FY15 Announcement of Anticipated Availability of Funds for Family Planning Services Grants Region 5 Ohio | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the FY15 Announcement of Anticipated Availability of Funds for Family Planning Services Grants, Region 5 - Ohio, Funding Opportunity Number (FON) PA FPH 15 018. It is a discretionary federal grant competition administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health under CFDA 93.217 (Family Planning Services).

2) What is the main purpose of the grant?

The grant is intended to fund one organization to establish and operate a Title X family planning project serving Ohio in HHS Region 5. The core purpose is to ensure access to voluntary family planning services for anyone who seeks them, while giving priority to individuals from low income families, consistent with Title X statutory requirements.

3) Who will this grant serve?

The project is designed to serve anyone seeking voluntary family planning services in Ohio, with priority given to individuals from low income families, as required by Title X.

4) What services are expected under this Title X project?

The announcement emphasizes delivery of a comprehensive Title X service package, including:

• Clinical family planning services
• Related preventive health services
• Information, education, and counseling related to family planning
• Referrals when needed

5) What standards or guidance must applicants follow?

Applicants are expected to base their proposed project on the Title X statute, applicable federal regulations and legislative mandates, and Office of Population Affairs (OPA) program direction. This includes the 2014 Program Guidelines and relevant OPA Program Policy Notices referenced in the announcement.

6) Is this a formula grant or a competitive grant?

This is a discretionary federal grant competition (i.e., a competitive opportunity), not a formula allocation.

7) How many awards are expected to be made?

The announcement anticipates making a single award to one organization to operate the Title X family planning project for Ohio.

8) What is the award amount?

The funding amount is fixed in the announcement: the award ceiling and award floor are both listed as $5,837,000.

9) Is there a required match or cost sharing?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Applicants are not required to contribute non-federal matching funds as a condition of receiving the award.

10) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is health.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad but specific. Any public or private nonprofit entity located in a U.S. state or territory (including the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories and freely associated states listed in the notice) may apply.

12) Can entities outside Ohio apply if the project serves Ohio?

The eligibility language allows any public or private nonprofit entity located in a U.S. state or territory (including those listed in the notice) to apply. The funded project, however, is to serve Ohio in HHS Region 5.

13) Can a local or regional nonprofit apply even if the state applies?

Yes. The announcement notes that Title X allows local and regional public or private nonprofit entities to apply directly to the Secretary even if a state government also applies. This keeps the competition open beyond state agencies.

14) Are faith-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based organizations are explicitly eligible, as long as they meet the public/nonprofit requirements and can comply with federal grant rules.

15) Are American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American organizations eligible?

Yes. American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American organizations are explicitly eligible, consistent with Title X allowing a range of eligible nonprofit or public entities.

16) Does the applicant have to provide all services directly?

No. Applicants may propose to provide services directly and/or rely on other entities to deliver services across the service area.

17) What does the announcement say about partnerships and service networks?

If an applicant proposes a network using subrecipients or contractors, federal review will consider how inclusive the applicant is in selecting and working with qualified providers. The proposal is expected to show an open, inclusive approach that considers all entities capable of providing required services and eligible to receive federal funds, to best meet needs throughout the area to be served.

18) What is meant by an "inclusive" approach to providers?

Based on the announcement, inclusiveness refers to considering all qualified entities that are capable of providing the required services and are eligible to receive federal funds, rather than limiting partnerships without justification. The intent is to ensure broad and effective access across the service area.

19) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is under CFDA 93.217 (Family Planning Services).

20) What is the geographic focus and region?

The project is to serve Ohio in HHS Region 5.

21) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The public posting indicates it was posted on September 8, 2014 (created September 9, 2014). The application closing date was December 31, 2014. The archive date is January 30, 2015.

22) How do applicants submit an application?

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov. The notice directs applicants to the full announcement for detailed submission requirements, including exact due times and any formatting or attachment rules.

23) Where can applicants get help with Grants.gov technical issues?

For technical access issues, applicants can contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center operates 24/7 except federal holidays.

24) What should an application emphasize besides offering services?

The announcement stresses that proposals should demonstrate services will be delivered in alignment with current Title X clinical and program standards, quality expectations, and administrative requirements, consistent with Title X statute, regulations, legislative mandates, and OPA direction (including the 2014 Program Guidelines and relevant OPA Program Policy Notices).