cdc-rfa-dp15-1507amendpublication.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology: National and State Coalition Capacity Building to Improve

Outcomes

CDC-RFA-DP15-1507

Application Due Date: 05/18/2015

Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology: National and State Coalition Capacity Building to Improve Outcomes

CDC-RFA-DP15-1507

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Overview Information

Federal Agency NameA.

Funding Opportunity TitleB.

Announcement TypeC.

Agency Funding Opportunity NumberD.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) NumberE.

Dates F.

Executive Summary G.

Part II. Full Text

Funding Opportunity Description A.

Award Information B.

Eligibility Information C.

Required Registrations D.

Review and Selection Process E.

Award Administration Information F.

Agency Contacts G.

Other Information H.

Glossary I.

Part I. Overview Information Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on the "Send Me Change Notifications Emails" link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFA-DP15-1507. 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. Funding Opportunity Title:

Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology: National and State Coalition Capacity Building to Improve Outcomes C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1 This announcement is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered Research for this purpose is defined at http://www.cdc. gov/od/ science / integrity/ docs/cdc- policy- distinguishing- public- health- research- nonresearch. pdf.

D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-DP15-1507

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

93.946 F. Dates:

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

2. Due Date for Applications: 05/18/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern

Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call: 03/25/2015 CDC will conduct an informational conference call for interested applicants on March 25, 2015 at 2pm Eastern Standard Time.

The call-in information is: 1 (877) 775-8419 Passcode: 22860968

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

The CDC announces the availability of funds for projects with national membership organizations to increase the capacity of the maternal and child health (MCH) professional workforce to analyze and use data, and to apply evidence-based approaches to MCH program and policy development at local, state, and national levels. Funding will support these organizations to work cooperatively with local, state, and national public health agencies in all 50 states. Effective use of these funds results in targeted investment of resources to develop strategies such as training, peer exchange, and dissemination of guidelines and programmatic recommendations. These strategies result in an increase in the use of evidence-based MCH program, policy, and practice at local, state, and national levels by MCH professionals. Achievable results may include: a knowledgeable, capable, and well-trained workforce; improved collaboration and engagement with clinicians and other care providers; and broader dissemination of research findings. Results are accomplished by partnering with national organizations that support local, state, and tribal public health agencies as well as clinical and other care providers to implement multi-modal workforce development and capacity building strategies. The long-term outcome is a change in maternal behavior that impacts birth, infant, and childhood outcomes and ultimately improves the health of women, infants, and families. Each stand-alone application should target MCH professionals through one of the following categories: 1) Category A: Urban-focused https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.grants.gov national membership organizations, 2) Category B: State-focused national membership organizations, and 3) Category C: Clinical-focused national membership organizations.

a. Eligible Applicants: Open Competition

b. FOA Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 3 One award in each category (up to three awards total)

d. Total Project Period Funding: $9,375,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $300,000 Category A: $300,000; Category B: $300,000; Category C: $250,000

f. Number of Years of Award: 5

g. Estimated Award Date: 09/01/2015

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements: N Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this FOA 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

Safe motherhood begins before conception with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and continues with appropriate prenatal care, the prevention of complications when possible, and the early and effective treatment of complications. The ideal results are a pregnancy at term without unnecessary interventions, the delivery of a healthy infant, and a healthy postpartum period in a positive environment that supports the physical and emotional needs of the woman, infant, and family. The presence of chronic diseases prior to conception, unintended and teen pregnancy, HIV/STDs, health inequalities and disparities have each been found to contribute to sub-optimal outcomes in maternal, infant and child health.

The recent economic climate has negatively affected the epidemiological capacity of state and local maternal and child health (MCH) programs, resulting in a significant loss of the skills and knowledge necessary for the translation of scientific research into public health programs and policies. In 2009, a Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ (CSTE) assessment found that more than 30% of states expressed a need for additional staff training for 23 of the 27 applied epidemiology competencies.

The Division of Reproductive Health (DRH), Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program’s (MCHEP) mission is to build capacity at state, local, and tribal levels to use and apply sound epidemiologic research evidence to impact MCH programs and policies. Aiding in data/result translation provides these agencies with information for use in pursuing new policies, changing existing practices, and implementing new programs. Evaluation findings and lessons learned from the current project, FOA CDC-RFA-DP10-1006, indicated that as a result of participation in data skills building trainings, MCH professionals increased their knowledge and applied the obtained information to their work.

b. Statutory Authorities

This program is authorized under Sections 301(a) and 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C.

