RFA CE-25-026 Questions and Answers.pdf

RFA CE-25-026 Questions and Answers

1. How can I obtain the full announcement for this opportunity?

- More information about the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be found here on grants.gov under the opportunity number RFA-CE-25-026. The full announcement can be found under section “Related Documents” which provides additional guidance for applying and navigating the application process. Application submissions can be accessed by pressing the red buttons to apply and/or subscribe for updates and research application portal.

2. Can a foreign tertiary institution and its nonprofit subsidiary entity participate either directly and/or collaborate with local entities in the U.S.?

- Unfortunately, foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. This includes foreign components of U.S. organizations and collaborators/consultants from foreign institutions.

3. How does problematic sexual behavior (PSB) differ from sexual assault/abuse?

- As found in the Executive Summary > Purpose on page 4 of the NOFO, PSB is defined as sexual behaviors among youth (under 18 years of age) that are not developmentally appropriate and have the potential to cause harm to the child or children involved (including behaviors that are unintentionally harmful or inappropriate as well as behaviors intended to cause harm).

- Importantly, the use of the term problematic sexual behavior (PSB), as opposed to commonly used terms such as peer-to-peer abuse or youth-perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA), is not meant to detract from the seriousness or potential harm of youth behaviors, particularly more harmful behaviors such as sexual assault. Rather, it is imperative to acknowledge that childhood is a distinct developmental period to adulthood. Please see Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 1. Background and Purpose > Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) Among Youth starting on page 7 of the NOFO for more information.

4. Are approaches that focus on individuals and peer groups to prevent problematic sexual behavior (PSB) responsive/acceptable? The RFA gives examples of school-based programs but then provides examples of structural interventions, so it is hard to know what is and is not responsive to the NOFO.

- We provide a range of examples of the kinds of proposals that can be submitted under this opportunity, but it is in no way exhaustive. To determine whether your approach meets the qualifications and intent/purpose of this NOFO, please see the following sections:

• Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 2. Approach starting on page 16 to understand the objectives and intent of the NOFO https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/353982?ACSTrackingID=DM132193&ACSTrackingLabel=Copy+of+Copy+of+ERPO+Information+Sharing+Newsletter+-&deliveryName=DM132193

• Section III: Eligibility Information > 5. Responsiveness on page 28 to review aspects of an application that would be considered responsive and unresponsive

• Section V: Application Review Information starting on page 39 to understand the scientific review criteria applications will be scored against

- It is ultimately incumbent on the applicant to demonstrate that the proposal meets the NOFO’s intent and at least one of the following research priorities:

• Research Priority 1: Rigorous evaluation of programs or policies with potential for the primary prevention of perpetrating CSA or engaging in PSB, with an emphasis on approaches addressing community, societal, or structural conditions.

• Research Priority 2: Rigorous evaluation of programs or policies focused on the primary prevention of perpetrating CSA or engaging in PSB in digital spaces (e.g., downloading or possession of illegal images of children, nonconsensual image sharing, use of digital spaces for commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking of children).

• Research Priority 3: Rigorous evaluation of organizational policy approaches focused on the primary prevention of perpetrating CSA or engaging in PSB in youth-serving organizations (e.g., community centers, youth development organizations, juvenile residential care facilities, faith-based organizations, group foster care).

5. If a program focuses on both the prevention of youth from perpetrating PSB and protecting oneself from PSB/CSA victimization is the responsive/acceptable?

- As found in the Executive Summary > Purpose on page 4 of the NOFO, while proposed approaches must focus on preventing adults from perpetrating CSA or preventing youth from engaging in PSB, the outcomes measured may relate to CSA perpetration or victimization and engaging in or experiencing PSB. We also encourage you to review Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 2. Approach starting on page 16 of the NOFO to ensure that your proposal meets the objectives and outcomes outlined in this opportunity.

6. Can the program for evaluation be created for this project?

- The primary intent of this RFA is to support evaluation research. An application that proposes to create or fund an intervention is allowable provided that it also includes a rigorous evaluation of the intervention that measures CSA or PSB. The application must include a research plan to conduct a rigorous evaluation to strengthen the evidence base for primary prevention of CSA and PSB.

7. The NOFO says that "The applicant organization must not act merely as a ‘pass through’ to fund another entity to conduct most of the research or to provide the essential scientific or technical leadership needed to complete the project." If a school district plans to propose a project and have an IES as a research partner, is that considered "pass thru?” Any clarity on where that line lies?

- The NOFO has been amended to include clarifying language in Section 1. Funding Opportunity Descript > 2. Approach, Collaboration/Partnership: It is expected that for all applications, the majority (60% or greater) of the proposed research work plan, as evidenced by the proposed budget, will be directly carried out by the applicant organization throughout the entirety of the period of performance. The applicant organization cannot serve as a “pass through” to fund another entity to conduct the majority of the research. We recommend consulting with your research partner to determine whether your collaboration/partnership meets these criteria.

8. Would you have time to meet with us to discuss this grant opportunity further?

- We unfortunately are unable to meet with potential applicants but will happily assist you with any questions you would like to send via email to NCIPC_ERPO@cdc.gov.

mailto:NCIPC_ERPO@cdc.gov