CDC-RFA-PS21-2105 (Amended) 3.25.2021.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HIV, VIRAL HEPATITIS, STDS AND TB PREVENTION

National Viral Hepatitis Education, Awareness, and Capacity Building for Communities and Providers

CDC-RFA-PS21-2105

05/14/2021

Table of Contents A. Funding Opportunity Description

B. Award Information

C. Eligibility Information

D. Application and Submission Information

E. Review and Selection Process

F. Award Administration Information

G. Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

I. Glossary

Part I. Overview Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on the "Subscribe" button link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFA- PS21-2105. 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) / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) B. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title:

National Viral Hepatitis Education, Awareness, and Capacity Building for Communities and Providers C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1:

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

D. Agency Notice of Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-PS21-2105

E. Assistance Listings Number:

93.270 F. Dates:

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

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

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

2. Due Date for Applications:

05/14/2021 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Due Date for Informational Conference Call:

Topic: Informational Webinar on CDC-RFA-PS21-2105 Time: Mar 23, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://cdc.zoomgov.com/j/1600513640?pwd=RmFHUzgxZ0VOdWM5ZlFNa3RWYUFkZz09

Meeting ID: 160 051 3640 Passcode: 9$2&t@qj One tap mobile +16692545252,,1600513640#,,,,,,0#,,90611469# US (San Jose) +16468287666,,1600513640#,,,,,,0#,,90611469# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose) +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

+1 551 285 1373 US

+1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 160 051 3640 Passcode: 90611469 Find your local number: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/u/abdemnjI1Y

Join by SIP 1600513640@sip.zoomgov.com

Join by H.323

161.199.138.10 (US West)

161.199.136.10 (US East) Meeting ID: 160 051 3640 Passcode: 90611469

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph In alignment with CDC’s viral hepatitis goals and current epidemiology, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will address the need for increasing awareness of viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment options among populations disproportionately impacted by hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infections, specifically people who inject drugs (PWID), Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks. The priority populations' needs will also be addressed by increasing healthcare professionals’ competence in the evaluation and treatment of hepatitis B and/or C virus infection. The outcomes of this NOFO will be achieved through two separate parts:

https://www.grants.gov/ https://cdc.zoomgov.com/j/1600513640?pwd=RmFHUzgxZ0VOdWM5ZlFNa3RWYUFkZz09 mailto:t@qj https://cdc.zoomgov.com/u/abdemnjI1Y mailto:1600513640@sip.zoomgov.com

Part A: Community Education, Awareness, and Capacity Building, and

Part B: Professional Education and Training.

Strategies and activities conducted under each part can contribute to the reduction of hepatitis B and/or C virus infection associated morbidity and mortality.

Part A strategies and activities focus on leading, maintaining, and growing a coalition of diverse US-based public and private organizations that serve one or more of the priority populations (i.e. PWID, Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks). Part B strategies and activities aim to maintain a free, online training platform on hepatitis B and hepatitis C epidemiology, testing algorithms, and treatment protocols for healthcare providers. Short-term outcomes include expanding the number of people tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and the number of healthcare providers that can confidently manage patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

a. Eligible Applicants:

Open Competition

b. Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement)

c. Approximate Number of Awards The expected number of awards is two; one organization could receive two awards if they successfully competed for Part A and Part B, which each require separate applications.

d. Total Period of Performance Funding:

$ 2,750,000 Part A: $1,375,000

Part B: $1,375,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount:

$ 275,000

f. Total Period of Performance Length:

g. Estimated Award Date:

September 30, 2021

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements:

No Part II. Full Text A. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Background

a. Overview An estimated 2.4 million people were living with hepatitis C virus infection in the United States in 2016. Hepatitis C is curable, yet only 61% of people living with hepatitis C virus were aware of their infection in 2018. New hepatitis C virus infections continue to rise, with an estimated 50,300 people newly infected in 2018. An estimated 862,000 people were living with https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/2018surveillance/index.htm hepatitis B virus in the United States in 2016. Hepatitis B is treatable, yet only 34% of people living with hepatitis B virus were aware of their infection in 2016. Despite being vaccine preventable, an estimated 21,600 people were newly infected with hepatitis B virus in 2018. Injection drug use is the most common risk factor for acute hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis C virus infection.

