HarmReductionTA-NOFO-QA for landing page.AKA.May 2 (003).docx

DRAFT

Pre-decisional Harm Reduction NOFO Q&As

1. What does ‘unrestricted’ mean? Can anyone apply?

Any organization may apply for funding under this NOFO, however, eligible applicants must demonstrate a minimum 5 years’ experience and expertise in the subject areas addressed under the component to which they are applying.

For those applying to conduct activities under component 1 (Technical Assistance), a competitive applicant will describe and document the organization’s capacity to deliver a harm reduction technical assistance curricula, develop a toolkit, and demonstrate capacity to reach harm reduction organizations nationally.

For those applying to conduct activities under component 2 (SSP Monitoring and Evaluation), a competitive applicant will describe and document the organization’s capacity to work with SSPs nationally to track locations and services, access data and gain buy-in for a nation-wide monitoring and evaluation program.

2. Is a letter of intent required?

A letter of intent is not required, but appreciated. Notifying CDC of your intention to apply, and which component(s) you will be applying for, helps us prepare for the application review process.

3. Are the demonstration projects optional?

No, the demonstration projects are not optional. Whoever is funded to conduct activities for Component 1 must conduct activities for component 1a in year one. Whoever is funded to conduct activities for Component 2 must conduct activities for component 2a in year one. Separate budgets must be submitted for components and demonstration projects.

4. How long are the demonstration projects funded for?

Currently, resources are only available in year 1 for these activities.

5. How much are the demonstration projects funded for?

Demonstration project 1a (Patient Navigation Programs at SSPs Demonstration Project) is funded for $1,000,000. Demonstration project 2a (Injection drug use Surveillance Demonstration Project) is funded for $3,000,000.

6. The logic model states a long-term outcome is to reduce the infectious disease consequences of the opioid epidemic. Does this mean we can focus on reducing infections such as endocarditis, MRSA or STDs, or should we focus on hepatitis C and HIV?

Components 1 (Harm Reduction Technical Assistance) & 2 (SSP Monitoring and Evaluation) are funded by a Congressional appropriation only which only allows funding to be used to address hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Demonstration project 1a (Patient Navigation Programs at SSPs Demonstration Project) and Demonstration project 2a (Injection drug use Surveillance Demonstration Project) are funded under a different mechanism. Work under these activities allows funding to be used to address all the infectious disease consequences of opioid use and overdose to advance the understanding of the opioid crisis.

7. Is the expectation that a funded recipient will work with all SSPs in the United States?

The target goal is to work with at least 80% of SSPs in the United States in urban, suburban and rural areas. Per the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 115-245), funds may not be used to purchase syringes or other equipment use solely in the drug injection process. Any SSP receiving technical assistance or engaged in any projects under this NOFO must be located in a jurisdiction that has a Determination of Need concurrence from CDC (see https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/ssps-jurisdictions.html See HHS guidance on use of federal funds for syringe services programs at https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/risk/hhs-ssp-guidance.pdf.

8. Demonstration Project 2a (IDU surveillance) mentions use of a customizable electronic data capture system. Is this intended to be a new system or add-on module to existing system? Can we budget for a subcontract for the development of such system?

Many SSPs may already use an electronic data system, but others may need support in adopting this technology. Funds may be used to purchase systems for SSPs. There are existing systems that can be used for this purpose – applicants will not be expected to develop their own.

Per guidance from HHS, subcontracts are allowable under this NOFO. The recipient must enter into a formal written agreement with each subrecipient that addresses the arrangements for meeting the programmatic, administrative, financial, and reporting requirements of the grant, including those necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal regulations and policies.

Cooperative Agreement recipients must obtain written approval from CDC prior to establishing a third-party contract to perform program activities. Approval by CDC to utilize funds and initiate program activities through the services of a contractor requires the submission of the following information for each contract to CDC:

1. Name of Contractor: Identify the name of the proposed contractor and indicate whether the contract is with an institution or organization.

2. Method of Selection: State whether the contract is sole source or competitive bid. If an organization is the sole source for the contract, include an explanation as to why this institution is the only one able to perform contract services.

3. Period of Performance: Specify the beginning and ending dates of the contract.

4. Scope of Work: Describe the specific services/tasks to be performed by the contractor and relate them to the accomplishment of program objectives. Deliverables should be clearly defined.

5. Method of Accountability: Describe how the progress and performance of the contactor will be monitored during and on close of the contract period. Identify who will be responsible for supervising the contract.

6. Itemized Budget and Justification: Provide and itemized budget with appropriate justification. If applicable, include any indirect cost paid under the contract and the indirect cost rate used.

If the information described above is not known at the time the application is submitted, the information may be submitted later as a revision to the budget. Copies of the actual contracts should not be sent to CDC, unless specifically requested. In the body of the budget request, a summary should be provided of the proposed contacts and amounts for each.

9. A second activity under demonstration project 2a (IDU Surveillance) is the implementation of survey system in 50 SSP and 250 of their drug-using peers. May we budget funds for incentives to ensure participation in this survey?

Yes, applicants may budget in survey incentives. Applicants will be required to prepare a detailed budget as part of the application consistent with instructions in the funding opportunity announcement and application instructions. Among other things, applicants need to understand the types of costs that are allowable under the program or award, the cost principles to which it will be subject, differences between direct and indirect costs, circumstances requiring establishment of an indirect cost rate or research patient care cost rate, and any requirement for non-Federal participation (in the form of matching or cost sharing

April 17, 2019