CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005: The Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the program have co-leads for project director or must it be one individual as the lead Project Director or PI?

Applicants have discretion on hiring practices based on their capacity to manage programs and resources. Applicants must provide an adequate staffing plan, organizational chart, and project management structure that clearly defines staff roles and reporting structure as it applies to this funding opportunity.

 

Are we allowed to upload references/citations as a separate pdf from the project narrative, or must they be included in the 20-page limit?

References/citations are not approved application attachments. Please refer to Section H “Other Information” in the NOFO for the list of acceptable attachments. Applicants may not attach documents other than those listed. The methodology and data sources used to identify priority populations at the census tract level with hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher must be included in the 20-page Project Narrative.

 

Does the dedicated staff person in community engagement and health equity need to be a full-time dedicated or can it be half-time dedicated?

Given the extent of responsibilities, the dedicated staff person would be appropriate as a full-time position. This position can be a full-time employee or contractor and must be designated by the applicant in the proposed Work Plan and Budget.

 

Should the applicant be a health care organization or can it be an entity that doesn’t directly serve patients?

The applicant should be the organization that can fulfil the purpose of the NOFO and manage the cooperative agreement requirements as described. Eligible applicants for this NOFO are listed under Section C. Eligibility Information. Additionally, as noted in Section D.16. Funding Restrictions: The direct and primary recipient in a cooperative agreement program must perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes and not merely serve as a conduit for an award to another party or provider who is ineligible.

 

Is a Letter of Intent required/due?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is requested, not required, as part of the application for this NOFO. The LOI allows the CDC program staff to estimate and prepare for the review of submitted applications. LOIs must be sent via email to InnovativeCVH@cdc.gov. The LOI deadline is Monday, April 24, 2023.

 

How do you see this opportunity as different from RFA 23-0004 since they seem to have similar strategies?

This NOFO has criterion for eligibility and higher expectations for existence of capacity as evidenced by a detailed action plan required in the first 90 days as opposed to 180 days for CDC-RFA-DP-23-0004.

 

Which countries are eligible to apply?

Eligibility for DP-23-0005 is limited to entities within the United States and U.S Territories.

 

Would CDC award multiple awards within a single geographic area (state)?

Applications will be reviewed and scored in accordance with the Phase II review criteria. Applications may be funded out of rank order to ensure geographic representation across the U.S. to ensure the greatest reach for priority populations. The CDC will provide justification for any application funded out of rank order.

 

Should we be focused within a region or across the state?

Applicants are required to focus on adults aged 18 and older with a hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level. Emphasis should be placed on achieving impact and reach across geographic locations where disparate populations can benefit from the strategies included in this NOFO. Priority populations should include those affected disproportionately by hypertension and high cholesterol due to socioeconomic or other factors, including inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, or low income.

 

I’m inquiring about the change to the assistance listing number (ALN) for the above NOFO. This lists 93.426. Previously, CDC-RFA-DP18-1817 used ALN 93.435, Innovative State and Local Public Health Strategies to prevent and Manage Diabetes and Heart Disease and Stroke. Is this the correct ALN?

93.426 is the correct ALN for this NOFO.

 

Can you confirm the number of projected awardees is 12 and not 22?

CDC anticipates funding approximately 12 awards.

 

Do these funds aim to supplement/ enhance program activities conducted under the 1815 /1817 grants, or do you consider them unrelated?

This funding opportunity aims to build on the cardiovascular health-related accomplishments and outcomes achieved via CDC-RFA-DP18-1815 and CDC-RFA-DP18-1817.

 

Regarding the naming convention for the letters of support/MOUs/MOAs file: a forward slash is not a valid character for a file name; may we use an underscore in place of the forward slash and the period in this naming convention? The end result will be a file name of: MOUs_MOAs_applicant name.pdf

Applicants may name the letters of support, MOU, MOA file using the underscore. For example, “MOUs_MOAs_applicant name.pdf”

 

Must applicants for The Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program (CDC-RFA-DP-23–0005) been previously funded via CDC-RFA-DP-18–1817?

