Strengthening and Improving Data for the Republic of Zambia under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) | CDC RFA GH18 1823

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Strengthening and Improving Data for the Republic of Zambia under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)."

Who is funding and issuing this opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health (CDC - CGH).

What type of award is this?

It is a CDC-funded cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically means CDC is substantially involved during implementation through collaboration, technical direction, and ongoing engagement.

What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing?

The funding opportunity number is CDC RFA GH18-1823. It is listed under CFDA 93.067 (Health).

What problem is this grant trying to address?

The grant focuses on strengthening how HIV-related data are collected, managed, analyzed, and used in Zambia so that HIV program planning and policy decisions are based on timely, accurate, and well-integrated information.

What is the overall goal of the project?

The overall aim is to help the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), PEPFAR-funded implementing partners (IPs), and CDC Zambia strengthen data systems that support high-performing HIV programs and reliable reporting to major stakeholders.

Is this funding meant to support direct HIV service delivery?

No. The emphasis is not on funding direct service delivery. Instead, it is focused on building the data capacity and infrastructure that underpin strong HIV programs and credible reporting.

What are the main focus areas of the work described?

Key focus areas include: integrating and coordinating different HIV data sources; strengthening data quality; expanding data visualization and use for decision-making; providing technical assistance and capacity building; and supporting advanced analytics and reporting to meet CDC Zambia and PEPFAR requirements.

What does "data integration" mean in this opportunity?

Data integration here refers especially to linking HIV surveillance data with routine programmatic data and coordinating datasets so national stakeholders can see a more complete picture of the epidemic and the response using consistent methods.

What kinds of datasets are expected to be considered?

The work includes cataloguing HIV and broader health-related datasets that exist in Zambia, reviewing their quality and usefulness, and creating ways to track and reference these datasets over time.

Why is cataloguing datasets emphasized?

Cataloguing is intended to reduce fragmentation (where different teams hold separate datasets and analyses) and to make it easier to understand what data exist, where they are, how they relate, and how they can be used for planning and policy.

What does the opportunity say about reducing fragmentation?

It specifically aims to reduce fragmentation by improving coordination and integration so different teams and stakeholders are not operating with separate datasets and disconnected analyses.

What is meant by "data quality improvement" in this grant?

Data quality improvement refers to efforts to improve accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of reporting. The opportunity describes approaches such as structured data quality assessments, routine data verification processes, standard operating procedures, and targeted coaching.

What kinds of tools or approaches might be supported for data quality?

Based on the description, expected approaches can include data quality assessment tools, verification routines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and coaching models for facilities and implementing partner teams.

What does "data visualization and utilization" mean in this context?

It refers to creating practical tools (including dashboards) that help teams interpret results quickly, aggregate information across sites and districts, and triangulate multiple sources so data are used for real program decisions, not only for compliance reporting.

What is "data triangulation" as described in the opportunity?

Data triangulation means combining and comparing multiple data sources (for example, surveillance and routine program data) to support better interpretation and more confident decision-making.

Who is expected to benefit from the technical assistance and capacity building components?

Technical assistance and capacity building are intended for GRZ institutions and PEPFAR implementing partners, with support spanning national, provincial, district, and partner-level stakeholders.

What types of capacity building are highlighted?

The opportunity emphasizes building skills and governance around data management, analytics, interpretation, and dissemination, as well as reinforcing policies and oversight practices that make data-driven decision-making routine and sustainable.

How does the opportunity address sustainability?

Sustainability is emphasized through strengthening local skills, governance, and oversight so Zambia can maintain strong data systems and data infrastructure over time rather than relying on external short-term fixes.

What reporting requirements or stakeholders are mentioned?

The opportunity highlights the need to support CDC Zambia and PEPFAR reporting requirements, including timely reporting to OGAC and other key stakeholders, while maintaining accuracy and alignment with PEPFAR standards.

What does "advanced analytics and reporting" involve under this award?

It includes helping ensure datasets are analysis-ready, indicators can be compiled reliably, reporting timelines can be met without sacrificing accuracy, and findings are interpreted and communicated clearly in line with PEPFAR expectations.

Who are the primary stakeholders this work is designed to support?

The description identifies the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), PEPFAR-funded implementing partners (IPs), and CDC Zambia as central stakeholders, with an emphasis on improving in-country reporting and management systems.

What is the eligibility for this opportunity?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicants could apply.

What was the application closing date?

The original closing date was October 16, 2017.

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling was $4,000,000.

How many awards did CDC anticipate making?

CDC anticipated making two awards.

What does the plan to make two awards suggest about the program design?

It suggests an intent to fund a small number of recipients with enough scale to work closely with national systems and multiple implementing partners, rather than spreading funds across many small projects.

Is the work limited to one level of the health system?

No. The work is expected to support national, provincial, district, and partner-level stakeholders, acknowledging that data quality and use often break down where staffing is limited and systems are stretched.

What is the intended outcome of strengthening data systems in this context?

The intended outcome is increased confidence that HIV program decisions and policies are grounded in high-quality evidence, supported by integrated data systems, improved data quality, and better use of information for planning and performance management.