Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I work for a State Department of Health, given we are a state and not a national organization, am I correct that we would not qualify for Component A?

Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization may apply. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. Applicants may only apply for component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: We serve a state, but would work closely with Tribes and/or community based organizations that serve the African American Community. Would we qualify for Component B?

Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization may apply. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. Applicants may only apply for component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: Has component B been created for those organizations to apply directly or may a state agency apply?

Answer: Component B is available for full and open competition and any organization may apply. Applicants may only apply for component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: Is there a restriction for previously funded CDC projects (including Special Interest Projects (SIPs) which were funded through the Prevention Research Centers) to apply for either Component A or Component B?

Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization may apply, including those previously funded through CDC projects. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. Applicants may only apply for Component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: Are for-profit small businesses eligible to apply?

 Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization. The NOFO has been modified such that the eligibility section reads as follows:

Eligibility category:

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility”

Additional Eligibility Category:

Government Organizations
State (includes the District of Columbia)
Local governments or their bona fide agents
Territorial governments or their bona fide agents in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
State controlled institutions of higher education
American Indian or Alaska Native tribal governments (federally recognized or state-recognized)

Non-government Organizations:

American Indian or Alaska native tribally designated organizations

Other:

Private colleges and universities
Community-based organizations
Faith-based organizations

 

Question: We would like some clarification about the eligibility component. We would like to make clear that a national, not for profit organization that serves American Indians and Alaska Natives is eligible for application.

Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization. The NOFO has been modified such that the eligibility section reads as above. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. Applicants may only apply for component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: It is understood that an organization may apply for either Component A or Component B. However, is there a limit to the number of submissions per Component (e.g., two Component A proposals from one organization)?

Answer: An applicant may only submit one application for Component A or Component B. Each applicant must include their unique Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Only one application per DUNS number will be accepted. Furthermore, applicants may only apply for component A or B, but not both.

 

Question: What other entities have been funded under Component B in the past. It will help us better understand if we fit in that category. Would you be able to send me a list of past Component B recipients?

Answer: The Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program has not previously funded recipients for Component B. This is a new component that was added for this funding cycle.

 

Question: We are a small family residential care facility. Given our emphasis of working with ADRD patients, and Parkinson’s, and trying to get clients to live longer through good healthcare, would we quality for this grant?

Answer: This NOFO is available for full and open competition and any organization may apply. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. Applicants may only apply for component A or component B, but not both.

Question: Regarding Component B, is $200,00 for direct cost or total cost?

Answer: The estimated annual funding for component B recipients of $200,000 is for the total cost (direct and indirect).

 

Question: For component B applications, is the budget period for $200,000 for one year? Does the ceiling of $350,000 mean you cannot apply for more than this amount for one year?

Answer: The anticipated estimated annual funding for component B recipients is $200,000. Applicants who apply with an annual budget greater than the award ceiling of $350,000 will be deemed non-responsive and those applications will not be reviewed.

 

Question: Are there limitations on indirect costs in this funding application? Is there a cap rate on indirect costs? If yes, can you please direct me to which page I can find this information on, as I have searched through the application and I can’t find anything about limitation on indirect costs

Answer: There is not a cap on the Indirect cost. The specific rate is dependent upon your organization and the final negotiated rate. If your organization has a negotiated rate agreement with a Federal Cognizant Agency, please use the rate that has been established.

Question: Is the NOFO for the National Healthy Brain Initiative a direct result of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (Public Law No: 115-406)?

Answer: Although the strategies and activities in this NOFO align with the BOLD Act, this NOFO is not a direct result of the BOLD Act. This NOFO continues CDC’s activities related to the Healthy Brain Initiative that have been ongoing since 2005. Funding opportunities related to the BOLD Act may be available at a later time.

 

Question: In reviewing the summary paragraph for this NOFO, Component A references organizations with “national scope and reach within states.” Does this also pertain to Component B? Meaning do the activities under Component B also require a “national scope and reach within states”?

Answer: The phrase “national scope and reach within states” from the summary paragraph refers to Component A only.

