Informationational call IP21-2106 Q and A and presentation 12 11 2020.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

INFORMATIONAL CALL – IP19-1901

11 DECEMBER 2020

Q1: Are the trust statistics based on COVID, flu, or something else?

A1: This is based on a national survey around trust in the upcoming COVID vaccine.

Q2: Will the due date timeline be extended?

A2: Due to the exigent circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic this opportunity is being announced under emergency authorities, thus no extension will be granted.

Q3: If submitted within 10 days as suggested, would notification of award and amount be provided prior to the advertised award date in the slides?

A3: CDC anticipates making awards as quickly as possible due to the exigent circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means CDC may make awards prior to the published award date.

Q4: Is there an LOI required, and if so, how should that be submitted?

A4: A LOI is not required for this opportunity.

Q5: How many awardees will there be?

A5: There will be a maximum of 10 awardees based on the availability of funding.

Q6: Are joint proposals among/between the eligible recipients allowed?

A6: We have identified ten eligible applicants. Other entities can collaborate with the identified eligible applicant(s).

Q7: Is the educational campaign and/or materials ready to go, or do we need to design and produce?

Translation of materials already done?

A7: While CDC has generic materials available to share, tailored messages for specific audiences may be more impactful. These materials can be used and disseminated by national organizations or chapters.

COVID-19 materials are being developed. As they get finalized and made available, same thing would apply. However, the real purpose of this program is not simply to disseminate these already developed resources, although that would be helpful and important. We are looking for organizations that could take the messaging and develop products that are tailored to the populations they serve.

Q8: Have the messaging materials been tested with African American audiences?

A8: The expectation is that recipients would create materials that resonate with particular audiences.

Q9: What performance metrics are anticipated?

A9: The logic model on pages 4–6 of the document describes the strategies/activities, outputs, and expected short- and long-term outcomes of the program. Anticipated performance measures are listed in the Evaluation and Performance Measurement section of the NOFO, beginning on page 14 of the document.

Q10: Can outreach activities be virtual during the pandemic?

A10: Yes, to the extent possible.

Q11: Can you speak to what constitutes branches/chapters?

A11: Local branches, chapters, and/or affiliates are local level entities governed, convened, and/or directed by the national level organization.

Q12: Can more information be shared about individual award size?

A12: The NOFO indicates that the average award will be $500,000; each award, however, may vary significantly depending on the precise activities proposed. In particular, awardees who are engaged in subgrants to local branches, chapters or affiliates would receive more funding to support these additional activities.

Awardees focused exclusively on activities in Focus Area A would only be responsible for activities at the national level covering “Deploy Educational Campaign” and “Enhance the Resource and Evidence Base”.

CDC anticipates that such awardees would not receive funding exceeding $250,000.

Awardees that propose activities in Focus Area B, specifically providing subgrants to local branches, chapters or affiliates would receive additional funds to cover grants to local branches (to undertake the activities in Focus Area B) as well as funding to cover the administration of funds and support to subgrantees (referred to as “Coordinate sub-awarded local branches, chapters, or affiliates” in the NOFO.) CDC anticipates that awardees that propose activities under Focus Areas A and B would not receive funding to support all activities exceeding $1,200,000 in total.

For example, an organization that proposes to support 20 local branches, chapters or affiliates with an average subgrant of $15,000 might receive an additional $300,000 to cover subgrants, as well as a further $100,000 to cover the costs of administering the sub-grant program, and co-ordination activities with sub-grantees. As a result, their total award may be approximately $650,000 including $250,000 for Focus Area A and $400,000 for Focus Area B.

Applicants should use their judgment to propose the average amount for each sub-grant and the number of local branches, chapters or affiliates to sub-grant. However, CDC does not envision subgrants that are greater than $50,000 per local organization.

These are provided only as examples. Final decision on number and size of individual awards are subject to availability of funds.

Q13: Does the 500K average award reflect direct and indirect costs or direct only?

A13: The $500K encompasses both direct and indirect charges.

Q14: Can funds be used for virtual platform development/updates?

A14: This type of expense may be allowable, but would be determined upon submission and approval of submitted budget based on the details provided. The amount allocated for this activity should be limited to 10% of the total amount awarded for activities in Focus area A.

Q15: Are the RFP questions available in a PDF format for review?

A15: This is not a RFP however all questions regarding this NOFO are available in a PDF format in grants.gov.

Q16: Generally, what does the monthly reporting entail?

A16: Information on monthly reporting is included in the Reporting section of the NOFO, beginning on page 37 of the document.

