Notice of Funding Opportunity CDC-RFA-DP-23-0002

It is up to the applicant to assess whether or not the organization meets the criteria and has the required experience. Applicants are required to submit a MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, School Health Profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection.  The MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will collaboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this NOFO.

Healthy Schools Branch prefers the School Health Index (SHI) as the assessment tool but if this poses a major problem, we will work with grantees to address once funded.

It will be up to the awardee to work with the LEA on how to best gain access to SHI data.

The collaboration plan is a required attachment as part of the application package.

There is not a page limit for the collaboration plan.

The applicant should develop and provide with the application a thorough and complete collaboration plan describing who and how it will work with over the period of performance and commitment of one priority LEA to complete program activities, evaluation requirements, and outline partnerships.

Is the Collaboration Plan is taking the place of partner letters of support?  I don’t see anywhere on the collaboration plan where they are committing to work with us – more that we are just writing in who we hope to work with. Should we still ask for letters of support from our partners or will just writing them into the collaboration plan be enough?

Applicants are expected to develop and provide with their application a thorough and complete collaboration plan describing with whom and how they will work over the period of performance.  The collaboration plan must outline partnerships and also include the commitment of one priority LEA to complete program activities and evaluation requirements.

It will be up to the applicant to determine and describe how it will meet the 75% requirement and staffing to accomplish all activities. All activities under Strategy 2 at the identified LEA and school level must be addressed and are to be implemented, monitored, and evaluated (e.g., data collection, student behavioral outcomes) in one priority LEA encompassing at least 75% of district schools representative of elementary middle, and high schools.

Participation means that at least 75% of the priority LEAs’ schools are engaged in all aspects of the program (i.e., activities under Strategy 2 and evaluation). They are expected to participate in assessment, implementation, training, and evaluation data collection. Evaluation data collection includes tracking/monitoring indicators and performance measures and participation in school surveys, interviews, School Health Profiles, and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and other evaluation activities.  Priority LEA schools should expect to be fully immersed in the program and the assessment of progress to demonstrate impact.

An Educational Service Center is allowable as an LEA and your ESC Region Leader may write the letter of commitment. An LEA is defined as “a local education agency (LEA) may be a single- or multi-school district, a vocational program, a charter operator, a regional or county office of education, an alternative education program, or other office of education supporting schools and students in a particular region.”

The LEA shall commit a portion of that person’s time for proposed activities. This staff person must exhibit leadership to provide and monitor PD and TA to schools in the selected LEA and report on activities and outcomes to the recipient. A letter of support from the superintendent should denote a level of readiness and commitment of the proposed staff person. Applicants must name the file “LEA Letter of Commitment”, and upload as a PDF file at www.grants.gov. It is up to the recipient to determine if this is an in-kind or salary position, therefore funding a position at the LEA level is recommended, but not required. It is up to the applicant to determine where this position resides.

It is up to the applicant to determine areas of focus as well as setting. The priority LEA and schools must be in communities that experience poverty, are medically underserved, and are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and attributable risk factors. Recipients should ensure that data are used to select the priority LEA and schools located in areas disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and the risk factors that cause them.

The 75% applies to data collection, training and technical assistance.  Also, the 75% applies annually and over the span of the 5 years of the cooperative agreement. Based on the recipient’s assessment in year one, they will need to work with the same schools over the 5 years to make an impact.

There is not an evaluation plan template.  All plan elements are currently in the NOFO for applicants to develop their initial evaluation plan.  Recipients are required to submit a more detailed evaluation plan within the first 6 months of award.

The evaluation contract will be funded via CDC and will use the same concept and process that the current notice of funding opportunity is operating under.  There is nothing the applicant needs to do at this time in relation to this contract.

It’s an expectation the recipient’s priority LEA and corresponding schools will participate in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in addition to other monitoring and evaluation activities associated with the project (e.g., interviews, surveys, data collection). All corresponding schools should participate regardless of number of schools.

For YRBSS, we understand some states use a different surveillance tool.  We will also work with the grantee to address once funded.

Data collection for the priority LEA and corresponding schools should be for the purpose of program evaluation only. Data collection should assess progress on activities under Strategy 2 and will include LEA and school surveys, interviews, School Health Profiles, and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

The following questions from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Standard High School Questionnaire) will be required: Fruits (Questions: 68, 69); Vegetables (Questions 70, 71, 72, 73); Physical activity (Question 76).

If we are the entity that conducts the YRBS, where do we need to note that?