Applicants are not required to have been a part of CDC-RFA-DP-18-1817 or any other CDC funding. This is an open competition NOFO. Please see C.1 Eligible Applicants from CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005.

 

Will the due date for applications be modified, given the rescheduled applicant informational webinar?

No. The applications are due May 23, 2023 by 11:59 pm ET.

 

Who is eligible to apply for funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

This NOFO is open competition.  Please refer to “Section C: Eligibility Information” for detailed eligibility information.

 

When is the start date for CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005?

The start date for CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005 is September 30, 2023, with an estimated award date of August 30, 2023 (the date by which the Notices of Award will be issued).

 

Is there a deadline for submitting questions for this NOFO? Also, where and when will all questions and answers be posted?

Questions may be submitted up to 2 weeks before the application deadline, though it would be advisable to send them as soon as possible to allow for timely responses. Questions and answers will be posted at the NOFO website: DHDSP Funding Opportunities | cdc.gov. Please check the website for ongoing updates.

 

How can I make sure I will be notified if changes are made to the NOFO?

Per the Grants.gov help desk, in Grants.gov, click on the “Login to Subscribe” link on the Synopsis page and log in. That will sign you up for email notifications regarding the NOFO. This does not affect the application process in any way, but if changes are made to the opportunity, you will receive notification.

 

What are the required components of the application?

The Project Narrative must include all the following headings (including subheads): Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, and Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach.  The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in “Section D: Application and Submission Information”

 

Is the Work Plan included as a part of the Project Narrative or should it be a separate attachment?

The Work Plan should be a separate document from the rest of the Project Narrative and uploaded as a separate attachment. To clarify, the Work Plan is not included in the Project Narrative’s 20-page limit.

 

Could you confirm whether the following are optional components of the application?

• Resumes/CVs
• Position descriptions
• Letters of support
• Organization charts
• Indirect cost rate
• Bona Fide agent status documentation

These documents are required for this NOFO but are not included in the 20-page limit.

 

Is a Letter of Intent required/due?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is requested, not required, as part of the application for this NOFO. The LOI allows the CDC program staff to estimate and prepare for the review of submitted applications. LOIs must be sent via email to InnovativeCVH@cdc.gov.

 

Is the SAM number and unique entity identifier (UEI) the same? 

There is no SAM number and applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application submission (SF-424, field 8c).  The UEI number is a twelve-digit number assigned by SAM.gov. When applying for Federal awards or cooperative agreements, all applicant organizations must obtain a UEI number as the Universal Identifier. UEI number assignment is free. Additional information is available on the GSA website, SAM.gov and Grants.gov-Finding the UEI.

 

Do I have to re-new my UEI or SAM registration?

You do not have to renew a UEI number. However, the SAM registration must be renewed annually.

 

What is the font type required for the writing?

As stated in “Section D: Application and Submission Information” of the NOFO, text should be single spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, number all pages.

 

Does the Work Plan also need to be in 12-point font, or can it be in an 11 or 10-point font?

The Work Plan should be in 12-point font. The Work Plan should be a separate document from the rest of the Project Narrative and uploaded as a separate attachment. To clarify, the Work Plan is not included in the Project Narrative’s 20-page limit.

 

Can the Principal Investigator and the Program Manager be the same person?  

Yes.

 

Can you explain a little more about the review and selection process?

All applications will be initially reviewed for eligibility and completeness by CDC Office of Grant Services and complete applications will be evaluated by a CDC Review Panel using the criteria noted in “Section E: Review and Selection Process”.

Are there any specific staffing and/or FTE requirements for staff positions that applicants must budget for?

The Organizational Capacity section describes the need to have staff that can manage program and resources ensuring the administrative, financial, and staff support necessary to sustain activities. This includes describing an adequate Staffing Plan, providing CVs/Resumes for proposed personnel, an Organizational Chart, and a project management structure that clearly defines staff roles and reporting structure, and as it specifically applies to this funding opportunity. It must describe previous experience in management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) programs specific to hypertension within the highest at-risk populations.

