Funding for Partnering and Communicating Together

What to know

  • Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) number: PS21-2104
  • Application Due Date: April 5, 2021
  • Letter of Intent Due Date: February 17, 2021
  • Contact: NPT@cdc.gov
  • The purpose of this page is to support applicants for NOFO PS21-2104.

Funding overview

CDC seeks to increase HIV awareness, reduce new infections, and improve HIV health outcomes in the United States and its territories. This NOFO supports organizations that have strong infrastructure but have not previously focused on HIV prevention, education, treatment, outreach and/or community engagement. This NOFO:

  1. Supports the dissemination of CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together (Together) campaign via the use of digital and social media platforms.
  2. Disseminates Together campaign materials, messaging, and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention at in- person and virtual events.

This program will use a variety of vehicles including publications, meetings, conferences, media (digital and social), and other mechanisms.

Recipients prioritize health communication and mobilization efforts among populations highly impacted by HIV and in the highest burden jurisdictions. The NOFO prioritizes the jurisdictions in Phase 1 in the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

Eligibility is open to any entity.

Important dates

Key dates for NOFO PS21-2104 include:

Publication: December 18, 2020
Applications Due: April 5, 2021
Award Date: September 30, 2021

Access and submission

To access the application package for PS21-2104 Partnering and Communicating Together:

  1. Go to: Grants.gov
  2. Select: "Applicants" from the top menu
  3. Select: "Apply for Grants"
  4. Select: "Download a Grant Application Package"
  5. In the "Funding Opportunity Number" box, type: CDC-RFA-PS21-2104

Applications must contain the following information:

  • Project Abstract.
  • Project Narrative.
  • Budget Narrative & Budget.
  • CDC Assurances and Certifications.
  • Table of Contents for Entire Submission.

A project abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed project including the purpose and outcomes. This summary must not include any proprietary or confidential information and should be no more than one page in length.

There is a maximum limit of 20 pages and all pages should be numbered. If the narrative exceeds this page limit, content beyond the 20 pages will not be reviewed. The 20-page limit applies to the project narrative and work plan but does not include attachments.

Applicants must name the Project Narrative file “Project Narrative”. The Project Narrative must include all the following headings (including subheadings):

  • Background.
  • Approach.
  • Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan.
  • Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach.
  • Work Plan.

The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. Project Narratives must address outcomes and activities conducted over the entire period of performance.

Applicants should use the federal plain language guidelines and Clear Communication Index to respond to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Failure to follow the guidance and format may negatively impact scoring of the application.

Additional attachments

The following documents must be submitted as attachments with the application. These documents do not count toward the 20-page limit for the Project Narrative and Work Plan. All attachments are located in Attachments and important resources.

  • Non-profit Organization Federal 501(c)(3) IRS Status Letter (if applicable)
  • Workplan (for Category A and Category B, if applying for both categories)*
  • Resumes/CVs for key PS21-2104 positions (Executive Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, and Business Official)
    • Name the file "Attachment A: Resumes/CVs" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)
  • Digital and Social media data, such as screenshots indicating the number of followers and subscribers
    • Name the file "Attachment B: Followers and Subscribers" and upload as a PDF (Category A)
  • Staffing plan inclusive of position descriptions and staff roles
    • Name the file "Attachment C: Staffing Plan" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)*
  • Letters of Support (up to five), from civic, non-profit business, and/or faith-based organization
    • Name the file "Attachment D: LOS" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)*
  • Organizational Charts (Agency-wide and PS21-2104 PACT program)
    • Name the files "Attachment E: Org Charts" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)
  • Partnership agreements (previous or current partnerships)
    • Name the file "Attachment F: Partnership Agreement" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)
  • Partnership roster (include partner organization, location, and contact person)
    • Name the file "Attachment G: Partnership Roster" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)*
  • Organization's annual report
    • Name the file "Attachment H: Annual Report" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)
  • Digital and social media data/reports
    • Name the file "Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data" and upload as a PDF (Category A)
  • List of digital and social media influencers
    • Name the file "Attachment J: Digital and Social Media Influencers" and upload as a PDF (Category A)
  • Chart to show geographical location of members, chapters, or networks
    • Name the file "Attachment K: Memberships Chart" and upload as a PDF (Category B)*
  • Program evaluation data/reports
    • Name the file "Attachment L: Evaluation Data" and upload as a PDF (Category A and B)
  • Event outcome data
    • Name the file "Attachment M: Event Data" and upload as a PDF (Category B)

*Templates and/or samples of these documents are located in Attachments and important resources.