This information regarding YRBS should be noted in the MOU/MOA. Applicants must submit a MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, school health profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection. Additionally, the MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will collaboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this NOFO.

How much detail should be included in the “initial evaluation plan” as part of the application? The scoring criteria seems to be more about capacity than plan specifics. For example, should the application include:

• Proposed data sources for CDC indicators for monthly reporting?
• Proposed data sources for CDC indicators for the CDC evaluation questions?
• Description of applicant-specific evaluation questions?
• Proposed Methods for the Short-Term & Intermediate Outcomes?

Yes, your evaluation and performance measurement plan should be comprehensive and include: proposed data sources for CDC indicators for monthly reporting; proposed data sources for CDC indicators for the CDC evaluation questions; description of applicant-specific evaluation questions; proposed methods for the short-term & intermediate outcomes; and plans doe dissemination of evaluation findings. Please keep in mind that your evaluation and performance measurement plan can be revised upon award.

In the Work Plan tables of Short-Term Outcomes & Intermediate Outcomes,  

• Does the Current Year Target column refer to Year 1? And should we assign a value to that target now?
• What does “Additional inputs” mean at the end of the Intermediate Outcomes table?
• Should the Notes field describe the Proposed Methods?

The current year is year 1. If the applicant doesn’t know baseline,  you may enter a “ 0” and then TBD for targets in the work plan and, once funded, the awardee will work with their CDC project officer and evaluator to revise if needed within the first 6 months of being awarded.  Additional inputs determine resources, alternative strategies to meet the goal or outcome.     Yes, the notes field can be used for describing the proposed methods.

Could you please provide guidance on work plan pages 6-7? I do not see information in the NOFO about providing baseline and target data levels for the outcomes in the initial application. I do see information, on page 40, about provided performance measures and targets 6 months into the project through the Recipient Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan.

If the applicant doesn’t know baseline,  you may enter a “ 0” and then TBD for targets in the work plan and, once funded, the awardee will work with their CDC project officer and evaluator to revise if needed within the first 6 months of being awarded.

Staffing needs for the project will be determined by the applicant. As noted in the NOFO, applicants should describe having/hiring a program coordinator (100% FTE) dedicated specifically to this project. Applicants must provide a staffing plan and job descriptions for proposed project coordinator and related project positions and name the files “Staffing Plan” and “Job Descriptions”. Both should be uploaded as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

Recipients are encouraged to allocate up to 25% of their award to one priority LEA.

It is not necessary to submit a DMP with the application. Upon being awarded, CDC will determine if a DMP would be needed.

If successfully competed and funded,  cooperative agreement funding will be awarded to the applicant who would become the recipient of funds.

Applications should include a detailed budget for year one.

The work plan is included in the Project Narrative’s page limit.

There is no page limit for the work plan, but it is a part of the 20-page limit of the Project Narrative. The Project Narrative must include all of the following headings (including subheadings):  Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan.  The limit is 20 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.  Content beyond the specified page number will not be reviewed.

If you don’t exceed the 20-page limit, you may use graphics, tables, and color.  The Project Narrative must include all of the following headings (including subheadings):  Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan.

In the work plan, the activities are the “what”.  Action steps are the “how” you will accomplish the proposed activities.

Applicants are required to submit a MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, School Health Profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection.  The MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will collaboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this NOFO.

The MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will corroboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this notice of funding opportunity. Applicants must name the file “MOU/MOA” and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov. If a MOU/MOA is not provided, the application will be deemed non-responsive.

There is no template for the MOU/MOA.

Memorandum of Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding- it is a document that describes a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties expressing a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where the parties either do not imply a legal commitment or cannot create a legally enforceable agreement.

We have a longstanding partnership with our state departments of health and education with a focus on school wellness. We have an MOU and letter from the health department, who oversees the YRBS, however for a variety of reasons, we will not get a letter or MOA/MOU in time for the application from the department of education, who oversees the School Health Profiles. Given that, will our application be deemed “non-responsive”? As you might imagine, we wouldn’t want to prepare an extensive application if this specific point will be a deal-breaker. 

It is up to the applicant to assess whether or not the organization meets the criteria and has the required experience. The recipient is required to lead both strategies and all activities within the NOFO. Please read the review and selection process section on page 34:

1. Review and Selection Process
2. Phase 1 Review

All applications will be initially reviewed for eligibility and completeness by CDC Office of Grants Services. Complete applications will be reviewed for responsiveness by the Grants Management Officials and Program Officials. Non-responsive applications will not advance to Phase II review. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility and/or published submission requirements.