Dedicated staff must be explicitly included in the Work Plan and Budget, who will focus on health inequities and build relationships at the designated levels to decrease health care disparities and advance health equity.

 

Is the indirect cost rate based on the agency’s federally approved indirect rate?

Yes. As stated in “Section D: Application and Submission Information” of the NOFO, “If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate agreement is required. If the indirect costs are requested, include a copy of the current negotiated federal indirect cost rate agreement or a cost allocation plan approval letter for those Applicants under such a plan.”

 

The NOFO requires applicants to collaborate with other CDC-funded programs within and outside the state health departments and tribes.  Does this include providing them with financial resources and allocated funds in the budget?

Applicants should establish collaborative, strategic partnerships with other CDC-funded programs within and outside the state local, and territorial health departments, tribes and tribal organizations and community-based organizations. Explicitly providing financial resources and allocating funds in the budget is not specified in this NOFO. Applicants must assess and determine funding allocations that will contribute to achieving the outcomes of this NOFO and allocate the budget accordingly.

 

Can funds be used to purchase home blood pressure monitors?

Funds may not be used to purchase monitors for individuals. Any proposal to purchase blood pressure monitors on a limited basis will require a very strong justification of how this will be part of a systematic and sustainable approach. Determination of appropriateness of such proposals will be made on an individual basis. As much as possible, leveraging other resources will be important to support this type of work.

 

Can funding be used to help clinics pay for something like Unite Us/211?

Establishing and strengthening health and social service referral sources within populations at highest risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important part of this NOFO. Working to ensure sustainability of efforts beyond any current funding is critical and as such, some support could be appropriate for the type of referral sources referenced in the question. However, this NOFO should not be the only source of fiscal support.

 

Can community health worker (CHWs) salaries be covered by the budget?

No. However, on a case-by-case basis a CDC Project Officer may consider approving a part-time CHW for a pilot initiative if the applicant can demonstrate how it is building the case for developing a systems-level and sustainable model. The applicant should first consider leveraging all cost-sharing options.

Does the statement below regarding the priority population apply to our individual organization or is it for each county we serve? “Populations of focus for this NOFO are adults aged 18 and older with a hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level.”

The DP-23-0005 priority population criterion is to be used to identify areas of intervention for this NOFO. With that overall qualifying threshold criterion as a foundation, emphasis should be placed on achieving impact and reach across geographic locations where disparate populations can benefit from the strategies included in this NOFO. Additionally, the applicant must describe how entities on the required Learning Collaborative, including itself, have a history of collaborating to achieve sustainable change and improvement in the areas outlined in the NOFO, specifically, the priority population identified via the threshold criterion. Applicants must also ensure newly established LCs and partnerships with existing LCs have at least 51% of participating collaborators and partners that have demonstrated history and experience working with and representing the interests of approved populations of focus.

 

For the work related to creating networks of community/social services, is it required that all participating healthcare providers be on the same supporting IT platform? Or merely that they have the capability to send referrals/information and access local community partners?

Participating healthcare providers should each have the capability to send referrals and information.

 

Can Year 1 be used to build capacity in the state to collect census tract level data where it is not available?

No. These data must be included in the application submission due by May 23, 2023. Refer to the FAQs listed under Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for links to additional relevant resources.

 

Is a state without a census tract meeting the hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher criterion eligible to apply for CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005 Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program?

Applicants must demonstrate areas having an overall hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by census tract level data.

 

In reference to “Populations of focus for this NOFO, are adults aged 18 and older with a hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level,” does this mean we can focus on adults 65 and older within census tracts (since the crude prevalence of HTN in this sub-population in our state is greater than 53%)?

