RFA CE-25-027 Questions and Answers_FINAL.pdf

RFA CE-25-027 Questions and Answers

1. How can I apply to this grant opportunity? Whether it's guidance on applying for specific grants, insights into upcoming funding opportunities, or advice on navigating the application process, any assistance you could offer would be immensely appreciated.

More information about the grant opportunity can be found here on grants.gov under the opportunity number RFA-CE-25-027. 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 to access the research application portal.

For insights into upcoming funding opportunities, please consider subscribing to our CDC Injury Center Extramural Research Program Operations (ERPO) newsletter to receive updates on grants as they become available/active annually.

• Visit CDC News & Updates | CDC

• Search for the topic “Funding”

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2. We would greatly appreciate your guidance on whether our company qualifies for this grant opportunity.

Please see Section III: Eligibility Information > Eligible Applicants starting on page 16 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to determine whether your organization is eligible for this opportunity.

3. Is this grant opportunity something that I can apply for? (Principal Investigator eligibility)

Please see Executive Summary > Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators on page 4 of the NOFO, as well as Section III: Eligibility Information > 5. Responsiveness on page 18 for more information regarding Principal Investigator eligibility. As the NOFO states, “applicants must include documentation that at least one senior member of the research team (Principal Investigator or Co- Investigator) has the following: expertise in older adult fall prevention, program implementation and evaluation (process and outcomes), and epidemiologic methods and analysis of epidemiologic data that is reflected in the application’s research strategy section.”

4. Is there flexibility to adapt the STEADI algorithm based on emerging data during the course of the project, or is it expected to follow the algorithm strictly as described in the initial proposal?

Applicants should follow the STEADI algorithm as closely as possible – it is expected that at a minimum the 4 core elements of STEADI (screen, assess, intervene, follow-up) should be followed. If https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/353987?ACSTrackingID=DM132193&ACSTrackingLabel=Copy+of+Copy+of+ERPO+Information+Sharing+Newsletter+-&deliveryName=DM132193 https://tools.cdc.gov/campaignproxyservice/subscriptions.aspx modifications are proposed (i.e., not including a STEADI prescribed assessment in the intervention), justification is required.

5. Are there any limitations surrounding fall prevention programs (e.g., Stepping On, etc.) that a research team may want to use as the intervention for this NOFO?

We recommend using an evidence-based program to prevent specific fall risks identified as part of the intervene core element. The intention of the NOFO is to have STEADI-based fall prevention tested in assisted living facility settings to determine if it is an effective approach. If the program recommended in the intervene core element is not evidence-based, then we will not be able to determine if failures in reducing falls are due to the STEADI algorithm versus the prevention program.

Regarding specific programs (e.g., Stepping On), we are not able to provide further guidance – it is incumbent on the applicant to ensure that the study proposal aligns with the objectives and intent of the NOFO.

6. Would it be acceptable to partner with facilities across different states, or is there a preference for keeping all partnering entities within the same state to maintain a local focus? I want to ensure that the scope of the project aligns with the expectations for geographic distribution of the research sites.

We are not able to provide guidance on the appropriateness of your proposal to the NOFO.

However, we can point you to sections of the NOFO that may assist you in developing your application:

• Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 2. Approach starting on page 11 to understand the objectives and intent of the NOFO o Collaboration/Partnerships starting on page 13 contains specific information related to engagement with external partners

• Section III: Eligibility Information > 5. Responsiveness on page 18 to review aspects of an application that would be considered responsive and nonresponsive

• Section V: Application Review Information starting on page 29 to understand the scientific review criteria

7. On page 18 of the RFA, responsiveness requirement #3 states that "at least one senior member of the research team (Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator) has the following:" with a list of bullet and sub-bullet point requirements. Do those have to be met in a single person, or can multiple senior research team members together meet those requirements?

Requirements can be met through the combined experience of a Principal Investigator and Co- Investigator; one person does not have to meet all the requirements.

8. We are exploring the possibility of partnering with assisted living facilities to effectively implement our products. Would such collaboration enhance our eligibility for the grant?

Please see Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 2. Approach > Collaboration/Partnerships starting on page 13 for more information regarding partnerships with other organizations. As stated, “partnerships between the applicant institution and outside entities may be necessary or advantageous to complete the proposed work. The application must clearly describe roles and responsibilities of each partnering entity. This includes demonstration of the applicant’s access to planned data sources and study populations, and all partnerships necessary to complete the proposed project.”

9. Regarding the compensation of support staff on this grant, if we plan to hire trainers who will work directly with clinicians conducting falls risk assessments, are we able to hire employees from the partnering entities for these roles, or is it recommended to engage students for this kind of work?

We do not provide guidance or direction on how to appropriately structure your support staff – it is incumbent upon the applicant to ensure your study team has the expertise and skills needed to appropriately carry out your proposal. Please see Section I: Funding Opportunity Description > 2.

Approach > Collaboration/Partnerships starting on page 13 for more information regarding engagement with external partners.

10. I’ve never applied for CDC’s Cooperative Agreement. Could you please provide me with more information?

Please see Section VI: Award Administration Information > 4. Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions starting on page 40 of the NOFO for more information regarding cooperative agreements. As stated, “under the cooperative agreement, the HHS/CDC's purpose is to support and stimulate the recipients' activities by involvement in and otherwise working jointly with the award recipients in a partnership role.”

11. Hello! I was reviewing RFA-CE-25-027 (forecast) and wondered about the award ceiling. I wondered if this was total costs ($700,000) throughout the entire study period or $700,000 per year over the study period.

Please see Section II. Award Information starting on p. 15. The maximum amount for this award is $700,000 per year (12-month budget period) over the study period, which can be up to 4 years.

12. Does the $700,000 budget ceiling include F&A (indirect) costs?

The maximum award amount includes both direct and indirect costs. Please see Executive Summary > Budget and Period of Performance on page 4 of the NOFO for more information.

13. Is reimbursement for research participants allowed for this NOFO?

While not specified in this NOFO, participant reimbursement costs are generally allowed, and we encourage you to refer to CDC’s Budget Preparation Guidelines for what to include in the budget justification.

14. How much emphasis is placed on innovation in the adaptation of the STEADI program for this grant? Would novel approaches or technologies to improve fall risk assessment and prevention be favorably reviewed?

It is incumbent on the applicant to justify whether the innovative adaptation falls within the scope of the NOFO. Please see Section V: Application Review Information > 1. Criteria > Innovation on page 30 for more information regarding review and scoring considerations for innovation.

15. How are evaluation points awarded for the characteristics of the nursing home? The NOFO lists several features that are desired, but a facility may be strong on some requirements but weaker on others.

Please see Section V: Application Review Information > 1. Criteria and 4. Review and Selection Process starting on pages 29 and 34 respectively for more information related to application scoring criteria. These sections, as well as Section V in general, will help you determine what is important in building your research plan and application package.

16. Who is the appropriate contact for this grant?

Please contact Dr. Emiko Petrosky at NCIPC_ERPO@cdc.gov for any future inquiries.

17. I am hoping you may have opportunity next week to discuss this project, as we have a few questions we are hoping to discuss with you all?

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.

https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/budget-preparation-guidance.pdf mailto:NCIPC_ERPO@cdc.gov mailto:NCIPC_ERPO@cdc.gov