Fy21 Nofo

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
NATIONAL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance of Blood Lead Levels in Children
CDC-RFA-EH21-2102
04/25/2021

Table of Contents
A. Funding Opportunity Description ...............................................................................................2
B. Award Information ....................................................................................................................17
C. Eligibility Information ..............................................................................................................18
D. Application and Submission Information .................................................................................19
E. Review and Selection Process ...................................................................................................31
F. Award Administration Information ...........................................................................................37
G. Agency Contacts .......................................................................................................................45
H. Other Information .....................................................................................................................47
I. Glossary ......................................................................................................................................47

Part I. Overview
Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on
the "Subscribe" button link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFAEH21-2102. 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) / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR)
B. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance of Blood Lead Levels in Children
C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1:
This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by CDC. If research is
proposed, the application will not be considered. For this purpose, research is defined
at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title42-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title42-vol1-sec522.pdf. Guidance on how CDC interprets the definition of research in the context of public health
can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr46/index.html (See section 45 CFR 46.102(d)).
D. Agency Notice of Funding Opportunity Number:
CDC-RFA-EH21-2102
E. Assistance Listings (CFDA) Number:
93.197
F. Dates:
1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI):
03/26/2021
2. Due Date for Applications:
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04/25/2021
11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov.
3. Due Date for Informational Conference Call:
An informational conference call will be scheduled. Details about the informational call will be
posted at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
G. Executive Summary:
1. Summary Paragraph
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of fiscal year
(FY) 2021 funds that will be awarded through cooperative agreements to support primary and
secondary prevention strategies for childhood lead poisoning prevention and surveillance
including: ensuring blood lead testing and reporting; enhancing blood lead surveillance;
improving linkages to recommended services and developing policies for targeted, populationbased interventions with a focus on community-based approaches for lead hazard elimination. As
part of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), recipients will be expected to demonstrate
that processes are in place to identify children exposed to lead and link them to recommended
services. To do so, recipients will be expected to work closely with other agencies and healthcare
providers serving children, to ensure that a comprehensive system of identification, referral,
follow-up, and evaluation is in place for children exposed to lead.
a. Eligible Applicants:
Limited
b. Funding Instrument Type:
CA (Cooperative Agreement)
c. Approximate Number of Awards
61
Component A: 51
Component B: 10
d. Total Period of Performance Funding:
$ 100,000,000
e. Average One Year Award Amount:
$ 350,000
Component A: $350,000 Per Budget Period
Component B: $250,000 Per Budget Period
f. Total Period of Performance Length:
5
g. Estimated Award Date:
September 30, 2021
h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements:
No
Part II. Full Text
A. Funding Opportunity Description

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1. Background
a. Overview
Significant progress has been made in reducing population exposures to lead in the United States
due, in large part, to successful policies aimed at the removal of lead in gasoline and control of
lead in residential paint and consumer products. Nonetheless, there is no safe blood lead level
(BLL), and hundreds of thousands of U.S. children still have BLLs that are unacceptably high.
More effective screening (see Glossary for blood lead screening definition) and follow-up is
needed and must be focused where children at highest risk are most likely to benefit. Young
children are particularly vulnerable to the long-term health and developmental effects of lead
exposure including intellectual and behavioral deficits. The primary source of lead exposure to
children is the home environment: some 24 million homes have significant lead-based paint
hazards and at least 6-10 million homes have lead service lines that may result in exposure to
lead from drinking water. Deteriorating paint, depositions from leaded gasoline, hazardous waste
sites, and industrial emissions can also create lead hazards in dust and soil in and around the
home. In addition, children may be exposed through other sources (e.g., consumer products or
foods decorated or made with lead, workplace hazards brought home from the job, certain
traditional remedies and cosmetics used in certain cultures, lead-based hobbies or recreational
activities). Primary prevention – the removal of lead hazards from the environment before a child
is exposed – is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience the harmful
effects of lead exposure. However, blood lead screening tests and secondary prevention
strategies remain an essential safety net for children who may be exposed to lead. Low-income
and minority children bear a disproportionate burden of lead exposure risk and significant
disparities in BLLs exist by race/ethnicity, poverty status, and geographic location. Public health
action is needed to improve health equity by supporting strategies and activities to eliminate
disparities in BLLs by social, demographic, and geographic factors and, ultimately, eliminate
childhood lead poisoning as a public health problem. CDC’s key programmatic strategy is to
strengthen childhood lead poisoning prevention programs by improving blood lead screening test
rates, identifying high- risk populations, and ensuring effective follow-up for children with
elevated BLLs. State-based childhood blood lead surveillance systems need to integrate
information from several sources including: childhood lead poisoning prevention programs at the
state and local levels, public and private laboratories, health care providers, and other state and
local health, environmental, and housing agencies. One inherent limitation of these systems is the
reliance on data reported by clinical laboratories and healthcare providers which are often
incomplete. Assuring accurate and complete reporting of all blood lead tests, including
information on sociodemographic and geographic risk factors, is a vital component of effective
surveillance to ensure health equity.
Therefore, CDC will support recipients in accomplishing these strategies through two
components. Component A includes coordinating statewide screening and testing plans,
implementing effective blood lead surveillance systems, and supporting linkages to services.
Component B includes developing targeted population-based interventions for local jurisdictions.
b. Statutory Authorities
Authorized by 42 U.S.C. Section 247b-1.
c. Healthy People 2030
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CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) is committed to achieving the HHS
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2030 found at:
https://www.healthypeople.gov/. This NOFO addresses the Healthy People 2030 topics of
Housing and Homes and Environmental Health. This NOFO is specifically committed to
addressing the Healthy People 2030 goals of reducing: (1) exposure to lead and (2) blood lead
levels in children ages 1-5.
d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies
This NOFO supports the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and
Associated Health Impacts developed by the Lead Subcommittee of the President Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children.
e. Relevant Work
The Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988 authorized CDC to initiate program efforts to
eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States. From 1990 to 2012, CDC supported
comprehensive childhood lead poisoning prevention programs in state and local health
departments. From 2014 to 2020, CDC supported strategic programmatic activities to rebuild
capacity under CDC-RFA-EH14-1408; CDC-RFA-EH17-1701; and CDC-RFA-EH18-1806.
This NOFO supports approaches for coordinating screening and testing plans, implementing
effective blood lead surveillance systems, and developing policies and strategic partnerships and
interventions to ensure a comprehensive system exists for the identification, referral, and followup of children exposed to lead.
2. CDC Project Description
a. Approach
Bold indicates period of performance outcome.
CDC-RFA-EH21-2102 Logic Model:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance of Blood Lead Levels in Children
Strategies and Activities

Short-Term
Outcomes

1. Ensure Blood Lead Testing and Increased
collaboration and
Reporting
coordination
· Develop and sustain a statewide between appropriate
Lead Advisory Committee.
stakeholders.

Intermediate
Outcomes

Long-Term
Outcomes

Improved blood
lead testing and
reporting rates for
children less than 6
years of age at risk

Decreased
disparities in
blood lead
levels by
race/ethnicity

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· Develop or update and
Increased awareness for lead exposure.
implement an appropriate statewide of pediatric health
screening plan based on local data. care providers and
clinical laboratories
of state blood lead
testing
recommendations
and reporting
requirements.

Increased linkages
between
complementary data
· Develop, update, or maintain a systems (e.g.,
blood lead surveillance system that Medicaid,
collects and tracks all blood lead immunization, adult
test results and follow-up data on blood lead, vital
children with elevated blood lead statistics).
Improved use of
levels including environmental
surveillance system
source investigations and referrals
data to capture
to recommended services.
missing data on
child demographic
· Develop and implement plans for
and follow-up
surveillance data collection, data
information.
quality, and data dissemination
with a focus on data
Increased
interoperability.
identification of
· Conduct analyses of surveillance geographic areas
data to identify lead-exposed
and populations atchildren, high-risk populations, and risk for lead
geographic areas.
exposure using
enhanced data
linkages.
2. Enhance Blood Lead
Surveillance

and
socioeconomic
status

Decrease
adverse health
effects of lead
exposure in
children

Decreased
societal costs
associated with
childhood lead
exposure (e.g.,
healthcare,
special
education,
criminal justice
system).

Decreased
number of
children living
in environments
at high risk of
lead exposure.

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3. Improve Linkages of LeadExposed Children to
Recommended Services
· Identify children with elevated
blood lead levels requiring followup
· Partner with programs and
organizations that provide services
to mitigate the effects of elevated
blood lead levels.
· Connect children with elevated
blood lead levels to recommended
medical, environmental, and social
services.

Increased
identification,
tracking, and
recommended
services for children
with elevated blood Improved rates of
lead levels.
children less than 6
years of age with
Increased ability for elevated blood lead
levels linked to
public health
agencies, health care recommended
professionals, and services.
other stakeholders
to provide linkages
to services and
reduce loss to
follow-up.

Decreased lead
hazards in housing
Improved policies occupied by
for targeted
vulnerable
· Develop strategic partnerships
communitybased
populations (such as
and policies to implement targeted,
approaches aimed at children).
population-based interventions
primary prevention
aimed at primary prevention of
of lead exposure in Decrease other
lead exposure with a focus on
sources of lead
community-based approaches for children.
exposure in targeted
lead hazard elimination.
communities.
4. Develop Targeted PopulationBased Policy Interventions

i. Purpose
This NOFO supports overarching program strategies related to:
1. secondary prevention of childhood lead poisoning through the core public health
functions of assurance (ensuring blood lead testing and reporting, and improving linkages
to recommended services) and assessment (enhancing blood lead surveillance) –and–
2. primary prevention of childhood lead poisoning through targeted, population-based
policy interventions with a focus on community-based approaches for lead hazard
elimination.
ii. Outcomes

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Recipients must be able to use their childhood blood lead surveillance system to collect and
report data to CDC to support the following period of performance outcomes (shown in bold on
the CDC-RFA-EH21-2102 Logic Model: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and
Surveillance of Blood Lead Levels in Children):







Improved blood lead testing and reporting rates for children less than 6 years of
age at risk for lead exposure (e.g., screening/testing penetrance and the incidence
and prevalence of children with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC
blood lead reference value) and other important blood lead levels categories.
Improved use of surveillance system data to capture missing data on child
demographic and follow-up information (e.g., address, race/ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, small geographic area [zip code or census tract], referrals to
recommended services, completion of services by type).
Improved rates of children less than 6 years of age who meet state case definitions
who are linked to recommended services (e.g., environmental inspections,
medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, developmental milestones).
Decreased disparities in blood lead levels by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic
status.

iii. Strategies and Activities
COMPONENT A: Blood Lead Screening, Surveillance, and Linkages to Care
Strategy 1. Ensure Blood Lead Testing and Reporting:


Develop and sustain a statewide lead advisory committee comprised of
appropriate stakeholders (e.g., representatives from academia, healthcare, nonprofit or community- based organizations, clinical laboratories, state and local
housing agencies, tribes or tribal organizations).
o Evidence of a functioning and sustainable statewide advisory committee to
make statewide recommendations for blood lead testing based on local
data.



Develop or update and implement an appropriate statewide screening and testing
plan based on local data in collaboration with statewide lead advisory committee.
o Evidence of a statewide screening and testing plan based on current data
that provides clear blood lead testing guidance to pediatric healthcare
providers.
o Evidence of a blood lead test reporting policy to ensure that clinical
laboratories and healthcare providers understand and comply with
reporting requirements.
o Evidence of a sustainability plan to ensure regular review of data and
updates needed to statewide screening/testing recommendation.