Applicants must work within census tracts that have an overall hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher among adults. In addition to the criterion listed above, applicants should place emphasis on achieving impact and reach across geographic locations where disparate populations can benefit from the strategies included in this NOFO. CDC will work with successful applicants post award to offer confirmation and approval of identified populations.

 

The NOFO mentions a focus on 53% hypertension rate, based on census tract. Would the CDC accept analysis at the County, Zip Code, or even smaller than census tract geographic areas within a state to identify areas at or above 53% hypertension rate?

Applicants should use Geographic Information System (GIS), or other geo-mapping technology to highlight census geographies to identify approvable populations of focus, identified for this NOFO as adults aged 18 and older with an overall hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level. Analysis and submission of data at another level as part of the application does not meet the requirements of this NOFO.

 

The NOFO states that “populations of focus for this NOFO are adults aged 18 and older with a hypertension crude prevalence of 53% of higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level”. How and why did CDC specifically chose 53% as the threshold?

Overall hypertension crude prevalence of 53% identifies communities with the highest burden of disease exacerbated by health inequities and disparities, social determinants, such as low incomes, poor health care, and unfair opportunity structures.

 

We represent the largest high-poverty city in the country with some of the greatest disparities and poorest health outcomes for cardiovascular disease. Upon an initial review, however, there are only three census tracts that meet the population of focus of hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, based on BRFSS data provided by CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health. Would it be allowable for us to define the population of focus by looking at race-based disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality or early cardiovascular disease mortality at the census tract level? We believe this would ensure we can achieve impact and reach across geographic locations of most need in our city.

This NOFO is exclusive to census tracts where overall hypertension crude prevalence is 53% or higher.

 

Can states use the data source for HTN prevalence at small geographies that they think is best for determining priority populations? 

This NOFO is exclusive to census tracts where overall hypertension crude prevalence is 53% or higher.

 

Describe more about priority populations.  Should this involve a broader approach and some areas of high burden?

Populations of focus for this NOFO are adults with hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher, as shown by data specifically at the census tract level. Priority populations should include those affected disproportionately by hypertension and high cholesterol due to socioeconomic or other factors, including inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, or low income. Emphasis should be placed on achieving maximum reach and impact across populations who can benefit from the strategies included in this NOFO.

 

Can applicants pick specific strategies or are they required to implement all strategies?

Applicants must address in the application and carry out post award, ALL strategies outlined in the Activities and Strategies section.

 

What are the approved lifestyle programs?

Examples of programs that are appropriate for systematic referral of adults with hypertension and/or high blood cholesterol include the following:

• YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program.
• National Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (HHA-BPSM) Program
• Weight Watchers
• Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program and Education (SNAP-ED)
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
• Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
• Curves Complete

Notice: As of 5/1/2023, Download GIS Data for census tracts is not working properly. We are working to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.

However, it remains possible to create and display census tract level maps [PDF – 377 KB] for social determinants of health, demographic, CVD prevalence, and risk factor data. It also remains possible to download all census tract level data as a table with the Export tool.

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If we are not able to identify entire census tracts that have an overall adult prevalence of hypertension of 53%, may we provide data in our application that is more specific than the county level, such as zip code, but not down to the level of census tract, especially for those subpopulations know to be disproportionately impacted by hypertension? Our state is able to provide, track, and analyze data at the zip code level that shows the hypertension prevalence in specific geographic areas and subpopulations that exceeds 53%.

CDC PLACES has hypertension data at the census tract level to help applicants meet the 53% threshold requirement of the NOFO. Zip Codes are a trademark of the U.S. Postal Service and designed to optimize mail delivery. Census tracts are a trademark of the U.S. Census Bureau are population based and designed to be homogenous. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/zctas.html

 

Can PLACES data work for the census tract level for hypertension prevalence at 53%?

CDC PLACES data has hypertension data at the census tract level that meets the threshold for the NOFO.

