HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252736.tiffResolution
Approve Non -Binding Subrecipient Letter of Intent in Collaboration with CoNECTR
Research Program at Anschutz Medical Campus Concerning Request for
Application (RFA) #48964768 for Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation
Grant Program (STEPP), and Authorize Chair to Sign — Regents of University of
Colorado
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
Whereas, the Board has been presented with a Non -Binding Subrecipient Letter of Intent
in Collaboration with the CoNECTR Research Program at the Anschutz Medical Campus
Concerning the Request for Application (RFA) #48964768 for the Tobacco Education,
Prevention, and Cessation Grant Program (STEPP) from the County of Weld, State of
Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf
of the Department of Public Health and Environment, to the Regents of University of
Colorado, commencing October 6, 2025, with further terms and conditions being as stated
in said subrecipient letter of intent, and
Whereas, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said subrecipient letter
of intent, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,
Colorado, that the Non -Binding Subrecipient Letter of Intent in Collaboration with the
CoNECTR Research Program at the Anschutz Medical Campus Concerning the Request
for Application (RFA) #48964768 for the Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation
Grant Program (STEPP) from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Public
Health and Environment, to the Regents of University of Colorado, be, and hereby is,
approved.
Be it further resolved by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign
said subrecipient letter of intent.
cc: l-IL(3/SC),
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2025-2736
HL0058
Non -Binding Subrecipient Letter of Intent in Collaboration with CoNECTR Research
Program at Anschutz Medical Campus Concerning Request for Application (RFA)
#48964768 for Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Grant Program (STEPP) —
Regents of University of Colorado
Page 2
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, approved the above
and foregoing Resolution, on motion duly made and seconded, by the following vote on
the 6th day of October, A.D., 2025:
Perry L. Buck, Chair: Aye
Scott K. James, Pro-Tem: Aye
Jason S. Maxey: Aye
Lynette Peppier: Aye
Kevin D. Ross: Aye
Approved as to Form:
Bruce Barker, County Attorney
Attest:
Esther E. Gesick, Clerk to the Board
2025-2736
HL0058
Cor ac-(1Nf q91 I
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PASS -AROUND REVIEW
PASS -AROUND TITLE: Grant Collaboration with Colorado University
DEPARTMENT: Community Health DATE: 10/1/2025
PERSON REQUESTING: Jason Chessher
Brief description of the problem/issue:
The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) seeks BOCC support for
collaboration with Colorado University (CU) with their application for RFA #48964768 FY27-29 State and
Community Tobacco Interventions and Tobacco Treatment Interventions. If CU receives funding for the 3 -year
proposal, CU will subcontract with WCDPHE to hire and supervise a Health Education Specialist 1 or II, DOQ.
If funding is approved, WCDPHE would administer grant activities related to Aims Community College and
University of Northern Colorado as a subrecipient of CU. CU has made this request because WCDPHE has
an existing grant funded tobacco cessation program and therefore has the infrastructure in place to manage
additional grant funded activities.
What options exist for the Board?
1. Authorize WCDPHE to partner with CU Anshutz on RFA application, to include subcontracting if awarded.
2. Do not authorize partnership on the RFA application.
Consequences: WCDPHE has an existing grant funded tobacco cessation program that would allow CU
to administer a tobacco/nicotine cessation activity using the existing WCDPHE infrastructure. If awarded, CU will
fully fund 1 FTE to specifically focus on college students in Weld County.
Impacts: If approved and the RFA is awarded, the subcontract will add 1 grant funded FTE to the
Community Health Division.
Costs (Current Fiscal Year / Ongoing or Subsequent Fiscal Years):
Grant funding through CU will cover all associated costs. No county funding is requested. The grant proposal
is for a 3 -year project so any employee would be hired with the understanding that the position ends when grant
funding expires.
Recommendation:
I recommend approval to place this item on a future BOCC agenda for formal consideration.
Support Recommendation Schedule
Place on BOCC Agenda Work Session Other/Comments:
Perry L. Buck
Scott K. James
Jason S. Maxey
Lynette Peppier
Kevin D. Ross
OAP
Yct,
Qui bi
10-
2025-2736
COUNTY, CO
September 30, 2025
Department of Public Health and Environment
(970) 400-6410
1555 North 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Dr. Gina Kruse, MD, MPH
Director of CoNECTR Research Program
Associate Professor
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct.
Aurora, CO 80045
Dear Dr. Kruse,
I am writing to express our enthusiastic support for University of Colorado's application for funding under
Strategy 2.3: Nicotine Cessation Lab, as outlined in the recent Request for Applications (RFA) #48964768.
Tobacco and nicotine use remain among the leading causes of preventable disease and death in our
community. As a local health department committed to advancing public health and equity, we recognize the
critical importance of supporting young adults —particularly those in higher education settings —on their
journey to quit tobacco and nicotine.
We are pleased to partner with University of Colorado in this important initiative. As part of our commitment,
upon award, the Community Health Division will be hiring a dedicated staff member whose responsibilities
will include:
Supporting the implementation of the Nicotine Cessation Lab strategies;
• Providing direct support to college and university students seeking to quit tobacco/nicotine;
• Connecting students to evidence -based cessation resources, including quitlines, apps such as
2Morrow, counseling, and pharmacotherapy;
Collaborating with campus health services and student organizations to promote cessation services
and reduce stigma;
Collecting and reporting data to evaluate program impact and inform continuous improvement.
We look forward to working closely with University of Colorado to achieve the goals of this grant and to
create lasting change in our community.
Sincerely,
Perry L. Buck
Chair
Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment
Subrecipient Letter of Intent
•
Subrecipient (Sub) Count of Weld Pass -Through Entity (PTE)
y
Legal Name: Legal Name:
University of Colorado Denver
Sub UEI: FM4ZLSAQLBA4 PTE UEI:
i MW8JHK6ZYEX8
-- I
Sub Principal Investigator: Cathy Hoover
I Sub Internal Project
I Identifier (optional):
PTE Principal Investigator: ; Gina Kruse
PTE Internal Project
Identifier (optional):
1260810
Project Title: i Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab
Prime Awarding Agency: ! CDPHE Project Period: 3 years
Total Proposed Amount I $ Cost Sharing Amount for
for Project Period: l Project Period:
Project Use Information:
Human Subjects Yes ❑ No 0 Vertebrate Subjects Yes ❑ Nom
Administrator:
Sub Name/Title: ; Bill Fritz, Finance Manager
Sub Phone: l 970-400-2122
Start: 07/01/2026 End: 06/30/2029
}
$
PTE Name/Title: Alexandra Sassano/Research Admin
PTE Phone:
Sub Email: ' bfritz@weld.gov PTE Email: aexandra.sassano@cuanschutz.edu I
LI Sub Email for Awards (if different from above): , health-ap@weld.gov
The following documents are attached to this Statement of Intent:
❑ Sub Statement of Work 0 Sub Budget Justification
❑D Sub Detailed Line Item Budget 0 Other:
This proposal has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate official(s) of Subrecipient, and certified to its accuracy and
completeness. The appropriate programmatic and administrative personnel of Subrecipient involved in this application are aware of
the prime awarding agency's policies, agree to accept the obligation to comply with award terms, conditions and certifications, and
are prepared to establish the necessary inter -institutional agreement consistent with that policy.
PerryBuck
10/06/2025
Signature of Subrecipient'sAuthorized Official Date
Perry L. Buck, Chair
Name and Title of Authorized Official
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION
Senior/Key Personnel
Cathy Hoover — Supervisor (10% Level of Effort, 3 years): Provide daily oversight of Specialist and key
activities.
Other Personnel
To be selected — Specialist (100% Level of Effort, 3 years): Coordinate project acitivities, including
communication and data collection.
Travel
Mileage at .70/mile to be reimbursed for Specialist's travel from the county office to meetings and outreach
events around Weld County. Estimated at 280 miles/month, 3,360 miles/year. 3,360x.70= $2,352
Other Direct Costs
Materials and Supplies: General office supplies ($100) will include pens, paper, highlighters, sticky notes etc.
Budget also includes ($400) for laptop, mouse, and keyboard for Specialist in year 1.
Indirect Costs (F&A) and Fringe Benefits
Indirect costs are calculated at _17.56% as the CDPHE negotiated rate
Fringe benefits are calculated at _37.91% in year 1 and a 5% increase annually
Weld County
INTERNAL BUDGET WORKSHEET
Project Title: Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab
Sponsor: University of Colorado Denver/CDPHE
Project Term: 07/01/2026 - 06/30/2029 (3 years)
KEY
NON -KEY
Personne
YEAR 01
07/01/2026 - 06/30/2027
Base Salary Fringe
11/0 Etort Salary Req'd Benefits Total
Supervisor
Specialist
Salary & Fringe Subtotals
SUBTOTAL PERSONNEL 122,090
Equipment:
Laptop mouse Keyboard
SUBTOTAL EQUIPMENT
10 00% 110,290 11,029
100 00% 77.500 77,500
88.529
400
400
4,181
29,380
33.561
15,210
106,880
Supplies:
Office Supplies
SUBTOTAL SUPPLIES 100
Travel:
Mileage 2,352
SUBTOTAL TRAVEL 2,352
SUBTOTAL OTHER EXPENSES 0
100
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COSTS
TOTAL DIRECT COSTS
Indirect Cost Base
Indirect Costs
TOTAL DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS
17.56%
124,942
124.942
124,942
21,940
45.88;'
07/01/2027 - 06/30/2028
Base Salary Fringe
¶4 Effort Salary Req'd Benefits Total
10 00% 114,702
100 00% 80.600
11,470
80, 600
92.070
128,714
4,565
32, 079
36.644
16,035
112,679
100
100
2,352
0
131,166
131,166
131,166
23,033
154.199
07/01/2028 - 06/30/2029
Base Salary Fringe
wo Effort Salary Req'd Benefits Total
10 00% 119,290
100 00% 83,824
1 1, 929
83,824
95.753
135,768
4,985
35,030
40,015
16,914
118.854
0
100
100
352
2,352
0
138.220
138,220
138,220
24,271
1r-
TOTAL
48,160
338,413
386.573
400
400
300
300
7.056
7,056
0
394,329
394,329
394,329
69,244
4E,:; 573
1W
Request for Applications (RFA)
Colorado Department of Public
Health Et Environment
Tobacco Education, Prevention, and
Cessation Grant Program (STEPP)
FY27-FY29
RFA #48964768
Non -Binding Letters of Intent requested by:
5:00PM (MDT)
Updated Deadline: October 6, 2025
Application Due Date:
5:00PM (MDT)
October 20, 2025
STEPP Grant Program funding is dependent upon
funding availability and final annual approval by the state legislature.
Page 1 of 55
Table of Contents
I. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW 4
A. The State Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Grant Program 4
B. Program Purpose and Strategic Goals 5
II. PROJECT BUDGET PERIOD, FUNDING PERIOD, AND BUDGET REQUIREMENTS 6
A. Funding and Duration of Grants 6
B. Funding Period 7
C. Budget Requirements 7
III. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS 7
A. Eligibility 7
B. Required Project Components 8
1. State and Community Tobacco Interventions 8
Strategy 1.1 Community -Led Change to Eliminate Tobacco -Related Disparities 8
Strategy 1.2 Healthy Housing Multi -unit Rental Inspection Pilot 10
Strategy 1.3 Secondhand Smoke Education for Parents of Young Children 12
Strategy 1.4 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Reduce Disparities through Policy
and Environmental Change in Commercial Tobacco Control 13
2. Tobacco Treatment Interventions 14
Strategy 2.1 Quality Lung Cancer Screening 14
Strategy 2.2 Bridging the Gap: Nicotine Cessation Services for Colorado's Underserved
Populations 15
Strategy 2.3 Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab 16
Strategy 2.4 Community Pharmacy Partnership for Prevention: Chronic Disease and
Tobacco Risk Factors Reduction. 17
Strategy 2.5 Community -Based Organization Cessation Innovation Panels 19
Strategy 2.6 Smoke -Free Starts: Promoting Secondhand Smoke and Vape Aerosol
Education and Tobacco Cessation Support for Parents through Pediatric Et Primary Care
Settings 20
Strategy 2.7 Smoke -Free Multi -unit Housing and Integrated Cessation Support 21
Strategy 2.8 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Support People Quitting Tobacco 23
IV. TOOLS AND GUIDANCE 24
A. Definition of Terms 24
B. Additional Guidance 24
V. SELECTION, EVALUATION, AND AWARDS 24
A. Financial Risk Assessment Rating in Evaluation 25
B. Application Scoring, Review and Selection Process 25
1. Scoring 25
2. Scoring Components 27
3. Review and Selection Process 30
4. Decision and Notification 30
VI. HOW TO APPLY 30
A. Letter of Intent to Apply 30
B. Applications 31
C. Required Documents 31
Page 2 of 55
D. Documents for Applicant Review Only
E. Submission Instructions
F. Formatting Instructions
G. Application Submission
H. Pre -Application Webinar
I. Questions
J. Schedule of Activities
Page 3 of 55
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I. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund evidence -based and innovative approaches
to address commercial tobacco -related disparities, with a focus on interventions that prioritize the
groups with tobacco' use rates above the state average2. These initiatives will focus on collaborating
with groups that represent and serve populations experiencing the most tobacco -related harms, with
tailored approaches, where they live, work, play, and receive medical and social services. The
following strategies will build upon what is working in Colorado to change social norms regarding
tobacco initiation, use, and secondhand smoke exposure and further community -wide mobilization
efforts to reduce tobacco initiation and prevalence.
Approximately $6.7 million is available through this RFA for the initial contract term under two sets of
tobacco control interventions.
State and Community Tobacco Interventions: The purpose of the strategies under this intervention
are to fund environmental approaches to reduce tobacco -related disparities through community -led
interventions and policy and social norms change regarding commercial tobacco use and secondhand
smoke exposure:
• Community -Led Change to Eliminate Tobacco -Related Disparities
• Healthy Housing Multiunit Rental Licensing Pilot
• Secondhand Smoke Education for Parents of Young Children
• Other Evidence -Informed Innovation to Reduce Disparities through Policy and
Environmental Change Commercial Tobacco Control
Tobacco Treatment Interventions: The purpose of the strategies under this intervention are to fund
the implementation and uptake of person -centered, culturally relevant treatment interventions,
informed by evidence -based public health practice, where individuals live, work, play, and receive
medical and social services:
• Quality Lung Cancer Screening
• Bridging the Gap: Nicotine Cessation Services for Colorado's Underserved Populations
• Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab
• Community Pharmacy Partnership for Prevention: Chronic Disease and Tobacco Risk
Factors Reduction
▪ Community -Based Organization Cessation Innovation Panels
• Smoke -Free Starts: Promoting Secondhand Smoke and Vape Aerosol Education and Tobacco
Cessation Support for Parents through Pediatric Et Primary Care Settings
• Smoke -Free Multi -unit Housing and Integrated Cessation Support
• Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Support People Quitting Tobacco
Visit the STEPP funding opportunities webpaoe for the program's complete funding portfolio including
additional funding announcements.
A. The State Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Grant Program
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Colorado, killing more than
5,100 Coloradans each year. In addition, it costs the state more than $1.8 billion in health care
expenditures3 and more than $1 billion in lost productivity each year.4 The purpose of comprehensive
tobacco control programs is to reduce disease, disability, and death related to tobacco use and
"Tobacco" refers to manufactured, commercial tobacco products and not the sacred and traditional tobacco use by American Indians or other groups.
Tnharrn Fdiiratinn Prevention. R Cessation Grant Prnaram StratPgir Plan 7n71-7nan
'Medical Care Expenditures Attributable to Smoking —United States, 1993," MMWR 43(26):1-4, July 8, 1994.
Shrestha SS, Ghimire R, Wang X, Trivers KF, Noma DM, Amour BS. Cost of Cigarette Smoking —Attributable Productivity Losses,
U.S., 2018. Am J Prey Med. 2022 Oct;63(4):478-485. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.04.032. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35909028;
PMCID: PMC10108669.
Page 4 of 55
eliminate tobacco -related health disparities.
The grant program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE), Prevention Services Division, State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP),
and governed by Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Title 25, Article 3.5, Part 8: Tobacco Education,
Prevention, and Cessation Grant Program. Code of Colorado Regulations (6 CCR 1015-5) contains the
Colorado Board of Health rules for the Tobacco Grant Program.
A 16 -member Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) is appointed by the Colorado Board of Health, the
Executive Director of the CDPHE, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives. The Review Committee is responsible for overseeing program strategies and activities
as well as ensuring compliance with the governing statute. The committee also reviews grant
applications and submits recommendations for funding to the CDPHE Executive Director for review and
submission to the Colorado Board of Health. The Colorado Board of Health has the final authority to
approve grants under this program.
B. Program Purpose and Strategic Goals
As we look ahead to the next decade, we start from the critical realization that the progress and
successes of the Colorado tobacco control program have not been experienced the same by all
Coloradans. Data from 2001 through 2022 in Colorado show that the populations experiencing the most
tobacco -related health consequences are Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, LGB5 communities,
Hispanic/Latino men, Coloradans who live in rural areas, people with Medicaid health coverage, and
people with behavioral and mental health conditions. The smoking prevalence rates in those
populations still far exceed the statewide average of 13.2%. For example, the smoking prevalence rate
among Black Coloradans was 14.9% in 2022. People with behavioral health and mental health conditions
report smoking levels nearly 50% higher than those without such challenges (18.6% vs. 11.3%,
respectively), while nearly 30% of people enrolled in Medicaid smoke.
The Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) adopted a 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation
Strategic Plan, the purpose of which is to:
• Provide focus and guidance for Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) grant prioritization,
• Direct the Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation Grant Program projects, activities, and
grants toward specific outcomes, and
• Inform the efforts of Colorado agencies, coalitions, and organizations working in tobacco
prevention and control.
In addition to informing grant program goals, the 2030 Tobacco Education. Prevention. and Cessation
Strategic Plan sets a strong foundation for all the work we do. Our vision is to eliminate tobacco use
and address the tobacco -related disease burden in Colorado. Improving health through programmatic
and policy efforts is our North Star. Our mission is to lead with justice to advance strategies that allow
every Coloradan to have opportunities to be healthy, to thrive, and to live a tobacco -free life,
regardless of who they are and where they live.
To guide the program, Colorado's tobacco control partners have identified the following critical
objectives. The first will serve as the North Star for tobacco control in Colorado.
Our North Star: By 2030, reduce smoking prevalence levels among populations targeted by the
tobacco industry to below 20%.
These particular sub -groups within Colorado's population have been identified as those who have
benefited the least from our efforts to date. Though these populations are listed in alphabetical
order, we acknowledge the interconnectedness and overlap of identities and lived experiences that
shape a person's life:
'Due to limitation in our surveillance systems these data only reflect tobacco use rates among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual individuals.
Page 5 of 55
• American Indian/Alaska Native population
• Black/African American population
• Coloradans who live in rural areas
• Hispanic/Latino men
• LGBTQ+ communities
• People with Medicaid health coverage
• People with behavioral and mental health conditions
Goal 1. Keep Youth and Young Adults Tobacco -Free. By 2030, reduce the prevalence of any tobacco
product use, including e -cigarettes, for youth and young adults under 24 to below 15%.
Goal 2. Protect People and the Environment. By 2030, expand protections from secondhand
smoke, vapor, and tobacco product toxic waste exposure for populations that are more burdened
by exposure.
Goal 3. Expand Support for People Quitting Tobacco. By 2030, increase the reach of tobacco
treatment into priority populations by 50%.
Deploying New Approaches to Adapt to the Needs of a Changing Colorado
In order to make progress and achievements towards the bold aims and Colorado's North Star, STEPP
and the tobacco control community must evolve how it engages with communities and implements
tobacco control strategies. Colorado's tobacco framework for this decade calls out four cross -cutting
approaches that will characterize the work of the coming decade:
• Countering pro -tobacco influences,
• Centering tobacco control on authentic community engagement,
• Improving data collection, and staying on top of field innovations, and
• Incorporating strategies to address social and economic conditions that impact health and are
closely associated with increased tobacco use.
II. PROJECT BUDGET PERIOD, FUNDING PERIOD, AND BUDGET REQUIREMENTS
A. Funding and Duration of Grants
Funding is provided by the State Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation (STEPP) Grant Program
and is subject to annual appropriations by the Colorado General Assembly and approved by the
Colorado Board of Health. The actual amount and number of grant awards will depend on the number
of applications received and selected for funding.
Available Funds: Funding available for the initial contract period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027,
is approximately $6.7 million. Funding for each subsequent annual renewal period will be determined
annually by the Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) and may be subject to appropriation decisions of the
Colorado Legislature. Absent a significant change in state economic circumstances, applicants can
expect level funding for each year of the funding period.
The program seeks projects that are large enough to make a demonstrable difference at the
community or specific population level. Approximate funding amounts are listed for each of the
strategies and are meant to serve as a guide. However, proposals exceeding the suggested ceiling
amount are unlikely to be considered viable. The minimum grant award amount is $100,000 per year.
The Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) reserves the right to revise the estimated amounts available
based on the quality and quantity of the applications received.
Duration of Grants: STEPP anticipates awarding grants for a three-year grant period. STEPP reserves
the option to shorten or extend awards. All annual renewals are contingent upon grantee performance,
availability of funds, the landscape of tobacco control efforts within Colorado, and the Tobacco Review
Committee (TRC) and Board of Health recommendation and approval. STEPP reserves the right to
modify funding as deemed appropriate. Additional funds may be made available over time and may
result in increased annual amounts and/or additional awards. Some projects may be funded by multiple
Page 6 of 55
funding sources, if deemed appropriate by CDPHE, for layered or braided funding with other CDPHE
programs, including but not limited to the Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Pulmonary Disease (CCPD)
Grants Program.
B. Funding Period
Year One Fiscal Year 27 (FY27): July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (initial contract)
Year Two Fiscal Year 28 FY28): July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028 (potential renewal)
Year Three Fiscal Year 29 (FY29): July 1, 2028 through June 30, 2029 (potential renewal)
C. Budget Requirements
Applications require the submission of draft budgets, including expense justifications, for Year 1 (FY27)
budget period (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027). Applicants should refer to the budget template
(Attachment C - Cost -Reimbursement STEPP RFA Budeet Template 12 Month or Attachment D - Advance
Payment RFA Budget Template 12 Month) and budget instructions, including budget limitations and
allowable expenses for more information.
Indirect (F&A) Cost Rate:
Definition: Indirect costs are those that have been incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot
be readily identified with a particular final cost objective or grant account. Indirect costs may be
called Facilities and Administration costs (F£tA) at some agencies. Indirect costs are different from
administrative costs in most cases. For example, a program employee can be considered administrative
and not be included in an organization's indirect costs. Costs classified as indirect can differ depending
upon your organizational structure and accounting practices but some common examples include
depreciation on buildings and equipment, operating and maintenance costs of facilities, and general
administrative expenses such as the salaries and expenses of executive officers and accounting or legal
staff.
• If Applicant's organization or business maintains an indirect or FRA rate and Applicant chooses
to include this cost on the application budget, it is expected that the amount budgeted will
reflect the organization's or agency's approved rate. Be prepared to submit one of the
following if awarded:
o Federally Negotiated Indirect Rate Agreement: An entity that receives funding directly
from the federal government is eligible to recover indirect costs by using a federally
negotiated indirect cost rate from their Federal cognizant agency. If the entity has a
current federally negotiated rate, CDPHE must honor this rate.
o CDPHE Negotiated Indirect Rate Agreement: An entity that does not have a current
negotiated indirect cost rate with a federal agency AND does not receive federal funds
directly from a federal agency, can negotiate an indirect cost rate with the internal
audit unit at CDPHE.
Alternatives to a negotiated indirect cost rate:
o de minimis indirect cost rate: The de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct costs
(MTDC) is available to all non -Federal entities (2 CFR 200.4141f11
o Direct Charge All Expenses: Organizations may elect to direct charge all allowable
expenses on their billings for each contract, grant or award. Billed costs will be subject
to field review by the CDPHE.
III. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
A. Eligibility
According to §25-3.5-803(2) C.R.S., nonprofit/not-for-profit organizations, public or governmental
entities, political subdivisions of the state, educational institutions, and not -for-profit private sector
organizations are eligible to apply for funding interventions listed in this RFA. Also eligible are federally
recognized Tribal governments in Colorado, as well as nonprofit organizations providing services to
Page 7 of 55
Tribal reservations with a letter of support from the applicable Tribal Council.
While applicants may apply for more than one of the funding interventions (state and community or
tobacco treatment) and/or for multiple strategies within each initiative, applicants must submit a
complete, separate application for each strategy they are applying for. For example, applicants who
apply for multiple separate strategies must submit a complete, separate application for each strategy.
Applicants bundling or combining strategies listed in the RFA must submit a complete application under
the "Other Evidence -Informed Strategies" title in either the State and Community or Tobacco
Treatment Interventions category. Each application for a strategy will be considered a separate
project.
Collaborative applications between lead applicants and community -based organizations representing
and serving priority populations and/or between local public health agencies are strongly encouraged.
Partnerships must be clearly identified and Letters of Collaboration from participating agencies in the
project must state the specific partnership or commitment offered. Applicants must identify work to
be completed by subcontractors and will be responsible for monitoring the successful completion of
work subcontracted to others.
Awardees will be expected to work with other STEPP grantees and STEPP's Training and Technical
Assistance and Evaluation providers, as deemed appropriate.
B. Required Project Components
Evidence -based and Innovative Interventions
Approximately $6.7 million is available through this RFA for the initial contract term under two sets of
tobacco control interventions.
1. State and Community Tobacco Interventions
The purpose of the following strategies is to fund environmental change approaches to reduce
tobacco -related disparities through community -led interventions that lead to policy and social norms
change regarding tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke and vape aerosol.
Strategy 1.1 Community -Led Change to Eliminate Tobacco -Related Disparities
Funding amount: Approximately $250,000 per award is available for this strategy per year.
Multiple awards are expected: One entity per priority population to lead and coordinate the work.
The purpose of this project is to continue to make strategic investments to build strong and sustainable
partnerships with trusted leaders and community partners representing and serving priority populations
while supporting communities to select, adapt and implement strategies to combat tobacco -related
disparities. Community -based organizations in Colorado's commercial tobacco control movement will
identify community needs and priorities, and collaboratively with STEPP will conceive, design, and
implement community -led solutions that eliminate tobacco -related disparities through
evidence -informed and locally -led solutions. Together, we build on the values of mutual respect, trust,
and accountability which are essential to a strong partnership relationship.
Preferred/Ideal entity: The ideal applicant(s) will act as lead agency(ies) and have lived experience
and demonstrated success with serving the priority population, and developing community capacity and
leadership.
This project serves the following priority populations through continued partnership with existing
grantees:
1) Hispanic/Latino men (Spanish and English-speaking)
2) LGBTQIA+ communities
3) Black/African American
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Note: Current STEPP grantees in good standing funded under this strategy have areduced application
requirement. See application section for more information.
This project seeks to establish new partnerships with representatives of the following additional
populations:
1) Urban American Indian/Alaska Native communities and/or American Indian Alaska Native
populations
2) Urban Hispanic/Latino men (Spanish and English-speaking)
STEPP uses the Colorado Department of Local Affairs criteria. definitions, and ma25, to identify "Urban"
communities.
According to the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, with an increasing American Indian/Alaska
Native (Al/AN) population in Colorado from 2010 to 2020, there is an abundant need to connect with
and collaborate with Al/AN Coloradans. The 2020 Census Bureau reports that 74,129 American
Indian/Alaska Natives live in Colorado. With close to 50% of Colorado's American Indian/Alaska Native
Population living in urban counties (i.e. Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, and
Pueblo), population data suggests a high need to prioritize urban settings to further partnerships and
support for this demographic population.
Colorado's Hispanic population is forecasted to increase by 327,000 between 2020 and 2030, reaching
1.6 million and representing about 25% of Colorado's population. Close to 67% of Colorado's
Hispanic/Latino population lives in urban counties (i.e. Denver, El Paso, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson,
and Pueblo). (Source: Colorado State Demography Office. Vintage 2023 Population Forecasts)
The Tobacco Use Behaviors in the Workforce Report and the Tobacco Attitudes and Behavior Survey
2022 data suggests that Hispanic/Latino Coloradans, can benefit from expansion of smoke -free policies
and cessation treatment by focusing on industry and occupation groups experiencing higher rates of use
and exposure of secondhand smoke and secondhand vapor within indoor and outdoor spaces. These
industries are 1) Utilities, 2) Construction, 3) Manufacturing, 4) Retail Trade, 5) Transportation a
Warehousing, 6) Administrative, Support, a Waste Management a Remediation Services, and 7)
Accommodation a Food Services. Many of these industries operate outside the current rural
Hispanic/Latino focus and reside within urban settings.
The successful applicant will:
• Conduct a Commercial Tobacco -Focused Community Assessment (TFCA) in the first year of the
grant cycle. STEPP will provide the applicant with the assessment guidance documents,
templates, and technical assistance for this process. The TFCA findings support data -driven
decision -making by:
o Understanding community -identified priorities
o Identifying strategic partnerships and trusted community members with both formal
and informal power
Informing skill -building opportunities to inform how tobacco prevention, control, and
treatment strategies can be embedded into the services offered and the events hosted
by the awarded agency,and
Leveraging appropriate community strengths to mobilize for policy efforts.
Note: Data pertaining to federally -recognized Tribal governments and/or Tribal lands
may be subject to Tribal data sovereignty considerations. Applicants proposing projects
on Tribal lands may make adjustments to this activity to better demonstrate cultural
relevance and respect for Tribal data sovereignty.
Build and maintain relationships with organizations and groups that represent the priority
population, additional allies, including local public health agency grantees, and strategic
partnerships/coalitions, and community members including non-traditional partners, such as
employee or trade unions, civic and volunteer organizations, fraternity or sorority groups,
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professional entertainer or performer organizations, human rights groups, and environmental
protection groups.
o Through these relationships, the applicant will: identify community strengths, identify
tobacco -related perceptions and priorities for priority populations, and address
tobacco -related disparities.
In collaboration with STEPP and STEPP's evaluation contractor, identify priority population data
to be collected and technical assistance gaps.
Document tobacco industry tactics and targeting of the priority population, and education
about the impacts of targeting on tobacco -related disparities.
o Examples may include photovoice to document tailored marketing (Kool Et Natural
American Spirit) and saturation of tobacco advertising, unique price discounting in
specific locations, rejecting industry sponsorship of community events, and exposing
industry efforts to pay front groups or individuals to advocate against commercial
tobacco control efforts.
Develop an evidence -informed action plan to guide community -led tobacco work.
o Strategies will include both commercial tobacco control policy and tobacco treatment
promotion/access work; community -based work will offer flexibility in strategy
selection and encourage cultural tailoring.
Determine key outcomes for disparity work, including community -determined measures of
success.
Collaborate with other STEPP-funded Community -Led Change grantees, STEPP-funded
Community -Based Nicotine Cessation Innovative Panels, STEPP, and evaluators in tracking
progress on key outcomes and sharing lessons learned.
Key objectives include:
1) Co -create a strong and sustainable partnership with STEPP and Colorado's tobacco control
movement
2) Implement community -led tobacco work to eliminate tobacco -related disparities
3) Reduce smoking tobacco prevalence levels among populations targeted by the tobacco
industry
Additional Requirements: The successful applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with STEPP
technical assistance providers and grantees, as appropriate. All applicants must have or work towards
establishing a commercial tobacco -free grounds policy. which includes tobacco treatment resource
promotion (excluding traditional tobacco use for ceremonial purposes) if awarded funding.
For further background information, see the following links:
• Best Practices User Guides -Partnerships in Tobacco Prevention and Control
• The National Native Network
• The National Hispanic Network
• National LGBT Cancer Network
• The Center for Black Health Et Eouity
Strategy 1.2 Healthy Housing Multi -unit Rental Inspection Pilot
Funding amount: Approximately $400,000 per award is available for this strategy per year.
Single or multiple awards are possible. Up to two awards are expected for work conducted in two
different local jurisdictions, such as a town, municipality, or county. One applicant may propose work
in two different jurisdictions. No more than two jurisdictions will be selected.
The purpose of this funding is to promote, implement, and test a proactive housing rental inspection
(PRI) program in multi -unit housing as a mechanism to include requirements for smoke -free standards
and to enforce local housing codes. Unlike complaint -based rental inspection programs, PRI programs
perform inspections on a regular schedule, reducing the likelihood that renters will be evicted or
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retaliated against for reporting hazards.
More than 12 million people around the world die every year because they live or work in unhealthy
environments (Healthy People 2030). An estimated half a million Colorado residents in multi -unit
housing complexes are exposed to secondhand smoke in their units (2022 TABS). CDPHE aims to reduce
secondhand smoke exposure in multi -unit housing to below 20% by 2030.
PRI programs can work cooperatively with building owners to improve housing quality and preserve the
existing stock of affordable housing by preventing buildings from deteriorating to the point where they
can no longer be inhabited. PRI programs may reduce economic pressure to tear down and replace
buildings, potentially exacerbating housing instability. Proactively inspecting rental housing to enforce
housing codes helps localities keep people in their homes and protect tenant health and well-being. PRI
programs can also be designed to fairly implement enforcement actions . These programs can promote
climate resilience and improve indoor living conditions by addressing multiple environmental health
hazards, such as lead paint, asbestos, radon, and exposure to secondhand smoke, and to support the
health and safety of residents in multi -unit housing. This project is an opportunity to strengthen
smoke -free and housing habitability requirements in multi -unit housing. Sometimes, enforcement of
property -level smoke -free multi -unit housing policies is a low priority for individual property managers
and can be inconsistently enforced. This new strategy aims to determine if addressing secondhand
smoke exposure in the context of other known health hazards would lead to stronger health outcomes
overall. The tobacco program supports this proposal as a means to increase protections from
secondhand smoke by wrapping enforcement for a smoke -free policy into a broader healthy housing
intervention.
Preferred/Ideal entity: The ideal applicant(s) will have expertise in local policy and procedures
related to housing rental properties and healthy housing requirements.
The successful applicant will:
• Research successfully implemented proactive housing rental inspections, smoke -free provisions,
and housing habitability requirements in Colorado and other states. Consider the barriers and
opportunities to implement these provisions in multi -unit housing.
• Identify opportunities in the grantee's jurisdiction to strengthen housing habitability
requirements through PRI programs to include smoke -free provisions in multi -unit housing.
Recommend and promote solutions that align with community readiness, identified through
methods such as key informant interviews of stakeholders invested in smoke -free and housing
habitability work.
Build trusting relationships with community partners, including housing coalitions, property
managers, council and regulatory boards, and residents.
Engage the community to find champions willing to expand existing housing code to include
smoke -free provisions and housing habitability requirements. Connect with housing advocates
who can champion for English and Spanish-speaking residents.
Implement the proactive rental inspection program that effectively integrates smoke -free
provisions and housing habitability requirements.
Collect data throughout the proactive rental inspection program on identified hazards,
barriers, and solutions.
Evaluate the proactive rental inspection program from collected data and shared experiences
from community partners.
Key objectives include:
1) By the end of this project, housing providers will support chronic disease prevention by
reducing exposure to pollutants (i.e. secondhand smoke, lead, moisture/mold, pests, wildfire
smoke, radon, etc.) in the indoor environment of multi -unit housing.
2) The successful applicant(s) will produce a report on the potential public and environmental
health benefits and potential drawbacks of proactive rental inspections in Colorado.
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3) Drafting long-term recommendations to CDPHE based on outcomes stated for this project to
help inform the future Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plans.
Additional Requirements:
The successful applicant must have a demonstrated understanding of the legal code. The successful
applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with STEPP technical assistance providers and grantees, as
appropriate.
For further background information, see the following links:
• A Guide to Proactive Rental Inspections
• Habitability laws for renters: HB18-1397, SB24-094
• Percentage of occupied housing units occupied by property owners from Colorado State
Demographers Office
• Eliminating Tobacco -Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the Surgeon
General, 2024 Full Report, Executive Summary
Strategy 1.3 Secondhand Smoke Education for Parents of Young Children
Funding amount: Approximately $250,000 is available for this strategy per year.
A single award is expected.
The purpose of this funding is to reduce secondhand smoke and vape aerosol (SHS/V) exposure among
young children, specifically those of priority populations named in the 2030 Tobacco Education,
Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan. This will be achieved by designing evidence -based training
and educational resources for early childhood educators (ECEs) and parents of young children at risk of
being exposed to secondhand smoke and vape aerosol in the home. The applicant will conduct outreach
and education to parents of young children to promote secondhand smoke protections in the home and
car. This includes adopting rules to keep the spaces children occupy including the home and car
smoke -free.
Despite years of progress in reducing secondhand smoke exposure to children in Colorado, the 2022
Tobacco Attitudes and Behaviors Survey (TABS) found that past 30 -day smoking increased inside homes
from 11.9% to 22.5% among smoking households with children. Past 30 -day vaping increased inside
homes from 8.1% in 2018 to 11.2% in 2022 among households with children. Children continue to be the
age group most likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke, showing that parent education is critical in
decreasing secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol exposure around children. (Source: MMWR, 2018)
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends promoting smoke -free policies to reduce exposure to
secondhand smoke, including educating parents and caregivers about the benefits of voluntarily
prohibiting smoking in their homes and vehicles. These steps can reduce secondhand smoke exposure
across all population groups, particularly those with the greatest exposure prevalence.
A study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that
caregiver interventions such as education classes and cessation counseling reduced secondhand smoke
exposure in preschool -age children. Increasing awareness of the harms of smoking is known to motivate
parents to protect preschool -age children from second smoke exposure. These results suggest that
more children and families could benefit from similar interventions, implemented in parallel in the
preschool setting and at home.
Preferred/Ideal entity: The ideal applicant(s) will have demonstrated expertise in providing
evidence -based education to childcare providers and parents on the dangers of secondhand smoke and
the proven strategies to protect children.
The successful applicant will:
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• Build and maintain relationships with early childhood education center(s)
• Assess caregiver understanding of secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol
• Assess educator readiness to include secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol education in the
school's current curriculum.
Develop a curriculum to educate parents on the dangers of secondhand smoke and vapor
aerosol.
Develop and publish a media and communications campaign to educate parents about the
dangers of secondhand smoke/vapor aerosol.
Prioritize STEPP priority populations.
Key objectives include:
1) Reduce the exposure of secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol in the homes, cars, and other
living spaces of preschool -age children.
2) Increase education for parents in STEPP priority populations through ECE curriculum.
3) Educate priority populations on the dangers of secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol through
mass media.
4) Change behavior of parents and other caregivers of young children to eliminate exposure to
secondhand smoke and vapor aerosol.
Additional Requirements: The successful applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with STEPP
technical assistance providers and grantees, as appropriate. All applicants must have or work towards
establishing a commercial tobacco -free grounds policy, which includes tobacco treatment resource
promotion (excluding traditional tobacco use for ceremonial purposes) if awarded funding.
For further background information, see the following links:
• One Step Program website
• HUD: Asthma Home Intervention Programs
Promoting Smoke -free Homes for Head Start Families I Indoor Air Quality (IAO) I US EPA
Reducing Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure of Preschool Children: A Randomized
Controlled Trial of Class -Based Health Education and Smoking Cessation Counseling for
Caregivers
Strategy 1.4 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Reduce Disparities through Policy and
Environmental Change in Commercial Tobacco Control
Funding amount: Approximately $150,000 to $ 200,000 is available for this strategy per year.
A single or multiple awards are possible.
The purpose of this funding is to provide applicants with an opportunity to submit proposals to
implement and evaluate evidence -informed innovation initiatives aimed at addressing tobacco -related
disparities among priority populations. Proposals must adhere to the guidance and definition for
evidence -informed innovation (for more information see Attachment F: Innovation Overview) and be
designed to address one or more of the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic
Plan North Star Goal 1 or Goal 2 Benchmarks.
STEPP will prioritize proposals that address one or more of the following gaps in the Colorado
commercial tobacco control movement:
• Improve data collection and analysis that centers on disparities and populations targeted by the
tobacco industry.
• Increase representation of priority populations in the Colorado tobacco control workforce.
• Increase public awareness of tobacco industry manipulation and targeting of youth, and
priority populations experiencing the highest tobacco -related burden.
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• Increase the adoption of policies and practices that address bias in tobacco control
enforcement
Key objectives include:
1) To implement workplace or community level, or population level policy and environmental
change strategies to reduce tobacco industry influence, particularly among workers and
populations that experience more exposure to tobacco advertising and/or secondhand smoke.
2) Identify and test innovation in tobacco control policy and environmental change strategies to
eliminate tobacco -caused disparities.
Additional Requirements: The successful applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with STEPP
technical assistance providers, as appropriate. The successful applicant will be required to develop an
evaluation plan within the first 6 months of the funding period. The evaluation elements will include a
publishable case study, model policy standard(s), or recommendations that outline the project
methodology used to form the policy, systems, or environmental change recommendations to decrease
access, exposure, and/or availability of commercial tobacco products. All applicants must have or work
towards establishing a commercial tobacco -free grounds policy, which includes tobacco treatment
resource promotion (excluding traditional tobacco use for ceremonial purposes).
Note: Current STEPP grantees in good standing funded under this strategy have a reduced application
requirement. See application section for more information.
2. Tobacco Treatment Interventions
The purpose of the following strategies is to fund the implementation and uptake of person -centered,
culturally relevant tobacco treatment interventions, informed by evidence -based public health
practice, where individuals live, work, play, and receive medical and social services.
Strategy 2.1 Quality Lung Cancer Screening
Funding amount: Approximately $250,000 is available for this strategy per year.
A single award is expected.
The purpose of this funding is to increase lung cancer screening (LCS) rates in the catchment area of
participating health systems in Colorado. In Colorado, 9.9% of those at high risk were screened, which
is significantly lower than the national rate of 16.0%, ranking Colorado 48th among all states. Lung
cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Colorado. The American Cancer Society
estimated that approximately 2,660 individuals received a lung cancer diagnosis in Colorado in 2024,
with more females being diagnosed with breast cancer (5,150) and mates with prostate cancer (4,490),
but fewer people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (2,130). Although not the most commonly
diagnosed cancer in Colorado, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. The American Cancer
Society estimates that 1,290 Coloradans died of lung cancer in 2024, exceeding the mortality burden of
breast (700), prostate (630), colorectal (820), and pancreatic cancer (730). Thus, the burden of lung
cancer in Colorado, relative to other malignancies, is substantial, and the introduction of lung cancer
screening creates a significant opportunity to reduce the lung cancer mortality burden.
Minimum components necessary for quality lung cancer screening should include*:
1. Who Is Offered Lung Cancer Screening
2. How Often, and for How Long to Screen
3. How the CT Scan is Performed
4. Lung Nodule Identification
5. Structured Reporting
6. Lung Nodule Management Algorithms
7. Smoking Cessation
8. Patient and Provider Education
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9. Data Collection
The successful applicant will be able to:
• Recruit and assess LCS programs for readiness and capacity to participate.
Deliver technical assistance for quality implementation and sustainability, including policy and
procedure development, electronic health record (EHR) maximization, and return on
investment (ROI)
Train clinicians, healthcare teams, and administrators on:
o Lung-RADS® structured reporting for screening computed tomographies (CTs)
o Fleischner criteria reporting for Incidental Pulmonary Nodules
o Image -guided lung biopsy
o Bronchoscopy, including endobronchial ultrasound
o Thoracic surgery
o Radiation treatment, including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
o Pathologic diagnosis and biomarker testing
o Quality assurance
o Patient navigation implementation for quality LCS
o Stigma, nihilism, and the patient perspective
• Develop referral workflows to evidence -based tobacco cessation programs.
• Evaluate program implementation.
• Support health systems in calculating baseline and on -going lung cancer screening rates.
Key objectives include:
1) Improve Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Program team's knowledge and capacity to implement a
quality, centralized lung cancer screening program.
2) Co -create and implement LCS program policies, procedures, and patient navigation workflows
for pre-screening phase, peri-screening phase, and post -screening phase, including for
evidence -based tobacco cessation programs.
3) Increase LCS rates in the catchment area of participating health systems.
For further background information, see the following links:
• Lung Cancer Screening in Colorado
Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening (QUILS): A successful LCS program out of the
University of Kentucky with promising practices
Proiect ACTS: The Engaged Approach to Lung Cancer Screening (EA-LCS), Developing a
Conceptual Framework for a Person -Centered Approach to Improving Adherence and Outcomes
in Lung Cancer Screening
Components Necessary for High -Quality Lung Cancer Screening: American College of Chest
Physicians and American Thoracic Society Policy Statement
Strategy 2.2 Bridging the Gap: Nicotine Cessation Services for Colorado's Underserved Populations
Funding amount: Approximately $200,000 per award is available for this strategy per year.
Up to three awards are possible.
The purpose of this funding is to connect the justice -involved, housing -insecure, and rural agricultural
workers in Colorado with free tobacco and/or nicotine cessation support (cessation counseling and/or
nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offerings).
Preferred/Ideal entity: The ideal applicants will have experience and trust working with individuals in
adult justice -involved facilities, individuals on parole/re-entry, individuals living in court -mandated
housing, individuals experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, or rural agricultural workers.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to support individuals who face challenges receiving
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tobacco and/or nicotine cessation support (cessation counseling and/or nicotine replacement therapy)
due to the Colorado Quitline's requirement of having a permanent address to receive free nicotine
replacement therapy, and/or access to a phone and/or computer to receive counseling:
• Improve access to comprehensive person -centered commercial tobacco and/or nicotine
treatment services.
• Expand networks of care beyond traditional health system settings and modes of service
delivery.
• Assure and promote the availability of comprehensive and barrier -free coverage of tobacco
and/or nicotine cessation counseling and medications.
Key objectives include:
1) Reduce the barriers to tobacco cessation treatment by dispensing nicotine replacement therapy
(nicotine lozenges, gum, and patches) as medically appropriate.
2) Appropriate staff will attend a STEPP-provided Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training and
provide relevant cessation counseling and support.
3) Provide other culturally relevant tobacco treatment services to the identified priority
population(s).
Additional Requirements: The successful applicants will be required to collaborate with STEPP
technical assistance providers and evaluators, as appropriate. All applicants must have or work towards
establishing a commercial tobacco -free grounds policy, which includes promoting tobacco treatment
resources (excluding traditional tobacco use for ceremonial purposes). The successful applicant will
also be required to develop a robust evaluation plan within the first six months of the funding period.
The evaluation elements will include a publishable case study or recommendations that outline the
project methodology used to guide treatment program and/or systems changes design,
implementation, and the impact assessment.
For further background information, see the following links:
• UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center: Justice Involved
• UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center: People Experiencing Homelessness
• Tobacco Use Patterns and Missed Opportunities for Cessation Treatment Among People
Experiencing Homelessness
• The Geography of Farmworker Health in Colorado: An Examination of Disease Clusters and
Healthcare Accessibility
Strategy 2.3 Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab
Funding amount: Approximately $600,000 is available for this strategy per year.
A single award is expected.
The purpose of this funding is to explore new and innovative nicotine cessation approaches to expand
treatment options in Colorado. This project proposes to compare existing cessation interventions within
similar populations to assess effectiveness, scaling, and replicability potential. As Quitline enrollments
continue to decline, it is imperative to identify alternative approaches to nicotine cessation, as public
perceived importance of the Quitline has declined in recent years.
The successful applicant will ensure that the proposed project aligns with the treatment strategies and
recommendations identified in the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan,
including:
• Improve access to comprehensive person -centered commercial tobacco treatment services.
• Expand networks of care beyond traditional health system settings and modes of service
delivery.
• Ensure and promote the availability of comprehensive and barrier -free coverage of tobacco
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treatment services and medications.
Key objectives include:
1) Develop and implement innovative programs and/or strategies to increase the quality,
relevance, acceptability, and reach of tobacco treatment services among priority populations.
2) Remove barriers and expand access to effective tobacco treatment services for the identified
priority population(s).
3) Provide culturally relevant tobacco treatment services to the identified priority population(s).
The successful applicant will be required to pilot at least four innovative cessation offerings throughout
the three-year funding cycle. The STEPP Cessation team will provide input on and approvals for which
offerings are piloted. Financial incentives for participation in these cessation pilots must be included in
the contract amount and will need to be approved by STEPP prior to the pilot initiation.
The first two innovative cessation offerings should focus on Colorado's young adult population. Recent
2022 TABS data indicates an increase in the prevalence of nicotine product use amongst this group,
particularly 21- 24 year olds. New cessation approaches should be designed to appeal to this population
to increase quit attempts and/or increase interest in accessing cessation support.
The other two chosen innovative cessation offerings should focus on Colorado's rural and frontier
populations. Limited access to reliable Wi-Fi services and other technology resources should be a strong
consideration for these offerings.
Additional Requirements:
• The award recipient will be required to coordinate with STEPP's media buying vendor to assist
with recruitment efforts for these pilot projects. The media buying vendor will be responsible
for costs associated with media -specific recruitment efforts.
The award recipient will be required to provide applicable data to inform the evaluation.
Robust evaluation support will be conducted by a STEPP-funded third -party vendor, using data
supplied by the award recipient. Outcomes should include, but are not limited to, the total
number of enrollees for each pilot, amount of nicotine used prior to the offering, amount of
nicotine used 30 days post -offering, type and quantity of nicotine replacement therapy used,
and a qualitative survey at the conclusion of the intervention.
The successful applicant will also be required to develop a robust evaluation plan within the
first six months of the funding period. The evaluation elements will include a publishable case
study or recommendations that outline the project methodology used to guide treatment
program and/or systems changes design, implementation, and impact assessment.
For further background information, see the following links:
• Colorado Ouitline Outcomes FY23
• A Review of Smoking Cessation Interventions: Efficacy. Strategies for Implementation. and
Future Directions
• Technology -based interventions for tobacco smoking prevention and treatment: a 20 -year
bibliometric analysis (2003-2022)
Strategy 2.4 Community Pharmacy Partnership for Prevention: Chronic Disease and Tobacco Risk
Factors Reduction.
Funding amount: Approximately $600,000 is available for this strategy per year.
Multiple awards are possible.
The purpose of this funding is to increase access to risk factor reduction services such as tobacco
cessation, self -measured blood pressure (SMBP) program, Statin Therapy, National Diabetes Prevention
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Program (NDPP), and the Diabetes Self -Management, Education and Support (DSMES) program, to
prevent and manage chronic disease among priority populations.
This project seeks to align the priorities of the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation
Strategic Plan and Chronic Disease State Plans to improve health outcomes among priority populations
in Colorado by engaging community pharmacies in comprehensive, whole -person care. This is
accomplished through increasing pharmacy -delivered Evidence -Based Interventions (EBIs), including
Colorado's tobacco cessation and statin statewide protocols (SWPs), Self -Measured Blood Pressure
Monitoring (SMBP), Diabetes Self -Management Education and Support (DSMES), and the National
Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) in local, community pharmacies throughout the state. Many
people experience challenges in accessing tobacco cessation and chronic disease services due to a lack
of service availability in their community, a lack of awareness of available services, and inconsistent
access to healthcare facilities. Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to improve this access due to
physical presence and trust within local communities. They are also able to work closely with health
systems, local public health agencies (LPHA), and other community supports to provide ongoing
management of behavioral and chronic disease risk factors. Pharmacies are often trusted community
resources that are highly accessible in Colorado, particularly in communities that are both designated
as health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and experience a high burden of chronic disease. In these
areas, pharmacists act as healthcare extenders, providing essential and reimbursable medical services
to their communities, including chronic disease prevention and management and tobacco cessation
service -delivery.
The successful applicant will ensure that the proposed project aligns with the priorities of the 2030
Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan related to the goal of expanding support
for people quitting tobacco and other nicotine products to improve health outcomes among priority
populations:
• Improve access to evidence -informed chronic disease risk factor reduction services by
increasing the number of accessible services and referrals to services.
• Expand care coordination and methods of chronic disease risk factor reduction service delivery.
• Ensure and promote the sustainability of chronic disease risk factor reduction services.
Key objectives include:
1) Deliver chronic disease risk factor reduction services in community pharmacies (i.e. SMBP,
NDPP, and DSMES).
2) Implement Pharmacy Statewide Protocols (SWP) (i.e. Statin Protocol and Tobacco Cessation).
3) Provide pharmacy billing and reimbursement education and training
4) Develop a model for Community Health Worker (CHW)-pharmacy integration
5) Establish a registry for pharmacy -delivered chronic disease services
6) Evaluate the implementation of the strategy through collection and analysis of metrics that
may include, but not be limited to, the following. Note that a full evaluation plan will be
developed in partnership with CDPHE after award:
a) Services/programs delivered
b) Number of referrals received or made
c) Number of collaborative practice agreements or information referral relationships with
clinicians
d) Description of Billing capacity and number of pharmacies receiving reimbursement for
Pharmacy -delivered services/programs
For further background information, see the following links:
• 2030 Tobacco Education. Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan
• Chronic Disease State Plan
• Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention: Team -based Care to Improve Blood Pressure Control
• Advancing Team -Based Care Through Collaborative Practice Agreements
• American Pharmacists Association: Tobacco Cessation Services
• Colorado Pharmacy Statewide Protocols
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Strategy 2.5 Community -Based Organization Cessation Innovation Panels
Funding amount: Approximately $200,000 per award is available for this strategy for the first year,
$700,000 for the second and third year.
Multiple awards are expected. The goal is to award one lead agency to represent each of the
following priority populations:
1) American Indian/Alaska Native
2) Hispanic/Latino men (Spanish and English-speaking)
3) LGBTQIA+ communities
4) Black/African American
5) Individuals who report mental health conditions
6) People with Medicaid health coverage
The purpose of this funding is to empower communities to lead the development and implementation
of highly effective, culturally relevant tobacco cessation strategies. Our goal is to award a single Lead
Agency for each of the priority populations identified in the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and
Cessation Strategic Plan. Each designated Lead Agency will be responsible for convening and guiding a
cohort of partners that collectively serve their respective priority population as selected by the Lead
Agency and will include representation from STEPP and CEPEG, STEPP's Evaluation Technical Assistance
provider. The Lead Agency will facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and collective learning among
the cohort, creating a network that can identify and test a range of innovative, comprehensive,
person -centered commercial tobacco cessation strategies. By funding organizations with established
roots and expertise within these specific communities, we aim to build capacity from within, rather
than imposing top -down solutions.
This project elevates community voice at the systems level and reduces disparities by working to
ensure that the tobacco treatments available reflect the unique needs, preferences, priorities, and
lived experience of the communities most impacted by tobacco use. By funding community -led
organizations to directly develop, test, and refine tobacco cessation strategies uniquely designed for
their specific populations, we are investing in authentic, effective, and sustainable change.
The successful applicants will:
• Act as lead agency and have lived experience and demonstrated success serving the priority
population, and developing community capacity and leadership.
Foster authentic community engagement and leverage best practices for community
engagement to ensure that solutions are genuinely tailored to the unique needs, lived
experiences, and cultural contexts of those most impacted by tobacco use.
Explore unconventional, convenient community touchpoints beyond traditional clinical settings
that may serve as opportunities for access to cessation support.
Collaborate with STEPP technical assistance providers and grantees working on similar
strategies as appropriate.
Key objectives include:
1) The cohorts will be tasked with soliciting and reviewing proposals that test tobacco cessation
strategies grounded in three core values designed to maximize consumer engagement and
success:
a) Access to cessation support should be as normal and accessible as routine activities.
b) Personal, Culturally Relevant Cessation Coaching will be a cornerstone, delivered by
non -clinical, trusted community members who can provide tailored guidance with an
understanding of cultural nuances and life circumstances.
c) All Evidence -Based Strategies developed and tested must be either free or low-cost to
consumers, removing financial barriers to quitting.
Page 19 of 55
2) Solicit, review, and award pilot project proposals.
a) Each cohort will award funding at the panel's discretion.
3) Actively participate and collaborate with other cohorts working on this strategy
4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of each pilot project.
For further background information, see the following links:
• engaging Consumers and Communities to Meaningfully Transform Care
• Building Effective Health System -Community Partnerships: Lessons from the Field
• Participatory Grantmaking
• 2030 Tobacco Education. Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan
Strategy 2.6 Smoke -Free Starts: Promoting Secondhand Smoke and Vape Aerosol Education and
Tobacco Cessation Support for Parents through Pediatric Et Primary Care Settings
Funding amount: Approximately $300,000 is available for this strategy per year.
A single award is expected.
The purpose of this funding is to reduce secondhand smoke and vape aerosol (SHS/V) exposure among
young children by developing a practice -change intervention that embeds SHS/V education and tobacco
cessation support for parents and caregivers into pediatric and/or primary care delivery settings. The
applicant will design and pilot a comprehensive implementation framework that integrates routine
SHS/V screening, education, and cessation referrals into existing workflows through changes to
policies, procedures, and/or electronic health record (EHR) systems. Additionally, the applicant will
conduct targeted media and communications efforts to raise parent and caregiver awareness of SHS/V
harms and available cessation support.
According to 2022 TABS data, 22.5% of households with children reported smoking in the past 30 days,
nearly twice the rate reported in 2018 (11.9%). )tesearch shows that children exposed to secondhand
smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, and a range of
respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Adults' tobacco use and attitudes also strongly influence
youth norms and behaviors, shaping how young people perceive and engage with tobacco products.
Despite this, routine screening and interventions for parental tobacco use are not standard practice
across pediatric and primary care settings.
This strategy leverages the trusted role of medical providers to reach parents when they may be
especially motivated and ready to quit for the health of their children. Evidence shows that brief
interventions in pediatric and primary care settings can successfully increase quit attempts and reduce
children's exposure to SHS/V at home. However, many adults remain unaware of SHS/V harms or how
to access cessation support. Embedding culturally responsive screening, education, and referrals into
routine care and complementing clinical interventions with targeted media and communications efforts
will raise community awareness and ensure more families are connected to trusted resources. The
strategy also aims to capture lessons learned and inform future health systems change by building a
replicable framework and identifying conditions for sustainable implementation.
Preferred/Ideal entity: The ideal applicant will be medical systems, community health centers,
federally qualified health centers, or nonprofit organizations with the ability to integrate
culturally -responsive tobacco -related interventions into pediatric and/or primary care settings. To
maximize impact and reduce disparities, the entity will serve populations targeted by the tobacco
industry and will implement this strategy in clinical settings that serve one or more of the priority
populations identified in the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan,
including Black, American Indian, and LGBTQ+ communities, Spanish-speaking families, rural
Coloradans, Medicaid/CHP+ enrollees, and individuals experiencing mental health conditions.
Page 20 of 55
The successful applicant will:
• Develop a replicable practice -change intervention to reduce SHS/V exposure among children.
This will include designing and piloting a comprehensive framework that integrates routine
SHS/V screening, education, and cessation referrals for parents and caregivers into pediatric
and/or primary care workflows.
Build staff capacity to deliver culturally relevant interventions that promote smoke -free and
vape-free environments for children, and cessation support for parents and caregivers.
Conduct media and communications efforts aimed at parents to raise awareness of SHS/V
harms and promote cessation resources, with support from STEPP technical assistance providers
as needed.
Track project outcomes, assess progress towards systems -level changes, and submit a final
report summarizing lessons learned, implementation challenges, and recommendations for
future replication and scale.
Utilize STEPP-funded tobacco cessation resources to support referrals and access to services.
Collaborate with STEPP technical assistance providers and grantees working on similar
strategies as appropriate.
Key objectives include:
1) Ensure intervention is designed and implemented in a way that is culturally relevant and
appropriate for populations that have been disproportionately burdened and targeted by the
tobacco industry. Co -design intervention content and messaging with parents and caregivers,
ensuring representation from priority populations.
2) Implement a replicable framework to identify and address child SHS/V exposure and tobacco
use among parents and caregivers during pediatric and/or primary care visits.
3) Strengthen provider capacity to deliver clear, culturally responsive guidance that promotes
smoke -free environments to protect children from SHS/V harms.
4) Enhance parent and caregiver awareness and utilization of evidence -based tobacco cessation
resources.
5) Incorporate lessons learned from evidence -based or promising practices in similar settings.
For further background information, see the following links:
• The ONE Step Initiative: Ouatity Improvement in a Pediatric Clinic for Secondhand Smoke
Reduction
• Tobacco And Nicotine Attitudes And Messaging Survey
• Treating Parents for Tobacco Use in the Pediatric Setting
• Understanding the potential of teachable moments: the case of smoking cessation
• Parental Smoking Cessation to Protect Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analvsis
Strategy 2.7 Smoke -Free Multi -unit Housing and Integrated Cessation Support
Funding amount: Approximately $200,000 per award is available for this strategy per year.
Multiple awards are expected: Two awards for entities in a rural community, one award for an entity
in an urban community, for a total of three awards.
The purpose of this funding is to establish tobacco cessation navigators within local public housing or
affordable multi -unit housing settings that are actively implementing a smoke -free policy, which will:
• Increase quit attempts and duration of quit attempts among residents
• Increase use of evidence -based cessation services
• Provide access to cessation resource support to residents
• Increase compliance with the smoke -free policy
• Reduce secondhand smoke exposure to all residents, guests, and staff of the property.
Page 21 of 55
The cessation navigator(s) will conduct Ask, Advise, and Connect interventions with residents who
smoke and who are interested in quitting, connecting them to STEPP-funded cessation support services
to help them comply with new smoke -free policy. The cessation navigator will identify and address
individual -level barriers to cessation, provide tailored guidance and support, and use motivational
intervention to assist individuals throughout their cessation process.
According to the 2022 Tobacco Attitudes Behavior Survey (TABS), people who report living in multi -unit
(MUH) housing had higher current smoking rates than non-MUH residents. Current smoking among MUH
residents was 18.7% compared with people who do not live in MUH at 11%. The 2024 Report of the
Surgeon General finds that inadequate smoke -free protections for people living in multi -unit housing
contribute to disparities in exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and smoking rates. The report
recommends smoke -free policies in multi -unit housing and cultural tailoring of cessation interventions
for increasing quitting readiness and quit attempts among groups with disparate smoking prevalence
rates and secondhand smoke exposure.
This strategy is intended to make progress toward achieving multiple goals in the 2030 Tobacco
Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan, including Goal 2, expand protections from
secondhand smoke/vapor among populations with high burden of exposure, and Goal 3: Increasing the
reach of tobacco cessation support for priority populations by 50%.
A 2017 study found that a peer -led cessation intervention was able to increase utilization of treatment
programs and smoking abstinence among public housing residents. Program participants ".. were twice
as likely as a comparison group to enroll in an on -site evidence -based program and reported higher
seven-day and 30 -day abstinence rates."
Preferred/Ideal entities: Local public health agencies, a non-profit housing provider, or a public
housing authority. The ideal applicant(s) will have demonstrated expertise in both smoke -free policy
implementation and providing culturally tailored evidence -based cessation services, including providing
services in English and Spanish.
The successful applicant will:
• Actively support the ongoing implementation of a smoke -free policy.
Conduct assessments to determine degree of the readiness of properties with current
smoke -free policies to include the support of a cessation navigator.
Create an intervention plan for the cessation navigator to provide education and support to
residents and staff based on the assessment findings.
Recruit and train cessation navigator(s), who are closely connected to the housing community
and will act as a bridge between residents and cessation services. Ensure the cessation
navigator(s) are Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) certified, to educate residents on the
dangers of smoking and provide tools to promote cessation of tobacco and vapor products. The
cessation navigator(s) will serve multiple sites and will assist individuals in quitting tobacco and
nicotine use through effective, evidence -based interventions, including counseling.
Work to create and maintain a trusted relationship with the residents of the multi -unit housing
community.
Provide long-term recommendations to CDPHE based on outcomes stated for this group in the
2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan.
Key Objectives Include:
1) A decrease in the percentage of residents who experience secondhand smoke and vape aerosol
drift into their apartment during the past 30 days.
2) Increase utilization of evidence -based cessation services among residents and staff who report
current tobacco use.
3) At least 65%* of the program participants report at least one quit attempt during the project
period. [*Indicator set based on the rate of quit attempts among all Colorado Adults who
currently smoke in the BRFSS]
Page 22 of 55
4) Development of a set of best practice guidelines based on the evaluation findings that can be
used to guide future implementation of this type of work.
Additional Requirements: Coordinate between local public health agencies, non-profit housing
providers, and housing authorities. The successful applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with
STEPP technical assistance providers and grantees, as appropriate.
For further background information, see the following links:
• Young W, Karp S, Bialick P, Liverance C, Seder A, Berg E, et al. Health, Secondhand Smoke
Exposure, and Smoking Behavior Impacts of No -Smoking Policies in Public Housing, Colorado,
2014-2015. Prey Chronic Dis 2016;13:160008. DOI:
https://www.cdc.00v/ocd/issues/2016/16 0008.htm
Twelve -Month Outcomes of a Group -Randomized Community Health Advocate -Led Smoking
Cessation Intervention in Public Housing, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.oNicotine Tob Res. 2017
Nov 14;20(12):1434-1441.
FY19 STEPP Cessation Navigator Program in Multi -Unit Housing. Executive Summary
Eliminating Tobacco -Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the Surgeon
General, 2024 Full Report, Executive Summary
Strategy 2.8 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Support People Quitting Tobacco
Funding amount: Approximately $150,000 to $ 200,000 per award is available for this strategy per
year.
Multiple awards are possible.
The purpose of this funding is to provide applicants with an opportunity to submit proposals to
implement evidence -informed strategies and initiatives aimed at maximizing tobacco treatment service
access, use and recovery disparities among identified priority populations. Proposals must adhere to
the guidance and definition for evidence -informed innovation (for more information see Attachment F:
Jnnovation Overview) and be designed to address one or more of the 2030 Tobacco Education,
Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan North Star and/or Goal 3 Benchmarks.
This project will serve priority populations as outlined in 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and
Cessation Strategic Plan.
Preferred/Ideal entity: Applicants will have demonstrated experience serving or developing programs
that are designed and tailored for the identified priority population(s).
The successful applicant(s) will ensure that the proposed project aligns with the treatment strategies
and recommendations identified in the 2030 Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic
Plan including:
• Improving access to comprehensive person -centered commercial tobacco treatment services.
• Expanding networks of care beyond traditional health system settings and modes of service
delivery.
• Assuring and promoting the availability of comprehensive and barrier -free coverage of tobacco
treatment services and medications.
Key objectives include:
1) Developing and implementing innovative programs and/or strategies to increase the quality,
relevance, acceptability and reach of tobacco treatment services among priority populations.
2) Removing barriers and expanding access to effective tobacco treatment services for the
identified priority population(s).
3) Providing culturally relevant tobacco treatment services to the identified priority population(s).
Page 23 of 55
Additional Requirements: The successful applicant(s) will be required to collaborate with STEPP
technical assistance providers, as appropriate. The successful applicant will be required to develop an
evaluation plan within the first 6 months of the funding period. The evaluation elements will include a
publishable case study or recommendations that outline the project methodology used to guide
treatment program and/or systems change(s) design, implementation, and the impact assessment. All
applicants must have or work towards establishing a commercial tobacco -free grounds policy, which
includes tobacco treatment resource promotion (excluding traditional tobacco use for ceremonial
purposes).
IV. TOOLS AND GUIDANCE
A. Definition of Terms
A list of terms used in this RFA can be found in Attachment F: Definition of Terms.
B. Additional Guidance
Resources on Colorado data and other critical tobacco issues may be accessed in a number of ways.
More information about STEPP is available for applicants on the grant program web page. The Colorado
Health Indicators site includes health indicators at the county, regional, and state -level on a variety of
health, environmental, and social topics. These indicators are useful for anyone who needs Colorado
health data for a community health assessment or for other research purposes. If you have questions
about this site, contact the Health Statistics Section via email at health.statistics@state.co.us or by
telephone at (303) 692-2160.
Data from many programs within the Department are available through the Visual Information System
for Identifying Opportunities and Needs (VISION) and the Colorado Health Indicators website. VISION
provides data and visualizations for assessments and data -driven public health planning and program
work. Data in this tool are updated as the data source allows to provide the most recent information on
Colorado health measures.
The CDC's Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs — 2014 states "that
evidence -based, statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained, and
accountable have been shown to reduce smoking rates, as well as tobacco -related diseases and
deaths." The Guide to Community Preventive Services is a collection of evidence -based findings of the
Community Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force). CDC's Evidence -Based Guides for States
webpage contains additional best practices and resources for tobacco control programs.
Applicants may also reference data specific to tobacco use by accessing The Attitudes and Behaviors
Survey on Health (TABS). TABS is a statewide survey conducted every three to four years, to learn about
the overall health of adults across Colorado. The most recent report represents data provided by
approximately 14,000 adults(aged 18+) who participated in randomly selected phone and online
surveys. Respondents were able to complete the survey in their choice of English or Spanish. This
survey is funded through Colorado Amendment 35. The TABS report outlines Colorado state and regional
data on tobacco behaviors and attitudes. Access the TABS data report.
Applicants may find Colorado data regarding youth tobacco use and behaviors in the Healthy Kids
Colorado Survey (HKCS). HKCS is jointly conducted every two years through an agreement with multiple
state agencies including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Colorado
Department of Human Services, and the Colorado Department of Education, and in cooperation with
local school districts. A total of 344 sampled middle and high schools and 120,239 sampled students
participated in the 2023 HKCS. HKCS is partially funded through Colorado Amendment 35.
V. SELECTION, EVALUATION, AND AWARDS
The technical aspects of applications will be assessed based on the soundness of the applicant's
Page 24 of 55
approach and the applicants demonstrated understanding of the requirements. Past
experience/qualifications will be assessed by considering the extent to which the qualifications,
experience, and past performance are likely to foster successful, on -time performance. Technical and
past experience assessments may include a judgment concerning the potential risk of unsuccessful or
untimely performance, and the anticipated amount of State resources necessary to ensure timely,
successful performance. The State may use all information available regarding past performance as
defined in C.R.S. S24-106-107 et. seq.
The program has carefully designed a scoring and selection process to ensure a fair selection of the
best -qualified applicants. The selection process is described below. The criteria for scoring are in
direct correlation to the required application components.
Applications that fail to follow all of the requirements may not be considered.
A. Financial Risk Assessment Rating in Evaluation
The financial risk rating determined from the submitted Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire or
CDPHE Financial Risk Management System (FRMS) rating (Local Public Health Agencies and Tribal
governments only) will be communicated to reviewers during the application review process and to the
Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) during evaluations for funding decisions. Applications that fail to
follow all requirements may not be considered.
IMPORTANT: A financial risk rating will be assigned for all applicants. Local public health agencies and
Tribal governments are not required to complete Attachment E: Financial Risk Assessment
Ouestionnaire because they already have a risk rating assigned by the CDPHE Financial Risk
Management System (FRMS). Colorado State Agencies and Colorado State Institutions of Higher
Education are not required to complete the Attachment E: Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire.
This form must be completed and submitted by all other applicants, including nonprofits or
governmental agencies. The application can be submitted digitally using the Google form linked on the
questionnaire or attached within the RFA Application form. Applicants must retain a copy of their
completed Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire for any additional funding applications within a
12 -month period. Any changes will require a new form to be submitted. The application may not be
reviewed if the completed form is not completed.
The financial risk assessment rating does NOT determine whether or not CDPHE will fund an applicant,
rather, it determines an applicant's financial and management strength, and the level of technical
assistance and contract monitoring necessary to help the applicant succeed with the project, if
awarded. The form and guidance are part of this announcement. For more information, please see the
Financial Risk Assessment FAQs.
B. Application Scoring, Review and Selection Process
1. Scoring
Applications will be scored on a 100 -point scale. As this is a competitive process, those applications
scoring highest on the 100 -point scale will be considered for funding.
All applicants, regardless of the initiative or strategy they select, must demonstrate that the work is
well -conceived, grounded in the best available evidence, and that the applicant currently lacks
adequate resources to implement work that advances the goals of the tobacco program.
In the application review process high -scoring applications will:
• Demonstrate a need for the proposed work;
• Demonstrate that the strategies and proposed work are not currently sufficiently resourced and
could be with the requested funds;
Page 25 of 55
• Propose collaborative evidence -informed approaches; and
• Focus on reducing health disparities in populations most burdened by tobacco.
Page 26 of 55
2. Scoring Components
The following tables show how the points will be allocated by reviewers across the various components of the applications received.
State and Community Tobacco Interventions
Strategy 1.1
Community -Led
Change to
Eliminate
Tobacco -Related
Disparities
Strategy 1.2
Healthy Housing
Multi -unit Rental
Inspection Pilot
Strategy 1.3
Secondhand
Smoke Education
for Parents of
Young Children
Strategy 1.4 Other
Evidence -Informed
Strategies to
Reduce Disparities
through Policy and
Environmental
Change in
Commercial
Tobacco Control
Executive Summary
5
5
5
5
Project Description, Design, and Statement
of Need
15
20
20
20
Evidence -Informed Alignment
n/a
10
10
10
Program Infrastructure and Summary of
Experience/Qualifications
40
10
10
10
Description of Collaboration (includes
letters of collaboration)
20
10
10
10
Project Evaluation
10
20
20
20
p[tc,
Narrative T
Project Implementation Plan
5
20
20
20
Project Budget and Budget Justification
5
5
5
5
Total:
100
100
100
100
Page 27 of 55
Tobacco Treatment Interventions
Strategy
2.1
Quality
Cancer
Screening
Strategy
2.2
Bridging
the Gap:
Nicotine
Cessation
Sees
for
Colorado's
Undersery
ed
Populatio
ns
Strategy
2.3
Communit
y -Based
Organizati
Nicotine
Cessation
Innovation
Lab
Strategy
2.4
Communit
Y
Pharmacy
Partnershi
P for
rention
: Chronic
Disease
and
Tobacco
Risk
Factors
Reduction.
Strategy
2.5
Communit
y- Based
Oraati
on
Cessation
Innovation
Panels
Strategy
2.6
Smoke-Fre
a Starts:
Promoting
Secondhan
d Smoke
and Vape
Aerosol
Education
Tobacco
Cessation
Support
for Parents
through
Pediatric,. Et
Primary
Care
Settings
Strategy
2.7
Smoke-Fre
e
Multi -unit
and
Integrated
Cessation
Support
Strategy
2.8 Other
Evidence -1
=es
to Support
People
Quitting
Tobacco
:s :tt p r
aJ f £' fr
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t Y 3, .. iW''
n .> -,. �e >
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,. *^n�X# f .iw'
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,.,. . ., Y*.z
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, v - �
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-.
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..:`'�s''�..;.
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Executive Summary
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
,.
, 3Y,
r.,.,
k aC
-k' ..ar ,
�'?''�BE ��`d
'• S pw4``
,�. ..�
'..§c..%3 ".a �
x
.a'` r t -
cdl"'�`.,,. �``,
k
.d A''^ �i.-
1a�'�.v ...
_ ... _ � 3r,'!� }.y
ice^
m 'r �J
ud:...��
'
c* .x. ,
,�
ir. x`-
�"
'!
� ' 1�',^"'�
Project Description,
Design, and
Statement of Need
15
15
20
25
15
25
20
20
Evidence -Informed
Alignment
10
n/a
n/a
25
n/a
n/a
10
10
Program
Infrastructure and
Summary of
Experience / Quali f i cat
30
40
40
7
40
25
10
10
Page 28 of 55
ions
Description of
Collaboration
(includes letters of
collaboration)
5
20
n/a
3
20
5
10
10
Project Evaluation
20
10
20
10
10
15
20
20
Project
Implementation Plan
10
5
10
20
5
20
20
20
Project Budget and
Budget Justification
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Total:
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Note: Existing grantees in good standing applying under the same strategy as current work are not required to submit Executive Summary and
Application Narrative.
Page 29 of 55
3. Review and Selection Process
This is a competitive selection process. A multiphase evaluation review process will be conducted for
applications received through this RFA. The steps in the process include:
• Application intake and technical review to ensure requirements are met.
• Individual subject matter expert review and scoring of applications.
• Team review and finalization of application scores.
• Portfolio review and funding recommendations made by the Tobacco Review Committee (TRC).
All applications will receive a preliminary technical review by CDPHE staff in the Prevention Services
Division to ensure the application is complete and qualified for review. Applications that do not
include all required components as outlined in this RFA may not be qualified for review.
Qualified applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee of internal and external content
experts in tobacco control, chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and public health. Each
application will have at least three reviewers, creating the application review team. Applications will
be assigned based on reviewer subject matter expertise.
CDPHE will convene the application review team to discuss applications and finalize scores for each
application in order to make funding recommendations to the Tobacco Review Committee (TRC).
Results of the application evaluation and review process will be consolidated and reviewed across the
entire Tobacco Program portfolio, including projects funded outside of this RFA. The Tobacco Review
Committee (TRC) serves as the final determining body on whether the applications proposed by
applicants advance the goals of the initiatives included in this RFA, as well as the strategic direction of
the program. The Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) reserves the right to award funds to qualifying
applicants on criteria such as whether work and strategies are sufficiently resourced, need, and
geographic dispersion of funds, rather than on the basis of score alone.
Final award recommendations will be made and presented by the Tobacco Review Committee (TRC) to
the Colorado Board of Health for approval and are not subject to an appeals process.
4. Decision and Notification
Applicants will be notified via email of the funding decisions. The estimated notification date is
indicated in the schedule of activities.
VI. HOW TO APPLY
A. Letter of Intent to Apply
To assist the program in planning for the application review process (i.e. recruiting enough reviewers,
setting meeting agendas), applicants must submit a non -binding Letter of Intent to Apply using t`il g
provided RFA Application form linked here by no later than 5:00pm MDT on October 6, 2025 (extended
deadline).
The Letters of Intent to Apply will be used solely for planning purposes by the program. The form will
ask you to provide the following information:
• Organization/agency name
• Contact information
• Initiative(s) and selected strategy(ies)
• If applying for Strategy 1.1: Community -Led Change to Eliminate Tobacco -Related Disparities
and Strategy 2.5: Community -Based Organization Cessation Innovation Panels strategies, you
Page 30 of 55
will be prompted to select which priority population the project wilt represent and serve.
The Letter of Intent to Apply does not need to include any explanations of the applicant's qualifications
or desire to receive grant funding. One Letter of Intent can be submitted for multiple application
submissions (for multiple interventions and/or multiple strategies). Applicants that do not submit a
Letter of Intent are still able to apply.
B. Applications
Applications must be submitted as specified in this announcement. Applications that fail to follow all
of the requirements may not be considered. The applicant is solely responsible for the review of all
RFA materials, including attachments and guidance documents, and submitting a complete and
accurate application, including current data and mathematically correct figures, pursuant to the RFA
requirements. All costs incurred in responding to this RFA will be borne by the applicant.
C. Required Documents
All applications must include the following in this order:
1. CDPHE RFA Cover Sheet and Signature Page (template provided - Attachment A; must be signed
electronically or with a wet ink signature and attached to RFA Application Form)
2. Project Contact Information (submitted via RFA Application Form)
3. General Project Intake Questions (submitted via RFA Application Form)
a. Strategy Applying For
b. Project Title
c. Project Description
d. Requested Annual Funding
e. Attestation of eligibility
4. Executive Summary (submitted as an attachment to the RFA Application Form) -
a. Note: Existing grantees in good standing applying under the same strategy as current
work do not need to submit this requirement.
5. Application Narrative (submitted as an attachment to the RFA Application Form) - See below for
more specific prompts for each strategy.
a. Note: Existing grantees in good standing applying under the same strategy as current
work do not need to submit this requirement.
6. Project Implementation Plan (template provided - Attachment B; submitted as attachment via
the RFA Application Form)
7. Budget and Budget Justification (template provided; submitted as attachment via the RFA
Application Form)
• IMPORTANT: The budget form must explain all expenses included. Applicants are
responsible for ensuring the calculations in the budget are accurate. The Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment reserves the right to deny requests for
any item listed in the budget that is deemed to be unnecessary for the implementation
of the project.
Two budget templates provided based on selected Reimbursement Mechanism. See
below for guidance on Reimbursement Mechanisms.
o Attachment C - Cost -Reimbursement STEPP RFA Budget Template 12 Month
o Attachment D - Advance Payment RFA Budget Template 12 Month
8. Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire (template provided - Attachment E; submitted as
attachment via the RFA Application Form or using the Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire
Google Form.)
• IMPORTANT: A financial risk rating will be assigned for all applicants. Local public
health agencies and Tribal governments are not required to complete the Financial Risk
Assessment Questionnaire because they already have a risk rating assigned by the
CDPHE Financial Risk Management System (FRMS). Colorado State Agencies and
Colorado State Institutions of Higher Education are not required to complete the
Page 31 of 55
Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire. This form must be completed and submitted
by all other applicants, including nonprofits or governmental agencies. If your
agency/organization has submitted a Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire within
the past 12 -months and there are no changes, attach the previous form to the RFA
Application Form.
Application Executive Summary (Required for all applicants - no more than 2 pages)
Describe the intent of the proposed project/application, indicating:
• The specific intervention (State and Community or Tobacco Treatment) you are applying for,
• The specific strategy you are applying for,
• Priority population(s) served by the project and key collaborators,
• The purpose of the project,
• Key objectives,
• Expected outcomes, and
• How the project advances innovative approaches and/or supports essential infrastructure to
further reduce tobacco -related health burden for populations outlined in the 2030 Tobacco
Education, Prevention, and Cessation Strategic Plan.
Note: Existing grantees in good standing applying under the same strategy as current work do not need
to submit this requirement.
Application Narrative (Required for all applicants. see specific questions for the strategies and
projects indicated below - No more than 20 pages)
The application narrative must address each section clearly and concisely and include all of the
required information for the section. Review each strategy for the specific prompts and requirements.
Strategy 1.1 Community -Led Change to Eliminate Tobacco -Related Disparities
Note: Existing grantees for this strategy that are in good standing do not need to submit this
requirement.
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Which of the priority populations does the project propose to serve?
• What is your vision for partnering with STEPP? Describe the ideal future that it will work to
achieve. Include what the partnership would look like, and any shared values.
• Describe the current financial resources that exist within the relevant communities for the
kinds of activities outlined in this proposal.
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• How do your/your organization's skills, qualifications, and experience, including number of
years engaging with relevant community(ies), set you up for success?
What practices are in place to advance and transform processes to be more community -led at
your organization? Examples can include details about how you engage and build trust with
community; how communities directly impacted by the issues are being elevated into positions
of leadership; and how communities involved in the co -creation of solutions will directly
benefit from these funds. If you do not have practices in place, please tell us why and how you
would initiate this process if awarded this funding.
How do you plan to engage the affected community in the design, implementation, and
strategic direction of the project? Include a description of how community members will be
involved throughout the project in decision -making roles.
Description of Collaboration
• What other organizations do you partner with, and how do you collaborate? If you are not
partnering with other organizations because you are the only one in the area, how have you
established relationships with community members?
• Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
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affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• How will you know when you are successful or making progress on your project? How will
communities' lived expertise shape the evaluation process?
• Describe how you plan to help track key outcomes and share lessons learned with STEPP and
other STEPP grantees?
Strategy 1.2 Healthy Housing Multi -unit Rental Inspection Pilot
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe the needs and the opportunities that the project you are proposing will address, as
well as the intended population, and existing (or non -existing) resources.
Provide a justification for and local facts which support why the selection of priority
population(s) was made and how they will be served through the selected jurisdiction(s).
• Describe the overall project design, including specific activities and services to be
provided and expected outcomes from the activities and services.
Describe the population(s) that the proposed project plans to reach (include
demographic characteristics and geographic location, if applicable). How will this
project impact your intended population(s)?
Describe plans for engaging and addressing the needs of populations experiencing
health disparities related to housing and secondhand smoke exposure.
Describe the obstacles you could encounter while implementing this project within the
proposed jurisdiction(s). What steps can you take from the beginning to prevent or support you
in overcoming these obstacles?
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• What type of readiness assessment was completed or can be completed to show that there is
capacity to implement the approach and that there would be interested participants?
• Describe existing and additional required staff to implement this project as well as
their roles and responsibilities. For vacant proposed positions, identify plans for hiring,
training and retaining staff that represent the community and ability to work with the
community (ies) and population(s) identified in your project.
Describe a successful proactive housing rental inspection program you have researched. Explain
how your research will inform the implementation of this project.
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe your organization's experience relevant to the project, such as navigating local policy
and procedures related to housing rental properties and healthy housing requirements, and
supporting tobacco control; working with the intended population(s); working in the selected
jurisdiction(s); and implementing similar strategies.The response must include any relative
experience and a description of types of agencies the applicant has worked with to support
these efforts. If submitting an application with other agencies, please describe any experience
working together in the past.
Describe the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of the project, staff, and/or organization
relative to the intended population.
What type of legal support does your organization provide you that could assist with challenges
of working with renters, multi -unit housing providers, and housing codes?
Describe your organization's capacity to comply with and monitor the implementation of grant
requirements.
Describe your organization's history and experience working with key decision makers and
stakeholders (i.e. city council boards) when advocating for policy changes.
Description of Collaboration
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• Explain the collaborative efforts supporting the proposed project, including the name and the
role of the lead agency, names and roles of collaborating agencies, and the process for
communication and coordination.
• Describe how you plan to engage the affected community members in the design,
implementation, and strategic direction of the project? Include a description of how
community members will be involved throughout the project in decision -making roles.
• Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan, including
timelines; tools and approaches used; and staff responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic,
and Timely) outcome objectives stated in the implementation plan. Describe the methods that
will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed project. Consider the following
criteria:
• Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and impacted
your intended populations and to what degree?
Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations are
necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired outcome
and to what degree?
How will you communicate lessons learned with the intent to inform future proactive
multi -unit housing rental inspection programming?
If you proposed work in two different jurisdiction(s), how would you evaluate the success of
implementation between the two projects?
Strategy 1.3 Secondhand Smoke Education for Parents of Young Children
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe your organization and any collaborators or partnerships that will be leveraged to carry
out the project.
Describe your plan to conduct media and communications efforts aimed at parents to raise
awareness of secondhand smoke/vape aerosol harms and promote cessation support.
To maximize impact and reduce disparities, the project should be designed and implemented in
a way that is culturally relevant and appropriate for populations that have been
disproportionately burdened and targeted by the tobacco industry. Which priority population(s)
will the intervention serve? How will you ensure the intervention is culturally relevant,
appropriate, and co -designed with these population(s)?
Describe the current gaps or unmet needs of the population to be served and how this
intervention aims to address those gaps or needs (i.e. What is not happening now that this
intervention aims to address?).
In what ways is your project designed to facilitate sustainability of the work through
organizational change, staff turnover, etc?
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• What research was used in the selection or design of this project? For example:
• Was a similar approach used to address a different behavior change?
• Was the same approach being used but with a different intended population? Or a
different setting (urban vs. rural)?
• Have any studies been performed on this kind of intervention and what have they
shown?
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Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe the program infrastructure in place as well as applicant's (and collaborators')
experience relevant to the project, specifically working with educators.
How do your/your organization's skills, qualifications, and experience, including number of
years engaging with relevant community(ies), set you up for success?
Describe the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of the project, staff, and/or organization
relative to the intended population.
What would make this project fail and what steps will you put in place from the beginning to
prevent that?
Description of Collaboration
• What other organizations do you partner with, and how do you collaborate?
How do you envision collaborating with other partners to better access STEPP priority
populations?
Describe how you will collaborate with schools to provide secondhand smoke/vape aerosol and
cessation education to parents.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
Applicants should include a description of the process and expected outcomes for evaluation, scaled
appropriately for the proposed project. Several projects in this RFA include descriptions of expected
evaluation approaches and engagement. Evidence -informed innovation strategies will have more points
dedicated to evaluation in the application scoring process. For the purposes of this grant application,
please provide a description that includes the following:
A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan, including
timelines; tools and approaches used; and staff responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART outcome objectives stated in the
implementation plan. Describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of
the proposed project. Consider the following criteria:
o Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and impacted
your intended populations and to what degree?
Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations are
necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired outcome
and to what degree?
How will you measure the effectiveness of parent education around secondhand smoke/vape
aerosol and cessation?
Strategy 1.4 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Reduce Disparities in Policy and Environmental
Change in Commercial Tobacco Control
Note: Existing grantees for this strategy that are in good standing do not need to submit this
requirement.
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe the needs and the opportunities that the project you are proposing will address, the
intended population, and existing (or non -existing) resources.
• Describe the populations that the proposed project/strategy plans to reach/impact (include
demographic characteristics and geographic location, if applicable).
• Describe how the proposal satisfies an unmet need of the population to be served, including
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the impact on health disparities.
Describe the current financial resources that exist within the relevant communities for the
kinds of activities outlined in this proposal.
Cite relevant data that substantiate the existing burden of tobacco use.
Describe how you will develop and implement a sustainability plan demonstrating how the
proposed strategies will remain sustainable beyond this 3 -year grant period.
Provide a justification for and local facts which support why the selection was made, and how
the strategies will impact your intended population/community.
• Describe how the proposed interventions are not duplicative of other services provided
in the same geographic area or to the same intended population/community, and how
your organization will coordinate with existing programs in the area to maximize
resources and complement other related chronic disease efforts, including other
Amendment 35 funded grant program efforts (e.g. CCPD or Health Disparities) in the
same geographic area or with the same intended population/community.
Describe plans for engaging and addressing the needs of populations experiencing
health disparities.
Describe the overall project design, including specific activities and services to be
provided and expected outcomes from the activities and services.
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Describe what is being proposed and how this evidence -informed innovation aligns with the
selected intervention area and advances the strategic direction of the STEPP Grant Program.
Describe why this evidence -informed innovation is being proposed for this population and
indications that it will be successful.
Describe the (community) assessment that was done to demonstrate the need for the proposed
project/ approach.
What type of readiness assessment was completed (to show that there is capacity to implement
the approach AND that there would be interested participants)?
Describe how this evidence -informed innovation will help reduce health disparities.
Describe the evidence that supports the selection or design of this innovative approach. For
example:
• Was a similar approach used to address a different behavior change?
Was the same approach being used but with a different intended population? Or a
different setting (urban vs. rural)?
Is there qualitative evidence that this innovation could work based on local experience?
Have any studies been performed on this kind of intervention and what have they
shown?
What would make this innovation fail and what steps will you put in place from the
beginning to prevent that?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe the program infrastructure in place as well as applicant's (and collaborators')
experience relevant to the project. Briefly describe current and past programming related to
the proposed project.
"Note: Please include details of all funding including any current Amendment 35 funding.
Describe the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of the project, staff, and/or organization
relative to the intended population.
• Describe the applicant's ability to complete this project.
• Describe your organization's history and experience working with the intended population.
• Describe your organization's capacity to comply with and monitor the implementation of grant
requirements.
Describe existing and additional required staff to implement this project as well as their roles
and responsibilities. For vacant proposed positions, identify plans for hiring, training and
retaining staff that represent the community and ability to work with the community (ies) and
population(s) identified in your project.
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Describe the applicants experience relevant to the project, such as working in a specific
disease or health promotion project; working with the intended population(s); and
implementing similar strategies. The response must include any relative experience and a
description of types of agencies the applicant has worked with to support tobacco control goals
(e.g. governmental public health agencies, private not -for-profit clinics, Federally Qualified
Health Centers). If submitting an application with other agencies, please describe any
experience working together in the past.
Description of Collaboration
• Partners may include community coalitions, providers of local tobacco control services, youth
programs, volunteer organizations, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Urban Indian Health
Organizations, and/or other entities. Partnerships must be evident in the application
implementation plan and via the submissions of the letters of collaboration.
Explain the collaborative efforts supporting the proposed project, including the name and the
role of the lead agency, names and roles of collaborating agencies, and the process for
communication and coordination.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• Applicants should include a description of the process and expected outcomes for evaluation,
scaled appropriately for the proposed project. Several projects in this RFA include descriptions
of expected evaluation approaches and engagement. Evidence -informed innovation strategies
will have more points dedicated to evaluation in the application scoring process. For the
purposes of this grant application, please provide a description that includes the following:
o A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan,
including timelines; tools and approaches used; and staff responsible for collecting,
analyzing, and evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Realistic, and Timely) outcome objectives stated in the implementation plan. Describe
the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed project.
Consider the following criteria:
• Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and
impacted your intended populations and to what degree?
• Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations
are necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
■ Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired
outcome and to what degree?
Strategy 2.1 Quality Lung Cancer Screening
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe how Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) programs will be recruited to participate. Describe
LCS screening program requirements for participation.
Describe how tobacco cessation programs will be integrated into LCS programs.
Describe how the use of Electronic Health Records/Health Information Technology (EHRs/HIT)
will be integrated into the implementation of LCS programs.
Describe experience in developing and implementing clinical workflows for LCS programs.
• Share a workflow that you've developed previously or an example workflow.
Describe how LCS programs will serve those populations disproportionately impacted by
tobacco.
Evidence -Informed Alignment
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• Describe how the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), and other evidence as appropriate, will
be applied to the proposed project.
• Describe what steps will be taken to replicate, as best as possible, the clinical trial
environment from the NLST.
• Describe policies that health systems will need to put in place to support LCS program
implementation.
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe your organizational capacity and experience in program development and
implementation for a high -quality, centralized LCS. Include the following:
• Describe how LCS programs will be assessed for readiness and capacity to participate.
Describe how LCS programs readiness assessment results will be conveyed to LCS
programs.
Describe what resources your organization has, or plans to have, that will support LCS
programs with implementation.
Describe how LCS programs will receive technical assistance and access to
subject -matter experts/support/resources throughout implementation.
Describe your experience with patient navigation implementation for quality LCS.
Describe common barriers to LCS and program implementation and how you intend to
overcome them.
Describe the organizational capacity and expertise to support the implementation of this
project, including the following functions/skill sets recommended for quality LCS programs:
• Lung-RADSstructured reporting for screening computed tomographies (CTs)
• Fleischner criteria reporting for Incidental Pulmonary Nodules
• Image -guided lung biopsy
• Bronchoscopy, including endobronchial ultrasound
• Thoracic surgery
• Radiation treatment, including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
• Pathologic diagnosis and biomarker testing
• Quality assurance
Description of Collaboration
• Applications must include letters of support from the applicant's organizational leadership.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Additionally, include letters of support from key partners collaborating on the project. Key
partners may include (but are not limited to):
• Technical assistance providers
• Tobacco Treatment Counselor
• Program navigators
• Individuals or patients
• Clinician champions
• Healthcare systems
• Professional associations
• Clinics, hospitals, Cancer Centers, community cancer centers
• Community leaders, and others
Project Evaluation
Applicants should include a description of the process and expected outcomes for evaluation, scaled
appropriately for the proposed project. Several projects in this RFA include descriptions of expected
evaluation approaches and engagement. Evidence -informed innovation strategies will have more points
dedicated to evaluation in the application scoring process. For the purposes of this grant application,
please provide a description that includes the following for both the Technical Assistance provider(s)
that will be supporting LCS Program training and implementation, and for the LCS Program receiving
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the training and implementing the strategy:
• A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan, including
timelines; tools and approaches used; and staff responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART outcome objectives stated in the
implementation plan. Describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of
the proposed project. Consider the following criteria:
• Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and impacted
your intended populations and to what degree?
• Technical Assistance providers should consider the number of health systems
and/or LCS Program staff trained and their change in knowledge, attitudes and
beliefs.
• LCS program should consider patient engagement and satisfaction.
Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations are
necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired outcome?
• Technical Assistance providers should consider measuring quality of training and
support.
• LCS programs should consider measuring lung cancer screening rates, number
of new or adapted policies and procedures, tobacco cessation referrals, patient
navigation and other efforts for screening adherence including adopting
responsibility for the care of program participants with regard to LCS.
Strategy 2.2 Bridging the Gap: Nicotine Cessation Services for Colorado's Underserved Populations
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe how your organization will serve one of the underserved populations (justice -involved
individuals, housing -insecure populations, rural agricultural workers). What is the current need
for tobacco and/or nicotine cessation services within this population?
Describe your proposed project design. What core components or activities will be
implemented to deliver cessation counseling and/or nicotine replacement therapy to your
intended population?
Are there additional approaches that you will integrate to improve access to person -centered,
culturally relevant, or population -specific care (i.e. in -person groups, peer support, language
services)?
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Describe the evidence -informed practices or models you will use to deliver tobacco and/or
nicotine cessation services. Why were these approaches chosen?
Will you be utilizing any validated screening or treatment planning tools? If so, please describe.
Do you currently operate under a tobacco -free policy? If not, what steps will you take to adopt
and implement such a policy in accordance with the RFA requirements?
This project supports the use of nicotine replacement therapies in underserved and high -barrier
settings. What protocols are in place or will be followed to ensure accessibility of the nicotine
replacement therapies?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• What internal capacity do you have in place to launch and sustain this project? Please include
how you plan to send appropriate staff to the Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training.
• Describe your organization's experience working with one of the intended populations. What
trust -based relationships currently exist?
• How will you ensure services are trauma -informed and culturally competent?
• Describe your organization's previous success in delivering health behavior change programs to
underserved populations.
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• This project will require the awardee to publish the findings of the pilot evaluations. If
applicable, please describe your experience with publishing previous project results and attach
one to three publications.
Description of Collaboration
• What strategies will you use to build or strengthen trust with community members and your
intended population over time?
• Describe any formal agreements you have or will establish to support client engagement and
retention in cessation services. -
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• How will you monitor and measure progress toward key project objectives, such as nicotine
replacement therapy distribution, counseling sessions delivered, and population reach?
• What indicators will you track to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of your cessation
services?
• Describe your plan for collecting data and ensuring the evaluation process is participatory, and
inclusive of the perspectives of the population served.
Strategy 2.3 Nicotine Cessation Innovation Lab
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe the vision for the program and include a timeline for implementation.
• Describe your proposed project design. How will participants be identified, recruited, and
compensated for their participation?
• Describe how your organization will identify cessation strategies for implementation.
• What core components or activities will be implemented to assess the effectiveness of selected
cessation interventions?
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Describe the evidence -informed / promising practices or models you will use to deliver tobacco
and/or nicotine cessation services. Why were these approaches chosen?
• Do you currently operate under a tobacco -free policy? If not, what steps will you take to adopt
and implement such a policy in accordance with the RFA requirements?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• What internal capacity do you have in place to launch and sustain this project? Describe how
you will assemble a multidisciplinary planning team to establish the program, the key personnel
and their roles.
Describe your organization's experience working with one of the intended populations. What
trust -based relationships currently exist?
This project will require the awardee to publish the findings of the pilot evaluations. If
applicable, please describe your experience with publishing previous project results and attach
one to three publications.
Description of Collaboration
• What strategies will you use to build or strengthen trust with community members and your
intended population over time?
Describe any formal agreements you have or will establish to support client engagement and
retention in cessation services.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
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Project Evaluation
• How will you monitor and measure progress toward key project objectives, such as nicotine
replacement therapy distribution, counseling sessions delivered, and population reach?
What indicators will you track to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of your cessation
services?
Describe your plan for collecting data and ensuring the evaluation process is participatory, and
inclusive of the perspectives of the population served.
Describe how quality improvement will be implemented for the screening program to facilitate
continuous improvements in clinical and diagnostic performance, as well as improving patient
outcomes.
Describe how and where you would publish the findings of the project evaluation.
Strategy 2.4 Chronic disease and tobacco risk factor reduction services in community pharmacies
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Provide an overarching description of your project, including a stepwise flow that ensures all
components are connected and work toward the end goal. Ensure it includes the following
components, at minimum:
• Describe how you propose to gather data and information on pharmacies/pharmacists
offering services under the statin and tobacco cessation protocols and other
cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention and management services. Include a
description of how you intend to maximize outreach to a broad base of pharmacists,
including a particular emphasis on outreaching to pharmacies/pharmacists serving
communities of interest. Provide a description of the kinds of data you seek to gather,
how you will gather it and how you will ensure its accuracy.
Describe how you propose to house, display, or otherwise distribute the data to
community partners and why. Include a description of any tools, maps, communications
plans, technology or other resources you will use to ensure the data is effectively used.
Describe how you will increase the number of pharmacists trained to deliver services
under a statewide protocol and other cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention
and management services, what those services are, and how you will ensure you are
reaching pharmacists serving communities of interest.
Describe how you will increase the number of pharmacists delivering services under a
statewide protocol and other cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention and
management services. Include your approach to identifying, working with, resourcing
and communicating with pharmacists in this regard.
Describe how you will train and integrate Community Health Workers (CHW) in
pharmacy settings to increase delivery of cardiovascular health, diabetes and tobacco
prevention and management services.
Describe how your approach promotes long-term sustainability of pharmacy -based
chronic disease services.
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Describe your approach to integrating (Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the provision of
cardiovascular health, diabetes and tobacco prevention and management services in
pharmacies.
Describe the educational modules and/or resources you will use to increase pharmacist training
in the following subjects, so as to ensure training is based in evidence:
• The statewide tobacco cessation protocol (required)
• The statewide statin protocol (required)
• Diabetes Prevention (required)
• Diabetes Management (required)
• Blood pressure control (required)
• CHW integration (required)
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• Other (optional)
Describe the related professional educational modules and/or resources you will use to
increase pharmacist provision and sustainability of chronic disease services, which may include
coaching, training or other material that addresses topics such as implementation of
appointment -based approaches; documenting using EHRs; bidirectional referrals; contracting
with accountable care organizations; building relationships with providers, billing etc.
Describe how you will embed education and training in institutes of higher education to
increase the number of pharmacists effectively trained to deliver and sustain chronic disease
services.
Describe why your approach is likely to be successful in embedding service delivery long-term.
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe your experience surveying, analyzing and communicating data.
• Describe your experience working with the pharmacist community in Colorado.
• Describe your experience working with the CHW community in Colorado.
• Describe how you have been successful implementing educational opportunities for pharmacists
in Colorado.
Describe your staffing approach and how it will ensure that each component of the project
(data gathering, data analysis, communication and education) is designed, executed and
communicated effectively.
Description of Collaboration
• Identify any partnerships you deem important to carry out your project. Describe your current
collaboration with those partners, or your plans to ensure collaboration. Include at minimum,
the following:
• Independent pharmacies
• Chain pharmacies
• Institutes of higher education and/or other training programs
• Community -based organizations
• Clinical service providers
• Administrative Organizations (accountable care organizations, associations, etc)
• Payers
• CHW training or service organizations
• Others, as needed
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• Describe your approach to evaluation and include:
• Flow you will set goals and outcomes
• How you will determine whether those goals were met
• How you will use data for continuous quality improvement
• How you will ensure receipt of input and feedback from both pharmacists and patients
for continuous quality improvement
Strategy 2.5 Community -Based Organization Cessation Innovation Panels
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe how your organization's mission, vision, and history demonstrate alignment with and
commitment to the priority population you propose to serve.
• Describe the specific tobacco -related disparities faced by your priority population. How does
your proposed project address these disparities?
• What culturally specific approaches will you use to ensure that the design and delivery of
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cessation strategies are relevant, accessible, and effective for the intended priority
population?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe your organization's experience leading community -based initiatives with a focus on
reducing health disparities and culturally tailored interventions.
Describe your organizational structure and capacity to serve as a Lead Agency and manage a
cohort. Include staff roles and relevant qualifications.
Describe how your organization has successfully partnered with community leaders or
non -clinical peer support networks in the past.
Describe the systems and tools your organization will use to manage cohort communication,
reporting, and project oversight.
Description of Collaboration
• What innovative or nontraditional community touchpoints will you explore to increase access to
tobacco and/or nicotine cessation supports?
Who are your proposed cohort partners and what roles will they play in the design,
implementation, and evaluation of the cessation innovation projects?
Describe how you will ensure well-balanced participation and meaningful engagement of
community partners, including those with lived experience, throughout this project?
Describe how you will promote transparency, accountability, and trust within your cohort and
with community partners.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• Describe how you will report findings to STEPP, CEPEG (STEPP's Evaluation Technical Assistance
Provider), and other partners in a timely and actionable way.
Strategy 2.6 Smoke -Free Starts: Promoting Secondhand Smoke and Vape Aerosol Education and
Tobacco Cessation Support for Parents through Pediatric & Primary Care Settings
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe your organization and any collaborators or partnerships that will be leveraged to carry
out the project.
Describe the clinical setting in which you will implement the practice -change intervention and
the patient population served by the clinical setting.
Describe your practice -change intervention design to reduce secondhand smoke/vape aerosol
exposure among children, including specific activities, services to be provided, and expected
outcomes. Some questions to consider addressing:
• What core components will be implemented to integrate HS/VS screening, education,
and cessation referrals for parents and caregivers into pediatric and/or primary care
workflows?
What specific changes to policies, procedures, training, and/or EHR systems will be
required to embed this intervention into routine care?
What training and support will be provided to build staff capacity to deliver culturally
relevant interventions that promote smoke -free and vape-free environments for
children and cessation support for parents and caregivers?
• What are your plans for making the intervention framework replicable?
Describe your plan to conduct media and communications efforts aimed at parents to raise
awareness of secondhand smoke/vape aerosol harms and promote cessation support, and if
applicable, how you will utilize support from STEPP technical assistance providers.
To maximize impact and reduce disparities, the project should be designed and implemented in
a way that is culturally relevant and appropriate for populations that have been
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disproportionately burdened and targeted by the tobacco industry. Which priority population(s)
will the intervention serve? How will you ensure the intervention is culturally relevant,
appropriate, and co -designed with these population(s)?
Describe the current gaps or unmet needs of the population to be served and how this
intervention aims to address those gaps or needs. (i.e. What is not happening now that this
intervention aims to address?
Describe any anticipated barriers and facilitators to implementing the practice -change
intervention within existing clinical workflows. (i.e. What factors may help or hinder success?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe your organization's (and collaborator's) experience, skills, and qualifications relevant
to the project, such as current and past programming related to the practice -change
intervention, implementing similar strategies, and working in a specific disease or health
promotion project.
If submitting an application with other agencies, please describe any experience working
together in the past.
Describe the program infrastructure in place relevant to the practice -change intervention.
Describe your organization's experience and qualifications working with the priority populations
you plan to serve. Include information about:
• Trust -based relationships and partnerships with priority communities
• Cultural competency measures, language services, and community representation
• Previous programming or services delivered to these populations
Describe your organization's community engagement and communications capacity,
infrastructure, and skills for conducting outreach efforts with parents, families, and priority
populations. Please describe any relevant past experience conducting media and
communications efforts.
Describe existing and additional required staff to implement this project as well as their roles
and responsibilities. For vacant proposed positions, identify plans for hiring, training and
retaining staff that represent the community and have the ability to work effectively with the
target populations.
Description of Collaboration
• Describe your partnerships and collaborative relationships that will support project
implementation.
• For nonprofit applicants: Consider addressing your partnerships with clinical sites
(medical systems, community health centers (CHCs), federally -qualified health centers
(FQHCs)s) where the intervention will be implemented, including letters of
collaboration that demonstrate commitment to workflow integration, staff
participation, and provider training.
For medical systems, CHCs, FQHCs, and other organizations: Consider addressing
external partnerships that will enhance your intervention (e.g., community
organizations, other health systems, tobacco cessation programs, parent/family
organizations).
Describe your plan for collaborating with STEPP technical assistance providers and other
grantees working on similar strategies. Consider:
• Specific areas where technical assistance may be beneficial (e.g., evaluation design,
media/communications support, implementation guidance).
• Knowledge sharing and coordination activities with other STEPP-funded projects.
• How you will engage with the broader tobacco control community.
Describe strategies you will use to build and maintain trust and engagement with community
members, parents/caregivers, and clinical partners throughout the project period.
Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
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Project Evaluation
• The awardee will be expected to track project outcomes, assess progress towards systems -level
changes, and submit a final report summarizing lessons learned, implementation challenges,
and recommendations for future replication and scale. Please provide a description of how you
will comply with these requirements including:
• A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan,
including timelines, tools and approaches used, and staff responsible for collecting,
analyzing, and evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART outcome objectives stated in the
implementation plan. Describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness
of the proposed project. Consider the following criteria:
• Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and
impacted your intended populations and to what degree?
Implementation: How will you track systems -level changes in clinical workflows,
policies, and procedures? How will you implement project activities as planned and
with fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations
are necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired
outcome and to what degree? How will you measure reductions in children's
secondhand smoke/vape aerosol exposure and increases in parental quit attempts?
Sustainability: How will you assess the likelihood that the practice -change
intervention will be maintained beyond the grant period? What indicators will you
track to evaluate organizational commitment, staff buy -in, and systems integration
that support long-term sustainability?
Replicability: How will you document lessons learned and develop recommendations
that enable other clinical settings to replicate your framework?
Strategy 2.7 Smoke -Free Multi -unit Housing and Integrated Cessation Support
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe the needs and the opportunities that the project you are proposing will address, the
intended population and existing (or non -existing) resources.
Describe the populations that the proposed project plans to reach/impact (include
demographics characteristics and geographic location, if applicable).
Detail your strategy for recruiting cessation navigators who are well-connected to the housing
communities they will serve.
Outline how residents, property managers, and other key stakeholders will be involved in the
planning, implementation, and evaluation of the project.
Describe existing and additional required staff to implement this project as well as their roles
and responsibilities. For vacant proposed positions, identify plans for hiring, training and
retaining staff that represent the community's demographics and ability to work with the
community (ies) and population(s) identified in your project.
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Explain your approach to assessing the readiness of properties with smoke -free policies to
incorporate cessation navigator support. Include a description of the assessment tools or
methods you intend to use.
• Include a description of the counseling methods, education tools, and follow-up
strategies you will use to support residents in quitting tobacco and nicotine products.
What existing research will you use to direct the design of your project? Explain how your
research will inform the implementation of this project.
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe the applicant's experience relevant to the project, such as working in a specific
disease or health promotion project; working with the intended population(s); and
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implementing similar strategies. The response must include any relative experience and
description of types of agencies the applicant has worked with to support tobacco control goals
(e.g. governmental public health agencies, private not -for-profit clinics, Federal Qualified
Health Centers).
• Describe the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of the project, staff, and/or organization
relative to the intended population.
• Describe your experience working with the multi -unit housing industry (i.e. housing providers,
residents of multi -unit housing, apartment associations, housing advocates).
Description of Collaboration
• Explain the collaborative efforts that will support the proposed project, including the name
and the role of the lead agency, names and roles of collaborating agencies, and the process for
communication and coordination.
• Explain how these partners will contribute to the success of the project and your plan for
maintaining effective collaboration throughout the grant cycle.
• Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
• The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART outcome objectives stated in the
implementation plan. Describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of
the proposed project. Consider the following criteria:
• Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and impacted
your intended populations and to what degree?
Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations are
necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired outcome
and to what degree?
Strategy 2.8 Other Evidence -Informed Strategies to Support People Quitting Tobacco
Note: Existing grantees for this strategy that are in good standing do not need to submit this
requirement.
Project Description, Design, and Statement of Need
• Describe the needs and the opportunities that the project you are proposing will address, the
intended population, and existing (or non -existing) resources.
Describe the populations that the proposed project/strategy plans to reach/impact (include
demographic characteristics and geographic location, if applicable).
Describe how the proposal satisfies an unmet need of the population to be served, including
the impact on health disparities.
Describe the current financial resources that exist within the relevant communities for the
kinds of activities outlined in this proposal.
Cite relevant data that substantiate the existing burden of tobacco use.
Describe how you will develop and implement a sustainability plan demonstrating how the
proposed strategies will remain sustainable beyond this 3 -year grant period.
Provide a justification for and local facts which support why the selection was made, and how
the strategies will impact your intended population/community.
• Describe how the proposed interventions are not duplicative of other services provided
in the same geographic area or to the same intended population/community, and how
your organization will coordinate with existing programs in the area to maximize
resources and complement other related chronic disease efforts, including other
Amendment 35 funded grant program efforts (e.g. CCPD or Health Disparities) in the
same geographic area or with the same intended population/community.
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• Describe plans for engaging and addressing the needs of populations experiencing
health disparities.
• Describe the overall project design, including specific activities and services to be
provided and expected outcomes from the activities and services.
Evidence -Informed Alignment
• Describe what is being proposed and how this evidence -informed innovation aligns with the
selected intervention area and advances the strategic direction of the STEPP Grant Program.
Describe why this evidence -informed innovation is being proposed for this population and
indications that it will be successful.
Describe the (community) assessment that was done to demonstrate the need for the proposed
project/ approach.
What type of readiness assessment was completed (to show that there is capacity to implement
the approach AND that there would be interested participants)?
Describe how this evidence -informed innovation will help reduce health disparities.
Describe the evidence that supports the selection or design of this innovative approach. For
example:
• Was a similar approach used to address a different behavior change?
Was the same approach being used but with a different intended population? Or a
different setting (urban vs. rural)?
Is there qualitative evidence that this innovation could work based on local experience?
Have any studies been performed on this kind of intervention and what have they
shown?
What would make this innovation fail and what steps will you put in place from the
beginning to prevent that?
Program Infrastructure and Summary of Experience/Qualifications
• Describe the program infrastructure in place as well as applicant's (and collaborators')
experience relevant to the project. Briefly describe current and past programming related to
the proposed project.
*Note: Please include details of all funding including any current Amendment 35 funding.
Describe the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of the project, staff, and/or organization
relative to the intended population.
• Describe the organization's ability to complete this project.
• Describe your organization's history and experience working with the intended population.
• Describe your organization's capacity to comply with and monitor the implementation of grant
requirements.
Describe existing and additional required staff to implement this project as well as their roles
and responsibilities. For vacant proposed positions, identify plans for hiring, training and
retaining staff that represent the community and ability to work with the community (ies) and
population(s) identified in your project.
Describe the applicants experience relevant to the project, such as working in a specific
disease or health promotion project; working with the intended population(s); and
implementing similar strategies. The response must include any relative experience and a
description of types of agencies the applicant has worked with to support tobacco control goals
(e.g. governmental public health agencies, private not -for-profit clinics, Federally Qualified
Health Centers). If submitting an application with other agencies, please describe any
experience working together in the past.
Description of Collaboration
• Partners may include community coalitions, providers of local tobacco control services, youth
programs, volunteer organizations, and/or other entities. Partnerships must be evident in the
application implementation plan and via the submissions of the letters of collaboration.
• Explain the collaborative efforts supporting the proposed project, including the name and the
role of the lead agency, names and roles of collaborating agencies, and the process for
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communication and coordination.
• Include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal government if the applicant is not
affiliated with the Tribal government and intends to operate their project on Tribal lands in
Colorado, if applicable.
Project Evaluation
Applicants should include a description of the process and expected outcomes for evaluation, scaled
appropriately for the proposed project. Several projects in this RFA include descriptions of expected
evaluation approaches and engagement. Evidence -informed innovation strategies will have more points
dedicated to evaluation in the application scoring process. For the purposes of this grant application,
please provide a description that includes the following:
• A summary of the evaluation plan of activities proposed in the implementation plan, including
timelines; tools and approaches used; and staff responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
evaluating the data.
The evaluation plan should be based on the SMART outcome objectives stated in the
implementation plan. Describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the
proposed project. Consider the following criteria:
o Reach: How will you assess whether or not the proposed project reached and impacted
your intended populations and to what degree?
Implementation: How will you implement project activities as planned and with
fidelity? What criteria will you use to determine whether program adaptations are
necessary, and which adaptations will be implemented?
Effectiveness: How will the proposed outcome objectives achieve the desired outcome
and to what degree?
Proposed Project Implementation Plan (All Applicants, Template Provided, Attachment B)
Submit a one-year implementation plan that describes how the applicant will carry out the scope of
work in the first year. Responses must address and clearly identify each of the deliverables in the order
presented.
Provide a brief description of the expected activities and services for years 2 and 3. Post -award,
selected applicants will be expected to develop an implementation plan for years 2 Et 3.
1. Define the work to be completed including all elements of the project under the selected
strategy.
2. List all specific goals and objectives in the table. Organize objectives using SMART (Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) language.
3. List the population(s) and setting(s) of focus for each objective.
4. List a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of ten (10) activities employed in accomplishing the
project goals/objectives. List major sub -activities as needed.
5. List responsible party/individual. Include positions, not names. A position from the applicant's
organization should always be included in this column. Subcontractors or partners may also be
included when appropriate.
6. Include the estimated timeframe for completion of primary and sub -activities, using quarters.
7. List the desired outcomes expected to be achieved by meeting the goals/activities. Desired
outcomes may include data or reporting metrics.
8. Enter each expected corresponding deliverable related to the activity. There may not be a
deliverable for every sub -activity. Deliverables are typically tangible objects produced as a
result of the activities performed. They are "delivered" to the state as evidence of compliance
(or not) with standards and requirements for performance and can be an indication of the
progress made. Examples of deliverables may be reports, tracking logs, training plans, data
entered, or some other element of the project.
Proiect Budget with Justification (All Applicants, Templates Provided, Attachment C -
Cost -Reimbursement STEPP RFA Budget Template 12 Month or Attachment D - Advance Payment RFA
Budget Template 12 Month)
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A proposed budget is required for the first 12 months of funding (July 1, 2026 -June 30, 2027).
Applicants must use the budget template provided. An incomplete budget will not be accepted. The
Budget Template includes six worksheets: Instructions, Indirect Cost Guidance, MTDC Budget Example,
MTDC Budget Template, S+F Budget Example and S+F Budget Template. The budget example does not
reflect the actual dollar amount available for this grant. Budget requests and their associated
deliverables need to be in alignment and provide a consistent, logical picture of what is to be
accomplished, by whom, and the associated costs. Questions about this budget template should be
submitted via the RFA inquiry form. Complete the appropriate budget tab based on your
agency/organization's indirect rate in the worksheet to explain all expenses included in the budget for
year one of the project period. Selected awardees will develop year 2 (FY28) and year 3 (FY29) budgets
post -award.
IMPORTANT: The budget must explain all expenses included. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the
calculations in the budget are accurate. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
reserves the right to deny requests for any item listed in the budget that is deemed to be unnecessary
for the implementation of the project.
Continuation of funding is contingent upon grantee performance, availability, and approval of STEPP
grant program funding. All phases of the project are dependent upon funding availability.
Reimbursement Mechanisms:
Funding under this RFA is anticipated to be provided via two options. The majority of selected grantees
are expected to use option one. In order to be eligible for option two (advanced payments), the
grantee agency must meet the eligibility criteria established by the CDPHE. Eligibility for option two
will be determined after applications are approved for funding.
Option 1: Cost -Reimbursement
1. Funds will be given on a cost -reimbursement basis only. This means that the selected awarded
applicants must be financially able to pay for expenses and request reimbursement from the
CDPHE. Project expenses will be reimbursed monthly for allowable and approved expenses
incurred during the invoice period. Allowable expenses will be reimbursed monthly upon
receipt and approval of a submitted invoice. Invoice submissions are required within forty-five
(45) days after month -end. Source documentation demonstrating actual expenses incurred will
be subject to review.
All expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, and approved by the CDPHE for the completion
of approved grant activities, and must comply with the Federal and State rules and regulations.
Please note that the CDPHE will not reimburse any costs incurred by selected grantees prior to
the issuance of a legally executed contract.
Option 2: Advanced Payments
Intended Recipients: CDPHE Grantees who are classified as nonprofits or charitable organizations.
With this option there are two steps:
1. Up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total award may be given as an initial payment to assist
selected applicants with launching approved activities.
2. The remaining funds will be given on a cost -reimbursement basis only. This means that the
selected awarded applicants must be financially able to pay for expenses and request
reimbursement from CDPHE. Project expenses will be reimbursed monthly for allowable and
approved expenses incurred during the prior month. Allowable expenses will be reimbursed
monthly upon receipt and approval of a submitted invoice. Invoice submissions are required
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within forty-five (45) days after month -end. Source documentation demonstrating actual
expenses incurred will be subject to review.
All expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, and approved by CDPHE for the completion of
approved grant activities, and must comply with the Federal and State rules and regulations.
Please note that CDPHE will not reimburse any costs incurred by selected applicants prior to
the issuance of a legally executed contract.
Applicants interested in Option 2 are required to prioritize their budget expenses on Attachment D -
Advance Payment RFA Budget Template 12 Month. This includes specifying the amount and the % for an
advanced payment along with a brief description of what eligible costs the advance payment funds will
be applied towards. Fidelity Bond Insurance is required for grantees receiving an advance payment and
may be included in the budget document as an allowable advance payment amount.
The advance payment amount cannot exceed 25% of the annual contract amount. Any grantees' that
apply for the Advance Payment Option (Option 2) and are approved will receive additional information
and guidance during the Post -Award meeting. Grantees that are not approved for advanced payments
will default to the Cost -Reimbursement Option (see Option 1 above).
Grantees interested in the Advance Payment Option should review the Advance Payment Criteria
document. If awarded, PSD staff will be in contact to notify grantees of next steps and how each
grantee has the opportunity to submit the advance payment request form for review and approval.
Unallowable Expenses
Costs must be necessary, reasonable and adequately documented.
Some allowable cost requirements include:
o Adequately documented
o Necessary
o Reasonable
o Allocable
o Conform to limitations of the contract
o In accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Some unallowable costs include:
o Activities or projects that will have been completed before funding becomes available
(no retroactive funding). Proposals may not supplant existing funding.
Subscriptions and professional organization membership fees and dues must be
pre -approved by CDPHE prior to purchase.
Out -of -State travel: all requested out-of-state travel must be pre -approved in the
application budget. Justification must clearly demonstrate a direct correlation to the
applicant's implementation plan outcomes and must also clearly demonstrate a benefit
to the State of Colorado.
o Advertising and public relations
o Prosecution of criminal activities
o Alcoholic beverages
o Entertainment expenses
o Fines
o Penalties
o Lobbying costs
o Contributions and donations
Letters of Collaboration (Some Applicants - limited to I ()age each)
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Required for all applicants collaborating with partner organizations on the proposed project.
Applicants are required to submit letters of collaboration from all key collaborators for the proposed
project (i.e. essential partners needed to accomplish the project and any partner receiving funding
from the project). Up to five additional letters of support may be submitted but are not required.
Please provide a list of the names of the agency(ies) or organization(s) for which you are submitting
Letter(s) of Collaboration. Each letter should be no longer than one page and should clearly describe
the role and commitment of key collaborators in the proposed activity. Letters of collaboration will be
submitted as attachments via the RFA Application Form.
Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire
A financial risk rating will be assigned for all applicants. Local public health agencies and Tribal
governments are not required to complete Attachment E: Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire
because they already have a risk rating assigned by the CDPHE Financial Risk Management System
(FRMS). Colorado State Agencies and Colorado State Institutions of Higher Education are not required to
complete the Attachment E: Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire. This form must be completed
and submitted by all other applicants, including nonprofits, for-profit businesses or governmental
agencies. Applicants must retain a copy of their completed Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire for
any additional funding applications within a 12 month period, the same budget period. Any changes will
require a new form to be submitted. The application may not be reviewed if the completed form is not
included. The Financial Risk Assessment rating does NOT determine whether or not CDPHE will fund an
applicant, rather, it determines an applicant's financial and management strength, and the level of
technical assistance and contract monitoring necessary to help the applicant succeed with the project
if awarded. In order to incorporate all relevant information, programs must include the financial risk
rating in their initial discussions about which applications should be provided to the review committees
AND during the review committee evaluations for funding decisions. The final application score may be
impacted by risk determinations made by CDPHE based on information contained in the form. Scores
will be communicated to the grant review committee and may be considered in the overall score.
Technically, the score could be impacted when the review committee members see the financial risk
assessment score. The form and guidance are part of this announcement. For more information, please
see the Financial Risk Assessment FAOs and Financial Risk Assessment Recording.
Note: Retain the completed Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire in your records for any
additional funding applications within a 12 -month period. Any changes will require a new form
to be submitted. The application may not be reviewed if the completed form is not included.
The final application score may be impacted by risk determinations made by CDPHE based on
information contained in the form. The form and guidance are part of this announcement.
Instructions: If your entity is a nonprofit or non -Tribal governmental agency, you are required to
complete the Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Attachment El. For more information, please
see Financial Risk Assessment FAOs. Any questions regarding the Financial Risk Assessment
Questionnaire must be submitted through the inquiry process outlined in the G. Questions section
below.
D. Documents for Applicant Review Only
RFA business documents detail the rules and expectations for the RFA process and outline the terms and
conditions that typically appear in State of Colorado contracts.
Certification of Non -Acceptance of Tobacco Industry Funds and Resources: Grantees will be required
to certify that no direct or indirect affiliation, contractual relationships, or receipt of funds or
resources exist with tobacco companies or owners, affiliates, subsidiaries, holding companies, or
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companies involved in any way in the production, distribution, promotion, sales or use of tobacco
products.
E. Submission Instructions
This Request for Applications (RFA) is issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment (CDPHE), also referred to as the "State." The CDPHE contact listed in these instructions is
the sole point of contact concerning the RFA.
During the solicitation process for this RFA, all official communication with applicants will be via
notices on the CDPHE program website listed in the Schedule of Activities. Notices may include any
modifications to administrative or performance requirements, answers to questions received,
clarifications to requirements, and the announcement of the applications selected by the Tobacco
Review Committee (TRC) for recommendation for funding to the State Board of Health. Applicants are
responsible for monitoring the publication of modifications to this solicitation. It is incumbent upon
applicants to carefully and regularly monitor for such notices. Applicants are not to contact any other
state office or individual regarding this RFA or project. Applicants are not to rely on any other
statements that alter any specification or other term or condition of the solicitation.
Applications must be received on or before the due date and time as indicated in the schedule of
activities. Late applications will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that
their application is received by CDPHE Prevention Service Division as listed in these instructions on or
before the due date and time.
All materials submitted shall become the property of the CDPHE, and will not be returned unless the
RFA solicitation is canceled prior to the submittal due date.
F. Formatting Instructions
For some sections of the application, the applicant will attach a written narrative. Each required
written narrative should follow the formatting requirements listed below.
Application Formatting Instructions
Font Type:
Font Size:
Spacing:
Times New Roman
12 Point
Single line spacing, 1" margins on all sides (does not apply to the
templates provided, e.g. the budget and the implementation plan)
Numbering: Insert page numbers in the lower right-hand corner of the page
Page limits and document type: CDPHE Request for Applications Cover Sheet
• Template provided
• Page limit not applicable
STEPP Application Information Form
• Template provided
• Page limit not applicable
Application Executive Summary
• PDF
• No more than 2 pages
Application Narrative
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• See strategy -specific directions for what to include.
• PDF
• No more than 20 pages
Project Implementation Plan;
• Template provided, Word document
• Page limit not applicable
• Font and font size not applicable
Budget and Budget Justification
• Template provided, Excel document
• Page limit not applicable
• Font and font size not applicable
Letters of Collaboration" (required for key collaborators)
• PDF
• Letters should be limited to 1 page each.
• Up to five additional letters of support may be submitted but are
not required.
Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire
• Template provided, Word document
• Page limit not applicable
• Font and font size not applicable
Additional Attachment (optional)
• No more than 5 pages total
Headings and Labels
Budget:
Acronyms:
Please do not modify the names of attachments or headings in the
application package.
A budget worksheet is provided in an Excel format. Applicants must
use the provided template. An incomplete budget will not be
accepted. Page limit not applicable.
Please spell out acronyms in their first occurrence and add the
abbreviated version in parentheses. Acronyms may be used as
necessary after the first occurrence.
The applications submitted in response to this RFA should be submitted using the following
formatting requirements:
• Applicants must use the forms provided in the format provided (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.).
• Applicants must use the preset font type and size on responses.
Applicants must not alter the formatting (margins, headings, etc.) or change any of the
pre -populated information on the forms provided (i.e. budget period, application questions,
etc.).
Applicants must follow the guidance for responses provided in documents (i.e. lengths of
responses).
Labeling requirements: Each attachment should be labeled with the original label for the
document, e.g. Application Narrative, Budget, etc. and also entity and project identifying
information (e.g. Budget_CDPHE_Community-Led Change).
G. Application Submission
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Applications must be received electronically, via the RFA Application Form, no later than the due date
and time indicated in the schedule of activities. Neither email, hard -copy, nor faxed applications will
be accepted. Click here to access the provided Alchemer funding application form.
The application will have you provide the following information:
This application form must be completed in order to be considered to be awarded funding for this RFA.
The application form has the following sections:
1. Cover sheet and signature page (Upload Attachment A)
2. Project Contact Information
3. General Project Intake Questions
4. Executive Summary (Uploaded as PDF)
5. Application Narrative (Uploaded as PDF)
6. Project Implementation Plan (Upload Attachment B)
7. Budget and Budget Justification (Upload Attachment C - Cost -Reimbursement STEPP RFA Budget
Template 12 Month or Attachment D - Advance Payment RFA Budget Template 12 Month)
8. Letters of Collaboration, if applicable
9. Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Upload Attachment E or complete Financial Risk
Assessment Ouestionnaire Google Form)
10. Reimbursement Mechanism Selection
Applicants will receive an email confirming the receipt of submitted applications, according to the
schedule of activities below. If an applicant does not receive a confirmation email, applicants should
send a follow-up email to the program email: cdohe step) pe@state.co.us.
H. Pre -Application Webinar
An informational pm -application webinar will be hosted on August 27, 2025 according to the
information indicated in the Schedule of Activities, to provide an overview of the funding opportunity
for potential applicants and to help answer questions from applicants. The webinar will be recorded
and posted on the Tobacco Funding Opportunities website until the application due date has passed.
Instructions for joining the webinar: Join via Zoom here. The recording of the webinar will be posted
on the Tobacco Funding Opportunities weboage.
I. Questions
Applicants may submit written questions via a form available on the STEPP Fundine Opportunities
weboage, to obtain clarification of requirements concerning this RFA. Access and submit questions via
the STEPP RFA Inquiry form. No questions will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the
schedule of activities. All inquiries must be submitted through the form and applicants should identify
questions with the following information:
1. Name
2. Email address
3. RFA strategy,
4. Strategy, section, page number, and paragraph number the question applies to.
Answers to application questions will be posted as outlined in the schedule of activities by the close of
business on the date indicated. Applicants are not to rely on any other statements that alter any
specification or any other term or condition of the RFA.
J. Schedule of Activities
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Schedule of Activities
Time
Date
RFA Published on 5TEPP Funding Opportunities webpage
N/A
8/21/25
Pre -Application Webinar (informational, will be recorded for
future viewing). Click here to ioin Zoom webinar.
1:00 pm
8/27/25
Submission deadline for the Letter of Intent to Apply
10/6/25
(non -binding, not required, but requested for program
5:00 pm
(extended
planning purposes). Submit Letter of Intent form.
deadline)
Deadline for applicants to submit written inquiries. Submit all
5:00 pm
10/7/22
inquiries using the STEPP RFA Inquiry form. Per guidance, all
answers will be published on STEPP Funding Opportunities
weboaoe
**No questions will be accepted after this date/time**
9/5
9/12
Answers to written inquiries and any changes to the RFA
published on STEPP Funding Opportunities webpage.
5. pm
9/19
9/26
10/3
10/10
Application submission deadline
5:00 pm
10/20/25
Evaluation Period
N/A
10/20/25 -
1/16/26
Estimated Notification of Awards
N/A
4/30/26
Estimated Contract Effective Date
N/A
7/1/26
Page 55 of 55
Contract Form
Entity Information
Entity Name* Entity ID*
REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF @00033092
COLORADO
Contract Name *
GRANT COLLABORATION WITH COLORADO
UNIVERSITY ANSHUTZ
Contract Status
CTB REVIEW
Q New Entity?
Contract ID
9971
Contract Lead *
BFRITZ
Contract Lead Email
bfritz@weld.gov;Health-
Contracts@weld.gov
Contract Description *
GRANT COLLABORATION WITH COLORADO UNIVERSITY ANSHUTZ
Contract Description 2
Contract Type
GRANT
Amount*
$463,573.00
Renewable *
NO
Automatic Renewal
Grant
IGA
Department
HEALTH
Department Email
CM-Health@weld.gov
Department Head Email
CM-Health-
DeptHead@weld.gov
County Attorney
GENERAL COUNTY
ATTORNEY EMAIL
County Attorney Email
CM-
COUNTYATTORNEY@WEL
D.GOV
If this is a renewal enter previous Contract ID
If this is part of a MSA enter MSA Contract ID
Parent Contract ID
Requires Board Approval
YES
Department Project #
Requested BOCC Agenda Due Date
Date* 10/02/2025
10/06/2025
Will a work session with BOCC be required?*
NO
Does Contract require Purchasing Dept. to be
included?
Note: the Previous Contract Number and Master Services Agreement Number should be left blank if those contracts
are not in OnBase
Contract Dates
Effective Date
Termination Notice Period
Contact Information
Review Date *
05/01/2029
Committed Delivery Date
Renewal Date
Expiration Date*
06/30/2029
Contact Info
Contact Name Contact Type Contact Email Contact Phone 1 Contact Phone 2
Purchasing
Purchasing Approver Purchasing Approved Date
Approval Process
Department Head Finance Approver Legal Counsel
JASON CHESSHER RUSTY WILLIAMS BYRON HOWELL
DH Approved Date Finance Approved Date Legal Counsel Approved Date
10/02/2025 10/02/2025 10/02/2025
Final Approval
BOCC Approved Tyler Ref #
AG 100625
BOCC Signed Date Originator
BFRITZ
BOCC Agenda Date
10/06/2025
Hello