FAQs
This page lists and addresses questions that were anticipated or received related to the CDC-RFA-DP18-1807 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Please view the question and answers (Q&As) below for responses to submitted questions.
6/7/18
Q: The guidance for naming files on page 8 of the NOFO announcement specifies the required file name for letters of support, MOUs, MOAs, and tribal resolutions as “Letterofsupport/MOU/MOA/TribalRes_ParterName_SPAN_name of applicant”. If we have both letters of support and MOU/MOA should they be summited in the same file or in separate files with appropriate identifying names?
A: The preferred submission method is to combine all of the letters of support, MOU/MOA, and tribal resolutions into one file named “Letterofsupport_MOU_MOA_TribalRes_name of applicant”. If you only have some of these documents, the title of the file should reflect this. For example, if you are submitting only letters of support the file name would be “letterofsupport_name of applicant”.
Q: We currently have an MOU in place with a key partner through a different funding source. We plan on extending this partnership if we are awarded funding through 1807. Do we need to have a new MOU in place to submit along with our application in order to gain maximum points, or will a copy of the current MOU along with the proposed 1807 MOU and a Letter of Commitment suffice?
A: A new MOU that provides a description of the key partner’s scope of work and contributions specifically for the proposed work for this NOFO is more favorable.
6/1/18
Q. I am finding confusion between the two FAQs below.
1 – Q. Please clarify “at least 25% of proposed total annual budget to support the organization(s) that will plan, implement, and evaluate local work” (p25 and p31). Can the applicant be the organization that this is referring to? Can costs for evaluation staff be used to meet this 25% if they are evaluating implementation at the local level?
A. The applicant can be the organization to which this statement is referring. The applicant must still plan, implement, and evaluate work at the state level in addition to at the local level.
2 – Q. Can a state-wise contractor/agency conduct work at the local level?
A. No, this is not the intention of the NOFO.
Is the answer to the first question only applicable if the applicant is a local organization? If a state health department is the applicant, can they be the one to plan, implement, and evaluate local work? The answer to the 2nd question makes me think no, but wanted to clarify.
A. Is the answer to the first question only applicable if the applicant is a local organization? Yes. If a state health department is the applicant, can they be the one to plan, implement, and evaluate local work? No, the state health department would support the local governmental entities and organizations planning, implementing, and evaluating the local work (Pgs. 2, 3, 5, and 7 of NOFO).
Q. In reviewing the updated SPAN FAQs, we see that memorandums of understanding are encouraged from partners. Since detailed strategies within the narrative and work plan are subject to change, we wondered if we might take a broad approach with the MOUs.
Using the NOFO, would it be appropriate to allow the partner to select the overarching strategy (or strategies) as part of a form (using language that has been pre-approved by the State)? The partner could then add any additional activities they would undertake to meet the outcome measure.
A. The structure of supporting documents such as MOUs, MOAs, and letters of support is up to you as long as the documents clearly provide the necessary information as described on page 8 of the NOFO.
Q. Can you please clarify where the Work Plan should be located in the Project Narrative? Should it be placed at the end of the document after Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach? Or should it be located in the Approach section?
A. Applicants may place the work plan anywhere in the Project Narrative that the applicant believes will make it easier for the reviewers to review the application.
Q. The NOFO announcement indicates we are to submit a Table of Contents (ToC). Is the ToC supposed to include page numbers as is typical of a ToC? My understanding is that the only document for which we are to add in page numbers is the project narrative. Is this true? So then, is the ToC merely a listing of all the documents we are uploading as part of our funding application? Or do we list all the documents we are uploading, but then – ONLY for the project narrative – we list all the indicated headings and subheadings (background, approach, applicant evaluation and performance measurement plan, etc.) and include the page number linked to each one of these headings?
A. The Table of Contents should list all the documents you are uploading for the entire submission package. For the project narrative you would list all the specific headings and subheadings (background, approach, applicant evaluation and performance measurement plan, etc.) and include the page number linked to each one of those headings. There is no page limit for the Table of Contents.
Q. Another longer document we are submitting is the budget narrative. Is it advised and/or okay to add page numbers to this document and then include, in the ToC, the page numbers linked to each listed major heading (e.g., salaries and wages, fringe benefits, consultant costs, etc.)?
A. The budget narrative is part of the entire submission package, therefore it is acceptable to include the budget narrative headings in the Table of Contents.
Q. My question is in regards to the Intergovernmental Review section on pgs. 25-26 of the 18-1807 NOFO. The SPOC list link provided does not work. Is there an alternate location where we can find our State Point of Contact?
A. Here is the updated link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Intergovernmental_-Review-_SPOC_01_2018_OFFM.pdf
5/17/18
Q. Would it be acceptable to include an acronym list as an optional attachment? This would be separate from the project narrative (not included in the 20 page limit) and used to explain any state-specific acronyms used throughout the narrative.
A. Applicants may not attach documents other than those listed (page 40) in the H. Other Information section. However, if an acronym list appears to align with one of the approved optional attachments (e.g., organization charts), applicants can add that list to the approved optional attachment.
Q. On page 20 of the NOFO announcement, it describes a document we are supposed to submit labeled, “Report of Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap.” In our department, there are some staff that may now be doing some similar work as we will be proposing in our NOFO application. But they are working with different groups in different locations. We would be doing our own work. There would absolutely be no work done in our department for which two separate agencies would be funding the same implementation. So is it sufficient for the NOFO “Report of Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap” to simply present the above information, stating the names of the programs doing some similar work, and forthrightly stating that there are no individual work tasks performed in the department that are funded by multiple sponsors?
A. The Duplication of Efforts section on page 20 requires applicants to report if this application will result in any programmatic , budgetary, or commitment overlap. How CDC and the recipient would resolve any overlap depends upon whether or not the applicant states there is or is not any overlap.
Q. I understand the eligibility for the grant submission and realize that the Department of Defense cannot apply. However, on page 10 of the announcement it states that DoD (and others) should be key partners. Does that mean DoD can be written into the grant activities?
A. Yes, the DoD can be a key partner and can be written into cooperative agreement activities.
Q. Please provide a work plan example of Milestone(s) for Completion of Activity (page 13).
A. The purpose of milestones is for CDC and recipients to have mutually defined critical process steps that must occur to ensure success of the proposed work plan strategies. A milestone represents a significant period in the work plan, such as the completion of a project phase, a key event that occurs, or the date a particular report is due.