Strategy 2. Enhance Blood Lead Surveillance:
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

Develop, update, or maintain a blood lead surveillance system that collects and
tracks all blood lead test results and follow-up data on children with elevated
blood lead levels including environmental source investigations and referrals to
recommended services.
o Evidence of a sustainable and integrated childhood blood lead surveillance
system able to generate population-level screening/testing rates and
follow-up data on environmental source investigations and referrals to
recommended services.
o Evidence of ability to collect essential information including
race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic locations at the zip
code or census tract level.



Develop and implement plans for surveillance data collection, data quality checks,
and data dissemination with a focus on data interoperability.
o Evidence of strategic collaborations with relevant agencies (e.g., state
Medicaid, vital records, immunization program) to generate appropriate
denominators (e.g., total population of children age 6 years or younger,
total number of children enrolled in Medicaid by age) and risk-factor data
(see “Target Populations”).
o Evidence of surveillance system data management and analysis plans with
appropriate stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities outlined.



Conduct analyses of surveillance data to identify lead-exposed children, high-risk
populations, and geographic areas.
o Evidence of surveillance system reporting and dissemination plans with
appropriate stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities outlined.

Strategy 3. Improve Linkages of Lead-Exposed Children to Recommended Services:


Identify children with elevated blood lead levels requiring follow-up.
o Evidence of alerts available in surveillance system to flag and track
children with elevated blood lead levels requiring follow-up.



Partner with programs and organizations that provide services to mitigate the
effects of elevated blood lead levels.
o Evidence of data sharing, data matching, and/or memoranda of
understanding/agreement with key partners.



Connect children with elevated blood lead levels to recommended medical,
environmental, and social services.
o Evidence of ability to capture information on referrals to recommended
services (e.g., case management services initiated, received, and
completed) within the surveillance database.

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COMPONENT B: Targeted Interventions
Strategy 4. Develop Targeted, Population-Based Interventions:


Develop strategic partnerships and policies to implement targeted, populationbased interventions aimed at primary prevention of lead exposure with a focus on
community- based approaches for lead hazard elimination.
o Evidence of a detailed policy design and implementation plan, including
timeline, objectives, methods, and key stakeholders.
o Ability to develop and conduct outreach as well as education to lead
workforce, partners, and other stakeholders;
o Description of a plan to educate public, partners, and stakeholders about
lead-related issues

1. Collaborations
a. With other CDC programs and CDC-funded organizations:
ALL APPLICANTS
Applicants should provide evidence of any collaborations with other relevant CDC programs and
CDC-funded organizations. Examples of relevant CDC programs include, but are not limited, to:











Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Program
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/
Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Program
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/
ATSDR Partnership to Promote Local Efforts to Reduce Environmental
Exposure (APPLETREE) Programs
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/states/index.html
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units https://www.pehsu.net/
Developmental Disabilities
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/index.html
Immigrant and Refugee Health
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/index.html
National Asthma Control Program https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/nacp.htm
Immunization Information Systems
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/index.html
National Vital Statistics System https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/births.htm
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH)
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/index.htm

Strategies should be implemented for leveraging resources from other allowable federallyfunded programs and/or state, local, charity, nonprofit or for-profit entities, or internal agency
programs. Applicants are expected to develop a sustainability plan working with partners to
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assure that the goals of the project and efforts to achieve desired outcomes will continue beyond
the period of performance.
b. With organizations not funded by CDC:
ALL APPLICANTS
Applicants should engage applicable state agencies in partnership agreements (e.g., State
Medicaid agency, vital statistics).


Applicants should provide an MOU, MOA, data-sharing agreement, or
letter of support to verify evidence of a collaboration with the state agency
to share data on children less than 16 years of age. The appropriate
document should be uploaded as a single PDF, combined with any other
documents on optional collaborations (below), using the file name
"MOUs/MOAs" at www.grants.gov.

Applicants should also engage other relevant federal, state, and local government agencies;
tribes or tribal organizations; hospitals and health care providers; clinical laboratories; nongovernment organizations; non-profit agencies; private foundations and businesses; and
academic institutions in their jurisdictions, particularly those with a focus on child health and
environmental/occupational health, and leverage resources and opportunities to reach target
populations, share data/information, and achieve outcomes expected under this NOFO.
Applicants should provide MOU, MOA, or letter of support to verify evidence of the
collaborations. The appropriate documents should be uploaded as a single PDF, combined with
any other documents using the file name "MOUs/MOAs" at www.grants.gov. Examples of such
organizations include, but are not limited, to:



U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of
Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH)
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Early and Periodic
Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/epsdt/index.html



Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
(WIC) https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic



Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): State Title V
Maternal and Child Health programs; Maternal, Infant, and Early
Childhood Home Visiting Program; Healthy Start Program
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/lead
U.S. Department of Education Early Childhood Education Initiatives
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/index.html





Indian Health Service Environmental Health Support Center
https://www.ihs.gov/ehsc/
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






Community-based, nonprofit and/or faith-based organizations
State and local health and housing agencies
Private and public laboratories
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Academic institutions
Accredited environmental health and housing practitioners and their
organizations

Strategies should be implemented for leveraging resources from other allowable federallyfunded programs and/or state, local, charity, nonprofit or for-profit entities, or internal agency
programs. Applicants are expected to develop a sustainability plan working with partners to
assure that the goals of the project and efforts to achieve desired outcomes will continue beyond
the period of performance.
COMPONENT B
If the applicant is not a state health department or bona fide agent of the state:


Applicants must provide a letter of support from the state indicating
willingness to coordinate prevention efforts to reduce duplication of
efforts. The appropriate document should be uploaded as a single PDF,
combined with any other documents on optional collaborations, using the
filename "Letter of Support" at www.grants.gov.

2. Target Populations
The target population for this program is children less than 6 years (72 months) of age with a
specific focus on children less than 3 years (36 months) of age. Priority should be given to highrisk children disproportionately affected by lead exposure and lead poisoning, particularly those
children living in areas that include: homes built before 1978; low-income or subsidized housing
with suspected or known lead hazards; hazardous waste sites or industrial emissions containing
lead; racial and ethnic minorities; and recent immigrants. Medicaid-eligible and Medicaidenrolled children, as well as children receiving services from the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), represent high-risk target populations.
a. Health Disparities
Despite significant progress in lowering population BLLs overall, certain populations, including
racial and ethnic minorities, recent immigrants, and those in certain geographic areas, remain at
high risk for lead exposure. Non-English-speaking populations, people with limited health
literacy, tribal populations, and those living in rural areas and other geographically underserved
communities may also be at high risk. A major focus of this NOFO is to improve the ability to
identify, screen, refer, and monitor high-risk children with the aim of reducing disparities in
BLLs and associated health outcomes and improve social determinants of health among
populations at greatest risk.
iv. Funding Strategy
Applicants can apply for Component A only, Component B only, or Components A & B.
Applicants must include a separate individual work plan and budget for both Components A and
B.

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COMPONENT A
Applicants are eligible for awards of $300,000-500,000 (based on population and demonstration
of need) to support the development of a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention program.
Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), applicants are applying for support related
to: Strategy 1) ensure blood lead testing and reporting, Strategy 2) enhance blood lead
surveillance, and Strategy 3) improve linkages of lead-exposed children to recommended
services. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that processes are in place to identify children
with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead reference value and to track
this data. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate that processes are in place to ensure that 1)
children with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead reference value are
linked with recommended services and 2) that children who meet state case definition for the
given jurisdiction are linked to case management services and follow-up care.
COMPONENT B
Applicants are eligible for $150,000-350,000 to support targeted population-based interventions.
Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), applicants are applying for support related
to: Strategy 4) develop targeted, population-based policy interventions. Applicants are expected
to develop interventions that support development of targeted, population-based interventions
with a focus on community-based primary prevention approaches for lead hazard elimination.
b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement
i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy
ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates
how the recipient will fulfill the requirements described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance
Measurement and Project Description sections of this NOFO. At a minimum, the plan must
describe:


How the applicant will collect the performance measures, respond to the evaluation
questions, and use evaluation findings for continuous program quality improvement.



How key program partners will participate in the evaluation and performance
measurement planning processes.



Available data sources, feasibility of collecting appropriate evaluation and performance
data, and other relevant data information (e.g., performance measures proposed by the
applicant)



Plans for updating the Data Management Plan (DMP) as new pertinent information
becomes available. If applicable, throughout the lifecycle of the project. Updates to
DMP should be provided in annual progress reports. The DMP should provide a
description of the data that will be produced using these NOFO funds; access to data;
data standards ensuring released data have documentation describing methods of
collection, what the data represent, and data limitations; and archival and long-term data
preservation plans. For more information about CDC’s policy on the DMP,
see https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/ar-25.html.

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Where the applicant chooses to, or is expected to, take on specific evaluation studies, the
applicant should be directed to:


Describe the type of evaluations (i.e., process, outcome, or both).



Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.



Describe other information (e.g., measures, data sources).

Recipients will be required to submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement
plan, including a DMP, if applicable, within the first 6 months of award, as described in the
Reporting Section of this NOFO.
Describe available data sources and feasibility of collecting the required process and outcome
measures outlined above. Applicants should use the DMP template at
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/DownloadDocument?objectID=101621901.
c. Organizational Capacity of Recipients to Implement the Approach
Describe the applicant’s Organizational Capacity needed to implement the award:


CVs/Resumes and Organizational Chart(s) must be provided in separate files labeled
"CVs/Resumes" and "Organizational Chart(s)" and uploaded at www.grants.gov.
o Component A:
 Demonstrates relevant experience and capacity (management,
administrative, and technical) to implement the proposed activities and
achieve the expected project outcomes. Provides CVs/resumes of key staff
including: Principal Investigator, Program Manager, and Surveillance
Epidemiologist.
 Demonstrates that adequate staffing are available to perform activities
outlined in this NOFO. Provides a staffing plan of current and proposed
personnel, including qualifications and specific expertise as it relates to
the requirements set forth in this announcement, and a project
management structure that will be sufficient to achieve the project
outcomes and that clearly defines staff roles. If applicable, provides
organizational management assurances and a plan for identifying and
hiring qualified applicants for vacant position(s) on a timely basis.
Provides an organizational chart.
 Details a work plan that is aligned with the strategies/activities and
expected short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of this NOFO, and
performance measures proposed by CDC. Provides a sustainability plan to
assure that the goals of this NOFO and efforts to achieve desired outcomes
will continue beyond the period of performance.
 Demonstrates the existence of established relationships to leverage local
partners and resources to ensure that a comprehensive system of
recommended services exists for the identification, referral, follow-up, and
evaluation of children exposed to lead. Provides evidence of the ability for
state health department to work closely with local health departments (and
other local agencies and healthcare providers) serving children in high-risk
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



areas to collect and report information on recommended services to CDC
on a quarterly basis.
Demonstrates the necessary experience, information technology
infrastructure, and resource capacity to implement an integrated childhood
blood lead surveillance system that maximally leverages existing tools,
data sources, and systems/platforms. Demonstrates that surveillance data
efforts adhere to national data and technology standards to support
interoperability of system-to-system data exchange. Demonstrates ability
to submit required surveillance data variables to CDC on a quarterly basis.

Component B:
 Demonstrates relevant experience and capacity (management,
administrative, and technical) to implement the proposed activities and
achieve the expected project outcomes. Provides CVs/resumes of key staff
including: Principal Investigator, Program Manager, and Surveillance
Epidemiologist.
 Demonstrates that adequate staff are available to perform activities and
reporting requirements outlined in this NOFO. Provides a staffing plan of
current and proposed personnel, including qualifications and specific
expertise as it relates to the requirements set forth in this announcement,
and a project management structure that will be sufficient to achieve the
project outcomes and that clearly defines staff roles. If applicable,
provides organizational management assurances and a plan for identifying
and hiring qualified applicants for vacant position(s) on a timely basis.
Provides an organizational chart.
 Provides letters of support from public health department programs,
agencies, or organizations to demonstrate ability to build and maintain
partnerships. Applicants should name letters of support as “LOS_#” and
upload the files as a pdf at www.grants.gov.

d. Work Plan
Applicants should provide a detailed work plan for the first year of the project and a high-level
work plan for subsequent years. The components in the work plan should crosswalk to the
strategies and activities, outcomes, and evaluation and performance measures presented in the
logic model and the narrative sections of the NOFO.
Period of Performance Outcome:

Outcome Measure:

[from Outcomes section and/or logic model]

[from Evaluation and Performance
Measurement section]

Strategies and
Activities

Responsible
Position/Party

Process Measure
[from Evaluation and

Completion Date

Page 14 of 52

Performance
Measurement section]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
e. CDC Monitoring and Accountability Approach
Monitoring activities include routine and ongoing communication between CDC and recipients,
site visits, and recipient 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 recipient progress in achieving the desired outcomes.



Ensuring the adequacy of recipient 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 deemed necessary to monitor the award:


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



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



Working with recipients 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.

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 recipients.
CDC will use performance measures data collected to track and monitor recipient progress,
provide feedback and technical assistance, and access collective progress toward achieving
NOFO outcomes by aggregating and analyzing data aggregated across all recipients. Recipient
surveillance data will be used to:


Determine blood lead testing and reporting rates and trends for children
less than 6 years of age at risk for lead exposure including
screening/testing penetrance, and incidence and prevalence of children

Page 15 of 52







with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead
reference value.
Determine number, percentage, and trends of blood lead testing records
with missing data on child demographic and follow-up information (e.g.,
race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, small geographic area [zip code or
census tract], referrals to recommended services by type)
Determine rates and trends of children less than 6 years of age with blood
lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead reference value
who are linked to recommended services (e.g., environmental inspections,
medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, developmental milestones).
Determine disparities and related trends in blood lead levels by
race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

In addition to surveillance system data, recipients must collect and report complementary data
from relevant agencies (e.g., Medicaid, immunization, adult blood lead, vital statistics).
CDC will provide feedback on recipient progress via monthly calls, email, and written review of
recipient’s Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan. CDC will report annually on
individual recipient performance measures progress and aggregated progress across all recipients
on the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website, and periodically through published reports
(e.g. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report).
f. CDC Program Support to Recipients
Beyond regular monthly calls, site visits, and performance and financial monitoring, CDC will:
i.

Provide Technical Assistance:
o Provide subject matter expertise to support recipients in the development or
enhancement and implementation of blood lead surveillance systems.
o Provide subject matter expertise to support recipients in the development or
enhancement of evaluation and performance measurement and program
effectiveness.
o Provide subject matter expertise to support recipients in the development or
enhancement of work plans, program planning, and capacity building.
o Provide subject matter expertise to support recipients in the development or
enhancement of success stories.

ii.

Support Information Sharing between Recipients:
o Support information sharing of "best practices" and "lessons learned" through
required annual recipient meetings and quarterly conference calls, and at other
venues, as appropriate.
o Provide access to information-sharing portals (e.g., SharePoint site).
o Promote the use of "Success Stories" and other reports and publications.

iii.

Provide Additional Support:

Page 16 of 52

o Offer the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Software System (HHLPSS) at no
cost to support recipients in deployment of the system and migration of data from
other systems to HHLPSS.
o Review the use of data and information collected to support development,
enhancement or implementation of population-based interventions.
o Provide guidance in implementing activities, and will identify major program
issues, strategies, and priorities related to the cooperative agreement.
o Promote collaboration with other federal, state, and local health; environmental;
and housing agencies by initiating contacts, conference calls, and on-site visits to
discuss programmatic issues.
o Provide consultation and technical assistance regarding approaches used to link
children to appropriate services.
B. Award Information
1. Funding Instrument Type:
CA (Cooperative Agreement)
CDC's substantial involvement in this program appears in the CDC Program Support to
Recipients Section.
2. Award Mechanism:
UE2
3. Fiscal Year:
2021
4. Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding:
$ 20,000,000
5. Total Period of Performance Funding:
$ 100,000,000
This amount is subject to the availability of funds.
Estimated Total Funding:
$ 100,000,000
6. Total Period of Performance Length:
5
year(s)
7. Expected Number of Awards:
61
Component A: 51
Component B: 10
8. Approximate Average Award:
$ 350,000
Page 17 of 52

Per Budget Period
Component A: $350,000 Per Budget Period
Component B: $250,000 Per Budget Period
9. Award Ceiling:
$ 850,000
Per Budget Period
This amount is subject to the availability of funds.
Component A: $500,000 Per Budget Period
Component B: $350,000 Per Budget Period
10. Award Floor:
$ 150,000
Per Budget Period
Component A: $300,000 Per Budget Period
Component B: $150,000 Per Budget Period
11. Estimated Award Date:
September 30, 2021
12. Budget Period Length:
12 month(s)
Throughout the project period, CDC will continue the award based on the availability of funds,
the evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (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 period of performance comprises the initial
competitive segment and any subsequent non-competitive continuation award(s).
13. Direct Assistance
Direct Assistance (DA) is not available through this NOFO.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligibility Category:
02 (City or township governments)
01 (County governments)
00 (State governments)
07 (Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized))
Additional Eligibility Category:
Page 18 of 52

Government Organizations:
State governments or their bona fide agents (includes the District of Columbia)
Local governments or their bona fide agents
2. Additional Information on Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to the organizations noted above, in accordance with 42 U.S.C.
Section 247b-1
3. Justification for Less than Maximum Competition
N/A
4. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:
No
5. Maintenance of Effort
N/A
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Required Registrations
An organization must be registered at the three following locations before it can submit an
application for funding at www.grants.gov.
a. Data Universal Numbering System:
All applicant organizations must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. A
DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet
(D&B). It will be used as the Universal Identifier when applying for federal awards or
cooperative agreements.
The applicant organization may request a DUNS number by telephone at 1-866-705-5711 (toll
free) or internet at http:// fedgov.dnb. com/ webform/ displayHomePage.do. The DUNS number
will be provided at no charge.
If funds are awarded to an applicant organization that includes sub-recipients, those subrecipients must provide their DUNS 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. 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. Additional information about registration procedures
may be found at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/.

Page 19 of 52

c. Grants.gov:
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.
Step

System

Requirements

Duration

1. Click on http://
fedgov.dnb.com/ webform

1

2

3

Data
Universal
Number
System
(DUNS)

2. Select Begin DUNS
search/request process
3. Select your country or territory
1-2 Business Days
and follow the instructions to
obtain your DUNS 9-digit #
4. Request appropriate staff
member(s) to obtain DUNS
number, verify & update
information under DUNS number
1. Retrieve organizations DUNS
number

Follow Up
To confirm that
you have been
issued a new
DUNS number
check online at
(http://
fedgov.dnb.com/
webform) or
call 1-866-7055711

System for
Award
For SAM
Management
2. Go
Customer Service
(SAM)
3-5 Business Days but
to https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ and
Contact https://fs
formerly
up to 2 weeks and must
designate an E-Biz POC (note
d.gov/ fsd-gov/
Central
be renewed once a year
CCR username will not work in
home.do Calls: 86
Contractor
SAM and you will need to have
6-606-8220
Registration
an active SAM account before you
(CCR)
can register on grants.gov)
1. Set up an individual account in
Grants.gov using organization new
DUNS number to become an
Same day but can take 8
authorized
weeks to be fully
Register early!
registered and approved Log into
organization representative
in the system (note,
grants.gov and
(AOR)
Grants.gov
applicants MUST
check AOR status
2. Once the account is set up the
obtain a DUNS number until it shows you
E-BIZ POC will be notified via
and SAM account
have been
email
before applying on
approved
3. Log into grants.gov using the
grants.gov)
password the E-BIZ POC received
and create new password
4. This authorizes the AOR to
Page 20 of 52

submit applications on behalf of
the organization
2. Request Application Package
Applicants may access the application package at www.grants.gov.
3. Application Package
Applicants must download the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, package associated
with this notice of funding opportunity at www.grants.gov.
4. Submission Dates and Times
If the application is not submitted by the deadline published in the NOFO, it will not be
processed. Office of Grants Services (OGS) personnel will notify the applicant that their
application did not meet the deadline. The applicant must receive pre-approval to submit a paper
application (see Other Submission Requirements section for additional details). If the applicant is
authorized to submit a paper application, it must be received by the deadline provided by OGS.
a. Letter of Intent Deadline (must be emailed or postmarked by)
Number Of Days from Publication 30
03/26/2021
b. Application Deadline
Number Of Days from Publication 60
04/25/2021
11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov. If Grants.gov is inoperable and
cannot receive applications, and circumstances preclude advance notification of an extension,
then applications must be submitted by the first business day on which grants.gov operations
resume.
Due Date for Information Conference Call
An informational conference call will be scheduled. Details about the informational call will be
posted at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
5. CDC Assurances and Certifications
All applicants are required to sign and submit “Assurances and Certifications” documents
indicated at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/ grantassurances/ (S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))
/Homepage.aspx.
Applicants may follow either of the following processes:


Complete the applicable assurances and certifications with each application submission,
name the file “Assurances and Certifications” and upload it as a PDF file with
at www.grants.gov



Complete the applicable assurances and certifications and submit them directly to CDC
on an annual basis at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/ grantassurances/
(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/ Homepage.aspx

Page 21 of 52

Assurances and certifications submitted directly to CDC will be kept on file for one year and will
apply to all applications submitted to CDC by the applicant within one year of the submission
date.
Risk Assessment Questionnaire Requirement
CDC is required to conduct pre-award risk assessments to determine the risk an applicant poses
to meeting federal programmatic and administrative requirements by taking into account issues
such as financial instability, insufficient management systems, non-compliance with award
conditions, the charging of unallowable costs, and inexperience. The risk assessment will include
an evaluation of the applicant’s CDC Risk Questionnaire, located
at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/PPMR-G-CDC-Risk-Questionnaire.pdf, as well as a
review of the applicant’s history in all available systems; including OMB-designated repositories
of government-wide eligibility and financial integrity systems (see 45 CFR 75.205(a)), and other
sources of historical information. These systems include, but are not limited to: FAPIIS
(https://www.fapiis.gov/), including past performance on federal contracts as per Duncan Hunter
National Defense Authorization Act of 2009; Do Not Pay list; and System for Award
Management (SAM) exclusions.
CDC requires all applicants to complete the Risk Questionnaire, OMB Control Number 09201132 annually. This questionnaire, which is located
at https://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/PPMR-G-CDC-Risk-Questionnaire.pdf, along with
supporting documentation must be submitted with your application by the closing date of the
Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. If your organization has completed CDC’s Risk
Questionnaire within the past 12 months of the closing date of this NOFO, then you must submit
a copy of that questionnaire, or submit a letter signed by the authorized organization
representative to include the original submission date, organization’s EIN and DUNS.
When uploading supporting documentation for the Risk Questionnaire into this application
package, clearly label the documents for easy identification of the type of documentation. For
example, a copy of Procurement policy submitted in response to the questionnaire may be
labeled using the following format: Risk Questionnaire Supporting Documents _ Procurement
Policy.
Duplication of Efforts
Applicants are responsible for reporting if this application will result in programmatic,
budgetary, or commitment overlap with another application or award (i.e. grant, cooperative
agreement, or contract) submitted to another funding source in the same fiscal
year. Programmatic overlap occurs when (1) substantially the same project is proposed in more
than one application or is submitted to two or more funding sources for review and funding
consideration or (2) a specific objective and the project design for accomplishing the objective
are the same or closely related in two or more applications or awards, regardless of the funding
source. Budgetary overlap occurs when duplicate or equivalent budgetary items (e.g.,
equipment, salaries) are requested in an application but already are provided by another
source. Commitment overlap occurs when an individual’s time commitment exceeds 100
percent, whether or not salary support is requested in the application. Overlap, whether
programmatic, budgetary, or commitment of an individual’s effort greater than 100 percent, is
Page 22 of 52

not permitted. Any overlap will be resolved by the CDC with the applicant and the PD/PI prior
to award.
Report Submission: The applicant must upload the report in Grants.gov under “Other
Attachment Forms.” The document should be labeled: "Report on Programmatic, Budgetary,
and Commitment Overlap.”
6. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applicants are required to include all of the following documents with their application package
at www.grants.gov.
7. Letter of Intent
The purpose of a letter of intent (LOI) is to allow CDC program staff to estimate the number of
and plan for the review of submitted applications. The following information should be included:





