Q and A for PS19-1909 Info Call (003).docx

PS19-1909 Q&A_Info Call

(1) Can we defer demo projects to another year? Is it possible to carry over the funding from the demonstration projects into the 2nd or 3rd years?

Funds for the demonstration projects must be obligated in FY19. A no-cost extension may be possible, but activities must start in the first year of the NOFO.

(2) Can you explain how component 2 goes from $3M in year one and then down to $125,00 in years 2 and 3?

Component 2 (SSP Monitoring and Evaluation) is funded at $125,000 for three years. Demonstration Project 2a (IDU Surveillance) is currently funded only in year 1 for $3,000,000.

(3) How will CDC support us in year one as we try to set up the infrastructure while also handling a demonstration project?

CDC will provide program guidance and technical assistance, including OMB submissions, to support project implementation.

(4) Is the expectation that the organization needs to develop a customizable data capture system for demo project 2a?

Although the NOFO does use the term ‘develop’ in some places, the expectation is that most SSPs have some type of data collection system in place, and many use existing technology. The recipient may work with SSPs to standardize data collected and support SSPs in accessing new technology when necessary. It is unlikely that the recipient will need to develop the system from scratch.

(5) If a jurisdiction does not have a DON in place, can a funded organization still provide technical assistance to the jurisdiction?

For the purposes of this NOFO, technical assistance is defined as providing in-person, online, peer-to-peer or other support. TA can also come in the form of resources, manuals, tools or other documents that provide support to organizations. SSPs in jurisdictions may not receive any federal funds. It is possible that they can utilize technical assistance resources such as materials or webinars. Recipients may consult with their programmatic counsel and CDC if there are questions about whether a specific SSP may receive technical assistance.

(6) If an organization is intending to apply for both components, is that one application or two separate applications?

Regardless of the number of components to which an organization is applying, only one application should be submitted. Please submit separate work plans and budgets for each component and demonstration project.

(7) Do we have to create four distinct work plans? May we submit the work plans outside of the 20 page limit?

Each component and each demonstration project should have their own distinct workplan. We are modifying the NOFO to allow workplans to be submitted outside of the 20-page limit on the project narrative.

(8) Does CDC prefer that one organization apply for both components?

CDC will evaluate applications based on the strength of individual components. There is no preference for one organization to apply for both components. Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel. If an organization applies for both components, but only scores highly on one, they may be funded for only that component.

(9) Under Component 2, SSP Monitoring and Evaluation, how will the $125,000 be spread to manage data for so many programs?

CDC will provide technical assistance support to Recipients in meeting program expectations.

(10) Applications are permitted to submit only one application for each component.” To clarify, does this imply that only one application could be submitted from any instituion? Theoretically, there could be multiple PIs/groups within the same institution that respond to the NOFO. I don’t expect that to happen, but it is important for our Office of Research to know about this.

Only one application is allowed per institution. If there are multiple interested groups within an institution, we encourage collaboration and partnership to strengthen applications.