Strengthening environmental health capacity (EHC) to detect, prevent, and control environmental health hazards through data-driven, evidence-based approaches

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), issued the cooperative agreement CDC-RFA-EH20-2005 titled "Strengthening Environmental Health Capacity (EHC) to Detect, Prevent, and Control Environmental Health Hazards Through Data-Driven, Evidence-Based Approaches." This funding opportunity supports the enhancement of public health departments’ capacity to protect communities from environmental health hazards using scientific data and interventions. The purpose of this grant is to strengthen public health departments' environmental health (EH) programs across three core strategies: utilizing EH data for informed decision-making, identifying and addressing EH hazards, and evaluating the impact of EH interventions. These strategies aim to enhance public health safety, improve community health outcomes, and generate evidence-based environmental health practices that can be adopted nationally. The total program funding is $27 million, with an award floor of $40,000 and a ceiling of $640,000 per recipient. The CDC expects to issue approximately 50 awards. Applicants must apply for Component A, which builds core capacity to use EH data, and may optionally apply for Component B (strengthening EH programs in specific domains such as water and food safety) and Component C (addressing emerging hazards like natural disasters). Projects are subject to the availability of funds and may vary each year. Eligible applicants include any entities that either are environmental health programs or serve as administrative partners to such programs. If an applicant is not an EH program, they must submit a memorandum of understanding (MOU), memorandum of agreement (MOA), or notarized letter confirming their relationship with an established EH program. The opportunity is available nationwide and does not require cost sharing or matching funds, although leveraging existing resources is encouraged. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. A letter of intent was due on April 17, 2020, and the final application deadline was extended to June 30, 2020. Each application must include a project narrative, a work plan aligned to CDC strategies, a detailed budget narrative, and an evaluation and performance measurement plan. The CDC emphasizes thorough data collection and requires recipients to develop and submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) within six months of award if public health data collection is included. Applications are evaluated on approach (40 points), evaluation and performance measurement (30 points), and organizational capacity (30 points). Letters of support, resumes, and organizational charts must be submitted as part of the application. For assistance, applicants may contact Connie B. Thomas (cbthomas@cdc.gov, 770-488-3631). Successful applicants will be notified electronically and will receive a Notice of Award from the CDC’s Office of Grants Services.

Submit detailed letters of support and staffing charts to demonstrate organizational capacity. Ensure budget aligns with strategies and outcomes.