cdc-rfa-eh15-1501.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Environmental Health

National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) - National

Environmental Public Health Tracking Network

CDC-RFA-EH15-1501

Application Due Date: 05/01/2015

National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) - National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network

CDC-RFA-EH15-1501

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-EH15-1501. 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:

National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) - National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network 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-nonresearc h.pdf.

D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-EH15-1501

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

93.070 F. Dates:

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

2. Due Date for Applications:

3. Date for Informational Conference Call:

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

This cooperative agreement will support the ongoing collaboration with the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) to assist in the development of standards and principles to effectively administer and/or integrate public health statistics and information systems into the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network). NAPHSIS will also develop and/or disseminate Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (Tracking Program) activities and products to promote greater collaboration among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals that provide environmental and health data information to policy makers and the public.

a. Eligible Applicants:

b. FOA Type:

c. Approximate Number of Awards:

d. Total Project Period Funding:

e. Average One Year Award Amount:

f. Number of Years of Award:

g. Estimated Award Date:

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements:

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

In September 2000, the Pew Environmental Health Commission issued a report entitled “America’s Environmental Health Gap: Why the Country Needs a Nationwide Health Tracking Network.” In this report, the Commission documented that existing environmental health systems were inadequate and fragmented and recommended the development of a “Nationwide Health Tracking Network for disease and exposures.” In response to this report, Congress appropriated funds in the fiscal year 2002’s budget for the CDC to address this issue.

What is Environmental Public Health Tracking (Tracking)?

Tracking is the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data from environmental hazard monitoring, and from human exposure and health effects surveillance. These data are gathered from a variety of national, state, and local sources, and are critical for preventing and controlling disease in populations. For instance, having accurate and timely data integrated into a Tracking system grants public health authorities greater 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

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-EH15-1501. 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:

National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) - National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network 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-nonresearc h.pdf.

D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-EH15-1501

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

93.070 F. Dates:

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

2. Due Date for Applications: 05/01/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call: N/A

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

This cooperative agreement will support the ongoing collaboration with the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) to assist in the development of standards and principles to effectively administer and/or integrate public health statistics and information systems into the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network). NAPHSIS will also develop and/or disseminate Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (Tracking Program) activities and products to promote greater collaboration among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals that provide environmental and health data information to policy makers and the public.

a. Eligible Applicants: Single

b. FOA Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 1

d. Total Project Period Funding: $375,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $125,000

f. Number of Years of Award: 3

g. Estimated Award Date: 07/01/2015

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

In September 2000, the Pew Environmental Health Commission issued a report entitled “America’s Environmental Health Gap: Why the Country Needs a Nationwide Health Tracking Network.” In this report, the Commission documented that existing environmental health systems were inadequate and fragmented and recommended the development of a “Nationwide Health Tracking Network for disease and exposures.” In response to this report, Congress appropriated funds in the fiscal year 2002’s budget for the CDC to address this issue.

What is Environmental Public Health Tracking (Tracking)?

Tracking is the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data from environmental hazard monitoring, and from human exposure and health effects surveillance. These data are gathered from a variety of national, state, and local sources, and are critical for preventing and controlling disease in populations. For instance, having accurate and timely data integrated into a Tracking system grants public health authorities greater 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 efficiency in determining temporal and spatial trends in disease and potential environmental exposures, identifying at-risk populations, and developing and evaluating the effectiveness of policy and environmental public health interventions. Furthermore, the availability of these types of data in a standardized network enable researchers, public health authorities, healthcare practitioners, and the public to have a better understanding about the possible associations between the environment and health effects.

What is the National Tracking Network?

A fundamental characteristic of Tracking is its emphasis on data integration across health outcome, human exposure, and environmental hazard monitoring information systems. The National Tracking Network (Tracking Network) provides standardized data from multiple environmental hazard monitoring, human exposure, and health effects surveillance systems that include linkage of these data as part of regular Tracking activities. The Tracking Network builds on separate ongoing efforts within the environmental and public health sectors to improve health tracking, environmental hazard monitoring, and overall response capacity. Nevertheless, the development of the Tracking Network continues to depend on the availability, quality, timeliness, compatibility, and utility of existing environmental hazard, human exposure, and health outcome data.