241(a) and 247b(k)(2)]

c. Healthy People 2020

This FOA addresses the Healthy People 2020 topic area of Public Health Infrastructure, an essential foundation for all other topic areas. Increasing attention to public health infrastructure has led to the identification of various emerging issues, with one being the issue of Public Health Systems Research.

According to Healthy People 2020, expanding the evidence base for community interventions and for the effective organization, administration, and financing of public health services is critical to the development of public health infrastructure. The emerging field of public health systems and services research plays an important role in the development of this evidence base.

This FOA also addresses the Healthy People 2020 topic area(s) with objectives related to the maternal and child health population. These include the following: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health, Early and Middle Childhood Health, Adolescent Health, Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Injury and Violence Prevention, and Mental Health and Mental Disorders.

The strategy is accessible at: www.healthypeople.gov

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies

This FOA also embraces several tenets of the National Prevention Strategy (NPS) which acknowledges that lifelong health starts at birth and continues throughout all stages of life (National Prevention Council, 2011).

The NPS also suggests that prevention begins with planning and having a healthy pregnancy. The National Prevention Strategy encourages partnerships among Federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial governments.

This site is accessible at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/initiatives/prevention/strategy/#The%20Goal

e. Relevant Work

This FOA addresses essential components of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Winnable Battles related to teen pregnancy, HIV in the United States, and nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/winnablebattles/

Additionally, the FOA supports CDC’s priority to have strong, well-resourced public health leaders and capabilities at national, state and local levels to protect Americans from health threats. The Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) advances this CDC priority and accomplishes its work by strategically focusing on building capacity in the MCH workforce, translating scientific findings into public health practice and strengthening partnership with other public health agencies. The DRH supports national and state-based surveillance systems to monitor trends and investigate health issues; conducts epidemiologic, behavioral, demographic, and health services research; and works with partners to translate research findings into health care practice, public health policy, and health promotion strategies to better understand the burden of maternal and infant mortality and to decrease disparities among populations at risk.

To further support CDC’s priority, the primary goal of the DRH Field Support Branch (FSB) is to improve health systems, build the evidence base, and translate science to practice by strengthening public health agency capacity. The FSB Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program (MCHEP) supports this goal by providing direct assistance to state public health agencies (e.g., state health departments, state Medicaid programs). The MCHEP assigns senior CDC MCH epidemiologists and fellows to the state agencies to provide scientific and technical assistance. This assistance results in an increase in a state agency’s ability to apply scientific and research evidence in MCH program and policy development. The program also partners with various federal, state, tribal, and local agencies to move the science to practice, build capacity, increase infrastructure, and translate MCH findings for programmatic and policy use at MCH agencies.

This FOA also supports the mission of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to promote the health of babies, children and adults, and enhance the potential for full, productive living.

This FOA builds upon current capacity building programs funded under CDC-RFA-DP10-1006, “Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health: National and State Coalition Capacity Building”, which ends in June, 2015.

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

The approach of this FOA is to enhance the continued development of the national public health infrastructure including the provision of comprehensive epidemiology services through a capable and qualified workforce with a strong focus on translating research into practice.

This FOA provides funding for capacity-building work with the target population of MCH professionals under three headings: Category A: Urban-focused national membership organizations, Category B:

State-focused national membership organizations, and Category C: Clinical-focused national membership organizations. Organizations may submit no more than one stand-alone application total.

The logic model below is a visual depiction of the program approach and reflects how the proposed strategies and outcomes are interrelated to achieve the project goals and objectives.

CDC-RFA-DP-1507 Logic Model: Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology:

National and State Coalition Capacity Building to Improve Outcomes

[outcomes with ** are those expected during the project period]

Strategies Outcomes

Activities Outputs Short-Term Medium-Term Long-Term Identify and strenghten key MCH partnerships

-Train staff at state and local levels

-Create peer exchange opportunities

-Develop and disseminate clinical guidelines and programmatic recommendations

Successful and sustainable partnerships

Results of data analyses & evaluations

Evidenced -Based recommendations for changes in policy, program or practice

Training & program materials / manuals / toolkits

Presentations and in-person meetings at conferences

Peer-reviewed publications, briefs and/or reports

Inventory of all products (eg, websites/ trainings, webinars, etc.)