 

CDC directs applicants to CDC’s Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke for census tract level hypertension prevalence data, which is sourced from the PLACES dataset. The “hypertension prevalence” data within this platform are derived from statistical modeling techniques to estimate prevalence in small areas from BRFSS survey results. The limitations for these data are clearly described at this page: https://www.cdc.gov/places/measure-definitions/health-outcomes/index.html#high-blood-pressure “Indicator does not measure the proportion of adults who currently have diagnosed high blood pressure and might result in an underestimate of the prevalence of high blood pressure. Indicator is based on having been told that one has high blood pressure and is subject to recall and actually having been told. Additionally, reports are not validated against actual blood pressure measurements or medical records.”

Prolific data sharing and messaging from CDC, Million Hearts, AHA, and others have demonstrated large gaps between awareness and actual hypertension prevalence. How can these data be a recommended source for meeting the 53% threshold?”

As of the date of this response posting, PLACES is the only data source that provides estimates of hypertension prevalence in counties, census tracts, and ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs). Although medical history is a gold standard, recent studies involving advanced algorithms reveal even medical histories tend to consistently underestimate the prevalence of hypertension due to underdiagnosis in clinical practice. Estimates in the PLACES database are comparable to the estimates for hypertension obtained from the NHANES, which is based on the objective BP measurements.

 

Why is CDC specifying the use of crude prevalence, as opposed to age-adjusted prevalence? Is this because CDC wants applicants to rely upon PLACES data hypertension estimates? Crude estimates automatically bias eligible census tracts to those with older populations. This reads very differently than Million Hearts priority populations and a specific FAQ response for the 2304 RFA which reads “Walk with Ease was designed for individuals with arthritis rather than those with high blood pressure and tends to focus on older adults. National data show increasing prevalence of hypertension among younger adult populations (35-64 years). Focusing on that age group will also have more of a preventive impact.”

Age-adjusted estimates are only available at the county and place-level. We don’t provide age-adjusted prevalence estimates at census tract and ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTA) levels, because some of these areas do not have population for all age groups used in the adjustment process. PLACES: Local Data for Better Health

PLACES represents a first-of-its-kind data analysis to release information for all US counties, places, census tracts, and ZCTAs. This system complements existing surveillance data by providing estimates necessary to understand the health issues affecting the residents of local areas of all sizes and regardless of urban or rural status; develop and implement effective and targeted prevention activities; identify health problems; and establish key health objectives.

 

Is there a scientific or statistical reason for the 53% prevalence threshold? We don’t see this answered directly when asked by someone else.

The threshold requirement of 53% is 5% higher than the overall prevalence of hypertension among US adults and thus, targets to identify priority populations.  In-depth analysis from CDC staff determined the threshold requirement of overall hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher among adults will enable successful applicants to effectively identify and address health disparities and health inequities in communities at highest risk.

 

Why is GIS so important in the CDC-RFA-DP-23-0005 Innovative Cardiovascular Health NOFO?

• GIS uses a variety of tools and methods to merge complex data sets and information to graphically visualize onto maps for problem solving and decision making.
• Uses CDC recognized and authoritative data sources that are available at the census tract or neighborhood (block) level.
• Helps to advance health equity by focusing on geographies with the highest burden of disease.
• Helps to identify segments of the population who are disproportionally impacted by all conditions addressed in the NOFO.
• Helps the Learning Collaborative and partners focus efforts in areas where co-morbidities, social determinants and risk which coexist at their highest levels.

 

How can partners in the Learning Collaborative (LC) use GIS in their work?

• Utilizing GIS data will help LC partners gain consensus on areas to prioritize to program interventions.
• Using this data to understand where cardiovascular health (CVH) priorities converge and co-exist at their highest levels in the same neighborhood.

 

What are census tracts and why are they used for the unit of analysis instead of zip codes and counties?

• Census tracts are small statistical subdivisions of a county. They contain a population between 1, 200 to 8.000, with an average size of 4,000. Census tracts are considered neighborhood level geographies and depict disease burden with greater precision than what is possible using zip codes or county level geographies.

 

Are there any GIS resources that can help applicants gather data and focus on geographies with the highest burden of disease?