Since its establishment, the major functions of the Tracking Network are to:

• Enable compilation of a core set of nationally consistent measures for health, exposure, and environmental hazard data;

• Discover, describe, exchange, analyze, and manage Tracking data;

• Make tools available for managing, analyzing, and displaying Tracking data; and

• Provide environmental public health information to decision-makers and the public.

As such, building and maintaining the Tracking Network requires the assistance and coordination of many individuals, agencies/organizations, and institutions. Currently, CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (Tracking Program) funds 26 state and local health departments to develop local tracking networks, which feed into the National Tracking Network, and works collaboratively with several prominent national partners to maintain and enhance the capabilities and reach of the Tracking Network.

The CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking Program and NAPHSIS Since 2002, the CDC Tracking Program has developed workforce capacity to address the above-mentioned issues and has provided tools and infrastructure to support this workforce. Data that was previously disjointed is now available in a nationally standardized format (i.e., Tracking Network), which allows programs to begin bridging the gap between health outcomes and the environment.

This cooperative agreement will support the ongoing collaboration with the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) to assist with the development of standards and principles to effectively administer or integrate public health statistics and information systems into the Tracking Network. NAPHSIS will also develop and/or disseminate Tracking Program activities and products to promote greater collaboration among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals that provide environmental and health data information to policy makers and the public.

b. Statutory Authorities

This program is authorized under Section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. Section 247b(k)(2)), as amended.

c. Healthy People 2020

Healthy People 2020 contains national objectives to improve the health of all Americans by encouraging collaborations across sectors, guiding people toward making informed health decisions, and measuring the impact of prevention activities. This program addresses the Healthy People 2020 topics and objectives of:

• Environmental Health - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/environmental-health ;

• Health Communication and Health Information Technology - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and -health-information-technology; and

• Public Health Infrastructure - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/public-health-infrastructure .

Additional information on Healthy People 2020 is available at http://www.healthypeople.gov.

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies

This announcement is consistent with priorities and strategies of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/partners.htm). This FOA also aligns and supports other relevant CDC program strategies including the National Asthma Control Program, the Climate and Health Program, and ATSDR’s Program to Promote Localized Efforts to Reduce Environmental Exposure (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/related.htm). These programs address core public health areas such as environmental health, chronic disease, and health communication that contribute to prevention and health promotion efforts utilizing Tracking Network data.

Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the following goals of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Strategic Plan:

• Implement environmental health programs and interventions to protect and promote health; and

• Identify, characterize, and monitor health outcomes and environmental exposures to guide actions that protect and promote health.

In addition, this program can address aspects of the current NCEH/ATSDR Priorities, which include reducing asthma morbidity and mortality, protecting children from the health risks of harmful exposures and conditions, and ensuring safe drinking water.

e. Relevant Work https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/environmental-health https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and-health-information-technology https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and-health-information-technology https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/public-health-infrastructure http://www.healthypeople.gov/ http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/partners.htm http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/related.htm efficiency in determining temporal and spatial trends in disease and potential environmental exposures, identifying at-risk populations, and developing and evaluating the effectiveness of policy and environmental public health interventions. Furthermore, the availability of these types of data in a standardized network enable researchers, public health authorities, healthcare practitioners, and the public to have a better understanding about the possible associations between the environment and health effects.

What is the National Tracking Network?

A fundamental characteristic of Tracking is its emphasis on data integration across health outcome, human exposure, and environmental hazard monitoring information systems. The National Tracking Network (Tracking Network) provides standardized data from multiple environmental hazard monitoring, human exposure, and health effects surveillance systems that include linkage of these data as part of regular Tracking activities. The Tracking Network builds on separate ongoing efforts within the environmental and public health sectors to improve health tracking, environmental hazard monitoring, and overall response capacity. Nevertheless, the development of the Tracking Network continues to depend on the availability, quality, timeliness, compatibility, and utility of existing environmental hazard, human exposure, and health outcome data.