To achieve global goals to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, we must reach persons who are disproportionately impacted with culturally relevant prevention, testing, and treatment services. Outcomes of this NOFO will be achieved through two separate components. An organization may apply for both components by submitting two separate applications, one for Part A and one for Part B.

Part A: Community Education, Awareness, and Capacity Building

Following the Division of Viral Hepatitis 2025 Strategic Plan, this NOFO will focus on populations disproportionately impacted by hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C (e.g. people who inject drugs (PWID), Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks) and seeks to decrease viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality within priority population(s) by employing strategies to increase the priority population(s)’s knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, increasing hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C testing, and linking people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus into care.

Specifically, this NOFO will support efforts to lead, maintain, and grow an existing coalition of diverse US-based public and private organizations, including but not limited to, community-based organizations, community-based health centers, and other organizations.

Coalition organizations should have established relationships with one or more of the priority populations and are actively involved in viral hepatitis educational outreach and/or testing services and build coalition members’ capacity to provide culturally responsive viral hepatitis education and services to the populations that need it most. As evidenced in the Guide to Community Preventive Services, educational strategies, including mass and small media, have been found to be effective in promoting health behaviors; the coalition members will use CDC’s existing national viral hepatitis education campaign materials to increase awareness of viral hepatitis among the priority populations.

Part B: Professional Education and Training

Healthcare professionals must also have the knowledge and skills to promote prevention, testing, and treatment in order to achieve CDC’s viral hepatitis goals. Part B will focus on providing healthcare professionals with access to free, up-to-date, on-demand, web-based training and supportive resources on viral hepatitis. At minimum, trainings must address hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It is critical that trainings and supportive resource materials remain updated with CDC recommendations and changes in the epidemic over time, including any future recommendations or guidance that may be issued during the award period. Increasing the number of healthcare professionals knowledgeable about viral hepatitis and promoting training to this group is central to maximizing the benefits afforded by new treatment options and increasing testing of those with chronic hepatitis.

https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/infectious-disease https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/pdfs/DVH-StrategicPlan2020-2025.pdf https://www.thecommunityguide.org/ https://www.thecommunityguide.org/

This NOFO builds on lesson learned from the previous PS16-1608 Viral Hepatitis Networking, Capacity Building and Training, which demonstrated the need for conducting evaluation of implemented activities to improve services.

b. Statutory Authorities Section 301 and 317N of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 241 and 247b-15) as amended.

c. Healthy People 2030 CDC will fund these programs to support the “Healthy People 2030” topic area of Infectious Diseases, and to help meet the following objectives:

Objective IID-11, Reduce the rate of acute hepatitis B

Objective IID-12, Reduce the rate of acute hepatitis C

Objective IID-13, Increase the proportion of people who know they have chronic hepatitis B

Objective IID-14, Increase the proportion of people who know they have chronic hepatitis C https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/infectious-disease

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies This NOFO supports the goals of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination 2021-2025, CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis 2025 Strategic Plan, and CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention Strategic Plan through 2020.

e. Relevant Work This NOFO builds upon previous or current hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevention or surveillance projects, including:

CDC-RFA-PS16-1608-Viral Hepatitis Networking, Capacity Building and Training

CDC-RFA-PS17-1702 - Improving Hepatitis B and C Care Cascades; Focus on Increased Testing and Diagnosis

CDC-RFA-PS21-2103 – Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Prevention Funding for Health Departments

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach Bold indicates period of performance outcome.

