A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes—Subject Matter Expertise, Training, and Technical Assistance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, has released funding opportunity CDC-RFA-DP-23-0021. This opportunity supports a strategic approach to advancing health equity for populations at risk for or living with diabetes. It is a cooperative agreement designed to build capacity among recipients of a companion grant (CDC-RFA-DP23-0020), which focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies for diabetes prevention and management in priority populations that have faced systematic health disparities. The primary goals of the grant are to ensure that DP23-0020 recipients are equipped with the subject matter expertise, training, technical assistance, and implementation resources required to carry out diabetes-related public health strategies. These strategies aim to enhance access to the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), improve the quality of diabetes care, address social determinants of health (SDOH), and support childhood obesity interventions as a type 2 diabetes risk reduction tactic. Applicants must outline how they will support these efforts through three required strategies: (1) obtaining and providing subject matter expertise, (2) delivering tailored training and technical assistance, and (3) developing practical guidance and resource documents. The total program funding is estimated at $50 million over a five-year period, with one award expected to be made. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, with an annual award ceiling of $10 million and a floor of $8 million. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, but leveraging of additional resources is encouraged. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities: state, local, and tribal governments; institutions of higher education; nonprofits; for-profit and small businesses; public housing authorities; and others as outlined in the eligibility section. This grant is available nationwide and is not geographically restricted. Applicants must complete registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and submit their applications electronically. A Letter of Intent was due on January 27, 2023, and the final application was due by March 14, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET. An informational webinar was held on January 20, 2023. Evaluation of applications will be conducted in three phases, focusing on the applicant’s approach, evaluation and performance measurement strategy, and organizational capacity to implement the work. The CDC expects the selected recipient to maintain collaboration with DP23-0020 recipients and relevant CDC teams throughout the project, providing ongoing technical guidance and participating in peer learning collaboratives and meetings. The grant includes requirements for evaluation planning, progress reporting, budget narratives, and performance measurement. The program contact for technical assistance is Leslie Harrison (DP2321TA@cdc.gov), and the grants management contact is Stephanie Latham (fzv6@cdc.gov). The anticipated award date was May 30, 2023, with the project starting June 30, 2023.

Applicants should ensure alignment with the DP23-0020 NOFO strategies and emphasize their organizational capacity, especially in training and technical assistance for priority populations.