PKG00264572-instructions.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for HIV-AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Partnering and Communicating Together

CDC-RFA-PS21-2104

Application Due Date: 04/05/2021

Partnering and Communicating Together

CDC-RFA-PS21-2104

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Overview Information A. Federal Agency Name B. Funding Opportunity Title C. Announcement Type D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listings (CFDA) Number F. Dates G. Executive Summary

Part II. Full Text 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 Information 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- PS21-2104. 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:

Partnering and Communicating Together 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.govregs.com/regulations/title42_chapterI_part2_subpartD_section2.52. 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-PS21-2104

E. Assistance Listings (CFDA) Number:

93.118 F. Dates:

1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI): 02/17/2021

2. Due Date for Applications: 04/05/2021, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern

Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.

Letter of Intent is optional.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call:

Webinar participation is not required.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

1. Webinar via Zoom When: Feb 17, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: PACT NOFO Information Webinar I Register in advance for this webinar:

https://westat.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IV0hPNBfS3CCz0vzN-yOkA Or an H.323/SIP room system:

H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East) https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.govregs.com/regulations/title42_chapterI_part2_subpartD_section2.52 https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr-46/index.html https://www.grants.gov https://westat.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IV0hPNBfS3CCz0vzN-yOkA

Meeting ID: 161 116 3478 Passcode: 8697738 SIP: 1611163478@sip.zoomgov.com Passcode: 8697738

2. Webinar via Zoom When: Feb 23, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: PACT NOFO Information Webinar II Register in advance for this webinar:

https://westat.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TP_yAWX-Sn2n8D03GnJkqw Or an H.323/SIP room system:

H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East) Meeting ID: 161 371 8197 Passcode: 7687819 SIP: 1613718197@sip.zoomgov.com Passcode: 7687819

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

CDC announces the availability of fiscal year 2021 funds for a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support CDC human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention efforts as part of the Administration’s Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) Initiative. In February 2019, HHS announced Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE). Accordingly, CDC seeks to increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections, and improve health outcomes for people with HIV in the United States and its territories. This NOFO supports organizations who have the infrastructure but have not previously focused on HIV prevention, education, treatment, outreach and/or community engagement. The purpose of this NOFO is 1) to support the dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) campaign via the use of digital and social media platforms and 2) disseminate Together campaign materials, messaging, and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention at in-person and virtual events. This program will support organizations to expand the reach and dissemination of Together campaign resources using a variety of vehicles including publications, meetings, conferences, media (digital and social), and other mechanisms.

Recipients will prioritize health communication and mobilization efforts among populations highly impacted by HIV and in the highest burden jurisdictions.

a. Eligible Applicants: Open Competition

b. NOFO Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 12 https://westat.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TP_yAWX-Sn2n8D03GnJkqw https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/ http://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/

d. Total Period of Performance Funding: $11,175,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $187,500

f. Total Period of Performance Length: 5

g. Estimated Award Date: 09/30/2021

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements: N

Part II. Full Text A. Funding Opportunity Description

Part II. Full Text

1. Background

a. Overview After more than 30 years, HIV continues to be a major public health crisis in the United States.

An estimated 1.1 million persons are living with HIV and approximately 162,500 (15%) are unaware of their status. Although deaths among people with HIV have declined, the number of people with HIV has increased.

In 2018, 37,968 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States and dependent areas. The annual number of new diagnoses decreased 7% from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men accounted for 69% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States and 6 dependent areas. In 2018, adult and adolescent Blacks/African Americans accounted for 42% of all new HIV diagnoses. Additionally, Hispanics/Latinos are also strongly affected.

They accounted for 27% of all new HIV diagnoses. Results from a 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found that an estimated 14% of transgender women have HIV. By race/ethnicity, an estimated 44% of Black/African American transgender women, 26% of Hispanic/Latina transgender women, and 7% of white transgender women were diagnosed with HIV.

Since 2009, CDC has funded national organizations whose primary mission is to serve and represent communities disproportionately affected by HIV, including Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (collectively referred to as MSM), transgender people, and young adults. CDC’s partnerships with national organizations have been very effective in reaching large numbers of the priority populations through the cooperative agreement grant process (i.e., CDC-RFA-PS10-1057, PS12-1211, and PS15-1505).

The intent of this NOFO is to continue the success of previous NOFOs and to further support and partner with national organizations that have a demonstrated reach and influence in these communities.

In February 2019, HHS announced the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) Initiative. The initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90% by 2030. Ending the HIV Epidemic leverages critical scientific advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response to improve population health through reduction of HIV/AIDS prevalence, increased testing, and managed care in populations experiencing the greatest disparities.

Ready, Set, PrEP (RSP) is a nationwide program led by HHS and represents a key component of the prevent strategy of the EHE initiative. The RSP program provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications at no cost to thousands of individuals who qualify. The program will expand access to PrEP medications, reduce new HIV infections, and bring us one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.

The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health is coordinating the cross-agency EHE initiative. Collaborating agencies include CDC, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Indian Health Service (IHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

NOFO recipients will leverage existing organizational structure, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate Let’s Stop HIV Together campaigns and other CDC resources via one or both categories: Category A: Digital and Social Media and Category B: Events.

b. Statutory Authorities 301(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241(a)) and 318(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247(c)(b)(3), as amended.

c. Healthy People 2030 This NOFO addresses the Healthy People 2030 focus on HIV:

https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/sexually-transmitted-infections/reduce-number-new-hiv-infections-hiv-01.

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America: https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv The HHS Strategic Plan, FY 2018-2022: https://www.hiv.gov/blog/hhs-and-the-national-hivaids-strategy National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Update 2020: https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/national-hiv-aids-strategy/nhas CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategic Plan 2017-2020: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf /dhap/cdc-hiv-dhap-external-strategic-plan.pdf CDC National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) Strategic Plan Through 2020: http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/strategicpriorities/docs/nchhstp-strategic-plan-https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/national-hiv-aids-strategy/nhas-update https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/national-hiv-aids-strategy/nhas-update https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/dhap/cdc-hiv-dhap-external-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/dhap/cdc-hiv-dhap-external-strategic-plan.pdf through-2020-508.pdf HIV Care Continuum: https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/policies-issues/hiv-aids-care-conti nuum Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI): https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/smaif/overview

e. Relevant Work This NOFO builds upon current and previous Prevention Communication Branch initiatives, including:

PS15-1505: Enhancing HIV Prevention Communications and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships The purpose of this initiative is (1) to support the dissemination of Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention and (2) to implement national engagement efforts focusing on HIV prevention and awareness.

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps15-1505/index.html PS12-1211: Enhancing HIV Prevention Mobilization among Organizations Serving Gay, Bisexual, and other MSM The effort supported HIV mobilization among organizations serving gay, bisexual and other MSM. The goals of this NOFO included increasing HIV awareness, prevention, and action among gay, bisexual, and other MSM, as well as improving the health of MSM with HIV.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/PS12-1211/index.html

PS10-1057: Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative The Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) was a partnership between CDC and some of the nation’s leading organizations representing the populations hardest hit by HIV and AIDS, including Blacks/African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

The purpose of the AAALI was (1) to incorporate HIV and AIDS education and awareness, prevention, communication strategies into the day-to-day activities of AAALI organizations; (2) to integrate HIV prevention in communication, mobilization, and outreach activities of national organizations that have not had a historically, primary HIV and AIDS focus; and (3) to create a network of these organizations.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=54568 In addition, the NOFO complements other Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention initiatives, including:

PS20-2010: Integrated HIV Programs for Health Departments to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States This initiative supports the development and implementation of programs tailored to ending the HIV epidemic in America. Recent scientific advances in HIV prevention and treatment have made ending the HIV epidemic in America a realistic possibility. The purpose of this initiative is https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/policies-issues/hiv-aids-care-continuum https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/policies-issues/hiv-aids-care-continuum https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/smaif/overview https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps15-1505/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/PS12-1211/index.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=54568 to implement comprehensive HIV programs, that complement programs, such as the Ryan White program and other HHS programs, designed to support ending the HIV epidemic in America by leveraging powerful data, tools and resources to reduce new HIV infections by 75% in 5 years.

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps20-2010/index.html

PS19-1906: Strategic Partnerships and Planning to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States The purpose of this initiative is to support strategic partnerships, communication, peer-to-peer technical assistance (TA), and jurisdictional planning efforts to address emerging needs of targeted jurisdictions through CDC-funded state and local health departments and their ability to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps19-1906/index.html

PS18-1802: Integrated HIV Surveillance and Prevention Programs for Health Departments The purpose of this initiative is to implement a comprehensive HIV surveillance and prevention program to prevent new HIV infections and achieve viral suppression among people with HIV.

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps18-1802/index.html

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

Bold indicates period of performance outcome.

Strategies and Activities

Short-Term Outcomes (1-2 years)

Intermediate Outcomes (3-4 years)*

Long-Term Outcomes (5+ years)*

Category A: Digital and Social Media

1. Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages via digital and social media

Increase exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, Increase cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing, and referral strategies

Increase HIV-related

Increase early identification of people with

HIV

Increase knowledge of HIV status

Increase viral https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps20-2010/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps19-1906/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/funding/announcements/ps18-1802/index.html communication channels suppression among people with HIV

2. Leverage digital influencers, partners, and networks (which are representative of the communities bein g reached) to expand the reach of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages Category B: Events

Reduce disparities in the rate of diagnoses among people at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection

1. Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events

2. Leverage partners and networks (which are representative of the communities being reached) to expand the reach and dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events people with HIV, and health care providers

Increase HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers

Increase partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages communication among engaged partners and networks

Increase favorable attitudes and norms regarding HIV prevention, testing, and referral strategies

Increase HIV prevention and testing behaviors

Increase referrals and linkage to care among people with

HIV

Increase adoption of HIV screening, prevention, and care and treatment recommendations by health care providers within their clinical practices

*Intermediate and Long-Term Outcomes are not directly measurable through this NOFO, unless indicated in bold font.

i. Purpose The purpose of this NOFO is to disseminate HIV communication resources via digital and social media channels and at events. These resources are derived specifically from CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. CDC seeks to increase HIV awareness, reduce new HIV infections among priority populations, and improve health outcomes for people with HIV in the United

States and its territories. These efforts should focus on areas where the HIV epidemic is most prevalent and new infections are taking place. The NOFO will prioritize the jurisdictions in Phase 1 in the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

ii. Outcomes By the end of the period of performance, the recipients are expected to achieve all of the short-term outcomes and two intermediate outcomes. Indicators that quantify these outcomes are described in the section entitled CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy. The outcomes for funding Category A and B are as follows:

o Increase exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers o Increase HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers o Increase partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages o Increase cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing, and referral services o Increase HIV-related communication among engaged partners and networks

iii. Strategies and Activities Applicants may apply for one or both categories. If applying for both categories, fully describe plans to implement activities and provide a separate work plan for each category.

Category A recipients must include strategies to engage with at least two of the priority populations. Applicants must submit digital and social media data or reports that demonstrate reach and engagement among priority populations. This file should be named Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data and uploaded as a pdf at www.grants.gov.

Category B recipients must conduct events in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. Applicants must submit a map or chart to show the location of members, chapters, and/or networks to demonstrate national reach, infrastructure and organizational capacity to conduct activities in a minimum of 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The file should be named Attachment K: Membership Chart/Map and uploaded as a pdf at www .grants.gov. Failure to submit required supporting documents may result in non-compliance.

Category A: Digital and Social Media

1. Promote and disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages via digital and social media communications channels to increase awareness of CDC’s HIV prevention work. Promotional activities may include (but are not limited to) campaign graphics and web links on organization’s website, campaign graphics and hashtags on social media posts.

a. Social media channels may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms.

https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/priorities.html https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/priorities.html http://www.grants.gov/

Social media activities and strategies may include (but are not limited to) posts, Facebook Live, Facebook Watch, Instagram Stories, Twitter Chats, Twitter Town Halls, and ad boosts.

b. Digital media channels may include (but not limited to) blogs, websites, online radio, and mobile applications.

Digital media activities may include (but are not limited to) web banners, CDC resource widgets, syndicated web content, ad placements, podcasts, online written content (op-eds), and email marketing.

2. Leverage partners, and networks to expand the reach of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.

a. Partners may include (but are not limited to) digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, civic and social organizations, health care provider associations, clinical advisors, local businesses, and media outlets.

3. Recipients must develop a Communication Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. The plan should include internal organizational strategies as well as external stakeholder efforts and describe how populations otherwise not reached by similar programs will receive program interventions and how these messages will be adapted and delivered. The plan should include the following components:

a. Communication Objectives: Write the communication objectives to help support program objective. Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, and culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target audiences.

b. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1-3, 4- 6, 7-9, 10-12).

c. Audiences: Name the primary audiences to reach for the identified program objective and provide demographic information on the audiences important for tailoring interventions.

d. Communication Activities: Identify communication activities to support the communication objective and ultimately the program objective. Please include communication channels (e.g., website, newsletter, social media platform) and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas. If leveraging communication channels of external partner, please indicate in this section of the application.

e. Metrics: Include metrics that relate to communication evaluation efforts. Metrics vary by 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.

Category B: Events

1. Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events. Engagement efforts should be comprehensive and include multiple components and touch-points with priority populations. There should be a minimum of three engagement activities per event.

a. Events may be in-person or virtual and may include (but are not limited to) national conventions, LGBT pride events, town halls, webinars, Zoom meetings, and online trainings.

Engagement activities may include (but are not limited to) ads in program book or app, in-person or virtual exhibit booths, workshops, conference bag inserts, GIF/photo booth, HIV testing and linkage services, and other innovative mechanisms.

2. Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach and dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.

a. Partners may include (but are not limited to) digital influencers, health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, civic and social organizations, health care provider associations, clinical advisors, local businesses, and media outlets.

3. Recipients must develop an Events Plan within 60 days of receipt of award. The Events Plan should include internal organizational strategies as well as external stakeholder efforts. The plan should include the following components:

a. Communication Objectives: Write communication objectives to help support the program objective. Communication objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, and culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target audiences.

b. Timeline: Provide information for each 3-month time period (e.g., Months 1-3, 4- 6, 7-9, 10-12).

c. Audiences: Name the primary audience to reach for the identified program objective.

d. Communication Activities: Identify event activities to support corresponding communication objectives and ultimately program objective. Please include event information, engagement activities, and highlight campaign resources and/or topic areas. If leveraging external partners, please indicate in this section of the application.

e. Metrics: Include metrics that relate to evaluation efforts. Metrics vary by event activities. Examples, but are not limited to, the following: number of materials disseminated; number of social media posts, likes, shares, and comments (associated with events); HIV testing and linkage services facilitated at events; and workshop/session attendance at events.

CDC anticipates that NOFO recipients may want to disseminate Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and that recipients may find it advantageous to add their brand to these materials. In such cases, the funding recipient will work with the Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign team to assure that all appropriate permissions are obtained and materials are appropriately reviewed and approved for use by CDC. All co-branded materials and materials that include the CDC logo must be prepared with substantial involvement from CDC.

1. Collaborations

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

The recipients must leverage, establish, build, and maintain collaborative partnerships with CDC and other CDC-funded organizations (e.g., national partner organizations, state and local health departments, directly-funded community-based organizations, health centers) to achieve or meet the strategies, activities, and requirements of this NOFO and support other HHS/CDC HIV-related initiatives (e.g., Ending the HIV Epidemic). Partnership Agreements must be established, name the file "Attachment F: Partnership Agreement" and upload as a pdf at www.grants.gov.

b. With organizations not funded by CDC:

The recipient should leverage, establish, build, and or maintain collaborative relationships with organizations not funded by CDC (e.g., barbershops, hair salons, historically Black colleges and universities [HBCUs], Hispanic-serving institutions [HSIs], faith-based institutions, LGBTQ organizations, gay men’s choruses, businesses, professional organizations, residency programs, medical schools, and/or foundations) to support its efforts to expand the reach of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign messages and materials. Partnership Agreements must be established, name the file "Attachment F: Partnership Agreement" and upload as a pdf at www .grants.gov.

2. Target Populations The recipient should prioritize efforts to reach communities most disproportionately affected by HIV (Blacks/African Americans; Hispanics/Latinos; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (collectively referred to as MSM); transgender people; people who inject drugs; and people with HIV) and/or health care providers who serve them. Category A recipients must include strategies to engage with at least two of these priority populations. Category B recipients must conduct events in at least 10 jurisdictions identified in Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epide mic Initiative.

a. Health Disparities Health disparities in HIV are inextricably linked to a complex blend of social determinants that influence populations most severely affected by this disease. Health equity is a critical goal that entails special efforts to improve the health of those who have experienced social or economic disadvantage. Social determinants of health affect disparities in HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. Environmental factors, such as housing conditions, social networks, and social support, are also key drivers for acquisition and transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. This NOFO supports efforts to enhance understanding and awareness of HIV prevention, facilitate access to existing public health services and resources, reduce disease prevalence, and promote health equity. In collaboration with partners and appropriate sectors of the community, the recipient should also consider social determinants of health in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program-specific efforts and use culturally appropriate prevention messages, strategies, and activities that are tailored for the communities for which they are intended.

iv. Funding Strategy This multi-component NOFO is an open competition cooperative agreement. Recipients are eligible to apply for funding in one or both categories. The total annual funding is approximately $2,235,000 with an anticipated 12 recipients between both categories, up to 5 recipients for http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/priorities.html

Category A – Digital and Social Media and up to 7 recipients for Category B - Events.

If applying for both categories, recipients should submit one application which includes a workplan and required supporting information for each category.

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy The CDC strategy for evaluation and performance measurement includes several activities and is consistent with the logic model and approach presented above. The CDC strategy includes evaluation and performance measurement for the overall project, as well as for individual recipients. Recipients are required to monitor and evaluate their own programs for continuing quality improvement. Recipients must allocate 5% of the overall budget to support program evaluation (of funded activities); submit progress reports; participate in uniform data collection activities; and monthly data entry and electronic submission of data and reporting information.

For items related to digital and social media metrics, recipients will be expected to establish appropriate internal systems to meet the reporting requirements.

When possible, program effectiveness will be assessed using outcome measures that can be calculated using existing, HHS-supported data systems (e.g., HIV case surveillance). Any additional community-level or population-based impact measures identified by the recipient will be collected using similarly extant data systems and in close collaboration with local HIV prevention programs.

CDC will assess recipients’ achievement of program goals in terms of process and desired outcomes. Indicators aligning with short-term and intermediate project outcomes may include, but are not limited to the following:

Category A: Digital and Social Media Activity 1: Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages via digital and social media communication channels.

Outputs:

Completed communication plan Monthly data (including, but not limited to, content of social media post(s), number and type of social media engagement [i.e. number of likes, shares, URL clicks, and comments] by post, reach [i.e. number of impressions of digital advertising], etc.)

o Data submission via the Metrics Database and/or via Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

Outcomes:

Increased exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers (Total number of impressions, comprehensive summary of location, target audience and duration of digital advertisements)

Increased HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers (Inquiries regarding HIV prevention services through CDC resource widgets and electronic resources promoted through digital media advertisements and social media, etc.)

CATEGORY A: Activity 1 Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages via digital and social media communication channels.

Outcome: Increased exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets Indicators

Number of HIV-related digital ad placements

A minimum of 140 per year

Number of generated impressions from each HIV-related digital ad placement

N/A

Number of clicks from each HIV-related digital ad placement

N/A

Average Click-through Rate (CTR) = 0.05

Digital Advertising

Cost of each HIV-related digital ad placement

N/A

Number of digital articles (e.g., blogs)

A minimum of 4 per year

Digital Articles

Number of engagements/views per digital article (including likes, shares, comments)

N/A

Average number of engagements/views per digital article

Email Blasts Number of HIV-related email communications

A minimum of 20 per year

Average open rate

Number of people reached through each HIV-related email communication (i.e., number of emails delivered and number of opens)

N/A

Number of clicks on each HIV-related email communication

N/A

Average percentage of handle email blasts that are HIV-related

Number of HIV-related social media posts on any social media platform

A minimum of 145 total per year

Number of engagements per tweet (likes, retweets, comments, URL clicks)

N/A

Number of engagements per Facebook post (likes, shares, comments, url clicks)

N/A

Number of engagements per Instagram post (likes, comments, sent as DM, bookmarked)

N/A

Social Media

Number of engagements per social media post on other platforms (likes, shares, comments)

N/A

Average engagement rate per month by platform

Average percentage of handle posts per platform that are HIV-related

Number of social media events A minimum of 12

Number of attendees at social media events

N/A

Social Media Events (include Facebook Live, Twitter Chats, etc.) Number of engagements at social media events (including likes and comments)

N/A

Average engagement rate per social media event

Social Media Marketing

Number of HIV-related ad placements on social media

A minimum of 140 per year

Average Click-through Rate

(CTR) = 0.05

Number of generated impressions from each HIV-related ad placements on social media

N/A

Number of clicks from each HIV-related ad placements on social media

N/A

Cost of each HIV-related ad placements on social media

N/A

Outcome: Increased HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets

Indicators

Zip Code Searches

Number of zip codes searches through CDC resource widgets placed on your organization's website

Activity 2: Leverage partners, and networks to expand the reach of CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.

Outputs:

Completed communication plan Number of established Partnership Agreements Efforts to leverage or establish partnerships (Number of partner meetings, calls, consultations) Monthly data (including, but not limited to, number of partners engaged, metrics for social and digital media activities with partners, etc.)

o Data submission via the Metrics Database and/or via Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

Outcomes:

Increased partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages (Total number of Partnership Agreements signed, total number of partner meetings, calls, and consultations)

Increased HIV-related communication among engaged partners and networks (Total number and types of activities, number of engagements, etc.)

CATEGORY A: Activity 2 Leverage partners, and networks to expand the reach of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages.

Outcome: Increased partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets Indicators

Established Partnership Agreements with other organizations

A minimum of 20 per year

Fidelity to Partnership Agreement – Activities resulting from Partnership Agreements with other organization (e.g., collaborative events, re-posting of social media content, etc. and associated metrics)

Meeting notes, communication (electronic and print), and other evidence of engagement

A minimum of 20 partners per year

Number of partners engaged

Partner Engagement

Number of meetings with partners (also provide dates, number of attendees, and purpose of each meeting)

No minimum (may vary based on number of meetings needed to support ongoing communication with partners)

Materials Dissemination

Number of Together campaign materials requested and disseminated through partnerships (e.g., partnership

A minimum of 5000 per year meetings)

Outcome: Increased HIV-related communication among engaged partners and networks

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets Indicators

Partner Activities:

Social Media

Number of HIV-related social media posts with partners

150 across all platforms per year

Average engagement rate per month by platform

Number of HIV-related email communications through partners

A minimum of 20 per year

Number of people reached through HIV-related email communications through partners (i.e., number of emails delivered and number of opens)

N/A

Partner Activities:

Email Blasts

Number of clicks on each HIV-related email communication through partners

N/A

Average open rate

Number of digital articles (e.g., blogs)

A minimum of 5 per year

Partner Activities:

Digital Articles

Number of engagements/views per digital article (including likes, shares, comments)

N/A

Average number of engagements/views per digital article

Partner Activities:

Social Media

Number of HIV-related social media posts with partners

A minimum of 50 across all platforms per year

Average engagement rate per month by platform

Partner Activities:

Zip Code Searches

Number of zip codes searches through CDC resource widgets placed on websites of partners

Category B: Events Activity 1: Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.

Outputs:

Completed events plan Monthly data (including, but not limited to, number of events, number of event attendees, number of materials distributed by event, etc.)

o Data submission via the Metrics Database and/or via Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

Outcomes:

Increased exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers (Total number of materials distributed by event, etc.)

Increased HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers (Total number of events held, total number of visitors or participants per event, etc.)

CATEGORY B: Activity 1 Disseminate CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.

Outcome: Increased exposure to CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign materials and messages among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets Indicators

Number of in-person events with HIV messaging (including event type and location)

A minimum of 10 events per year

Number of attendees per in-person event

N/A

Events: in-person

Number of engagements with attendees per in-person event

N/A

Average event engagement rates: 0.5

Number of virtual events with HIV messaging (including event platform)

A minimum of 10 events per year

Events: virtual

Number of attendees per virtual event

N/A

Average event engagement rates: 0.5

Number of engagements with attendees per virtual event

N/A

Materials Dissemination

Number of Together campaign materials requested and disseminated through in-person events

A minimum of 5,000 per year

Outcome: Increased HIV-related information seeking behaviors among people disproportionately affected by HIV, people with HIV, and health care providers

Domain Deliverables/Metrics Minimum Targets Indicators

Zip Code Searches

Number of zip codes searches for HIV prevention services through CDC resource widgets placed on your organization’s website

N/A

Activity 2: Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach and dissemination of CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.

Outputs:

Completed events plan Number of established Partnership Agreements Efforts to leverage or establish partnerships (i.e., number of partner meetings, calls, consultations) Monthly data (including, but not limited to, number of partners engaged, metrics for events with partners, etc.)

o Data submission via the Metrics Database and/or via Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

Outcomes:

Increased partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages (Total number of materials requested)

Increased cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing, and referral strategies (Number of materials requested within communities, inquiries regarding HIV prevention services through CDC resource widgets and electronic resources promoted community events, etc.)

CATEGORY B: Activity 2 Leverage partners and networks to expand the reach and dissemination of CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages at in-person and virtual events.

Outcome: Increased partner engagement with CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together materials and messages

Established Partnership Agreements with other organizations

A minimum of 20 per year

Fidelity to Partnership Agreements – Activities resulting from Partnership Agreements with other organization (e.g., collaborative events, re-posting of social media content, etc. and associated metrics)

Meeting notes, communication (electronic and print), and other evidence of engagement

A minimum of 20 partners per year

Number of partners engaged

Partner Engagement

Number of meetings with partners (also provide dates, number of attendees, and purpose of each meeting)

N/A

Materials Dissemination

Name, description and quantity of materials requested

A minimum of 5000 per year

Number of Together campaign materials requested and disseminated through partnerships (e.g., partnership meetings)

Outcome: Increased cross-community support for HIV prevention, testing and referral strategies

Partner Number of in-person events with HIV messaging conducted in collaboration with partners (including event type and

A minimum of 10 events per year location)

Number of attendees per in-person event conducted in collaboration with partners

N/A

Activities:

In-person Events

Number of engagements with attendees per in-person event conducted in collaboration with partners

N/A

Number of virtual events with HIV messaging (including event platform)

A minimum of 10 events per year

Number of attendees per virtual event

N/A

Partner Activities:

Virtual Events

Number of engagements with attendees per virtual event

N/A

Partner

Activities:

Materials Dissemination

Number of Together campaign materials requested and disseminated through in-person events conducted in collaboration with partners

A minimum of 2,500

Number of Together campaign materials requested and disseminated to other organizations and communities

A minimum of 2,500

Partner Activities:

Zip Code Searches

Number of zip codes searches through CDC resource widgets placed on websites of partners

*Partner outcomes will be counted towards recipient outcomes.

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 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), if applicable, for accuracy throughout the lifecycle of the project. 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/additional-requirements/ar-25.html.

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).

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.

Recipients are required to collaborate with CDC to further develop and implement performance https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additional-requirements/ar-25.html measurement standards that are based on its specific programmatic objectives. Recipients are required to provide descriptions of the development and implementation of program activities in annual progress reports, quarterly reports, and other formats as required by CDC. CDC will provide the template and guidance for these reports. A data management plan is not require. As part of the development phase of the project, a more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan for the entire project will be developed by applicants in collaboration with CDC. This more detailed evaluation plan will build on elements stated in the initial plan. The detailed evaluation plan will be due within the first 6 months of the award. In addition to the items in the initial plan, recipients will:

Describe their baseline and target performance for each reporting year (Targets should demonstrate adequate progress toward meeting or exceeding the specified goals/objectives);

Describe the frequency that evaluation and performance data are to be collected, keeping in mind CDC data submission requirements and data use for routine project oversight;

Describe the data system to be used for data management and use (CDC will specify the system to be used for submission of required data);

Describe how program monitoring data will be used for continuous quality improvement;

Describe dissemination channels and populations (including public dissemination) of evaluation findings; and Describe other information requested, as determined by the CDC program.

c. Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the Approach Applicants must demonstrate their ability to successfully implement all strategies and activities to meet the NOFO programmatic requirements. Applicants should have proven ability to integrate health messages and resources across communication platforms and networks. The applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to leverage existing organizational structure, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate Let's Stop HIV Together campaigns and other CDC HIV resources via one or both funding categories. Applicants must prove their ability to host Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign testing locator widgets, web banners, and/or other campaign branded digital assets on their organization website. Applicants should include screen shots of organizational website, click rate data from web banners, and/or description of precious experience hosting web banners and widgets. Name the file Attachment I:Digital and Social Media Data and upload as pdfs at www.grants.gov . This is a requirement for Category A applicants. Funding will be provided to highly qualified recipients with a demonstrated track record working with priority populations (e.g., Blacks/African Americans; Hispanics/Latinos;

gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (collectively referred to as MSM);

transgender people; people who inject drugs; and people with HIV) and/or health care providers who serve them.

Additional capacity requirements include:

Digital and social media experience. The applicant must demonstrate reach and engagement amongst priority populations. Applicants must include digital and social media data indicating the total number of followers and subscribers across platforms.

Social media data may include but is not limited to screenshots that clearly show the organization name, web link/handle, and the number of followers or subscribers. Name the file “Attachment B: Followers and Subscribers" and upload as a pdf at www.grants.gov. (Category A applicants)

Ability to engage and inform priority populations with health communications messages or resources. Digital and social media analytics or reports must be provided to demonstrate engagement. For applicants electing to partner with digital influencers, evidence that the influencers are reaching the priority populations must be provided.

Applicants must provide list of potential influencers. Name the files Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data and Attachment J: Digital and Social Media Influencers respectively and upload as pdfs at www.grants.gov. (Category A applicants)

National reach and ability to integrate health messages and resources across communication platforms and networks. Applicants must provide social and digital media analytics to demonstrate integration and reach of health messages. Name the file Attachment I: Digital and Social Media Data and upload as a pdf at www.grants.gov.

(Category A applicants)

Staffing plan and project management structure that will be sufficient to achieve the project outcomes, and which clearly defines staff roles.