Number and title of this NOFO
Descriptive title of proposed project
Indicate if applying for Component A only, Component B only, or Components A
& B and amount of funding requested
Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the Principal Investigator

LOI should be sent via email to:
Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch
Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice
National Center for Environmental Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health and Human Services
Email: [email protected]
8. Table of Contents
(There is no page limit. The table of contents is not included in the project narrative page
limit.): The applicant must provide, as a separate attachment, the “Table of Contents” for the
entire submission package.
Provide a detailed table of contents for the entire submission package that includes all of the
documents in the application and headings in the "Project Narrative" section. Name the file
"Table of Contents" and upload it as a PDF file under "Other Attachment Forms"
at www.grants.gov.
9. Project Abstract Summary
A project abstract is included on the mandatory documents list and must be submitted
at www.grants.gov. The project abstract must be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed
project including the purpose and outcomes. This summary must not include any proprietary or

Page 23 of 52

confidential information. Applicants must enter the summary in the "Project Abstract Summary"
text box at www.grants.gov.
10. Project Narrative
(Unless specified in the "H. Other Information" section, maximum of 20 pages, single spaced, 12
point font, 1-inch margins, number all pages. This includes the work plan. Content beyond the
specified page number will not be reviewed.)
Applicants must submit a Project Narrative with the application forms. Applicants must name
this file “Project Narrative” and upload it at www.grants.gov. The Project Narrative must
include all of the following headings (including subheadings): Background, Approach,
Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, Organizational Capacity of
Applicants to Implement the Approach, and Work Plan. The Project Narrative must be succinct,
self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. It must address outcomes and activities
to be conducted over the entire period of performance as identified in the CDC Project
Description section. Applicants should use the federal plain language guidelines and Clear
Communication Index to respond to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Note that recipients
should also use these tools when creating public communication materials supported by this
NOFO. Failure to follow the guidance and format may negatively impact scoring of the
application.
a. Background
Applicants must provide a description of relevant background information that includes the
context of the problem (See CDC Background).
b. Approach
i. Purpose
Applicants must describe in 2-3 sentences specifically how their application will address the
public health problem as described in the CDC Background section.
ii. Outcomes
Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes they expect to achieve by the end of the project
period, as identified in the logic model in the Approach section of the CDC Project Description.
Outcomes are the results that the program intends to achieve and usually indicate the intended
direction of change (e.g., increase, decrease).
iii. Strategies and Activities
Applicants must provide a clear and concise description of the strategies and activities they will
use to achieve the period of performance outcomes. Applicants must select existing evidencebased strategies that meet their needs, or describe in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance
Measurement Plan how these strategies will be evaluated over the course of the project period.
See the Strategies and Activities section of the CDC Project Description.
1. Collaborations
Page 24 of 52

Applicants must describe how they will collaborate with programs and organizations either
internal or external to CDC. Applicants must address the Collaboration requirements as
described in the CDC Project Description.
2. Target Populations and Health Disparities
Applicants must describe the specific target population(s) in their jurisdiction and explain how
such a target will achieve the goals of the award and/or alleviate health disparities. The
applicants must also address how they will include specific populations that can benefit from the
program that is described in the Approach section. Applicants must address the Target
Populations and Health Disparities requirements as described in the CDC Project Description.
c. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
Applicants must provide an evaluation and performance measurement plan that demonstrates
how the recipient will fulfill the requirements described in the CDC Evaluation and Performance
Measurement and Project Description sections of this NOFO. At a minimum, the plan must
describe:


How applicant will collect the performance measures, respond to the evaluation
questions, and use evaluation findings for continuous program quality improvement. The
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA): Applicants are advised that any activities
involving information collections (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, applications, audits, data
requests, reporting, recordkeeping and disclosure requirements) from 10 or more
individuals or non-Federal entities, including State and local governmental agencies, and
funded or sponsored by the Federal Government are subject to review and approval by
the Office of Management and Budget. For further information about CDC’s
requirements under PRA see http://www.hhs.gov/ ocio/policy/collection/.



How key program partners will participate in the evaluation and performance
measurement planning processes.



Available data sources, feasibility of collecting appropriate evaluation and performance
data, data management plan (DMP), and other relevant data information (e.g.,
performance measures proposed by the applicant).

Where the applicant chooses to, or is expected to, take on specific evaluation studies, they should
be directed to:


Describe the type of evaluations (i.e., process, outcome, or both).



Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.



Describe other information (e.g., measures, data sources).

Recipients will be required to submit a more detailed Evaluation and Performance Measurement
plan (including the DMP elements) within the first 6 months of award, as described in the
Reporting Section of this NOFO.
Applicants should use the DMP template at
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/DownloadDocument?objectID=101621901.

Page 25 of 52

d. Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach
Applicants must address the organizational capacity requirements as described in the CDC
Project Description.
11. Work Plan
(Included in the Project Narrative’s page limit)
Applicants must prepare a work plan consistent with the CDC Project Description Work Plan
section. The work plan integrates and delineates more specifically how the recipient plans to
carry out achieving the period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities, evaluation and
performance measurement.
12. Budget Narrative
Applicants must submit an itemized budget narrative. When developing the budget narrative,
applicants must consider whether the proposed budget is reasonable and consistent with the
purpose, outcomes, and program strategy outlined in the project narrative. The budget must
include:


Salaries and wages



Fringe benefits



Consultant costs



Equipment



Supplies



Travel



Other categories



Contractual costs



Total Direct costs



Total Indirect costs

Indirect costs could include the cost of collecting, managing, sharing and preserving data.
Indirect costs on grants awarded to foreign organizations and foreign public entities and
performed fully outside of the territorial limits of the U.S. may be paid to support the costs of
compliance with federal requirements at a fixed rate of eight percent of MTDC exclusive of
tuition and related fees, direct expenditures for equipment, and subawards in excess of
$25,000. Negotiated indirect costs may be paid to the American University, Beirut, and the
World Health Organization.
If applicable and consistent with the cited statutory authority for this announcement, applicant
entities may use funds for activities as they relate to the intent of this NOFO to meet national
standards or seek health department accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board
(see: http://www.phaboard.org). Applicant entities to whom this provision applies include state,
local, territorial governments (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, American
Page 26 of 52

Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the
Republic of Palau), or their bona fide agents, political subdivisions of states (in consultation with
states), federally recognized or state-recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribal
governments, and American Indian or Alaska Native tribally designated organizations. Activities
include those that enable a public health organization to deliver public health services such as
activities that ensure a capable and qualified workforce, up-to-date information systems, and the
capability to assess and respond to public health needs. Use of these funds must focus on
achieving a minimum of one national standard that supports the intent of the NOFO. Proposed
activities must be included in the budget narrative and must indicate which standards will be
addressed.
Vital records data, including births and deaths, are used to inform public health program and
policy decisions. If applicable and consistent with the cited statutory authority for this NOFO,
applicant entities are encouraged to collaborate with and support their jurisdiction’s vital records
office (VRO) to improve vital records data timeliness, quality and access, and to advance public
health goals. Recipients may, for example, use funds to support efforts to build VRO capacity
through partnerships; provide technical and/or financial assistance to improve vital records
timeliness, quality or access; or support vital records improvement efforts, as approved by CDC.
Applicants must name this file “Budget Narrative” and upload it as a PDF file
at www.grants.gov. If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate
agreement is required. If the indirect costs are requested, include a copy of the current negotiated
federal indirect cost rate agreement or a cost allocation plan approval letter for those Recipients
under such a plan. Applicants must name this file “Indirect Cost Rate” and upload it
at www.grants.gov.
13. Funds Tracking
Proper fiscal oversight is critical to maintaining public trust in the stewardship of federal funds.
Effective October 1, 2013, a new HHS policy on subaccounts requires the CDC to set up
payment subaccounts within the Payment Management System (PMS) for all new grant awards.
Funds awarded in support of approved activities and drawdown instructions will be identified on
the Notice of Award in a newly established PMS subaccount (P subaccount). Recipients will be
required to draw down funds from award-specific accounts in the PMS. Ultimately, the
subaccounts will provide recipients and CDC a more detailed and precise understanding of
financial transactions. The successful applicant will be required to track funds by P-accounts/sub
accounts for each project/cooperative agreement awarded. Applicants are encouraged to
demonstrate a record of fiscal responsibility and the ability to provide sufficient and effective
oversight. Financial management systems must meet the requirements as described 45 CFR 75
which include, but are not limited to, the following:


Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded
activities.



Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets.



Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award.



Written procedures to implement payment requirements.



Written procedures for determining cost allowability.
Page 27 of 52



Written procedures for financial reporting and monitoring.

14. Intergovernmental Review
Your application is subject to Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, as governed by
Executive Order 12372 (https://www.archives.gov/federal- register/codification/executiveorder/12372.html). This order sets up a system for state and local review of proposed federal
assistance applications. You should contact your state single point of contact (SPOC) as early as
possible to alert the SPOC to prospective applications, and to receive instructions on your state's
process. Click on the following link to get the current SPOC list:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

15. Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protections
Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protections: All applicants will be
subject to a term and condition that applies the terms of 48 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) section 3.908 to the award and requires that recipients inform their employees in writing
(in the predominant native language of the workforce) of employee whistleblower rights and
protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712.
16. Copyright Interests Provisions
This provision is intended to ensure that the public has access to the results and accomplishments
of public health activities funded by CDC. Pursuant to applicable grant regulations and CDC’s
Public Access Policy, Recipient agrees to submit into the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Manuscript Submission (NIHMS) system an electronic version of the final, peer-reviewed
manuscript of any such work developed under this award upon acceptance for publication, to be
made publicly available no later than 12 months after the official date of publication. Also at the
time of submission, Recipient and/or the Recipient’s submitting author must specify the date the
final manuscript will be publicly accessible through PubMed Central (PMC). Recipient and/or
Recipient’s submitting author must also post the manuscript through PMC within twelve (12)
months of the publisher's official date of final publication; however the author is strongly
encouraged to make the subject manuscript available as soon as possible. The recipient must
obtain prior approval from the CDC for any exception to this provision.
The author's final, peer-reviewed manuscript is defined as the final version accepted for journal
publication, and includes all modifications from the publishing peer review process, and all
graphics and supplemental material associated with the article. Recipient and its submitting
authors working under this award are responsible for ensuring that any publishing or copyright
agreements concerning submitted articles reserve adequate right to fully comply with this
provision and the license reserved by CDC. The manuscript will be hosted in both PMC and the
CDC Stacks institutional repository system. In progress reports for this award, recipient must
identify publications subject to the CDC Public Access Policy by using the applicable NIHMS
identification number for up to three (3) months after the publication date and the PubMed
Central identification number (PMCID) thereafter.

Page 28 of 52

17. Funding Restrictions
Restrictions that must be considered while planning the programs and writing the budget are:


Recipients may not use funds for research.



Recipients may not use funds for clinical care except as allowed by law.



Recipients may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel,
travel, supplies, and services.



Generally, recipients may not use funds to purchase furniture or equipment. Any such
proposed spending must be clearly identified in the budget.



Reimbursement of pre-award costs generally is not allowed, unless the CDC provides
written approval to the recipient.



Other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, no funds may
be used for:
o publicity or propaganda purposes, for the preparation, distribution, or use of any
material designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before any
legislative body
o the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such
recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of
legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order
proposed or pending before any legislative body



See Additional Requirement (AR) 12 for detailed guidance on this prohibition
and additional guidance on lobbying for CDC recipients.



The direct and primary recipient in a cooperative agreement program must perform a
substantial role in carrying out project outcomes and not merely serve as a conduit for an
award to another party or provider who is ineligible.



In accordance with the United States Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy,
all non-governmental organization (NGO) applicants acknowledge that foreign NGOs
that receive funds provided through this award, either as a prime recipient or
subrecipient, are strictly prohibited, regardless of the source of funds, from performing
abortions as a method of family planning or engaging in any activity that promotes
abortion as a method of family planning, or to provide financial support to any other
foreign non-governmental organization that conducts such activities. See Additional
Requirement (AR) 35 for
applicability (https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/ar-35.html).

Recipients may not use these funds for direct clinical services or to purchase consumable
materials such as: blood lead test kits, dust wipe kits, water sample kits, XRF source material, or
other medical or environmental testing supplies.
18. Data Management Plan
As identified in the Evaluation and Performance Measurement section, applications involving
data collection or generation must include a Data Management Plan (DMP) as part of their
Page 29 of 52

evaluation and performance measurement plan unless CDC has stated that CDC will take on the
responsibility of creating the DMP. The DMP describes plans for assurance of the quality of the
public health data through the data's lifecycle and plans to deposit the data in a repository to
preserve and to make the data accessible in a timely manner. See web link for additional
information:
https://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/ar-25.html
19. Other Submission Requirements
a. Electronic Submission:
Applications must be submitted electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this
notice of funding opportunity at www.grants.gov. Applicants can complete the application
package using Workspace, which allows forms to be filled out online or offline. All application
attachments must be submitted using a PDF file format. Instructions and training for using
Workspace can be found at www.grants.gov under the "Workspace Overview" option.
If Internet access is not available or if the forms cannot be accessed online, applicants may
contact the OGS TIMS staff at 770- 488-2700 or by e-mail at [email protected], Monday
through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., except federal holidays. Electronic applications will be
considered successful if they are available to OGS TIMS staff for processing
from www.grants.gov on the deadline date.
b. Tracking Number: Applications submitted through www.grants.gov are time/date stamped
electronically and assigned a tracking number. The applicant’s Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR) will be sent an e-mail notice of receipt when www.grants.gov receives the
application. The tracking number documents that the application has been submitted and initiates
the required electronic validation process before the application is made available to CDC.
c. Validation Process: Application submission is not concluded until the validation process is
completed successfully. After the application package is submitted, the applicant will receive a
“submission receipt” e-mail generated by www.grants.gov. A second e-mail message to
applicants will then be generated by www.grants.gov that will either validate or reject the
submitted application package. This validation process may take as long as two business days.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the status of their application to ensure that
submission of their package has been completed and no submission errors have occurred.
Applicants also are strongly encouraged to allocate ample time for filing to guarantee that their
application can be submitted and validated by the deadline published in the NOFO. Nonvalidated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.
If you do not receive a “validation” e-mail within two business days of application submission,
please contact www.grants.gov. For instructions on how to track your application, refer to the email message generated at the time of application submission or the Grants.gov Online User
Guide.

Page 30 of 52

https:// www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm? callingApp=custom#t=
Get_Started%2FGet_Started. htm
d. Technical Difficulties: If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants
should contact Customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov Contact Center is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available
by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Application submissions sent
by e-mail or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note that
www.grants.gov is managed by HHS.
e. Paper Submission: If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants
should call the www.grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail them
at [email protected] for assistance. After consulting with the Contact Center, if the technical
difficulties remain unresolved and electronic submission is not possible, applicants may e-mail
CDC GMO/GMS, before the deadline, and request permission to submit a paper application.
Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
An applicant’s request for permission to submit a paper application must:
1. Include the www.grants.gov case number assigned to the inquiry
2. Describe the difficulties that prevent electronic submission and the efforts taken with
the www.grants.gov Contact Center to submit electronically; and
3. Be received via e-mail to the GMS/GMO listed below at least three calendar days before
the application deadline. Paper applications submitted without prior approval will not be
considered.
If a paper application is authorized, OGS will advise the applicant of specific instructions
for submitting the application (e.g., original and two hard copies of the application by
U.S. mail or express delivery service).
E. Review and Selection Process
1. Review and Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed in three phases
a. Phase 1 Review
All applications will be initially reviewed for eligibility and completeness by CDC Office of
Grants Services. Complete applications will be reviewed for responsiveness by the Grants
Management Officials and Program Officials. Non-responsive applications will not advance to
Phase II review. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility and/or
published submission requirements.
b. Phase II Review
A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria
below.

Page 31 of 52

i. Approach
ii. Evaluation and Performance Measurement
iii. Applicant’s Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach
Not more than thirty days after the Phase II review is completed, applicants will be notified
electronically if their application does not meet eligibility or published submission requirements
i. Approach
Maximum Points: 50
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant:
Component A:














Describes existing environmental lead hazards (e.g., homes built prior to 1978
and other known or suspected lead hazards), justifies the need for this program,
and adequately describes high-risk areas or subpopulations at greatest risk for
lead exposure within the state. (5 points)
Describes efforts to develop and sustain a statewide lead advisory committee
comprised of appropriate experts and stakeholders to make statewide
recommendations for blood lead testing based on local data and conditions. (5
points)
Demonstrates strategies and specific methods to use locally-relevant data to
develop, implement, and update a statewide screening/testing plan for blood lead
testing of children less than 6 years of age, including an emphasis on ensuring
universal testing of Medicaid- enrolled children. (5 points)
Describes planned or existing data-sharing agreements with health, housing,
environmental, or other relevant agencies to ensure collection of information
necessary to evaluate lead exposure risk or evaluate effectiveness of interventions
(e.g., population denominators, sociodemographic variables, tax assessor data,
code enforcement actions, environmental remediations, health or educational
outcomes). (5 points)
Demonstrates evidence of a blood lead surveillance system to collect, analyze,
and interpret the results of all blood lead tests completed on children in the state,
including an emphasis on collection of risk-factor data on race/ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, and geographic area (e.g., zip code or census tract).
Describes the current surveillance system and its capacity to collect electronic
laboratory results, store sociodemographic and housing variables (in addition to
blood lead test results), prepare extracts of required variables for submission to
CDC, and track referrals for recommended services. (5 points)
Describes a detailed plan for the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of
surveillance data, including an emphasis on providing feedback to healthcare
providers and clinical laboratories on compliance with blood lead testing and
reporting requirements and ensuring reporting of required surveillance data
variables to CDC on a quarterly basis. (5 points)
Demonstrates the ability to interpret blood lead test results on children less than 6
years of age to describe statewide screening/testing penetrance (i.e., number of
Page 32 of 52



children tested/number of children at risk for lead exposure) and the incidence
and prevalence of children with blood lead test results greater than or equal to the
CDC blood lead reference value for the population of children in a given
geographic area (e.g., census tract, zip code, city, county, state). (5 points)
Demonstrates evidence of a statewide system or process to identify, refer, and
monitor children with blood lead test results greater than or equal to the CDC
blood lead reference value for recommended services, including an emphasis on
ensuring that these children receive recommended evaluation and follow-up
services. (10 points)
o If partnering with the local health department in high-risk area(s), evidence of
a collaboration with the local health department(s) to ensure that a
comprehensive system of identification, referral, follow-up, and evaluation is in
place for children exposed to lead in the state.



Describes a detailed plan to track the number of children referred for
recommended services and the timeliness and type of services provided,
including an emphasis on evidence of the ability to report required performances
measures to CDC on a quarterly basis. (5 points)

ii. Evaluation and Performance Measurement
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant:

Maximum Points: 25

Component A:










Demonstrates the ability to capture appropriate denominator data through datasharing agreements with vital records or other relevant departments/agencies in
order to report on screening/testing penetrance, and the incidence and prevalence
of children with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead
reference value. (5 points)
Demonstrates the ability to capture essential risk factor information on
race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, small geographic area [zip code or census
tract] in order to report on health equity measures and decreased disparities in
blood lead levels. (5 points)
Demonstrates the ability to ensure that Medicaid-enrolled children are receiving
required blood lead tests through data-sharing agreements with State Medicaid
agency or other relevant departments/agencies in order to report on the number of
Medicaid- enrolled children receiving blood lead tests by age. (5 points)
Demonstrates the ability to capture information on the number of children
referred to recommended services, the completion of services by type, and the
timeliness of recommended services in order to ensure a comprehensive
recommended services system exists. (5 points)
Describes how evaluation and performance measurement will be incorporated
into planning, implementation, and reporting of project activities; used for
continuous program quality improvement; and contribute to developing the
evidence base for effectiveness of strategies and interventions. Provides a

Page 33 of 52

preliminary Data Management Plan (DMP) or acknowledges concurrence with
CDC's DMP. (5 points)
iii. Applicant's Organizational Capacity to Implement the
Approach
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant addresses the items below.