Increased state, local, and tribal capacity to analyze & use data, and to apply the evidence -base to MCH program and policy development.**

Increase MCH Capacity in the following domains:**

-Awareness

-Knowledge

-Skills

-Application of skills

An increase in the use of evidence -based

MCH

program, policy and practice at local, state and/or national levels**

Changes in maternal behavior to impact birth, infant, and childhood outcomes

Improved health of mothers and children

i. Purpose

The purpose of this project is to increase MCH epidemiology workforce capacity to promote Safe Motherhood, and improve maternal, infant, child, and reproductive health. This will be accomplished by partnering with national organizations that support state and urban public health agencies and clinical providers to implement multi-modal workforce development and capacity building strategies. These strategies will result in the application of evidence-based approaches to support the development and implementation of MCH program, policy, and public health and clinical practice.

ii. Outcomes

Awardees are expected to achieve the short- and medium-term outcomes specified in the logic model. By the end of the project period, it is expected that state, local, and tribal-serving organizations will increase capacity to analyze and use data, and apply the evidence base to MCH program and policy development.

Achievable results include increased MCH capacity within the domains of awareness, knowledge, skills and the application of skills. These efforts are expected to result in an increase in the use of evidence-based MCH program, policy, and practice at local, state, and national levels.

iii. Strategies and Activities

Capacity to analyze and use data and apply the evidence base among states, localities, and tribal-serving organizations will be increased through the activities conducted by national organizations that have a state, urban, or clinical membership focus.

Funded activities include but are not limited to the following strategies:

Identifying and strengthening key MCH partnerships;

Training of staff at state and local levels to promote the capability of state and local health departments to conduct maternal and child health epidemiology and surveillance;

Creating peer exchange opportunities to present research, share experiences, enhance knowledge, and discuss emerging MCH topics; and Developing and disseminating clinical guidelines and programmatic recommendations nationally with other federal agencies, CDC, chapter organizations, and state, local, and tribal-serving agencies.

Expected outputs resulting from implemented activities include the following:

Successful (e.g., reaching a broader target population, completing activities and products) and sustainable partnerships;

Results of data analyses and evaluations;

Evidence-based recommendations for changes in policy, program, or practice;

Training and program materials, manuals, and/or toolkits;

Presentations and in-person meetings at conferences;

Peer-reviewed publications, briefs, and/or reports; and Inventory of products (e.g., websites, trainings, webinars, etc.).

The strategies and related activities for this project are based on CDC/DRH priorities, MCHEP program experience, and evidenced-based recommendations from the Healthy People 2020 and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

1.Collaborations

Collaborative activities support developing a firmer foundation in evidence-based decision-making for all partnering agencies involved. Additionally, aiding in data/result translation provides such agencies information to consider in pursuing the enactment of new policies, change of existing practices, and implementation of new programs. A strategic focus for the DRH is to strengthen partnerships at the local, state, tribal, and national levels. This project highlights the importance of engaging partners nationwide in the applied public health process, including increasing the capacity of the MCH work force to conduct analysis of relevant data, interpret results, and translate findings into public health practice.

For more information, please refer to CDC's Policy Analytical Framework at: http://www.cdc.gov/policy /process/docs/CDCPolicyAnalyticalFramework.pdf

a. With CDC-funded programs:

It is expected that awardees will work closely with state, local, and county health departments. Thus, awardees are encouraged to collaborate nationally with other CDC funded programs, including, but not limited to the following examples:

Perinatal Quality Collaboratives funded through the Division of Reproductive Health;

Enhanced state-based birth defects surveillance and use of surveillance data to guide prevention and intervention programs funded through the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities;

Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant through the Division of Population Health;

Community Transformation Grants (CTG) and Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) through the Division of Community Health;

Tips from Former Smokers Education Campaign through the Office of Smoking and Health;

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Practice and Implementation Centers and National Partnership grantees funded through the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities;

Learn the Signs. Act Early. through the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities;

State Oral Disease Prevention Program through the Division of Oral Health;

A Comprehensive Approach to Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country - through the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

It is expected that awardees will also work with CDC funded training programs including, but not limited to the following examples:

Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS) Preventive Medicine Residency Program Public Health Associates Program (PHAP)

b. With organizations external to CDC:

Collaborative activities with the MCH agencies and organizations are required under this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applicants must provide evidence of current and/or historical collaboration with agencies including, but not limited to one or more of the following federal or non-federal agencies:

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title V grantees Office of Population Affairs (OPA) Title X grantees March of Dimes Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) CityMatCH Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) http://www.cdc.gov/policy/process/docs/CDCPolicyAnalyticalFramework.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/policy/process/docs/CDCPolicyAnalyticalFramework.pdf

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) / Center for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) Administration on Children and Families Department of Education/Office of Special Education Programs

Evidence of current and/or historical collaboration includes Memoranda of Agreement, Memoranda of Understanding, and Letters of Support, describing the activities or type of support received through each collaborative effort.

Awardees are required to establish new partnerships and/or formal relationships with federal agencies and non-federal organizations that share an interest in mutually beneficial collaborative activities.

Anti-Lobbying Act: The Anti-Lobbying Act governs the lobbying activities of federal agencies. The purpose of the Act is to prevent agencies, acting through their employees, from using appropriated funds, or resources secured with appropriated funds, to lobby any federal, state, or local government official with respect to any pending or proposed legislation, resolution, appropriation, or measure. For more information, see: http://ethic s.od.nih.gov/Topics/lobbying.htm

2. Target Populations

Applicants should propose to address capacity-building activities based on the most relevant evidence for MCH professionals (MCH Leadership Competencies, MCH Epidemiology Competencies, etc.). Successful applicants should target public health professionals in the field of MCH in local and/or county health departments, or state health departments. Specifically those professionals that generate, use, and apply MCH epidemiologic data. Providers of clinical care to the MCH population, specifically obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics, are also targeted by this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Organizations may submit no more than one stand-alone application total.

By increasing MCH epidemiology capacity through the workforce development and training of these target populations, it is expected that MCH outcomes will be improved through increased use of the evidence-base in program and policy development at the local, state, and/or national levels.

a. Inclusion

N/A

iv. Funding Strategy (for multi-component FOAs only)

N/A

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy

The agencies awarded through this Funding Opportunity Announcement will develop the nationwide scope of their strategies and provide CDC with the projected policy and/or program changes expected from the proposed activities to be implemented and proposed products.

The evaluation and performance measurement strategy will document the implementation of the awardee’s proposed workforce development strategies and activities. The CDC will partner with awardees to examine progress towards achieving the short- and medium-term project period outcomes presented in the included project logic model. The CDC staff will also work with each awardee to revise, as necessary, the overall evaluation and data collection procedures. Awardee staff will be responsible for collecting all data, analyzing data from their own sites, and providing an evaluation report to the CDC.

http://ethics.od.nih.gov/Topics/lobbying.htm http://ethics.od.nih.gov/Topics/lobbying.htm

Development of Process Measures (For the Strategies and Activities to achieve outcomes)

In addition to these performance measures, awardees will be expected to develop their own evaluation strategy, including relevant measures. The program intends to use the outputs as the basis for constructing process measures of successful implementation of the strategies and activities in the logic model and narrative, as described below:

STRATEGY/ACTIVITY: Identify and strengthen key MCH partnerships

OUTPUT: Successful (e.g. reaching a broader target population, completing activities and products) and sustainable partnership

PROCESS MEASURE(S): How many key MCH partnerships were successful? How many key MCH partnerships were sustained?

STRATEGY/ACTIVITY: Train staff at state and local levels to analyze and use data

OUTPUT(S): Training and program materials/manuals/toolkits; Peer-reviewed publications, briefs and/or reports; inventory of all products (e.g. websites/trainings/webinars, etc.); Results of data analyses and/or evaluations

PROCESS MEASURE(S): How many trainings have been conducted? How many training and program materials/manuals/toolkits have been developed? What types of training and program materials/manuals/toolkits have been developed? How many peer-reviewed publications, briefs, and/or reports have been developed? What is included in the inventory of all products? How many products are included in the inventory? How many data analyses or evaluations have been developed? What types of data analyses or evaluations have been developed?

STRATEGY/ACTIVITY: Create peer exchange opportunities to present research, share experiences, enhance knowledge, and discuss emerging MCH topics

OUTPUT: Presentations and in-person meetings at conferences by state and local staff

PROCESS MEASURE(S): How many presentations have been completed? How many in-person meetings at conferences have occurred?

