Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL NOFO INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces the availability of fiscal year 2021 funds for a cooperative agreement program for community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop and implement High-Impact Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Programs.

The purpose of this program is to implement comprehensive HIV prevention programs to reduce morbidity, mortality, and related health disparities in accordance with the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (https://www.hiv.gov/ending-hiv-epidemicexternal icon) and CDC’s High-Impact HIV Prevention approach (https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/hip/hip.html). This NOFO focuses on addressing the national HIV epidemic by reducing new infections, increasing access to care, and promoting health equity. The aforementioned will be achieved by enhancing community-based organizations’ capacities to increase HIV testing, link persons with HIV to HIV medical care, increase referrals to Partner Services (PS), provide prevention and essential support services for persons with HIV and high-risk persons with unknown or negative serostatus, and increase program monitoring and accountability. Standard performance measures for HIV prevention programs on improving performance and accountability, which align with the national prevention goals, are included in this NOFO.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY?

Community-based organizations are uniquely positioned to complement and extend the reach and optimization of HIV prevention efforts implemented by state and local health departments.  This NOFO aligns with the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative and CDC DHAP Strategic Plan to (1) reduce the number of people diagnosed with HIV; (2) increase access to care and optimize health outcomes for people with HIV; and (3) reduce HIV-related health disparities.

Standard performance measures for HIV prevention programs that are consistent with the focus of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy on improving performance and accountability are included in this NOFO. https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/national-hiv-aids-strategy/overviewexternal icon

WHAT ARE THE MEASURABLE OUTCOMES?

The measurable outcomes are in alignment with one or more of the following performance goals for CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP):

1. Diagnose
   1. Increased person who are aware of their HIV status
   2. Increased receipt of integrated screenings
2. Treat
   1. Increased receipt of HIV medical care among previously diagnosed HIV-positive persons, not-in-care
   2. Increased medication adherence among persons living with HIV
   3. Increased access to Partner Services
3. Prevent
   1. Increased referral to PrEP
   2. Increased availability of condoms

CAN THE NOFO BE USED TO SUPPORT RESEARCH?

This notice of funding opportunity is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY

WHO MAY APPLY FOR FUNDING?

Organizations that meet the requirements listed below are eligible to apply for funding under this NOFO.

Must be considered a non-profit public or private organization with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education) and provide a copy of the organization’s tax exempt 501(c)(3) IRS letter as documentation of the non-profit 501(c)(3) status. Included are the following types of organizations:

• American Indian/Alaska Native tribally designated organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• Hospitals (non-government affiliation and not under the administrative and management authority of a college or university)

Please note, other tax exemption certificates, such as state tax or sales tax exemption certificates and letters, will not be accepted as a substitution of the Federal 501(c)(3) IRS tax exemption letter.

Eligible applicants must provide services in one of the 32 states listed below in addition to, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, applicants may provide services in a maximum of three (3) service areas throughout the eligible locations within the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants can provide HIV prevention services in areas that cross over into eligible bordering state health department jurisdictions (e.g., District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia). The applicant must have a history of providing HIV prevention services in these eligible areas, discussed provision of services with their state or local health department in which they report, and received written consent. (See Attachment C: Health Department Targeted HIV Testing and Partner Services Letter of Agreement)

WHAT FACTORS WERE CONSIDERED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBLE JURISDICTIONS?

The eligible 32 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were selected based on diagnosis of HIV infection by state at the end of 2018 (National HIV Surveillance System). The eligible locations have greater than 200 reported cases within the jurisdiction.  Limiting competition to the listed 32 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands will provide the greatest effectiveness for this funding because it will reach those areas with the greatest need for the HIV prevention services.  These eligible states/jurisdictions comprise approximately 95% of the total number of HIV infection diagnoses as of 2018. Also eligible are the U.S. Virgin Islands.

CAN AN APPLICANT PROPOSE SUBCONTRACTING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?

If an applicant is proposing to subcontract with organization(s) to provide direct services as described in this NOFO, please note the following:

• The 501(c)(3) IRS tax exemption letter for the subcontractor organization(s) must be included with the application at the time of submission.
• Applicant organizations may subcontract with a maximum of two organizations to provide direct services as described in the Strategies and Activities section of this NOFO.
• Applicant organization must perform a substantial role in the delivery of services.
• The amount of funding allocated for subcontractors must be in alignment with the proposed services to be provided by the subcontractor(s).
• Subcontractor organization(s) must be located and provide services in the same state as the applicant organization and have a history of consistently serving the proposed target population for at least the last 24 months.

The eligible 32 states listed below in addition to, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were selected based on diagnosis of HIV infection by state at the end of 2018 (National HIV Surveillance System). The eligible locations have greater than 200 reported cases within the jurisdiction.  Limiting competition to the listed 32 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands will provide the greatest effectiveness for this funding because it will reach those areas with the greatest need for the HIV prevention services.  These eligible states/jurisdictions comprise approximately 95% of the total number of HIV infection diagnoses as of 2018. Also eligible are the U.S. Virgin Islands.

BUDGET AND FUNDING

HOW MUCH FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

The approximate current fiscal year total funding is approximately $42 million, with an approximate total project period funding of $210 million.  The average award amount is $470,000.

Note: These amounts are estimates for the first 12-month budget period, which include direct and indirect costs and are subject to availability of funds.

Approximate Number of Awards: up to 90 awards

WHEN WILL THE FUNDS BE AVAILABLE?

Organizations that are selected will receive funding on or before July 1, 2021. Funds may be used during the budget period length of 12 months.

HOW LONG CAN FUNDING FOR THE PROJECTS BE CONTINUED?

The project period is five years. Throughout the project period, CDC’s commitment to continuation of awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government. To be granted a continuation award, you must have:

• Completed all recipient requirements;
• Submitted appropriate data and programmatic reports on your annual target levels of performance for each program performance indicator;
• Demonstrated sufficient progress in programmatic activities.

ARE MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED?

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this NOFO exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability are strongly encouraged.

WHAT IS A DUNS NUMBER, AND HOW DO I OBTAIN ONE?

You are 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. You need a DUNS number even if you are applying by paper submission.

There is no charge for a DUNS number. You can obtain a DUNS number by going to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do external iconor calling 1-866-794-1577.

Note: It can take up to 30 business days to receive your DUNS number, so be sure to start the process early.

WHERE DO I FIND GUIDANCE ON BUDGET PREPARATION?

Budget Preparation Guidelines can be found here https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdfpdf icon  on the CDC’s Office of Financial Resources website.

Applicants must submit an itemized budget narrative (not included in the Project Narrative’s 20-page limit), Budget must include:

• Salaries and wages
• Fringe benefits
• Consultant costs
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Travel
• Other categories
• Total Direct costs
• Total Indirect costs

The itemized budget narrative should follow the format of the NOFO and be organized by program strategy: Comprehensive HIV Prevention Core Program (75% of total funding) and Operational Program (up to 25%).

When developing their budget, applicant organizations should not allocate more than 10% of their total budget to support evaluation staff, consultants and/or contractors.

Awardees will be expected to attend a Recipient Orientation meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, during Year 1 and should allocate funds to support the travel of up to three staff persons to attend the 4 to 5 day meeting.

Awardees must also allocate sufficient funds to enable appropriate program staff to attend all required CDC meetings and trainings that support the prevention approaches described in this NOFO, as communicated by CDC in advance of the meetings throughout the project period.

NOTE: 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 Grantees under such a plan.

WHAT ARE THE FUNDING RESTRICTIONS?

You must take the following funding restrictions into account when you are planning your program and writing the budget:

• Recipients may not use funds for research.
• Recipients may not use funds for clinical care except as allowed by law.
• Recipients may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.
• Generally, recipients may not use funds to purchase furniture or equipment. Any such proposed spending must be clearly identified in the budget.
• Reimbursement of pre-award costs generally is not allowed, unless the CDC provides written approval to the recipient.
• Other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, no funds may be used for:
  • publicity or propaganda purposes, for the preparation, distribution, or use of any material designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before any legislative body
  • the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before any legislative body
• See Additional Requirement (AR) 12 for detailed guidance on this prohibition and additional guidance on lobbying for CDC recipientspdf icon.
• 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.
• Recipients may not use funds for construction.
• Recipients may not use funds to support direct implementation of school-based HIV prevention programs. (This restriction is not applicable to collaborations with school-based HIV prevention programs.)
• Awardees may not use funds to purchase or supply medications.
• Awardees may not use funds for clinical services, such as the provision of PrEP and nPEP; treatment of HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis, and/or TB; vaccination against hepatitis A or hepatitis B; and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).

SUBMISSION

WHEN IS MY APPLICATION DUE?

Application Deadline: November 20, 2020

Applications must be received on www.grants.gov external iconby 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time.  If your application does not meet the submission deadline, it will not be eligible for review and will be discarded. You will be notified that you did not meet the submission requirements.

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY?

Applications must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov.external icon The application package can be downloaded at  www.grants.gov.external icon Applicants can complete the application package off-line and submit the application by uploading it at www.grants.gov.external icon All application attachments must be submitted using a PDF file format. Directions for creating PDF files can be found at www.grants.gov.external icon File formats other than PDF may not be readable by OGS Technical Information Management Section (TIMS) staff.

Electronic applications will be considered successful if they are available to OGS TIMS staff for processing from www.grants.gov external iconon the deadline date.

Application submission is not concluded until the validation process is completed successfully. After the application package is submitted, the applicant will receive a “submission receipt” email generated by www.grants.gov.external icon A second email message to applicants will then be generated by www.grants.gov external iconthat will either validate or reject the submitted application package.

This validation process may take as long as two business days. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the status of their application to ensure that submission of their package has been completed and no submission errors have occurred. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to allocate ample time for filing to guarantee that their application can be submitted and validated by the deadline published in the NOFO. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.

If an applicant does not receive a “validation” email within two business days of application submission, the applicant should contact www.grants.gov.external icon

REQUIRED STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

IF WE ARE FUNDED, WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE WE REQUIRED TO DO?

Applicant organizations are required to provide HIV prevention services for persons with HIV and persons at high risk for acquiring HIV. The applicant organization’s program must consist of all required Comprehensive Prevention Core and Operational Program activities and strategies.

Comprehensive HIV Prevention Core Program:

• Diagnose (Targeted HIV Testing, Provide and/or Refer to Integrated Screenings)
• Treat (Linkage to HIV Medical Care, Re-engagement, Partner Services Referral, Medication Adherence (to achieve Viral Suppression))
• Prevent (Referrals to PrEP and nPEP, Health Education/Risk Reduction, Condom Distribution)
• Respond (Support for Health Department Cluster Activities and Data to Care)

Operational Program:

• Program Promotion, Outreach, and Recruitment
• Community Engagement Group (CEG)
• HIV Planning Group (HPG)

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) AND WHAT IS THE FORMAT?

CDC recommends you submit an LOI. Although a letter of intent is not required, it is highly recommended and will assist CDC in planning for the review process.  Please submit only one LOI per organization.

You can access the LOI online at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/PS21-2102/index.html

LOI Deadline:  09/28/2020

Please email the LOI to CBOFOA@cdc.gov.

Note: Do not send your application with the letter of intent.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN APPLICATION?

Your application must contain the following information:

• Project Abstract
• Project Narrative
• Budget Narrative & Budget
• CDC Assurances and Certifications
• Table of Contents for Entire Submission

Additional Attachments

• Non-profit Organization Federal 501(c)(3) IRS Status Letter
• Attachment C: Health Department Targeted HIV Testing/Partner Services Letter of Agreement *
• One Service Agreement with a HIV Medical Care provider
• One of the following to support Evidence of Service, Location, and History Serving the Proposed Target Population:
  • A copy of a progress report from a funder
  • Letter from an applicant’s funding source, other than CDC, documenting the applicant’s service to the target population (must reflect consistent service for at least the last 24 months)
• Resumes/CVs for key personnel (Executive Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, Business Official)
• Organizational Charts (Agency-wide and PS21-2102 prevention program)
• Letter of Intent from a Physician for State Regulations and HIV Testing Activities, if required
• CLIA wavier, if applicable
• Self-Testing (HIV Testing) Protocol, if applicable
• Linkage to HIV Medical Care Program Plan
• One (1) Letter of Support from civic, non-profit businesses, and/or faith-based organizations
• Indirect Cost Rate, if applicable
• One Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding(s) for Prevention and Essential Support Service Providers
• Attachment B: Organizational Capacity and Target Population Worksheet*
• Jurisdictional HIV Prevention Plan, if applicable
• CDC Assurances of Compliance

*Templates and/or samples of these documents are located at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps21-2102/index.html.

DO I NEED TO INCLUDE A PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY?

A project abstract must be submitted with the application. The abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed project including the purpose and outcomes.  This summary must not include any proprietary or confidential information. The abstract should be no more than one page in length.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE PROJECT NARRATIVE?

There is a maximum limit of 20 pages and all pages should be numbered. If the narrative exceeds this page limit, the application will not be reviewed. The 20-page limit applies to the project narrative and work plan, but does not include attachments.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT NARRATIVE?

The Project Narrative must include all of the following headings:

• Background
• Approach
• Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
• Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach
• Workplan

The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined above. It must address outcomes and activities to be conducted over the entire project period as identified in the Strategies and Activities section of the NOFO.

In your narrative, be sure to indicate each time supporting materials have been added to an appendix. Include name of appendix and page number (e.g., See Appendix B, p. 51.)

A. Background
Applicants must provide a description of relevant background information that includes the context of the problem.

B. Approach
Applicants must describe in 2-3 sentences specifically how their application will address the problem as described in the CDC Background section.

C. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
Applicants must provide a CBO-specific evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates how the recipient will fulfill the requirements described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement and Project Description sections of the NOFO.

D. Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach
Applicants must address the organizational capacity requirements as described in the CDC Project Description.

WHAT ITEMS BELONG IN THE OTHER ATTACHMENT SECTION?

Your application’s attachments and appendices will not be counted toward the narrative page limit.

This section outlines the items that must be included in the attachment and appendix sections of your application. If you include additional documents to support your narrative, you must indicate where the supporting documentation is located within your application’s attachments and appendix.

These are the required documents that should be located in the other attachments section of the application:

• Attachment B: Organizational Capacity and Proposed Target Population Worksheet
• Attachment C: Health Department Letter of Support/Targeted HIV Testing and Partner Services Letter of Agreement
• Attachment D: Letter of Intent from a Physician for State Regulations and HIV Testing Activities (if applicable)
• Linkage to HIV Medical Care Program Plan Template
• Service Agreement with a HIV Medical Care Provider
• Resumes/CVs for key personnel (Executive Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, Business Official)
• One (1) Letters of Support from civic, non-profit businesses, and/or faith-based organizations
• Non-profit Organization Federal 501(c)(3) IRS Status Letter
• Indirect Cost Rate, if applicable
• One Service Agreements with a HIV Medical Care provider
• One Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding(s) for Prevention and Essential Support Service Providers
• Evidence of Service, Location, and History Serving the Proposed Target Population
• Attachment H: CDC Form 0.1113 Assurance of Compliance (must be downloaded from grants.govexternal icon)

All attachments are located at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps21-2102/index.html

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION

HOW ARE MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS USED?

You are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Funded organizations are required to meet the minimum requirements established in the NOFO program objectives. Performance goals are stated in the “CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement” section of the NOFO.

WHAT ARE OUR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS?

Reporting provides continuous program monitoring and identifies successes and challenges that recipients encounter throughout the project period. Also, reporting is a requirement for recipients who want to apply for yearly continuation of funding.

Recipients must submit an annual performance report, ongoing performance measures data, administrative reports, and a final performance and financial report. A detailed explanation of any additional reporting requirements will be provided in the Notice of Award to successful applicants.

Recipients must report all required program performance data, including NHM&E data, at the end of each budget period to CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention via CDC-approved data systems. These reporting requirements are inclusive of the data required for fulfillment of the annual performance report described in the following text.

Specific reporting requirements:

• Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan: Recipients must provide a more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan within the first six months of the project.
• Annual Progress Report: Recipients must submit the Annual Progress Report via www.grants.gov external icon120 days before the end of the budget period.
• Performance Measure Reporting: CDC programs must require recipients to submit performance measures annually as a minimum, and may require reporting more frequently.
• End of Year Performance Report:  Recipients must submit the End of Year Performance Report at the end of the performance year.  

• Federal Financial Reporting (FFR): The annual FFR form (SF-425) is required and must be submitted within 90 days after each budget period ends. The report must include only those funds authorized and disbursed during the timeframe covered by the report.

•  Final Performance (Closeout Report) and Financial Report: At the end of the project period, recipients must submit a final report including a final financial and performance report. This report is due 90 days after the project period ends.

REVIEW PROCESS AND PRE-DECISIONAL SITE VISTS (PDSV)

HOW DOES THE CDC REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS WORK?

Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not advance to Phase II. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility or published submission requirements.

There are three steps to the evaluation process for complete and responsive applications:

Phase I:  All applications will be reviewed initially for completeness by CDC OGS staff and will be reviewed jointly for eligibility by the CDC NCHHSTP and OGS.

Phase II: The second step of the review process is an objective review and scoring by an independent review panel assigned by CDC, known as an Objective Review Panel (OR). A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria list in the “Review and Selection” section of the NOFO.

Phase III: The final phase of the review process is conducted during a pre-decisional site visit (PDSV). For HIV Prevention Program proposals, applicants can receive a maximum PDSV score of 500 points. If the HIV Prevention Program proposal fails to score at least 350 points during the PDSV, the applicant will not be considered for funding.

HOW IS THE WRITTEN APPLICATION SCORED?

A. Approach (40 pts)

The review panel will evaluate eligible applications based on the applicant’s experience, capacity, and ability to implement the published program requirements for the target population documented in the application.  The review panel will evaluate the extent to which the applicant:

• Describes an overall strategy consistent with the Project Description and logic model, including describing the proposed strategy for addressing the Comprehensive HIV Prevention Core Program (Diagnose, Treat, Prevent, Respond) and Operational Program (Program Promotion, Outreach and Recruitment, Community Engagement Group, Formalized Collaborations and Partnerships) activities.
• Presents outcomes that are consistent with the project period outcomes described in the Project Description and logic model.
• Presents a work plan the five (5)-year overview and detailed Year 1 work plan that is aligned with each of the required strategies and associated activities, outcomes, and performance measures in the approach and is consistent with the content and format proposed by CDC.

B. Evaluation and Performance Management (25 pts)

The extent to which the applicant proposes an evaluation and performance measurement plan that is consistent with their work plan and the CDC evaluation and performance measurement strategy.

C. Applicant’s Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach (35 pts)

The extent to which the applicant:

• Establishes that they have the requisite experience and credibility in working with the proposed target population consistently for at least the last 24 months. Specific elements considered as part of the assessment include, but are not limited to, length of service, outcomes of the services, and the applicant’s overall relationship with the community.
• Demonstrates that they have substantial experience providing HIV prevention and/or care services to the proposed target population.
• Demonstrates their existing or forthcoming capacity to successfully execute all proposed strategies and activities to meet program requirements.
• Demonstrates that staff members have experience providing services to the target population and/or describes plans to hire staff that have experience working with the target population. When feasible, applicants must hire direct service staff who are reflective of the target population and who have 12 months minimum experience working with the target population.
• Provides information that establishes evidence of adequate program management/staffing plans, performance measurement, evaluation, financial reporting, management of travel requirements, and workforce development and training.
• Demonstrates the ability to enhance existing and establish new formalized collaborative partnerships.

D. Budget (Reviewed, but not scored)

Although the budget is not scored, the applicant should ensure the itemized PS21-2102 budget and justification is reasonable and consistent with stated objectives and planned program activities.

Note: CDC encourages funded organizations to allow administrative and program staff to participate in any mandatory training conducted or sponsored by CDC, including grantee orientation. If a key program staff person leaves your organization, his/her replacement must attend training within six months. You must set aside funds within your detailed line-item budget to allow staff to attend required trainings and annual conferences.

Recipients must work with CDC/DHAP to make the necessary adjustments to their work plan and detailed evaluation plan as described in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan section of the NOFO.

WHAT WILL OCCUR DURING THE PRE-DECISIONAL SITE VISIT?

The final phase of the review process is conducted via a pre-decisional site visit (PDSV). During PDSVs, CDC staff will meet with appropriate project management and staff, which may include representatives of governing bodies, executive director, program manager, etc. The PDSV (1) facilitates a technical review of the application and discussion of the proposed program; (2) further assesses an applicant’s capacity to implement the proposed program; and (3) identifies unique programmatic conditions that may require further training, technical assistance, or other CDC resources. CDC will contact the health department during the PDSV process to verify data submitted by the applicant (e.g., target population data). Final funding determinations will be based on application scores from the objective review panel, scores from the PDSV, and CDC’s funding preferences.

AWARDS

HOW WILL MY ORGANIZATION BE NOTIFIED IF IT IS SELECTED FOR FUNDING?

Recipients will receive an electronic copy of the Notice of Award (NoA) from CDC OGS. The NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized GMO and e-mailed to the recipient program director.

Any applicant awarded funds in response to this NOFO will be subject to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Of 2006 (FFATA) requirements.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of these results by e-mail with delivery receipt or by U.S. mail. The anticipated announcement award date is on or before July 1, 2021.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

IS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH WRITING MY APPLICATION AVAILABLE?

Technical assistance with the development of your PS21-2102 proposal is not available.

HOW WILL CDC ASSIST MY ORGANIZATION IF IT IS FUNDED?

In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff members will be substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. CDC activities for this program are as follows:

1. 1. Collaborate to ensure coordination and implementation of strategies to arrange for availability of HIV prevention providers in non-healthcare and healthcare organizations.
   2. Work with recipients to identify and address CBA/TA needs that are essential to the success of the project.
   3. Facilitate coordination, collaboration, and, where feasible, service integration among federal agencies, other CDC funded programs, health departments,  local and state planning groups, other CDC directly funded CBOs, national capacity building assistance providers, medical care providers and other recipients of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, and other partners working with people living with and at greatest risk for HIV infection toward common goals of risk reduction, disease detection, and a continuum of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
   4. Monitor recipient program performance via use of multiple approaches, such as site visits, email, conference calls, and standardized review of performance reports and other data reports to support program development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement.
   5. Provide guidance and coordination to funded organizations to improve the quality and effectiveness of work plans, evaluation strategies, products and services, and collaborative activities with other organizations.
   6. Collaborate to compile and publish accomplishments, best practices, performance criteria, and lessons learned during the project period.
   7. Collaborate, as appropriate, in assessing progress toward meeting strategic and operational goals/objectives and in establishing measurement and accountability systems for documenting outcomes, such as increased performance improvements and best or promising practices.
   8. Collaborate on strategies to ensure the provision of appropriate and effective HIV prevention services to target populations, as deemed appropriate and as requested.
   9. Provide requirements and expectations for standardized and other data reporting and support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities with CDC and contractual TA, including web-based training on NHM&E, materials such as data collection tools, and online TA via the NHM&E Service Center.

WHAT IF I NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH GRANTS.GOV?

If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants should contact Customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.govexternal icon Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at support@www.grants.gov. Application submissions sent by email or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note that www.grants.govexternal icon is managed by HHS.

After consulting with the Contact Center, if the technical difficulties remain unresolved and electronic submission is not possible, applicants may email or call CDC OGS Grants Management Officer/ Grants Management Specialist (GMO/GMS), before the deadline, and request permission to submit a paper application. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

WHO MAY I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

For programmatic technical assistance, contact:
Erica K. Dunbar, Senior Advisor Health Department and CBO Initiatives
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE- MS US8-3
Atlanta, GA 30329
Email: cbofoa@cdc.gov

For financial, awards management, or budget assistance, contact:
Portia R. Brewer, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Specialist
Office of Grants Services
2939 Flowers Road, MS TV-2
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-3185
Email: yfa2@cdc.gov

Hearing impairment assistance:
CDC telecommunications for persons with hearing impairment or other disabilities are available at TTY 1-888-232-6348.

Grants.gov assistance:
If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov,external icon applicants should contact Customer Service at www.grants.govexternal icon. The www.grants.gov external iconContact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by e-mail at support@www.grants.gov. Application submissions sent by e-mail or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note the www.grants.gov external iconis managed by HHS.