CDC-RFA-DD-23-0004.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NATIONAL CENTER ON BIRTH DEFECTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Enhancing partnerships to address birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions, and the health of pregnant and postpartum people

CDC-RFA-DD-23-0004

05/15/2023

Table of Contents A. Funding Opportunity Description

B. Award Information

C. Eligibility Information

D. Required Registrations

E. Review and Selection Process

F. Award Administration Information

G. Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

I. Glossary

Part I. Overview

Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on the "Subscribe" button link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFA- DD-23-0004. Applicants also must provide an e-mail address to www.grants.gov to receive notifications of changes.

A. Federal Agency Name:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) B. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title:

Enhancing partnerships to address birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions, and the health of pregnant and postpartum people C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1:

This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered. For this purpose, research is defined at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title42-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title42-vol1-sec52- 2.pdf. Guidance on how CDC interprets the definition of research in the context of public health can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr- 46/index.html (See section 45 CFR 46.102(d)).

D. Agency Notice of Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-DD-23-0004

E. Assistance Listings Number:

93.073 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title42-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title42-vol1-sec52-2.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title42-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title42-vol1-sec52-2.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr-46/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr-46/index.html

F. Dates:

1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI):

The LOI date will generate once the Synopsis is published if Days or a Date are entered.

Recommended but not Required A Letter of Intent (LOI) is requested but optional. The purpose of an LOI is to allow CDC program staff to estimate the number of and plan for the review of submitted applications.

Please include the following information in the LOI:

1. Number and title of this NOFO;

2. Descriptive title of the proposed project (including specification of the two or more strategies to be addressed);

3. Description of the populations(s) of focus;

4. Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the Principal Investigator or

Project Director; and

5. Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the primary contact for writing and submitting the application.

LOI must be sent via email to:

DBDID Partnerships (CDC)

Email address: dbdidpartners@cdc.gov

2. Due Date for Applications:

05/15/2023 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Due Date for Informational Conference Call The Informational Conference Call will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 2:00-3:00 PM ET.

The dial-in information for the Informational Conference Call will be posted to https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/nofo/DD-23-0004 no later than Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

To facilitate appropriate timely responses, CDC encourages proactive written inquiries concerning this announcement to be submitted prior to the Informational Conference Call. Due to the volume and variety of questions anticipated during the Informational Conference Call, applicants are encouraged to submit questions to dbdidpartners@cdc.gov by Friday, March 24, 2023.

F. Executive Summary:

Summary Paragraph The purpose of this NOFO is to improve clinical and public health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people and their infants and for people with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions through strategic enhancement of partnerships. CDC seeks to sustain, expand, and bridge partner engagement with organizations and institutions that address specific population needs and reach clinicians and allied health professionals, community members, and public health professionals. Strategies for this NOFO include:

mailto:dbdidpartners@cdc.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/nofo/DD-23-0004 mailto:dbdidpartners@cdc.gov

(1) enhancing the collection and translation of data,

(2) summarizing and disseminating data informed products,

(3) building capacity and technical assistance,

(4) showcasing policies and best practices,

(5) establishing partnership networks for cross collaboration, and

(6) enhancing community engagement and implementation of data informed activities.

The period of performance outcomes include increased availability of data to inform clinical and public health approaches; increased dissemination of data informed communication and resources; increased incorporation of diverse perspectives; improved information sharing among networks; increased awareness of effective data informed recommendations and practices;

increased use of data informed clinical care and public health materials and interventions;

increased capacity to implement clinical and public health approaches; and increased implementation of prevention strategies within communities.

a. Eligible Applicants:

Open Competition

b. NOFO Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement)

c. Approximate Number of Awards

d. Total Period of Performance Funding:

$75,000,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount:

$400,000 Average One Year Award Amount for Component A will range between $150,000 - $750,000.

Average One Year Award Amount for Component B will range between $250,000 - $1,000,000. Average award amount is dependent upon the availability of funds. Exact amounts for each award under this NOFO will be determined at the time of award.

f. Total Period of Performance Length:

5 year(s)

g. Estimated Award Date:

September 30, 2023

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements:

No Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this NOFO exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability is strongly encouraged.