 

Question: My understanding is that Component B requires the applicant to disseminate public health messages nationally and to approach the proposal with a national perspective (page 14 and 34 of the NOFO). Our Department focuses on populations within a state specifically, so am I correct that if we were to apply to this NOFO under Component B we would have to broaden our scope to target populations (high burden of Alzheimer’s Disease Related Disorders) on a national scale?

Answer: Applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. There are several phase II criteria related to scope, including “the extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to integrate and disseminate public health messages nationally within target population” (page 35).

 

Question: Is there any interest in working with special/vulnerable populations? Asian Americans and a few other sub-groups?

Answer: Component B applicants should choose a target population with an identified high burden of ADRD. Examples are provided in the NOFO. However, as stated in the NOFO, potential populations are not limited to the examples provided.

 

Question: Regarding “national scope” of Component A, is there a similar expectation for component B awardees?

Answer: The phrase “national scope and reach within states” from the summary paragraph refers to component A only. However, component B applicants should carefully review the requirements and the phase II review sections for each component for this NOFO. There are several phase II criteria related to scope, including “the extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to integrate and disseminate public health messages nationally within target population” (page 35).

 

Question: Are there any exemplary programs CDC views as a model for this program? Are there similar programs, such as diabetes, that has a model for this NOFO?

Answer: This is a new NOFO and we do not have examples of exemplary programs. A model for another disease is not being used for this NOFO.

 

Question: The NOFO calls out populations with a high burden of Alzheimer’s disease, but Asian/Pacific Islanders are not listed as high burden. Is this NOFO open for an application that targets Asians?

Answer: Component B applicants should choose a target population with an identified high burden of ADRD. Examples are provided in the NOFO. However, as stated in the NOFO, potential populations are not limited to the examples provided.

 

Question: On page 6, under component B, it states that one of the short-term and intermediate outcomes will be to increase number of people reached about brain health and cognitive impairment. Can you please tell me your definition for “population-focused”? Related to focused communication: can you explain how that works in terms of population-focused?

Answer: “Population-focused” refers to the selected target population in the applicant’s application. The approach is up to applicants to determine.

 

Question: Can you please clarify your expectations for Component A organizations with regard to the “Assist with Healthy People objective analysis related to cognitive impairment, including ADRD” activity?

Answer: This NOFO is a non-research funding announcement. Therefore, awardees are not expected to perform research during the period of performance. However, Component A applicants are expected to provide evaluation and input for Healthy People objectives and data analysis related to cognitive impairment, including ADRD and should explicitly indicate in their application the manner in which that evaluation and input is expected to be provided during the period of performance.

 

Question: For Component B, the logic model indicates one of the strategies and activities is to “identify needs related to brain health and cognitive impairment among target population.” We were planning to propose, design, and implement a needs assessment that would incorporate feedback from different stakeholder groups. We noted under the applicant evaluation and performance measurement plan section the note that any activities involving collections from 10 or more individuals or non-Federal entities funded or sponsored by the Federal government are subject to OMB review and approval. In addition, if we propose to implement educational initiatives and subsequently indicate we would evaluate those initiatives via participant survey, in your opinion does that then require OMB review and approval?

Answer: This NOFO is a non-research funding announcement. Therefore, awardees are not expected to perform research during the period of performance. Applicants should use the strategies and activities section of the NOFO to guide their application but applicants may propose different methods for accomplishing their goals. If applicants expect OMB review and approval to be necessary, applicants should be aware and accommodate for this in their application. CDC cannot review or comment on proposed activities prior to official application submission.

 

Question: We are asking for clarification related to the Component B short term/intermediate outcomes (page 5 of NOFO) below

• Expand implementation of Road Map actions to target populations
• Increase number of people reached by population-focused communications about brain health and cognitive impairment

Are the bulleted Component B short-term/intermediate outcomes intended as two separate goals? One, which is expanding implementation of the road map (with its own metrics) and the other distributing population focused communications to reach more people (with more people being the metric).  Or is the goal a combined increase in the number of people as a metric for expanding implementation?

Answer: These two outcomes are intended as two separate goals.

Question: I am looking for clarity around supporting documents that are required for submitting an application. For component A, as I read the requirements, it seems to imply there needs to be a record of already promoting the survey tools. Is that the intent of those supporting documents? Can you clarify the need for those supporting documents?

Answer: There are two bullets in the phase II review section (page 34) which address this question and are restated below:

• The extent to which the applicant demonstrates experience and ability to implement public health initiatives nationally for cognitive health and impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease, with an established presence — existing community or state-level affiliates — in 25 or more states or U.S. territories to ensure a comprehensive national scope. The applicant must include the organization bylaws as an attachment in the “other information” to demonstrate the applicant’s established presence.
• The extent to which the applicant has a demonstrated relationship with 10 or more state BRFSS coordinators to maintain or increase the state implementation of Cognitive Decline and Caregiver Modules and to revise the modules. The applicant must include the MOUs as attachments in “other information” to demonstrate the applicant’s established relationships.

 

 Question: On today’s webinar I thought I heard that the MOU requirement for Category A were for existing established relationships. Can you please confirm this?

Answer: Component A applicants must provide Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). The MOUs should be from between 2014-2018. This information can be found on page 43 of the NOFO and is re-stated below:

Component A applicants must provide copies of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) from 10 or more state public health departments for inclusion of BRFSS cognitive decline or caregiver modules between 2014-2018. The documents should be included as a separate attachment containing the first page (title page) and the final page (signature page) for each MOU. Highlight each state name in the document. Name these files “[state name] BRFSS MOU”, inserting the applicable state name in the file name, and upload them at www.grants.gov.

Question: Regarding the Letter of Intent: if submitting a Letter of Intent, do you have to do the required registration first?

Answer: No, the registrations are not required prior to submitting a Letter of Intent. Required registrations must be completed prior to submission of the application.

 

Question: If we’re working with other organizations, and we are the lead, is there one lead applicant (not the other organizations that may be applying with you?) Are you allowed to have more than one primary recipient?

Answer: No, there may only be one primary applicant for an application. The primary applicant will submit the application. Applicants may only apply for component A or component B, but not both.

 

Question: Can an organization be a sub-awardee for component A and a primary for component B or sub-awardee for component B?

Answer: There may only be one primary applicant for an application. The primary applicant will submit the application. There are no restrictions on subcontracts. Applicants may be the primary applicant for one component and the subcontract on the other component. However, primary applicants may only apply for component A or component B, but not both.

 

Question: Under 15. Funding Restrictions, it says: “Restrictions that must be considered while planning the programs and writing the budget are: Recipients may not use funds for research.” So is Component B ONLY for evaluation; and NOT for data collection? If B is to develop products, can that be done without doing research/collecting data?

Answer: This NOFO is only for non-research activities. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered. Please refer to Announcement Type on page 1 of the NOFO.

 

Question: Which version of the Project Narrative structure, A or B, should be used to label the headings in our application. There are two versions listed in the NOFO and they are slightly different in the breakdown and numbering of each section.

Answer: We do not have a preference. Please use the one you feel works best for you.

 

Question: Is there a preferred template for the Resumes/CVs (e.g., NIH Biosketch template)?

Answer: There is no preferred template for resumes or CVs.

 

Question: Can you confirm the combined page limit of the Project Narrative and Work Plan for Component B applications?

Answer: For both Component A and Component B applications, the Projective Narrative section should be no longer than 20 pages (see pages 24 and 25 of the NOFO). The Project Narrative page limit includes the Work Plan (total of 20 pages).

 

Question: The NOFO describes an “initial” and a “more detailed” Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, where the “more detailed” plan is to be developed within the first 6 months of the award. Does the bullet-point list of requirements on page 13 beginning with “Describe other information..” and ending with “…Describe dissemination channels and audiences (including public dissemination)” apply to the “initial plan” or to the “detailed plan”?

Answer: The bulleted items on page 13 of the NOFO refer to the minimum requirements for the more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan that should be developed within the first 6 months of the award.

 

Question: Regarding formatting requirements, is there a preferred font type (e.g., Times New Roman)? Also, can page numbers appear in the 1-inch margin?

