FAQs

This page lists and addresses questions that were anticipated or received related to the CDC-RFA-DP18-1813: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) – Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Please view the question and answers (Q&As) below for responses to submitted questions.

7/5/18

Q. Are there guidelines on including appendices/optional attachments not mentioned in the NOFO?

A. The applicant must ensure that they follow all the requirements outlined in each section of the NOFO as well as follow the specific guidelines for the Grants.gov website. Specific information is found on the website and within the NOFO on page 22 in the Required Registrations section.

Q. Can we submit program specific logic models and maps as additional attachments?

A. Yes, you may submit these documents to further support your application; however, please note page limits outlined in the NOFO. If submitting the attachments, please remember to submit them as PDF attachments and label accordingly.

Q. Are applicants required to include their own project-specific logic models?

A. No, this is not a requirement.

Q. Is a logic model required for the application? If not, may we submit a logic model as a supporting document?

A. A program specific logic model from the applicant is not a requirement; however, if the applicant would like to submit one to further support their application they may do so. It must be a PDF and labeled accordingly.

Q. Is a communications plan required? If so, may it be attached as an appendix?

A. A communication plan is not a requirement for the NOFO; however, the applicant should outline or describe the communication efforts that will be utilized as part of the applicant’s justification for the Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the Approach section as outlined on pages 15-16. If the applicant would like to provide a communication plan as part of their application they may do so as a PDF and label it accordingly or include a link in the application to the communication plan.

Q. Is a logic model for each proposed strategy required?

A. An applicant specific program logic model is not required for this NOFO, CDC has provided the logic model that should be followed by applicants in developing their respective application (page 5). The CDC logic model is outlined for each strategy that will be supported with funding from this NOFO.

Q. Is there a limit on the number of appendices?

A. Yes, applicants must only include those appendices/attachments that are requested by the NOFO and those specific to grants.gov. Applicants should include those appendices that support the required sections outlined by the NOFO. Due to the page limit constraints, applicants may list specific links to documents or materials that substantiate the justification needed to support the application.

Q. Is there a requirement to provide a copy of the most recent community needs assessment as an appendix?

A: There is no requirement to provide a copy of the most recent community needs assessment with your application; however, the applicant must provide justification of such data to support the need to work with the proposed populations and the strategies chosen (page 9) that will be outlined in the applicant’s project narrative. The applicant may choose to cite the link(s) to the needs assessment utilized or provide a copy as an attachment that must be a PDF and labeled accordingly.

Q. On the SF-424 it asks for the attachment on areas (cities, counties, states) affected by the project. Are we supposed to provide such an attachment if it simply lists the same city, county and state (Los Angeles CA) as the address of the applicant?

A. The package for Grants.gov does include the SF 424 requirement so please complete according to the directions provided here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

Q. Relevant to the HHS Checklist, are we required to file the Civil Rights Assurance, the Assurance Concerning the Handicapped, the Assurance Concerning Sex Discrimination and the Assurance Concerning Age Discrimination if we have never filed these with HHS? If we are now required to file them, where do we acquire them? Those particular assurances are not referenced at the links on pages 24-25 of the RFP. (We understand how to submit those.)

A. See #6 on the Assurances form and the links below: All applicants are required to sign and submit “Assurances and Certifications” documents indicated at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/Homepage.aspx
Applicants may follow either of the following processes:
1. Complete the applicable assurances and certifications with each application submission, name the file “Assurances and Certifications” and upload it as a PDF file at Grants.gov.
Or

2. Complete the applicable assurances and certifications and submit them directly to CDC on an annual basis at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/Homepage.aspx
Assurances and certifications submitted directly to CDC will be kept on file for one year and will apply to all applications submitted to CDC by the applicant within one year of the submission date

Q. Relevant to the HHS Checklist, are we required to complete and distribute a Public Health Impact Statement for our proposed project, or may we check the box NOT applicable?

A. If this does not apply, select the box Not Applicable.

Q. Relevant to the HHS Checklist, may the “Business Official to be Notified if an award is made” be someone who is not in the applicant’s Accounting Department, but, instead, be someone in the applicant’s Development Department?

A. Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)/Business Official – the individual(s), named by the applicant/recipient organization, who is authorized to act for the applicant/recipient and to assume the obligations imposed by the federal laws, regulations, requirements, and conditions that apply to grant applications or awards.

Q. Relevant to the HHS Checklist, must we attach a copy of our reference in the IRS most recent list of tax-exempt organizations in the IRS Code, or may we simply check the box on the form to indicate that such a reference exists?

A. You may check the box: “Applicants with or without the IRS status, both are eligible to apply.”

Q. On page 25 of the REACH NOFO, it indicates that applicants are responsible for reporting if their application will result in programmatic, budgetary, or commitment overlap with another application or award. We are planning to propose strategies in our REACH proposal that appear similar to strategies that were included in a separate funding proposal. However, if both proposals were funded, we would ensure that there was not any programmatic, budgetary or commitment duplication in the efforts. For example, if we include a strategy to work with 1 local hospital to enact nutrition standards for food retail in both proposals, if both proposals were funded we would leverage the resources to support efforts in 2 separate hospitals. Is this acceptable? Also on page 25 in the same section, it references a report. Is this report required if our proposal will include strategies like the one listed above and if so, is there a form for this report?

A. For the first half of your question, the answer is yes, this would be an acceptable approach to work with two different hospitals where there is not a duplication of effort of the funding. For the second half of your question, yes, you are required to submit a report, using the format of your choice that outlines the proposed work that you have submitted for the two proposals that you reference. You are required to label it “Report on Programmatic, Budgetary and Commitment Overlap” and make it a pdf that will be uploaded in Grants.gov.

Q. We note that Grants.gov in its WORKSPACE for this grant requires the usual SF-424, but the SF-424 is not listed on page 46 of the NOFO as an acceptable attachment (except for International NOFOs). Are we supposed to include it as one of the required attachments in Grants.gov or not please?

A. Yes, this is a requirement of Grants.gov.

Q. It states that a minimum of 2 Letters of Support from the community coalition are required. Under optional attachments as determined by CDC, Programs Letters of Support are listed. Are additional letters of support outside of the letters from the coalition and State Chronic Disease Director considered permissible?

A. The applicant is allowed to submit additional letters of support in addition to what is required by the NOFO. The applicant must submit them as one PDF and label accordingly.

Q. Can the coalition leader be one of the collaborators or fiscal agent?

A. Yes

Q. Can a local health department be a sub-recipient for two different entities? We have been approached by the state, and have been involved in a partnership with a local university. Both entities have approached us to be involved.

A. Yes

Q. Are we required to submit a work plan in table format for Years 2-5? If work plan information for Years 2-5 is only to be provided in narrative form, which scoring criteria apply to that information? The scoring criteria seem to indicate that only the work plan table will be scored.

A. A work plan table is not required for years 2-5. A general summary in narrative form of work plan activities is the requirement for years 2-5. The scoring criteria for the work plan is based on the how well the applicant provides all the information requested for the work plan section as outlined in the NOFO found on pages 16-17.

Q. The “Background” section in the Narrative, which is supposed to include “a description of relevant background information that includes the context of the problem,” does not appear to have related scoring criteria. However, the information the Background is supposed to include (“the communities in which we plan to work, including both priority population(s) and geographic area(s) using results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years”) is scored under “Approach.” Where should we provide priority population and needs assessment data in order to be scored – under “Background” or “Approach”?

A. The applicant should include the required information within the appropriate sections as required for the application. For the information pertaining to the problem, the data that supports the problem which includes the priority population(s) chosen and the associated geographical area would be appropriate for both the Background and the Approach section in order to adequately be responsive to the questions being asked within these two sections of the NOFO. Due to the page limit constraints, applicants may list specific links to documents or materials that substantiate the justification needed to support the application.

Q. Per page 28 (under work plan), should we submit one master work plan that aligns with our overall project narrative? Or are you asking for a detailed work plan from each proposed project strategy? For example, separate work plans for breastfeeding, voucher incentive programs, food procurement, and healthy nutrition standards in schools? Please advise.

A. The requirement is one work plan that outlines the overall project.

Q. Please confirm that our project narrative should align with pages 27-28 and we must keep each subheading in the order specified on these pages? For example: Background, Approach purpose, outcomes, Strategies and activities, Collaborations, and Target population.

A. Yes, the applicant must structure the project narrative so that all the required headings and subheadings are included in the order outlined in the NOFO as outlined on pages 25- 29.

Q. Can we use/cite from more than one community needs assessment? If we can use only one community needs assessment, should it be the most recent one focused on social determinants, or should it be the one focused on health only, which is older, or can we use either?

A. There is no limit requirement to the number of community health needs assessments an applicant may use to develop or justify an application; however, the assessment(s) utilized must have been one completed within the last 5 years that provides specific information on disparities experienced by the proposed priority population(s) that is used to support the justification for the proposed geographical area.

6/27/18

A: Yes, you may be listed on multiple applications.

Q. If I am unable to obtain the required Letter of Acknowledgement from the Chronic Disease Director to submit with my application what should I do?

A. Please include a statement or note as to what was done to obtain the letter and why it could not be obtained for submission with the application. This will allow your application to be in compliance with the requirement.

6/22/18

Q. Can the project be multi-site in separate states?

A. While the NOFO does not prohibit this, the NOFO clearly requires that applicants will propose work in a geographic area and priority populations(s) based on the community health needs assessment.