Since its establishment, the major functions of the Tracking Network are to:

• Enable compilation of a core set of nationally consistent measures for health, exposure, and environmental hazard data;

• Discover, describe, exchange, analyze, and manage Tracking data;

• Make tools available for managing, analyzing, and displaying Tracking data; and

• Provide environmental public health information to decision-makers and the public.

As such, building and maintaining the Tracking Network requires the assistance and coordination of many individuals, agencies/organizations, and institutions. Currently, CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (Tracking Program) funds 26 state and local health departments to develop local tracking networks, which feed into the National Tracking Network, and works collaboratively with several prominent national partners to maintain and enhance the capabilities and reach of the Tracking Network.

The CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking Program and NAPHSIS Since 2002, the CDC Tracking Program has developed workforce capacity to address the above-mentioned issues and has provided tools and infrastructure to support this workforce. Data that was previously disjointed is now available in a nationally standardized format (i.e., Tracking Network), which allows programs to begin bridging the gap between health outcomes and the environment.

This cooperative agreement will support the ongoing collaboration with the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) to assist with the development of standards and principles to effectively administer or integrate public health statistics and information systems into the Tracking Network. NAPHSIS will also develop and/or disseminate Tracking Program activities and products to promote greater collaboration among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals that provide environmental and health data information to policy makers and the public.

b. Statutory Authorities

This program is authorized under Section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. Section 247b(k)(2)), as amended.

c. Healthy People 2020

Healthy People 2020 contains national objectives to improve the health of all Americans by encouraging collaborations across sectors, guiding people toward making informed health decisions, and measuring the impact of prevention activities. This program addresses the Healthy People 2020 topics and objectives of:

• Environmental Health - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/environmental-health ;

• Health Communication and Health Information Technology - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and -health-information-technology; and

• Public Health Infrastructure - https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/public-health-infrastructure .

Additional information on Healthy People 2020 is available at http://www.healthypeople.gov.

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies

This announcement is consistent with priorities and strategies of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/partners.htm). This FOA also aligns and supports other relevant CDC program strategies including the National Asthma Control Program, the Climate and Health Program, and ATSDR’s Program to Promote Localized Efforts to Reduce Environmental Exposure (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/related.htm). These programs address core public health areas such as environmental health, chronic disease, and health communication that contribute to prevention and health promotion efforts utilizing Tracking Network data.

Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the following goals of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Strategic Plan:

• Implement environmental health programs and interventions to protect and promote health; and

• Identify, characterize, and monitor health outcomes and environmental exposures to guide actions that protect and promote health.

In addition, this program can address aspects of the current NCEH/ATSDR Priorities, which include reducing asthma morbidity and mortality, protecting children from the health risks of harmful exposures and conditions, and ensuring safe drinking water.

e. Relevant Work https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/environmental-health https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and-health-information-technology https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/health-communication-and-health-information-technology https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/public-health-infrastructure http://www.healthypeople.gov/ http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/partners.htm http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/related.htm

This cooperative agreement will continue to build upon the previous work completed by NAPHSIS under CDC-RFA-EH07-705 and CDC-RFA-EH10-1004. An example of deliverables completed by NAPHSIS includes their development of a model Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document for the Tracking Program. The MOU, which involved a jurisdiction’s vital records/health statistics unit and the respective Tracking Program grantee, helped to establish a substantive partnership between the agencies involved. The synergies created and activities conducted under the MOU enhanced coordination of services and information exchange. It also facilitated the utilization of resources through improved data sharing. This model MOU was made available to all Tracking Program grantees through the NAPHSIS website.

In addition, NAPHSIS has provided technical expertise to Tracking Program staff and grantees during the pre-implementation, implementation, and maintenance phases of the National Tracking Network. For instance, former NAPHSIS Executive Director, Garland Land, was selected as a co-lead of the vital statistics data team within the Tracking Program Content Workgroup (CWG). The mission of the CWG is to promote collaboration among CDC, its grantees, and other partners about content for the Tracking Network, and to facilitate the development of necessary methodologies for collecting and organizing that content. Accessing vital statistics data is a primary concern of the CWG and having a NAPHSIS representative in this group is critical for its success.

