JG-24-0134 Lab Info Webinar_FINAL (1).pdf

Advancing Diagnostic Network Optimization, Stepwise Laboratory Accreditation, and

Integrated One Health Specimen Transport in Liberia

CDC-RFA-JG-24-0134

NOFO Informational Webinar April 4, 2024

Agenda

1. NOFO & Program Overview Dr. Rachel Idowu

2. Organizational Capacity & Claudette Grant Review and Selection Process

3. Eligibility Criteria & Funding Rhonda Latimer

4. Reminders Shana Eatman

5. Questions and Answers Facilitated by Sarah Leonard/ All

Overview

Since 2015, CDC Division of Global Health Protection’s (DGHP) support of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) has bolstered Liberia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Prior US Government investment in Liberia’s public health infrastructure has introduced laboratory capacities for Ebola, COVID-19, yellow fever, Lassa fever, cholera and meningitis. However, key vulnerabilities persist, and Liberia’s fragile health system lacks resources to manage acute events without catastrophic impact on other health sectors.

Efforts supported through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) should align with both CDC and national goals for Liberia.

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Purpose

The purpose of this multi-component NOFO is to advance national and sub-national strategies for Liberia’s public health laboratory platform in line with internationally-recognized GHS benchmarks

This NOFO supports diagnostic technology, laboratory workforce investments, cost-effective diagnostic network optimization and integration, and rapid, reliable, and geographically-balanced direct point-to-point specimen transport

We will work closely with the NOFO recipient(s) to collaborate with Government of Liberia public health programs and other partners to address priority areas

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Priority Areas

Strengthen national and sub-national reference laboratory workforce and diagnostic capacity

Facilitate and optimize integrated, cost-effective One Health laboratory and specimen transport networks

Improve laboratory information systems, logistics, and supply chain platforms

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Strategies: Core Components 1 through 3

Component 1: Investments in Laboratory Diagnostic Technology, Quality, and Workforce Component 2: Investments in Laboratory Diagnostic and Specimen Transport Network Optimization, Integration and Cost-Effectiveness Component 3: Investments in Rapid, Reliable and Geographically-Balanced Specimen Transport

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• Each core component has a distinct set of strategies and activities

• Applicant MUST apply for at least one core component

• We encourage you to apply for the component that best fits your organization's area of expertise

• Applicants can apply to as many core components as they would like. However, we ask that you only apply for the components in your organization's area of expertise

• Our expectation is that regardless of whether one organization is ultimately awarded all 3 Components or just one or two of the 3 Core Components, each partner will coordinate and harmonize efforts with the other entities also awarded

Strategies: Core Component 1

Component 1: Investments in Laboratory Diagnostic Technology, Quality, and Workforce

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• Facilitate coordination between clinical and diagnostic One Health laboratories

• Provide technical expertise to plan, pilot, validate, launch, or harmonize point-of-care and reference diagnostic capacities for priority pathogens

• Sustain mentorship and accountability for full spectrum of laboratory professionals

(incl. bench technicians, mid-level quality managers, and national laboratory directors)

• Provide technical support for launch and installation of new public health reference laboratory

Strategies: Core Component 2

Component 2: Investments in Laboratory Diagnostic and Specimen Transport Network Optimization, Integration and Cost-Effectiveness

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• What parameters or requirements guide national vs. sub-national vs. point-of-care testing in Liberia?

• What parameters and requirements would allow for optimized, cost-effective One Health specimen transport in Liberia?

• Routine

• Outbreak

• Specialized scenarios

• What are optimized cost structure models for “per specimen” coverage in Liberia?

• What algorithms or work flows could improve specimen results return in Liberia?

Strategies: Core Component 3

Component 3: Investments in Rapid, Reliable and Geographically-Balanced Specimen Transport

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• Procure and establish staff, logistics, equipment, and operational systems required to successfully and safely collect, transfer, and release biological specimens

• Coordinate with other laboratory and systems partners to pilot and evaluate new models and geographic routes for One Health specimen transport in Liberia

Strategies: Emergency Components 4 and 5 (Approved but Unfunded)

Components 4 and 5: Rapid Response to Small-Scale and Large-Scale Public Health Emergencies

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• Both emergency components follow the same logic model for strategies and activities

• Component 4 activities should support response activities for a small to moderate public health emergency

• Component 5 activities should support response activities for a large public health emergency

Organizational Capacity

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient capacity and readiness to carry out the strategies outlined in the NOFO.

Recipient(s) are required to work with other CDC implementing partners, including non-governmental organizations, universities, Ministry of Health and other host governmental bodies and multi-lateral organizations that receive CDC funds.

Recipient(s) should ensure their proposed activities are not duplicating activities already implemented by other CDC-funded organizations.

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Review and Selection Process: Phase I and II

Core Components 1 through 3

• Applicants MUST apply to one (1) core component to be considered for this NOFO.

• Applicants may apply to any core component as long as they have sufficient capacity and expertise to carry out the component’s activities.

• Based on the above, they may apply to only 1, 2 or all 3 core components.

• If an applicant applies to more than one core component, then each component will be evaluated separately on their own merit during the objective review process.

Emergency Components 4 and 5

• These are mandatory emergency components and are required components of the overall application.

• At time of award, these components will be considered “approved but unfunded.” They should be thought of as “insurance” should a public health emergency occur, and response funds made available.

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Review and Selection Process: Phase III

Funding Preference: Optional, “bonus points” documentation.

1. Preference for Legally Registered Organizations

• Proof of legal documentation (certificate of incorporation or registration) from the applicant to operate in Liberia.

2. Letter of Support from Government of Liberia

• The deliverable is a letter of support from either the Liberian Ministry of Health (Liberian

MOH) or the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL).

• Applicants do not need to obtain a letter from both entities.

Note: Applications will be considered regardless of inclusion or non-inclusion of above documents.

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Eligibility and Funding Criteria

For guidance on completing a detailed budget, see Budget Preparation Guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/budget-preparation-guidance.pdf

Grants Management Officer:

Rhonda Latimer, ito1@cdc.gov

Core Components Funding Ceiling Amount

Component 1 $500,000

Component 2 $600,000

Component 3 $600,000

Emergency Components (Approved but Unfunded) Funding Ceiling Amount

Component 4 $10,000,000

Component 5 $15,000,000

• Anticipated Number of Recipients: Up to 3

• Project Period: 5 years with a 12-month budget period

• Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2024

• Funding Ceilings Per Award:

NOFO funding ceilings do not indicate funding availability. NOFO figures are subject to the availability of funds and program priorities.

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Reminders

• NOFO was posted on March 29, 2024. Will remain posted for 54 days.

• Application due date: May 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time

• Only applications meeting the requirements will be accepted for review.

• Project Period: September 2024 to September 2029.

• Answers from today's webinar questions will be posted as an amendment to the NOFO on grants.gov. Please submit all remaining questions to dghpnofos@cdc.gov by April 12, 2024, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time

• Technical Assistance with grants.gov, please refer to “support” tab on grants.gov mailto:dghpnofos@cdc.gov

Question & Answer

DGHP NOFOs DGHPNOFOs@cdc.gov mailto:DGHPextramural@cdc.gov

Thank you!