cdc-rfa-oe16-1601 amend 1.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services

National Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice

CDC-RFA-OE16-1601

Application Due Date: 03/07/2016

National Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice

CDC-RFA-OE16-1601

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-OE16-1601. 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 Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice 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.

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-OE16-1601

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

93.852 F. Dates:

1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI): 02/01/2016

2. Due Date for Applications: 03/07/2016, 11:59 p.m.

U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call: 01/25/2016 Informational conference call for potential applicants: Time of call will be 3:00pm eastern.

Telephone: 1-800-621-7762 Participant Passcode: 6090364

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) promotes and advances development of a system for timely exchange of syndromic data and information to improve nationwide situational awareness and enhance responsiveness to hazardous events and disease outbreaks. Syndromic data include patient encounter data from emergency departments, urgent care, ambulatory care, and inpatient health care settings, as well as data from pharmacies and laboratories. NSSP is a collaboration among local, state, and national public health agencies, other federal agencies, hospitals and health care professionals. The NSSP includes two components: 1) the NSSP community of practice (NSSP CoP); and 2) the BioSense Platform, a secure cloud-based platform for facilitating the receipt, storage and management of syndromic surveillance (SyS) data that is informed by an NSSP stakeholder group comprising partners and BioSense Platform users. The purpose of this announcement is to fund an organization to collaborate with CDC to formalize, manage and maintain the NSSP CoP and thereby advance the development and improvement of SyS practice among a broad range of public health practitioners and stakeholders. Activities that will be supported include 1) http://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov http://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.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 broad range of public health practitioners and stakeholders. Activities that will be supported include 1) establishing an NSSP CoP steering committee, mission and charter; 2) establishing the technical infrastructure and collaboration tools to support an online NSSP CoP presence; 3) implementing and maintaining the NSSP CoP; and 4) developing and implementing strategies to recruit, engage and retain NSSP CoP members. The applicant must have demonstrated expertise and experience in epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, informatics program planning and performance management, evaluation, budget management and administration, organizational development and personnel management (including developing staffing plans). Applicant must demonstrate the organizational capacity to establish, formalize and maintain a distributed SyS community of practice that can transfer ideas and knowledge among members and promotes innovation.

a. Eligible Applicants: Open Competition

b. FOA Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 1

d. Total Project Period Funding: $1,200,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $400,000

f. Number of Years of Award: 3

g. Estimated Award Date: 07/01/2016

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 CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) promotes and advances development of a system for timely exchange of syndromic data and information to improve nationwide situational awareness and enhance responsiveness to hazardous events and disease outbreaks. Syndromic data include patient encounter data from emergency departments, urgent care, ambulatory care, and inpatient health care settings, as well as data from pharmacies and laboratories. NSSP is a collaboration among local, state, and national public health agencies, other federal agencies, hospitals and health care professionals. The NSSP includes two components: 1) the NSSP community of practice (NSSP CoP); and 2) the BioSense Platform, a secure cloud-based platform for facilitating the receipt, storage and management of syndromic surveillance (SyS) data that is informed by an NSSP stakeholder group comprising partners and BioSense Platform users.

This cooperative agreement will fund an organization to collaborate with CDC to formalize, cultivate, manage and maintain the NSSP CoP. This NSSP CoP provides a formal venue to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration across the SyS community. Membership in NSSP’s CoP is voluntary and may include a broad range of SyS practitioners and stakeholders, including the grantees (states and local health jurisdictions) funded through CDC-RFA-OE15-1502 National Syndromic Surveillance Program:

Enhancing Syndromic Surveillance Capacity and Practice; non-funded states and local health jurisdictions that contribute data to the BioSense Platform; CDC programs, and other federal agencies, partner organizations, hospitals, health care professionals, and academic institutions.

A community of practice (CoP) is defined as a “group of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise by interacting on an ongoing basis” (Wenger et al. 2002). The three elements that constitute a CoP are a community that enables interaction (e.g.

discussions, collaborative activities, and relationship building); a shared domain of interest (e.g. SyS); and a shared practice of experiences, tools, and ways of working successfully (e.g. working across jurisdictions, sharing of best SyS practices and success stories). Because CoPs are characterized by a community of individuals bound by a common interest and practice (in this case, the use of SyS data to detect and characterize public health issues), they can create trusted relationships for the exchange of ideas and problem solving among its members.