Application Due Date: April 5, 2021

Applications must be received on Grants.gov by 11:59 pm ET. Applications that do not meet the submission deadline are not be eligible for review and are discarded.

Application submission is not concluded until the validation process is completed successfully. After the application package is submitted, the applicant will receive a "submission receipt" email. A second email message to applicants will then either validate or reject the submitted application package.

This validation process may take as long as two business days. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.

Applicants may apply for one or both categories. If applying for both categories, fully describe plans to implement activities and provide a separate work plan for each category.

Category A

Category A applicants must include strategies to engage with at least two of the priority populations. Applicants must submit digital and social media data or reports that demonstrate reach and engagement among priority populations. This file should be named Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data and uploaded as a PDF.

Category B

Category B applicants must conduct events in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative's Phase 1. Applicants must submit a map or chart to show the location of members, chapters, and/or networks to demonstrate national reach. The file should be named Attachment K: Membership Chart/Map and uploaded as a PDF. Failure to submit required supporting documents may result in non-compliance.

Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness demonstrating the accomplishment of the identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Funded organizations are required to meet the minimum requirements established in the NOFO program objectives. Performance goals are stated in the “CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement” section of the NOFO.

Recipients must:

  • Submit an annual performance report, progress reports, a final performance and financial report.
  • Participate in uniform data collection activities.
  • Complete monthly data entry and electronic submission of data and reporting information.

Specific reporting requirements that must be submitted include:

  • Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan: Recipients must provide a more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan within the first six months of the project.
  • Annual Progress Report: Recipients must submit the Annual Progress Report via grantsolutions.gov 120 days before the end of the budget period.
  • Performance Measure Reporting: CDC programs must require recipients to submit performance measures annually as a minimum and may require reporting more frequently.
  • End of Year Performance Report: Recipients must submit the End of Year Performance Report at the end of the performance year.
  • Federal Financial Reporting (FFR): The annual FFR form (SF-425) is required and must be submitted within 90 days after each budget period ends. The report must include only those funds authorized and disbursed during the timeframe covered by the report.
  • Final Performance (Closeout Report) and Financial Report: At the end of the project period, recipients must submit a final report including a final financial and performance report. This report is due 90 days after the project period ends.

Important information

Measurable outcomes

Measurable outcomes align with one or more of the following performance goals:

  • Increase exposure to CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.
  • Increase HIV-related information-seeking behaviors.
  • Increase partner engagement with CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together materials and messages.
  • Increase cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing, and referral services.
  • Increase HIV-related communication among engaged partners and networks.

Informational TA webinars

CDC hosted two pre-application technical assistance webinars via Zoom for organizations interested in PS21-2104.

Webinar #1:

When: February 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm ET (U.S. and Canada)

Topic: PACT NOFO Information Webinar I

Webinar #2:

When: February 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm ET (U.S. and Canada)

Topic: PACT NOFO Information Webinar II

Recipients

NOFO recipients will leverage existing organizational structure, networks, and communication platforms to support Let's Stop HIV Together campaigns. These will come by one or both categories: Category A: Digital and Social Media and Category B: Events.

Required strategies and activities

Recipients will be expected to attend a Recipient Orientation meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, during Year 1. Recipients should allocate travel funds for up to three staff persons to attend the 3- or 4-day meeting.

Funding recipients are required to take part in several activities.