Q. I didn’t find anything that asks us to upload resumes of individuals who would potentially be implementing the cooperative agreement. Should we plan on uploading resumes? If so, what file name(s) should we use for uploading?
A. Resumes are optional documents, however the applicant should provide optional documents that strengthen their application. CDC recommends applicants use any nomenclature for optional documents that is consistent and easy to understand.
Q. Will a work plan template be provided on the SPAN web page?
A. A work plan template is provided in the NOFO, page 13. Be reminded that the required element of measures was inadvertently left off of the sample work plan template on page 13. The measures should be included in the work plan and may best be presented under each strategy or outcome.
5/8/18
Q. In the technical assistance call you indicated that MOU/MOAs are optional, however on page 31 of the NOFO it states “Applicants could receive up to the maximum points only if they submit both letters of support and signed MOUs, MOAs..” This would indicate that applicants would be penalized for “opting” not to submit. Is this correct?
A. If applicants choose not to submit a signed MOU and/or MOA along with the letters of support, they will not qualify to receive the maximum points.
Q. Are both the applicant organization and applicant PI required to be registered in the eRA Commons for the purposes of this NOFO? Can the application organization AOR and PI named on the application be the same individual?
A. Please reference Part II., D. Application and Submission Information, 1. Required Registrations section on page 17 of the NOFO for the registration requirements. Yes, the AOR and PI may be the same individual.
Q. Is the completion date on the work plan template for the activity or for the milestone(s)? If the completion date is for the activity and not the milestone(s), should target dates of completion be included for each milestone? For example, work established by April 2019. Also, can complete date be written as start quarter, end quarter?
A. The completion date on the work plan template is for the activity, however applicants can choose to indicate target dates of completion with each milestone. Completion dates may be written as start quarter, end quarter.
Q. On page 12 of the NOFO it says “budget management and administration to establish financials procedures and track, monitor and report expenditures (at a minimum this should include a fiscal manager)”. Does the applicant need to name the fiscal manager and show this FTE in the budget?
A. The applicant does not need to name a person, however the applicant should include the fiscal manager as a part of the staffing plan. There is no requirement that the fiscal manager be a full time equivalent (FTE), however applicants must demonstrate established experience and organizational capacity in order to meet the implementation readiness requirements for this NOFO (pg. 12). The more clearly an applicant demonstrates in the application that there is adequate and appropriate organizational infrastructure to carry out administrative/financial activities required for this NOFO, the more competitive the application will be.
Q. For the collaboration and partnerships section, should we be seeking MOUs with organizations we are planning to contract with? Or are the MOUs only for partners that will not be funded?
A. MOUs or MOAs may be provided for any key collaborations and partnerships, whether the applicant plans to contract with the partner organization or not. Please reference the MOU/MOA definition on page 44 of this NOFO for further guidance.
5/4/18
Q. Can font in the work plan tables be smaller than 12 point font?
A. The font on the work plan table needs to be 12 point font.
Q. In regards to the collaboration with CDC-funded organizations listed on page 7: Are we required at this time to have a collaboration with those organizations or can we indicate that we’ll work towards collaborating with them? Also, some of these organizations are not in our state. What should we do if this is the case?
A. An existing collaboration is not required, but the applicant should describe plans to collaborate if funded. If an organization does not exist in the state, the applicant should state this in their application.
Q. What is the required file name for the budget documents and the report on budgetary and programmatic commitment overlap?
A. The file name for submitting the budget is “Budget Narrative”. The file name for submitting the programmatic, budgetary, and commitment overlap report is “Programmatic Budgetary Commitment Overlap”
4/27/18
Q. Is there an implementation guidance document for this cooperative agreement?
A. No, there is not an implementation guidance document available for NOFO CDC18-1807 at this time.
Q. We were unable to attend the conference call on April 25, 2018. Is this recorded so we could view it?
A. A script from the call will be posted on the website.
Q. I represent a state health department. Do state health departments need to upload any type of IRS status form? If so, what file name should we use for uploading?
A. No, state health departments do not need to upload any type of IRS status form.
Q. The NOFO states there is a 20 page limit for the project narrative but does not identify if there is an overall application page limit. Please clarify if the overall application should not exceed a specific page limit.
A. The overall application does not have a page limit.
Q. Since fillable budget and work plan templates will not be provided, does CDC have a preference for the format (ie, MS Word versus Excel) of these documents?
A. All application attachments must be submitted using a PDF file format (Pg. 28). CDC would prefer Excel format for originals.
Q. On page 20 of the NOFO announcement, it talks about the “Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap.” On page 40 of the NOFO announcement, this report is listed as something we need to upload to CDC (grants.gov). What file name are we supposed to use for this document? Also, is there an official CDC form into which we are supposed to place this report, or are we just typing this onto a sheet we create and then uploading it to CDC?
A. The applicant must upload the report in Grants.gov under “Other Attachment Forms.” The document should be labeled: “Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap” (pg. 20). There is no official CDC form for this report.
Q. The NOFO states the work plan should be one document with a specific file name and the project narrative is another document with a specific file name. Do both of these documents get uploaded in the project narrative form in work space?
A. The work plan is included as part of the project narrative and as such is part of the narrative’s 20 page limit. The work plan does not need to have a separate file name and can be submitted as part of the entire project narrative.
Q. If you include MOAs/MOUs, do you also need letters of support? Are you requesting MOAs from some partners and letters of support from others? What will garner the maximum points as outlined on page 31?
A. Applicants must at the very least submit letters of support for key collaborations (pg. 8). Applicants could receive up to the maximum points only if they submit both letters of support and signed MOU’s, MOAs, and/or tribal resolutions (pg. 31). The letter of support and the MOA/MOU may be from the same or different partners, as long as they include the precise nature of past and poposed collaborations, products, services and other activities that will be provided by the partner through the proposed collaboration.
Q. Do we need to attach resumes and position descriptions or can we choose one or the other to include for key staff?
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. The same would apply to other optional attachments like, for example, position descriptions. CDC recommends applicants use any nomenclature for naming optional documents that is consistent and easy to understand.
Q. Do we need to include state-specific logic models? If so, should it be included within the project narrative or as an attachment?
A. Applicants may include state-specific logic models or other documents not identified on page 40 as part of their project narrative if the applicant feels it will strengthen their application.
Q. The NOFO states to include optional attachments as determined by CDC programs but the NOFO doesn’t state which attachments were determined by CDC. Please clarify.