Q17: Is the period of performance 5 years so we will need to put forward a budget for all years? Or is a one-year grant with renewable year or just a one year grant?

A17: This is a 5-year cooperative agreement. Each budget year is individually funded based on the availability of funding. This is a cooperative agreement, not a grant, due to collaborative nature of both CDC and the recipient.

Q18: Is it correct that there are 10 eligible applicants and that there will be 10 awards so that each applicant will receive an award based on size/capacity?

A18: Of the 10 eligible applicants, all that submit a sufficient application will be funded, subject to availability of funds. A maximum of 10 awards may be made under this announcement.

Q19: With 10 awards with an average one year award of $500,000 this amounts to $5M. However, the total funding is $17.5M. Is the difference able to be allocated to the awardees? What is the maximum amount permissible for award based on a single proposal?

A19: The NOFO references an average award per organization of $500,000. However, as q12 above states, the actual base year award will vary depending on the precise activities proposed with those proposing activities in both focus areas A and B receiving more than those that propose activities only in Focus Area A. Across the five year period of performance of the NOFO, CDC anticipates total funding of $17.5M– subject to the availability of funds

Q20: Will the materials developed by funded organizations become part of CDC’s toolbox or will they be owned by the individual organizations?

A20: Recipients will own the materials they develop. Recipients will be strongly encouraged to share their materials with the program’s Learning Hub for potential use by other recipients. Recipients will also be strongly encouraged to submit materials to CDC’s State and Community Health Media Center for potential future use by other organizations.

Q21: Can advocacy activities be supported? Educating policy makers? What is the definition of branch/chapter for the purposes of this project?

A21: As noted in Section D 17 “Funding Restrictions, lobbying or advocacy influencing the enactment of legislation is prohibited. Some advocacy-related activities are allowable, depending on the specific activities proposed. If these are contemplated, they should be detailed in the proposal along with the funding required to support it so that a determination as to whether they may be approved can be made.

Q22: Given the timeframe, are MOU’s with the partners we will be working with expected to be a part of the applications?

A22: If an applicant anticipates the establishment of MOUs to support the proposed work, a description of what is planned should be included in the application and a list of organizations with whom MOUs are contemplated may be included in the appendix, if applicable. As noted in the logic model, MOUs are considered an output of this work.

Q23: Quick question re: affiliate/chapter. Can a national organization fund a community partner organization if there isn’t a chapter/affiliate organization structure?

A23: If an applicant has a close relationship with a CBO and works in a relevant area, the applicant may include the CBO as a proposed local affiliate in their application. The applicant needs to demonstrate its own ability to administer and manage funds distributed to the CBO.

Q24: When can we expect a copy of the presentation?

A24: The presentation will be available on December 17, 2020 at the end of these Q&As.

Q25: For Tribal Epidemiology Centers, what do you envision branches and chapters to be?

A25: This is a sole-source solicitation for which Tribal Epidemiology Centers is one of 10 eligible applications. It is our intent to consider one applicant that comprises the collaborative effort of interested Tribal Epidemiology Centers. The funds would be awarded to the lead Center and then distributed to participating Centers in accordance with their approved application and workplan, much as a national organization might distribute funds to regional branches or chapters.

Q26: Can Tribal Epidemiology Centers apply for either A or B?

A26: This is a sole-source solicitation for which Tribal Epidemiology Centers is one of 10 eligible applications. It is our intent to consider one applicant that comprises the collaborative effort of interested Tribal Epidemiology Centers. All applicatesmust respond to the requirements under Focus Area A (National Organization). Because the eligible application from Tribal Epidemiology Centers would include work in each participating regional Center, these activities would be described in response to Focus Area B (Local Branches, Chapter, or Affiliates)

Q27: Would Tribal Epidemiology Centers submit for both A and B? Also, while serving tribes regionally across multiple states, are you only providing 7 awards nationally, among the 10 targeted eligible noted?

A27: See Q26 above. A maximum of 10 awards, one to each of the 10 eligible organizations listed in the NOFO will be made, subject to receipt of a sufficient application and availability of funds.

Q28: Are you thinking of each tribal epi center as a national organization?

A28: This is a sole-source solicitation for which Tribal Epidemiology Centers is one of 10 eligible applicants. Only one application, representing the collaborative effort of all interested Centers will be considered. See Q34 below.

Q29: There is no national TEC organization. Can we individual TECs apply?

A29: This is a sole-source solicitation for which Tribal Epidemiology Centers is one of 10 eligible applicants. Only one application, representing the collaborative effort of all interested Centers will be

Q30: There are 12 tribal epidemiology centers across the nation, are you looking for only one to award?