Category A: Digital and Social Media

  1. Promote and disseminate CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together campaign messages through digital and social media communications channels.
    1. Social media channels may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms.
    2. Digital media channels may include (but are not limited to) blogs, websites, online radio, and mobile applications.
      1. Digital media activities may include CDC resource widgets, syndicated web content, ad placements, podcasts, online written content (op-eds), and email marketing.
  2. Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach of CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.
    1. Partners may include digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, civic and social organizations, and more.
  3. Recipients must develop a Communication Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. The plan should include the following components:
    1. Communication Objectives: Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic.
    2. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12).
    3. Audiences: Name the primary audiences to reach for the identified program objective and demographic information important for tailoring interventions.
    4. Communication Activities: Identify communication activities to support the communication objective and ultimately the program objective. Please include communication channels (e.g., website, newsletter, social media platform) and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas.
    5. Metrics: Metrics vary by communication activity. Examples include number of social media posts, ad placements, media impressions, etc.

Category B: Events

  1. Disseminate CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events. There should be a minimum of three engagement activities per event.
    1. Events may be in person or virtual and may include national conventions, LGBT pride events, town halls, webinars, and online trainings.
  2. Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach of CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together messages at in-person and virtual events.
    1. Partners may include digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, etc.
  3. Recipients must develop an Events Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. It should include internal organizational strategies as well as external stakeholder efforts. The plan should include the following components:
    1. Communication Objectives: Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic.
    2. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12).
    3. Audiences: Name the primary audience to reach for the identified program objective.
    4. Communication Activities: Identify event activities to support corresponding communication objectives and ultimately program objective. Please include event information, engagement activities, and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas.
    5. Metrics: Include metrics that relate to evaluation efforts. Examples include number of materials disseminated, HIV testing and linkage services facilitated at events, and workshop/session attendance at events.

Funding data

Award information

Organizations that are selected will receive funding on or before September 30, 2021. Funds may be used during the budget period length of 12 months.

Approximate Period of Performance Length:
Category A: Digital and Social Media—5 years
Category B: Events—5 years

Approximate Number of Awards: 12
Category A: Digital and Social Media—5
Category B: Events—7

Approximate Total Period of Performance Funding: $11,175,000
Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding: $2,235,000

Average One Year Award Amount:
Category A: up to $125,000
Category B: up to $225,000

The anticipated announcement award date is on or before September 30, 2021.

The project period is five years. Throughout the project period, CDC's commitment to continuation of awards will be conditioned on:

  • The availability of funds.
  • Evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports).
  • The determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government.

To be granted a continuation award, applicants must have:

  • Completed all recipient requirements.
  • Submitted appropriate data and programmatic reports on your annual target levels of performance for each program performance indicator.
  • Demonstrated sufficient progress in programmatic activities.

Recipients will receive an electronic copy of the Notice of Award (NoA) from CDC OGS. The NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized GMO and e-mailed to the recipient program director.

Awarded applicants are subject to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Of 2006 (FFATA) requirements.

Funding restrictions

Applicants must take the following funding restrictions into account when planning their program and writing the budget:

  • Recipients may not use funds for research.
  • Recipients may not use funds for clinical care except as allowed by law.
  • Recipients may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.
  • Generally, recipients may not use funds to purchase furniture or equipment.
  • Reimbursement of pre-award costs generally is not allowed.
  • Other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, no funds may be used for:
    • Publicity or propaganda purposes or used to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before any legislative body.
    • The salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient.
  • See Additional Requirement (AR) 12 for detailed guidance on this prohibition on lobbying for CDC recipients.
  • The direct and primary recipient must perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes.
  • Recipients may not use funds for construction.
  • Recipients may not use funds to support direct implementation of school-based HIV prevention programs.
  • Recipients may not use funds to purchase or supply medications.
  • Recipients may not use funds for clinical services or vaccination against HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV).

Letter of Intent (LOI)

LOI is requested, but not required as part of the application for this NOFO.

LOIs may be sent via email, U.S. express mail or delivery service no later than February 17, 2021 to:

U.S. express mail, delivery service, fax, or email to:

Joynecia Clements-Powell, CDC, NCHHSTP, DHAP
Address: 1600 Clifton Rd., N.E., MS US8-5
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 404-639-5199
Email: NPT@cdc.gov

Common questions

For questions that are not otherwise addressed, please send an email to NPT@cdc.gov.