The NSSP CoP will provide numerous benefits:

improved communications with CDC and SyS grantees, partners and stakeholders increased capacity to conduct SyS through enhanced coordination across jurisdictions and organizations a forum for problem solving an established mechanism for receiving technical assistance more efficient use of resources through collaborative efforts access to SyS subject matter experts peer to peer mentoring access to a repository of SyS tools and resources shared success stories and lessons learned a shared professional identity

The awardee is expected to use current best practices to develop, maintain and evaluate the NSSP CoP.

Applicants proposed approach should include a variety of online collaboration tools and resources to support a geographically dispersed community. The awardee will collaborate with CDC to

1) establish an NSSP CoP steering committee, mission, and charter; 2) develop a variety of online learning and knowledge-sharing forums and strategies; 3) create a content management process and repository of SyS tools and resources; 4) identify and document success stories and best practices; 5) establish peer-to-peer mentoring and technical assistance; and 6) map members knowledge and identify gaps.

b. Statutory Authorities Public Health Service Act Sections 319D [42 U.S.C. 247d-4] and Section 301a of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 241a), as amended

c. Healthy People 2020 This program addresses the “Healthy People 2020” focus area(s) of Health Communication and Health Information Technology, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Immunizations and Infectious Diseases and Public Health Infrastructure http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/ topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=18 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/ topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=17 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/ topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=23 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/ topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=35 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=18 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=17 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=23 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=35

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies Meaningful Use http://www.cdc.gov/ehrmeaningfuluse/ National Health Security Strategy http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/ authority/nhss/Pages /default.aspx Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 http://www.gpo.gov /fdsys/pkg/ ;PLAW-107publ188/html/PLAW-107publ188.htm Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (PAHPHA) https://www.govtrack.us /congress/bills/113/hr307/text Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning http://www .cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/DSLR_capabilities_July.pdf Core Capability 6: Information Sharing http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/capability6.pdf Core Capability 13: Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Investigation http://www.cdc.gov /phpr/capabilities/capability13.pdf

e. Relevant Work

This FOA builds on current CDC program activities under CDC-RFA-OE15-1502 National Syndromic Surveillance Program: Enhancing Syndromic Surveillance Capacity and Practice. http://www.cdc.gov/nssp/foa.html .

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

Bold indicates project period outcome.

CDC-RFA-OE16-1601 National Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice

Logic Model: (NSSP CoP)

* BOLD indicates project period outcome

Strategies & Activities Short-term Outcomes Mid-term Outcomes

Long-term Outcomes

Establish the NSSP CoP steering committee, mission and charter.

a. Identify a CoP steering committee.

b. Develop CoP mission, vision, and goals.

c. Develop the CoP charter.

2. Establish the technical infrastructure to support an online distributed CoP presence.

a. Develop the NSSP CoP website and

1. Increased access to NSSP CoP website and related activities for CoP members.

2. Increased access and availability of SyS content in the NSSP CoP knowledge repository.

3. Increased number of new CoP members.

4. Improved understanding of CoP members’ knowledge needs and priorities.

1. Increased collaboration among CoP members on SyS during health events of regional and national interest.

2. Increased confidence and trust in the utility of SyS data.

3. Increased sharing of SyS data among CoP members (where

Sharing of SyS resources and best practices among public health practitioners and stakeholders.

Improvement in SyS practice attributable to NSSP CoP engagement and collaborations.

Enhanced situation http://www.cdc.gov/ehrmeaningfuluse/ http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/authority/nhss/Pages/default.aspx http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/authority/nhss/Pages/default.aspx http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ188/html/PLAW-107publ188.htm http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ188/html/PLAW-107publ188.htm https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr307/text https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr307/text http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/DSLR_capabilities_July.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/DSLR_capabilities_July.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/capability6.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/capability13.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/capability13.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/nssp/foa.html

CoP website and facilitate collaboration via online resources and tools.

b. Develop a content management process.

c. Create and maintain a searchable knowledge repository.