Q. Can more than 1 geographic area/community be considered?

A. Yes. The applicant will determine the priority population(s) and the geographic areas in which work is proposed based on the community health needs assessment. If the data supports more than one geographic area, the applicant’s work plan may reflect this.

Q. If we are a tribal entity where our government sovereignty is not the State, what is an acceptable document for the Letter of acknowledgement from our governmental structure?

A. Please include the letter of acknowledgement from the entity that parallels the role of the chronic disease director (e.g. Tribal Chairman, tribal health officer, tribal elder).

6/11/18

Q. Link to upload assurances did not work. Recommendations?

A. The problem has been corrected.

Q. Do we need to collaborate with organization(s) that got the latest REACH grant in our region?

A. No, there is no requirement that you collaborate with previous recipients of a REACH award.

Q. Do we need letters of support from all collaborative partners?

A. Letters of involvement from a minimum of two members of the community coalition are required for the application and must include a specific description of their role in support of the proposed work. See page 9 of the NOFO.

Q. What if the community being considered does not have a needs assessment?

A. The results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years are needed. This is part of demonstrating established experience and organizational capacity to ensure successful planning, implementation, and evaluation for this project in order to meet implementation readiness requirements. The community health needs assessment process must clearly describe the link to the geographic area(s) and the priority population(s) with whom the applicant proposes to work. See pages 15-16 of the NOFO.

Q. Can you repeat the information about the NOFO application requiring a letter of acknowledgement from the State of Chronic Disease____? I didn’t catch the position.

A. A letter of acknowledgement from the State Chronic Disease Director is required for the application. The letter should acknowledge: 1) the applicant is applying for this NOFO; 2) the proposed priority population(s); and 3) the geographic area in the state where work is proposed. See page 9 of the NOFO.

Q. If some activities under the strategies listed are already being done in our community, how do we address this in the work plan/application?

A. The applicant will describe how they will collaborate with partners to conduct or implement the activities listed under each strategy. If the activities overlap, this must be reported with your application as outlined on page 25 of the NOFO addressing Duplication of Efforts. If the activities do not duplicate, the applicant will describe how the activities will complement what is already being done in the community.

Q. Are we required to develop an independent work plan document in addition to the work plan in the narrative?

A. Only one work plan is required and it is included as part of the project narrative.

Q. Is the OFR Risk Assessment Questionnaire form, is this required? Can it be put on the FAQ section?

A. The OFR Risk Assessment Questionnaire form is no longer required.

Q. The OFR risk assessment questionnaire was not attached to the NOFO. Where is this document found?

A. The OFR Risk Assessment Questionnaire form is no longer required.

Q. Similar to the work plan section where Year 1 must be described in detail and the remaining years a summary, does this also apply to applicant evaluation and budget narrative sections?

A. Applicants will submit a budget for the first budget period covering year one. The evaluation plan will include intermediate and long term outcomes that cover the 5 year period.

Q. Can a state apply on behalf of local communities?

A. Yes, however, the applicant must have a key role in, or at a minimum, be an active member of the community coalition being proposed.

Q. Can we apply and also be listed as a collaborator by another organization submitting separately?

A. You may apply if you meet the eligibility requirements. Also, applicants should be responsive to addressing the duplication of efforts requirements, if applicable. See page 25 of the NOFO.

Q. Is there a budget narrative template available as there was for REACH 2014?

A. No specific template is outlined in the NOFO; however, applicants should follow instructions outlined on the grants.gov website. Applicants may use the budget preparation guidelines outlined by CDC’s Office of Financial Services in developing the proposed budget by visiting this link: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf. [PDF-415KB] Applicants are required to submit an itemized budget narrative. When developing the budget narrative, applicants must consider whether the proposed budget is reasonable and consistent with the purpose, outcomes, and program strategy outlined in the project narrative.

Q. Do the Letters of Involvement and Letter of Acknowledgement from the State Chronic Disease Director count toward the 20 page limit?

A. No, the Letters of Involvement and the Letter of Acknowledgement do not count toward the 20 page narrative limit.

Q. Does CDC have standard numbering format? 1, 2, 3… or 1 of 20, 2 of 20, etc.?

A. Page numbers are required, however, no specific format is specified.

Q. Is a resume or CV required for key personnel? What’s the page limit of the resume/CV?

A. Applicants may submit any combination of the optional attachments if the applicant deems it necessary to strengthen the application. When submitting resumes, include all resumes together as one PDF document. There is no page limit for resumes/CVs.

Q. Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with other CDC-funded programs in their geographic area. This will ensure proposed activities are complementary with other CDC funded programs operating in the same area and avoid duplications of efforts, like State- and/or local-level CDC funded programs for chronic diseases. Do we need to get letters of support from the agencies in this category for the grant submission?

A. Letters of involvement from a minimum of two members of the community coalition are required for the application. A letter of acknowledgement from the State Chronic Disease Director is also required. See page 9 of the NOFO.

Q. Is a budget file required, in addition to the budget narrative?

A. Applicants will submit one budget file as required by grants.gov. Applicants will name this file “Budget Narrative” and upload it as a PDF file in grants.gov as part of the whole application. You may refer to pages 28- 29 of the NOFO for further guidance.

Q. Are two letters of acknowledgement required when the applicant is within one state with an implementation partner (sub-contractor) from a different state?

A. The letter of acknowledgement will be from the state in which the applicant is proposing to work.

Q. Are citations/references counted in the 20 page limit?

A. No, citations and references included in an Appendix or Other document do not count toward the 20 page limit.

Q. Is the work plan required to be 12 point font?

A. No

Q. Project Narrative Format – Are we able to adjust the format of the Work Plan table (e.g., smaller font, narrower margins) so that the content is presented in a way that allows us to stay within the 20-page limit?

A. The work plan table is not required to be in 12 point font.

Q. Are figures, tables, graphs required to follow the 12 point font requirement?

A. No

Q. Can tables and charts use a 10 point font?

A. Yes

Q. Is there a page limit for budget narrative?

A. No

Q. Can two separate entities in separate states apply together?

A. Separate entities may submit a joint application provided the eligibility requirements are met and the proposed work meets the requirements described in this NOFO.

Q. On page 17 of the RFP, the work plan template is provided. Under Period of Performance, Outcome Measures, and Process Measures, in italics it says these should come from the Outcomes Section/Logic Model and the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Sections. Will you clarify whether these refer to the outcomes/logic model and evaluation and performance measurement sections of the RFP or to our own application?

A. The reference is to the performance measure section of the NOFO.

Q. Is Health Department involvement required? They may have a competing application.

A. No, however, a letter of acknowledgement from the State Chronic Disease Director is required for the application. The letter should acknowledge: 1) the applicant is applying for this NOFO; 2) the proposed priority population(s); and 3) the geographic area in the state where work is proposed.

Q. Since fillable budget and work plan templates will not be provided, does CDC have a preferred format (i.e., Microsoft Word versus Excel) for these documents?

A. While CDC does not have a preferred format, applicants may use the budget preparation guidelines outlined by CDC’s Office of Financial Services in developing the proposed budget by visiting this link: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf. [PDF-415KB]

6/4/18

Q. In the section regarding the applicant identifier and federal identifiers, do we need to request this information in order to submit the application? Can we use our EIN, or is a DUNS number required?

A. An organization must be registered at the three following locations before it can submit an application for funding at <http://www.grants.gov” target=”_blank”>www.grants.gov:

1. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS);
2. System for Award Management (SAM); and
3. Be registered as a grants.gov user.

Additional information concerning these three submission procedures is found on pages 22-23 of the NOFO.

5/24/18

Q. Is there a limit of applications per institution?

A. Only one application per institution will be considered.

Q. Is there a limit to how many applications a state or institution can submit? Is there any rule/guideline about having multiple REACH grants in a state?

A. No more than 3 awards per state will be made (page 37 of NOFO)

Q. Page 46 of the RFA lists Optional Attachments. Are all of these required?

A. Applicants may submit any combination of the optional attachments if the applicant deems it necessary to strengthen the application. Applicants are required to submit two letters of involvement from coalition member and a letter of acknowledgement from the state chronic disease director.

The risk assessment is available on grants.gov as an amendment to this NOFO.

Q. How long has the required coalition had to be “active”?

A. There is no specific time period required for a coalition to be in existence. The community coalition proposed by the applicant should have the capacities and/or characteristics as listed on page 8 of the NOFO so the activities can be fully implemented.

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7/5/18

Q. The NOFO states that the PI can designate a person to be the coalition chair. The state doesn’t tell independent coalitions who should be their chair. Did you mean to infer a different relationship?

A. The intent of the NOFO is that the work be executed based on the community coalition model. Therefore depending on the funded entity, there would have to be some internal decisions made by the funded organization as to the specific roles each partner/coalition member would take on. The structure of the group would need to have the minimum identified partners outlined on page 8 and must include a designated chair.

Q. I had a question regarding the “Collaborations” section starting on page 7. Are the a) and b) sections “With other CDC programs and CDC-funded organizations” and “With organizations not funded by CDC” in reference to the applicant organization being CDC funded, or potential partners being CDC funded? For example, if my organization is currently CDC funded, does that mean we are not required to form a Community Coalition as outlined in section b?

A. If funded with funds from this NOFO, the recipient would be responsible for carrying out the expectations under the Collaboration section (categories a & b) for working with other organizations funded and non-funded by CDC for executing the REACH project.