A30: Only 1 award will only go to the eligible national partner; a collaboration between the 12 tribal epi centers is acceptable and strongly encouraged. See Q31 and 34 below.

Q31: Are you thinking of EpiCenter representing just their regions?

A31: This is a sole-source solicitation for which Tribal Epidemiology Centers is one of 10 eligible applicants. Only one application, representing the collaborative effort of all interested Centers will be

Q32: If an organization has more than one idea about this work, can they submit multiple applications? Should it be under one number? Program response, please consider that applicants would need to provide contractual information, if applicable, at the time of application. Therefore a reconsideration of your response is required.

A32: Organizations eligible for this funding opportunity should submit one comprehensive application that includes all the proposed approaches for addressing the objectives outlined in the announcement.

Q33: Is this session being recorded?

A33: No

Q34: How does this apply to TECs? Could you entertain them as individual TEC applications, given how hard it would be to collaborate on this time frame?

A34: As noted in the announcement, this is a sole-source solicitation with eligibility limited to the 10 organizations named in the published announcement. The maximum number of awards is limited to 10 and may include only those organizations listed on the approved, Sole Source Justification, as referenced in the announcement. In including “Tribal Epidemiology Centers” it was our intent to solicit one application that combines the proposed activities of all individual Tribal Epidemiology Centers with the interest and capacity to participate in this opportunity. Only one award under the eligible category, “Tribal Epidemiology Centers”, may be made and applications from individual centers will not be eligible. Therefore, it would be advisable for the interested Centers to collaborate on a single application that can be submitted by a designated lead or coordinating center. Once the award is made, the funds may be distributed to participating centers according to the plan outlined in the proposal.

Q35: What level of involvement does the TEC staff have to have or can it be the parent organization of the TEC that is applying? We are programs or departments within a larger organization. Many of us are housed within tribal health boards, designated as nonprofit.

A35: We will entertain one application that represents the Tribal Epidemiology Centers, the named eligible applicant listed in the NOFO.

Partnering with National Organizations to Increase Vaccination Coverage Across Different Racial and Ethnic Adult Populations Currently Experiencing Disparities

CDC RFA IP21-2106

Questions Due December 23, 2020 Applications Due January 4, 2021

DECEMBER 2020

Today’s objectives

• Provide applicants background on the funding opportunity and program

• Describe key components of the award

• Answer questions and review key dates for application

Background

Adult vaccination coverage remains low nationally, and significant disparities exist among certain racial and ethnic groups.

*Other includes Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, and multiplerace.

Source: Vaccination Coverage among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, CDC, 2017. NH = Non-Hispanic.

Pe rc en t V ac ci na te d

Overall White, NH Black, NH Hispanic Other*

Influenza Vaccination Coverage, ≥18 years, by Race/Ethnicity: 2008-09 – 2017-18 Lower flu vaccination coverage among Black (38.5%) and Hispanic (37.0%) adults aged >19 years compared to white adults (48.2%) in 2016–

Among adults aged >19 years with high-risk conditions, flu vaccination coverage lower among Black (54.9%) and Hispanic adults (52.0%) compared to white adults (61.4%)

Even as the influenza vaccination coverage rate across groups has increased, the disparity remains.

Source: Grohskopf LA, Liburd LC, Redfield RR. Addressing Influenza Vaccination Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA. Published online August 20, 2020.

doi:10.1001/jama.2020.1584

Influenza Vaccination Coverage, ≥18 years, by Race/Ethnicity:

2008-09 – 2017-18Estimated Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among US Adults by Race and

Ethnicity of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 Influenza Seasons

The groups experiencing flu vaccination disparities are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19; ensuring their trust in the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and efficacy is essential.

Source: COVID Collaborative. Coronavirus Vaccine Hesitancy in Black and Latinx Communities. November 2020.

This flu season, CDC has funded health departments, nonprofits, and other entities to implement activities focused on flu vaccination awareness, access, and confidence among racial and ethnic groups experiencing vaccination disparities.

NOFO Overview

CDC seeks to build the evidence base of effective interventions to improve vaccination coverage and to identify and implement strategies to reduce racial and/or ethnic disparities in adult vaccination coverage.

A. National Organizations

Build and implement infrastructure/ capacity for flu and COVID-19 vaccination activities and carry out those activities.

This involves the identification of individual(s) to implement/manage key activities.

B. Local Branches/Chapters

Applicants with local branches, chapters, and/or affiliates are expected to identify and fund these local entities to implement flu vaccination-related activities now and COVID 19 vaccination-related activities, when COVID 19 vaccines become available.

During the performance period, the national organization applicant is expected to build and implement infrastructure/capacity for flu and COVID-19 vaccination activities and carry out those activities. This involves the identification of individual(s) within the applicant organization to address these focus areas:

1. Coordinate sub-awarded local branches, chapters, or affiliates: Coordinate and advise on vaccination activities with local entities

2. Deploy educational campaign: Develop and implement a vaccination educational campaign targeting adults in racial or ethnic populations experiencing disparities as part of the applicant's other communications strategies

3. Enhance the resource and evidence base: Collaborate with the Learning Hub, Data Hub, and Media Center to review, modify, and improve resources that can be more broadly shared, as appropriate

Part A: National Organizations

Applicants are expected to undertake activities for the second two focus areas for Part A.

If applicant organizations have local branches, chapters, or affiliates, applicants are expected to also undertake the first focus area in Part A.

During the performance period, applicants with local branches, chapters, and/or affiliates are expected to identify and fund local branches, chapters, and/or affiliates to implement flu vaccination-related activities now and COVID 19 vaccination-related activities, when COVID 19 vaccines become available. All funded local entities are expected to implement activities in each of the following focus areas:

1. Provide data and insights to CDC detailing barriers to vaccine uptake: Work with communities to identify and address drivers of vaccine hesitancy, influential community messengers and partners, and community-acceptable approaches for improving vaccination availability, accessibility, and acceptability

2. Equip influential messengers: Educate and empower "trusted voices" in the community to support vaccine education and delivery

3. Increase vaccination opportunities and enhance provider partnership: Build partnerships between vaccination providers (e.g., pharmacies) and the community to increase the number, range, and diversity of opportunities for vaccination

Part B: Local Branches/Chapters

Part B applies only to applicant organizations that have local branches, chapters, or affiliates. Applicant-funded branches, chapters, or affiliates are expected to undertake activities for all focus areas for Part B.

Data Hub

The Data Hub will allow organizations to better understand their populations to better tailor their activities.

Learning Hub

The Learning Hub provides technical assistance, materials, and learning opportunities.

National organization applicants will act as a “spoke” of the Learning Hub to provide support to sub-awarded local branches/chapters.

State and Community Health Media Center

CDC’s State and Community Health Media Center is an online repository of advertisements and marketing materials that organizations can use.

CDC is focused on building a community or organizations that can try and scale effective approaches.

Equipping Influential Messengers Messengers

Number and types of community-level spokespersons trained Messages

Number and types of audience-tested and culturally appropriate communication products developed to promote influenza vaccinations (e.g., social media post, email, radio spot)

Type(s) of communications vehicles or outlets used (e.g., social media platform, radio, television) Events and Campaigns

Number and types of events or campaigns held to promote influenza vaccination Number of people who attended promotional events Successes and Challenges

Major successes for equipping influential messengers

Major challenges for equipping influential messengers

Provider Partnerships Partnerships List of partners and their notable contributions Mobile Clinics

Number of temporary and/or mobile flu vaccination sites established because of partnerships Number of people vaccinated at mobile flu vaccination sites Location of temporary and/or mobile flu vaccination sites (e.g., county, neighborhood, community) Educational Campaigns

Number and types of educational campaigns conducted for providers or other healthcare professionals

Number and types of providers or other healthcare professionals reached through educational campaigns Successes and Challenges Major successes for provider partnerships Major challenges for provider partnerships

CDC will assess progress through performance indicators, which recipients will report monthly.

• Application process

– Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management

(https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html) If not already registered, this may take up to 2 weeks

– Application must be successfully submitted via grants.gov by Monday, January 4, 2021, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

– Applicants will be notified by phone if they are selected

– Anticipated award date is Monday, February 1, 2021, but may be sooner if applications are received before the deadline.

• The precise amount of funding will vary depending on the size and type of organization and capacity to fulfill the objectives

Here’s the important information to know about the process.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

• Fiscal Contacts:

• Grants Management Specialist: Freda Johnson (wve2@cdc.gov)

• Grants Management Officer: Brownie Anderson-Rana (fli2@cdc.gov)

• Programmatic Contacts:

• Ram Koppaka (vcr4@cdc.gov)

• Erin Bernstein (wwi3@cdc.gov)

We are here to support you during the application process.

Q&A

Thank you for your participation.

Informationational call IP21-2106 Q and A 12 11 2020