A. Indirect Cost Rate agreements, if applicant is requesting indirect costs (pg. 24), and Letters of Support for key collaborations must be submitted (pg. 8). Applicants may submit any of the optional attachments if the applicant deems it necessary to strengthen the application.
Q. Can we include the narrative for activities for years 2-5 in the body of the workplan, or do they need to be in the narrative section? Is there a page limit for the year 2-5 narrative?
A. The general summary of work plan activities for Years 2-5 in (pg. 12) may be included in any part of the project narrative that is most appropriate for the applicant. While there is no page limit for the year 2-5 narrative, there is a page limit to the project narrative (pg. 21).
Q. The work plan example template given on page 13 does not include measures for the relevant outcomes as stated on page 12. How should outcome measures be represented in the work plan?
A. The required element of measures was inadvertently left off of the sample work plan template on page 13. The measures should be included in the work plan and may best be presented under each strategy or outcome.
Q. Do citations (end notes) count towards the project narrative page limit?
A. If the citations are included in the uploaded narrative file, they count toward the narrative’s 20 page limit. If citations are uploaded as an optional file they are not part of the narrative page limit.
Q. Does the budget narrative, references or the Data Management Plan count against project narrative 20-page limit?
A. No, budget information, including the budget narrative and references, do not count against the 20 page limit. The Data Management Plan (DMP) should be included in the project narrative and not be added as a separate document. The DMP is part of the 20 page limit.
Q. On page 13 of 46 in the NOFO announcement, near the top of the page is an example of a chart (template) for use in presenting the year-1 work plan. The left side of the chart includes the words “Strategy” and “Activity,” left justified. I am assuming that the word “Strategy” here used is NOT meant to indicate one of the FIVE strategies listed on page 6 of 46; but instead represents strategies we are to come up with to fulfill each of the FIVE strategies listed on page 6. Is this true? And if it is, then I assume that CDC means to say that the work plan will essentially have five sub-sections each headed by one of the strategies listed on page 6. This could be a bit confusing if we use the same word – strategy – to signify both the overarching strategy (i.e., the FIVE strategies listed on page 6) and the strategies used to fulfill each overarching strategy. Please clarify.
A. The word Strategy as used in the template provided on page 13 is specific to the five strategies detailed on page 6 in section 2.a.iii, Strategies and Activities.
6/1/18
Q. The NOFO notes that applicants can only apply in the state that they are located. Can you clarify further for us? Does this mean: Where our headquarters are located? Where we are incorporated? Where we have affiliates or offices (all US states)? So, for example, if we have an affiliate or office in California, where we are “located and have operations”, could we apply to work with the CA state and local government agencies? Or are we only limited to Texas where our headquarters are located? Please advise as we have been unable to interpret the language through the lens of a national organization.
A. You would be limited to Texas, where your headquarters are located.
5/4/18
Q. Can the CDC expand on what they mean by the applicant must have experience successfully implementing physical activity and nutrition efforts at the state and local level?
A. Applicants must demonstrate experience in implementing activities that are relevant to the NOFO strategies at both the state and local level, and demonstrate how the proposed work will build upon prior work directly related to each strategy.
4/27/18
Q. Can locally owned daycares, independent school districts (such as a rural school Local Education Agency), non-profit wellness centers, or women’s treatment centers apply?
A: Yes. DP18-1807 is designated as open competition with the exception of for-profit applicant organizations. Due to statutory authority, for-profit organizations do not qualify for this NOFO.
Q. I wanted to find out if Territorial Governments are eligible to compete for this grant.
A. Yes. Please refer to Additional Information on Eligibility (pg. 16) for further guidance on eligibility.
Q. Can more than one entity in a state submit an application for this funding?
A. Yes, More than one entity in a state can apply however, as stated in the NOFO page 32: No more than one applicant within a state will be funded.
Q. The NOFO supports state investments to improve nutrition and to increase safe and accessible physical activity that benefits the whole state and can be shared with local governmental entities. We are a county health department that conducts programs only within our county. Is this NOFO only accepting programs that can be conducted state-wide?
A. Recipients are expected to work with partners and communities at both the state and local levels implementing state and local level actions and efforts. (Pg. 3, 5, 7)
Q. Is there a limit to the number of applications you will accept from a specific state?
A. No.
6/7/18
Q: On page 22 of the NOFO in the ‘Outcomes’ section of the Approach, the application states that “Outcomes” are the results that the program intends to achieve and usually indicate the intended direction of change (e.g., increase, decrease). Do we need to include potential target numbers in this section (for example, increase the number of worksites from X to Y that…) or is that level of detail only needed once funding has been awarded?
A: Potential target numbers are not needed to be submitted with the application. CDC will work with recipients to develop the target numbers.
Q: From the application package and previous questions in the FAQs, it seems that only the Performance Measures that we will track for each strategy/outcome are required to be identified on our work plan for the application. Page 35 (a. Recipient Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan) indicates performance measures and targets should be provided (i.e., due six months into the award). Does this mean that targets are not expected as part of the work plan submitted with the application?
A: That is correct. Targets are not expected as part of the work plan submitted with the application. CDC will work with recipients to finalize their performance measurement and evaluation plan and then develop targets.
6/1/18
Q. Question related to section b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement sub-section i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy, Table p. 9-10. Physical Activity Strategy.
Does the measurement of the physical activity strategy include the sub-bullet: Establish new or improved pedestrian, bicycle, or transit transportation systems (i.e.,—) that are combined with new or improved land use or environmental design (i.e., —)?
Or does the measurement of the physical activity strategy only include: “Collaborate with partners to connect sidewalks, paths, bicycle routes, public transit with homes, early care and education, schools, worksites, parks, or recreation centers through implementing master plans and land use interventions”?
A. The measurement of the physical activity strategy is focused around the statement “Establish new or improved pedestrian, bicycle, or transit transportation systems that are combined with new or improved land use or environmental design.”
Q. Can the Nutrition Strategy related to: “Implement and integrate nutrition standards into statewide early care and education (ECE) systems” be combined with the Physical Activity Strategy related to “Implement and integrate physical activity standards into statewide early care and education (ECE) systems”?
A. The ECE PA and Nutrition strategies can be combined in the work plan and narrative as long as the proposed activities are clearly defined as PA and/or nutrition. On the other hand, measurement of the two strategies needs to remain separate in order to effectively determine impact and should be separated in the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy table.