STRATEGY/ACTIVITY: Develop and disseminate clinical guidelines and programmatic recommendations nationally to state, local and tribal-serving organizations and MCH clinical providers.

OUTPUT(S): Training and program materials/manuals/toolkits; Peer-reviewed publications, briefs and/or reports; Evidence-based recommendations for changes in policy, program, or practice

PROCESS MEASURE(S): How many training and program materials/manuals/toolkits have been developed? What types of training and program materials/manuals/toolkits have been developed? How many peer-reviewed publications, briefs, and/or reports have been developed? How many data analyses or evaluations have been developed? What types of data analyses or evaluations have been developed? How many evidence-based recommendations have been developed?

Development of Outcome Measures (Short and Medium-term)

OUTCOME: Increased state, local, and tribal capacity to analyze & use data, and to apply the evidence-base to MCH program and policy development.

MEASURE(S): 1) Is there evidence of raised awareness, increased knowledge, and increased skills in data analysis among MCH professionals? 2) Is there evidence of raised awareness, increased knowledge, and analysis among MCH professionals? 2) Is there evidence of raised awareness, increased knowledge, and increased skills in data use among MCH professionals? 3) Is there evidence of raised awareness, increased knowledge, and increased skills in applying the evidence base among MCH professionals?

OUTCOME: Increased MCH Capacity in the following domains: 1) Awareness; 2) Knowledge; 3) Skills;

and 4) Application of skills

MEASURE:

1) Is there evidence of raised awareness, increased knowledge, and increased skills in applying the evidence base among MCH professionals?

OUTCOME: An increase in the use of evidence-based MCH program, policy and practice at local, state and/or national levels

MEASURE(S): 1) Is there evidence of program modifications (e.g., publications or reports demonstrating more efficient targeting of services at the highest risk groups as a result of data analyses of groups experiencing highest burden, identifying additional service needs based on analyses of health outcomes, demonstrated receipt of additional funding for MCH programs based on results of needs assessments, revised program or operational guidance based on findings)? 2) Is there evidence of policy changes supporting MCH (e.g., new policies, change in policies, funding changes, or redistribution of state or local funding for new MCH services)? 3) Is there evidence of changes in practice (e.g., the development and implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines for clinical care as a result of determination by special committees, review of the literature, or provided evidence)? 4) Is there evidence of increased use of the evidence base in MCH programs, policies, and practice at local, state, and/or national levels?

Evaluation findings are intended to demonstrate an increase in the use of evidence-based MCH program, policy, and practice at local, state, and/or national levels

Using the epidemiology capacity assessment tool developed and implemented by CSTE, the MCHEP will measure changes in the MCH capacity at the state and national levels. The assessment is completed every five years, and the last cycle of measurement was calendar year 2013. The 2013 MCH capacity assessment will be used as a baseline measurement. The next cycle is expected to occur in 2018, close to the ending of this funding cycle. Evaluation findings will be combined with the CSTE capacity assessment tool to provide a comprehensive picture of MCH epidemiology capacity in the United States. Findings will be shared with awardees and the broader MCH field.

The previous epidemiology capacity assessment tool and summary reports are available at: http://www.cste.org/group/ECA .

Data collected by awardees is limited to data that will be analyzed and used (For guidance regarding the Paperwork Reduction Act, please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/collection/infocollectfaq.html).

Performance measures and evaluation findings will be used by the CDC to further refine strategic planning efforts of the CDC MCH Epidemiology Program, to re-prioritize current activities, and strengthen partnerships for continuous program quality improvement.

ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan

Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that is consistent with the CDC strategy presented in the included logic model. Their plan must:

• Describe the design and implementation of an overall evaluation, including the development and selection of process and outcome performance measures, and appropriate procedures for data collection and analysis.

• Describe how data will be reported.

• Describe how evaluation and performance measurement will yield findings that impact MCH capacity, the increased use of the evidence base, and ultimately, improve MCH population health as described in this Funding Opportunity Announcement.

• Describe how evaluation findings will be used for continuous program quality improvement.

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

c. Organizational Capacity of Awardees to Execute the Approach

The organizational capacity statement must clearly demonstrate applicant ability to execute CDC program requirements in a timely and efficient manner. Applicants should describe the organizational mission, how the applicant agency is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses.

