I have a question in figuring contracted staff salaries. Is there a percentage you prefer we use in figuring out benefits for overall salaries? We used to use this but now are using 48 %. Does that seem correct?
Fringe benefits should be budgeted based on actual costs. If you have an established organization fringe benefit rate, that is the rate you should use. In the absence of a rate, you should include the total cost of the fringe benefits for each paid position (pro-rated based on % time allocated to this project) and then describe what is included in the calculation in the budget narrative.
On the 7/24 Q & A, it shares information about a sample timeline. I am having a difficult time finding this on the website. Can you direct me to it?
We have provided Word/Excel templates for each component, including the timeline, of the full proposal on the SurveyMonkey Apply platform.
To log in, you will need to use the username and password you created for the brief proposal application process. Once logged in, for each task other than the Cover Sheet, you will need to click on the individual task to download the Word templates.
Here is a helpful video that explains how to download the templates and upload them to the platform once they are completed.
In the Additional Demographic Information, should it capture our target population pilot sites or the entire statewide caseload. Can you explain more on question # 5 and 6 on what you are looking for regarding risk codes?
The additional demographic information should capture the target population for the proposal, not the entire statewide caseload. THIS-WIC is interested in learning if high-risk participants dealing with conditions such as anemia, underweight, , history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes are part of the intervention sites. If your target population includes high-risk participants, then list your specific names and codes for that population. For example, routinely feeding inappropriately diluted formula code number 120B.
For Priority Area 2, is the grant intended to be expanded after year one of the pilot? Meaning expanding telehealth to more sites? Or is the pilot intended for the 36 months?
Applicants should propose an implementation plan that is relevant for their proposed solution and target population. The pilot length will depend on factors such as how long Agencies may need to establish contracts and agreements, the timeframe for the telehealth provider to develop the solution, and other activities like staff training, and participant recruitment. The expansion of the telehealth solution depends on the ability of the Agency to successfully to expand during the allowed timeframe. Agencies have 24-36 months for planning and implementation once funded.
Could you clarify on the requirement for Travel to be included in the budget due to Covid?
Applicants should include all anticipated budget costs for implementation related travel. The kick-off training will be hosted virtually due to COVID-19.
Regarding the timeline template, can we add footnotes or explanations to it? Or should it should it just be the milestones listed in it?
Applicants are allowed to use footnotes to explain their timeline, but this is not a required aspect.
Can you provide more detail about what to include in the cost assessment required for the evaluation section?
Applicants should speak to their ability and interest to provide cost data organized by task (i.e., developing the telehealth program) and by time period (i.e., monthly, quarterly) to THIS-WIC. Agencies should speak to how they currently cost tracking systems and how those systems can be modified to capture aspects needed for the evaluation.
Pending occurrence of in-person meetings (i.e., Kick-Off Meeting and Research Dissemination Workshop), were these meetings intended only for state agency personnel or are vendors/consultants able to attend?
Funded Agencies can select any two key personnel from the project to attend in-person meetings. Agencies should consider sending personnel that play a critical role in proposal implementation and data collection efforts.
You mentioned surveys. Will there be a template for the agencies to adapt or is it a survey ready for implementation? Does this mean we will submit the questions to you?
THIS-WIC will lead the evaluation of the projects in collaboration with the funded WIC Agencies. Applicants will work in step with the THIS-WIC team to finalize the evaluation design for funded projects and to create surveys to assess required outcomes not assessable through administrative data.
I am trying to determine if the method we want to use to support local agencies is allowable. We want to give a flat rate of $1000 to each agency who participates to cover training time/supplies. Is this something you can provide feedback if this is an allowable way to fund local agencies involved in the project?
We could see this falling into one of two categories as either an organizational stipend or an honoraria payment (if going to an individual). The way these types of payments are managed varies by organization so, if funded, it would be helpful to talk through what the Agency procedures are to ensure the grant compliant paperwork would be on file in the event of future audit.
For the proposal budget, our recommendation would be to describe what you propose using the funds for and also include the basis for the amount and anticipated number of recipients.
I noticed the due date in the application site has changed to September 8th. I just wanted to confirm that is the correct date.
Correct—we’ve extended the deadline due to the holiday on Monday.