NAPHSIS has also actively participated in Tracking Program conferences and has included the Tracking Network as a subject matter represented at their organization's annual national meeting. In addition, NAPHSIS has hosted Tracking Program content on its website (http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/home.aspx ) and has shared Tracking Program updates with its membership through various channels. Currently, Tracking Program content is listed under the Featured Projects section and it highlights various Tracking Program resources and links (http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/EnvironmentalPublicHealthTrackingOV.aspx ).

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

Inputs Strategies and Activities Outputs

CDC Tracking Program Funding

Staff/Grantee/Partner Expertise and Organizational Resources

Content Workgroups and Ad-hoc Task Groups

Annual Meetings

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network

Maintenance and Enhancement of the CDC Tracking Network

Assist in the development of content and indicators for CDC Tracking Network Display and distribute environmental and health outcomes data on the National Tracking Network Increase access to environmental, health care, and vital statistics data

Engage Partners and Promote Awareness of the CDC Tracking Network

Encourage data sharing and data distribution among program partners Promote awareness and use of the National Tracking Network

Standardized National Environmental and Health Surveillance Data Available Through the National Tracking

Increased Number of Meaningful Partnerships Among Tracking Network Stakeholders and Partners

Robust Inventory of Standardized Tools, Resources, and Messages

Evidence Based Interventions and Programs Using Tracking Network Data http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/home.aspx http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/EnvironmentalPublicHealthTrackingOV.aspx

This cooperative agreement will continue to build upon the previous work completed by NAPHSIS under CDC-RFA-EH07-705 and CDC-RFA-EH10-1004. An example of deliverables completed by NAPHSIS includes their development of a model Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document for the Tracking Program. The MOU, which involved a jurisdiction’s vital records/health statistics unit and the respective Tracking Program grantee, helped to establish a substantive partnership between the agencies involved. The synergies created and activities conducted under the MOU enhanced coordination of services and information exchange. It also facilitated the utilization of resources through improved data sharing. This model MOU was made available to all Tracking Program grantees through the NAPHSIS website.

In addition, NAPHSIS has provided technical expertise to Tracking Program staff and grantees during the pre-implementation, implementation, and maintenance phases of the National Tracking Network. For instance, former NAPHSIS Executive Director, Garland Land, was selected as a co-lead of the vital statistics data team within the Tracking Program Content Workgroup (CWG). The mission of the CWG is to promote collaboration among CDC, its grantees, and other partners about content for the Tracking Network, and to facilitate the development of necessary methodologies for collecting and organizing that content. Accessing vital statistics data is a primary concern of the CWG and having a NAPHSIS representative in this group is critical for its success.

NAPHSIS has also actively participated in Tracking Program conferences and has included the Tracking Network as a subject matter represented at their organization's annual national meeting. In addition, NAPHSIS has hosted Tracking Program content on its website (http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/home.aspx ) and has shared Tracking Program updates with its membership through various channels. Currently, Tracking Program content is listed under the Featured Projects section and it highlights various Tracking Program resources and links (http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/EnvironmentalPublicHealthTrackingOV.aspx ).

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

Outputs Short-Term Outcomes Mid-Term Outcomes

Long-Term Outcomes

Standardized National Environmental and Health Surveillance Data Available Through the National Tracking

Meaningful Partnerships Among Tracking Network Stakeholders and Partners

Robust Inventory of Standardized Tools, Resources, and Messages

Evidence Based Interventions and Programs Using Tracking Network Data

Subject Matter Experts Use National Consistent Data and Measures from Tracking Network*

Increased State and Local Capacity to Support Stronger Environmental Public Health Programs/Departments*

Increased Number of Informed Environmental Public Health Workforce and Public Users*

Increased Efficiency in Identifying Trends and Potential Associations Between Health and Hazard Data*

Data Informs Public Health Actions and Policy by Public Health Decision Makers, Policy Makers, and Community Groups*

Public health and environmental professionals develop and deliver strong informed programs, targeted interventions, and policies to address environmental health issues*

Communities Improve their

Health Outcomes http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/home.aspx http://www.naphsis.org/Pages/EnvironmentalPublicHealthTrackingOV.aspx

Identify, Develop, and Distribute Tracking-Relevant Tools and Messaging

Identify, develop, and distribute tools for data utilization and practices that integrate environmental and health information from a variety of sources Develop and distribute relevant guidance and messaging

Collaborate to Develop, Implement, and Advance Public Health Programs and Policies

Outcomes with an (*) are project period outcomes that the grantee, in collaboration with the Tracking Program, is expected to fulfill.

i. Purpose

The purpose of the Tracking Program is to establish and maintain a National Tracking Network, a web-based and secure network of standardized electronic data, to obtain integrated health and environmental data, and use it to provide information in support of actions that improve the health of communities. The Tracking Program also aims to build state and local public health capacity in the area of environmental health surveillance. This funding opportunity announcement will provide support to NAPHSIS for its ongoing collaboration, assistance, and promotion of the Tracking Program and Tracking Network.

ii. Outcomes

The Awardee is expected to achieve the short- and mid-term outcomes specified in the logic model within the three-year project period. These outcomes will be achieved as a result of the Awardee's collaborative efforts with Tracking Program staff and grantees.

Short- and Mid-term Outcomes -

• Subject matter experts use National Consistent Data and Measures (NCDM) from Tracking Network.

• Increased state and local capacity to support stronger environmental public health programs/departments.

• Increased number of informed environmental public health workforce and public users.

• Increased efficiency in identifying trends and potential associations between health and hazard data.

• Data informs public health actions and policy by public health decision makers, policy makers, and community groups.

• Public health and environmental professionals develop and deliver strong informed programs, targeted interventions, and policies to address environmental health issues

It is expected that the short- and mid-term outcomes achieved under this FOA will contribute beyond the project period to the following long-term outcome:

• Communities improve their health outcomes.

NAPHSIS will help the Tracking Program and its grantees achieve the intended outcomes by following the strategies and activities listed in the subsequent section (iii. Strategies and Activities).

iii. Strategies and Activities

The logic model presents the strategies and activities to be undertaken by the Awardee to achieve the project period outcomes. The following content presents a more detailed description of requested Awardee activities for this FOA.

Maintenance and enhancement of the CDC Tracking Network:

Assist in the development of content and indicators for the CDC Tracking Network by:

Promoting increased participation of its members in the development of nationally consistent data and measures for the state and national Tracking Networks;

Providing support for improving the validity of the indicators that are developed from special projects (e.g., Electronic health records (EHRs) or Sub county data); and

Outcomes with an (*) are project period outcomes that the grantee, in collaboration with the Tracking Program, is expected to fulfill.

i. Purpose

The purpose of the Tracking Program is to establish and maintain a National Tracking Network, a web-based and secure network of standardized electronic data, to obtain integrated health and environmental data, and use it to provide information in support of actions that improve the health of communities. The Tracking Program also aims to build state and local public health capacity in the area of environmental health surveillance. This funding opportunity announcement will provide support to NAPHSIS for its ongoing collaboration, assistance, and promotion of the Tracking Program and Tracking Network.

ii. Outcomes

The Awardee is expected to achieve the short- and mid-term outcomes specified in the logic model within the three-year project period. These outcomes will be achieved as a result of the Awardee's collaborative efforts with Tracking Program staff and grantees.

Short- and Mid-term Outcomes -

• Subject matter experts use National Consistent Data and Measures (NCDM) from Tracking Network.

• Increased state and local capacity to support stronger environmental public health programs/departments.

• Increased number of informed environmental public health workforce and public users.

• Increased efficiency in identifying trends and potential associations between health and hazard data.

• Data informs public health actions and policy by public health decision makers, policy makers, and community groups.