Part II. Full Text

A. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Background

a. Overview Through Moving Forward, CDC aims to promote partnerships to enhance capacity in the nation’s public health infrastructure to identify and address preventable causes of adverse outcomes and improve the health and equitable care for all populations. In this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), CDC aims to support partnerships to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people and their infants and those living with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions across the lifespan.

Perinatal morbidity/mortality are key indicators of a nation’s health.1 Current data show that US infant and maternal mortality rates are greater compared with other high-income countries, with persistent disparities between subpopulations.2 In addition, birth defects affect 1 in 33 infants in the US annually and are a leading cause of infant mortality.3 Adverse pregnancy outcomes often disproportionately affect communities of certain racial and ethnic makeup. These data underscore the need to collaborate with partners to promote optimal health for these populations.

Through a multi-component NOFO, CDC aims to fund organizations and institutions (with experience supporting populations and parents directly, reaching clinicians and other professionals who are responsible for patient care, community level organizations, and public health professionals) that serve specific population(s) of focus shown below.

Component A is the core component for this NOFO and includes a combination of strategies to advance CDC’s public health mission to equitably serve the populations of focus. All applicants must address 2 or more strategies under Component A aimed at improving public health and clinical long-term outcomes for population(s) of focus they identify (see Logic Model in section 2a. Approach). Population(s) may include:

Population of Focus:

Pregnant and/or postpartum people Infants Those living with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions

Component B is a component which would be executed if support is needed during a disease outbreak or other public health emergency. Applicants must apply for Component A in order to be considered for Component B. In recent public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, partnerships have been invaluable to reach populations of focus and incorporate their diverse needs and perspectives into considerations and guidance early in the response. Given the unpredictable nature of public health emergencies, this NOFO would use Component B to award funding based on availability of funds and the nature of the outbreak or emergency. After objective review, applicants that apply for Component B may be added to a list of approved but unfunded recipients, who would then be eligible to receive expedited funding as determined by the program in the event of a public health emergency.

References

1. Neonatal and Perinatal Mortality (Country, Regional and Global Estimates) -- WHO https://www.cdc.gov/about/organization/cdc-moving-forward.html http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/43444/9241563206_eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

2. Health and Health Care for Women of Reproductive Age | Commonwealth Fund

3. Update on Overall Prevalence of Major Birth Defects --- Atlanta, Georgia, 1978--2005

(cdc.gov)

b. Statutory Authorities This NOFO is authorized under Public Health Service Act Sections – 301(a), 317C and 317K (42 U.S.C. ⸹⸹ 241(a), 247b-4, and 42 U.S.C. 247b-12).

c. Healthy People 2030 This program addresses the following Healthy People 2030 topic areas:

Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Emergency Preparedness Health Care Access and Quality Workforce Community Public Health Infrastructure Infants

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies This program addresses the following national public health priorities and strategies:

HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities HHS Strategic Plan – Strategic Goal 2: Safeguard and Improve National and Global

Health Conditions and Outcomes National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity National Health Security and Implementation Plan National Health Security Strategy 2019–2022 White House Blueprint for Addressing The Maternal Health Crisis HHS Action Plan to Improve Maternal Health in America: Healthy Women, Healthy

Pregnancies, Healthy Futures, 2020 2020 Surgeon General’s Call to Action – To Improve Maternal Health CDC Strategic Framework and Priorities HHS Agency Priority Goals on Maternal Health

e. Relevant Work This NOFO builds on and supports the following CDC program activities:

OT18-1802: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services Through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation’s Health

DP19-1908: Preventing Maternal Deaths: Supporting Maternal Mortality Review Committees

DP22-2211: Preventing Maternal Mortality: Supporting Maternal Mortality Review Committees

DP22-2207: Statewide Perinatal Quality Collaboratives https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2022/apr/health-and-health-care-women-reproductive-age https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a2.htm https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a2.htm https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/pregnancy-and-childbirth https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/women https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/emergency-preparedness https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/workforce https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/community https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/public-health-infrastructure https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/infants https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/assets/pdf/hhs/HHS_Plan_complete.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/about/strategic-plan/2022-2026/goal-2/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/about/strategic-plan/2022-2026/goal-2/index.html https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/resource/10323/national-stakeholder-strategy-for-achieving-health-equity https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/authority/nhss/Documents/nhss-ip.pdf https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/authority/nhss/Documents/NHSS-Strategy-508.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Maternal-Health-Blueprint.pdf https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/aspe-files/264076/healthy-women-healthy-pregnancies-healthy-future-action-plan_0.pdf https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/aspe-files/264076/healthy-women-healthy-pregnancies-healthy-future-action-plan_0.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/call-to-action-maternal-health.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/about/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fabout%2Forganization%2Fstrategic-framework%2Findex.html https://www.performance.gov/agencies/HHS/apg/goal-5/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=300318 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=300318 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=311065 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=311065 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338449 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338449 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335089

DD22-2201 National Partnerships to Address Prenatal Alcohol and Other Substance Use and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

CK20-2003 on Improving Clinical and Public Health Outcomes through National Partnerships to Prevent and Control Emerging/Re-Emerging ID Threats

DP18-1806 Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Death in the Young (SDY) Case Registry

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

Bold indicates period of performance outcome.

CDC-RFA-DD-23-0004 Logic Model: Enhancing partnerships to address birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions, and the health of pregnant and postpartum people Bold indicates period of performance outcome

Strategies and Activities Short-term Outcomes (STO)

Intermediate Outcomes (IO)

Long-Term Outcomes

(LTO)

Population of focus/communities may include but are not limited to pregnant and postpartum people and their infants, and people with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions, including those in disproportionately affected communities.

Component A (Core):

Collection and translation of data

- Identify opportunities to improve data collection and interpretation

Summarize, develop and disseminate data informed products

- Assess evidence base to inform product development

- Create and share innovative materials and resources

Build capacity and technical assistance

- Identify knowledge gaps

- Facilitate education and training opportunities

Policies and best practices

- Assess current practices and policies

Increased availability of data to inform clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A)

Increased dissemination of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A)

Increased incorporation of diverse perspectives into

Increased awareness of effective data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A)

Increased use of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A)

Increased capacity to implement clinical and

Improved public health and clinical outcomes Improved clinical and public health approaches for population of focus Decreased health disparities among population of focus https://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335709 https://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335709 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327979 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327979 file:///C:/Users/LHV5/Downloads/CDC-RFA-DP18-1806.pdf file:///C:/Users/LHV5/Downloads/CDC-RFA-DP18-1806.pdf

- Implement model policies or promising practices

Partnerships

- Establish network(s) for cross collaboration

Community Engagement and Implementation

- Engage and equip intended audiences with knowledge to make informed decisions based on community needs

- Implement data informed prevention strategies

Component B (Emergency):

Partnerships to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Response

- Establish and deploy network(s) to improve collaboration and leverage expertise during an emergency event clinical care and materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A)

Improved information sharing and/or coordination among networks (A,B)

Increased awareness about outbreak response and issues that affect population of focus and their families during public health emergencies (B) public health approaches (A)

Increased implementation of data informed prevention strategies within communities (A)

Improved capacity within organizations to respond to the needs of population of focus and their families during emergencies (B)

Improved timeliness to mobilize resources for future outbreaks Reduced disease or infection rates among population(s) of focus during a public health emergency Improved health outcomes among population of focus during an emergency response

i. Purpose This NOFO aims to support partnerships that will strengthen capacity to inform and address public health and clinical outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people, their infants, and people with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions. This NOFO will enhance data collection and translation; support development and dissemination of resources and best practices; build organizational and community capacity to promote adoption of public health and clinical recommendations and interventions; and establish collaborative clinical, public health and community-based network(s).

ii. Outcomes By the end of the period of performance, recipients are expected to fulfill a combination of the following short-term and intermediate outcomes, depending on applicant strategy selection.

Achieving long-term outcomes in the logic model is not required, because they represent the ultimate impact to which the strategies and activities will contribute. Recipients will contribute to the long-term outcomes by implementing the NOFO strategies/activities and demonstrating measurable progress towards achieving the short-term and intermediate outcomes of the NOFO logic model.

Component A (Core) For each selected strategy, there should be at least one bolded short term and intermediate outcome measured during the period of performance. Fulfillment of multiple short-term and intermediate outcomes is possible and may include a combination of the following:

Short-Term Outcomes:

Increased availability of data to inform clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions

Increased dissemination of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions

Increased incorporation of diverse perspectives into clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions

Improved information sharing and/or coordination among networks

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased awareness of effective data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions

Increased use of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions

Increased capacity to implement clinical and public health approaches Increased implementation of data informed prevention strategies within communities

Component B (Emergency) If funded, recipients are expected to fulfill at least one bolded outcome measured during the period of performance. Fulfillment of multiple short-term and intermediate outcomes is possible and may include a combination of the following:

Short-Term Outcomes:

Increased awareness about outbreak response and issues that affect population of focus and their families during public health emergencies

Improved information sharing and/or coordination among networks

Intermediate Outcomes:

Improved capacity within organizations to respond to the needs of population of focus and their families during public health emergencies

iii. Strategies and Activities Applicants are expected to select a minimum of 2 strategies from Component A (Core).

Applicants are not responsible for implementing all the strategies under Component A. The recipient will be responsible for implementing their selected strategies and may complete the suggested activities listed below based on those selected strategies; the applicant can propose additional relevant, comprehensive, and innovative activities to achieve expected outcomes.

Below are examples of activities that may be executed under each strategy. Strategies and activities should be appropriate for applicants selected population of focus and align with the scale and/or geographic scope proposed in applicants Work Plan. Geographic scope of activities should be described as regional and/or national. Proposed budget(s) should appropriately reflect the scale, geographic scope and number of activities proposed in the application package.

Further, consistent with the full scope of applicable grant regulations (45 C.F.R. 75.322), the purpose of this award, and the underlying funding, the recipient is expected to provide to CDC copies of and/or access to materials developed, and/or data collected with these funds.

Component A (Core):

Strategy 1: Collection and translation of data Activities to improve collection and interpretation of data to guide decision-making may include but are not limited to:

Collect information about public health program performance and/or clinical care and documentation practices to identify opportunities for improvement

Collect information about public perceptions of public health and clinical care communication to inform improved messaging and translation

Implement strategies to improve reporting of health conditions to public health to support surveillance efforts.

Support the dissemination of data that has been translated for key audiences, including communities

Strategy 2: Summarize, develop and disseminate data informed products Activities to inform, create and share data informed clinical and public health guidance.

Activities to support the care, practices, training, and education of the population of focus and those serving the population of focus. Activities may include but are not limited to:

Identify gaps and opportunities to improve clinical guidance and public health practice Conduct literature and evidence reviews Create print and digital communication materials for clinical, public health, or public audiences including videos, brochures, infographics, and documents.

Develop new or enhance clinical and public health products using existing evidence and/or collected data Share evidence-based recommendations and messaging by engaging digital platforms and social media ambassadors/champions to galvanize dissemination of information, address misinformation, and promote consistent messaging that supports equitable reproductive, maternal, and infant healthcare and outcomes

Disseminate messaging and resources to intended audiences through relevant channels, including social media, webinars, newsletters, patient portals, awareness events, conferences, and other modalities

Strategy 3: Build capacity and technical assistance Activities to improve organizational capacity to address clinical and public health issues of population of focus and to achieve equity in care and outcomes may include but are not limited to:

Facilitate trainings, webinars, conferences, and other educational opportunities for jurisdictional partners, community-based organizations, clinical and/or public health audiences. For example, apply expertise to provide training and facilitate partnership-building initiatives between state-level Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) and Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) and community-based organizations

Provide technical assistance to clinical, public health and community entities to promote adoption of evidence-based practices

Strategy 4: Policies and best practices Activities to inform, increase and/or implement approaches that affect population health and clinical care of the population of focus, including health equity, may include but are not limited to:

Develop, implement, and promote model policies or best practices that improve clinical care, public health service delivery, and/or access to services

Build, adapt, or promote resources to connect people with services in the community

Strategy 5: Partnerships Activities to improve collaboration and leverage expertise across multiple disciplines and clinical, public health, and community landscapes relevant to population of focus may include but are not limited to:

Establish focused partnerships that enhance evidence-based clinical care and/or support implementation of data informed prevention strategies

Develop action plans, technical packages, or other approaches that address key areas of progress or need as informed by program priorities

Strategy 6: Community Engagement and Implementation Activities to engage relevant communities in planning and implementing data informed prevention strategies may include but are not limited to:

Engage community groups to participate in activities to equitably improve care and outcomes in their communities, especially addressing disproportionately impacted populations. For example, partnerships between community groups and statewide MMRCs or PQCs to center equity in data informed initiatives

Identify evidence-based or data informed approaches based on community needs and preferences

Implement evidence-based or data informed prevention strategies, clinical or public health guidance in communities that is tailored to community needs and preferences

Establish and engage cohorts of people with lived experience to help inform needs and approaches to improve access to services, public health recommendations, messaging, dissemination, and programmatic activities

Component B (Emergency):

This component is intended to be approved but unfunded (ABU) as a baseline practice. It would be funded to support additional activities needed within a budget period when a disease outbreak or other public health emergency reaches a scale that requires at least a moderate response.

Applicants must apply for Component A in order to be considered for Component B. After objective review, applicants that apply for Component B may be added to a list of approved but unfunded recipients, who would then be eligible to receive expedited funding as determined by the program in the event of a public health emergency.

Strategy 1: Partnerships to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Response

Activities to improve collaboration and leverage expertise across multiple disciplines and clinical, public health and community landscapes to enhance emergency preparedness and response relevant to population(s) of focus may include but are not limited to:

Convene partner network to inform timely and relevant emergency response guidance for the health and wellness of population of focus

Establish relationships and reliable networks with the institutional knowledge to respond and address unique needs of population of focus in a public health emergency

Facilitate collection of frontline experiences and needs and gathering of feedback on resources developed to respond to the public health emergency

1. Collaborations

a. With other CDC programs and CDC-funded organizations:

Recipient(s) will be expected to collaborate with CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and/or other CDC-funded entities as needed, including other recipients funded through this NOFO. The collaboration is intended to ensure synergy towards achieving the expected outcomes. Applicants should describe the specific CDC programs and CDC-funded organizations with whom the applicant currently or previously collaborated regarding their population of focus. Applicants should also identify other organizations they plan to collaborate with to accomplish the proposed activities. Memorandum of understanding (MOU), memorandum of agreement (MOA), or letters of support are encouraged but not required. If providing any of the stated documents, applicants must file the MOU or MOA, as appropriate, name the file “MOUs/MOAs”, and upload it as a PDF file under “Other Attachment Forms” at www.grants.gov .

b. With organizations not funded by CDC:

Recipient(s) will be expected to collaborate with entities not funded by CDC as needed to advance the fulfillment of the expected outcomes. This includes but is not limited to organization membership and network(s), emergency management; hospitals; non-government organizations;

nonprofit agencies; other federal, state, or local government agencies; community-based organizations; public health community; tribes or tribal organizations. Applicants should describe the specific agencies and organizations with whom the applicant currently or previously collaborated regarding their population of focus. Applicants should also identify other organizations they intend to collaborate with to accomplish the proposed activities. MOU, MOA, or letters of support are encouraged but not required. If providing any of the stated documents, applicants must file the MOU or MOA, as appropriate, name the file “MOUs/MOAs”, and upload it as a PDF file under “Other Attachment Forms” at www.grants.gov .

2. Target Populations For Component A and Component B, our populations of focus are located in the United States and its territories. Applicants should describe their experience working domestically with their selected population(s).

CDC aims to fund organizations and institutions (with experience supporting population(s) directly, including parents and families; reaching clinicians and other professionals who are responsible for patient care; community level organizations; and public health professionals) that http://www.grants.gov serve specific population(s) of focus shown below.

Populations of focus include:

Pregnant and/or postpartum people Infants Those living with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions

Applicants’ strategies can target one or more populations of focus; however, it is not required to address more than one.

a. Health Disparities This NOFO aims to support the access and promotion of equitable health care and outcome(s) for disproportionately impacted populations as detailed in the logic model. Prioritization will be given to organizations that demonstrate experience working with populations at greater risk including but not limited to populations at risk of pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, disparities among populations at risk of death and/or living with birth defect, infant disorder or related condition(s). See funding preference for more details. All applicants should provide information on how they will ensure that activities include diverse representation to serve populations of interest.

iv. Funding Strategy This funding opportunity will use a funding strategy with different funding streams available for different strategies and activities, based on availability of funds. All applicants are required to apply for Component A (Core) and have the option of applying for Component B (Emergency).

Applicants are permitted to submit no more than one stand-alone application. The applicant’s application package should be inclusive of all component work plans and budgets; multiple applications will not be reviewed. Each component must have a separate work plan and budget.

All applicants must apply to 2 or more strategies under Component A (Core). Responsive applications submitted under this funding opportunity will be reviewed objectively as described in the Review and Selection Process section of this NOFO.

Funding Mechanism Strategies Funding Strategy Component A (Core)

Number of recipients: up to

20. Number of recipients may change based on the availability of funds.

Average One Year Award Amount will range between $150,000 - $750,000.

Average award amount is dependent upon the availability of funds. Exact amounts for each award

Component A recipients are expected to address 2 or more strategies listed in the logic model and Strategies and Activities section. Each selected strategy should achieve a minimum of 1 bold short-term and intermediate outcome.

Awards under Component A (Core) will support evidence-based and data informed activities, building capacity and capabilities for the selected population of focus.

The applications will be compiled and reviewed according to phase review criteria. Funding amount for years 2-5 will be set at continuation. As appropriate, funding will align with the number of strategies under this NOFO will be determined at the time of award.

applicants propose to implement, the geographic scope applicants propose to work within, and/or their population of focus reach.

Geographic scope of activities should be described as regional and/or national. Applicants should provide budget(s) that appropriately reflect the scale, geographic scope and number of activities proposed in the application package.

Component B (Emergency)

Recipients may be funded to lead and/or collaborate with others around a specific topic area(s). Structure and number of awards will be based in public health and emergency needs.

This component is intended to be approved but unfunded (ABU) as a baseline practice.

It would be funded to support additional activities needed within a budget period when a disease outbreak or other public health emergency reaches a scale that requires a moderate response. There is no estimated year one ceiling for Component B.

Component B recipients are expected to address correlating strategy, including short-term and intermediate-term outcomes listed in the logic model and Strategies and Activities section.

Applicants must apply for Component A in order to be considered for Component B.

After objective review, applicants that apply for Component B may be added to a list of approved but unfunded recipients who would then be eligible to receive expedited funding as determined by the program in the event of a public health emergency. Given the unpredictable nature of public health emergencies, this NOFO would use Component B to award funding based on availability of funds.

CDC seeks to fund at least one project for each strategy area to address a diversity of clinical and public health outcomes and populations served under Component A and may employ fund out of rank criteria to ensure adequate coverage for this NOFO.

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Strategy

CDC’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strategy will be used to assess the performance of the overall project. Evaluation and performance measurement help demonstrate achievement of period of performance outcomes, build a stronger evidence base for areas such as clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions; clarify applicability of the evidence base to different populations, settings, and contexts; and drive continuous improvement. CDC expects that routine performance measurement and evaluation are conducted to maintain consistent and adequate project management. To this effect, the recipient should hold regular meetings with CDC to discuss performance, technical assistance needs, barriers, facilitators and quality improvement activities (frequency to be determined). Applicants must include an evaluation plan that aligns with implementing strategies/activities and achieving the short-term and intermediate outcomes in the logic model. The evaluation plan should include key questions (as appropriate), describe personnel assigned to evaluation activities, describe anticipated outcomes, performance measures, and timelines for data collection and explain how evaluation results will be used for program improvement. Annual reporting requirements for performance measures will be in place for all funded recipients.

Outcomes will be dependent upon the two or more strategies selected for the population of focus.

All applicant’s proposed measures should be specific and clarify unit of measurement (e.g.

number of, percentage of, proportion of, etc.). CDC will work with recipients to finalize performance measures post award.

Key evaluation questions that may be answered include, but are not limited to the following:

Component A:

To what extent can current data systems and processes inform and improve clinical and public health approaches for population of focus?

To what extent can clinical and public health partners collaborate within a multidisciplinary network to fill knowledge gaps?

To what extent can population of focus be engaged to increase use of effective and data informed interventions?

To what extent can collaboration between organizations improve knowledge about policies and best practices that affect health and clinical care of population of focus?

To what extent has capacity and infrastructure improved to address health inequities within population of focus?

To what extent has messaging and resources reached population of focus at the either local, regional, or national level?

To what extent has messaging and resources about population of focus reached organizations’ members or relevant network(s)?

Component B:

To what extent can existing partnerships be leveraged and rapidly deployed to support inclusion and consideration of population of focus in emergency situations?

To what extent can population of focus be engaged to inform gaps in emergency response management?

To what extent are the activities contributing to increasing early identification and management of emerging and reemerging threats to population of focus?

Process evaluation and outcome measures:

CDC has provided example process and outcome measures in the table below that can be used by recipients to describe how they will monitor and report performance measurement data annually. Please include these requirements for Component A and, if applicable, Component B.

Work plan submitted to CDC within six months of notification of award Evaluation plan developed and submitted to CDC within six months of notification of award that is consistent with their final DD-23-004 work plan and the M&E strategy.

CDC will also provide information to funding recipients on the timeline to report performance measurement data through required annual progress reporting (see NOFO section (F) Award Administration Information (3. Reporting)). Technical assistance will be provided by CDC to recipients about collecting, using, and submitting quantitative and qualitative M&E data on an ongoing basis throughout the period of performance.

For those selecting strategies requiring data collection and management:

o Data Management Plan (DMP) developed and submitted to CDC within six months of award. DMP templates may be found here . Applicant should include:

A description of the data to be collected or generated in the proposed project;

The standards to be used for the collected or generated data;

Mechanisms for, or limitations to, providing access to the data, including a description for the provisions for the protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, and intellectual property, or other rights;

Statement of the use of data standards that ensure all documentation that describes the method of collection, what the data represent, and

Plans for archiving and long-term preservation of the data, or explaining why long-term preservation and access are not justified; and, Other additional requirements based on the program.

Strategy Process Measures Collection and translation of data

Number of available data sources that inform current public health and clinical issues for population of focus

Number of entities to whom the data collection tool was disseminated

Summarize, develop and disseminate evidence-based products

Number of people reached through innovative communication dissemination of evidence-based messaging

Build capacity and technical assistance

Number of public health and clinical professionals reached through trainings and webinars https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewIC?ref_nbr=202006-0920-001&icID=242076

Policies and best practices Number of model policies and/or best practices identified Partnerships Number of organizations who actively cross collaborate around public health and clinical issues for population(s) of focus Outcome (as seen in Logic Model in section 2a. Approach)

Outcome Measures

Increased availability of data to inform clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A) (STO)

Percent change in communities utilizing data sources to inform interventions

Increased dissemination of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A) (STO)

Number of social media ambassadors/champions disseminating public health messaging

Increased incorporation of diverse perspectives into clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A) (STO)

Percent change in MOUs established between community groups and statewide MMRCs or PQCs

Improved information sharing and/or coordination among networks (A, B) (STO)

Number of partners within the response network that self-report improved timeliness to receive emergency response guidance or health alerts

Increased awareness about outbreak response and issues that affect populations of focus and their families during public health emergencies

(B) (STO)

Percent change in awareness of mitigation measures for population(s) of focus during public health emergencies

Increased awareness of effective data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A) (IO)

Percent change in awareness of public health interventions among population(s) of focus

Increased use of data informed clinical care and public health materials, messaging, resources, and interventions (A) (IO)

Percent change in downloads of evidence-based products

Increased capacity to implement clinical and public health approaches (A) (IO)

Percent change pre-/post-training in provider’s knowledge

Increased implementation of data informed prevention strategies within communities (A)

(IO)

Percent change in best practices implemented within communities

Improved capacity within organizations to respond to the needs of population of focus and their families during public health emergencies (B)

(IO)

Percent change in organizations’ readiness to respond to the needs of their population(s) of focus

Recipients should allocate funds made available under this NOFO for both evaluation activities and performance monitoring. While the final funding amount will be agreed upon by both CDC and the recipient, a minimum of 10% of funds should be allocated for monitoring and evaluation activities. These are estimates for the total funding over the 5-year project.