Applicants should demonstrate adequate infrastructure (physical space and equipment), workforce capacity and competence, relevant skill sets, information and data systems, and electronic information and communication systems to implement the project successfully.

The applicant must demonstrate the following organizational capacity:

Documented history of establishing effective relationships with state, local, and/or clinical health agencies.

Documented history of partnering with public health associations and organizations, federal organizations, foundations and other non-profit organizations.

Appropriately qualified staff with competency in providing technical assistance in MCH epidemiology, capacity building, and data translation to local and state health departments.

Appropriately trained staff to oversee project implementation, including the budgetary, program management, reporting, and evaluation aspects of the cooperative agreement (include organizational charts and staff resumes as necessary).

Appropriate information technology systems to produce required federal progress reports, financial and annual reports.

For Category A, Urban-focused National Membership Organization applicants must also provide evidence of the following criteria:

Represent urban MCH communities in the United States through affiliation with Urban, local, or county health departments.

Have a documented history of providing MCH capacity-building assistance to local MCH programs.

Have ten years or more experience in providing information, education, and developmental support to urban MCH epidemiologists and MCH program staff.

Ability to document previous continuing education opportunities and training initiatives on topics such as health equity, applied epidemiology and surveillance, and the use of relevant scientific information and health data to improve MCH policies and programs at the urban / local level.

Have a documented history of disseminating MCH epidemiology, surveillance and policy related information to a large network of urban professionals.

Have a documented history of working to advance public health policy and epidemiologic capacity.

For Category B, State-focused National Membership Organization applicants must also provide evidence of the following criteria:

Represent state MCH Directors and MCH program staff through affiliation with state health departments.

departments.

Have a documented history of providing MCH capacity-building assistance to state MCH programs.

Have ten years or more experience in providing information and education to MCH Directors and MCH epidemiologists.

Ability to document previous continuing education opportunities, training initiatives, and action learning collaboratives (ALC) on topics such as emerging MCH issues, MCH indicators, MCH surveillance systems, and the use of relevant scientific information and health data to improve MCH policies and programs.

Have a documented history of disseminating MCH epidemiology, surveillance and policy related information to a large network of MCH professionals.

Have a documented history of working to advance public health policy and MCH epidemiologic capacity.

For Category C, Clinical-focused National Membership Organization applicants must also provide evidence of the one of the following criteria:

Represent regional or state chapters for obstetricians and gynecologists and providers of women's health care and provide the highest quality education worldwide, continuously improve health care for women through practice and research, lead advocacy for women's health care issues nationally and internationally, and provide excellent organizational support and services for members in the clinical community.

Represent regional or state chapters that include primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub-specialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

d. Work Plan

Applicants are required to provide a work plan that describes the projected framework and timeline for the implementation of the proposed 5-year project. This work plan should also provide a detailed description of Year 1 of the project, including the strategies, activities, personnel and/or partners responsible for the project. The work plan should outline the details of all necessary activities that will be supported by the approved budget.

NOTE: The work plan MUST clearly correspond to the strategies and activities, outcomes, and performance measures presented in the logic model and narrative sections of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

The work plan must, at a minimum, include:

1) A narrative that provides clear description for each part of the proposed logic model and direct linkage to the logic model provided within this Funding Opportunity Announcement (see Logic Model for suggested strategies / outcomes).

2) Process and outcome measures should be written in SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-sensitive) format.

Project Period Outcome:

[from Outcomes section and/or logic model]

Example:

Increased state, local, and tribal capacity to analyze and use data, and to apply the evidence -base to MCH program and policy development.

SMART Outcome Objective:

[should draw on measures in Evaluation and Performance Measurement section]

Example:

# of states and local jurisdictions increase application of skills through # analyses of MCH data by the end of YR 01.

Strategies/Activities

SMART Process Measure:

[from Evaluation and Performance Measurement section]

Responsible Person:

Status: (Update / Completion Date)

Example:

Provide # Training Webinars to MCH Epidemiologists

Example: By January 2016, provide 5 training webinars on emerging methodological issues in MCH epidemiology to MCH epidemiologists in state / local health departments.

Program Coordinator

Two of five webinars complete as of October 15, 2016

e. CDC Monitoring and Accountability Approach Monitoring activities include routine and ongoing communication between CDC and awardees, site visits, and awardee reporting (including work plans, performance, and financial reporting). Consistent with applicable grants regulations and policies, CDC expects the following to be included in post-award monitoring for grants and cooperative agreements:

Tracking awardee progress in achieving the desired outcomes.

Ensuring the adequacy of awardee systems that underlie and generate data reports.

Creating an environment that fosters integrity in program performance and results.

Monitoring may also include the following activities:

Ensuring that work plans are feasible based on the budget and consistent with the intent of the award.

Ensuring that awardees are performing at a sufficient level to achieve outcomes within stated timeframes.

Working with awardees on adjusting the work plan based on achievement of outcomes, evaluation results and changing budgets.

Monitoring performance measures (both programmatic and financial) to assure satisfactory performance levels.

Other activities deemed necessary to monitor the award, if applicable.

These activities may include monitoring and reporting activities that assist grants management staff (e.g., grants management officers and specialists, and project officers) in the identification, notification, and management of high-risk grantees.

f. CDC Program Support to Awardees (THIS SECTION APPLIES ONLY TO COOPERATIVE

AGREEMENTS)

In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. A cooperative agreement is a mechanism under which substantial involvement is anticipated between the Federal agency and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project or activity. Substantial involvement means that the recipient can expect Federal programmatic collaboration or participation in carrying out the effort under the award.

As such, the CDC proposes the following involvement in support of the cooperative agreement:

Provide scientific and programmatic consultation for development and delivery of training, technical assistance, and evaluation activities.

Provide technical resources to assist the awardee in successful project implementation.

Facilitate collaborations, which promote the goals of the project, between other CDC programs (e.g., National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities), other federal agencies (e.g. Health Services Resources Administration, Maternal Child Health Bureau), other partners, and the awardee.

Monitor implementation of awardee project activities, and issue annual program guidance.

Provide critical review of the content of all proposed awardee training, publications, and technical assistance activities.

Provide a synthesis of known best practices and interventions regarding promotion of reproductive and infant health and development of MCH epidemiology and surveillance capacity as subject matter experts.

Monitor development of awardee trainings and partnerships.

Advise awardee on adequacy of the anticipated evaluation methodology.

Review the awardee’s evaluation plan to ensure that it addresses all project activities.

Assess the short-term term outcomes of the project.

Provide critical feedback on work plan activities in order to revise activities as necessary.

Provide guidance and support for translation of project findings.

Support information sharing between awardees in the form of conferences, material development, partner meetings, committees, and conference calls focused on identifying common practices, lessons learned, and evaluation of projects.

B. Award Information

1. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement CDC's substantial involvement in this program appears in the

CDC Program Support to Awardees Section.

2. Award Mechanism:

3. Fiscal Year: 2015 Estimated Total Funding: $1,875,000

4. Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding: $1,875,000

5. Approximate Project Period Funding: $9,375,000

6. Total Project Period Length: 5 year(s)

7. Expected Number of Awards: 3

One award in each category (up to three awards total)

8. Approximate Average Award: $300,000 Per Budget Period

Category A: $300,000; Category B: $300,000; Category C: $250,000

9. Award Ceiling: $1,875,000 Per Budget Period

Category A: $625,000; Category B: $625,000; Category C: $625,000

10. Award Floor: $200,000 Per Budget Period

Category A: $200,000; Category B: $200,000; Category C:$150,000

11. Estimated Award Date: 09/01/2015 Throughout the project period, CDC will continue the award based on the availability of funds, the evidence of satisfactory progress by the awardee (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government. The total number of years for which federal support has been approved (project period) will be shown in the “Notice of Award.” This information does not constitute a commitment by the federal government to fund the entire period. The total project period comprises the initial competitive segment and any subsequent non-competitive continuation award(s).

