immunization Program Evaluation Resources: 2008 Grantee Topics and Contact Information. In addition to the IPE website, grantees are able to view selected evaluation plans via the Program Annual Progress Assessments (PAPA) application. In the future we will update this information to reflect more current evaluations.
- Are we required to submit a logic model?
Logic models (LM) are encouraged but not required. Grantees are encouraged to think about how a LM can help define the associations between program resources, activities, and outcomes. Resources are available on the IPE website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/progeval/
- Do we need to submit any documents for this evaluation requirement via eGrATIS or grants.gov?
No, all documents – Topic Report, Progress Report, Evaluation Plan, and Final Report – for this requirement should be submitted via PAPA.
- Do we need to evaluate a different component or topic when we finish with the current evaluation?
The new evaluation can focus on a different component or on another aspect of the same component and topic. CDC expects grantees to engage in program evaluation in an ongoing manner. Once an evaluation is completed, grantees are expected to submit the new Topic identification form and get approval before starting to write their next plan.
- We just completed an evaluation but are not sure what topic to evaluate next. Does CDC have suggestions for choosing a new evaluation topic?
This evaluation requirement’s primary purpose is to enable grantees to choose evaluate topics that can answer important questions AND help improve their programs, activities, and/or outcomes; however, CDC disseminated a document on 3/8/2011 containing examples of evaluation topics, questions and data collection methods.
- 11. What should I do if I have a question, comment or suggestion?
Please contact your project officer by e-mail and copy the Immunization Program Evaluation Workgroup at IPE@cdc.gov with any questions. We strongly encourage all grantees to contact us with any questions or concerns throughout their evaluation planning and implementation!
Content last reviewed on October 26, 2011
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases