Notice of Funding Opportunity PS22-2209: Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page is developed based on the questions received via the mailbox and the Pre-Application Informational Webinar from potential applicants and stakeholders related to the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Please view the question and answers (Q&As) under each respective heading/section for responses to submitted questions.

If you have any questions regarding Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) PS22-2209 not addressed here, please send an email to HRBNOFO@cdc.gov.

Application Information

Q: Can we submit an application and also be listed as a subcontractor on another application?
A: It is allowable to submit an application and be listed as a subcontractor on another application.

Q: Should the applications be written to include or account for COVID-19 restrictions?
A: Please submit the applications as if COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. CDC will work with programs to make modifications to adhere with COVID-19 guidelines if the pandemic is still ongoing. Additional guidance will be provided regarding the impact of COVID-19 on events once awards are made and further assessments can be made.

Q: Can we use funds to allocate for COVID testing?
A: No, funds cannot be used for COVID-19 testing. Please visit the CDC website regarding COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/grants/public-health-emergencies/covid-19/index.html

Q: Does the 20-page application limit pertain to narrative only or does it include attachments as well?
A: The 20-page limit pertains to the narrative only.

Q: Is the workplan part of the 20-page limit?
A: Yes, the workplan is part of the 20 pages.

Q: Must we use 12-point font for footnotes and tables, or can we use 10-point font for footnotes and tables?
A: The project narrative should be written in 12-point font, 1-inch margins, number all pages. A font less than 12-point may be used for footnotes and tables.

Q: Can a previous CDC Notice of Award (NOA) be submitted as evidence of previous of work with a priority population?
 A: Yes, a progress report from a previous CDC award may be used as evidence of previous work with the priority population.

Q: Does the table of contents or abstract count towards the 20-page limit?
 A: No, the table of content or project abstract does not count towards the 20-page limit for the narrative.

Q: If we already have MOUs/MOAs with collaborating organizations, can we use these existing MOUs/MOAs for the application?
A: As long as your MOUs/MOAs fall within NOFO requirements, they should be acceptable. The MOUs/MOAs must outline all required NOFO activities.

Q: If an applicant already has an existing contract with a collaborating organization, will the contract be sufficient as an MOU?
A: Yes, as long as the document meets the NOFO requirements, it should be acceptable.

Q: Can we use an MOA/MOU that was signed within the last year for submission?
A: Existing MOAs or MOUs may be submitted with the application, as long as they cover the first budget period.  MOAs and MOUs should be reviewed and updated annually.

Q: Is there guidance or templates for MOUs/MOAs?
A:  There is not a template for MOAs/MOUs; however, the NOFO indicates what information should be included in the MOAs/MOUs. See section 1.a and 1.b under “Collaborations” page 10-11 of the NOFO.

Award Information

Q: Is the average award amount per year of $500,000 more likely to be around that amount or can applicants apply for more than this amount?
A: There is no ceiling for the funding amount an organization may request. The anticipated average award is $500,000. If funded, your budget and program deliverables and allocations may need to be revised and are subject to approval by CDC based on the award amount. Please ensure that you develop a budget that adequately support the proposed PS22-2209 program.

Q: When will we know if we are awarded?
 A: OGS will notify successful and unsuccessful applicants via email in May-June 2022.

Budget

Q: Can we use funds for rapid HIV testing kits?
A: Yes, funds may be used to conduct rapid testing.

Q: Should the budget narrative be only for one year? Or should we include a brief summary for the subsequent four years?
A: The budget narrative should only address one year. It should align with the SF-424A.

Q: Would you like us to submit a detailed budget spreadsheet in addition to the budget narrative and the SF424A?
A: The budget narrative should include all the cost details and supporting information. An additional detailed budget spreadsheet is not required but can be submitted.  Please refer to the CDC Budget Preparation Guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/budget-preparation-guidance.pdf.

Q: Are we required to submit forms SF-424 and SF-424A?
A: It is a requirement to submit SF-424 and SF-424A for this NOFO. SF-424 is the application for federal assistance and must be filled for all NOFOs. SF-424A is the budget information for non-construction programs and is mandatory.

Q: The NOFO states that a document called “Indirect Cost Rate” should be included in your application. If you are using a de minimis, is there something that we are required to attach to the application, or should we just indicate that within the budget narrative?
A: Applicants may use the de minimus rate of 10%. It must be stated in a memo from the organization. Your fiscal/business officer should submit a document that states that you would like to use the de minimis rate.

Q: What is the difference between direct and indirect costs?
A: Direct costs are directly associated with carrying out the program. Indirect costs are charged across the board. If you do not plan to negotiate an indirect cost rate agreement, you must submit a letter saying you choose to use the 10% de minimis for the entire project.

Q: Can we use grant funds to distribute masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to clients?
A: Funds should be used for HIV prevention and care services only. If you have purchased masks for conducting HIV testing, and a client presents for testing without a mask, you may provide them with a mask.

Q: Is there a budget template?
A: Please refer to the CDC Budget Preparation Guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/budget-preparation-guidance.pdf.

Q: Please clarify allocating up to 20% of funds to collaborating TG CBOs.  Should we separate this allocation in our budget from our core activities?
A: There should be one budget that follows the funding categories outlined, e.g., personnel, fringe, supplies, and equipment.  Recipients may provide up to 20% of their award to collaborating TG CBOs if, applicable, and should present a work plan that is aligned with the strategies/activities, outcomes, and performance measures in the approach and is consistent with the content and format proposed by CDC. We ask that you do not have two budgets, but to explain the 20% going to the collaborating TG CBOs in the detailed budget narrative. Items need to be clearly outlined, such as HIV testing and social marketing resources. Provide details and itemize so that the reviewer can understand the budget.

Q: Is the purchase of rapid HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) tests allowed, and are laboratory fees for STD tests allowed?
A: Yes, these are allowable costs.

Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible to apply for PS22-2209 funds?
 A: The PS22-2209 cooperative agreement is unrestricted, open to any type of entity. Additional information on eligibility states that applicants must have a history of providing clinical services to TG persons or must have a history of working with an organization that provides clinical services to TG persons, including gender affirming hormone therapy.

Q: Are universities eligible?
 A: Yes, since eligibility is unrestricted and open to any type of entity, as long as the applicant has a history of providing clinical services to TG persons or a history of working with an organization that provides clinical services to TG persons, including gender affirming hormone therapy.

Q: Are health departments eligible to apply?
 A: Yes, since eligibility is unrestricted and open to any type of entity, however the applicant must have a history of providing clinical services to TG persons or have a history of working with an organization that provides clinical services to TG persons, including gender affirming hormone therapy.

Q: Our agency is non-profit under the auspices of a university. Are we eligible to apply?
A: Yes, since eligibility is unrestricted and open to any type of entity, however the applicant must have a history of providing clinical services to TG persons or have a history of working with an organization that provides clinical services to TG persons, including gender affirming hormone therapy.

Q: Our organization is not located in one of the 50 priority jurisdictions listed, based on Phase I of EHE. Are we eligible to apply?
A: Yes, based on the eligibility information in the NOFO (on page 22), all entities are eligible to apply. Page 36 contains the scoring criteria for the applicant’s organizational capacity to implement the approach. One of the scoring criteria is whether the applicant operates in one of the 50 jurisdictions included in Phase I of EHE. This will be taken into consideration during the objective review process but is not a requirement for applicants.

Evidence of Service

Q: What sort of documentation do we need to show that we have served the proposed priority population?
A: For applicants that are TG clinics, a history of providing clinical services to TG persons, including gender affirming hormone therapy, should be described in the application narrative.

For applicants that are not TG clinics, a letter from the partnering TG clinic indicating their support of the application, description of current TG-specific clinic services offered, and plans to implement proposed activities is required.

Letter of Intent

Q: My organization did not submit a Letter of Intent. Can we still apply for PS22-2209?
A: The Letter of Intent is not required. The Letter Intent is optional, is not binding, and allows CDC program staff to estimate the number of and plan for the review of submitted applications. As long as your organization meets the listed eligibility requirements, you may still submit an application. If you do submit a LOI, you do not need to wait for approval to submit the application.

Program Requirements

Q: Can you provide clarification on the evaluation and performance measurement plan (EPMP)? Does a draft need to be submitted with the proposal?
A: The EPMP is not required with the application. CDC will work with recipients in the first six months to develop an EPMP; however, you must include performance targets in the work plan submitted with the application.

Q: Is it required to hire a University-based researcher to help with the evaluation part of this project?
A: It is not required to have an academic researcher but it is important that applicants have or are working with the appropriate staff who have the capacity to perform the evaluation requirements. The CDC TRANSCEND Team will also be available for technical assistance and support for the evaluation piece as needed.

Q: Are incentives allowable?
A: Incentives are allowable. The incentives must be appropriate for the priority population and are subject to approval by CDC based on the award amount. Please ensure that any incentives proposed adequately support the proposed PS22-2209 program and that the applicant has an internal policy detailing how incentives are tracked and handled.

Q: Does the data management plan need to be included with this application? If it does, is it part of the narrative?
A: The data management plan can be included in the narrative. For those applicants awarded funding, CDC will work with recipients in the first six months to develop an evaluation performance and measurement plan (EPMP), including a data management plan. However, applicants must include performance targets in the work plan submitted with the application and information regarding how you will collect performance measures, possible data sources, feasibility of collecting, and plans to update the data management plan if selected as a recipient.

Q: If we do not have key personnel positions filled yet (e.g., program manager), should we include a job description as a Resume CV attachment or just leave that position out of that section?
 A: Please provide a job description in the budget narrative and mark it as To Be Determined (TBD). If there is a plan to hire the position within the budget period, consider the time it would take to hire and include the adjusted, anticipated salary amount within the budget period.

Q: Could we use PS22-2209 funding to purchase medications like PEP or PrEP?
A: Funds may not be used to purchase medications but can be used to fund staff who enroll individuals in assistance programs.

Q: Is there a required format for the work plan? Should the logic model be used for a format?
A: The work plan should be included with the project narrative. There is not a specific format that is required, but an example of a work plan format is presented on page 19-20 of the NOFO. The logic model can be used to guide activities to be addressed in the work plan.

Q: For the work plan, should the “outcomes” response be just the verbs (increase, decrease) or also the targets (objectives)?
A: The work plan should incorporate your SMART objectives for the specific project outcomes. It is not enough to only include increase/decrease for the outcomes. The work plan should encompass the strategies and activities you plan to conduct, as well as the associated outcomes from those proposed strategies and activities. The logic model is a guide that can assist you with the development of your work plan inclusive of SMART objectives.

 Q: Is there a minimum number of clients that must be served annually as part of this project?
A: Currently there are no requirements for how many clients must be served annually. Performance targets should be determined by your area. Applicants should demonstrate their experience, capacity, and credibility to implement the activities and achieve the project outcomes, which includes demonstrating clinical service provision to at least 100 TGW in 2019, particularly Black or Hispanic/Latino TG persons.

Q: For the organizational capacity criteria, is serving 100 TGW in 2019 and serving a population of at least 50% Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino persons a requirement for applicants? What if applicants can meet this criteria collectively, along with collaborating organizations, but not as an individual organization? (Pg. 18-19: Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the approach)
A: These criteria are not requirements for applicants. As stated in the NOFO, applications will be reviewed and scored by an objective review panel based on the extent to which the applicant demonstrates the organizational capacity to implement the approach, in addition to the criteria outlined in the approach and the evaluation and performance measurement sections. Please demonstrate your organization’s relevant experience and capacity and the extent to which you meet the criteria specified in the NOFO in your application.

Q: Is the program open to people who identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc?
A: Yes, the program is open to those who identify as non-binary and gender non-confirming and is not limited. However, the program should be tailored to TG persons, especially Black or Hispanic/Latino TGW.

Q: If we have multiple sites, could we implement programs for this demonstration project in multiple sites instead of just one?
A: Yes, applicants may be able to implement programs in multiple sites.

Q: Can funds be used to provide assistance for clients to get to PrEP appointments?
A: Applicants may consider providing a gas card, public transportation card, ride-sharing voucher or other transportation support as needed to support clients’ receipt of HIV prevention services. It is important for recipients to track these expenses in their budget for auditing purposes and to have an internal policy for these processes.

Q: Can transportation be considered a service or is it considered an incentive?
A: Transportation could be considered an essential support service, or an incentive based on the type of engagement and/or what is provided to the client. CDC will monitor both incentives and services that are implemented. Applicants should have internal policies for conducting and tracking these activities.

Submission

Q: Is there a template for the Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap?
A: There is no template for the Report on Programmatic, Budgetary, and Commitment Overlap. Please submit a written statement of whether this application will result in programmatic, budgetary, or commitment overlap with another application or award (e.g., grant, cooperative agreement, or contract) submitted to another funding source in the same fiscal year. Applicants need to submit this as part of their application, even if they do not have duplication of effort.