Q. We’ve recently been contacted by 4 organizations that will be lead applicants for the 2018 CDC REACH Grant opportunity regarding potential partnership and be involved as a subcontracting organizations to accomplish deliverables. 4 organizations have requested us to be part of their community coalition. My question is, will signing on to 4 community coalitions/unique lead applicants for this grant opportunity impact the review of the applications or limit which organization receives funding because we are on the different ones? They have specific geographical areas they are focused on that do not fully overlap.

A. No, each application will be reviewed on their own respective merit. CDC will work with successfully funded recipients to ensure there is no duplication of efforts. The lead applicant should be mindful of the requirements to indicate potential duplication of efforts within their application where applicable as outlined on page 25.

Q. We are planning to work with 2 community coalitions, so do we need a total of 4 letters (2 letters from each of the coalitions)? Or would we be able to get one letter from each coalition to count as our 2 letters?

A. For each distinct community coalition that will be involved with the proposed project, two letters from two members of each of the coalition is needed; for your example, four letters would be required.

Q. We wanted to submit the coalition letters as being from the coalition (including signatures from all organizations in each coalition). Is this acceptable, as each coalition has different partners that represent the different required partners on page 8 of the NOFO?

A. No, the NOFO requires that you include at least two letters from two members from each distinct coalition that you plan to work with in PDF format and labeled accordingly as outlined on page 9.

Q. Is there a requirement to provide an official membership listing for the proposed coalition?

A. No. However, the applicant should demonstrate the required composition of the coalition as outlined on page 8 of the NOFO is included in the application.

Q. Is there a requirement to provide an organizational chart for the proposed coalition?

A. No. However, the applicant should demonstrate the required composition of the coalition as outlined on page 8 of the NOFO is included in the application.

6/11/18

Q. The grant guidelines on page 8 suggests that the coalition has to be pre-existent to the application date?

A There is no specific time period required as to how long a coalition should have been in existence. The community coalition proposed by the applicant should have the capacities and/or characteristics as listed on page 8 of the NOFO.

Q. Does there need to be an existing coalition prior to applying, or could part of the work be to build a coalition that fits this work?

Q. The NOFO uses the term “established coalition”. Does this mean a coalition that existed prior to the application (pre-existing coalition) or could this mean a coalition that is established by the applicant after the award?

Q. Can a “coalition” be proposed OR does it have to be already established?

Q. Is the coalition a funded or unfunded partner?

A. There is no requirement that the coalition be funded or unfunded. The coalition must meet the characteristics outlined on page 8 of the NOFO and have capacity to implement the selected activities.

Q. If our application is regional, can we have several county-level coalitions, rather than 1 coalition?

A. Yes. The applicant must propose an established community coalition to engage in executing activities under this NOFO throughout the entire award period. The applicant will describe the need for more than one coalition and how the coalitions will collaborate to achieve the selected outcomes.

Q. Can applicant work with more than one community coalition?

Q. If we work with 2 populations, can we have 2 coalitions?

Q. Can an applicant work with more than one coalition for this grant? For instance, if selecting Nutrition and Physical Activity, can we work with an Active Living coalition and a Gardens/Food Access coalition?

Q. Can only one community coalition be utilized?

A. Yes

Q. Must the community coalition leader be the PI?

A. The applicant must have a key role in or at a minimum, be an active member of the community coalition being proposed. The applicant will describe who is involved and in what capacity but it is not required to be the Principal Investigator.

Q. Should the coalition’s capacity and characteristics be described in the project narrative or could this be an appendix?

A. As part of the Applicant’s Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach section in the Project Narrative, applicants will propose an established community coalition that meets the requirements identified in the Collaboration section and can support the recipient in executing and monitoring activities (page 20 of NOFO). Applicants can decide if additional information is necessary to strengthen their application and can be uploaded as Other documents via grants.gov.

Q. Can community coalition partners serve more than one role? Can an applicant also serve as the community based organization?

A. There is nothing in the NOFO that prohibits this. The community- based organization is eligible to apply. The community coalition proposed by the applicant should have the capacities and/or characteristics as listed on page 8 of the NOFO.

Q. If one of our proposed community coalition partners is currently publicly funded for some of the strategies, in our proposal do we need to emphasize an expansion of their current work (if they will be funded), or should this organization come on as a non-funded coalition partner – whose work we are leveraging?

A. The applicant will need to determine the role of the publicly funded community coalition and how their contribution fits into the proposed work plan.

Q. Can the coalition itself apply as the applicant if it is housed within a 501(c)(3)?

A. Yes, if the coalition meets the eligibility requirements, they can apply for this NOFO.

Q. We work with multiple coalitions and would like for all the coalitions to participate in this project. Does each coalition have to work on all 3 strategies and their accompanying activities? Or could each coalition take on a different strategy (1 of the 3) and their activities?

A. The applicant will determine the role of the coalition and how each will support implementation of the selected strategy and related activities.

Q. Do we need letters of involvement from a minimum of 2 members from each of the coalitions we partner with?

A. Yes

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7/5/18

Q. Can we use sources other than those listed in the announcement to determine the current population with income below 100% of the federal poverty threshold?

A. Yes. The applicant should cite the data source used in their application to justify the proposed priority population(s) and strategies selected.

Q. I see on the FAQ that there is “only one application per institution will be considered.” I am faculty with the Extension Service, which is a part of an entirely different agency, structure, leadership and budget than that of the University (e.g. main campus, health science center, school of public health, etc.). Thus, would we count as a different ‘institution’ despite being of the same, larger University System?

A. The one application per institution refers to the one DUNS/EIN number per entity/organization.

Q. In reviewing the FAQs, we noted you put a limitation on the number of applications per institution. We didn’t see a mention of this in the actual RFA. By institution, are you defining that as the DUNS and EIN numbers and only one application will be reviewed per DUNS and EIN?

A. Yes, only 1 applicant per unique DUNS/EIN will be accepted.

Q. The organization I work with is a community coalition that fits the guidelines of the coalition required by the NOFO. The coalition operates as an independent organization under the fiscal agency of a local non-profit. Can the coalition apply for the funding under this structure? Using the fiscal agent’s DUNS and SAM?
A. Yes, as long as the organization meets all the eligibility requirements. CDC will only accept one application per EIN/DUNS for any institution.

Q. Can you tell me if the race category “African American/Black” includes East African immigrants? We have a very large population in our service area.

A. The focus of the NOFO is to address Chronic Disease conditions that disproportionately impact the five racial/ethnic groups outlined on page 9 under the target populations. The origin of birth is not a risk factor or target for this NOFO.

Q. We are a local County Health Department and plan to submit for our County, however we have found out that a bureau at the State level is applying as well. Will that negate our local application since the RFA indicates only one applicant per area and they are covering the State while we cover our County?

Q. Can the applicant include racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk from two different states, assuming they meet the eligibility criteria and the applicant would perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes?

A. No.

6/22/18

Q. Are National Organizations eligible to apply to address strategies throughout a region?

A. Yes, provided the eligibility requirements are met, national organizations may apply.

Q. Are you opposed to a national organization applying for this funding opportunity? Has this happened in the past?

A. Provided the eligibility requirements are met, national organizations may apply.

Q. Can an organization be lead applicant on one proposal and serve as a subcontract/sub grantee on one or more other proposals?

A. Provided that an organization meets the eligibility requirements, they may apply to be the lead applicant; however, if the applicant is also proposing to serve as a sub-grantee on proposals and both proposals are recommended for funding, the recipient would need to be responsive to addressing the duplication of efforts requirements. See page 25 of the NOFO.

Q. Is the REACH project targeted to single organizations/counties or can a larger partnership including 15 rural counties apply and provide desired results?

A. An organization, coalition, or entities may apply provided the eligibility requirements are met.

Q. For clarification, if the geographic city has a 15% overall population with an income below 100% of the federal poverty level, but has a 40% African American population living in the city (based on the census tract data), with an income below 100% of the FPL, will that city meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the FOA?

A. Applicants will define the geographic area in which the work will be conducted. That selected geographic area must have at least 20% of the overall population with income below 100% federal poverty threshold based on census tract or community health needs assessment.

Q. In reviewing the RFA, there is reference to “relevant work”, which appears defined by prior participation in REACH programs. Is this a requirement for response to this RFA? If so, would having been a sub-awardee on prior REACH initiative qualify?

A. This NOFO does not require that the applicant be a former REACH recipient or sub-awardee.

6/11/18

Q. Can we serve counties/cities outside our state borders if we are in a tristate area?

A. Yes

Q. How big is the community? State? County?

A. The applicant will define the community in which they propose work. Applicant must use the results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years that provides specific information on disparities experienced by the proposed priority population(s) and a justification for the proposed geographical area.

Q. What do you define as a community? How large or small?

Q. Does the lead applicant need to rely on their own published community needs assessment? Is it ok to use those of the coalition/partners as well as recent publicly available reports?

A. The applicant must use the results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years that provides specific information on disparities experienced by the proposed priority population(s) and a justification for the proposed geographical area.

Q. Can a national organization apply on behalf of local communities?

A. 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.

Q. I am the inaugural Chief of Family Medicine at the new Dell UT Austin Medical School. This main mission of this school is to improve community health and diminish health disparities. Since I arrived I have been developing collaborations with the schools system, with Housing, and with the community clinic system to deliver a new model of care (Urgentwellness.com) to decrease health disparities and lower health care costs. I have been the PI of past successful CDC grants and of CMS innovation awards. I believe that we have the team and population to demonstrate an innovative program that will significantly impact targeted health outcomes, and that this grant is the perfect mechanism to speed innovation. However, I see that in eligibility this RFA is for past or current REACH programs. Given that we are a new Medical School in Austin TX would it be possible to apply for a new REACH award?

A. Institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for this NOFO (see page 20). There is no requirement that applicants must be previous REACH programs.

Q. Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency, Inc. provides services in Racine and Kenosha counties in Wisconsin. Our plan would be to implement the three strategies selected with our Kenosha Health Improvement Project (K-HIP) coalition. Because we also provide services in Racine County, would it be allowable to also implement the strategies on a smaller scale in Racine?

A. The intent of this NOFO is to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk, or burden, of chronic disease, specifically for African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. Your proposed geographic area of work will be based on a needs assessment for that area and the burden in the particular racial population. Applicants are required to demonstrate that the selected strategies address the health disparities in the community based on that health needs assessment process. Applicant are not expected to propose work based solely on their service areas.

6/4/18

Q. Appalachia is not described as a health disparities population even though statistics show it suffers as much from health disparities as any racial group you mention in the NOFO. Was this an oversight?

A. This NOFO is intended to support the five priority populations listed: African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaska Natives (page 9 of NOFO). Appalachia as an entity is not a priority population group for this NOFO.

Q. Is previous REACH funding required to be eligible for the present REACH funding (CDC-RFA-DP18-1813)?

A. No, previous REACH funding is not required to be eligible. All organization that meet the eligibility requirements as listed on pages 20-21 of the NOFO are welcome to apply.

5/24/18

Q. In terms of target population, is there any restriction on using federal CDC grant funds to serve undocumented immigrants as part of the target population?

A. As stated in the NOFO, the purpose of REACH is to support communities in implementing population-wide solutions to improving health, preventing chronic disease, and reducing health disparities. In accordance with the NOFO, applicants select priority populations generally based on burden. REACH is a public health effort geared towards target populations based on burden and there is no specification as to immigration status within the target population.

Q. Would a for-profit hospital be eligible to apply? Would a minority-owned business be eligible to apply?

A. Small businesses are eligible.

Q. Would a community paramedicine program be a possibility for funding? (It is not really clinical care – our community health workers check in with patients after discharge who have an unhealthy co-dependence on the healthcare system-Indian Health Center, Makah Tribe)

A. Based on your description of your program as a community initiative and the utilization of community health workers, this would fall under the umbrella of the Community-Clinical linkage strategy. If your program meets the eligibility criteria and your priority population of focus is one of the five priority populations outlined by the NOFO, then your program might be a possibility for this funding opportunity. Please see the description for the Community-Clinical Linkages strategy:

“Linking community and clinical efforts to increase access to health care and preventive care programs at the community level. Collaborate with partners to increase referral and access to community-based health programs for the priority population(s).

Promote the use of appropriate and locally available programs for individuals in the priority population(s) (e.g., Diabetes Prevention Program, Chronic Disease Self- Management Program, tobacco cessation services, Food Nutrition Education Programs, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, access to food banks, and assistance with housing or job training).

Expand the use of health professionals such as Community Health Workers, patient navigators, and pharmacists, to increase referral of individuals in the priority population(s) to appropriate and locally available health and preventive care programs.”

Q. Is it a requirement that an applicant must currently be focused on tobacco control, as well as the other areas listed in the NOFO?

A. Applicants must have organizational capacity to implement locally tailored evidence-based and practice-based strategies in the strategies that they select.

Q. In our community, the fastest-growing population of color is Arab, or persons from the Middle East. This population is facing glaring health disparities. Our coalition focuses on obesity prevention strategies in the community. Would we be eligible to submit an application, or would we need to focus on one of the already-listed specific target population groups?

Q. In terms of a target population and their eligibility, do refugees fall anywhere in the definition of minority groups?

Q. Can an existing REACH grantee apply for this new REACH NOFO?

A. Yes. Existing REACH grantees can apply for this NOFO if they meet the eligibility requirements.

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7/5/18

Q. My organization has been approached to potentially serve as the evaluators on two REACH proposals. I reviewed the NOFO and FAQs, and it appears that it would be allowed. Can you advise if this is allowed?

A. Yes, this would be allowed.

Q. We would like to find out what the CDC’s data reporting expectations are for this project. Do we need to collect and report on data at baseline, exit, and follow-up?

A. Yes baseline data would be required. You are also required to report on the intermediate outcomes identified in the logic model on page 5 of the NOFO. CDC will work with the successful applicant to finalize their specific evaluation plan within 6 months of funding. The funded recipient would also be responsible for providing an evaluation and performance measurement plan as outlined on page 11 of the NOFO.

Q. When discussing outcomes in the narrative, are the outcomes to (that Applicants are expected to achieve) be listed exactly as you have listed in the logic model on page 5 of the NOFO. Or are the outcomes only a guide to help Applicants shape more specific outcomes that they goes toward achieving the more outcome you have listed in the logic model?

A. The outcomes specified in the NOFO on page 5 are those that recipients are expected to report on; however, recipients can identify additional outcomes that they may report on, if desired.

Q. Is there a template you recommend for the Data Management Plan?

A. CDC does not have a current format or template that is required. The specific information that should be included in a data management plan is provided on page 11; however, the following institutions are providing examples of Data Management Plans that can be reviewed to assist you.
University of California: https://dmp.cdlib.org

Q. If CHW recruitment and outreach goals are in the evaluation/monitoring plan, can we provide incentives to CHWs as part of our evaluation activities?

A. Incentives are allowed for some activities associated with evaluation and some implementation efforts. Applicants should outline the necessary program costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Successful recipients will work with their assigned CDC project officer and OGS specialist to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding. The successful recipient will work with the Project Officer assigned to ensure the appropriate budget line item for this proposed work is developed.

Q. We are trying to define the reach of our work plan (how many people will be reached by the work plan activities). In many cases, project activities will reach people outside of our priority populations (even though they will be targeted at our priority populations, other people will benefit as well). Should we count the reach of the activities in our work plan overall, or should we only count the people reached in our priority population (and exclude all others reached through the work)?

A. Grantees should report on both, if possible. At a minimum, grantees should report on the priority population targeted.

Q. On pg. 35 (Section E.1.ii), the reviewer scoring criteria indicate that applicants’ will be scored on the extent to which the evaluation plan describes “how data will be collected for…long-term outcomes identified in the logic model.” On pg. 10 (Section 2.iv.b.i), the section headed CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy indicates only that “recipients are responsible for reporting intermediate outcomes identified in the logic model,” and nowhere else in the NOFO mentions recipients reporting or collecting data for long-term outcomes. Can you clarify whether applicants should address data collection for long-term outcomes? If applicants are not required to address data collection for long-term outcomes, will the scoring criteria be revised to reflect this?

A. All grantees are required to report on intermediate measures. The scoring criteria should indicate intermediate measure data collection as opposed to long-term. CDC will post a revision.

6/22/18

Q. The NOFO speaks to intermediate outcomes that are phrased as policy changes and environmental changes (food deserts, places to exercise). Is there an expectation that the projects also provide data that these policy or environmental changes have made measurable differences in population metrics overall or within some tracked cohort?

A. Yes, for one selected intervention. Recipients will select one intervention/project to evaluate, which will include showing a measurable difference in selected populations. This will satisfy the evaluation plan component of the overall evaluation.

Q. Is there a total population to reach and does the geography served need to be contiguous?

A. The population selected will be based on the community needs health assessment that identifies the priority population with the highest risk of chronic disease burden. The health improvements will be evaluated within that priority population. The applicant will define geographic area in which work is conducted and that area does not have to be contiguous.

Q. Do we have to have a baseline for the required measures?

A. Yes, and recipients can use funding in the first year to establish baselines.

Q. Can we use year one funding to establish baseline data for measures to be taken in years 2-5?

A. Yes.

Q. Is there a minimum size required for the priority population? What was the average size of the priority populations for previous awardees?

A. There is no minimum population size requirement outlined by the NOFO. Applicant will define the size of the priority population in which they will work and the applicant will define the scope of the project that aligns with their work plan. For information on previous REACH awards, you may visit https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/index.htm

6/11/18

Q. How much should we allocate for evaluation?

A. CDC recommends using the public health benchmark of a minimum of 10% of the annual award to support evaluation activities.

Q. Do we need to specify the # of people the proposed project will reach in our proposal?

A. Applicant will determine the target population numbers based on the needs assessment and the proposed work plan and should outline the proposed number to help justify the proposed work plan and budget proposing. The applicant must cite the data sources used to define and describe the priority population(s). The description should include demographic characteristics, health status, and geographic area. The geographic area must have at least 20% of the population with income below 100% federal poverty threshold (based on census tract or community health needs assessment data).

Q. Is there a minimum population or optimal population range we should target? I know 20% must be under FPT, but should that 20% represent 1,000 people, 10,000 people, 50,000 people, etc.?

Q. If we choose 3 strategies, do we need to meet outcomes of all 3 for both pops?

A. Yes

Q. What are you looking for in terms of numbers reached?

A. The applicant must cite the data sources used to define and describe the priority population(s). The description should include demographic characteristics, health status, and geographic area. The geographic area must have at least 20% of the population with income below 100% federal poverty threshold (based on census tract or community health needs assessment data). Applicant will determine the target population numbers based on the needs assessment and the proposed work plan.

Q. Does CDC have a policy for evaluator, internal or external?

A. The applicant will decide how the evaluation will be conducted inclusive of staffing needs.

Q. Is a control group a requirement for the evaluation?

A. No

Q. Are recipients required to report on all measures listed if not working on strategies that impact those measures?

A. No, recipients will only report on the outcomes for the strategies selected.

Q. Is a cost-effective analysis allowable/considered evaluation or is it considered research?

A. Cost-effective analyses can be used for program evaluation, for example, collecting economic data to assess the efficiency of an intervention.