Strategies and Activities Short-Term Outcomes Intermediate Outcomes Long- Term Outcomes https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/infectious-disease https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Viral-Hepatitis-National-Strategic-Plan-2021-2025.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Viral-Hepatitis-National-Strategic-Plan-2021-2025.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/pdfs/DVH-StrategicPlan2020-2025.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/pdfs/DVH-StrategicPlan2020-2025.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/strategicpriorities/docs/nchhstp-strategic-plan-through-2020-508.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/strategicpriorities/docs/nchhstp-strategic-plan-through-2020-508.pdf

Part A: Community Education, Awareness & Capacity Building A1. Lead, maintain, and grow an existing coalition of diverse public and private organizations serving priority populations (PWID, Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks) with high rates of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection

A2. Provide technical assistance and training to coalition members to deliver culturally competent hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to selected priority population(s)

A3. Build capacity of coalition members to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing among members of the selected priority population(s) and, as appropriate and feasible, link to care and treatment.

A4. Amplify CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign(s) at the community level

Part B: Professional Education/Training B1. Provide free comprehensive web-based, accurate, on-

Part A: Community Education, Awareness & Capacity Building

1. Increased capacity of coalition members to deliver culturally competent and appropriate hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to priority populations

2. Increased testing for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection among priority populations

3. Increased reach of and exposure to CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign materials

Part B: Professional Education/Training

1. Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of populations affected by viral hepatitis focusing on U.S.

hepatitis B virus & hepatitis C virus epidemics

2. Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of CDC’s hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening

1. Increased awareness among priority populations of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection prevention, testing, care and treatment

2. Increased awareness among people living with chronic hepatitis B and/or chronic hepatitis C virus of their infection

3. Increased number of healthcare professionals’ evaluating and providing viral hepatitis treatment, treatment of chronic hepatitis, and treatment of priority populations and management of complications

More people with chronic hepatitis B & chronic hepatitis C able to make informed health decisions and obtain proper care and treatment, if appropriate

Decreased morbidity and mortality from chronic hepatitis B & chronic hepatitis C demand supportive resources, and trainings for healthcare professionals about hepatitis B & C virus infection

B2. Offer free continuing education credits for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection training

B3. Actively market and promote hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection training and supportive resources to ensure maximum reach and vaccination recommendations

3. Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to conduct risk assessments for viral hepatitis; screen for and diagnose viral hepatitis; and stage and monitor chronic viral hepatitis

4. Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to evaluate and prepare for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, including care for priority populations and management of complication

i. Purpose Part A's purpose is to lead, maintain, and grow existing coalitions of diverse US-based public and private organizations that provide culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or C virus infection education and services to priority populations, thereby increasing hepatitis B and/or C virus infection awareness, testing, and treatment. Recipients and their coalition members will increase hepatitis B and/or C virus infection awareness through amplifying CDC’s national viral hepatitis campaign(s).

Part B's purpose is to maintain an existing web-based, free hepatitis B and C training platform for healthcare professionals to improve their clinical care management.

ii. Outcomes Part A

The outcomes, or intended effects, for Part A are focused on increasing identification of people living with viral hepatitis. By the end of the period of performance, recipients will have:

Increased capacity of coalition members to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to priority populations

Increased testing for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection among priority populations

Increased reach of and exposure to CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign materials

Increased awareness among priority populations of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection prevention, testing, care and treatment

Increased awareness among people living with chronic hepatitis B and/or chronic hepatitis C virus of their infection

Part B

The outcomes, or intended effects, for Part B are focused on increasing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals to prevent, diagnose and treat viral hepatitis. By the end of the period of performance, recipients will have:

Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of populations affected by viral hepatitis, focusing the U.S. hepatitis B virus & hepatitis C virus epidemics

Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of CDC’s hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening and vaccination recommendations

Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to conduct risk assessments for viral hepatitis;

screen for and diagnose viral hepatitis; and stage and monitor chronic viral hepatitis

Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to evaluate and prepare for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, including care for priority populations and management of complications

iii. Strategies and Activities Part A

Part A consists of four required strategies. Required activities include those related to (1) leading, maintaining, and growing a coalition of diverse US-based public and private organizations, (2) building the capacity of coalition members to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or C virus infection educational outreach to priority populations, (3) building the capacity of coalition members to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing, and (4) amplifying CDC’s national viral hepatitis educational campaign(s).

A1. Lead, maintain, and grow an existing coalition of diverse public and private organizations serving priority populations (PWID, Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks) with high rates of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection.

A1.1. Lead an existing coalition of diverse public and private organizations with established relationships with the priority population(s) that will focus on conducting hepatitis B and/or C virus infection educational outreach and testing.

a. Identify the priority population(s) and geographic areas to be served by the coalition (must address one or more of the prioritized populations— PWID, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, and/or non-Hispanic Black) and provide justification of selections based on epidemiological data.

b. Identify public and private organizations including community-based health centers and other local level organizations that have access to the priority populations to become members of the coalition.

c. Develop processes for ensuring that the coalition members will provide educational outreach and hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing to one or more of the priority populations by the end of the first year.

d. Grow an existing viral hepatitis coalition to engage and bring additional organizations together to reach priority population(s), as needed.

e. Develop and disseminate marketing materials to recruit additional public and private organizations to the coalition.

A2. Provide technical assistance and training to coalition members to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to selected priority population(s). Nota bene (NB): If PWID are the identified priority population, procurement of sterile injection equipment for distribution to program participants is not an allowable expense under this NOFO.

A2.1. Improve coalition members’ capacity to provide culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or C virus infection educational outreach.

a. Conduct trainings, in-person and/or virtual technical assistance, peer-to-peer or expert consultation, coaching, and mentoring to individual coalition members and to the collective coalition.

b. Assist with the development and refinement of educational outreach strategies and materials to ensure they are culturally responsive for the prioritized population(s).

c. Review existing strategies and materials with the coalition members.

d. Update strategies and materials based on feedback from coalition members and members of the prioritized populations.

A2.2. Improve capacity of coalition members to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection educational outreach activities.

a. Assist the coalition members with developing processes for conducting educational outreach to prioritized populations.

b. Provide on-demand technical assistance to the coalition members as they implement processes.

c. Assist coalition members to continuously update and refine educational outreach strategies and materials as needed.

A2.3. Promote the sharing and development of educational outreach strategies, materials, tools and lessons learned within the coalition to maximize impact and minimize duplication.

a. Host coalition trainings, webinars, networking opportunities.

b. Collaboratively prepare educational outreach, testing, and linkage to care strategies and materials to reach priority populations.

A3. Build capacity of coalition members to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing among members of the selected priority population(s) and, as appropriate and feasible, link to care and treatment. NB: Clinical services are not an allowable expense under this NOFO.

A3.1. Improve coalition members’ capacity to provide culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing and linkage to care services.

a. Conduct trainings, in-person and/or virtual technical assistance, peer-to-peer or expert consultation, coaching, and mentoring to coalition members organization individually and to the coalition.

b. Assist with the development and refinement of testing and linkage to care strategies to ensure they are culturally responsive for the prioritized population(s).

c. Review existing strategies and materials with the coalition members.

d. Update strategies and materials based on feedback from coalition members and members of the prioritized populations.

A3.2. Improve capacity to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing and linkage to care services, and, as appropriate and feasible, link to care and treatment.

a. Assist the coalition members with developing processes for conducting hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing to prioritized populations.

b. Provide technical assistance to the coalition as they implement processes.

c Collaborate with coalition members to continuously update and refine testing and linkage to care strategies and materials as needed.

A3.3. Provide technical assistance on building organizational infrastructure of coalition members, when possible, to increase testing and linkage to care/treatment

a. Review existing strategies and organizational information with the coalition.

b. Update strategies and materials based on feedback from coalition organizations and member of the prioritized populations.

c. Ensure that the coalition has the ability to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing in all geographic areas served (coalition must include organizations, within each geographic service area, that can provide hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing and/or have the capacity to initiate testing within the first year of this

NOFO).

A3.4. Promote the sharing and development of hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing and linkage to care strategies, materials, tools and lessons learned within the coalition to maximize impact and minimize duplication.

a. Host coalition trainings, webinars, networking opportunities.

b. Collaboratively prepare educational outreach, testing, and linkage to care strategies and materials to reach priority populations.

A4. Amplify CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign(s) at the community level

A4.1. Maximize reach of CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign(s) by engaging the coalition members to disseminate campaign materials to prioritized populations.

a. Select the primary audiences to reach for the campaign.

b. Promote campaign messages and materials to coalition members to expand the reach of national viral hepatitis campaigns.

c. Provide training and technical assistance to coalition members on methods for placing and promoting messages, in areas such as media relations, social media, media buying and partnership development.

A4.2. Provide feedback to CDC to improve future efforts directed at the prioritized populations.

Part B consists of three required strategies. Required activities include those related to

(1) maintaining a free web-based platform to provide training and supportive resources about viral hepatitis (focusing on hepatitis B and hepatitis C) for healthcare professionals; (2) offering free continuing education credits for the training; and, (3) marketing and promoting the training and resources. All training materials developed under Part B must adhere to CDC training standards.

https://www.cdc.gov/trainingdevelopment/standards/

B1. Provide free comprehensive web-based, accurate, on-demand supportive resources, and trainings for healthcare professionals about hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

B1.1. Continue implementation of existing web-based training for healthcare professionals.

a. Ensure trainings and supportive materials are comprehensive and fill any gaps in viral hepatitis training needs of professionals.

b. Continuously update and refine the training and supportive resources to ensure they align with current CDC recommendations.

c. Prepare a timeline for regular review of course content, making updates to content, and publication of new content.

B2. Offer free continuing education credits for hepatitis B and hepatitis C training.

B2.1. Award Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credits to healthcare professionals that complete the training.

B3. Actively market and promote hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection training and supportive resources to ensure maximum reach.

B3.1 Identify healthcare professionals that serve the selected prioritized populations that would benefit from web-based viral hepatitis training.

a. Identify segments of healthcare professionals including, but not limited to, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, community health workers, public health practitioners and others who provide services to populations affected by viral hepatitis.

B3.2 Market to healthcare professionals that serve the selected prioritized populations (e.g.

marketing strategy and materials).

a. Develop marketing materials (brochures, email marketing, social media posts, digital ads, matte articles, etc.).

b. Disseminate marketing materials.

c. Continuously refine marketing materials and strategies based on response rates and participation.

For both Parts A & B, recipients will need to develop and implement a plan to track and evaluate each strategy and activity. Recipients will be required to provide data on program progress for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12). See Work plan section and Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy section for more details on evaluation and activity tracking requirements.

1. Collaborations

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

Collaborations and strategic partnerships are crucial to implement program strategies and achieve desired outcomes, including more efficient use of resources and exchange of information between stakeholders.

When appropriate, recipients will work with other CDC funded programs that have similar goals and objectives that include testing activities, networking, capacity building and/or professional education and training or work with the same target populations including, but not limited to, the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinators and surveillance leads funded under CDC-RFA-PS21- 2103, harm reduction organizations funded under CDC-RFA-PS19-1909 and CDC-RFA-OS18- 1802, and CDC-funded training centers.

Part A applicants must file letters of support from existing coalition members, as appropriate, documenting the organization’s participation in the coalition, their involvement with viral hepatitis prevention and control and their experience working with the target population. Name the file “Part A Letters of Support Coalitions”, and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

Part B applicants must file letters of support, as appropriate, name the file “Part B Letters of Support from CDC Funded Partners”, and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

b. With organizations not funded by CDC:

Part A recipient(s) are expected to lead, grow, and maintain an existing coalition of diverse US-based public and private organizations working in viral hepatitis (not necessarily funded by CDC). This will require a collaborative relationship. The coalition members should actively serve the prioritized population(s) selected by the recipient. Recipients(s) are expected to lead the coalition and identify new public and private organizations to join the coalition with the goal of maximizing the reach of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection services to the priority populations. It is preferable that recipients use this funding opportunity to expand the reach of an already established coalition. Letters of support are required from organizations describing their coalition membership (e.g., their length of time as a participating organization and their organization’s role in the coalition), as well as demonstrating their experience working with the identified target population and viral hepatitis.

If the applicant for Part A proposes to partner with any additional outside collaborating organizations (outside of those that make up the coalition), and/or other experts/leaders in the field in any major role (such as, providing technical assistance), letters of support are also required from these organizations and/or individuals. Name the file “Letters of Support Experts”, and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

Part B applicants may work with organizations not funded by CDC, as appropriate, to achieve the NOFO outcomes. If collaborations are planned, applicants must explain how each collaboration would assist with implementing activities and achieving the NOFO outcomes.

Letters of support are required from any proposed participating institutions, and as appropriate, submit those letters using the file name “Part B Letters of Support” and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

2. Target Populations http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/partners/vhcp.htm http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

Part A recipient(s) are expected to prioritize at least one population disproportionately impacted by viral hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, in alignment with CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis 2025 Strategic Plan. These include the following groups:

PWID, Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks. Applicants are required to focus on at least one of these priority populations. Applicants are NOT required to address all populations.

The target audience for Part B, Professional Education and Training, is healthcare professionals defined as individuals working in public health or private settings that provide clinical and/or medical care, including, but not limited to: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, community health workers, public health practitioners and others who provide services to populations affected by viral hepatitis. The priority populations identified for Part A will also benefit from achievement of Part B outcomes since the trained healthcare professionals will be able to better address specific priority populations that are impacted by viral hepatitis.

Part B recipients should aim to provide training to a variety of healthcare professionals, however, they must clearly define their target audience and the rationale for the selection.

a. Health Disparities In alignment with CDC’s viral hepatitis goals and current epidemiology, this NOFO will address the disproportionate rates of viral hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C among people who inject drugs (PWID), Asian/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Blacks, by increasing their awareness of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection prevention, testing, and treatment options. The needs of these priority populations will also be addressed by increasing healthcare professionals’ competence in hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus prevention, screening, evaluation, and treatment.

iv. Funding Strategy Total period of performance funding: $2,750,000

Part A: $1,375,000 over 5 years

Part B: $1,375,000 over 5 years

This program notice is subject to the appropriation of funds, and is a contingency action taken to ensure that, should funds become available for this purpose, CDC can process applications and award funds in a timely manner. In the event that future fiscal year appropriation or other statute fails to authorize this activity, no awards will be made. Final award amounts may be less than requested. Funding availability in subsequent fiscal years is subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy CDC’s approach to evaluation and performance measurement strategy involves assessing the performance of the overall project (i.e., all recipients combined) and each individual recipient, including effective program implementation and accountability of funds. This approach includes:

1. Recipients’ contributions to overall project performance,

2. How NOFO funds are being allocated and spent, and

3. Progress towards achieving the intended performance objectives of the NOFO.

Evaluation data and performance measures can be used to improve efficiency and effectiveness of programs and allows for CDC and the applicant to assess the program on an ongoing basis and determine any necessary changes to ensure maximum impact, effect or influence and ensure efficient use of funds. Program evaluation includes collection and analysis of program performance data submitted by recipients, tracking of key performance indicators and process indicators, review of required reports, conference calls with recipients, and site visits. During the period of performance, CDC may partner with recipients on evaluation activities. Data collection is used for program accountability, monitoring, evaluation and performance improvement.

Applicants should identify appropriate systems and measures for collecting and reporting process and outcome data at defined intervals for the purpose of tracking the implementation of the activities, and achievement of program outcomes. Process and outcome measurement and definition of indicators will be further defined, in collaboration with CDC, within the first 90 days of funding.

Evaluation data will be reviewed by CDC to identify challenges encountered by recipients, identify capacity-building assistance needs, and actions needed to improve overall project performance, compare methods and outcomes across recipients to identify promising practices for dissemination during the period of performance, demonstrate the value of the NOFO (e.g., improved public health outcomes, effectiveness of key prevention strategies and activities), and contribute to the evidence base for NOFO strategies and activities. Evaluation data will be used to produce reports on project accomplishments, project feedback reports, and other monitoring and evaluation reports.

Applicants are required to provide details on the proposed process and outcome measures used to track strategies and activities in the logic model, including, but not limited to, the measures listed below, and a plan for reporting program progress for each quarter of the period of performance.

The applicant may also propose additional measures to the ones listed below. CDC will work with recipients within the first 6 months after award to finalize evaluation and performance measures, however the application needs to provide enough detail to demonstrate ability to collect and share the necessary data. Since this NOFO does not involve the generation or collection of public health data, a Data Management Plan is not required for this NOFO.

Part A Strategy 1.1: Lead, maintain, and grow an existing coalition of diverse public and private organizations serving priority populations with high rates of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection

Process Measures:

Number of organizations, including those that are active, inactive, newly recruited, and/or defunct

List of geographic area represented Detailed description of each organization characteristics, including but not limited to, type of organizations, number of clients served, types of services offered, number of geographic areas reached, priority population(s) served

Strategy 1.2: Provide technical assistance and training to coalition members to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to selected priority population(s)

Process Measures:

Number, type, description, and frequency of capacity building and technical assistance activities conducted and delivered to coalition members

Number of coalition members reached by capacity building around hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach

Part A Short-term outcome 1: Increased capacity of coalition members to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach to priority populations

Outcome measures:

Self-assessment of coalition members’ ability to deliver culturally responsive hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection educational outreach

Part A Intermediate outcome 1: Increased awareness among priority populations of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection prevention, testing, care and treatment

Outcome measures:

Number of educational outreach and campaign materials promoted and disseminated to priority populations

Strategy 1.3: Build capacity of coalition members to conduct hepatitis B and/or C virus infection testing among members of the selected priority population(s) and, as appropriate and feasible, link to care and treatment.

Process measures:

Number of trainings completed to build capacity for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C testing

Number of coalition members reached by testing-focused capacity building activities

Part A Short-term outcome 2: Increased testing for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection among priority populations

Outcome measures:

Self-assessment of coalition members’ readiness to test target populations Number of people from the priority populations tested for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis

C virus infection

Part A Intermediate outcome 1: Increased awareness among priority populations of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection prevention, testing, care and treatment

Outcome Measure:

Number of educational outreach and campaign materials promoted and disseminated to priority populations

Part A Intermediate outcome 2: Increased awareness among people living with chronic hepatitis B and/or chronic hepatitis C virus of their infection

Outcome Measures:

Number of positive clients identified and linked to care

Strategy 1.4: Amplify CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign(s) at the community level

Number and frequency of education campaign resources promoted and or disseminated to the coalition members

Description of how campaign resources were promoted and or distributed to coalition members

Quantity and type of campaign materials distributed by coalition members Description of how campaign materials are used Number of types of communication activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: number of social media posts, likes, shares, and comments; number of TV, radio, print, or web ad placements; number of media impressions for radio, print, or web ad placements; number of blog posts, likes, shares, and comments; and number of searches on CDC resource widgets.

Part A Short-term Outcome 3: Increased reach of and exposure to CDC’s national viral hepatitis education campaign materials

Outcome measures:

Number of people from the target population provided appropriate viral hepatitis educational information

Number of people in community tested

Strategy 2.1: Provide free comprehensive web-based, accurate, on-demand supportive resources, and trainings for healthcare professionals about hepatitis B & C virus infection

Description of the provision of web-based, free, on-demand training and supportive resources about viral hepatitis for healthcare professionals

Description of the process for reviewing content and updating the training modules based on latest science

Types and number of supportive resources created and updated Description of feedback loop utilizing user reviews of site content and quality Ratings of course quality/ user satisfaction Description of role and programmatic focus of users

Part B Short-term Outcome 1: Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of populations affected by viral hepatitis focusing on U.S. hepatitis B virus & hepatitis C virus epidemics

Outcome measures:

Percent of learners who intend to make changes in practice Percent of learners who felt learning objectives were met

Part B Short-term Outcome 2: Increased healthcare professionals’ knowledge of CDC’s hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening and vaccination recommendations

Outcome measures:

Part B Short-term Outcome 3: Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to conduct risk assessments for viral hepatitis; screen for and diagnose viral hepatitis; and stage and monitor chronic viral hepatitis

Outcome measures:

Part B Short-term Outcome 4: Increased healthcare professionals’ skills to evaluate and prepare for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, including care for priority populations and management of complications

Outcome measures:

Strategy 2.2: Offer free continuing education credits for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection training

Types of continuing education credits available Number of continuing education credits awarded and by type Percent of learners by profession User satisfaction Change in knowledge of training topics covered

Strategy 2.3: Actively market and promote hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection training and supportive resources to ensure maximum reach

Number of healthcare professionals reached through marketing efforts Types of healthcare professionals reached through marketing efforts Types and number of marketing materials created and distributed by promotion channel Number of page views by channel type Number of impressions by channel type Number of engagements by channel type Average read time Percent of views by device type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.

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

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

c. Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the Approach Organizational capacity demonstrates the ability to execute program strategies and meet the period of performance outcomes.

The organizational mission, goals, and activities of Part A recipients must be consistent with national viral hepatitis priorities and recommendations. Part A recipients must have demonstrated experience in leading, maintaining, and growing a coalition that is comprised of diverse US-based public and private organizations, including community-based organizations, community-based health centers, and other organizations that have access to one or more of the priority populations and are actively involved in viral hepatitis educational outreach and/or testing services. Recipients must have demonstrated experience within the last five years with networking and partnership building, including previous success with communicating and maintaining relationships with coalition members and with recruiting and selecting new https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/ar-25.html organizations. Part A recipients must also have experience developing and executing culturally responsive viral hepatitis training, capacity building, and technical assistance activities for the proposed priority populations and geographic areas. This must include experience providing these types of services directly to the proposed priority population(s) and experience providing these types of services to other organizations that serve the priority population(s). Recipients must have a minimum of 3 years of experience working with the proposed priority population(s). They must have a program director, program coordinator, and staff with demonstrated viral hepatitis experience. This organizational capacity should be included in the Project Narrative.

The recipient must ensure that the organizations within the coalition can meet the needs of one of the four priority target populations as evidenced by their experience and effectiveness working with the selected populations. They must ensure that there is at least one organization within each selected geographic service area that has the capacity to conduct hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection testing and/or will have the capacity to initiate hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus infection testing within the performance period of this NOFO. Letters of support (up to five) that describe how the recipient will collaborate, as appropriate, with CDC-funded state or local health department viral hepatitis program(s) and/or organizations external to CDC should be provided. Please note that clinical services are not an allowable expense under this NOFO.

Part B recipients should have capabilities to update and manage an existing free web-based viral hepatitis training and supportive resources targeted to healthcare professionals that can be adapted to meet the requirements of this announcement. They must be able to deploy web-based training and resources for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Part B recipients must be able to adhere to CDC training standards. Their organizational mission, goals, and activities must be consistent with national viral hepatitis priorities and recommendations. They must have relevant experience in providing accredited continuing education (both CMEs and CNEs) and developing and promoting web-based training and supportive resources about viral hepatitis, including the development of web-based viral hepatitis courses/trainings and curricula. This organizational capacity should be included in the Project Narrative.

Recipients must have effective management and leadership required to maintain a viral hepatitis web-based platform targeted to healthcare providers nationwide. They must have a Medical/Clinical director, program coordinator, and staff with demonstrated viral hepatitis experience. Recipients must have strong program management experience. They must be able to demonstrate partnerships with organizations that will contribute to achieving the project’s outcomes and have the ability to establish contracts in a timely manner. Letters of support that describe collaborations, as appropriate, with CDC-funded programs and/or organizations external to CDC should be provided.

For both Parts A and B, recipients must also have a clear plan for monitoring the project’s on-going progress, preparing reports, evaluating program activities, and communicating with partners, including CDC. Any organizational capacity support from CDC-funded programs and/or partners and/or organizations external to CDC must also be described in the plan.

https://www.cdc.gov/trainingdevelopment/s…