• Public health and environmental professionals develop and deliver strong informed programs, targeted interventions, and policies to address environmental health issues

It is expected that the short- and mid-term outcomes achieved under this FOA will contribute beyond the project period to the following long-term outcome:

• Communities improve their health outcomes.

NAPHSIS will help the Tracking Program and its grantees achieve the intended outcomes by following the strategies and activities listed in the subsequent section (iii. Strategies and Activities).

iii. Strategies and Activities

The logic model presents the strategies and activities to be undertaken by the Awardee to achieve the project period outcomes. The following content presents a more detailed description of requested Awardee activities for this FOA.

Maintenance and enhancement of the CDC Tracking Network:

Assist in the development of content and indicators for the CDC Tracking Network by:

Promoting increased participation of its members in the development of nationally consistent data and measures for the state and national Tracking Networks;

Providing support for improving the validity of the indicators that are developed from special projects (e.g., Electronic health records (EHRs) or Sub county data); and

Participating in designated CDC Tracking Network workgroups, including the Content Workgroup and related teams, and the Standards and Network Development workgroup. The membership of these workgroups consists of representatives from Tracking grantee jurisdictions. The workgroups advise CDC on developing and recommending content information for inclusion on the national and state Tracking Networks.

Workgroup activities, when necessary, will comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (e.g., Vital Records Work Group).

Display and distribute environmental and health outcomes data on the National Tracking Network by:

Providing feedback to CDC about the information displayed by the Tracking Network, which is related to current indicators and data about vital records.

Increase access to environmental, health care, and vital statistics data by:

Promoting the role of vital records in the development of the Tracking Network to the Tracking Program’s stakeholders and partners; and Serving as an information resource on environmental public health data and vital records for its members.

Engage partners and promote awareness of the CDC Tracking Network:

Encourage data sharing and data distribution among program partners by:

Facilitating the development of positive working relationships between Tracking Program grantees, and their vital records data stewards.

Promote awareness and use of the Tracking Network by:

Increasing awareness of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) data, and how vital records data can be used to monitor environmentally related illnesses among NAPHSIS membership. NAPHSIS and its membership (state vital records registrars) will work with CDC to promote collaboration and facilitate the discussion among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals in providing environmental and health data information to policy makers;

Utilizing the NAPHSIS newsletter, Website, its national conference, and mailing lists to communicate Tracking Program activities, research projects, and developing practices; and Participating in appropriate national conferences on behalf of the Tracking Program (e.g., CSTE Annual Meeting).

Identify, develop, and distribute Tracking-relevant tools and messaging:

Identify, develop, and distribute tools for data utilization and practices that integrate environmental and health information from a variety of sources by:

Working with CDC, states and local grantees to develop electronic vital records reporting systems to ensure Public Health Information Network- (PHIN) compatibility that would promote data interoperability across public health systems; and Providing expertise on state public health information systems and web-based query systems, and participate in the creation of essential analyses, visualization, and reporting tools, (AVR), to be used by state and local networks.

Develop and distribute relevant guidance and messaging by:

Disseminating Tracking Program materials at NAPHSIS workshops that focus on the role of vital statistics in the Tracking Network and conduct education sessions at all national and regional NAPHSIS meetings;

Assisting CDC in disseminating program information from the Tracking Program to educate and inform policy makers, stakeholders, and the public using a variety of media channels; and Participating in the Tracking Program Conference and workshops, as well as all regional NAPHSIS meetings, and developing a conference session/presentation focusing on vital records role in the Tracking Network (i.e., data utilization).

Collaborate to develop, implement, and advance public health programs and policies:

Participate in conference calls with CDC and other funded Tracking Program grantees, and collaborate with national organizations to advance public health programs and policies relevant to the CDC Tracking Program.

As indicated in the logic model, these grantee activities will produce a series of powerful outputs that will drive the project period outcomes. The outputs for this FOA consist of the following:

• Standardized national environmental and health surveillance data available through the National Tracking Network;

• Increased number of meaningful partnerships among Tracking Network stakeholders and partners;

• Robust inventory of standardized tools, resources, and messages; and

• Increased number of evidence based interventions and programs using Tracking data.