Q. For 1807, will Go NAP SACC best practices, be specified as an indicator for evaluation again, or will there be a different set of standards specified? Also, if Go NAP SACC best practices are specified as an evaluation indicator, will they be the same best practices indicators as 1305?
A. For 1807, evaluation indicators are based on improvements made to state-level ECE system components, adding or strengthening nutrition and physical activity standards and implementation support to achieve statewide impact. As such, no specific measure of policies and practices met by individual ECEs will be specified as an evaluation indicator. Upon being funded, CDC will work with recipients to determine whether collecting data directly from ECEs for either surveillance or evaluation purposes is desirable and which instrument is most appropriate to use.
Q. For the purpose of the work plan as well as the evaluation and performance measurement plan, should the performance measures include baseline values and target values (at least for Year 1)? This would be similar to “output and outcome objectives,” but those terms do not appear anywhere in the NOFO. The document only refers to performance measure targets as part of the comprehensive plan that is due 6 months into the performance period (page 35). If values are required with the application, then what should we do if baseline numbers are difficult to quantify in the short period of time we have until the application deadline?
A. Baseline values are not required for the application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include any information they have readily available, baseline or otherwise, that can provide context for the activities they propose to pursue under this cooperative agreement.
Q. For the ECE nutrition and physical activity performance measurement strategy (pages 9 and 10), the intermediate outcome is the number of ECEs, but the intermediate performance measure is the number of systems. Do we collect data for both of these? Should both of these be included in the Work Plan? For the number of systems, using the indicator report, if a system is currently reported as “yes”, how do we measure progress?
A. Data for the number of improvements made to state ECE system components based on the Spectrum framework should be collected. Data for the number of ECEs impacted by these system improvements can be estimated based on the reach of the system component(s) (e.g. if obesity prevention standards are established within the state’s child care subsidy program, then the number of ECEs caring for children who receive subsidy funds would serve as the estimated number of ECEs reached). Counting improvements made to system components should be based on the full Spectrum framework, including all opportunities and sub-options, not just those that were included in CDC’s first ECE state indicator report. Upon being funded, recipients will work with CDC to create both a state-specific Spectrum Profile and Spectrum Indicator Report that combined will establish baseline values for how well nutrition and physical activity standards and implementation support are already embedded into the state’s ECE system and operationally define what constitutes improvement.
5/17/18
Q. CDC guidance indicates that the data management plan (DMP) is required for “new” data collection, which suggests new primary data sources developed by programs. What is unclear is whether this would include program reporting or tracking databases that are developed primarily for the program’s internal use. For example, if we sent an email to a bunch of facilities asking for information regarding their policies or standards related to nutrition or physical activity and then we captured the results in an Excel spreadsheet, would this be considered a new database for DMP purposes?
A. A DMP for this NOFO is needed if a new public health data set is being collected. Public health data is digitally recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as a basis for public health findings, conclusions, and implementation. A DMP is not needed if the applicant is proposing to use publicly available or other existing data sets, or is only collecting data for program improvement and not for decision making or generalizability.
Q. The high-level logic model on page 5 of the NOFO describes the short-term outcomes as “demonstrating progress” in food service guidelines, supportive breastfeeding, community planning and transportation and ECE PA and nutrition standards. I am not sure what constitutes “demonstrating progress”. Could you please clarify what this means?
A. Demonstrating progress means carrying out the work plan activities leading to achieving the milestones identified in the work plan.
5/8/18
Q. The instructions provide very little guidance on reach, other than, “…the potential to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest portion of the target population.” (Target population, pg. 8) Can you provide more guidance on expected reach?
A. Applicants are expected to propose statewide and local level public health interventions. Given this requirement, applicants must consider the potential to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population (Target Populations, pg. 8).
5/4/18
Q. What expenses are acceptable to include in the 10% used on evaluation? For example, is support of existing evaluation staff salary and their travel acceptable?
A. All expenses that support the capacity to implement the evaluation activities are acceptable.
Q. Can the performance measure under food service guidelines be measured by site or by populations or both?
A. The performance measure for food service guidelines work should be measured by the site.
Q. The intermediate measure for Physical Activity is “number of places where new or improved systems to promote physical activity were implemented”. What counts as a system improvement? Does it have to be infrastructure, or could it also be a new policy, plan, or program that directly supports improved active transportation connectivity?
A. The intermediate measure for physical activity can include infrastructure changes, new policies, plans, or programs that directly support improved active transportation.
Q. Regarding the short-term outcomes on pg 5; how will CDC define “progress”?
A. Progress is defined by the accomplishment of the milestones. The definition of milestones is the key activities related to achieving each outcome.
Q. Regarding the target population, do we have to name the target population and the geographic area or just the criteria (for doing so)? (My questions refers to the wording) on pg. 13 (of the NOFO).
A. Yes, applicants should identify the target population. Applicants must describe criteria used for selection of the target population and geographic areas of focus. These criteria must be based on statewide disease and risk factor burden data from the state the applicant is located, as well as the potential to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population.
4/27/18
Q. What will reporting look like for the Food Service Guidelines piece? (i.e. number of locations implementing change, reach, types of changes made, etc.)
A. Applicants should plan to provide intermediate measure data describing the number and type of setting(s) with implemented food service guidelines (pg. 9)
Q. It looks like we are not expected to include project period (long-term) outcomes in our work plan. Is this correct?
A. Correct. CDC will be responsible for evaluating progress on long-term outcomes. (pg.6)
Q. Do target outcome measures need to be identified in the application or are they not required until submission of the required recipient evaluation and performance measurement plan (pg 35) 6 months after being awarded?
A. Outcome performance measures are expected to be identified in the work plan as part of the application evaluation and performance measurement plan (pgs. 9, 11, 12, and 23). CDC will work collaboratively with recipients during the first six months to finalize performance measures (pg. 9).
Q. Do we report on statewide and targeted geographical areas?
A. Recipients will report on geographic areas identified in their application.
Q. Can you provide more information or detail regarding the Data Management Plan?
A. Applications involving data collection must include a Data Management Plan (DMP) as part of their evaluation and performance measurement plan. The DMP is the applicant’s assurance of the quality of the public health data through the data’s lifecycle and plans to deposit data in a repository to preserve and to make the data accessible in a timely manner. See web link for additional information: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/ar-25.html
A DMP for this NOFO would only be needed if a new data set is being proposed to address proposed outcome measures.
If applicant determines a DMP is not required, the applicant should include one sentence from the following language in the Project Narrative: “A DMP is not being submitted for one or more of the following reasons (select only those applicable):
- 1) Applicant is using other publically available data;
- 2) Applicant is only collecting data for program improvement, and not for decision making or generalizability;
- 3) Applicant proposes to utilize other available data sets.
If an applicant determines that a DMP is required, it is acceptable to include very limited, basic information addressing the key components within the Project Narrative and provide additional details only if and when an award is granted. Detail beyond basic information may be provided in attachments, but is not required at the time of application.
6/1/18
Q. Does the CDC-RFA-DP18-1807 grant award ceiling include indirect costs?
A. Yes, the budget for this cooperative agreement can include indirect costs. If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate agreement is required (Pg. 24).
Q. Is there a page limit for the budget narrative?
A. There is no page limit for the budget narrative.
5/17/18
Q. Will we have to draw down the funds for each component separately since we have to track each component separately?
A. Recipients will draw down funds according to their own institutional policies.
5/8/18
Q. Can state funds used for BRFSS count toward the 10% minimum recommended to support evaluation activities (in-kind support)?
A. No. Page 31 of the NOFO states at least 10% of the proposed total annual budget to support overall evaluation activities.
5/4/18
Q. Can the program manager, nutrition coordinator and physical activity coordinator be funded by another funding source and/or support by a contract?
A. These positions can be funded by another source or supported by a contract, however it is critical that the applicant demonstrate how these positions support this NOFO work. Also note as stated in the Project Management Structure and Staffing requirements on page 31, the Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinators must be established at the time of the application. See pages 12 and 31 of the NOFO for more information of the required minimum project management structure and staffing.
Q. Regarding the requirement that at least 25% of total annual budget effectively supports organizations that will plan, implement and evaluate local work: Does this mean at least 25% of total award must be subcontracted to local agencies? Can we subcontract with non-profit organizations?
A. There is no requirement to subcontract this work. Subcontracting with non-profit organizations is acceptable. The applicant should provide justification for the selection of the organizations including the proposed organizations’ ability to provide effective local support.
Q. What is the indirect rate for a University?
A. Any organization including universities can submit paperwork to establish a current negotiated federal indirect cost rate agreement or a cost allocation plan approval with the federal government. This agreement or plan applies to all federal cooperative agreements and contacts. You should check with your business office for your organization’s current agreement or plan.
Q. Since there will not be bridge funding, will you then entertain no cost extension requests on current 1305 D2 funding?
A. 1305 recipients were able to submit a no cost extension request to the deadline March 21, 2018. New no cost extension requests are not allowed.
Q. Can we include in our proposed budget, “to be determined” contact organizations?
A. This is acceptable, however, your application will be stronger the more specific you are with the information you provide.
4/27/18
Q. Will a budget template be provided?
A. No. Budget guidance is found in the NOFO beginning on page 24. Further guidance can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Budget-Preparation-Guidance.pdf [PDF-415KB]
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.
Q. Built Environment: Can you clarify what we can and cannot spend funds on for this? It looks like we can use funds for the planning and design but not for implementation of the plan?
A. For allowable and unallowable costs, please reference federal regulations and policies found at the CDC Grants webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/federalregulationspolicies/index.html
Q. Please clarify “at least 25% of proposed total annual budget to support the organization(s) that will plan, implement, and evaluate local work” (p25 and p31). Can the applicant be the organization that this is referring to? Can costs for evaluation staff be used to meet this 25% if they are evaluating implementation at the local level?
A. The applicant can be the organization to which this statement is referring. The applicant must still plan, implement, and evaluate work at the state level in addition to at the local level.
Q. Can funds be used to support communities and the our Dept. of Transportation partners in the development of walkable communities? What restrictions for funding use would that include? The list of restrictions does not indicate that funding for environmental modifications is unallowable and would e what our partners need most but previously has not been permitted.
A. Yes, funds can be used to support communities and partners in the development of walkable communities. For allowable and unallowable costs, please reference federal regulations and policies found at the CDC Grants webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/federalregulationspolicies/index.html.
Q. Do we need to allocate a certain percentage of the budget to PA and a certain percentage to Nutrition?
A. There is no requirement to allocate specific percentages of the budget to each strategy. Recipients must work on all five of the strategies, however they will have the flexibility to select the interventions that support strategy implementation to improve nutrition and increase physical activity, as well as to define their geographic area(s) (Pg. 7).
Q. On the call it was mentioned 25% of the budget should be to plan, implement and evaluate strategies and activities. Does this mean the 10% evaluation requirement is included?
A. CDC recommends that applicants budget at least 25% of the proposed total annual budget to effectively support the organization(s) that will plan, implement, and evaluate local work (Pg. 25). Part of the “public health benchmark of a minimum of 10% of the annual award to support evaluation activities” (Pg. 25) may also be interpreted as part of the “local work.”
Q. In our state childcare resource and referral is funded through the state department of human services. With our current 1305 funds we contract with the state DHS and the funds are then distributed to the CCR&R. If we used this methodology could it be included in the 25% funding going to locals since the CCR&Rs work regionally and with local childcare agencies?
A. Yes, provided that it is clear that the funding is directed at the local level.
5/17/18
Q. I understand that the work plan should include the FIVE over-arching strategies as specified on page 6 (section 2.a.iii) of the NOFO announcement. Then we are to place our implementation activities under each over-arching strategy. May we include combinations of implementation strategies with their corresponding activities UNDER each over-arching strategy, or is it sufficient to only include implementation activities under each over-arching strategy? Is there a recommendation as to whether it’s preferred by CDC to only include activities under each of the five over-arching strategies?
A. Applicants must implement activities to support achievement of all NOFO outcomes using all of the strategies, and should provide sufficient detail regarding how the strategies and activities will achieve the intended NOFO outcomes. Applicants should structure their activities in a manner that is specific, feasible, and achievable. See pages 12 and 30 for further guidance.
5/8/18
Q. Are all five strategies required to be employed every year? Are all five strategies required equally across geography and target population? For example, if your target geography covers 8 counties, must all five strategies be implemented in each of the 8 counties?
A. Unless recipients are able to successfully implement a strategy across the entire state and reach 100% of the population impacted by that strategy, CDC expects all strategies to be implemented every year.
Q. Because this grant says we should employ a “community-based participatory approach”, is it appropriate to target a geographic region and allow the local communities to determine their target population and setting through assessment? For example, within the same geographic area, one of the targeted communities selects park concession stands and another community selects FSG in worksites. Both are working towards increasing the number of places that implement FSG. In the application is appropriate to leave the setting flexible?
A. Yes. Recipients will have the flexibility to select the state and local interventions that support strategy implementation to improve nutrition and increase physical activity, as well as to define their geographic area(s) , and the flexibility necessary to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of target populations (pg. 7). Applicants must describe criteria used for selection of the target population and geographic areas of focus. These criteria must be based on statewide disease and risk factor burden data from the state the applicant is located, as well as the potential to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population (pg. 8). While CDC encourages the use of a Community Based Participatory Approach (pg. 46) as applicants determine how to best implement efforts at the local level, the setting(s) must still be identified in the application in order to be implementation ready.
5/4/18
Q. Can you elaborate on expectations for communication activities? Are communication activities the same as informational outreach?
A. Informational outreach is a type of communication activity.
Q. For the expectation that 25% be spent on local work, is the expectation that local entities will implement all five strategies or is that up to the applicant to decide which local entities implement which strategies?
A. It is expected that all 5 strategies will be implemented on the local level however, the same local entity does not have to implement all of the strategies as more than one local entity can be supported.
Q. I noticed retail venues are not mentioned, can we still focus on grocery, convenience stores, farmers markets? Would those fall under community settings? Or are they not included?
A. This NOFO does not support work in the retail setting (grocery stores, convenience stores, farmer’s markets).
4/27/18
Q. How many activities are recommended per strategy?
A. An applicant should propose as many activities that are needed and are feasible to implement the proposed strategies that will achieve the intermediate outcomes.
5/17/18
Q. Please provide clarification on what CDC is expecting for Physical Activity Strategy 1 (page 6). What is the expectation from the state level in regards to implementing master plans and land use interventions?
A. CDC does not have a specific expectation of state level activities related to these topics and proposed actions will likely vary by state. Related information can be found in the Community Preventive Services Task Force (Community Guide) recommendation on using built environment approaches to increase physical activity (https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/physical-activity-built-environment-approaches), and CDCs BE Active: Connecting Routes + Destinations webpage (https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/community-strategies/beactive/index.html).
Q. We are having trouble understanding allowable and not allowable uses of funds regarding walkable/active communities at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/federalregulationspolicies/index.html. Could you please clarify where the information can be found?
A. As referenced in the NOFO, allowable costs relating to the built environment include planning and design activities. Unallowable costs include yet are not limited to construction of sidewalks, construction of running trails. Using the federal regulations and policies found at the CDC Grants webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/federalregulationspolicies/index.html as a reference, applicants should use their best judgement to determine what is considered an allowable or unallowable cost. If an application is funded and the recipient has proposed activities later considered to be potentially unallowable, the recipient and CDC will discuss whether or not the activity and its related costs are allowable and what to do in the event they are unallowable.
5/4/18
Q. As it relates to allowable expenses for built environment changes, can funding be used for wayfinding signage or any other type of signage that supports active transportation?
A. Yes, signage is an acceptable expense however all expenses should be justified. For more information on allowable and unallowable costs, please reference federal regulations and policies found at the CDC Grants webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/grants/federalregulationspolicies/index.html
5/4/18
Q. Regarding the breastfeeding strategy, there is a bullet on the number of community sites supporting continuity of care. Do you consider community health clinics and doctors’ offices to be sites that offer continuity of care?
A. Yes. Community health clinics and doctors’ offices are sites that can offer continuity of care.
Q. Can we sub-grant to hospitals to pay for Baby-Friendly status?
A. Yes. Costs involved in working towards Baby-Friendly designations are allowable.
4/27/18
Q. In terms of scoring, will we obtain more points if we address more than one of the three topics related to breastfeeding interventions?
A. No.
5/17/18
Q. Can the new Spectrum of Opportunities Framework Action Guide 2.0 with the new work sheets released on 3/28/18 be accessed?
A. Yes, the Action Guide 2.0 has been posted to DNPAO’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/ECE-infographic.pdf [PDF-2MB].
5/8/18
Q. Please talk about the integration of Nutrition and Physical Activity standards and practices into state ECE (Early Care and Education) systems. The NOFO lists various places like child care licensing state subsidy programs. We work with our state’s child care resource and referral (CCR&R) system, which works with ECE providers. If we work with our state CCR&R for nutrition policy, would that count as working within our state’s ECE system?
A. It depends on whether your state’s CCR&R provides technical assistance and training to ECE providers statewide. If they do, then they are considered a core part of your state’s ECE system. It also depends on HOW you are working with your state’s CCR&R. The goal is to achieve statewide reach that is sustainable beyond this funding period. Thus, working with your CCR&R to provide specific trainings and interventions to providers as stand-alone activities would not count. However, working with your CCR&R in partnership with the other primary statewide technical assistance networks in your state, to ensure that staff remain knowledgeable and well-qualified to provide TA to providers on nutrition and physical activity policies (e.g. create a standard set of technical assistance resource materials for all TA providers in the state to use) would count. As would working with your statewide TA networks to assess the need for additional technical assistance providers in the state and working on solutions to best meet the need.
Q. Regarding the Early Care and Education (ECE) nutrition standards strategy, are all licensed childcare settings required to follow CACFP standards. Is there a different standard we should be pushing toward?
A. CDC considers CACFP standards to be the minimum standards that providers should be striving to meet. Please reference the CDC technical assistance briefing document “Spectrum of Opportunities for Obesity Prevention in the Early Care and Education Setting (ECE)” for further information. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/spectrum-of-opportunities-obesity-prevention.pdf [PDF-293KB]
4/27/18
Q. Can we combine the ECE PA and Nutrition strategies in to 1 for the purpose of the work plan and narrative as so much of this work will overlap?
A. The ECE PA and Nutrition strategies can be combined in the work plan and narrative as long as the proposed activites are clearly defined as PA and/or nutrition.
Q. When referring to ECE state systems- Please define. State-funded providers like headstart? State licensed or working toward licensure? Etc.
A. Please refer to the CDC ECE opportunities framework – https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/spectrum-of-opportunities-obesity-prevention.pdf.[PDF-293KB]
Q. ECE Nutrition: Can you provide more clarity on the “statewide recognition program?” Would something like NAP SACC or a state-wide designation program be included in this or are you looking for something more like a DOE rating system?
A. A statewide recognition program and a statewide designation program are similar. Statewide ECE designation or recognition programs are typically voluntary, and ECE providers must meet predetermined criteria on a particular topic(s) to receive recognition or designation. Twenty-four states have a recognition or designation program for ECE providers, such as Healthy Child Care Center or Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care. Additional information can be found in the DNPAO Early Care and Education State Indicator Report 2016 at https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/early-care-education-report.pdf.[PDF-7.2MB]
6/1/18
Q. Part of our work currently includes providing technical assistance to restaurants to add healthy menu items and promote those items. Would this be an appropriate activity under strategy 1 – implement food service guidelines?
A. Yes, as long as the activities are part of promoting the implementation of food service guidelines as described in the Strategies and Activities section on page 6 of the NOFO.
Q. We are doing work with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups throughout the state. Would the NOFO support Food Service work in this type of setting?
We live in a state where Farmers Markets are very seasonal (June-October) and are located in almost every county or rural community. Our involvement with them is through the SNAP program. Are Farmers Markets in this capacity considered acceptable as a community setting under the NOFO?
A. The NOFO requires that recipients implement food service guidelines (FSG) in worksites and in community settings, in multiple venues, to increase the availability of healthy foods. Examples of settings and venues are provided, however recipients are not limited to those examples as long as the recipient is trying to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population. If a CSA group is operating or located in a setting or a venue that is implementing food service guidelines it would be considered acceptable work.
5/17/18
Q. Please clarify what is meant by “implement the food service guidelines”. For example, is it to implement every component or pieces of each of the sections?
A. The NOFO states to implement food service guidelines (FSG) in worksites and in community settings, in multiple venues, to increase the availability of healthy foods. Examples of settings and venues are provided, however recipients are not limited to those examples as long as the recipient is trying to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population. Please refer to the DNPAO website at https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/healthy-food-environments/food-serv-guide.html for guidance that would help an applicant appropriately respond to the NOFO requirements.
Q. Do all FSG strategies have to include policy development/adoption?
A. The FSG strategy must lead to the intermediate outcome of increased number of places that implement food service guidelines. The activities that lead to this outcome may include, yet are not limited to, policy development.
Q. Are food pantries or food banks acceptable settings for food service guidelines work under 1807?
A. 1807 specifically focuses on the implementation of food services guidelines. If the work you are doing with food pantries or food banks is related to the implementation of food service guidelines it would be considered acceptable work.
Q. Are funds allowed to be used for incentives toward the Randolph-Sheppard Program in order to evaluate pre/post sales data of healthy items?
A. The NOFO states to implement food service guidelines (FSG) in worksites and in community settings, in multiple venues, to increase the availability of healthy foods. Examples of settings and venues are provided, however recipients are not limited to those examples as long as the recipient is trying to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population. Please refer to the DNPAO website at https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/healthy-food-environments/food-serv-guide.html for guidance that would help an applicant appropriately respond to the NOFO requirements.
Q. We are exploring a partnership with the state Department of Aging around improving the quality of food purchased through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). They have developed a tool that aligns available foods in CSFP with the Dietary Guidelines. We would like to pilot the use of this tool to select higher quality foods for purchase to reach at-risk, low-income older adults. Is this an acceptable implementation of food service guidelines?
A. Please refer to the DNPAO website at https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/healthy-food-environments/food-serv-guide.html for guidance on what is acceptable proposed work under the food service guidelines strategy.
5/4/18
Q. What activities are covered and allowable under the food service guidelines strategy? Can this strategy be done in schools?
A. Please refer to the DNPAO website at https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/healthy-food-environments/food-serv-guide.html for guidance on what is acceptable proposed work under the food service guidelines strategy. This strategy does NOT include students’ food or meal choices in schools.
Q. Do “procurement standards” fall under food service guidelines?
A. Yes. Work on procurement standards can be proposed under the food service guidelines strategy.
4/27/18
Q. For Nutrition Strategy 1, are the options that are provided as examples (page 6) the only options? What other types of worksites and community settings are acceptable? For instance, would libraries be an acceptable community setting?
A. The nutrition strategy settings listed on page 6 of the NOFO are provided as examples, and might not be the only options. Applicants are expected to identify settings that are appropriate for the strategies and activities they will use to implement statewide and local level nutrition and physical activity interventions that support healthy nutrition, safe and accessible physical activity, and breastfeeding.
Q. Do healthy meeting policies fit under FSG implementation?
A. Yes, healthy meeting policies fit under FSG implementation.
Q. How many venues are recommended for the FSG strategy?
A. As many as the applicant can practically and realistically reach based upon the applicant’s work within each of the proposed strategies to achieve the intermediate outcomes associated with the strategy.
6/7/18
Q: In the previous FAQ’s on staffing, it is stated that it is expected that at a minimum, a full-time program manager be identified. Is it acceptable to have two supervisors who oversee teams that conduct the work split the program management position?
A: This is acceptable as long as the combined percent time equals full-time hours.
5/8/18
Q. Can you please clarify what is needed to demonstrate organizational capacity versus when we are allowed to hire new staff in the positions required on page 12 in the NOFO?
A. In addition to the previous guidance provided, applicants should consider the following statement from pgs. 11 -12 of the NOFO: “To ensure that recipients are able to execute CDC state based program requirements and meet period of performance outcomes, applicants must demonstrate relevant experience to implement the activities and achieve the project outcomes, experience and capacity to implement the evaluation plan, and a staffing plan and project management structure sufficient to achieve the project outcomes and which clearly define staff roles.”
Q. Can we have two contracted specialists that split their time among both physical Activity and Nutrition to work with and/or within our ECEs?
A. Yes.
Q. We are collaborating with other programs within our section that focus on worksites as a setting; hence we would like to support a dedicated worksite wellness coordinator (50% FTE) with this funding. Is it allowable for this funding to support such a role given that separate nutrition and physical activity coordinators are required for this funding?
A. Yes, it is allowable for this funding to support such a role in addition to the required nutrition and physical activity coordinators.
5/4/18
Q. Do all of the required staff – principal investigator, program manager, physical activity coordinator, nutrition coordinator and fiscal manager – all have to be full time? If not, what is the minimal acceptable percent time for each position?
A. The proposed staffing plan should include how the proposed level of staff support will successfully accomplish the proposed work. it is expected that at a minimum a full-time program manager, physical activity coordinator and nutrition coordinator will be proposed. All of the required staff – principal investigator, program manager, physical activity coordinator, nutrition coordinator and fiscal manager – must be different personnel. The principal investigator and fiscal manager percent time should match the level of effort needed. Other staff should be proposed as needed based on the information concerning staffing provided on pages 12 and 31.
Q. Please confirm that if an applicant does not have an established nutrition and PA coordinator, then no points (-20) will be awarded under Project Management Structure and Staffing.
A. This is a correct statement.
Q. Can a state-wise contractor/agency conduct work at the local level?
A. No, this is not the intention of the NOFO.
4/27/18
Q. The NOFO states that at a minimum we must have a principal investigator and program manager. Could you please define these roles and can the same person fill both roles for the project?
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. The program manager should provide program implementation direction and support. These positions should not be held by the same person.
Q. Does CDC have specific expectations about staffing?
A. Applicants must provide a staffing plan that is sufficient to achieve the project outcomes which includes a minimum of a principal investigator, program manager, nutrition coordinator and physical activity coordinator. See page 12 of the NOFO for specifics on additional staffing.
Q. Do we need to list staff names in the narrative or the budget?
A. Staff names may be listed any place in the application that helps clearly define project management structure and staffing.
Q. Why must the PI and the Program Manager positions be separate positions?
A. The principal investigator’s role is to provide overall program oversight. The program manager’s role is to provide program implementation direction and support. These positions should not be held by the same person.
Q. If we identify the state nutrition and physical activity coordinators by explaining these duties in the budget narrative and in attached position descriptions, will that suffice to meet this requirement?
A. Applicants must demonstrate established experience and organizational capacity in order to meet implementation readiness requirements for this NOFO, which includes subject matter/content expertise in public health/governmental nutrition and physical activity is required to implement strategies and activities (At a minimum, this must include a physical activity coordinator and a nutrition coordinator) (Pg. 12) No points will be provided in the Project Management Structure and Staffing section of the objective review if this base requirement is not met (Pg. 31).
5/8/18
Q. Please clarify the target population and geographic region. Does the target population and geographic region have to be the same for each strategy? Are we required to use the same geographic region for all strategies? Do we have to use the same target population for each strategy? Can the local level identify their target population for each strategy?
A. Recipients will have the flexibility to select the state and local interventions that support strategy implementation to improve nutrition and increase physical activity, as well as to define their geographic area(s), and the flexibility necessary to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of target populations (pg. 7). Applicants must describe criteria used for selection of the target population and geographic areas of focus. These criteria must be based on statewide disease and risk factor burden data from the state the applicant is located, as well as the potential to reach and effect impactful outcomes for the greatest proportion of the target population (pg. 8). CDC encourages the use of a Community Based Participatory Approach (pg. 46) as applicants determine how to best implement efforts at the local level.
5/4/18
Q. When will already submitted questions be posted?
A. We aim to post responses within one week of receipt of the question.
Q. Do you anticipate the Notice of Award letter to be sent prior to September 30 and if so when?
A. The award letter will be sent no later than September 29, 2018.
Q. Award year: 9/30/18 – 9/29/19? Will that carry on or will the award year shift to a 6/30 – 6/29 year, similar to how 1815 is set up?
A. There is no plan to shift the award period in future years.
Q. Can you please repeat the required trainings – number of staff, annual evaluation training, etc.?
A. Refer to page 25 of the NOFO for this information.
Q. The evaluation training is scheduled for the fall of Year 1. Can you provide more specific training dates?
A. The evaluation training will take place sometime after October 31, 2018. We do not have a more specific date to share at this time.
4/27/18
Q. Does the SPAN funding opportunity replace any upcoming REACH-specific NOFOs?
A. No, SPAN is not intended to replace a REACH-specific NOFO.
Q. Will CDC release a REACH-specific NOFO?
A.CDC DNPAO does have plans to release additional NOFOS.
Q. Does DNPAO intend to address the funding gap between 1305 and 1807? If so, how?
A. DNPAO has no plans to address the funding gap.
Q. Are there plans to change the estimated award date to June 30, 2018, to correspond with the ending of 1305?
A. The NOFO anticipated award date is September 29, 2018.
Q. What is the project end date for year one?
A. September 29, 2019. Dates will be clarified in notice of award letters.
Q. What is the project end date for this five-year grant?
A. The period of performance end date for this five year cooperative agreement is September 29, 2023.
Q. Can you provide more information or an example of a milestone? Is that like a target goal?
A. Correct, a milestone can be considered a target goal.
Q. Can you clarify the “implementation readiness requirements” that are listed on page 12?
A. Further clarification of these requirements can be found on page 31.
Q. We would like to request more information about the phrase “Communication objectives” under the Work Plan requirements on page 30 of the NOFO. “Communication objectives and activities for all strategies, identifying intended audiences, and activity leads”.
A. Communication is one of six components of effective public health program implementation. Communication supports NOFO strategies by sharing information about the program and its impact to key audiences. It also helps improve knowledge, awareness, and use of program services and products to support program objectives and outcomes. Page 12 in the NOFO says applicants should use communication to develop and disseminate program messages and successes that support NOFO strategies. Page 13 in the NOFO says the work plan should include embedding specific communication activities that directly support the NOFO strategies.
Q. Are applicants required to partner with their state health department?
A. Yes. Recipients are required to collaborate and coordinate with other existing or future CDC-funded programs in selected geographic areas within the state to complement the work of those CDC-funded programs. Recipients are required to collaborate with a variety of public and private partners from multiple sectors to maximize resources, reach, and impact (Pgs. 7, 8).
Q. In the RFA there is a statement that states, “’Phase II Review’ criteria section of the NOFO to determine order of score and rank. … The following factors may affect the order of the funding decisions: Achieving a geographically balanced spread of SPAN programs across the United States” Could you define “geographically balanced spread?” Does this mean that it is likely that, for example, it is likely that a qualified application from New England will be chosen? Our Organization is in Maine. Do we face competition against all states applying for one of the 15 awards, or is there also a smaller pool of competition such as New England, or Northeast?
A. As described in the NOFO, the Phase II Review objective review, which is based on the merit of the application, is completed first. After that review, the goal is to fund with a geographically balanced spread. The geographically balanced spread is defined as awarding funds to entities which represent all regions of the United States.
Q. Can a target population and geographic area be identified then specific local communities be identified through a competitive grant process in year 1?
A. Yes. In order to be competitive, an applicant must describe how available and established capacities (e.g., program infrastructure, technical expertise, coalitions and partnerships) will quickly mobilize and organize to implement the NOFO activities with minimal start up time (Pg. 31).