Revised Final FOA PS15-1505.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships

CDC-RFA-PS15-1505

Application Due Date: 03/23/2015

Signature Date

Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships

CDC-RFA-PS15-1505

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Overview Information

Federal Agency NameA.

Funding Opportunity TitleB.

Announcement TypeC.

Agency Funding Opportunity NumberD.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) NumberE.

Dates F.

Executive Summary G.

Part II. Full Text

Funding Opportunity Description A.

Award Information B.

Eligibility Information C.

Required Registrations D.

Review and Selection Process E.

Award Administration Information F.

Agency Contacts G.

Other Information H.

Glossary I.

Part I. Overview Information Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on the "Send Me Change Notifications Emails" link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFA-PS15-1505. 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) B. Funding Opportunity Title:

Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1 This announcement is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered Research for this purpose is defined at http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs /cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf.

D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-PS15-1505

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

93.118 F. Dates:

1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI): N/A

2. Due Date for Applications: 03/23/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard

Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call: 01/13/2015 CDC is hosting two pre-application technical assistance webinars for organizations interested in learning more about PS15-1505. These webinars are open to all eligible applicants, and participants have the option to submit questions to CDC at NPT@CDC.gov prior to each webinar. Please see the schedule and registration information for each webinar below:

PS15-1505 FOA Technical Assistance Webinar #1

Tue, January 13, 2015 2:00 – 3:00 pm EST Registration link: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=wr8osdoi8ygz

PS15-1505 FOA Technical Assistance Webinar #2 Wed, January 21, 2015 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST Registration link: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=sy7p6i7vuwws

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

The Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), and Tuberculous (TB) Prevention (CDC) is pleased to publish PS15-1505: Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts Through Strategic Partnerships. The purpose of this FOA is (1) to support the dissemination of Act Against AIDS (AAA) campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention and (2) to implement national engagement efforts focusing on HIV prevention and awareness.

Successful candidates will demonstrate ability to leverage existing organizational structures, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate AAA campaign materials and other CDC resources using a variety of vehicles including publications, meetings, conferences, media (traditional, digital, social) and other mechanisms. Through this partnership FOA, CDC seeks to increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections among disproportionately impacted populations, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States and its territories.

https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.grants.gov

United States and its territories.

In keeping with the spirit and goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), this FOA pursues and leverages partnerships across multiple sectors in order to:

Support implementation of High-Impact Prevention (HIP) that advance the goals of NHAS and maximize the effectiveness and reach of CDC's AAA campaign efforts and other HIV prevention messaging.

Strengthen partnership efforts by supporting strategic approaches designed to address identified gaps or obstacles in partnership activities.

Available funding is categorized by primary sectors: Category A: Civic and Social Organization, Category B: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Organization, and Category C: Media, Arts and Entertainment. Applicants may only apply for one of the funding categories.

Eligibility for awards under this FOA is limited to national organizations where primary focus of services is not HIV prevention and education. A list of eligible jurisdictions is located under Section C: Eligibility Information.

a. Eligible Applicants: Limited

b. FOA Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 15

d. Total Project Period Funding: $11,500,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $150,000

f. Number of Years of Award: 5

g. Estimated Award Date: 09/29/2015

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements: N Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this FOA exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability is strongly encouraged.

Part II. Full Text A. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Background

a. Overview

On July 13, 2010, the White House released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). As it pertains to CDC, NHAS is intended to refocus existing efforts and set clearer, more focused priorities and provide leadership for all public and private stakeholders to align their prevention efforts toward a common purpose. The three primary goals are: 1) reducing the number of people who become infected with HIV; 2) increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV; and, 3) reducing HIV-related health disparities.

Since the publication of the NHAS, data released by CDC show that there are significant gaps along the HIV care continuum. More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and almost 1 in 7 are unaware of their infection; only 40% of people living with HIV have received regular HIV medical care; only 37% are prescribed HIV medicines; and only 30% have the virus effectively controlled, which is necessary to maintain long-term health and reduce risk of transmission to others. Certain populations are disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Blacks/African Americans continue to experience the most severe burden of HIV, compared with other races and ethnicities. Blacks represent approximately 12% of the U.S. population, but accounted for an estimated 44% of new HIV infections in 2010. They also accounted for 41% of people living with HIV infection in 2011. Similarly, Hispanics/Latinos are also disproportionately affected by HIV. They represented 16% of the population but accounted for 21% of new HIV infections in 2010. Hispanics/Latinos accounted for 20% of people living with HIV infection in 2011.

Gay and bisexual men of all races continue to be most severely affected by HIV. Although they represent only an estimated 2% of the overall population, gay and bisexual men accounted for 54% of the people living with HIV in the United States in 2011 and two-thirds of all new HIV infections each year (63%). CDC’s most recent data show a 12% increase in the number of new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men (between 2008 and 2010).

Transgender communities in the U.S. are also among the groups at highest risk for HIV infection. In 2010, CDC reported that the highest percentage of newly identified HIV-positive test results was among transgender people particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. Data from CDC-funded HIV testing programs show that new HIV infections among transgender people occur at almost three times that of non-transgender men and almost nine times that of non-transgender women.

In an effort to refocus attention on domestic HIV and AIDS, CDC launched the Act Against AIDS (AAA) initiative in 2009 with the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AAA is a multifaceted national communication initiative that supports reduction of HIV incidence in the U.S. through multiple, concurrent communication and education campaigns for a variety of audiences including, the general public, populations most affected by HIV and health care providers. All campaigns support the comprehensive HIV prevention efforts of CDC and the NHAS.

b. Statutory Authorities

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

c. Healthy People 2020

The FOA addresses the “Healthy People 2020” focus area of HIV:

http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=22

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies

1. White House Office of National HIV/AIDS Policy’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/NHAS.pdf

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Winnable Battles:

http://www.cdc.gov/winnablebattles/hiv/index.html

3. National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) Strategic Plan:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/docs/10_NCHHSTP-strategicPlanBookSemi-final508.pdf

4. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) Strategic Plan:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/policies_DHAP-strategic-plan.pdf

5. Executive Order - HIV Care Continuum Initiative:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/15/executive-order-hiv-care-continuum-initiative

6. Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI):

http://www.hhs.gov/ash/ohaidp/initiatives/

This FOA supports a holistic framework that enables NCHHSTP to address the broader, cross-cutting issues of health and wellness by addressing health equity, program collaboration and service integration (PCSI), and advancing public health approaches to improve health. Additional information about the above imperative is available: http://www.cdc .gov/nchhstp.

e. Relevant Work

1. PS10-1057: Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI)

The Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) is a partnership between CDC and some of the nation’s leading organizations representing the populations hardest hit by HIV and AIDS, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, and men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of the AAALI is to (1) 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 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=22 http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/NHAS.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/winnablebattles/hiv/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/docs/10_NCHHSTP-strategicPlanBookSemi-final508.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/policies_DHAP-strategic-plan.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/15/executive-order-hiv-care-continuum-initiative http://www.hhs.gov/ash/ohaidp/initiatives/ http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=54568

2. PS12- 1211: Enhancing HIV Mobilization among Organizations Serving Gay, Bisexual and other MSM

The effort supports HIV mobilization among organizations serving gay, bisexual and other MSM. The goals of this FOA include increasing HIV awareness, prevention, and action among gay, bisexual, and other MSM, as well as improving the health of MSM living with HIV.

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

3. PS15-1502: Comprehensive High-Impact HIV Prevention Projects for Community-Based Organizations

The purpose of this program is to implement comprehensive HIV prevention programs to reduce morbidity, mortality, and related health disparities. The FOA goals will be achieved by enhancing community-based organizations’ capacities to increase HIV testing, link HIV-positive persons to HIV medical care, increase referrals to Partner Services (PS), provide prevention and essential support services for HIV-positive persons and high-risk persons with unknown/negative serostatus, and increase program monitoring and accountability.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/ps15-1502/

4. PS11-1113: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Projects for Young Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men and Young Transgender Persons of Color

The purpose of the program is to support the development and implementation of effective community-based HIV Prevention Programs that serve Young Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men (YMSM of color) and Young Transgender (YTG) persons of color and their partners at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV; to increase the number of YMSM of color and YTG persons of color who are aware of their HIV status and linked to care, treatment, and prevention services; to build the capacity of CDC-funded CBOs delivering selected structural interventions, behavioral interventions, outreach or Enhanced HIV Testing with Personalized Cognitive Counseling to YMSM of color and/or YTG persons of color and their partners at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV; to ensure provision of HIV prevention and care services; and to promote collaboration and coordination of HIV prevention efforts among CBOs, health departments, and private agencies.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/ps11-1113/

5. PS-12-1201: Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Programs for Health Departments

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support implementation of high impact, comprehensive HIV prevention programs to achieve maximum impact on reducing new HIV infections. In accordance with NHAS, this FOA focuses on addressing the national HIV epidemic, reducing new infections, increasing access to care, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and promoting health equity. The aforementioned will be achieved by enhancing public health departments' capacities to increase HIV testing, refer and link HIV positive persons to medical care and other essential services, and increase program monitoring and accountability.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/PS12-1201/index.html

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/PS12-1211/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/ps15-1502/ http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/ps11-1113/ http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/PS12-1201/index.html

Outcomes in italics are outcomes that are to be accomplished during the project period.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

Dissemination of HIV messaging and communication

Disseminate Act Against AIDS (AAA) campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources via various communication channels (e.g., email, newsletter, broadcast) Integrate AAA campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources into existing and/or new communication channels (e.g., website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

Implementation of National Engagement Efforts

Disseminate Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources at national events Facilitate HIV testing at national engagement efforts Form and coordinate strategic partnerships

SHORT-TERM

OUTCOMES

Individual Outcomes (among target audience):

Increased exposure to AAA campaigns and corresponding HIV-related messaging Increased facilitation of administering HIV tests

Community:

Increased partners promoting HIV prevention strategies

INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES

Individual Outcomes (among target audience):

Increased HIV-related information-seeking behaviors Increased number/percent who receive an HIV test

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

Increased HIV preventive and testing behaviors among the target audience Reduced undiagnosed HIV infection among the target audience Increased cross community support for HIV-prevention, testing, and referral strategies Decreased HIV incidence among the target audience

i. Purpose

The purpose of this FOA is to support efforts to disseminate HIV prevention messaging and communication within communities most impacted by HIV (i.e., racial, ethnic and sexual minorities) and to implement national engagement efforts that focus on HIV prevention and awareness. Through this FOA, CDC seeks to increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections among disproportionately impacted populations, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States and its territories.

ii. Outcomes

This project must show measurable progress toward both short-term and intermediate outcomes depicted in the logic model. Potential indicators that quantify these outcomes are described in the section titled “CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy.”

Expected short-term outcomes include the following:

Increased exposure to AAA campaigns and corresponding HIV-related messages among the target audience

Increased facilitation of administering HIV tests Increased partners promoting HIV prevention strategies

Intermediate outcomes will also be measured and reported. These include the following:

Increased HIV-related information-seeking behaviors among the target audiences Increased number/percent of target audience who receive an HIV test

Finally, long-term outcomes will be measured, where data are available, at a community level through existing surveillance and data collection systems:

Reduced undiagnosed infection among the target audience Increased HIV preventive and testing behaviors among the target audiences Increased cross community support for HIV-prevention, testing, and referral strategies Decreased HIV incidence among the target audience

iii. Strategies and Activities

Strategy 1: Dissemination of HIV messaging and communication

Awardees are expected to leverage existing organizational structures, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources. These efforts should focus on CDC’s HIV priority areas (i.e., awareness, testing, prevention, and linkage to and retention in care) and entail the use of a variety of vehicles including, but not limited to, broadcast, digital, online, mobile, print, outdoor, social media, and/or other innovative mechanisms.

Required activities include:

Disseminate Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources via various communication channels (e.g., email, newsletter, broadcast) Integrate Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources into existing and/or new communication channels (e.g., website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

Some optional activities may include:

Create and/or adapt public service announcements (PSA) using Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources Conduct virtual events with HIV messages using Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources (e.g., webinar, Twitter Town Hall, Google Hangout)

Strategy 2: Implementation of National Engagement Efforts

Awardees are expected to incorporate Act Against AIDS campaign materials and related HIV prevention messaging into new and/or existing national engagement efforts. National engagement efforts may include single events that draw national audiences (e.g., conventions, conferences, summits) and/or a series of regional events that support a national engagement strategy (e.g., prides, town halls, tours, forums). These efforts should focus on populations highly impacted by HIV and AIDS and in jurisdictions where the epidemic is most prevalent and new infections are taking place.

Required activities include:

Disseminate Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources at national events Facilitate HIV testing at national engagement efforts Form and coordinate strategic partnerships

Some optional activities may include:

Facilitate linkage to and retention in care activities at national engagement efforts

1.Collaborations

Awardees are required to collaboratively partner with CDC. In addition, awardees are encouraged to work with any other CDC-funded programs (state and local health departments and community-based organizations). This will help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CDC-funded programs and activities. Awardees are strongly encouraged to develop memorandums of agreement (MOAs) to create and strengthen mutually beneficial strategic relationships with other individuals, organizations, and networks that strengthen HIV prevention, HIV testing, STD screening, and linkage to and retention in care efforts.

Items in the MOU might include:

An effective date of partnership and partner-related activities Commitment of both parties to jointly work to address project requirements, including the designation of a point of contact within organizations dedicated to the implementation of project activities Commitment of both parties to participate in peer-based activities Commitment of both parties to participate in required data reporting and evaluation activities Counter-signatures for both parties by authorized representatives

a. With CDC-funded programs:

Awardees are expected to establish collaborations with other CDC-funded partners from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention to ensure HIV prevention services and awareness activities implemented to support the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and CDC’s goals to reduce HIV incidence and address the disparities that persist among populations and within communities. As appropriate, awardees are also encouraged to consider the integration of prevention messaging related to other STD and viral hepatitis.

b. With organizations external to CDC:

Awardees are expected to establish, build, and sustain strategic collaborations and partnerships with state and local health departments, colleges and universities, community health care centers, community-based organizations, AIDS-serving organizations and other entities interested in promoting improved health outcomes. In particular, partnership activities may include collaboration with entities specifically funded to administer HIV testing, STD screening, and HIV linkage to and retention in care services.

2. Target Populations

Awardees are required to work with communities that are disproportionately affected by HIV, including: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, MSM and Transgender populations. Applicants should monitor and use HIV and AIDS epidemiologic (epi) profiles and other relevant data sources to identity those populations with greatest risk for HIV transmission and acquisition and those jurisdictions with the greatest burden of the epidemic. Applicants should work collaboratively with CDC, state and local health departments, and AIDS-serving organizations to determine current trends, gaps, and unmet needs. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with these entities should be developed to document the roles and responsibilities of parties involved.

a. Inclusion

All applicants should design their program so that it is accessible and available to all regardless of age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status. Additionally, all grantees should provide programs and services to multiple underserved populations including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and transgender individuals. All applicants’ activities should result in measurable improvements among target populations.

iv. Funding Strategy (for multi-component FOAs only)

N/A

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy

The CDC strategy for monitoring and evaluating (M&E) program and awardee performance will include several activities, spanning both process and outcome evaluation and will be consistent with the logic model and approach presented above. The CDC strategy will include M&E for the overall project as well as for individual organizations.

Awardees will be responsible for M&E of their own programs for continuing quality improvement. The CDC strategy will require the following from awardees: use approximately 5% of the overall budget to support program evaluation (of funded activities); submit progress reports; participate in uniform data collection activities; and periodic data entry and electronic submission of data and reporting information. For items related to digital and social media metrics, awardees 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 awardee will be collected using similarly extant data systems and in close collaboration with local HIV prevention programs.

As stated above, the CDC evaluation strategy will assess awardees’ achievement of program goals in terms of process, organizational change, and short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes. Indicators aligning with short-term and intermediate project outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES:

Outcome: Increased exposure to AAA campaigns and corresponding HIV-related messaging among the target audience

Indicators: Media/Ad/News Placements: Number of media, news and ad placements (a minimum of 10 per year); Number of generated media and news impressions; Number of generated ad impressions; Monetary value of donated media; Events: Number of events with HIV messages (a minimum of 5 events per year), by type/location; Number of attendees attending the events with HIV messages; Number of events with HIV messages with media coverage; Number of materials distributed (a minimum of 2,500 per year), by source;

Social media: Number of tweets; (a minimum of 50 per year) Number of retweets; Number of Facebook posts (a minimum of 50 per year); Number of Facebook post shares; Number of Facebook likes; Number of Instagram posts; Number of videos posted not including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; Number of video views not including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; Number of campaign website page views (CDC site);

Number of HIV-related website page views (Awardee site); Number of HIV-related e-mail communications (a minimum of 10 per year); Number of people reached through HIV-related e-mail communications

Outcome: Increased facilitation of administering HIV tests

Indicator: Events: Number of events with facilitation of HIV testing (a minimum of 3 per year); Number of HIV tests facilitated; Number of preliminary positive tests

Outcome: Increased partners promoting HIV prevention strategies

Indicator: Partnerships: Number of partners engaged, by type

INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES:

Outcome: Increased HIV–related information-seeking behaviors among the target audiences

Indicators: Digital Media: Number of video views; Number of clicks on digital advertisements; Number of Act Against AIDS or CDC HIV website page views; Number of zip code searches for testing sites and other resources

Outcome: Increased number/percent of target audience who receive an HIV test

Indicators: Events: Number of HIV tests facilitated among target audience; Number of preliminary positive tests among target audience

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES: Long term outcomes will include reduced undiagnosed infection among the target audience;

increased HIV preventive and testing behaviors among the target audience; increased cross community support for HIV-prevention, testing, and referral strategies, and decreased HIV incidence among the target audience. These will be measured, where data are available, at the community-level though existing surveillance and data collection systems.

In addition to the above indicators that may be used to assess program effectiveness during and at the conclusion of the project, CDC will specify a set of minimum program performance standards which all awardees must track and report to CDC on a quarterly basis.

ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan

Awardees are required to collaborate with CDC to further develop and implement performance measurement standards that are based on its specific programmatic objectives.

Awardees 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.

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 awardees in collaboration with CDC. This more detailed evaluation plan will build on elements stated in the initial plan. In addition to the items in the initial plan, awardees will:

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

Describe the frequency that M&E 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.

Surveys, focus groups, and interviews and other information collected from respondents must include a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number, a burden statement, and government use of the information collected in each instrument

c. Organizational Capacity of Awardees to Execute the Approach

Funding will be provided to highly qualified applicants with demonstrated track record in serving Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men, and other MSM and/or transgender persons. Additional capacity requirements include:

Demonstrated national reach. Applicants must demonstrate infrastructure and organizational capacity to conduct activities in a minimum of 15 states across more than 5 HHS specified regions Demonstrated success working with multiple partners Demonstrated track record of improving community outcomes (including documented evaluations) through policy, systems, environmental, programmatic, and infrastructure improvements Demonstrated ability to meet reporting requirements such as programmatic, financial, and management benchmarks as required by the FOA

Successful applicants will identify and hire staff with appropriate qualifications to implement and manage all levels of activity within the program. Minimum staffing requirements include a Program Manager and administrative support staff. Awardees are strongly suggested to hire and/or designate staff with a program evaluation background. Resumes of key organizational staff, an organizational staffing chart for the applicant organization, and a staffing plan that describes actual position titles with descriptions, lines of supervision and a brief description of roles and responsibilities of all program staff are required.

d. Work Plan

Awardees are required to provide a work plan that provides both a high-level overview of the entire five-year project period and a detailed description of the first year of the award. The work plan should incorporate all FOA-related program strategies and activities. Applicants should describe how they plan to monitor each activity. Note: Post-award, proposed work plan activities may be adjusted in consultation with CDC to better address the overarching goals of the project. The applicant should address the following outline in their work plan:

Five-Year Overview of Project Work Plan

Intended outcomes for the entire five-year project period Year 1 Detailed Work Plan

Program strategies and activities

Program strategies and activities Outcomes aligned with program strategies and activities Timeline Budget and budget narrative

e. CDC Monitoring and Accountability Approach Monitoring activities include routine and ongoing communication between CDC and awardees, site visits, and awardee reporting (including work plans, performance, and financial reporting). Consistent with applicable grants regulations and policies, CDC expects the following to be included in post-award monitoring for grants and cooperative agreements:

Tracking awardee progress in achieving the desired outcomes.

Ensuring the adequacy of awardee systems that underlie and generate data reports.

Creating an environment that fosters integrity in program performance and results.

Monitoring may also include the following activities:

Ensuring that work plans are feasible based on the budget and consistent with the intent of the award.

Ensuring that awardees are performing at a sufficient level to achieve outcomes within stated timeframes.

Working with awardees on adjusting the work plan based on achievement of outcomes, evaluation results and changing budgets.

Monitoring performance measures (both programmatic and financial) to assure satisfactory performance levels.

Other activities deemed necessary to monitor the award, if applicable.

These activities may include monitoring and reporting activities that assist grants management staff (e.g., grants management officers and specialists, and project officers) in the identification, notification, and management of high-risk grantees.

f. CDC Program Support to Awardees (THIS SECTION APPLIES ONLY TO COOPERATIVE

AGREEMENTS)

In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff will be substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. CDC activities for this program are as follows:

Provide consultation to grantees on both phases of the project. This will be achieved by providing each grantee with a project officer (PO) that will serve as the grantee’s principle contact and coordinate, facilitate access to, and/or provide specific consultation during the project.

1.

Work with grantees to identify and address training and technical assistance (TA) needs that are crucial to the success of the project

2.

Facilitate coordination, collaboration, and where feasible, service integration among federal agencies, other CDC programs, health departments and their programmatic divisions, local planning groups, directly-funded CBOs, national capacity-building assistance providers, and other relevant partners.

3.

Monitor grantee progress in developing and implementing the project; work with grantees through consultation via site visits, email, telephone; and review progress reports to support development and implementation of the project.

4.

Monitor grantee progress in developing M&E plans and work with grantees through consultation via site visits, email, telephone, and review of progress reports and other data reports to support progress and program improvement.

5.

Provide requirements and expectations for standardized and other data reporting and support M&E activities with contractual TA, web-based training on M&E, M&E-related materials such as data collection tools, and other related items.

6.

Obtain necessary federal clearances.7.

Convene, plan and facilitate joint grantee meetings during the project period.8.

B. Award Information

1. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

CDC's substantial involvement in this program appears in the CDC Program Support to Awardees Section.

2. Award Mechanism:

3. Fiscal Year: 2015 Estimated Total Funding: $11,500,000

4. Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding: $2,300,000

5. Approximate Project Period Funding: $11,500,000

6. Total Project Period Length: 5 year(s)

7. Expected Number of Awards: 15

8. Approximate Average Award: $150,000 Per Budget Period

9. Award Ceiling: $150,000 Per Budget Period

10. Award Floor: $100,000 Per Budget Period

11. Estimated Award Date: 09/29/2015 Throughout the project period, CDC will continue the award based on the availability of funds, the evidence of satisfactory progress by the awardee (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government. The total number of years for which federal support has been approved (project period) will be shown in the “Notice of Award.” This information does not constitute a commitment by the federal government to fund the entire period. The total project period comprises the initial competitive segment and any subsequent non-competitive continuation award(s).

12. Budget Period Length: 12 month(s)

13. Direct Assistance Direct Assistance (DA) is not available through this FOA.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility Category: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

This FOA seeks to leverage the unique expertise and national reach of nontraditional partners. Eligibility for awards under this FOA is limited to national organizations with:

Demonstrated reach in a minimum of 15 states across more than 5 HHS specified regions Historical credibility and influence in communities most at risk: Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender persons Demonstrated ability to influence a national dialogue Demonstrated variety of and access to existing communication platforms Demonstrated ability to leverage existing organizational structures, partnerships and resources Primary focus of services other than HIV prevention and education

The award ceiling for this FOA is $150,000. CDC will consider any application requesting an award higher than this amount as non- responsive and it will receive no further review. If a pre-application is required, then specify here and include it in the special eligibility requirements section. (http:// www.hhs.gov/ asfr/ ogapa/ aboutog/ hhsgps107.pdf)

3. Justification for Less than Maximum Competition http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf

3. Justification for Less than Maximum Competition

On July 13, 2010, the White House released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). As it pertains to CDC, NHAS is intended to refocus existing efforts and set clearer, more focused priorities and provide leadership for all public and private stakeholders to align their prevention efforts toward a common purpose. The three primary goals are: 1) reducing the number of people who become infected with HIV; 2) increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV; and, 3) reducing HIV-related health disparities.

Since the publication of the NHAS, data released by CDC show that there are significant gaps along the HIV care continuum. More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and almost 1 in 7 are unaware of their infection; only 40% of people living with HIV have received regular HIV medical care; only 37% are prescribed HIV medicines; and only 30% have the virus effectively controlled, which is necessary to maintain long-term health and reduce risk of transmission to others. Certain populations are disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Blacks/African Americans accounted for an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents (aged 13 years or older) in 2010, despite representing only 12% of the US population. Similarly, Hispanics/Latinos comprise 16% of the U.S. population but accounted for 21% of all new HIV infections in the United States in 2010.

Gay and bisexual men of all races continue to be the most severely affected by HIV nationwide. Although they represent only an estimated 2% of the overall population, gay and bisexual men accounted for 54% of the people living with HIV in the United States in 2011 and two-thirds of all new HIV infections each year (63%). CDC's most recent data show a 12% increase in the number of new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men (between 2008 and 2010), with an even steeper increase (22%) among the youngest --those aged 13 -24.

Transgender communities in the U.S. are also among the groups at highest risk for HIV infection. Based on results from a meta-analysis of studies of HIV infection among transgender women during 2000 to 2011, the estimated HIV prevalence for transgender women in the U.S. was 22% (95% CI: 18%-25%). In the United States, the odds of transgender women having HIV infection compared to other reproductive-age adults (15-49 years) was 34.2 (31.2-37.5). CDC reported that the highest percentage of confirmed HIV-positive testing events during 2011 was among transgender people (3.5%, compared to 1.1% among males and 0.3% among females).

An effort to refocus attention on domestic HIV/AIDS, CDC launched the Act Against AIDS (AAA) initiative in conjunction with the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AAA is a multifaceted national communication effort that consists of several concurrent HIV prevention campaigns that uses mass media (TV, radio, print, and the Internet) and strategic partnerships to deliver important HIV prevention messages and mobilization engagement efforts. All campaigns support the comprehensive HIV prevention efforts of CDC and the NHAS. A complex set of historical, structural, and cultural factors causes African American/Black, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender persons to be more vulnerable to HIV infection. Poverty, racism, homophobia, incarceration, stigma and other issues often associated with HIV are factors and add to the challenge of HIV prevention. With the incidence rate rising for these risk populations, CDC has to take a non-traditional approach to HIV prevention and target African American/Black, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men and other MSM, and/or transgender persons where they live, play and worship. CDC's non-traditional approach is to link national organizations that do not have a public health focus, but do have the leverage to engage the targeted audiences in large numbers and collaborate with CDC funded Health Departments and community-based organizations for the expansion of our HIV prevention education and community mobilization efforts.

The Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Prevention Communication Branch (DHAP/PCB) has funded national organizations since 2009. The currently funded national organizations are organizations whose primary mission is not public health and only target African Americans and Hispanic populations. CDC’s partnerships with national organizations have been very effective in reaching large numbers of the targeted audience through the cooperative agreement grant process. The current Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), CDC-RFA-PS10-1057 and PS12-1211 are a not traditional public health focus and are funded for 5 years, which will end in 2015.

DHAP requests the new FOA be a limited competition intended for national organizations whose members are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, gay, bisexual men and other MSM, and/or transgender persons of all races and ethnicities.

The purpose of this FOA is: (1) to support the dissemination of Act Against AIDS campaign materials, messaging and other CDC resources and (2) to implement national engagement efforts focused on HIV prevention and awareness.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to leverage existing organizational structures, networks, and communication platforms to disseminate CDC HIV messages using a variety of vehicles including publications, meetings, conferences, media (traditional, digital, social) and other mechanisms. Through this partnership FOA, DHAP/PCB seeks to increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections among disproportionately impacted populations, address the intersections of stigma and discrimination, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and its territories.

In keeping with the spirit and goals of the NHAS, this FOA pursues and leverages partnerships across multiple sectors in order to:

Support implementation of High-Impact Prevention (HIP) that advance the goals of NHAS and maximize the effectiveness and reach of CDC’s Act Against AIDS campaign efforts and other HIV prevention messaging. This includes targeting resources to populations and geographic areas where the epidemic is most prevalent and new infections are taking place. Activities should be aligned with this approach to further develop and strengthen effective HIV prevention efforts nationwide.

Strengthen a spectrum of partnership activities across DHAP/PCB. This includes assisting with the identification of opportunities that leverage existing partnerships and support strategic approaches to addressing any identified gaps or obstacles in partnership activities.

The strategy in this FOA will enable CDC to incorporate HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, and education communication strategies in the day-to-day activities of national organizations and to incorporate HIV prevention as a core education component to the mission of these national organizations. This FOA will assist CDC to reach the goals of the NHAS and the DHAP Strategic Plan by leveraging partnerships with national organizations to support HIP that maximize the effectiveness and reach of the CDC’s AAA campaigns and our HIV prevention collaboration and mobilization efforts.

This FOA targets national organizations that have chapters, offices, affiliation, members, and associations that have access and reach to large populations of Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men and other MSM, and/or transgender persons of all races and ethnicities.

Eligible applicants are national organizations that demonstrated experience and historical influence to reach large members of Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, gay, bisexual men and other MSM, and transgender persons. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a consistent history of engaging the target populations to include program strategies that are national in scope and not limited to one locale, region or state. A history of years’ experience and capacity to sustain the prevention programs to the target population must be evident.

Those deemed eligible must include a history of years and capacity to sustain the prevention program to the target audiences. In addition, eligible applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide a variety of communication platforms to a wide-range of the target population and have experience with bringing collaborative partners together - including both regional and national organizations, key constituents and State and local governments to accomplish the project objectives.

Eligibility is limited to the following criteria:

National organization with demonstrated reach in a minimum of 15 States across 5 or more HHS specified regions (i.e., chapters or affiliates or State offices) Demonstrated historical credibility and influence in communities most at risk: Blacks/African Americans; Hispanics/Latinos; gay, bisexual men and other MSM; transgender persons Demonstrated ability to influence a national dialogue Demonstrated access to a variety of existing communication platforms Demonstrated communication and/or social media or marketing expertise Demonstrated ability to leverage existing organizational structures, partnerships and resources Primary focus of services other than HIV prevention and education

It is evident that small organizations do not have the capacity or resources to reach national or regional audiences due to smaller organizations lacking those capacities and resources and other entities not having a multifaceted strategy or approach for reaching the national and regional scales. State and local health departments and currently funded community-based organizations (CBOs) at the local level are focused on health education and health promotion in their respective jurisdictions and are not national in scope and therefore not eligible for this FOA.

However, in this FOA it is our intent to have national organizations that are not public health focused to include in their work plan strategies to partner with public health organizations at the state and local levels.

their work plan strategies to partner with public health organizations at the state and local levels.

If competition is not limited to national organizations that have reach and access to large numbers of the targeted population of the FOA, the purpose and intent of this FOA will not be effective or impactful with the limited resources.