Answer: Please refer to the “Other Information” (page 44). Text should be single spaced, 12 point font, 1-inch margins, and number all pages. Page numbers can be in the margin.

 

Question: Should the attachments: Resume/CV, Letters of Support, CDC Assurances and Certifications, and Risk Assessment Questionnaire, be uploaded via the “Other Attachments Form?” If not, how should they be uploaded?

Answer: Please refer to the “Other Information” (page 42) for more information on attachments applicants can upload as PDF files as part of their application at www.grants.govexternal icon.

 

Question: Is there a limit on the number of Co-PIs allowed?

Answer: There is no limit to the number of Co-PIs allowed.

 

Question: Is there an opportunity for those submitting a grant application to have a preview conducted by the CDC? By preview I mean review of our DRAFT application and provide feedback and/or suggestions. If this is an option when would the preview DRAFT application need to be submitted by?

Answer: CDC will not review a draft of an application prior to official submission.

 

Question: Do you allow those applying for this funding to schedule a phone call to get clarification on questions?

Answer: All questions must be submitted through the NOFO email. If you have additional questions after receiving a response, please submit a follow-up email for clarification. All questions and answers are posted on the cdc.gov/aging FAQ page. An informational call occurred on October 29, 2019. The script and all questions and answers from the call have been posted to the web page.

 

Question: Is there a preferred style for citations/references?  and are footnotes allowable?  If footnotes are not allowable, does the reference list count toward the 20pg narrative page limit?

Answer: There is no preferred style for citations/references but if you are using references, please use a consistent standard style throughout (e.g. AMA, APA, etc.). Footnotes may be used. The reference list will not count toward the 20 page limit for the project narrative.

 

Question: Is there a page limit for Budget Narrative document?

Answer: No

 

Question: Are there page limits associated with CV’s and Letters of Support (both individual CV, and total page limit of the “CV/Resumes” attachment)

Answer: No

 

Question: Pages 15 and 44 are worded such that it seems the Organizational Chart would be included in the same uploaded attachment as CV’s (i.e. part of one pdf); page 43 indicates “Organization Chart” as a separate document per the bulleted list. Can you please confirm whether the Org. Chart is a separate attachment?

Answer: If uploading both a CV and Organizational Chart, the organizational chart should be uploaded as a separate document.

 

Question: I am having technical problems registering and inputting information into Grants.gov. Can you help?

Answer: For assistance with technical difficulties with the Grants.gov system, please contact:

GRANTS.GOV Applicant Support
1-800-518-4726
support@grants.gov

 

Question: What is needed of subcontracting organization on our proposal for The National Healthy Brain Initiative CDC-RFA-DP20-2003. The only thing that I see mentioned is a Letter of Support outlining who they will be involved with the project. Do you require CV, financials or anything else?

Answer: This information was provided during the Informational call. The script for the call can be found on https://www.cdc.gov/aging/funding/docs/HBI-Call-script-508.pdf pdf icon[PDF 124 KB]

For guidance on completing a detailed budget, see Budget Preparation Guidelines at:

https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf pdf icon[PDF 415 KB] This website also gives you other useful information for applying for a NOFO.

 

Question: Is there a preferred template for the Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment

Overlap?

Answer: No, there is no preferred template. However, please see CDC Budget Preparation Guidelines for additional information https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf pdf icon[PDF 415 KB]

 

Question: In addition to the PD/PI(s), does the Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap include information on current awards and pending applications submitted to another funding source in the same fiscal year by other senior/key personnel, such as Co-Investigators and Consortium PIs?

Answer: This is applicable to the current awards and should not exceed 100 percent on all federal funding as the percentage of effort for all key personnel, such as Co Investigators and Consortium PI’s

 

Question: For the BRFSS MOUs required of Component A organizations, are we to upload each separately with a file name that indicates the state from which they originate (i.e. 10+ files)  or should we combine all into a single pdf file entitled State BRFSS MOU with the state names highlighted on the first page of each MOU?

Answer: Please submit 1 file for each MOU as outlined on Page 43, “Component A applicants must provide copies of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) from 10 or more state public health departments for inclusion of BRFSS cognitive decline or caregiver modules between 2014-2018. The documents should be included as a separate attachment containing the first page (title page) and the final page (signature page) for each MOU. Highlight each state name in the document. Name these files “[state name] BRFSS MOU”, inserting the applicable state name in the file name, and upload them at www.grants.govexternal icon.”

 

Question: Do the formatting requirements of single-spacing, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins, and page numbering apply to the combined Letters of Support attachment?

Answer: There is no requirement in the NOFO for spacing, font, margins, page numbers for the Letters of Support.

 

Question: Is the evaluation and performance measurement plan (EPMP) to be included within the 20 page limit?

Answer: The Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan is not included in the 20 page limit. This page limit is for the Project Narrative (including the work plan).

 

Question: Are charts or maps showing the target population allowed within the 20 page limit?

Answer: Charts or maps are allowed within the 20 page limit.

 

Question: Are all applicants to submit a CDC Risk Questionnaire pdf icon[PDF 802 KB] as a supporting document with the application? What prompts the question is that page 22 of the NOFO states CDC requires all applicants to complete a Risk Questionnaire, OMB Control Number 0920-1132 with the application, by the closing date of the NOFO announcement. However, pages 42-43 of the NOFO states that applicants may not attach documents other than those listed (on pp. 42-43) and the list does not include the Risk Questionnaire.

Answer: All applicants are required to submit the CDC Risk Questionnaire pdf icon[PDF 802 KB] as a supporting document with the application. Please upload the document under MISC ATTATCHMENTS.

 

Question: Do you have a template for the “staffing plan”?

Answer: There is no template for the staffing plan.

 

Question: For some grant applications the applicant is supposed to submit a Personal Biography. I don’t see this listed anywhere in the application. Is this something you would like the applicant to do (in addition to submitting a resume or CV)?

Answer: A resume or CV is acceptable.

 

Question:  I have just seen the request for applications (question dated January 1, 2020) and will not be able to meet the January 8, 2020 deadline.  Is there a possibility of getting an extension.

Answer:  This NOFO was announced on grants.gov on October 17, 2019.  The NOFO states:  Due Date for Applications: 01/08/2020 , 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.govexternal icon.  There will be no extensions to this receipt date.

 

Question: What is an Application Control No? The Grants.gov application requests this, but the term is not listed in their glossary. (Project Abstract Summary page of the Grants.gov application}

Answer: Please leave the Applicant Control number blank as this is only relevant for revised or continuation applications .

 

Question:  Is the Applicant name the actual name of the person applying or the state agency name? (Project Abstract Summary page of the Grants.gov application}

Answer: The name should be the Applicant (i.e. State Agency name, organization name). Awards are not made to individuals.

 

Question: What is the Applicant Identifier (Reference –Form: SF-424)

Answer: The Applicant Identifier is the same as the Applicant name.

 

Question: If you are a state agency are you still supposed to have a Federal Identifier or a Federal Award Identifier? (Reference–Form: SF-424).

Answer: Please leave this blank as this is only relevant for revised or continuation applications

 

Question: What is the Date Received BY State? (Reference —Form: SF-424)

Answer: This section is for state use only; it is only applicable when a state agency has to do a review/approval prior to you submitting the grant application to the Federal government.

 

Question: What is the State Application Identifier? (Reference —Form: SF-424)

Answer: This section is for state use, but only when you have to submit your application to a state agency before sending it to the Federal funding agency.

 

Question: In our application we are going to list an agency that we plan to contract with if we are granted these award funds.  I have read through the grant application a number of times and read through the Budget Preparation Guidelines Office of Financial Resources.  I am wondering if CDC, for the purpose of this grant application, would consider the community-based organization (CBO) we are going to contract with a Consultant? I know there is an area on the Budget Preparation Guidelines that outlines the Consultant Costs.  If you don’t consider the CBO a consultant, how would you like us to represent them in our budgets?

Answer: A Contract is defined as a written agreement between a recipient and a third party to acquire commercial goods or services.  A Consultant is defined as an individual who provides professional advice or services for a fee, but normally not as an employee of the engaging party. The term “consultant” also includes a firm that provides paid professional advice or services.  Your organization needs to determine which category this falls under within the organizations approved structure.

 

Question: How do we complete Form SF–LLL if we are a nonprofit and don’t engage a lobbyist nor will a lobbyist be associated with the grant?

Answer: By signing the application, you are validating that the grantee will not be using any funds for lobbying activities. The SF-LLL form only needs to be completed if you are going to engage in lobbying.

 

Question: We have set up our institutional account at grant.gov yesterday and will be able to submit our application by 01/08/2020. However, we still won’t be able to apply for part A unless you can make the previous experience and ability to working with 10 or more BRFSS state coordinators preferable. 

Answer: There are no changes to the NOFO published on October 17, 2019. All requirements, strategies/activities, and evaluation remain as posted.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease: An irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD): A collection of related dementias which include Alzheimer’s disease as well as frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), and mixed etiology dementias (MED).

Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program (ADHAP): The Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) houses the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI). HBI provides data, information, and education to promote brain health, including information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the fifth leading cause of death for persons over the age of 65.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): The nation’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collects state-level data about non-institutionalized U.S. adults regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.

Brain Health: A concept that involves making the most of the brain’s capacity and helping to reduce some risks that occur with aging. Brain health refers to the ability to draw on the strengths of the brain to remember, learn, play, concentrate, and maintain a clear, active mind.

Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115-406): The law creates an Alzheimer’s public health infrastructure across the country to implement effective Alzheimer’s interventions focused on public health issues such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act will accomplish this by establishing Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence, providing funding to state, local, and tribal public health departments, and increasing data analysis and timely reporting.

Caregivers: Spouses, partners, adult children, other relatives, and friends providing unpaid help to people living with dementia who have at least one limitation in their activities of daily living and reside in the community. Caregivers often assist with diverse activities of daily living such as personal care, household management, medication and healthcare management, and coordination of financial matters.

Cognition: The mental functions involved in attention, thinking, understanding, learning, remembering, solving problems, and making decisions. Cognition is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s ability to engage in activities, accomplish goals, and successfully negotiate the world. It can be viewed along a continuum—from optimal functioning to mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s and severe dementia.

Cognitive Impairment: Trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect everyday life.

Dementia: The loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. These functions include memory, language skills, visual perception, problem solving, self-management, and the ability to focus and pay attention. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Other types include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI): The Healthy Brain Initiative envisions a nation in which public health embraces brain health and caregiving as vital components of health that are included in public health efforts. To advance public health activities in brain health, cognitive impairment, and caregiving, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018—2023 Road Map was released in 2018 and the Indian Country Road Map was released in 2019.

Healthy Brain Research Network (HBRN): A thematic network of the Prevention Research Centers (PRC) Program, was established in 2014 to address two growing public health challenges: promoting brain health and addressing the needs of older Americans living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Disorders that are usually present at birth and that negatively affect the trajectory of the individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems. Intellectual disability starts any time before a child turns 18 and is characterized by problems with both: (1) Intellectual functioning or intelligence, which include the ability to learn, reason, problem solve, and other skills; and (2) Adaptive behavior, which includes everyday social and life skills. The term “developmental disabilities” is a broader category of often lifelong disability that can be intellectual, physical, or both.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A slight but measurable decline in cognitive abilities that includes memory and thinking. A person with mild cognitive impairment is at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA): This act creates an important opportunity to build upon and leverage Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs and other federal efforts to help change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The law calls for a National Plan for ADRD with input from a public-private Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services. The Advisory Council makes recommendations to HHS for priority actions to expand, coordinate, and condense programs in order to improve the health outcomes of people with ADRD and reduce the financial burden of these conditions on those with the diseases, their families, and society.

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD): The self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss. It is a form of cognitive impairment related to cognitive performance and one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Question: When is the informational call for the National Healthy Brain Initiative Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

Answer: The 60-minute informational call took place on October 29, 2019–1:00 pm EST