3. Implement and maintain the NSSP CoP.

a. Recruit members.

b. Determine members’ knowledge needs and gaps.

c. Develop and deliver training/learning and knowledge-sharing activities.

d. Develop a sustainability plan for online NSSP CoP (for after project period).

4. Develop and implement strategies to engage and retain members.

a. Develop a mentoring process.

b. Share NSSP CoP success stories.

c. Design a member recognition program.

d. Assess member satisfaction with the NSSP CoP and its activities.

5. Increased availability of SyS training and knowledge-sharing events for CoP members.

6. Increased dissemination of SyS success stories among CoP members.

7. Increased peer-to-peer and expert-to-apprentice mentoring among CoP members.

appropriate and state/local laws allow).

4. Improved capacity among CoP members to conduct SyS.

5. Increased perceived value of NSSP CoP among its members.

awareness of emergent and chronic public health issues at local, regional, and national levels.

Improved public health decision making and enhanced local, regional, and national response to all-hazards events and outbreaks.

i. Purpose This FOA will fund an organization to collaborate with CDC to formalize, cultivate, manage and maintain the National Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice (NSSP CoP). The NSSP CoP will strive to advance the development and improvement of syndromic surveillance use and practice among a broad range of public health practitioners and stakeholders.

ii. Outcomes As reflected in the Logic Model, the awardee is expected to show measurable progress toward short-term and mid-term outcomes for this 3-year project period.

Short-term Outcomes

Increased access to NSSP CoP website and related activities for CoP members.1.

Increased access and availability of SyS content in the NSSP CoP knowledge repository.2.

Increased number of new CoP memberships.3.

Improved understanding of CoP members’ knowledge needs and priorities.4.

Increased availability of SyS training, learning and knowledge-sharing events for CoP members.5.

Increased dissemination of SyS success stories among CoP members.6.

Increased peer-to-peer and expert-to-apprentice mentoring among CoP members.7.

Mid-term Outcomes

Increased collaboration among CoP members on SyS during health events of regional and national interest.

1.

Increased confidence and trust among CoP members in the utility of SyS data.2.

Increased sharing of SyS data among CoP members (where appropriate and state/local laws allow).3.

Improved capacity among CoP members to conduct SyS.4.

Increased perceived value of NSSP CoP among its members.5.

iii. Strategies and Activities Awardee will collaborate with CDC to:

1. Establish the NSSP CoPsteering committee, mission and charter.

a. Identify a steering committee of subject experts with assigned roles and responsibilities to help lead and provide direction for the CoP.

b. Develop the mission, vision, and goals of the NSSP CoP.

c. Develop the NSSP CoP charter outlining the CoPs purpose, operating guidelines, and membership ground rules.

2. Establish the communications and technical infrastructure to support an online distributed CoP presence and related activities.

a. Establish NSSP CoP website on awardee's server and facilitate collaboration via online tools and resources capable of supporting a variety of CoP activities and events (e.g. online member registration, webinars, blogs, discussion threads, podcasts, teleconferences, public/private workspaces,).

b. Establish a content management process for capturing, validating, refreshing, and expiring CoP related content, including access rights and permissions.

c. Establish and maintain a searchable knowledge repository of SyS resources, tools, reports, discussions, white papers, best practices, etc.

3. Implement and maintain the NSSP CoP.

a. Implement outreach, communications, and promotion plans to recruit new members.

b. Determine member’s knowledge needs and gaps.

c. Develop and deliver a variety of synchronous and asynchronous SyS related trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing events based on identified needs of members (e.g. onboarding, data quality, syndrome definitions, etc.).

d. Develop a sustainability plan for online NSSP CoP (for after 3-year project period ends).

4. Develop and implement strategies to foster engagement and reatin of members.

a. Develop a mentoring process for establishing peer-to-peer and expert-to-apprentice mentoring.

b. Share NSSP CoP success stories that describe successful practices in SyS at local, state, regional and national levels; by topic.

c. Design a program to recognize members’ efforts and participation in the NSSP CoP.

d. Assess member satisfaction with the NSSP CoP and its activities (e.g., training and knowledge sharing events, collaboration tools,).