1.Collaborations

a. With CDC-funded programs:

The Applicant is required to provide technical expertise to CDC Tracking Program and Tracking Program funded grantees during the pre-implementation, implementation, and maintenance phases of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. The grantees are in various stages of the implementation and maintenance phases of the Tracking Network, including two newly funded state partners who are working through the pre-implementation and implementation phases. Therefore, the technical expertise required by grantees will vary greatly depending on their needs and progress.

The Applicant is required to collaborate with other CDC-funded programs that focus on related issues and activities when interests align. These should include, but are not limited to, participants in the National Center for Health Statistics, National Asthma Control Program, the Climate and Health Program, and ATSDR’s Program to Promote Localized Efforts to Reduce Environmental Exposures, for the purposes of sharing data, developing consistent definitions and measures, and creating appropriate tools for demonstrating alignment between surveillance findings and program efforts.

b. With organizations external to CDC:

Participating in designated CDC Tracking Network workgroups, including the Content Workgroup and related teams, and the Standards and Network Development workgroup. The membership of these workgroups consists of representatives from Tracking grantee jurisdictions. The workgroups advise CDC on developing and recommending content information for inclusion on the national and state Tracking Networks.

Workgroup activities, when necessary, will comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (e.g., Vital Records Work Group).

Display and distribute environmental and health outcomes data on the National Tracking Network by:

Providing feedback to CDC about the information displayed by the Tracking Network, which is related to current indicators and data about vital records.

Increase access to environmental, health care, and vital statistics data by:

Promoting the role of vital records in the development of the Tracking Network to the Tracking Program’s stakeholders and partners; and Serving as an information resource on environmental public health data and vital records for its members.

Engage partners and promote awareness of the CDC Tracking Network:

Encourage data sharing and data distribution among program partners by:

Facilitating the development of positive working relationships between Tracking Program grantees, and their vital records data stewards.

Promote awareness and use of the Tracking Network by:

Increasing awareness of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) data, and how vital records data can be used to monitor environmentally related illnesses among NAPHSIS membership. NAPHSIS and its membership (state vital records registrars) will work with CDC to promote collaboration and facilitate the discussion among vital records, health statistics, and health information systems professionals in providing environmental and health data information to policy makers;

Utilizing the NAPHSIS newsletter, Website, its national conference, and mailing lists to communicate Tracking Program activities, research projects, and developing practices; and Participating in appropriate national conferences on behalf of the Tracking Program (e.g., CSTE Annual Meeting).

Identify, develop, and distribute Tracking-relevant tools and messaging:

Identify, develop, and distribute tools for data utilization and practices that integrate environmental and health information from a variety of sources by:

Working with CDC, states and local grantees to develop electronic vital records reporting systems to ensure Public Health Information Network- (PHIN) compatibility that would promote data interoperability across public health systems; and Providing expertise on state public health information systems and web-based query systems, and participate in the creation of essential analyses, visualization, and reporting tools, (AVR), to be used by state and local networks.

Develop and distribute relevant guidance and messaging by:

Disseminating Tracking Program materials at NAPHSIS workshops that focus on the role of vital statistics in the Tracking Network and conduct education sessions at all national and regional NAPHSIS meetings;

Assisting CDC in disseminating program information from the Tracking Program to educate and inform policy makers, stakeholders, and the public using a variety of media channels; and Participating in the Tracking Program Conference and workshops, as well as all regional NAPHSIS meetings, and developing a conference session/presentation focusing on vital records role in the Tracking Network (i.e., data utilization).

Collaborate to develop, implement, and advance public health programs and policies:

Participate in conference calls with CDC and other funded Tracking Program grantees, and collaborate with national organizations to advance public health programs and policies relevant to the CDC Tracking Program.