Q. Do we need to describe measures for strategies that do not have an intermediate measure required/described?

A. Applicants will be expected to only report on the intermediate outcomes that are bolded in the logic model for the strategies that the applicant selects.

6/4/18

Q. Do all the intermediate outcomes listed on the logic model on page 5 have to be met?

A. The applicant will select three of the four strategy areas in which to work and will be required to report on those intermediate measures that correspond with the selected strategies.

5/24/18

Q. Can 10% used on evaluation include expenses related to internal evaluation and epi staff, i.e. travel for site visits, personnel, etc.?

A. Yes. All expenses that support the capacity to implement the evaluation activities are acceptable.

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7/5/18

Q. Are we allowed to issue multiple sub awards?

A. The funded recipient is required to have substantial involvement in carrying out the work plan; however, there is no set limit to issuing multiple sub-awards as long as the justification supports the effort and outlines the need in the budget narrative. Please refer to the CDC’s Office of Financial Services in developing the proposed budget by visiting this link: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf [PDF-415KB]. Applicants are required to submit an itemized budget narrative. When developing the budget narrative, applicants must consider whether the proposed budget is reasonable and consistent with the purpose, outcomes, and program strategy outlined in the project narrative.

Q. If healthy food demonstrations are permissible, can we purchase food for such events?

A. Purchases of food with federal funds is typically not permissible. Applicants are encouraged to work with other coalition partners to assist with certain costs that may not be covered with federal funds. Applicant should ensure to outline the necessary supply costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Successful recipients will work with their assigned CDC project officer and OGS specialist to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding.

Q. Can funds for this REACH grant be allocated to meals for meetings or events?

A. Per 45 CFR part 75 – (UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR HHS AWARDS) Meals are considered allowable when the conference/meeting primary purpose is the dissemination of technical information beyond the Recipient and is necessary and reasonable for successful performance under the cooperative agreement.

**When meals are being requested the applicant must clearly demonstrate the primary purpose of the proposed meeting(s) in the budget narrative and work plan, when submitting their application.

Q. Since the use of patient navigators and community health workers is permitted, can we offer an incentive (gift card or check) for their time and effort on the project?

A. Applicant should ensure to outline the necessary program costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Successful recipients will work with their assigned CDC project officer and OGS specialist to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding. The successful recipient will work with the Project Officer assigned to ensure the appropriate budget line item for this proposed work is developed.

Q. Can REACH funding be used to lease vehicles if it is for the purpose of linking members of the priority population with clinical services, physical activities, or provide access to high quality nutrition within the identified geographic area?

A. Using funds to lease vehicles for your project may be an allowable cost; however, funding for this NOFO should be used to maximize the greatest impact of Chronic Disease prevention for the priority population(s) within the geographic area for the proposed program and should lead to sustainable outcomes. Applicant should outline the necessary program costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Successful recipients will work with their assigned CDC project officer and OGS specialist to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding. The successful recipient will work with the Project Officer assigned to ensure the appropriate budget line item for this proposed work is developed.

Q. Can funds be used to cover program costs for the target population enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program (DEEP)?

Q. Community-clinical linkages strategy: can grant funds be used to cover participant costs to attend a community-based health programs like DPP/CDSMP/DSMP, etc.?

A. As outlined by the NOFO, applicants must ensure collaborations with other CDC funded programs in the geographic area to ensure proposed activities are complementary to avoid duplication of efforts. Therefore these funds should not be used to support currently funded (CDC) initiatives such as the DPP or DEEP programs; however, other programs where no other funding exists may be plausible. The applicant may propose work/activities to advance or strengthen the cultural appropriateness and/or address barriers to access of these programs which aligns with the Community-Clinical linkage strategy. Applicant should outline the necessary program costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Successful recipients will work with their assigned CDC project officer and OGS specialist to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding. The successful recipient will work with the Project Officer assigned to ensure the appropriate budget line item for this proposed work is developed.

Q. Can funds be used to train community health workers?

A. Yes. The applicant should outline the necessary program costs associated with their proposed program as part of the budget and budget narrative. Funded recipients will work with their CDC project officer to ensure budget aligns with proposed work plan and that the associated budget costs are allowable post funding. The successful recipient will work with the Project Officer assigned to ensure the appropriate budget line item for this proposed work is developed.

6/22/18

Q. What is the maximum indirect cost allowed?

A. 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 Recipients under such a plan. The specific rate is dependent upon your organization and the final negotiated rate.

If your organization has a negotiated rate agreement with a Federal Cognizant Agency, please use the rate that has been established. Otherwise you can use the 10% de minimis rate, per the regulations in 45 CFR 75-414. “(f) In addition to the procedures outlined in the appendices in paragraph (e) of this section, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) and section (D)(1)(b) of appendix VII to this part, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in §75.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.”

Q. Can this funding be used to continue previous REACH funded projects?

A. Yes, provided that the proposed strategies align with this NOFO. Funding will support three of the required strategies outlined in the NOFO pages 5-7.

Q. Does CDC use the NIH salary cap or is there no base salary cap?

A. Yes, CDC & NIH use the salary cap under DHHS. https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/salcap_summary.htm

6/15/18

Q. What type of equipment can be purchased?

A. Recipients may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. Equipment is not supported by this NOFO.

Q. With regards to the fulltime 1 FTE Program Manager requirement, can these funds be paid out of local PH agency dollars or do they have to come from REACH Grant funding?

A. Funding for the FTE Program Manager can be in-kind, and should be outlined accordingly in the proposed budget.

Q. Is paying salary for Community Health Workers an allowable cost?

A. Funding for staff such as Community Health Workers is permitted as long as the proposed staffing is aligned with the work plan and the proposed activities. Applicant will submit a detailed line item budget that describes the duties of each staff person.

Q. Are we allowed to purchase gift cards for evaluation?

A. The purchase of gift cards to support participation in evaluation activities may be allowed provided that the request is justified and reasonable as it relates to the evaluation and monitoring plan.

Q. A minimum of 10% of the annual award to support evaluation activities: does it allow gift cards or raffle ticket to increase response rate?

A. The purchase of gift cards to support participation in evaluation activities may be allowed provided the request is justified and reasonable as it relates to the evaluation and monitoring plan. Raffle tickets, defined as a means of raising money by selling numbered tickets, one or some of which are subsequently drawn at random, the holder or holders of such tickets winning a prize, are prohibited.

Q. Do we need to allocate a certain percentage of the budget to each of our three selected strategies (i.e., 33% of the budget to PA, 33% to Nutrition, etc.)?

A. There is no required allocation of funding across the selected strategies.

Q. Are there requirements of how much of the budget must be dedicated to each strategy area?

A. There is no required allocation of funding across the selected strategies.

Q. Are we allowed to spend funds on media activities (e.g., airtime)?

Yes. Funds can be used for communication support to collect, develop, and disseminate program messages and successes related to the communication activities that directly support the NOFO strategies.

Q. Can funds be used to set up a grant fund or a revolving loan fund as a financial incentive to cover start up and investment costs e.g. improving a refrigeration warehouse/capacity?

A. No.

Q. Is there a requirement for a certain % of budget to be spent on evaluation or communication?

A. CDC recommends a minimum of 10% of the annual award to support evaluation activities. This NOFO does not require a specific percentage of funds that must be dedicated to communication activities. The applicant will submit a budget that supports and aligns with the communication activities proposed in the work plan.

Q. Are we required to use 10% of budget for communication activities?

This NOFO does not require a specific percentage of funds that must be dedicated to communication activities. The applicant will submit a budget that supports and aligns with the communication activities proposed in the work plan.

Q. Are organizations allowed to take the 10% de minimis rate?

A. Does your organization have a negotiated rate agreement with a Federal Cognizant Agency? If so, please use the rate that has been established. Otherwise you can use the 10% de minimis rate, per the regulations in 45 CFR 75-414. “(f) In addition to the procedures outlined in the appendices in paragraph (e) of this section, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) and section (D)(1)(b) of appendix VII to this part, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in §75.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.”

Q. Do we have to apply for a minimum of $500,000 per year or can our application budget be less per year?

A. The NOFO doesn’t preclude the applicant from asking for less than the floor which is $500, 000 per year.

Q. Is it possible to use grant funds to purchase and implement a mobile clinic to support community-clinical linkages in very remote rural regions?

A. This NOFO does not support the purchase of equipment such as a mobile clinic/vehicle.

This NOFO does support collaboration with partners to increase referral and access to community-based health programs for the priority population(s).

Q. Are we able to purchase distance markers/signage with REACH funds?

A. The purchase of these types of supplies must be justified within the applicants’ proposed budget and demonstrate how these purchases are aligned with the required strategies and work plan. As outlined in the NOFO, funds should support reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.

Q. Are we able to purchase outdoor exercise equipment, such as a children’s jungle gym set or adult outdoor exercise equipment, with REACH funds?

A. The purchase of these types of supplies or equipment must be justified within the applicants’ proposed budget and demonstrate how these purchases are aligned with the required strategies and work plan. As outlined in the NOFO, funds should support reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.

6/11/18

Q. Can the funding be used to hire community health workers to help connect people with community programs?

A. Funding for staff such as community health workers is permitted as long as the proposed staffing is aligned with the work plan and the proposed activities. Applicant will submit a detailed line item budget that describes the duties of each staff person.