1.Collaborations

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

Optional. Awardee is encouraged to explore opportunities for new collaborations with and across CDC programs. For example, the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement grantees (http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/coopagreement.htm).

b. With organizations not funded by CDC:

Optional. Awardee is strongly encouraged to build partnerships and collaborations with other public health practitioners or stakeholders that have a vested interest in the SyS community and the NSSP. This may include collaborations with the BioSense Governance Group, BioSense Users Group, and CDC funded and non-funded states and jurisdictions that use the BioSense Platform. Awardee is encouraged to attend the annual International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) conference and regional NSSP data workshops hosted by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

2. Target Populations

NA

a. Inclusion

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

NA

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/coopagreement.htm

Applicant is expected, in collaboration with CDC, to effectively collect process and outcome data for assessing the value of the NSSP CoP and its related activities. These data will be used to improve program quality (e.g., processes, operations, and outcomes).

PROCESS MEASURES

Strategy 1: Establish the NSSP CoPsteering committee, mission and charter.

Activity 1.a) Identify a steering committee of SMEs with assigned roles and responsibilities to help lead and provide direction for the CoP.

Measure: List of subject experts who will serve on the NSSP CoP steering committee, including their roles and responsibilities.

Activity 1.b) Develop the mission, vision, and goals of the NSSP CoP.

Measure: Finalized and vetted mission and vision statements, and goals.

Activity 1.c) Develop the NSSP CoP charter outlining the CoPs purpose, operating guidelines, and membership ground rules.

Measure: Finalized and vetted charter published on the NSSP CoP webpage.

Strategy 2: Establish the communications and technical infrastructure to support an online distributed CoP presence and related activities.

Activity 2.a) Develop an NSSP CoP website on awardee's server that provides collaboration tools capable of supporting a variety of community activities and events (e.g. online member registration, webinars, blogs, discussion threads, podcasts, teleconferences, public/private workspaces, etc.).

Measure: Fully functioning NSSP CoP website with software tools to facilitate distributed learning and related activities.

Activity 2.b) Develop a content management process for capturing, validating, refreshing, and expiring all online content for NSSP CoP, including access rights and permissions.

Measure: Fully functioning content management system and process.

Activity 2.c) Create and maintain a searchable knowledge repository of SyS resources, tools, reports, discussions, and best practices.

Measure: Functional knowledge repository that is updated regulary.

Measure: Number of documents, tools, and resources developed and added to the repository.

Strategy 3: Implement and maintain the NSSP CoP.

Activity 3.a) Implement outreach, communications, and promotion plans to recruit members.

Measure: Document(s) describing outreach, communications, and promotion plans for recruiting members, including strategies for retaining members.

Activity 3.b) Determine member’s knowledge needs and gaps.

Measure: Needs assessment administered to members to determine what SyS related skills they have, what skills they need, and how best to address the gaps

Activity 3.c) Develop and deliver a variety of synchronous and asynchronous SyS related trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing events based on identified needs of members.

Measure: List of needed SyS training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing topics as identified by needs assessment.

Measure: Number of SyS trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing events offered to the community.

Activity 3.d) Develop a sustainability plan for online NSSP CoP (for when 3-year project period ends)

Measure: Document describing recommendations for how online CoP and related activities can be sustained when the 3-year project period ends

Strategy 4: Develop and implement strategies to foster engagement and increase retention of members.

Activity 4.a) Develop a process for requesting peer-to-peer and expert-to-apprentice mentoring.

Measure: Document describing the guidelines and process for requesting mentoring (e.g. how to become a mentor/mentee, roles and expectations, time commitments, mentor/mentee agreements, etc.)

Activity 4.b) Share NSSP CoP success stories that describe successful practices in SyS at the local, state, regional, and national levels; by topic.

Measure: Number of success stories developed and disseminated through a variety of media (website, conferences, publications, etc.).

Activity 4.c) Assess members’ satisfaction with and value perceived from participation in the NSSP CoP and its activities (training, collaboration tools, etc.).

Measure: Member satisfaction survey administered.

Activity 4.d) Design a program to recognize members’ efforts and participation in the NSSP CoP.

Measure: Number of yearly recognition awards (non-monetary) given.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

As reflected in the logic model, the awardee is expected to show measurable progress toward the short-term and mid-term outcomes for this 3-year project period.

