Strengthen the Capacity of Republican Narcology Centers on Practical Applications of Medication Assisted Treatment Programs in the Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan under the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this CDC grant opportunity about?

This funding opportunity from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is focused on strengthening Republican Narcology Centers (RNCs) so they can deliver higher-quality Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and related HIV services for people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

2. What is the main purpose of the award?

The core purpose is to provide targeted technical assistance that helps these national addiction-treatment institutions move from basic program presence to consistent, practical, high-standard implementation of MAT alongside integrated HIV prevention and care services. The opportunity explicitly notes attention to reaching and serving female PWID as well.

3. Which countries and institutions are the focus of this opportunity?

The opportunity is specifically designed for the Republican Narcology Centers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

4. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is narrowly limited to three institutions only: the Republican Narcology Center of Kyrgyzstan, the Republican Narcology Center of Kazakhstan, and the Republican Narcology Center of Tajikistan. It is not an open competition for other organizations such as NGOs or universities.

5. What funding mechanism is being used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism. That means CDC is expected to have substantial involvement or partnership in implementing the project, rather than providing a fully hands-off grant.

6. What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category listed for the award is health.

7. What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 93.067 (Global AIDS).

8. How many awards were anticipated?

The announcement anticipated up to three awards, aligning with the three eligible country RNCs.

9. What is the maximum award amount (ceiling)?

The award ceiling is listed as $550,000.

10. Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

11. What are the main programmatic priorities?

The FOA emphasizes capacity building within RNCs, improving staff competency and professional development, strengthening clinical and operational ability to run MAT effectively and safely, and improving integration of MAT with HIV services and related screening and care (including TB and STI services).

12. What does "capacity building" mean in the context of this FOA?

In this FOA, capacity building is centered on strengthening the internal capability of RNCs, particularly workforce competency and professional development, so staff can implement MAT and integrated HIV services consistently and at a high standard over time.

13. What kinds of technical assistance are expected?

The FOA describes targeted technical assistance aimed at improving RNC clinical and operational skills to run MAT programs effectively and safely, and to connect clients to a broader package of services, including HIV testing and counseling, ART, and TB and STI screening and services.

14. What does the FOA mean by integrating MAT with HIV services?

Integration refers to expanding the ability of MAT sites to also deliver or reliably link clients to HIV testing and counseling (HTC), antiretroviral therapy (ART), and screening and services for tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so that clients can access a more complete package of care through or connected to the MAT setting.

15. Does the FOA include point-of-care HIV testing?

Yes. The FOA specifically highlights implementing point-of-care HIV testing within the MAT context to make HIV testing more accessible and immediate for PWID who may face barriers to attending separate facilities.

16. Why is point-of-care HIV testing emphasized?

The intent is to reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis, speed up linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and improve ongoing engagement in care by embedding HIV testing where clients already receive addiction treatment.

17. Are TB and STI services included in the integrated service package?

Yes. The FOA describes integrating or linking MAT clients to TB and STI screening and services as part of strengthening routine access to these services alongside HIV care.

18. Does the FOA address services for people in prisons?

Yes. A coverage outcome is increasing the number of PWID reached with MAT not only in community settings but also in prisons, recognizing incarceration as a critical setting for HIV risk and for continuity of addiction treatment.

19. Is there an explicit focus on female PWID?

Yes. The FOA explicitly calls attention to reaching and serving female PWID as part of strengthening MAT and related HIV services.

20. What are "Prikazi" and how do they relate to this FOA?

"Prikazi" refers to official national or institutional guidelines and directives. The FOA supports modifying and developing these Prikazi to align rules, protocols, and procedures with international standards and best practices for integrated HIV and addiction services, including how MAT is delivered, how services are coordinated, and how quality is monitored.

21. What types of improvements are expected in policies and systems?

The opportunity includes policy and system improvements through the modification and development of official guidelines (Prikazi), updating protocols and procedures governing MAT delivery, service coordination, and quality monitoring, aligned with international standards and best practices.

22. What outcomes does the FOA expect to achieve?

Expected outcomes include improved quality and broader coverage of MAT for PWID, stronger integrated delivery of HIV and TB services within or linked to MAT, improved adherence and retention (both for MAT participation and for ART and TB treatment when indicated), and more sustainable, evidence-informed service capacity within the RNC workforce.

23. What does the FOA mean by improving adherence?

The FOA describes improved adherence as better retention and consistent participation in MAT, along with improved adherence to ART and TB treatment when indicated.

24. When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posted date was September 9, 2014. The closing date was extended to November 14, 2014.

25. When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is December 1, 2014.

26. Who can be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?

Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to the CDC Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section at pgotim@cdc.gov or 770-488-2700.