Evaluation Findings The proposed M&E strategy will be used to determine if NOFO strategies and activities are scalable and effective at reaching population of focus. Evaluation findings will be used to inform programmatic planning and to guide technical assistance that CDC will provide to recipients.

Data collection and reporting will be limited to data that will be analyzed and used by CDC and recipients for program monitoring and quality improvement. Recipients will submit to CDC the required M&E data on the implementation of strategies/activities for their population of focus.

Recipients will be expected to collect and report both qualitative and quantitative performance measurement data that will be finalized by CDC with input from funding recipients.

Evaluation data provided to CDC may be aggregated to highlight similar data on performance measures across components and help generate annual evaluation reports regarding program implementation, barriers and facilitators, as well as outcomes achieved related to this NOFO.

Evaluation findings may be repurposed for sharing in different formats and settings including at national conferences, through publication in peer-reviewed journals, and via online reports.

ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan

Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates how the recipient will fulfill the requirements described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement and Project Description sections of this NOFO. At a minimum, the plan must describe:

How the applicant will collect the performance measures, respond to the evaluation questions, and use evaluation findings for continuous program quality improvement.

How key program partners will participate in the evaluation and performance measurement planning processes.

Available data sources, feasibility of collecting appropriate evaluation and performance data, and other relevant data information (e.g., performance measures proposed by the applicant)

Plans for updating the Data Management Plan (DMP) as new pertinent information becomes available. If applicable, throughout the lifecycle of the project. Updates to DMP should be provided in annual progress reports. The DMP should provide a description of the data that will be produced using these NOFO funds; access to data;

data standards ensuring released data have documentation describing methods of collection, what the data represent, and data limitations; and archival and long-term data preservation plans. For more information about CDC’s policy on the DMP, see https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additional-requirements/ar-25.html.

Where the applicant chooses to, or is expected to, take on specific evaluation studies, the applicant should be directed to:

Describe the type of evaluations (i.e., process, outcome, or both).

Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.

Describe other information (e.g., measures, data sources).

Recipients will be required to submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement plan, including a DMP, if applicable, within the first 6 months of award, as described in the Reporting Section of this NOFO.

CDC and recipients may determine the need to update their organization’s evaluation and performance measurement plan during the period of performance. Recipients can submit an updated evaluation plan in the appendix of their annual continuation applications and should note where changes have been made to the plan since the first submission in budget year 1.

c. Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the Approach Applicants should possess the organizational capacity and skills needed to implement the award for Component A and if applicable Component B. Many of the desired capacities and skills are listed below. An applicant does not need to have all of these capacities and skills to qualify but should provide a thorough narrative description of the organization’s capacities and skills that will support successful implementation.

Desired skills and capacities include:

https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additional-requirements/ar-25.html

Represent a significant and relevant conduit that serves or engages with pregnant people and their infants, postpartum persons and/or individuals, or families and communities living with birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions

Staffing or access to the necessary relevant expertise related to pregnancy, maternal child health, and/or birth defects, infant disorders and related conditions

Have existing infrastructure to complete at least 2 of the program strategies in the logic model

Ability to inform, educate, and empower organizations and institutions that address public health and clinical needs of population(s) of focus

Ability to evaluate, synthesize and communicate evidence-based information and data informed prevention strategies

Ability to form and deliver new insights and innovative approaches to cross-collaboration.

Ability to inform existing and future public health guidance, recommendations, and tools to improve clinical and public health outcomes

Ability to conduct program planning, performance monitoring, financial reporting, budget management and administration, personnel management

In support of these capabilities, applicants must provide the requested information on their capacity to implement the required activities and provide information that:

Describes the organizational capacity and skills to implement activities in support of the strategies in the NOFO, including, as relevant, development of tools and resources and providing support to implement these resources. Applicants should describe their staffing plan and project management structure and describe experience with existing partnerships and/or engagement of priority communities.

Demonstrates existing organizational capacity, for example program and staffing management; performance measurement, and evaluation systems; financial reporting systems; communication, technological, and data systems required to implement the activities of a response in an effective and expedited manner; physical infrastructure and equipment; and workforce capacity, to successfully execute all proposed strategies and activities based on the described scenario.