Improving Timely Documentation, Reporting, and Analysis of Diagnostic and Intervention Data through Optimization of EHDI Surveillance Practices and Information Systems | CDC RFA DD20 2006

Opportunity Information: Apply for CDC RFA DD20 2006

This CDC funding opportunity (CDC RFA DD20-2006) is a discretionary cooperative agreement designed to help state governments strengthen how they document, track, report, and analyze information related to newborn hearing screening and follow-up care. It builds on prior CDC Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) investments that helped jurisdictions develop and maintain EHDI Information Systems (EHDI-IS), contributing to newborn hearing screening rates above 95% and better early identification of infants who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). The central problem the notice is trying to address is that, despite strong screening coverage, many jurisdictions still have uneven EHDI-IS capabilities and incomplete documentation of whether infants actually receive recommended follow-up diagnostic testing and early intervention services. In practice, that means some babies may be screened but then get lost in the process, or their follow-up care is not captured well enough in the data for programs to act quickly.

The purpose of the award is to improve timely documentation and strengthen surveillance so states can more reliably ensure that babies who do not pass screening receive diagnostic evaluation and, when needed, are connected to early intervention without delay. The opportunity ties directly to a core EHDI outcome goal: children who are D/HH should enter kindergarten with language skills comparable to their hearing peers. The NOFO emphasizes that reaching this goal starts with timely diagnosis and early intervention, using the common EHDI benchmarks that "early" identification occurs before 3 months of age and enrollment in intervention occurs before 6 months of age. In other words, this funding is not primarily about increasing screening rates (which are already high in many places), but about closing the gap between screening and documented, completed follow-up services.

A major focus is optimization of existing state EHDI information systems rather than building entirely new systems from scratch. Recipients are expected to expand their ability to report and use patient-level data (while excluding direct identifiers) across all occurrent births, which generally means births occurring within the state. The intent is to make EHDI-IS data more complete, more timely, and more actionable for public health practice. That includes refining tracking and surveillance workflows so programs can actively follow infants through the EHDI continuum, improving system functionality so diagnostic and intervention services are collected and documented more consistently, and strengthening the capacity to produce timely reports and analyses that support near real-time decision-making by state EHDI programs. Put simply, CDC is pushing states toward a more modern, data-driven surveillance approach where program staff can quickly see which infants need outreach, which providers or facilities have reporting gaps, and where follow-up is breaking down.

Key deliverables implied by the NOFO include: (1) reporting patient-level EHDI data for all births in a way that protects privacy by excluding direct identifiers, (2) improving surveillance and tracking practices so infants are less likely to be lost to follow-up or lost to documentation, (3) optimizing EHDI-IS functions to better capture screening outcomes and, especially, diagnostic and intervention milestones, and (4) improving the speed and quality of reporting and analytics so programs can intervene earlier rather than relying on delayed, retrospective summaries. Because the award is a cooperative agreement, recipients should also expect substantial involvement from CDC in the form of technical assistance, collaboration on expectations, and shared improvement goals, rather than a hands-off grant structure.

Administratively, the opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically within NCBDDD. The CFDA number is 93.314, and eligibility is limited to state governments. The NOFO was created January 14, 2020, with an original application deadline of March 16, 2020 (applications due by 11:59 p.m. ET). The anticipated maximum award amount listed is $200,000, with up to 35 expected awards, indicating a broad, multi-state effort to standardize and elevate EHDI surveillance capabilities nationwide. Overall, the grant is aimed at making sure early hearing detection leads to documented, timely diagnostic confirmation and early intervention, supported by stronger data systems that help states manage cases, measure performance, and reduce missed or delayed follow-up.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCBDDD in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Improving Timely Documentation, Reporting, and Analysis of Diagnostic and Intervention Data through Optimization of EHDI Surveillance Practices and Information Systems" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.314.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 14, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 16, 2020 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for CDC RFA DD20 2006

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