Q. Can grant funds be used to purchase healthy foods to distribute to priority population through prescriptions for produce?

A. No. In general, funds may not be used to purchase foods to distribute to a priority population through prescriptions for produce, however, recipients can partner with organizations to accomplish that activity provided the proposed activities align and support the overall strategies as listed in the NOFO on pages 12-15.

Q. Are planning costs allowable?

A. Planning may be a part of the implementation plan and should be justified in the line item budget.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of sub-contractors we can have and dollar amounts for those subcontracts?

A. Although there is no limit on the number of sub-contractors, applicants must submit a budget that supports the proposed work plan and is reasonable.

Q. Is it true that we do not need to submit a 5 year detailed budget? We are just outlining a detailed budget for year 1?

A. Correct, a detailed budget narrative is required for the first year of the project period.

Q. What type of equipment can be purchased?

A. Generally, recipients may not use funds to purchase equipment. Any such proposed spending must be clearly identified in the budget.

6/4/18

Q. Is it allowable to use funding on programmatic activities (i.e. providing physical activity programming)?

A. Funding from this NOFO can be used to improve community design by connecting safe and accessible places for physical activity in the priority population(s). Applicants who select the Physical Activity strategy will describe the accompanying activities that will result in an improved health outcome.

Q. Page 30 states that applicants should budget for up to five staff to participate for up to five days of training and up to two evaluation staff for two days of training. Does this have to be direct staff or can contractors (i.e. evaluation, communication) be included? If so, how should this be reflected in the budget?

A. Applicants will identify the appropriate personnel to attend the trainings and are not limited to direct staff. Contractual staff travel may be listed as part of the contract.

Q. How much of the proposed budget should be allocated to support communication activities?

A. This NOFO does not require a specific percentage of funds that must be dedicated to communication activities. The applicant will submit a budget that supports and aligns with the communication activities proposed in the work plan.

Q. The max for year 1 is $900,000, however, the remaining years (2-5) are based on the operating costs. Is there a maximum budget that they can request for the entire project period (years 1-5 total)?

A. Applicants should provide a detailed budget and justification for Year-01 and provide a general summary of proposed program activities for Years 2-5 in narrative form. CDC will continue the award based on the availability of funds, the 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.

5/24/18

Q. Should the budget submitted be a 1 year budget or a 5 year budget?

A. Applicants will submit a budget proposal for year one of the period of performance.

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6/22/18

Q. What is the minimum size priority population of 100% below federal poverty level acceptable?

A. Although there is not a minimal size priority population requirement, 20% of the population in the geographic area must meet the income criteria. The applicant will define the priority population, the size of the population, and the scope of the proposed project based on the community health needs assessment for that geographic area.

Q. Regarding the 20% minimum of population under poverty line, is that referring to 20% of the total pop in the catchment area, or 20% of the priority population in the area?

A. It refers to the whole geographic area in which the applicant is proposing to work.

Q. With regard to our work with priority populations in multiple census tracts, can the priority population vary from tract to tract? For example, the priority population in one census tract may be Asian and Hispanic, whereas in another tract it may be African American/Blacks and Hispanic?

A. No, the priority populations from which you are choosing to work with must be the same among the census tracts or geographic areas from which you are proposing.

Q. Is CDC looking for applicants that have a primary urban or rural population — both?

A. Funding considerations include scope of the work proposed, size of the priority population(s) and geographic area, and whether work is performed in rural or urban settings.

Q. Are we able to select more than one geographic area if our priority populations are found to be represented in various regions? Can we work in priority geographic areas across the state?

A. Yes, this is possible. The applicant will define the geographic area in which they propose work. Applicant must use the results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years that provides specific information on disparities experienced by the proposed priority population(s) and a justification for the proposed geographical area. Funding considerations include scope of the work proposed, size of the priority population(s) and geographic area, and whether work is performed in rural or urban setting.

Q. In determining that the geographic area having at least 20% of the population with income below 100% below federal poverty level, is that based on the county as a whole or can we dive deeper into a specific geographic area like a neighborhood within the county? And is this for the whole population or for the priority populations?

A. Applicants will define the geographic area in which the work will be conducted. That selected geographic area must have at least 20% of the whole population with income below 100% federal poverty threshold based on census tract or community health needs assessment.

Q. On page 9 it clarifies that the geographic area must have at least 20% of the population with incomes below 100% FPL based on census tract or CHNA data. A caller asked whether that meant 20% of the priority population(s) identified were below 100% FPL or the general population and the answer came back as general population – therefore 20% of the general population within a geographic area must be less than 100% FPL. I wanted to double check this because it sounds like that might be counter to the intent of addressing disparities and inequities. Part of the problem with health disparities among these priority populations is that they have disproportionately high burdens of poverty so in a geographic area, the overall population might have 15% below 100% FPL but if you look at the Black or Latino or Pacific Islander population within the geographic area, 20-50% of those priority populations might be facing poverty. Does it make sense to limit the eligibility based on GENERAL population when the funding is meant to serve the priority populations? And in many cases the priority population is an ethnic minority therefore the general income of the general population would mask the true need among priority populations living in the geographic area.

Also when it says based on census tract or CHNA, do you mean that if the CHNA analyzed poverty by neighborhood or other borders, we can utilize those geographic areas? But only the geographic borders already designated in the CHNA?

A. 20% of the whole population in the geographic area must meet the income criteria. The applicant should describe how the data are used to identify the priority population and the geographic area in which the work is being proposed. The geographic area may be defined as the neighborhoods with areas of greatest burden and may not necessarily correspond to other established government boundaries. The CHNA is to be used to support the applicant’s determination of which population to work with and the geographic area in which the strategies will be implemented. If more than one current CHNA has been conducted, the applicant can use data from multiple sources.

Q. When looking at the breakdown of race/ethnicity by census tract, a significant percentage of populations have identified as “2 or more races”. Does this designation qualify for inclusion in the priority population and how do we identify them?

A. The intent of this REACH NOFO is to focus efforts on the five racial groups as outlined on page 9 of the NOFO in the Target Populations section. The applicant will describe their data and the data sources used to show how the priority population is identified and justify the need.

Q. First, we serve 13 counties, 10 of which are very rural counties. We have an established Healthcare Coalition established in Hancock County which is largely African American, a county of only 9,000 people and with many residents without access to adequate healthcare. We also have other rural counties which are larger but with similar health data. Could we either apply as a district with a target population of several rural counties or should we target one county such as Hancock. Our question is how does that affect the application process and in relation to the amount of grant award we would be applying for, what is the pro rata share of award based on the population figures and how is it judged? For example, Dekalb County Board of Health has a REACH award serving a large Metro population of African Americans. Our population for one county is substantially smaller. May we include other counties in the application under one application? If so, we could apply for a larger award than say for one small rural county such as Hancock and target a larger portion of our population.

A. Applicants should base the selection of the priority populations and the geographic area in which to work on a current health needs assessment. Using the data, the applicant will propose work in three of the four strategies to improve the health of the selected populations(s). This NOFO is expected to be implemented through community coalitions comprised of a diverse membership. The amount of funding will be based on the size of the priority population and the geographic area where work is proposed. It will also take into consideration whether work is performed in rural or urban settings.

6/15/18

Q. Page 9 states, “Applicants will select up to two of the five priority populations”. Does this mean we can only work with one of the priority populations?

A. When selecting the target populations, applicants may select one or two of the priority populations outlined in the NOFO.

Q. We can choose UP TO 2 priority populations, but we can choose just 1, right?

A. It is acceptable to select only one priority populations with whom to work but no more than two priority populations.

Q. In previous REACH funding cycles, the population of focus was limited to adults. Are there specific age groups that are the focus for this NOFO?

A. There are no specified age groups for this NOFO.

Q. Regarding geographical location, please clarify if 20% poverty requirement. Is this 20% specific to the minority population of priority, or does this refer to ALL population residing in the targeted location?

A. The 20% refers to all the population residing in the target location.

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6/27/18

Q. With regards to the Physical Activity Strategy, do the new or improved transportations systems and new or improved land use designs have to be in place by the end of the 5 year grant, or if they have been included in the City’s Improvement Plan by the end of year 5 will that suffice as completion? If we form an Active Transportation Planning committee now, it will take a year or two to finalize plans and then the city will have to put it into its CIP which is usually 1-2 years out.

A: The Physical Activity Strategy supports the establishment of transit systems and design plans that result in improved connectivity to everyday destinations. The applicant should describe the anticipated progress and/or milestones that will be achieved during the project period.

Q. Are the grantees expected to implement all three strategies and accompanying activities during the first year of the grant or can they be implemented incrementally throughout the life of the grant?

A: The strategies and activities are initiated in Year 1 and conducted over the life of the award to achieve the associated intermediate outcomes for which the recipients will report their progress.

Q. Would establishing physical activity programs where they do not exist be fundable under either the Physical Activity Strategy Focus Area or Community-Clinical Linkages Focus Area?

A: This NOFO does not support the creation of physical activity programs. This NOFO does support improving access of priority populations to locally available community-based programs that may include physical activity. This NOFO also supports partnerships that result in connecting transit systems with land use design that again would result in increased physical activity.

Q. Would funding support establishing a place/space for physical activity programs where the space/place does not exist under the Physical Activity Strategy Focus Area?

A: Based on the interpretation of this question, funding would not be used to support the creation of physical activity programs. The Physical Activity strategy supports the connectivity of everyday destinations through improved land use and improved transit systems.