Maximum Points: 25

Component A:










Demonstrates relevant experience and capacity (management, administrative, and
technical) to implement the proposed activities and achieve the expected project
outcomes. Provides CVs/resumes of key staff including: Principal Investigator,
Program Manager, and Surveillance Epidemiologist. (5 points)
Demonstrates that adequate staffing are available to perform activities outlined in
this NOFO. Provides a staffing plan of current and proposed personnel, including
qualifications and specific expertise as it relates to the requirements set forth in
this announcement, and a project management structure that will be sufficient to
achieve the project outcomes and that clearly defines staff roles. If applicable,
provides organizational management assurances and a plan for identifying and
hiring qualified applicants for vacant position(s) on a timely basis. Provides an
organizational chart. (5 points)
Details a work plan that is aligned with the strategies/activities and expected
short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of this NOFO, and performance
measures proposed by CDC. Provides a sustainability plan to assure that the
goals of this NOFO and efforts to achieve desired outcomes will continue beyond
the period of performance. (5 points)
Demonstrates the existence of established relationships to leverage local partners
and resources to ensure that a comprehensive system of recommended services
exists for the identification, referral, follow-up, and evaluation of children
exposed to lead. Provides evidence of the ability for state health department to
work closely with local health departments (and other local agencies and
healthcare providers) serving children in high-risk areas to collect and report
information on recommended services to CDC on a quarterly basis. (5 points)
Demonstrates the necessary experience, information technology infrastructure,
and resource capacity to implement an integrated childhood blood lead
surveillance system that maximally leverages existing tools, data sources, and
systems/platforms. Provides evidence that surveillance data efforts adhere to
national data and technology standards to support interoperability of system-tosystem data exchange. Provides evidence of the ability to submit required
surveillance data variables to CDC on a quarterly basis. (5 points)

Budget
Reviewed, but not scored:

Maximum Points: 0

Component A and B

Page 34 of 52

The budget will be evaluated for the extent to which it is reasonable, clearly justified, and
consistent with the intended use of the cooperative agreement funds. The applicant shall
describe and indicate the availability of facilities and equipment necessary to carry out this
project. Budget must align with the proposed work plan and should not include non-allowable
costs.
Approach
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant:

Maximum Points: 40

Component B:











Describes existing environmental lead hazards (e.g., homes built prior to 1978
and other known or suspected lead hazards), justifies the need for this program,
and adequately describes high-risk areas or subpopulations at greatest risk for
lead exposure. (15 points)
Presents a work plan aligned with the NOFO strategies/activities, outcomes, and
performance measures in the approach and is consistent with the content and
format proposed by CDC. (15 points)
Describes building or maintaining collaborative relationships with community,
local, and state partners and stakeholders to address priority childhood lead
poisoning prevention challenges and opportunities? (2 Points)
Describes a plan to educate public, partners, and stakeholders about lead-related
issues (2 Points)
Describes a plan to develop and conduct outreach and education to lead
workforce, partners, and other stakeholders (2 Points)
Evidence of data-sharing agreements in place with housing, code enforcement,
and other health agencies (1 Points)
Describes their ability to use surveillance information to target appropriate
population-based, primary prevention interventions in high risk areas by
collaborating with housing rehabilitation, housing and health code enforcement,
health care systems and early childhood and other educational agencies (2
Points)
Shows that the proposed use of funds is an efficient and effective way to
implement the strategies and activities and build the capacity of Lead Prevention
program. (1 points)

Evaluation and Performance Measurement
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant:

Maximum Points: 30

Component B:



Describes how performance measurement and evaluation findings will be
reported and used to demonstrate the period of performance outcomes and for
continuous program quality improvement. (15 points)
Describes how evaluation and performance measurement will be incorporated
into planning, implementation, and reporting of project activities; used for
continuous program quality improvement; and contribute to developing the
Page 35 of 52

evidence base for effectiveness of strategies and interventions. Provides a
preliminary Data Management Plan (DMP) or acknowledges concurrence with
CDC's DMP. (15 points)
Applicant's Organizational Capacity to Implement the
Approach
Evaluate the extent to which the applicant:

Maximum Points: 30

Component B:






Demonstrates relevant experience and capacity (management, administrative, and
technical) to implement the proposed activities and achieve the expected project
outcomes. Provides CVs/resumes of key staff including: Principal Investigator,
Program Manager, and Surveillance Epidemiologist. (10 points)
Demonstrates that adequate staff are available to perform activities and reporting
requirements outlined in this NOFO. Provides a staffing plan of current and
proposed personnel, including qualifications and specific expertise as it relates to
the requirements set forth in this announcement, and a project management
structure that will be sufficient to achieve the project outcomes and that clearly
defines staff roles. If applicable, provides organizational management assurances
and a plan for identifying and hiring qualified applicants for vacant position(s) on
a timely basis. Provides an organizational chart. (10 points)
Provides letters of support from public health department programs, agencies, or
organizations to demonstrate ability to build and maintain partnerships. (10
points)

i. Approach
ii. Evaluation and Performance Measurement
iii. Applicant's Organizational Capacity to Implement the
Approach
Budget

Maximum Points: 0
Maximum Points: 0
Maximum Points: 0
Maximum Points: 0

c. Phase III Review
Applications will be ranked in the order of scores as determined by the review panel. The
following lead exposure risk factors also may affect the funding decisions: population of children
less than 6 years of age; percent of housing built before 1978; percent of population living below
poverty. Funding determinations will be based upon a combination of rank order, lead risk
factors, and other factors to consider diversity of recipients.
Review of risk posed by applicants.
Prior to making a Federal award, CDC is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to
review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide
eligibility qualification or financial integrity information as appropriate. See also suspension and
debarment requirements at 2 CFR parts 180 and 376.
In accordance 41 U.S.C. 2313, CDC is required to review the non-public segment of the OMBdesignated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently the
Page 36 of 52

Federal Recipient Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) prior to making a
Federal award where the Federal share is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold,
defined in 41 U.S.C. 134, over the period of performance. At a minimum, the information in the
system for a prior Federal award recipient must demonstrate a satisfactory record of executing
programs or activities under Federal grants, cooperative agreements, or procurement awards; and
integrity and business ethics. CDC may make a Federal award to a recipient who does not fully
meet these standards, if it is determined that the information is not relevant to the current Federal
award under consideration or there are specific conditions that can appropriately mitigate the
effects of the non-Federal entity's risk in accordance with 45 CFR §75.207.
CDC’s framework for evaluating the risks posed by an applicant may incorporate results of the
evaluation of the applicant's eligibility or the quality of its application. If it is determined that a
Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed
may be applied to the Federal award. The evaluation criteria is described in this Notice of
Funding Opportunity.
In evaluating risks posed by applicants, CDC will use a risk-based approach and may consider
any items such as the following:
(1) Financial stability;
(2) Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in
this part;
(3) History of performance. The applicant's record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior
recipient of Federal awards, including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting
requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and if
applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future
awards;
(4) Reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F 45 CFR 75 or the reports and
findings of any other available audits; and
(5) The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements
imposed on non-Federal entities.
CDC must comply with the guidelines on government-wide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR
part 180, and require non-Federal entities to comply with these provisions. These provisions
restrict Federal awards, subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended
or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities.
2. Announcement and Anticipated Award Dates
Application packages will be available at www.grants.gov.
Anticipated award date: 09/30/2021.
F. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Recipients will receive an electronic copy of the Notice of Award (NOA) from CDC OGS. The
NOA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The
NOA will be signed by an authorized GMO and emailed to the Recipient Business Officer listed
Page 37 of 52

in application and the Program Director.
Any applicant awarded funds in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity will be subject
to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Federal Funding Accountability And Transparency Act Of
2006 (FFATA) requirements.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of these results by e-mail with delivery receipt
or by U.S. mail.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Recipients must comply with the administrative and public policy requirements outlined in 45
CFR Part 75 and the HHS Grants Policy Statement, as appropriate.
Brief descriptions of relevant provisions are available
at http://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/index.html#ui-id-17.
The HHS Grants Policy Statement is available
at http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
The full text of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for HHS Awards, 45 CFR 75, can be found at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?node=pt45.1.75
3. Reporting
Reporting provides continuous program monitoring and identifies successes and challenges
that recipients encounter throughout the project period. Also, reporting is a requirement
for recipients who want to apply for yearly continuation of funding. Reporting helps CDC and
recipients because it:


Helps target support to recipients;



Provides CDC with periodic data to monitor recipient progress toward meeting the Notice
of Funding Opportunity outcomes and overall performance;



Allows CDC to track performance measures and evaluation findings for continuous
quality and program improvement throughout the period of performance and to determine
applicability of evidence-based approaches to different populations, settings, and
contexts; and



Enables CDC to assess the overall effectiveness and influence of the NOFO.

The table below summarizes required and optional reports. All required reports must be sent
electronically to GMS listed in the “Agency Contacts” section of the NOFO copying the CDC
Project Officer.
Report

When?

Required?

Recipient Evaluation and
Performance Measurement
Plan, including Data
Management Plan (DMP)

6 months into award

Yes

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Surveillance Data

Quarterly extracts of surveillance variables in
required format due by end of following quarter for
each budget period: March 31, June 30,September Yes
30, December 31

Annual Performance Report
(APR)

No later than 120 days before end of budget period. Yes
Serves as yearly continuation application.

Federal Financial Reporting
Forms

90 days after the end of the budget period.

Yes

Final Performance and
Financial Report

90 days after end of period of performance.

Yes

Payment Management System Quarterly reports due January 30; April 30; July 30; Yes
(PMS) Reporting
and October 30.
a. Recipient Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (required)
With support from CDC, recipients must elaborate on their initial applicant evaluation and
performance measurement plan. This plan must be no more than 20 pages; recipients must
submit the plan 6 months into the award. HHS/CDC will review and approve the recipient’s
monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure that it is appropriate for the activities to be undertaken
as part of the agreement, for compliance with the monitoring and evaluation guidance established
by HHS/CDC, or other guidance otherwise applicable to this Agreement.
Recipient Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (required): This plan should provide
additional detail on the following:
Performance Measurement
• Performance measures and targets
• The frequency that performance data are to be collected.
• How performance data will be reported.
• How quality of performance data will be assured.
• How performance measurement will yield findings to demonstrate progress towards
achieving NOFO goals (e.g., reaching target populations or achieving expected outcomes).
• Dissemination channels and audiences.
• Other information requested as determined by the CDC program.
Evaluation
• The types of evaluations to be conducted (e.g. process or outcome evaluations).
• The frequency that evaluations will be conducted.
• How evaluation reports will be published on a publically available website.
• How evaluation findings will be used to ensure continuous quality and program improvement.
• How evaluation will yield findings to demonstrate the value of the NOFO (e.g., effect on
Page 39 of 52

improving public health outcomes, effectiveness of NOFO, cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit).
• Dissemination channels and audiences.
HHS/CDC or its designee will also undertake monitoring and evaluation of the defined activities
within the agreement. The recipient must ensure reasonable access by HHS/CDC or its designee
to all necessary sites, documentation, individuals and information to monitor, evaluate and verify
the appropriate implementation the activities and use of HHS/CDC funding under this
Agreement.
b. Annual Performance Report (APR) (required)
The recipient must submit the APR via www.Grantsolutions.gov no later than120 days prior to
the end of the budget period. This report must not exceed 45 pages excluding administrative
reporting. Attachments are not allowed, but web links are allowed.
This report must include the following:


Performance Measures: Recipients must report on performance measures for each
budget period and update measures, if needed.



Evaluation Results: Recipients must report evaluation results for the work completed to
date (including findings from process or outcome evaluations).



Work Plan: Recipients must update work plan each budget period to reflect any changes
in period of performance outcomes, activities, timeline, etc.



Successes
o Recipients must report progress on completing activities and progress towards
achieving the period of performance outcomes described in the logic model and
work plan.
o Recipients must describe any additional successes (e.g. identified through
evaluation results or lessons learned) achieved in the past year.
o Recipients must describe success stories.



Challenges
o Recipients must describe any challenges that hindered or might hinder their
ability to complete the work plan activities and achieve the period of performance
outcomes.
o Recipients must describe any additional challenges (e.g., identified through
evaluation results or lessons learned) encountered in the past year.



CDC Program Support to Recipients
o Recipients must describe how CDC could help them overcome challenges to
complete activities in the work plan and achieving period of performance
outcomes.