As indicated in the logic model, these grantee activities will produce a series of powerful outputs that will drive the project period outcomes. The outputs for this FOA consist of the following:

• Standardized national environmental and health surveillance data available through the National Tracking Network;

• Increased number of meaningful partnerships among Tracking Network stakeholders and partners;

• Robust inventory of standardized tools, resources, and messages; and

• Increased number of evidence based interventions and programs using Tracking data.

1.Collaborations

a. With CDC-funded programs:

The Applicant is required to provide technical expertise to CDC Tracking Program and Tracking Program funded grantees during the pre-implementation, implementation, and maintenance phases of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. The grantees are in various stages of the implementation and maintenance phases of the Tracking Network, including two newly funded state partners who are working through the pre-implementation and implementation phases. Therefore, the technical expertise required by grantees will vary greatly depending on their needs and progress.

The Applicant is required to collaborate with other CDC-funded programs that focus on related issues and activities when interests align. These should include, but are not limited to, participants in the National Center for Health Statistics, National Asthma Control Program, the Climate and Health Program, and ATSDR’s Program to Promote Localized Efforts to Reduce Environmental Exposures, for the purposes of sharing data, developing consistent definitions and measures, and creating appropriate tools for demonstrating alignment between surveillance findings and program efforts.

b. With organizations external to CDC:

The Applicant is required to collaborate with several key partners, including state registrars and directors of vital statistics in the United States and its territories. Other potential collaborations may include the following agencies/organizations:

• Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Association for State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

• Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE)

• Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP)

• Council of Professional Associations of Federal Statistics (COPAFS)

2. Target Populations

N/A

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 CDC Tracking Program will work with the Awardee to develop and implement an evaluation plan and ensure accurate evaluation and performance measurement reporting. CDC will leverage information collected from the Awardee and other Tracking Program-funded partners to demonstrate the impact of the program on the public’s health.

The Awardee should collect information, such as process and outcome measures, for all relevant strategies and activities presented in the Approach and logic model, including but not limited to:

Maintenance and enhancement of the CDC Tracking Network Evidence of participation in designated CDC Tracking Network Workgroups;

Evidence of increased participation of NAPHSIS membership in the development of NCDM; and Evidence of feedback provided to CDC about information displayed by the Tracking Network.

Engage partners and promote awareness of the CDC Tracking Network Number and types of channels through which data and findings were disseminated to its membership; and Number of national conferences attended on behalf of the Tracking Program.

Identify, develop, and distribute relevant tools and messaging Number and types of Tracking Program materials distributed at NAPHSIS workshops;

Number and types of Tracking-related education sessions conducted at national and regional NAPHSIS meetings; and Evidence of participation in all Tracking Program conferences and workshops.

Collaborate to develop, implement, and advance public health programs and policies Evidence of participation in conference calls with CDC and other funded Tracking Program grantees.

The Awardee should also collect information to evaluate progress made towards achieving project period outcomes, including but not limited to:

Subject matter experts use National Consistent Data and Measures (NCDM) from Tracking Network

NAPHSIS membership and stakeholders know of and use NCDM data from the Tracking Network.

Increased state and local capacity to support stronger environmental public health programs/departments

NAPHSIS membership recognize importance of accurate and timely vital statistics data in building stronger environmental public health programs.

Increased number of informed environmental public health workforce and public users

Evidence of increased awareness of Tracking data by NAPHSIS membership.

Increased efficiency in identifying trends and potential associations between health and hazard data

Participation in the creation of essential analyses, visualization, and reporting tools (AVR), to be used by state and local networks.

Data informs public health actions and policy on the part of public health decision makers, policy makers, and community groups

Evidence of Tracking data use provided in progress reports.

Public health and environmental professionals develop and deliver strong informed programs, targeted interventions, and policies to address environmental health issues

Evidence of Tracking data used in developing informed programs, targeted interventions, and policies that address environmental health issues.

Performance and outcome measures collected by the Awardee will be reported to CDC in the Awardee's annual progress report. This report will assist CDC in tracking the implementation of awardee strategies and activities, as well as identifying programmatic barriers and solutions.

ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan

The Applicant is required to collaborate with several key partners, including state registrars and directors of vital statistics in the United States…