Q. There are discrepancies in the wording of activities (shown as bullet points) between the logic model on p. 5 of the NOFA and the table of strategies and activities on p. 12-15. In a few bullets on the table p. 12-15, more examples of activities are provided than in the logic model. (The bullets are also in a different order in some cases.) Example: under bullet/activity one for Nutrition on p. 14 are we required to implement all five activities listed? 1. establish/support food hubs, 2. Establish a network of food sales outlets, 3. Establish a group purchasing collective, 4. Develop tools to match local producers with institutions, and 5. Explore innovative practices that can support this work? OR can we implement just one or two of those examples of the activity?

A: The logic model describes the activities that are expected to be addressed under each strategy. Applicants should concentrate their efforts on those activities listed in the logic model that will enable them to achieve the corresponding intermediate outcome based on the examples provided.

6/22/18

Q. How much of our intervention should include policy changes vs. programmatic implementations/changes? How should we think about linking policy change to our intervention?

A. Policy, systems, and environmental changes may be a part of an applicant’s work plan to support these strategies. The purpose of this NOFO is to support culturally tailored interventions, increase access to health care at the community level, and to implement practice- and evidence-based strategies related to tobacco, nutrition, physical activity, and community-clinical linkages.

Q. Is it possible to focus on one disease (i.e. diabetes or CKD)?

A. Applicants are required to select three of the four areas in which to propose work. These four strategies include Tobacco, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Community Clinical Linkages. Together, these activities will provide communities the opportunity to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk or burden of chronic disease such as hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Q. Can the grant be used towards covering participant fee for evidence-based community health promotion programs?

A. Covering participant fees may be allowed if it is supported by the overall work plan to address the activity and achieve the desired outcome. As a standalone activity, paying people to attend a class may not be allowed. Applicants must describe the intent and justify why that payment would be necessary.

Q. Are we required to cover all bullet points under the strategies? For example, there are four bullet points under “Nutrition strategy” on page6 of NOFO. Do we need to cover all of them in our proposed project?

A. Applicants will address all activities listed under each of the selected strategies.

Q. Is page 2 #3 strategy aimed at National Organizations providing technical assistance or 1 aspect of local community work?

A. It does not refer to National Organizations. Organizational capacity refers to the infrastructure that an organization or agency must have in order to receive and administer the funding and to fully execute the work plan.

Q. Can a national organization work with affiliate organizations (chapters) for local connections?

A. Provided the eligibility requirements are met, national organizations may apply.

Q. What if our community have already implemented the suggested strategy (for example breastfeeding) what is recommended in that situation?

A. Applicants must address all the activities under each strategy. If an activity has been completed, the applicant should describe that and justify why it is not being addressed in their proposed work plan.

Q. Does community approaches to reduce asthma qualify?

A. This NOFO focuses on strategies that lead to reduced health disparities in chronic conditions of hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Q. Can organizations propose to work in multiple geographic sites nationally – that is, in multiple states?

A. This NOFO is intended to fund implementation ready applicants to work at the community level with a selected priority population as determined by a community health needs assessment. The selected strategies would be implemented in the identified community.

Q. If a city already has a bike master plan, a pedestrian master plan, a complete streets plan, a parks master plan, what does the CDC recommend in terms of planning for strategy C1?

A. Strategy C1 is focused on increasing the number of places that are connected with safe and accessible places for physical activity. Master plans are one step in the full implementation of those activities that result in connecting everyday destinations.

Q. Do we need to put focus on Policy, Systems, and Environment changes (PSE)? This lingo was not infused in the RFA this time?

Q. For the strategies and intermediate measures listed on pages 12-15 – do all the bullet points under the strategies in which we select need to be addressed? Or can agencies select the strategy that best fits their community needs? For example, under Tobacco – 7 bullet points are identified, do all 7 need to be addressed within our proposal?

A. Applicants will address all the activities listed under each of the selected strategies and will report on those intermediate outcomes for the respective strategy.

Q. Also, related to the work plan, am I correct in seeing the strategies/activities listed in the work plan as those relating to the short-term outcomes listed in the logic model (RFP, page 5 ”Demonstrated progress toward…”)?

A. Yes.

Q. I would like to second the concern on the call about having to complete all activities under each strategy. For example, under the Nutrition strategy, we could complete the top 3 but not the one related to breastfeeding. Could we replace the 4th activity with one that would better align with the top 3 strategies? This would provide a more well-rounded response that would address the specific needs of our community?

Q. Since the activities related to our selected strategies are closely related to activities we have proposed in other NOFO applications (i.e., DP18-1807), how much overlap is allowable? If we are reaching the same target populations in terms of race and poverty threshold, is it acceptable to include activities similar to those submitted in other competitive applications, in our REACH NOFO application?

A. As outlined by the NOFO, applicants must ensure collaborations with other funded programs in the geographic area to ensure proposed activities are complementary to avoid duplication of efforts. Some of these programs are listed on page 7 of the NOFO.

Q. Would the REACH Grant support the development of the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) for REACH specific populations? If so, then allow for the promotion of the now available, newly established NDPP for the REACH specific populations? Also, would the REACH Grant support the exploration and development for NDPP of a sustainable payment model for the REACH specific population? At the same time would the REACH Grant support a Diabetes Education program for the REACH specific population that currently has diabetes?

Q. If we have enough work done for the suggested activities in the breastfeeding strategy – for example, we have good networks and supports, home visiting support and we know that worksite lactation/breastfeeding policies still need much more effort and make a high impact on duration – can we focus on worksite policies?

A. For the strategy that is chosen to be implemented, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed. If an activity is not being addressed, applicant should provide an explanation why they are choosing not to address that activity. If applicant is choosing to add activities that are not outlined in the NOFO, appropriate justification is needed as to how the activities will support the required strategy.

Q. The Nutrition section of the NOFO has increased continuity of care/community support for breastfeeding. Examples include establishing support groups and Baby Cafes. Our target populations (same as NOFO targets) overwhelmingly terminate breastfeeding because of returning to work and the lack of worksite policies and procedures to support the women returning after birth even though a majority of them initiate and desire to keep feeding their babies breast milk. In our experience, developing worksite policies is the most impactful strategy to support duration of breastfeeding, not education or support groups. Question: Will lactation/breastfeeding worksite policy and procedures development and implementation be considered for this strategy?

Q. Of the three strategies we choose, does EVERY outcome on the logic model need to be part of the program? (Specifically referring to the breastfeeding–we can add to our coalition, and do already have something in place–but I’m unclear on whether this is required).

A. Recipients are responsible for reporting on the intermediate outcomes that relate to the strategies in which they are conducting work.

6/15/18

Q. Must applicants fulfill all activities listed under each major Strategy (tobacco, nutrition, etc.)?

A. For the strategy that is chosen to be implemented, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed as well.

Q. Do we have to address all activities listed under a specific strategy?

A. For the strategy that is chosen to be implemented, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed as well.

Q. Can we choose other strategies than those listed on the rubric on page 5 of the NOFO? For example only one strategy is listed for Physical Activity.

A. Applicants will address the activities listed under each of the selected strategies.

Q. Are we allowed to work with previous REACH Grantees in our area to expand upon work that they have done in our target area/with our target population?

A. Applicants are expected to collaborate with other partners in their community to achieve the selected outcomes. Building upon other work in your community is allowed provided the proposed work does not duplicate work that will be executed at the same time or in the same geographic area.

Q. Are we allowed to focus on more than one health outcome (ex. diabetes and CVD)?

A. Yes, the NOFO provides communities the opportunity to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk, or burden, of chronic disease (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity).

Q. Can we build upon past efforts and expand the strategy interventions to a larger community within the same geographical location? For example, expand efforts conducted from Vietnamese to the larger Asian community in the same geographical location?

A. Applicant must use the results from a community health needs assessment completed within the last 5 years that provides specific information on disparities experienced by the proposed priority population(s) and a justification for the proposed geographical area. These efforts can build upon what has been implemented previously in the community.

Q. Do you fund a health impact assessment related to the project?

A. Health impact assessments are not specifically referenced in this NOFO. Health impact assessments may be part of the needs assessment that is used to define the priority populations and the geographic area in which the applicant proposes work.

Q. Can applicants propose work in all 4 strategies?

A. Funding from the NOFO will support three of the four strategies.

Q. Do you have to do all activities under a strategy? If not, is there a minimum number of the activities you have to do?

A. For any one of the strategies that is chosen, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed as well.

Q. Can we do other activities than those listed?

A. Funding from this NOFO will support the strategies and associated activities outlined in the NOFO.

Q. Clinical care is not allowed, I understand that. Are health screenings allowable?

A. Health Screenings might be plausible; the applicant has to provide the appropriate justification. The activity must be justified within the applicant’s proposed budget and demonstrate how it aligns with the required strategies and work plan. This activity would likely fall under the Clinical Community Linkage strategy which is to support collaboration with partners to increase referral and access to community-based health programs for the priority population(s).

Q. Do we have to address all activities listed under a specific strategy?

A. For any one of the strategies that is chosen, the applicant must address each of the accompanying activities listed in the NOFO for that strategy.

Q. For physical activity targets, the strategies provided as example are “Establish new or improved pedestrian, bicycle, or transit transportation systems (i.e., activity-friendly routes) that are combined with new or improved land use or environmental design (i.e., connecting everyday destinations).” QUESTION Since the construction costs/expenses will not be allowed, the outcomes may only not be actual implementation but limited to planning and designing. Is this appropriate?

A. The Physical Activity strategy supports the collaboration with partners to meet the intermediate outcomes. Applicants may utilize partnership development and coordination to leverage resources and maximize reach and impact of physical activity activities within the community.

Q. Is it appropriate to allocate at most one year to finalize the implementation strategy when developing the detailed work plan?

A. This NOFO is intended to fund implementation ready applicants who demonstrate the ability to readily implement requirements with minimal start up time (see page 36).

Q. Are all the bullet points required to be address under each strategy?

A. For the strategy that is chosen to be implemented, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed as well.

Q. For the nutrition strategy, the first bullet point is “Work with food vendors, distributors and producers to enhance healthier food procurement and sales; establish/support food hubs; establish a network of food sales outlets; establish a group purchasing collective; develop tools to match local producers with institutions; and explore innovative practices that can support this work.” Do we have to do all the activities listed here? Or are we able to select a couple of these interventions under this activity?

A. For any one of the strategies that is chosen, each of the accompanying bulleted set of activities must be addressed as well. For some of the bullets we have provided examples of how to implement the activity that may or may not be applicable to your proposed work plan.

6/4/18

Q. If the lead applicant ensures that all 4 strategies are being met within the grant, do sub awardees need to do all 4 strategies or can they address 1 or more of the identified strategies?

A. Per the NOFO the funded recipient is required to address 3 of the 4 outlined strategies; the lead recipient has the flexibility of developing a work plan that will best facilitate accomplishing this requirement. How the funded organization utilizes sub-recipients is at the discretion of the funded organization and should be outlined within the proposed work plan and budget.

Q. The NOFO states that applicant must select 2 of 5 priority populations listed for work on the award. Can we choose Hispanic Americans as a priority population and a second priority population comprised of both African Americans and Asian Americans?

A. When selecting the target populations, applicants will select up to two of the five priority populations listed below for work on this award. It is acceptable to select only one priority populations with whom to work and no more than two priority populations.

Q. Would the purchase of a van be and allowable cost?

A. No.

5/24/18

Q. In the NOFO it states that applicants must propose work in 3 of the 4 strategies and their accompanying activities. Does that mean if an applicant choses the nutrition strategy, they would have to address each of the four bullets listed on page 6 of 53 under the nutrition heading?

Does the awardee have to implement all of the strategies listed on pages 12-15 for the selected area? For instance, on page 12 – if the applicant selects `tobacco’ as a topic area, are they required to implement all 7 strategies listed for tobacco on pages 12 and 13, or can they choose from among these?

A. For any one of the strategies that is chosen, the applicant must address each of the accompanying activities listed in the NOFO for that strategy.

Q. On page 9 of 53 in the NOFO, applicants are asked to select up to 2 of the 5 priority populations. Could you clarify if the “up to” phrase means that we have to address 2 or does that mean we can select 1 priority population?

A. Applicants can select one or two priority populations.

Q. On page 2 of 53, under the heading entitled “funding will support recipients” #2 states “select strategies that address the health disparities in the community based on a health needs assessment process.” Are the proposed strategies alluded to in this statement the same as the strategies mentioned on page 3 of 53 in the second paragraph where it references best practices for comprehensive tobacco control, etc. Or can we propose other evidence based strategies?

A. Yes. They are the same strategies.

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6/27/18

Q. For the last bullet under the tobacco strategy, what is meant by “healthier retail”?

A: The tobacco strategy for healthier retail means addressing the availability of tobacco products in a retailer setting and the point-of-sale activities to reduce the availability and appeal of tobacco products.

6/22/18

Q. Can you please clarify the seventh activity under the Tobacco strategy – does this activity address the availability of tobacco products in retail settings?

A. Yes, the activities would include addressing the availability of tobacco products in a retailer setting.

Q. Under the tobacco strategy, the activities mention working with multi-unit housing. We do not have multi-unit housing in our region. Is it required to focus on multi-unit housing for this grant? Can we just focus on workplaces for the tobacco strategy?

A. Yes, you can focus tobacco activities in workplaces. You should include an explanation in the application that multi-unit housing is not available in your geographic are.

Q Under tobacco, you list as a strategy Engage and leverage community stakeholders and assets to address healthier retail options. Can you explain how this addresses tobacco use and provide an example of how to implement this strategy?

A. Yes, the activities would include addressing the availability of tobacco products that are accessible in a retailer setting and the outcomes associated with that.

6/4/18

Q. For the tobacco strategy, there seems to be a strong focus on indoor (work places, multi-unit housing) environments. Will outdoor environments (i.e. parks other recreation areas) be considered as a strategy?

A. The applicant should provide tobacco-related activities as listed in the NOFO on page 6 to support the strategy to promote tobacco free living among priority population(s).

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6/22/18

Q. Does the one FTE program manager have to be one person?

A. No, however, the structure should allow for efficiency in meeting the responsibilities for day to day management of the implementation of the project.

6/15/18

Q. What if our state’s Chronic Disease Director position is vacant? How should we proceed?

A. To meet the requirement of submitting a Letter of Acknowledgment from the state chronic disease director, it is acceptable to have the letter signed by the individual who is acting in that capacity.

Q. Does evaluator need to be external to the applicant or can we use internal evaluator?

A. The applicant will determine how to meet the evaluation require with either internal or external staff.

Q. Do we need to allocate staffing and activities equally across the selected strategies (e.g., PA strategy only has 1 activity compared to Tobacco, which has 7)?

A. There is no required allocation of funding across the selected strategies.

Q. Are the applicants allowed to have multiple Project Directors? If so, is there any limit on the total number of PDs?

A. CDC recommends a full time equivalent to serve as the program manager who will be responsible for the day to day management of the implementation of activities.

Q. I have a specific question regarding principle investigator eligibility for the CDC-RFA-DP18-1813 proposal. I am a recent M.P.H. graduate with program development and evaluation experience. Regarding eligibility, is there a certain credential or appointment that one must have to be a lead investigator on this proposal? I have experienced PhD faculty that would serve as co-investigators, but I would like to clarify if I could be lead PI?

A. Applicants must provide a staffing plan that is sufficient to achieve the project outcomes. The principal investigator’s role is to provide overall program oversight. There are no specified degree or credential requirements.

Q. Do we need to allocate staffing and activities equally across the selected strategies (e.g., PA strategy only has 1 activity compared to Tobacco, which has 7)?

A. There is no required allocation of funding across the selected strategies.

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6/22/18

Q. Is there a population size that applicants are expected to address through this funding opportunity? Are ideal projects community-wide, or are smaller, targeted (e.g. catchment area) projects eligible?

Q. The revised NOFO was sent out on June 1, but I do not see what changes were made when I compare the original with the new sections. Can you specify what changed?

A. The revised NOFO includes the corrected links within the Collaborations section and provides additional contact information for accessing the DNPAO website under the agency contact section.

Q. Is there any direction that can be given towards the scope of target geographical areas (e.g. in miles or number of people)?

A. Funding considerations include scope of the work proposed, size of the priority population(s) and geographic area, and whether work is performed in rural or urban settings.

6/15/18

Q. How many awards will there be? Upper limit on dollars per award?

A. We expect approximately 32 awards. The upper limit is $900,000 per budget period.

Q. When does the implementation start?

A. The Year 1 of this award runs from 9/29/2018 through 9/28/2019.

Q. Does CDC anticipate working with ICF, or any other group, to provide TA to grantees?

CDC will ensure that recipients have access to appropriate technical assistance and subject matter experts. This may include technical assistance and expertise from within and outside of CDC.

Q. For future changes, can you please add a brief summary so we are not all searching to figure out what they were?

A. Thank you for the suggestion.

6/4/18

Q. The RFP does not list a project start date, but states that awards will occur on 9/29/18 (page 2) What do you suggest we use as the project start and end dates for the twelve-month period please? Is 10/1/18-9/30/19 acceptable? Can it start in 2020 instead?

A. Year 1 of this award runs from 9/29/2018 through 9/28/2019.

Q. Will there be basic and comprehensive awardee categories as in the REACH 2014 award? It is noted that applicants must select 3 out of the 4 strategies to include. If someone included all 4, would they be considered a comprehensive awardee?

A. This NOFO does not make a distinction between a basic and a comprehensive category. Applicants will describe their Implementation Readiness as listed on page 36 of the NOFO. Applicants should apply for three of the four strategies that are described on pages 12-14 of the NOFO.

5/29/18

Q. The logic model is difficult to read in the NOFO. Could you please post the logic model in a format we can enlarge?

A. Yes. Please find a PDF of the logic model here. [PDF-248KB]

5/24/18

Q. We weren’t sure whether the estimated floor award of $500,000 is a total cost or whether it refers to direct costs. Could you please clarify?

A. The estimated floor award of $500,000 is a total cost, that should include indirect costs (if applicable) as part of the proposed budget.

Q. Given that the grant is a 5-year project, is the award ceiling and award floor listed a one-year amount or a total for the 5-year grant period?

A. The estimated floor award of $500,000 and ceiling of $900,000 is the amount per budget period or per year (page 20 of NOFO).

Q. Are samples of successful prior grant proposals or synopses available to the public?

A. To gain a perspective on communities who have been funded in previous years, please visit our webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/index.htm where you will find the currently funded awardees as well as past programs.

Q. Can the applicants get a standalone copy of the logic model? It is difficult to read in the NOFO.

A. Yes we will post a PDF of this. (See 5/29/18 for update)

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Return to the Information for the Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO): CDC-RFA-DP18-1813: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH.

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