The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention has a series of on-line tools to create local-level maps of heart disease and stroke outcomes, as well as risk factors, socioeconomic conditions, healthcare facilities, sociodemographic populations, and more. The following on-line tools are particularly relevant for the NOFOs:

• Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke:  The Atlas contains a wide range of high-quality local-level data that can be easily mapped and downloaded. Mortality and hospitalization data are available by racial/ethnic group, gender, and age.  Socioeconomic and sociodemographic data are available down to the census tract level, and locations of healthcare facilities – such as stroke centers, Federally Qualified Health Care Centers, and emergency room services – are also available. Instructions for how to use the Atlas can be found here.
• Local Trends in Heart Disease and Stroke Dashboard:  The Dashboard provides local-level data on temporal trends in heart disease and stroke mortality by racial /ethnic group, gender, and age. Visitors to the Dashboard can create and download maps and graphs charting recent increases and decreases in heart disease and stroke mortality in their communities.  These maps and graphs are particularly important given widespread increases in heart disease and stroke mortality, especially among younger age groups.  Instructions for how to use the Dashboard can be found here.

Can this support a regional Learning Collaborative focused on census tracts at highest risk with opportunity for statewide spread or must it be statewide?

The work of the learning collaborative must focus on adults aged 18 and older with a hypertension crude prevalence of 53% or higher at the census tract level.

 

Can we put the LC in 2B or is the LC a separate stand-alone strategy?

In addition to describing the LC in the Project Narrative, applicants should reflect relevant proposed LC activities across ALL strategies in the work plan.

 

Can you elaborate a little more on how a LC would facilitate communication and exchange of ideas between health care system, community organizations and public health entities? An example will be greatly appreciated.

There should be a designated full-time staff member to coordinate LC efforts, ensure that the LC meets frequently, and documents all progress. CDC will provide further guidance to successful applicants post award.

 

What partners should be included in the Heart Disease and Stroke Learning Collaborative (LC)?

An LC may include public health, housing, commerce, and transportation agencies, health care providers, clinical quality improvement organizations, health information technology experts, public and private payers, pharmacists, mental and behavioral health professionals, community-based health care professionals, community organizations, safety net providers, local health departments (LHDs), and others. These partners may also directly intervene on a clinical or community basis to address the social determinants of health (SDOH).

 

Can the LC be an already established LC?

This NOFO requires applicants to collaborate or partner with a heart disease and stroke learning collaborative or similar entity. If one does not exist, applicants will be required to create an LC.

Post-award technical assistance will facilitate connections with existing and new LCs in a given jurisdiction, including but not limited to the state level LC that is required under CDC-RFA-DP-23-0004: The National Cardiovascular Health Program.

 

What is expected of the LC?

The LC serves as a hub focused on developing innovative approaches to improve overall cardiovascular health and is equipped to apply those approaches to the mitigation of SDOH and other associated risk factors among the approved populations of focus.  The goals of the LC are:

• Prioritizing populations and communities with the highest prevalence of CVD, with a focus on advancing health equity.
• Serving populations and communities affected disproportionately by CVD, specifically high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or stroke, due to unfair opportunity structures and SDOH, such as limited access to health care, inadequate or poor quality of health care, or economic instability.
• Achieving optimal health outcomes within the approved populations of focus.

Are baseline and target numbers required for Yr 1 of the Innovative Cardiovascular Health as part of the workplan?

Applicants should provide baselines, 6-month targets, and data sources for all performance measures as part of the workplan. Applicants are required to address all strategies and provide this information for all short- and intermediate-term performance measures. Recipients will report performance measures semi-annually to track progress over the five-year performance period.

 

Is the DMP a separate file and attachment from the Project Narrative file?

The DMP is not a separate file from the Project Narrative. It is included in the 20-page Project Narrative limit. The DMP is a draft, and you will have an opportunity to provide more detailed information post award. Please refer to CDC guidance on DMPs at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additional-requirements/ar-25.html . Additional guidance and a template from NCDDPHP can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/programs-impact/nofo/index.htm.