Administrative Reporting (No page limit)
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o SF-424A Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.
o Budget Narrative – Must use the format outlined in "Content and Form of
Application Submission, Budget Narrative" section.
o Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
In addition, the Recipients should complete the following requirements:
Requirement 1 – Component A: Recipients are required to report blood lead surveillance data
on a quarterly basis and include information on the following outcomes in the annual report
narrative:








Improved blood lead testing and reporting rates for children less than 6 years of
age at risk for lead exposure (e.g., screening/testing penetrance, and the incidence
and prevalence of children with blood lead levels greater than or equal to the CDC
blood lead reference value).
Improved use of surveillance system data to capture missing data on child
demographic and follow-up information (e.g., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic
status, small geographic area [zip code or census tract], referrals to recommended
services, completion of services by type).
Improved rates of children less than 6 years of age with blood lead levels greater
than or equal to the CDC blood lead reference value who are linked to
recommended services (e.g., environmental inspections, medical evaluations,
nutritional counseling, developmental milestones).
Decreased disparities in blood lead levels by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic
status.

Requirement 2 – All: Recipients are required to comply with CDC/ATSDR policy on public
access to data. A data management plan (DMP) is required for each intramural and extramural
collection of public health data covered by this policy. CDC meets federal requirements by
tabulating de-identified national, state, and county-level aggregate (summary) data and making
it available on CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/index.htm. Recipients
must acknowledge compliance with CDC’s Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance DMP (available
upon request).
Requirement 3 – All: Arrange for two key staff, usually the Program Manager and Surveillance
Epidemiologist, to attend the CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance
annual cooperative agreement recipient meeting in Atlanta, GA (or other location to be
determined by CDC).
Requirement 4 – All: Complete annual web-based Awardee Lead Profile Assessment. CDC
will provide the link to the assessment upon request. The purpose of the assessment is to identify
the context and policies used for implementing childhood lead poisoning prevention and
surveillance activities in the United States.
Requirement 5 – All: Submit a Success Story per Component funded based on one of the
activities in your annual report. A concise success story has one clearly defined challenge,
describes an intervention taken to address that challenge, and tells the impact or outcome of that
intervention that would not have been possible without the funding provided by this NOFO.
Examples will be available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/programs/success-stories.htm. by
Page 41 of 52

December 2021. Use the information below to guide the creation of the success story.
Success Story Criteria
Title
Does the short title:
1. Capture the attention of the reader?
2. Avoid acronyms?
3. Contain a verb?
Challenge
Does the challenge statement:
1. Have a strong opening sentence?
2. Provide local, regional, or state information about the challenge? Such as how and when
was the challenge discovered and where did the challenge occur?
3. Tie the burden (health, training, or threat) to a cost burden, if possible?
4. Specify the affected population and if this challenge affected a high-risk population? If
so, what was the cause for high risk?
5. Provide an emotional hook?
6. Present a clear, concise statement about a single challenge?
Intervention
Does the intervention statement:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Have a strong opening transition sentence linking the issue to the intervention?
Identify who conducted the intervention?
Identify where and when the intervention occurred?
Specify the steps of the intervention and what actions were performed?
Explain specifically how this work ties to CDC funds?

Impact
Does the impact statement:
1. Give specific outcomes (e.g., money saved, change in health outcomes, number of people
affected)?
2. Avoid broad, sweeping statements?
3. Provide conclusions that wrap up the story in a convincing manner?
4. Include quantitative results indicating a change from baseline conditions?
5. Describe any lessons learned including the key elements that made this a success?
General Formatting
Does the success story:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Use concise sentences and avoid passive language?
Avoid jargon and use terms that are understood by the general public?
Fit on one page?
Use bullets where possible?
Use narrative written in the third person?

The recipients must submit the Annual Performance Report via www.Grantsolutions.gov no
later than 120 days prior to the end of the budget period.
c. Performance Measure Reporting (optional)
CDC programs may require more frequent reporting of performance measures than annually in
the APR. If this is the case, CDC programs must specify reporting frequency, data fields, and
format for recipients at the beginning of the award period.
Surveillance Data
Quarterly extracts of childhood blood lead surveillance variables in CDC required format due by
end of following quarter for each budget period: March 31, June 30, September 30, December
31.
d. Federal Financial Reporting (FFR) (required)
The annual FFR form (SF-425) is required and must be submitted 90 days after the end of the
budget period through the Payment Management System (PMS). The report must include only
those funds authorized and disbursed during the timeframe covered by the report. The final FFR
must indicate the exact balance of unobligated funds, and may not reflect any unliquidated
obligations. There must be no discrepancies between the final FFR expenditure data and the
Payment Management System’s (PMS) cash transaction data. Failure to submit the required
information by the due date may adversely affect the future funding of the project. If the
information cannot be provided by the due date, recipients are required to submit a letter of
explanation to OGS and include the date by which the Grants Officer will receive information.
e. Final Performance and Financial Report (required)
The Final Performance Report is due 120 days after the end of the period of performance. The
Final FFR is due 120 days after the end of the period of performance and must be submitted
through the Payment Management System (PMS). CDC programs must indicate that this report
should not exceed 40 pages. This report covers the entire period of performance and can include
information previously reported in APRs. At a minimum, this report must include the following:


Performance Measures – Recipients must report final performance data for all process
and outcome performance measures.



Evaluation Results – Recipients must report final evaluation results for the period of
performance for any evaluations conducted.



Impact/Results/Success Stories – Recipients must use their performance measure results
and their evaluation findings to describe the effects or results of the work completed over
the project period, and can include some success stories.



A final Data Management Plan that includes the location of the data collected during the
funded period, for example, repository name and link data set(s)
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

Additional forms as described in the Notice of Award (e.g., Equipment Inventory Report,
Final Invention Statement).

4. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA)
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), P.L. 109–282, as
amended by section 6202 of P.L. 110–252 requires full disclosure of all entities and
organizations receiving Federal funds including awards, contracts, loans, other assistance, and
payments through a single publicly accessible Web site, http://www.USASpending.gov.
Compliance with this law is primarily the responsibility of the Federal agency. However, two
elements of the law require information to be collected and reported by applicants: 1)
information on executive compensation when not already reported through the SAM, and 2)
similar information on all sub-awards/subcontracts/consortiums over $25,000.
For the full text of the requirements under the FFATA and HHS guidelines, go to:


https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ282/pdf/PLAW-109publ282.pdf,



https://www. fsrs.gov/documents /ffata_legislation_ 110_252.pdf



http://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html#FFATA.

5. Reporting of Foreign Taxes (International/Foreign projects only)
A. Valued Added Tax (VAT) and Customs Duties – Customs and import duties, consular fees,
customs surtax, valued added taxes, and other related charges are hereby authorized as an
allowable cost for costs incurred for non-host governmental entities operating where no
applicable tax exemption exists. This waiver does not apply to countries where a bilateral
agreement (or similar legal document) is already in place providing applicable tax exemptions
and it is not applicable to Ministries of Health. Successful applicants will receive information on
VAT requirements via their Notice of Award.
B. The U.S. Department of State requires that agencies collect and report information on the
amount of taxes assessed, reimbursed and not reimbursed by a foreign government against
commodities financed with funds appropriated by the U.S. Department of State, Foreign
Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act (SFOAA) (“United States foreign
assistance funds”). Outlined below are the specifics of this requirement:
1) Annual Report: The recipient must submit a report on or before November 16 for each foreign
country on the amount of foreign taxes charged, as of September 30 of the same year, by a
foreign government on commodity purchase transactions valued at 500 USD or more financed
with United States foreign assistance funds under this grant during the prior United States fiscal
year (October 1 – September 30), and the amount reimbursed and unreimbursed by the foreign
government. [Reports are required even if the recipient did not pay any taxes during the reporting
period.]
2) Quarterly Report: The recipient must quarterly submit a report on the amount of foreign taxes
charged by a foreign government on commodity purchase transactions valued at 500 USD or
more financed with United States foreign assistance funds under this grant. This report shall be
submitted no later than two weeks following the end of each quarter: April 15, July 15, October
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15 and January 15.
3) Terms: For purposes of this clause:
“Commodity” means any material, article, supplies, goods, or equipment;
“Foreign government” includes any foreign government entity;
“Foreign taxes” means value-added taxes and custom duties assessed by a foreign government
on a commodity. It does not include foreign sales taxes.
4) Where: Submit the reports to the Director and Deputy Director of the CDC office in the
country(ies) in which you are carrying out the activities associated with this cooperative
agreement. In countries where there is no CDC office, send reports to [email protected].
5) Contents of Reports: The reports must contain:
a. recipient name;
b. contact name with phone, fax, and e-mail;
c. agreement number(s) if reporting by agreement(s);
d. reporting period;
e. amount of foreign taxes assessed by each foreign government;
f. amount of any foreign taxes reimbursed by each foreign government;
g. amount of foreign taxes unreimbursed by each foreign government.
6) Subagreements. The recipient must include this reporting requirement in all applicable
subgrants and other subagreements.
7) Termination
The Federal award may be terminated in whole or in part as follows:
(1) By the HHS awarding agency or pass-through entity, if the non-Federal entity fails to
comply with the terms and conditions of the award;
(2) By the HHS awarding agency or pass-through entity for cause;
(3) By the HHS awarding agency or pass-through entity with the consent of the non-Federal
entity, in which case the two parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including
the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated; or
(4) By the non-Federal entity upon sending to the HHS awarding agency or pass-through
entity written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date,
and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if the HHS
awarding agency or pass-through entity determines in the case of partial termination that the
reduced or modified portion of the Federal award or subaward will not accomplish the
purposes for which the Federal award was made, the HHS awarding agency or pass-through
entity may terminate the Federal award in its entirety.
G. Agency Contacts
CDC encourages inquiries concerning this notice of funding opportunity.

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Program Office Contact
For programmatic technical assistance, contact:
First Name:
Wilma
Last Name:
Jackson
Project Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Address:
National Center for Environmental Health
Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice
Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch

Telephone:
770-488-3300
Email:
[email protected]
Grants Staff Contact
For financial, awards management, or budget assistance, contact:
First Name:
Kristal
Last Name:
Thompson-Black
Grants Management Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Grants Services
Address:
Office of Financial Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Telephone:
Email:
[email protected]
For assistance with submission difficulties related to www.grants.gov, contact the Contact
Center by phone at 1-800-518-4726.
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Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays.
CDC Telecommunications for persons with hearing loss is available at: TTY 1-888-232-6348
H. Other Information
Following is a list of acceptable attachments applicants can upload as PDF files as part of their
application at www.grants.gov. Applicants may not attach documents other than those listed; if
other documents are attached, applications will not be reviewed.


Project Abstract



Project Narrative



Budget Narrative



CDC Assurances and Certifications



Report on Programmatic, Budgetary and Commitment Overlap



Table of Contents for Entire Submission

For international NOFOs:


SF424



SF424A



Funding Preference Deliverables

Optional attachments, as determined by CDC programs:
Resumes / CVs
Letters of Support
Organization Charts
Indirect Cost Rate, if applicable
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Bona Fide Agent status documentation, if applicable
Staffing plans that clearly define staff roles and expertise as they relate to the activities and
outcomes
I. Glossary
Activities: The actual events or actions that take place as a part of the program.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements, Additional Requirements
(ARs): Administrative requirements found in 45 CFR Part 75 and other requirements mandated
by statute or CDC policy. All ARs are listed in the Template for CDC programs. CDC programs
must indicate which ARs are relevant to the NOFO; recipients must comply with the ARs listed
in the NOFO. To view brief descriptions of relevant provisions, see http:// www.cdc.gov/ grants/
additional requirements/ index.html. Note that 2 CFR 200 supersedes the administrative
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requirements (A-110 & A-102), cost principles (A-21, A-87 & A-122) and audit requirements
(A-50, A-89 & A-133).
Approved but Unfunded: Approved but unfunded refers to applications recommended for
approval during the objective review process; however, they were not recommended for funding
by the program office and/or the grants management office.
Assistance Listings (CFDA): A government-wide compendium published by the General
Services Administration (available on-line in searchable format as well as in printable format as
a .pdf file) that describes domestic assistance programs administered by the Federal Government.
Assistance Listings (CFDA) Number: A unique number assigned to each program and NOFO
throughout its lifecycle that enables data and funding tracking and transparency
Award: Financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose.
Awards include grants and other agreements (e.g., cooperative agreements) in the form of
money, or property in lieu of money, by the federal government to an eligible applicant.
Budget Period or Budget Year: The duration of each individual funding period within the
project period. Traditionally, budget periods are 12 months or 1 year.
Carryover: Unobligated federal funds remaining at the end of any budget period that, with the
approval of the GMO or under an automatic authority, may be carried over to another budget
period to cover allowable costs of that budget period either as an offset or additional
authorization. Obligated but liquidated funds are not considered carryover.
CDC Assurances and Certifications: Standard government-wide grant application forms.
Competing Continuation Award: A financial assistance mechanism that adds funds to a grant
and adds one or more budget periods to the previously established period of performance (i.e.,
extends the “life” of the award).
Continuous Quality Improvement: A system that seeks to improve the provision of services
with an emphasis on future results.
Contracts: An award instrument used to acquire (by purchase, lease, or barter) property or
services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government.
Cooperative Agreement: A financial assistance award with the same kind of interagency
relationship as a grant except that it provides for substantial involvement by the federal agency
funding the award. Substantial involvement means that the recipient can expect federal
programmatic collaboration or participation in carrying out the effort under the award.
Cost Sharing or Matching: Refers to program costs not borne by the Federal Government but
by the recipients. It may include the value of allowable third-party, in-kind contributions, as well
as expenditures by the recipient.
Direct Assistance: A financial assistance mechanism, which must be specifically authorized by
statute, whereby goods or services are provided to recipients in lieu of cash. DA generally
involves the assignment of federal personnel or the provision of equipment or supplies, such as
vaccines. DA is primarily used to support payroll and travel expenses of CDC employees
assigned to state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health agencies that are recipients of grants
and cooperative agreements. Most legislative authorities that provide financial assistance to
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STLT health agencies allow for the use of DA. http:// www.cdc.gov /grants
/additionalrequirements /index.html.
DUNS: The Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a
nine-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet Information Services. When applying for
Federal awards or cooperative agreements, all applicant organizations must obtain a DUNS
number as the Universal Identifier. DUNS number assignment is free. If requested by telephone,
a DUNS number will be provided immediately at no charge. If requested via the Internet,
obtaining a DUNS number may take one to two days at no charge. If an organization does not
know its DUNS number or needs to register for one, visit Dun & Bradstreet
at http://fedgov.dnb.com/ webform/displayHomePage.do.
Evaluation (program evaluation): The systematic collection of information about the activities,
characteristics, and outcomes of programs (which may include interventions, policies, and
specific projects) to make judgments about that program, improve program effectiveness, and/or
inform decisions about future program development.
Evaluation Plan: A written document describing the overall approach that will be used to guide
an evaluation, including why the evaluation is being conducted, how the findings will likely be
used, and the design and data collection sources and methods. The plan specifies what will be
done, how it will be done, who will do it, and when it will be done. The NOFO evaluation plan is
used to describe how the recipient and/or CDC will determine whether activities are
implemented appropriately and outcomes are achieved.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA): Requires that
information about federal awards, including awards, contracts, loans, and other assistance and
payments, be available to the public on a single website at www.USAspending.gov.
Fiscal Year: The year for which budget dollars are allocated annually. The federal fiscal year
starts October 1 and ends September 30.
Grant: A legal instrument used by the federal government to transfer anything of value to a
recipient for public support or stimulation authorized by statute. Financial assistance may be
money or property. The definition does not include a federal procurement subject to the Federal
Acquisition Regulation; technical assistance (which provides services instead of money); or
assistance in the form of revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance, or
direct payments of any kind to a person or persons. The main difference between a grant and a
cooperative agreement is that in a grant there is no anticipated substantial programmatic
involvement by the federal government under the award.
Grants.gov: A "storefront" web portal for electronic data collection (forms and reports) for
federal grant-making agencies at www.grants.gov.
Grants Management Officer (GMO): The individual designated to serve as the HHS official
responsible for the business management aspects of a particular grant(s) or cooperative
agreement(s). The GMO serves as the counterpart to the business officer of the recipient
organization. In this capacity, the GMO is responsible for all business management matters
associated with the review, negotiation, award, and administration of grants and interprets grants
administration policies and provisions. The GMO works closely with the program or project
officer who is responsible for the scientific, technical, and programmatic aspects of the grant.
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Grants Management Specialist (GMS): A federal staff member who oversees the business and
other non-programmatic aspects of one or more grants and/or cooperative agreements. These
activities include, but are not limited to, evaluating grant applications for administrative content
and compliance with regulations and guidelines, negotiating grants, providing consultation and
technical assistance to recipients, post-award administration and closing out grants.
Health Disparities: Differences in health outcomes and their determinants among segments of
the population as defined by social, demographic, environmental, or geographic category.
Health Equity: Striving for the highest possible standard of health for all people and giving
special attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health, based on social conditions.
Health Inequities: Systematic, unfair, and avoidable differences in health outcomes and their
determinants between segments of the population, such as by socioeconomic status (SES),
demographics, or geography.
Healthy People 2030: National health objectives aimed at improving the health of all Americans
by encouraging collaboration across sectors, guiding people toward making informed health
decisions, and measuring the effects of prevention activities.
Inclusion: Both the meaningful involvement of a community’s members in all stages of the
program process and the maximum involvement of the target population that the intervention
will benefit. Inclusion ensures that the views, perspectives, and needs of affected communities,
care providers, and key partners are considered.
Indirect Costs: Costs that are incurred for common or joint objectives and not readily and
specifically identifiable with a particular sponsored project, program, or activity; nevertheless,
these costs are necessary to the operations of the organization. For example, the costs of
operating and maintaining facilities, depreciation, and administrative salaries generally are
considered indirect costs.
Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372 governs applications subject to
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. This order sets up a system for state and local
governmental review of proposed federal assistance applications. Contact the state single point
of contact (SPOC) to alert the SPOC to prospective applications and to receive instructions on
the State’s process. Visit the following web address to get the current SPOC list:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Intergovernmental_-Review_SPOC_01_2018_OFFM.pdf.
Letter of Intent (LOI): A preliminary, non-binding indication of an organization’s intent to
submit an application.
Lobbying: Direct lobbying includes any attempt to influence legislation, appropriations,
regulations, administrative actions, executive orders (legislation or other orders), or other similar
deliberations at any level of government through communication that directly expresses a view
on proposed or pending legislation or other orders, and which is directed to staff members or
other employees of a legislative body, government officials, or employees who participate in
formulating legislation or other orders. Grass roots lobbying includes efforts directed at inducing
or encouraging members of the public to contact their elected representatives at the federal, state,
or local levels to urge support of, or opposition to, proposed or pending legislative proposals.
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Logic Model: A visual representation showing the sequence of related events connecting the
activities of a program with the programs’ desired outcomes and results.
Maintenance of Effort: A requirement contained in authorizing legislation, or applicable
regulations that a recipient must agree to contribute and maintain a specified level of financial
effort from its own resources or other non-government sources to be eligible to receive federal
grant funds. This requirement is typically given in terms of meeting a previous base-year dollar
amount.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA): Document that describes a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties
expressing a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of
action. It is often used in cases where the parties either do not imply a legal commitment or
cannot create a legally enforceable agreement.
Nonprofit Organization: Any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization
that is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the
public interest; is not organized for profit; and uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand
the operations of the organization. Nonprofit organizations include institutions of higher
educations, hospitals, and tribal organizations (that is, Indian entities other than federally
recognized Indian tribal governments).
Notice of Award (NoA): The official document, signed (or the electronic equivalent of
signature) by a Grants Management Officer that: (1) notifies the recipient of the award of a grant;
(2) contains or references all the terms and conditions of the grant and Federal funding limits and
obligations; and (3) provides the documentary basis for recording the obligation of Federal funds
in the HHS accounting system.
Objective Review: A process that involves the thorough and consistent examination of
applications based on an unbiased evaluation of scientific or technical merit or other relevant
aspects of the proposal. The review is intended to provide advice to the persons responsible for
making award decisions.
Outcome: The results of program operations or activities; the effects triggered by the program.
For example, increased knowledge, changed attitudes or beliefs, reduced tobacco use, reduced
morbidity and mortality.
Performance Measurement: The ongoing monitoring and reporting of program
accomplishments, particularly progress toward pre-established goals, typically conducted by
program or agency management. Performance measurement may address the type or level of
program activities conducted (process), the direct products and services delivered by a program
(outputs), or the results of those products and services (outcomes). A “program” may be any
activity, project, function, or policy that has an identifiable purpose or set of objectives.
Period of performance –formerly known as the project period - : The time during which the
recipient may incur obligations to carry out the work authorized under the Federal award. The
start and end dates of the period of performance must be included in the Federal award.
Period of Performance Outcome: An outcome that will occur by the end of the NOFO's
funding period
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Plain Writing Act of 2010: The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires that federal agencies use
clear communication that the public can understand and use. NOFOs must be written in clear,
consistent language so that any reader can understand expectations and intended outcomes of the
funded program. CDC programs should use NOFO plain writing tips when writing NOFOs.
Program Strategies: Strategies are groupings of related activities, usually expressed as general
headers (e.g., Partnerships, Assessment, Policy) or as brief statements (e.g., Form partnerships,
Conduct assessments, Formulate policies).
Program Official: Person responsible for developing the NOFO; can be either a project officer,
program manager, branch chief, division leader, policy official, center leader, or similar staff
member.
Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB): A nonprofit organization that works to promote
and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of public health
departments in the U.S. through national public health department
accreditation http://www.phaboard.org.
Social Determinants of Health: Conditions in the environments in which people are born, live,
learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and qualityof-life outcomes and risks.
Statute: An act of the legislature; a particular law enacted and established by the will of the
legislative department of government, expressed with the requisite formalities. In foreign or civil
law any particular municipal law or usage, though resting for its authority on judicial decisions,
or the practice of nations.
Statutory Authority: Authority provided by legal statute that establishes a federal financial
assistance program or award.
System for Award Management (SAM): The primary vendor database for the U.S. federal
government. SAM validates applicant information and electronically shares secure and encrypted
data with federal agencies' finance offices to facilitate paperless payments through Electronic
Funds Transfer (EFT). SAM stores organizational information, allowing www.grants.gov to
verify identity and pre-fill organizational information on grant applications.
Technical Assistance: Advice, assistance, or training pertaining to program development,
implementation, maintenance, or evaluation that is provided by the funding agency.
Work Plan: The summary of period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities,
personnel and/or partners who will complete the activities, and the timeline for completion. The
work plan will outline the details of all necessary activities that will be supported through the
approved budget.
NOFO-specific Glossary and Acronyms
Blood Lead Screen: A blood lead test for a child who previously did not have a confirmed
elevated BLL. (Please note: this can also indicate a screening questionnaire).
Blood Lead Test: Any blood lead draw (capillary, venous or unknown sample type) on a child
that produces a quantifiable result and is analyzed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments (CLIA)-certified facility or an approved (CLIA waived) portable device.
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