1. Phase II Review

A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria below.

1. Approach
2. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

iii. Applicant’s Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria.

We had anticipated that our department of public health or department of education would apply but have recently heard that they are not.  We do not want this opportunity to go by for Alabama, so are considering applying on behalf of Lakeshore Foundation (non-profit) with the required MOUs from the state agencies.  We are very late starting on this!  I wanted to reach out to see if this is still permissible given that we did not submit a letter of intent or join the webinar.  There is a strong network of capacity already built in this area that we know we can continue and build upon, ensuring that the adapted programs and materials related to school health and wellness with students with disabilities would be at the center of our programming. 

The letter of intent is not a required document for submitting an application.  It is up to the applicant to assess whether or not the organization meets the criteria and has the required experience. Applicants are required to submit a MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, School Health Profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection.  The MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will collaboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this NOFO. The MOU/MOA must state the relationship and plans on how both entities will corroboratively work together on proposed strategies and activities in this notice of funding opportunity. The recipient is required to lead both strategies and all activities within the NOFO. All applications will be initially reviewed for eligibility and completeness by CDC Office of Grants Services. Complete applications will be reviewed for responsiveness by the Grants Management Officials and Program Officials. Non-responsive applications will not advance to Phase II review. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility and/or published submission requirements.

The recipient is required to lead both strategies and all activities within the NOFO.

Recipients will focus on two strategies under the cooperative agreement, Strategy 1: Statewide Support and Strategy 2: Implementation in Priority LEA and Corresponding Schools. All activities under Strategy 1 at the state level must be addressed during the period of performance. All activities under Strategy 2 at the LEA and school level must also be addressed and are to be implemented, monitored, and evaluated (e.g., data collection, student behavioral outcomes) in one priority LEA encompassing at least 75% of district schools representative of elementary middle, and high schools. The priority LEA and schools must be in communities that experience poverty, are medically underserved, and are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and attributable risk factors.

All activities at the state level must be addressed during the period of performance. The period of performance is 5-years.

All activities under Strategy 2 at the LEA and school level must be addressed and are to be implemented, monitored, and evaluated (e.g., data collection, student behavioral outcomes) in one priority LEA encompassing at least 75% of district schools representative of elementary middle, and high schools. The priority LEA and schools must be in communities that experience poverty, are medically underserved, and are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and attributable risk factors.

CDC-RFA-DP-23-0002 is the successor to the cooperative agreement with state education agencies titled CDC-RFA-DP18-1801, “Improving Student Health and Academic Development through Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Management of Chronic Conditions in Schools.” This new NOFO complements CDC Healthy Schools’ cooperative agreement with national organizations (CDC-RFA-DP22-2203) who provide training and technical support to recipients in the areas of school health services, emotional well-being, healthy out-of-school time, and school administrator support and action for healthy schools.

This NOFO does not include a separate PD priority.

The applicant may use their preference of font.

This is a domestic notice of funding opportunity only.

Epinephrine and asthma medication is not an allowable expense for this NOFO.

It is up to the applicant to determine if there is any budgetary overlap in multiple applications where there are sub award opportunities, if funded with other recipients.

To view the application package, visit grants.gov and search for CDC-RFA-DP22-2203.  You can also access frequently asked questions and additional information at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nofo/nofo.htm.

The approximate average award is $390,000 per budget period.   The range is between $375,000 – $425,000. Applicants should submit a budget request within that range, based on the needs of their application. The proposed budget should be reasonable and consistent with the purpose, outcomes, and program strategy outlined in the project narrative.

The grantee meeting in Atlanta in year one will be 2 days.

Applicants must complete and submit their risk questionnaire along with any supporting documentation with their application.  If your organization has completed a risk assessment within the past 2 months, they you must submit a copy with your application or submit a letter signed by the authorized organization representative which includes the original submission date.

We will make an announcement if additional funds become available.

The Project Director does not need an eRA Commons ID at the time of application submission.

The required attachments mentioned are uploaded as “other” attachments.  The pre-award risk assessment is also upload as a separate attachment.

Applicants must complete and submit the risk questionnaire along with any supporting documentation with their application.  If your organization has completed a risk assessment within the past 2 months, you must submit a copy with your application or submit a letter signed by the authorized organization representative which includes the original submission date.  All documents must be uploaded as attachments.  Please reach out to grants.gov if you exceed size limits with attachments.