 

It appears in the NOFO that the evaluation and performance measurement plan will be submitted 6 months after the project starts. Can you please confirm if a full, complete evaluation and performance measurement plan (that includes specific evaluation questions, indicators, data sources, etc. in table format for each strategy such as Evaluation Plans submitted annually for 1815/1817) is a requirement for application submission for this NOFO?

Applicants will submit a draft Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan as part of their application. Please refer to the specific guidance in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan section of the NOFO for more details. Six months after the award, with support from CDC, recipients will be required to submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan. Post award, CDC will provide more detailed guidance for developing this plan.

 

Will an Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan in paragraph format in the Project Narrative meet the requirements or does the EPMP have to be in table format (such as the Evaluation Plans submitted annually for 1815/1817)?

Applicants may address each element of the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan in a format that works for your application. A table format or narrative format may be appropriate.  Please refer to the specific guidance on developing an EPMP in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement section.

 

The NOFO recommends allocation at least 15% of total funding to evaluation and performance monitoring. Are the specific staffing for evaluation required to be FTE on the budget?

Applicants are encouraged to work with professional evaluators (either internal or external) to meet the evaluation and performance reporting requirements of this NOFO. Professional evaluators can be part of the applicant’s internal staffing plan and/or part of a contract with another entity that includes professional evaluators. If the evaluation activities are part of a contract, the applicant’s staffing plan should indicate which staff will oversee and be responsible for ensuring the evaluation aligns with the CDC requirements and the needs of the program.

 

Is the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) and Data Management Plan (DMP) part of the 20-page limit for the narrative?

Yes, the EPMP and DMP count towards the page limit for the application Project Narrative. The EPMP and DMP are drafts, and you will have an opportunity to provide more detailed information for both 6 months post award.

 

For the applicant led evaluation are we expected to develop and propose our own evaluation questions.

The Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) should address the overarching evaluation questions as described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy section. Applicants are also expected to develop program-specific evaluation questions that correspond to the overarching CDC core evaluation questions. Please refer to the specific guidance on developing an EPMP in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement section.

 

Do we need to use the DMP template provided by CDC or can states create our own individual DMP layouts inclusive of the content laid out in the template?

Applicants need to address each required element of the DMP but are not required to use the CDC template. Applicants will provide a draft DMP and submit a detailed DMP with their detailed EPMP 6-months post award.

 

The NOFO says that the CDC strongly encourages allocating at least 15% of total funding to evaluation and performance monitoring. Can you provide examples of what counts towards the 15%?

Funding used for resources (such as staffing, contracting, etc.) that support evaluation and performance measuring activities can be attributed to this allocation. Examples of evaluation and performance measuring activities include evaluation planning, data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination. Applicants are encouraged to work with professional evaluators (either internal or external) to meet the evaluation and performance reporting requirements of this NOFO.

 

Will we report on the performance measures for all strategies?

Applicants are required to address all strategies and report all short- and intermediate-term performance measures. Applicants should provide baselines, 6-month targets, and data sources for all performance measures. Applicants will report performance measures semi-annually to track progress over the five-year performance period.

 

Are we responsible for long-term outcomes?

As indicated in the logic model, applicants will be responsible for short- and intermediate outcomes within this cooperative agreement. These outcomes should lead to the long-term outcomes, but applicants are not responsible for achieving long-term outcomes or reporting long-term measures within the five-year performance period.

 

How often will we be expected to report performance measures?

All performance measures will be reported to CDC semi-annually. Specific dates of reporting, data fields, and formatting will be provided post award. As part of the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, applicants must describe how they will collect performance measure data (e.g., hypertension control for approved populations of focus), how they will meet requirements to report performance measures semi-annually, and other relevant information. Applicants will submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement plan, including a data management plan, within the first six months of the cooperative agreement. Guidance will be provided to applicants post award.