12. Budget Period Length: 12 month(s)

13. Direct Assistance Direct Assistance (DA) is available through this FOA.

Consistent with the cited authority for this announcement, direct assistance may be available in the form of equipment, supplies and materials, and/or federal personnel. If DA is provided as a part of your award, CDC will reduce the financial assistance award amount provided directly to you as a part of your award. The amount by which your award is reduced will be used to provide DA; the funding shall be deemed part of the award and as having been paid to you, the awardee.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility Category: State governments

County governments City or township governments Special district governments Independent school districts Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses

Government Organizations:

State (includes the District of Columbia) Local governments or their bona fide agents Territorial governments or their bona fide agents in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

State controlled institutions of higher education American Indian or Alaska Native tribal governments (federally recognized or state-recognized)

Non-government Organizations:

American Indian or Alaska native tribally designated organizations

Other:

Private colleges and universities Community-based organizations Faith-based organizations

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

N/A

The award ceiling for this FOA is $1,875,000. CDC will consider any application requesting an award higher than this amount as non- responsive and it will receive no further review. If a pre-application is required, then specify here and include it in the special eligibility requirements section. (http:// www.hhs.gov/ asfr/ ogapa/ aboutog/ hhsgps107.pdf)

3. Justification for Less than Maximum Competition

N/A

4. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf

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

5. Maintenance of Effort

Maintenance of effort is not required for this program.

D. Required Registrations

Additional materials that may be helpful to applicants: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/Financial ReferenceGuide.pdf.

1. Required Registrations An organization must be registered at the three following locations before it can submit an application for funding at www.grants.gov.

a. Data Universal Numbering System: All applicant organizations must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It will be used as the Universal Identifier when applying for federal awards or cooperative agreements.

The applicant organization may request a DUNS number by telephone at 1-866-705-5711 (toll free) or Internet at http:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do. The DUNS number will be provided at no charge.If funds are awarded to an applicant organization that includes sub-awardees, those sub-awardees must provide their DUNS numbers before accepting any funds.

b. System for Award Management (SAM): The SAM is the primary registrant database for the federal government and the repository into which an entity must submit information required to conduct business as an awardee. All applicant organizations must register with SAM, and will be assigned a SAM number. All information relevant to the SAM number must be current at all times during which the applicant has an application under consideration for funding by CDC. If an award is made, the SAM information must be maintained until a final financial report is submitted or the final payment is received, whichever is later. The SAM registration process usually requires not more than five business days, and registration must be renewed annually. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at www.SAM.gov.

c. Grants.gov: The first step in submitting an application online is registering your organization through www.grants.gov, the official HHS E-grant website. Registration information is located at the "Get Registered" option at www.grants.gov.

All applicant organizations must register with www.grants.gov. The one-time registration process usually takes not more than five days to complete. Applicants must start the registration process as early as possible.

2. Request Application Package Applicants may access the application package at www.grants.gov.

3. Application Package Applicants must download the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, package associated with this funding opportunity at www.grants.gov. If Internet access is not available, or if the online forms cannot be accessed, applicants may call the CDC PGO staff at 770-488-2700 or e-mail PGO PGOTIM@cdc.gov for assistance. Persons with hearing loss may access CDC telecommunications at TTY 1-888-232-6348.

4. Submission Dates and Times http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/FinancialReferenceGuide.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/FinancialReferenceGuide.pdf http://www.grants.gov http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do https://www.SAM.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/PGOTIM@cdc.gov%20

4. Submission Dates and Times If the application is not submitted by the deadline published in the FOA, it will not be processed. PGO personnel will notify the applicant that their application did not meet the deadline. The applicant must receive pre-approval to submit a paper application (see Other Submission Requirements section for additional details). If the applicant is authorized to submit a paper application, it must be received by the deadline provided by PGO.

a. Letter of Intent Deadline (must be emailed or postmarked by) N/A

b. Application Deadline Due Date for Applications: 05/18/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov. If Grants.gov is inoperable and cannot receive applications, and circumstances preclude advance notification of an extension, then applications must be submitted by the first business day on which grants.gov operations resume.

Date for Informational Conference Call: 03/25/2015

CDC will conduct an informational conference call for interested applicants on March 25, 2015 at 2pm Eastern Standard Time.

The call-in information is: 1 (877) 775-8419 Passcode: 22860968

5. CDC Assurances and Certifications All applicants are required to sign and submit “Assurances and Certifications” documents indicated at http://www.cdc.gov/grants/interestedinapplying/applicationprocess.html.

Complete the applicable assurances and certifications on an annual basis, name the file “Assurances and Certifications” and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov Complete the applicable assurances and certifications and submit them directly to CDC on an annual basis at http://wwwn.cdc. gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/ Homepage.aspx

Assurances and certifications…