Short-term

Increased access to NSSP CoP website related activities for CoP members.1.

Measure: Number of geographically dispersed members accessing the website and using the collaboration tools (e.g. blogs, discussion forums, etc.)

2. Increased access to and availability of content in the NSSP CoP knowledge repository.

Measure: Number of new documents, tools, and resources added annually.

3. Increased number of new CoP members.

Measure: Annual number of new CoP members recruited.

4. Improved understanding of CoP members' knowledge needs and priorities.

Measure: Annual needs assessment.

5. Increased availability of SyS trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing events for CoP members.

Measure: Annual number of trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing events for CoP members.

6. Increased dissemination of success stories about SyS practice among CoP members.

Measure: Number of new success stories developed and disseminated through a variety of media (website, conferences, publications, etc.).

7. Increased peer-to-peer and expert-to-apprentice mentoring among CoP members.

Measure: Annual number of mentoring relationships formed via NSSP CoP.

Mid-term

Increased collaboration among CoP members on SyS during health events of regional and national interest.

1.

Measure: SyS use success stories involving CoP member collaborations.

2. Increased confidence and trust amound CoP members in the utility of SyS data.

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report confidence/trust in utility of SyS data (member satisfaction survey).

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report their confidence/trust in utility of SyS data increased from previous year because of CoP participation (member satisfaction survey).

3. Increased sharing of SyS data among CoP members (where appropriate and state/local laws allow).

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report using SyS data for public health decision making (member satisfaction survey).

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report an increase in their use of SyS because of their participation in the CoP (member satisfaction survey).

4. Improved capacity among CoP members to conduct SyS.

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report their knowledge, skills, abilities, etc. for conducting SyS have improved due to CoP participation.

5. Increase in perceived value of NSSP CoP among CoP members

Measure: Annual number of CoP members who report CoP is providing value to them and the SyS community as a whole (member satisfaction survey).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.

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

Awardees will be required to submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement plan within the first 6 months of award, as described in the Reporting Section of this FOA.

Applicant should discuss any barriers or challenges expected for implementing the plan, collecting data (i.e., responding to performance measures), and reporting on evaluation results. Describe how these potential barriers would be overcome. In addition, applicants may also describe other measures to be developed or additional data sources and data collection methods that applicants will use to answer the evaluation questions stated above.

c. Organizational Capacity of Awardees to Implement the Approach The applicant must have demonstrated expertise, experience and organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed strategies and activities listed in the FOA. To best meet the objectives of this FOA the applicant should possess skill sets in epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, informatics program planning and performance management, evaluation, budget management and administration, organizational development and personnel management (including developing staffing plans). Applicant must demonstrate the organizational capacity to establish, formalize and maintain a distributed syndromic surveillance community of practice that transfers ideas and knowledge among members and promotes innovation. The applicant should demonstrate skills in recruiting individuals to participate in a community of practice, fostering participation and collaboration among members, developing diverse avenues for knowledge exchange, building alliances within and outside the community, creating and maintaining a content management system and knowledge repository, and developing syndromic surveillance related content, trainings and knowledge sharing events. The applicant must submit CVs/Resumes of principal investigators.

Organizational charts may also be included. Applicant must be fully capable of managing the required procurement efforts in accordance with 45 and 74 C.F.R.

d. Work Plan Applicants must include a work plan that enables the CDC project officer to monitor implementation of activities and progress on project period outcomes. The work plan should be detailed and should focus on the first year of the project period with only a high-level plan for subsequent years. Work plans should demonstrate alignment among the outcomes, strategies, activities, timelines, and staffing/collaborations.

Additional information on performance measures and data sources may be included.

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., 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.

NA

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

AGREEMENTS)

There will be substantial CDC involvement. CDC staff will collaborate or participate in project and program activities. CDC activities include the following:

Organize a kick-off meeting with the awardee to discuss applicable U.S. Government, HHS, CDC and other key management requirements, as well as financial and program reporting formats and contents.

1.

Meet/hold monthly conference calls with the awardee to assess expenditures and program progress in relation to approved work plan and Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan.

2.

Meet/hold conference calls annually with the awardee to review progress report for each U.S.

Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work plans, Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, and budgets for the subsequent year.

3.

Monitor implementation of supported activities, and the use of funding during the collaboration period.4.

Recommend approval for the awardee’s annual work plan, detailed budget and monitoring and evaluation plan.

5.

Provide technical assistance expertise and consultation in evaluation, performance measurement, work plan development, program planning, communities of practice and syndromic surveillance.

6.

Encourage community growth by championing the value and importance of the NSSP CoP to CDC’s internal program staffs and external partners.

7.

Collaborate in the preparation and implementation of SyS training and knowledge sharing events (e.g.

webinars, blogs, teleconferences, etc).

8.

Advise on potential topics for community discussions, initiatives or workgroups.9.

Provide technical assistance or advice on data collections of 10 or more people that is planned or conducted by the awardee. Such data collections-- where CDC staff will be or are approving, directing, conducting, managing, or owning data-- must undergo Office of Managment and Budget (OMB) project determinations by CDC and may require OMB Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) clearance prior to the start of the project.

10.

Where applicable provide guidance and assistance with CDC logo licensing agreement or co-branding of products or materials produced through this cooperative agreement.

11.

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: U50

3. Fiscal Year: 2016 Estimated Total Funding: $1,200,000

4. Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding: $400,000

This amount is subject to the availability of funds.

5. Approximate Project Period Funding: $1,200,000

6. Total Project Period Length: 3 year(s)

7. Expected Number of Awards: 1

8. Approximate Average Award: $400,000 Per Budget Period

This amount is subject to the availability of funds.

9. Award Ceiling: $400,000 Per Budget Period

10. Award Floor: $300,000 Per Budget Period

11. Estimated Award Date: 07/01/2016

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 not available through this FOA.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility Category: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Eligibility Category:

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.

American Indian or Alaska Native tribal governments (federally recognized or state-recognized)

Other:

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

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

[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) Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities]

[Non-government Organizations:

American Indian or Alaska native tribally designated organizations Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS status (other than institution of higher education) Nonprofit without 501C3 IRS status (other than institution of higher education)]

[Private colleges and universities]

[Community-based organizations]

[Faith-based organizations]

[For-profit organizations (other than small business)]

[Small businesses]

The award ceiling for this FOA is $400,000. 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

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

No

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 http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf

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 can require 10 or more 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 at www.grants.gov, the official HHS E-grant Web site. Registration information is located at the “Get Registered” option at www.grants.gov.

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

Step System Requirements Duration Follow Up 1 Data Universal

Number System

(DUNS)

1. Click on http:// fedgov.dnb.com/ webform

2. Select Begin DUNS search/request process

3. Select your country or territory and follow the instructions to obtain your DUNS 9-digit #

4. Request appropriate staff member(s) to obtain DUNS number, verify & update information under

DUNS number

1-2 Business Days

To confirm that you have been issued a new DUNS number check online at

(http:// fedgov.dnb.

com/ webform) or call 1-866-705-5711

2 System for Award Management (SAM) formerly Central Contractor Registration (CRR)

1. Retrieve organizations DUNS number

2. Go to www.sam.gov and designate an

E-Biz POC (note CCR username will not not work in SAM and you will need to have an active SAM account before you can register on grants.gov)

3-5 Business Days but up to 2 weeks and must be renewed once a year

For SAM Customer Service

Contact https://fsd.gov/fsd -gov/home.do

Calls:

866-606-8220 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/portal/public/SAM/ http://grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://www.sam.gov/ https://fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do https://fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do

3 Grants.gov 1. Set up an individual account in Grants.gov using organization new

DUNS number to become an authorized organization representative (AOR)

2. Once the account is set up the E-BIZ POC will be notified via email

3. Log into grants.gov using the password the E-BIZ POC received and create new password

4. This authorizes the AOR to submit applications on behalf of the organization

Same day but can take 8 weeks to be fully registered and approved in the system (note, applicants

MUST obtain a

DUNS number and SAM account before applying on grants.gov)

Register early!

Log into grants.gov and check AOR status until it shows you have been approved

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 If the application is not submitted by the deadline published in the FOA, it will not be processed. Office of Grants Services (OGS) 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 OGS.

a. Letter of Intent Deadline (must be emailed or postmarked by) Due Date for Letter of Intent: 02/01/2016

b. Application Deadline Due Date for Applications: 03/07/2016, 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: 01/25/2016 Informational conference call for potential applicants: Time of call will be 3:00pm eastern.

Telephone: 1-800-621-7762 Participant Passcode: 6090364

5. CDC Assurances and Certifications All applicants are required to sign and submit “Assurances and Certifications” documents indicated at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/ grantassurances/ (S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa)) /Homepage.aspx.

Applicants may follow either of the following processes:

Complete the applicable assurances and certifications with each application submission, name the file http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/PGOTIM@cdc.gov%20 http://www.grants.gov http://wwwn.cdc.gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/Homepage.aspx

“Assurances and Certifications” and upload it as a PDF file with 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 submitted directly to CDC will be kept on file for one year and will apply to all applications submitted to CDC by the applicant within one year of the submission date.

6. Content and Form of Application Submission Applicants are required to include all of the following documents with their application package at www.grants.gov.

7. Letter of Intent

An LOI is requested but not required. The purpose of an LOI is to allow CDC program staff to estimate the number of applications and plan for the review of submitted applications. LOI must be sent via U.S.

express mail, delivery service, fax, or email to:

Matt Guajardo

Department of Health and Human Services

CDC Division of Health Informatics and Surveillance

1600 Clifton Road, N.E. MailStop E-91

Atlanta, GA 30329

Telephone: 404-498-6425

Email: mguajardo@cdc.gov

8. Table of Contents (No page limit and not included in Project Narrative limit): The applicant must provide, as a separate attachment, the “Table of Contents” for the entire submission package.

Provide a detailed table of contents for the entire submission package that includes all of the documents in the application and headings in the "Project Narrative" section. Name the file "Table of Contents" and upload it as a PDF file under "Other Attachment Forms" at www.grants.gov.

http://www.grants.gov http://wwwn.cdc.gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/Homepage.aspx http://www.grants.gov mailto:mguajardo@cdc.gov

9. Project Abstract Summary (Maximum 1 page) A project abstract is included on the mandatory documents list and must be submitted at www.grants.gov.

The project abstract must be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed project including the purpose and outcomes. This summary must not include any proprietary or confidential information. Applicants must enter the summary in the "Project Abstract Summary" text box at www.grants.gov.

10. Project Narrative (Maximum of 20 pages, single spaced, Calibri 12 point, 1-inch margins, number all pages. Content beyond 20 pages will not be considered. The 20 page limit includes the work plan. For a multi-component FOA, maximum page limit is 25.)

The Project Narrative must include all of the bolded headings shown in this section. The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. It must address outcomes and activities to be conducted over the entire project period as identified in the CDC Project Description section. Applicants must submit a Project Narrative with the application forms. Applicants must name this file “Project Narrative” and upload it at www.grants.gov.

a. Background Applicants must provide a description of relevant background information that includes the context of the problem (See CDC Background).

b. Approach

i. Purpose Applicants must describe in 2-3 sentences specifically how their application will address the problem as described in the CDC Background section.

ii. Outcomes Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes they expect to achieve by the end of the project period.

Outcomes are the results that the program intends to achieve. All outcomes must indicate the intended direction of change (e.g., increase, decrease, maintain). (See the logic model in the Approach section of the CDC Project Description.)

iii. Strategies and Activities Applicants must provide a clear and concise description of the strategies and activities they will use to achieve the project period outcomes. Applicants must select existing evidence-based strategies that meet their needs, or describe in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, how these strategies will be evaluated over the course of the project period. (See CDC Project Description: Strategies and Activities section.)

1. Collaborations Applicants must describe how they will collaborate with programs and organizations either internal or external to CDC.

Applicants must file letters of support, as appropriate, name the file “Letters of Support”, and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov file:///C:\Users\ips7\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\Content.Outlook\O68UL3BD\www.grants.gov

2. Target Populations Applicants must describe the specific target population(s) in their jurisdiction and explain how such a target will achieve the goals of the award and/or alleviate health disparities. Refer back to the Target Population section in the CDC Project Description.

NA

c. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates…