Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement PS24-0026: Frequently Asked Questions

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, figures, 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” of the NOFO.

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 PS24-0026 program.

Q: When will we know if we are awarded?
A: OGS will notify successful and unsuccessful applicants via email in April-May 2024.

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: 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: 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: Who is eligible to apply for PS24-0026 funds?
A: Eligible applicants for PS24-0026 include state, local and territorial health departments or their Bona Fide Agents in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Please refer to section C.1 in the NOFO on eligible applicants.

Q: Our agency is non-profit under the auspices of a university. Are we eligible to apply?
A: Eligible applicants for PS24-0026 include state, local and territorial health departments or their Bona Fide Agents in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Non-profit organization can work with eligible applicants as part of their collaborative efforts.

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 24), eligible applicants include state, local and territorial health departments or their Bona Fide Agents in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The application should show need based on epidemiologic data in their jurisdictions and demonstrate that the proposed clinical sites use an EHR in their patient care to facilitate collection of longitudinal data to calculate outcome measures in order to evaluate recipient performance and progress toward intended outcomes.

Q: My organization did not submit a Letter of Intent. Can we still apply for PS24-0026?
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.

Q: Can you provide clarification on the evaluation and performance measurement plan (EPMP)? Does a draft need to be submitted with the proposal?
A: Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates how they will fulfill the requirements described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement and Project Description sections. Please refer to section b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement on page 15 of the NOFO.

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 is required and should include items described on page 17 of the NOFO.

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 PS24-0026 funding to purchase HIV medications?
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 22 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: Each applicant should work with clinical sites to enroll a minimum of 100 PWH who are not in care or have an HIV viral load (VL) that is not suppressed during a one-year enrollment period.

Q: Is the program focused on any particular population?
A: This demonstration project will focus on persons disproportionately affected by HIV, which may include cisgender Black women, gay, bisexual and other MSM and transgender persons of any race or ethnicity. However, all PWH living in rural communities will be eligible for these services and could include newly diagnosed or recently diagnosed PWH in rural areas not in care and/or not virally suppressed, who could benefit from using CHWs for continued engagement to HIV care and treatment services.

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: Does CDC have any information on handling of specimen?
A: Collection of specimens should abide by appropriate laboratory procedures for collection, handling, and transport. Please refer to the American Public Health Laboratory guidance. https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/publications/Documents/QSA-2021-Pack-Ship-Guidance-Biological-Substances-Job-Aid.pdf

Q: Does CDC have any information on self-collected specimen?
A: Please refer to the package inserts for proper procedures for self-collected specimen and information on transport.

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.