Cost sharing

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. However, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability are strongly encouraged.

DUNS number

A Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is required. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities.

There is no charge for a DUNS number. You can obtain a DUNS number online or by calling 1-866-794-1577.

Note: It can take up to 30 business days to receive your DUNS number.

Budget preparation

Budget Preparation Guidelines can be found on CDC's Office of Financial Resources website.

Applicants must submit an itemized budget narrative (not included in the Project Narrative's 20-page limit). It must include:

  • Salaries and wages.
  • Fringe benefits or consultant costs.
  • Equipment and supplies.
  • Travel and other categories.
  • Total Direct costs or total Indirect costs.

Recipients must allocate 5% of the overall budget to support program evaluation (of funded activities).

NOTE: If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate agreement is required.

Review process

Incomplete applications or ineligible applications will not advance to Phase II.

There are three steps to the evaluation process for complete and responsive applications:

Phase I: All applications are reviewed initially for completeness by CDC OGS staff. They are then reviewed jointly for eligibility by the CDC NCHHSTP and OGS.

Phase II: The second step is an objective review and scoring by an independent review panel assigned by CDC. This panel is known as an Objective Review Panel (OR). A review panel evaluates complete, eligible applications.

Phase III: Reviews are conducted after CDC's internal objective review process. Applicants are funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel.

Factors that may affect funding decisions

The following factors may affect the funding decision and CDC's decision not to fund in order by score and rank:

  • Preference to ensure equitable balance in terms of targeted racial or ethnic minority groups.
  • Preference to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.
  • Preference for applicants proposing to serve underserved populations that are not addressed in other applications.
  • Preference for the balance of funded applicants based on:
    • Burden of HIV within jurisdictions.
    • Disproportionately affected geographic areas, as measured by CDC.
  • Preference for applicants proposing programs that maximize the impact of CDC's fiscal resources.

Technical assistance

Technical assistance with the development of your PS21-2104 proposal is not available.

If technical difficulties are encountered at Grants.gov, applicants should contact Customer Service. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at support@grants.gov.

Contacts

For programmatic technical assistance, contact:

Joynecia Clements-Powell, Public Health Analyst
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd., N.E., MS US8-5
Atlanta, GA 30329
Email: NPT@cdc.gov

For financial, awards management, or budget assistance, contact:

Arthur Lusby, Grants Management Officer
Office of Grants Services
2939 Flowers Rd., MS TV-2
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-2865
Email: ALusby@cdc.gov

Attachments and important resources

Required NOFO attachments

  • Workplan
  • Attachment A: Resumes/CVs for key PS21-2104 positions (Executive Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, and Business Official), name the file "Attachment A: Resumes/CVs" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment B: Digital and Social Media data indicating the number of followers and subscribers; name the file "Attachment B: Followers and Subscribers" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A)
  • Attachment C: Staffing plan inclusive of position descriptions and staff roles and responsibilities, name the file "Attachment C: Staffing Plan" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment D: Letters of Support (up to five), from civic, non-profit business, and/or faith-based organization, name the file "Attachment D: LOS" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment E: Organizational Charts (Agency-wide and PS21-2104 PACT program), name the files "Attachment E: Org Charts" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment F: Partnership agreements (previous or current partnerships), name the file "Attachment F: Partnership Agreement" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment G: Partnership roster (include partner organization, location, and contact person), name the file "Attachment G: Partnership Roster" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment H: Organization's annual report; name the file "Attachment H: Annual Report" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment I: Digital and social media data/reports; name the file "Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A)
  • Attachment J: List of digital and social media influencers; name the file "Attachment J: Digital and Social Media Influencers" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A)
  • Attachment K: Chart to show location of members, chapters, or networks; name the file Attachment K: Memberships Chart" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category B)
  • Attachment L: Program evaluation data/reports; name the file "Attachment L: Evaluation Data" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category A and B)
  • Attachment M: Event outcome data; name the file "Attachment M: Event Data" and upload as a PDF at Grants.gov. (Category B)

Important resources

Related resources

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Content Source:
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention