CDC-RFA-PS23-2301: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health

CDC-RFA-PS23-2301: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health is sponsored by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This funding opportunity aims to strengthen public health systems and services through national partnerships, enhancing the nation's health security and response capabilities.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation’s Health CDC-RFA-PW-24-00800101SUPP24 08/26/2024 Page 1 of 26 Section I. Funding Opportunity Description ................................................................................... 3 Section II.

Award Information ......................................................................................................... 8 Section III. Eligibility Information ..................................................................................................

9 Section IV. Application and Submission Information ................................................................... 11 Section V.

Application Review Information ................................................................................. 19 Section VI. Award Administration Information ............................................................................

22 Section VII. Agency Contacts ....................................................................................................... 25 Section VIII.

Other Information .................................................................................................... 26 # Part 1.

Overview Information Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) # Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation’s Health Revision - Type 3 - (Competitive supplement) Additional funds requested to expand the scope of work have elapsed.

# Agency Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-PW-24-00800101SUPP24 # Assistance Listings Number: Due Date for Applications 08/26/2024 Application must be successfully submitted to Grants. gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the deadline date.

# Additional Overview Content: This supplemental funding is only available to the organizations awarded under Funding Strategy 1 of CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through Page 2 of 26 National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health.

Eligible recipients may submit applications for FY24 CIO Project Plans according to the Population of Focus Category and Population of Focus Description for which they received initial funding in FY24. CDC expects to award projects in late September 2024.

Awards issued under this supplemental NOFO will be added to the Year 1/FY 2024 budget period; therefore, CDC is requesting applicants submit proposals for a 10-month budget period (September 30, 2024-July 31, 2025).

The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to announce the availability of supplemental funding for the organizations that were awarded funding under Funding Strategy 1 of CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health.

This supplemental opportunity is the “Funding Strategy 2: Project Plans” highlighted on page 12 of 51 in the initial Notice of Funding Opportunity, CDC-RFA-PW24-0080. Per the initial NOFO, organizations will submit “Work Plans in Response to Project Plans” and budgets that align with the population of focus category and selected population of focus ONLY for which they were awarded funding under Funding Strategy 1.

Applications received that do not align with the population of focus of initial award will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered. The CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080 recipients are eligible to submit applications for new FY24 CIO Project Plans that match the Population of Focus Category (A, B, or C) and Population of Focus Description for which they received initial funding in FY24.

This supplemental funding opportunity enables recipients to engage in capacity-building assistance (CBA) priorities as identified in the CIO Project Plans attached to this publication. Recipients may refer to their Funding Strategy 1 Notice of Award to determine the Category and Population of Focus they’re approved to build capacity for under this supplemental opportunity.

Key program outcomes are to improve organizational and systems infrastructure and performance across the public health system to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities. The program will fund organizations with demonstrated capability, expertise, resources, national reach, and a track record of providing CBA.

CBA is defined as the activities that strengthen and maintain the necessary structures, systems, processes, and competencies to more effectively and efficiently operate and sustain programs or ensure organizational strength. Under this mechanism, CBA should be delivered through technical assistance, training, information sharing, technology transfer, or materials development.

Recipients are expected to provide CBA to their population of focus in the following strategic areas: organizational capacity and performance improvement; workforce; data modernization, informatics and information technology; partnership development and engagement; and policy and programs. CDC and recipients will evaluate and measure completion of activities and demonstrate achievement of program outcomes.

This NOFO details the second funding strategy of the CBA program’s two-part funding strategy. Applicants are eligible to submit applications for CIO Project Plans that match the Population of Focus Category and Population of Focus Description for which they received initial funding in FY24. .

Individual awards will vary depending on the activities and approximate funding available for each CIO Project Plan.

Page 3 of 26 Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one (or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce Healthy People 2030 goal(s) • Public Health Infrastructure • Health Care Access and Quality This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered.

For purposes of this NOFO, research is defined as set forth in 45 CFR 75. 2 and, for further clarity, as set forth in 42 CFR 52. 2 (see eCFR :: 45 CFR 75.

2 -- Definitions and https://www. gpo. gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title42-vol1/pdf/CFR- 2007-title42-vol1-sec52-2.

pdf . In addition, for purposes of research involving human subjects and available exceptions for public health activities, please see 45 CFR 46. 102(l) (https://www.

ecfr. gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-46/subpart-A/section- # Section I. Funding Opportunity Description The program is authorized under sections 317(k)(2) and 307 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.

Sections 247b(k)(2) and 242 l, as amended. The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to announce the availability of supplemental funding for the organizations that were awarded under Funding Strategy 1 of CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health.

CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080 establishes a capacity-building assistance (CBA) program to improve the overall performance of the public health system. The cooperative agreement funds organizations with demonstrated capability, expertise, resources, national reach, and a track record of providing CBA.

Program outcomes are to improve organizational and systems infrastructure and performance across the public health system to ultimately improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities. Recipients will address CBA needs for a population of focus in one of three population categories: A) Governmental Public Health Departments; B) Workforce Segments in Governmental Public Health Departments; or C) Public Health System Components.

The CBA program has a two-part funding strategy—this NOFO details the second funding strategy. Under Funding Strategy 2, supplemental projects may be announced annually, each Page 4 of 26 budget period during the performance period. This supplement includes CIO Project Plans that address a number of public health priorities and is only open to applicants awarded under Funding Strategy 1 of CDC-RFA-PW24-0080.

Recipients of CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080 are eligible to submit applications for new CIO Project Plans that match the Population of Focus Category (A, B, or C) and Population of Focus Description for which they were awarded under Funding Strategy 1. These supplemental projects are subject to the availability of funds and agency priorities.

Funding Strategy 1 recipients may refer to their Notice of Award to determine the Category and Population of Focus they’re approved to build capacity for under this supplemental opportunity. The purpose of this NOFO is to announce supplemental funds available under a capacity-building assistance (CBA) program to improve the overall performance of the public health system.

Recipients are expected to provide CBA through this program to a specific population of focus. All funded activities must build capacity of the approved population of focus outlined in the recipient’s Funding Strategy 1 Notice of Award. Populations of focus are organized into three categories as outlined in the “population(s) of focus” section of this NOFO.

The applicant should address work to be done in the 5 strategic areas (and related activities) as outlined in the Strategies and Activities column of the program logic model below. Within the project narrative submitted, applicants must clearly identify and address one or more of the strategic areas, as they describe the CBA to be provided to their selected population of focus.

The activities listed below serve as examples and the lists are not exhaustive. Applicants should propose activities based on priority needs of the selected population of focus and the applicant’s organizational capacity and experience to address those needs. Recipients of this funding are expected to complement and leverage, but not duplicate, activities and funding from other federal awards.

Strategies and Activities Short-term Outcomes Capacity-building assistance (CBA) providers will: • Support the CBA* needs of the populations of focus** related to the following strategic areas: o Organizational Capacity and Performance Improvement Development and implementation of quality CBA services and products will result in: Increased availability of and access to CBA services and products that address the strategic areas Use of CBA services and products will result in: Increased awareness and understanding of recommended processes, policies, programs, and practices within the strategic areas Implementation of processes, policies, programs, and practices will result in: Improved organizational and systems capacity and capability to address equity Page 5 of 26 o Data modernization, Informatics, and Information Technology o Partnership Development and Engagement *CBA services and products may include, but not be limited to, technical assistance, training, information sharing, technology transfer, and/or materials development **For a description of the population of focus, see section 2 Increased awareness of best/promising practices and/or tools by populations of focus of CBA services and products Increased use of CBA services and products by populations of focus Enhanced skill and ability to support decision-making toward processes, policies, programs, and practices within the strategic areas Increased implementation and sharing of recommended processes, policies, programs, and practices within the strategic areas focused public health priorities Improved effectiveness of organizational and systems infrastructure and performance Improved health outcomes and reduced health inequities 1.

Organizational Capacity and Performance Improvement – Activities to improve and strengthen capacities that are needed for stronger agency infrastructure and to support basic public health protections.

CBA provided may address needs, such as: • Strengthening organizational capacity and competencies (i.e., human resources, financial management) • Prioritizing and implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the organization, including support for organizational policies and practices to strengthen health equity • Supporting communications efforts, including communications planning, risk communication, social marketing, public information officer support, etc. • Supporting change management and efforts to sustain, improve, or modify organizational structures or processes to meet needs or address efficiencies, including restructuring and cross-jurisdictional sharing.

2. Workforce – Activities to develop and maintain a diverse workforce within the public health system with cross-cutting skills and competencies.

CBA provided may address needs, such as: • Recruiting, developing, and retaining qualified workers (building and sustaining the workforce) • Identifying and assessing workforce gaps, training, and education needs • Developing and ensuring access to quality training and education that addresses identified needs.

• Developing and facilitating use of standards, competencies, and best practices for public health training and workforce development programs. Page 6 of 26 • Implementing culturally-appropriate, evidence-based, or evidence-informed strategies to develop and sustain supportive work environments. 3.

Data Modernization, Informatics, and information technology – Activities to develop and deploy scalable, responsive and sustainable technologies, policies, and methods to implement high-quality data and analytical capabilities to support the Essential Public Health Services (EPHS).

CBA provided may address needs, such as: • Enhancing the use and capabilities of informatics in public health • Collecting, accessing, analyzing, interpreting, and using data from a variety of sources to guide public health planning and decision-making • Developing and carrying out processes to manage data modernization activities that are step-wise, adaptive, and oriented to the overall success of organizations • Identifying and reporting current capacity, gaps, and opportunities to modernize data systems and infrastructure 4.

Partnership Development and Engagement – Activities to improve development and maintenance of results-driven partnerships at various levels.

CBA provided may address needs, such as: • Conducting health assessment and improvement planning to address specific public health issues, population health needs, and determinants of health • Engaging with community populations, partners, and multiple sectors (transportation agencies, academic institutions, law enforcement, healthcare and others) in identifying and addressing health problems through collaborative processes • Establishing and maintaining trust with community members and populations most impacted by key public health decision-making • Engaging community members and populations using community-driven, culturally-informed approaches to improve health outcomes • Identifying successful practices and developing new mechanisms to inform, mobilize, and engage the public and private sectors in collaborative efforts 5.

Policy and Programs— Activities to develop, improve, and use evidence-based and promising practices in policies, processes, and programs aimed at improving the health of the community, addressing disparities, and increasing equity. CBA provided may address needs, such as: • Developing, implementing, scaling up, maintaining, and evaluating programs, policies, and processes to support prevention and wellness.

• Engaging community populations, partners, and multiple sectors in activities that contribute to informing, evaluating, and providing evidence related to programs, laws, and policies that affect public health. • Developing and supporting tools and technical assistance to equitably advance evidence-based or evidence-informed laws, policy, and programs.

• Facilitating knowledge and adoption of evidence-based and evidence-informed policy, programs, and initiatives. • Identifying and promoting innovations and models of excellence that can contribute to new approaches.

CDC Activities Page 7 of 26 In a cooperative agreement, CDC program staff are substantially involved in post-award program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring, technical assistance, and performance reviews undertaken in the normal course of stewardship of federal funds.

CDC program staff will assist, coordinate, or participate in carrying out efforts undertaken as part of the award, and recipients agree to the responsibilities therein, as detailed in and consistent with the NOFO, issued Notice of Award (NOA), and General Terms and Conditions of Non- research Awards .

CDC activities for this program are as follows: • Collaborate to ensure coordination and implementation of activities to provide capacity-building assistance (CBA) to governmental and nongovernmental components of the public health system. • Provide guidance and appropriate clearances of products co-branded or co-authored by CDC.

o Recipients are reminded that requests to use the CDC logo must be approved in writing by CDC via license agreement for products developed under the award. • Provide technical assistance and recommendations to recipients to improve the quality and effectiveness of work plans, evaluation strategies, products and services, and collaborative activities with other organizations.

• Support ongoing opportunities to foster networking, communication, coordination, and collaboration, and serve as a conduit for information exchange, including fostering collaboration between recipients that would not normally interact or collaborate on public health efforts. o Efforts may include hosting recipient meetings (frequency to be determined post-award) and collaborative spaces within grants management systems.

• Collaborate to compile and publish accomplishments, best practices, performance criteria, and lessons learned during the period of performance. • Collaborate, as appropriate, to assess progress toward meeting strategic and operational goals and objectives and to establish measurement and accountability processes for documenting outcomes, such as increased performance improvements and best or promising practices.

CDC Substantial Involvement in Review of Products Developed under the Award Recipients are encouraged to incorporate peer review, responsible authorship, and publication standards when developing products supported in whole or in part with CDC program funds. Products that have express permission to use the CDC logo or are co-authored by CDC require CDC clearance.

In addition, CDC staff will be given an opportunity to review and provide feedback on products developed in whole or in part with CDC program funds. The primary purpose of the CDC review of items not using the CDC logo or co-authored by CDC is to ensure factual accuracy of all product information pertaining to the description of CDC programs, products, initiatives, policies, guidelines, and recommendations.

Review of such products is part of CDC’s substantial involvement to maximize the quality and effectiveness of products and services developed with federal funds and to ensure consistency with applicable federal laws and regulations. Recipients will coordinate with CDC on the submission of such products and the timing needed for CDC to conduct its review, but any Page 8 of 26 review will not act to prevent timely publication.

In addition, CDC reminds recipients that products developed with funds provided under this award are subject to the inclusion of certain funding acknowledgment and appropriate disclaimers as outlined in the General Terms and Conditions of Non-research Awards . # Section II. Award Information CA (Cooperative Agreement) CDC substantial involvement in this program appears in the Activities Section above.

Approximate Total Supplemental Funding: This amount is subject to availability of funds. Includes direct and indirect costs. The funding levels (e.g., "approximate total supplemental funding," etc.) represent approximate funding across multiple CIO Project Plans.

Individual awards will vary depending on the activities and approximate funding available for each CIO Project Plan. Refer to the “CIO Project Plans Overview” and the CIO Project Plans attachments to review project plan details. Approximate Number of Awards: Approximate Average Award: This amount is for the budget period only and includes direct costs and indirect costs as applicable.

Floor of Individual Award Range: Ceiling of Individual Award Range: This ceiling is for a 12-month budget period. The Public Health Infrastructure Center (PHIC) advises recipients to disregard the statement "This ceiling is for a 12-month budget period" above and the "Period of Performance Length" below.

The statements are system-generated and do not take into account PW24-0080 does not have a ceiling and the supplement will be awarded after the start of the Year 1 budget period. Page 9 of 26 Projects awarded under this supplement will have a 10-month budget period. The period of performance will not exceed July 31, 2029, in accordance with the period of performance for the PW24-0080 program.

Award amounts will vary based on the number of project plan awarded.

Period of Performance Length: If you are successful and receive a Notice of Award, in accepting the award, you agree that the award and any activities thereunder are subject to all provisions of 45 CFR Part 75, currently in effect or implemented during the period of the award, other Department regulations and policies in effect at the time of the award, and applicable statutory provisions. # Section III.

Eligibility Information The following recipients may submit an application: 02 (City or township governments) 06 (Public and State controlled institutions of higher education) 07 (Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)) 11 (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)) 12 (Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 13 (Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 20 (Private institutions of higher education) 25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)) Additional Information on Eligibility • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(6) status with the IRS are also eligible Eligible applications will be reviewed for responsiveness in accordance with the factors below.

Non-responsive applications will not advance to merit (Phase II) review. Page 10 of 26 This funding opportunity is only available to organizations that received funding under Funding Strategy 1 of CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services through National Partnerships to Improve and Protect the Nation's Health in July 2024.

Per the initial NOFO, organizations will submit “Work Plans in Response to Project Plans” and budgets that align with the population of focus category and selected population of focus ONLY for which they were awarded funding under Funding Strategy 1. Applications received that do not align with the population of focus of initial award will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered.

Recipients may refer to their Funding Strategy 1 Notice of Award to determine the Category and Population of Focus they’re approved to build capacity for under this supplemental opportunity.

If a recipient submits an application for a project plan intended to build capacity for a population of focus that differs from the one noted in their Funding Strategy 1 Notice of Award, the application will be deemed non-responsive and will not advance to merit (Phase II) review for funding consideration.

In addition, applications submitted by organizations not funded under Funding Strategy 1 will be deemed non-responsive and will not advance to merit (Phase II) review for funding consideration. An organization must be registered at the three following locations before it can submit an application for funding at www. grants.

gov . PLEASE NOTE: Effective April 4, 2022, applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application submission (SF-424, field 8c). The UEI is generated as part of SAM.

gov registration. Current SAM. gov registrants have already been assigned their UEI and can view it in SAM.

gov and Grants. gov. Additional information is available on the GSA website , SAM. gov, and Grants.

gov- Finding the UEI . a. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): All applicant organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number by registering in SAM.

gov prior to submitting an application. A UEI number is a unique twelve-digit identification number assigned to the registering organization. If funds are awarded to an applicant organization that includes sub-recipients, those sub-recipients must provide their UEI numbers before accepting any funds.

b. System for Award Management (SAM): The SAM is the primary registrant database for the federal government and the repository into which an entity must submit information required to conduct business as a recipient. All applicant organizations must register with SAM, and will be assigned a SAM number and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

All information relevant to the SAM number must be current at all times during which the applicant has an application under consideration for funding by CDC. If an award is made, the SAM information must be maintained until a final financial report is submitted or the final payment is received, whichever is later. The SAM registration process can require 10 or more business days, and registration must be renewed annually.

NOFO applicants are to initiate their SAM registrations as soon as possible. Additional information about Page 11 of 26 registration procedures may be found at https://www. cdc.

gov/grants/applying/sam. html , SAM. gov and the SAM.

gov Knowledge Base . The first step in submitting an application online is registering your organization at www. grants.

gov , the official HHS E-grant Web site. Registration information is located at the "Applicant Registration" option at www. grants.

gov . All applicant organizations must register at www. grants.

gov . The one-time registration process usually takes not more than five days to complete. Applicants should start the registration process as early as possible.

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

Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting a grant, loan, or an award. Maintenance of effort (MOE) is not required for this program. # Section IV.

Application and Submission Information # Address to Request Application Package Applicants may access the application at www. grants. gov. Additional information about applying for CDC grants and cooperative agreements can be found here: https://www.

cdc. gov/grants/applying/pre-award. html .

If the applicant encounters technical difficulties with Grants. gov, the applicant should contact Grants. gov Customer Service.

The Grants. gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the exception of all Federal Holidays. The Contact Center provides customer service to the applicant community.

The extended hours will provide applicants support around the clock, ensuring the best possible customer service is received any time it is needed. You can reach the Grants. gov Support Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at support@grants.

gov . Submissions sent by email, fax, CD’s or thumb drives of applications will not be accepted. Page 12 of 26 # Content and Form of Application Submission Unless specifically indicated, this announcement requires submission of the following information: The CIO Project Plans are organized in this supplemental NOFO by Population of Focus Category (A, B, or C).

These instructions apply to all projects. Each CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080 recipient is eligible to submit Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plans that match the Population of Focus Category and Population of Focus Description for which the organization competed and was awarded funds under Funding Strategy 1 in July 2024.

Applicants may refer to their Funding Strategy 1 Notice of Award to determine the Category and Population of Focus they are approved to build capacity for under this supplemental opportunity. The CIO Project Plans are included as attachments to this supplemental NOFO. Applicants are permitted to submit responses to multiple CIO Project Plans in accordance with the responsiveness criteria outlined in this NOFO.

Applicants must submit a Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan template for each CIO Project Plan for which they would like consideration. CDC is advising applicants to submit proposals for a 10-month budget period (September 30, 2024-July 31, 2025) to perform activities within the PW24-0080 Year 1 budget period. Applicants should not propose work with the intention of carrying funding and activities into the next budget period.

Each submission must include the proposed strategic areas and accompanying activities, process measures, outputs, outcomes, and outcome measures for the 10-month budget period. Additionally, each submission must include a description of the recipient’s organizational capacity and program experience as it relates to the work outlined in the corresponding CIO Project Plan.

Upon completion of each Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan, create and save a master merge of all individual files to one PDF document. The master document must be uploaded and submitted as the "Project Narrative" on Grants. gov. Full CIO Project Plans are accessible on the Public Health Infrastructure Virtual Engagement (PHIVE) platform.

The Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plans must be submitted via PHIVE and Grants. gov. A copy of the work plan template is available as an attachment on Grants. gov. Recipients are expected to carry out program capacity-building strategic areas and activities to achieve the program outcomes and to identify and document additional outcomes accomplished.

The CBA efforts performed under each project should work toward the short-term and intermediate outcomes outlined in the CIO Project Plan. Applicants must also create a separate budget narrative to accompany each Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan. Upon completion of each budget narrative, create and save a master merge of all individual files to one PDF document.

The master budget narrative will be uploaded and submitted as the "Budget Narrative" on Grants. gov. A detailed budget narrative is required for each work plan. General instructions for submitting Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plans on Grants.

gov: 1. Submit : individual Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plans and budget workbooks on PHIVE 2. Save : master Project Narrative and master Budget Narrative documents 3.

Go to : Grants. gov Page 13 of 26 5. Select : "Apply for Grants 6.

Select : "Get Application Package" 7. Insert the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number only, formatted as: CDC-RFA-PW-24-00800101SUPP24 8. Download application package 9.

Complete the Budget Information for Non-constructions Programs (SF424A) form 10. Complete the Application for Federal Domestic Assistance-Short Organizational Form (SF425) 11. Upload the master Project Narrative and master Budget Narrative documents 12.

Upload the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement 13. Follow instructions to submit the application package to Grants. gov A Project Abstract must be completed in the Grants.

gov application forms. The Project Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained description of the project and should contain a statement of objectives and methods to be employed.

It should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields and insofar as possible understandable to a technically literate lay reader. This abstract must not include any proprietary/confidential information. Note the Project Abstract should reflect the entire submission.

If applicants respond to multiple CIO Project Plans, the Project Abstract must cover all applications. A Project Narrative must be submitted with the application forms. The project narrative can be uploaded using PDF, Word, or Excel file formats when submitting via Grants.

gov. The narrative must be submitted in the following format: • 300: Maximum number of pages • Font size: 12 point unreduced, Times New Roman • Page margin size: One inch • Number of all narrative pages; not to exceed the maximum number of pages. Applicants will use PHIC’s "Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan" template in the PHIVE platform to create their work plan(s) in response to CIO Project Plans.

A copy of the work plan template is available as an attachment on Grants. gov. PHIC recognizes the narrative format listed above is not feasible with the Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan template. This is CDC NOFO template language and applicants will not be required to adhere to the bulleted format list above.

As a reminder, applicants must create and save one master merge of all individual Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan PDFs. The master document must be uploaded and submitted as the "Project Narrative" on Grants. gov. Applicants will also create and save one master merge of all individual Budget Narratives.

The master budget narrative will be uploaded and submitted as the "Budget Narrative" on Grants. gov. Page 14 of 26 The Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plan must include the proposed strategic areas and their accompanying activities, outputs, performance measures (process and outcome), and outcomes for the budget period.

The Work Plans in Response to CIO Project Plans include a project description, organizational capacity, and program experience of the applicant as they relate to the CIO Project Plan. The narrative should address activities to be conducted over the entire Period of Performance and must include the following items in the order listed.

The Project Narrative must include the information as required in the Work Plan in Response to CIO Project Plan template: 1. Project Description - Describe your overall plan for achieving the outcomes outlined in the CIO Project Plan. 2.

Work Plan - Describe the activities, outputs, performance measures (process and outcome), and outcomes related to the selected NOFO strategic areas and