Funded NGOs- CDC RFA- DP22-2203: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/ngo.htm

The “Background” heading – On page 27, it states that there is to be a separate Background heading prior to the Approach heading. However, on page 34, the Phase II review criteria present Background as a sub-heading under Approach. Could you please clarify the correct heading/subheading structure for the Background and Approach sections of the Project Narrative?

Please use the guidance on page 27. Applicants must submit a Project Narrative with the application forms. Applicants must name this file “Project Narrative” and upload it at www.grants.gov. The Project Narrative must include all of the following headings (including subheadings):  Background, Approach, Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan. The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. It must address outcomes and activities to be conducted over the entire period of performance as identified in the CDC Project Description section. Applicants should use the federal plain language guidelines and Clear Communication Index to respond to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Note that recipients should also use these tools when creating public communication materials supported by this NOFO.  Failure to follow the guidance and format may negatively impact scoring of the application.

What is the Applicant Identifier? Federal Identifier? State application ID? is that our DUNS #?

You can contact customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov 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 e-mail at support@grants.gov.

Following is a list of acceptable attachments applicants can upload as PDF files as part of their application at www.grants.gov. Applicants may not attach documents other than those listed; if other documents are attached, applications will not be reviewed.

• Project Abstract
• Project Narrative
• Budget Narrative
• Report on Programmatic, Budgetary and Commitment Overlap
• Table of Contents for Entire Submission

Optional attachments, as determined by CDC programs:

• Resumes / CVs
• Non-profit organization IRS status forms, if applicable
• Indirect Cost Rate, if applicable
• Bona Fide Agent status documentation, if applicable

Required attachments, as determined by CDC programs:

• Applicants must submit staffing plan and job descriptions for proposed project coordinator and LEA positions and name the files “Staffing Plan” and “Job Descriptions” and upload as a PDF file at grants.gov.
• Applicants must submit a letter of support from the superintendent of the priority LEA selected denoting a level of readiness and commitment of the proposed staff person. Applicants must name the attachment “Letter of Commitment” and upload as a PDF file at grants.gov.
• Applicants must submit a MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, school health profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection. Applicants must name the attachment “MOU/MOA” and upload as a PDF file at grants.gov.
• Applicants must submit a collaboration plan. Applicants must name the attachment “Collaboration Plan” and upload as a PDF file at grants.gov.

If references are cited in the project narrative, they are included as part of the 20-page project narrative limit.

Although the risk assessment questionnaire has an expiration date of 1-31-2023, the template is valid and should be used and will be accepted as part of the application.

I’m unsure of our State ID#.  I am also having difficulty filling out the SF-424 form. Do I only fill out the hi-lighted yellow areas? 

Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application submission (SF-424, field 8c). The UEI is generated as part of SAM.gov registration. Current SAM.gov registrants have already been assigned their UEI and can view it in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Additional information is available on the GSA website, SAM.gov, and Grants.gov- Finding the UEI.  For financial or budget assistance, please contact Pamela Render- plr3@cdc.gov

Is there a particular required format or template for the resumes we will provide as attachments? What about the staffing plan and job descriptions – is there a preferred format or template?

There is no required format or template for resumes, staffing plans or job descriptions.

I am attempting to apply but getting and alert error. I need application filing name. I have a SAM UEI but I can’t update the grants.gov applicant page to add my UEI.

For assistance with submission difficulties related to www.grants.gov, contact the Contact Center by phone at 1-800-518-4726. Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays.

Are Tribes counted as states for the purpose of only funding one state? Or are Tribes counted separately?

Since Tribes are Sovereign Nations, they are counted as individual applicants separately from states.

When the RFP says the grantee must conduct statewide activities does that translate to only the Reservation for Tribes?

Reservation or Tribal Jurisdictional Area

Will Chronic add these to the FAQs on the RFP website in Chronic? There was no mention of Tribes in the questions so currently all we have is the email to give to our Grants department.  How will the reviewers know that an MOU/MOA is not required?

All questions will be posted to the FAQ site on CDC Healthy Schools webpage as soon as possible.

Have you had the question around the MOU with states?   Are there steps to expedite this MOU process for tribes?

Tribes will not be required to obtain an MOU/MOA with the lead state agency (Department of Education or Department of Health) responsible for the administration of YRBS, School Health Profiles, and other health related surveys and data collection, but should describe how activities will be conducted within the Tribe’s education and health programs.