For what types of work does California Tobacco Control Program (CTCP) issue procurements?
Procurements are issued for local tobacco control projects, statewide training and technical assistance projects, statewide survey & evaluation and surveillance projects, and the statewide media campaign.
What is the average amount and term of an award?
The average award for local tobacco control projects is $125,000 to $150,000 per year and the average duration is three years. Statewide training and technical assistance projects, statewide survey & evaluation and surveillance projects, and the statewide media campaign vary considerably in the award size and duration.
Do you offer procurements to “for-profit” organizations?
Yes. For selected procurements; however, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 104355 and 104445, funds awarded under the Competitive Grants program for local tobacco control projects and Statewide training & technical assistance projects are required to be public or private nonprofit entities. Awards made for Statewide survey & evaluation and surveillance, or the Statewide media campaign are not required to be public or nonprofit entities.
Does an applicant or proposer have to be based in California?
There is no legislative mandate that applicants or proposers are required to be based in California. Health and Safety Code Section 104390 provides the authority to award funds for projects providing training and technical assistance services to another state agency, Joint Powers Authority, the Regents of the University of California, the federal government, or an auxiliary organization of the California State University. Based on the nature of the work being sought through the procurement, CTCP frequently requires that applicants or proposers be based in California. Read the instructions for each Request for Applications/Request for Proposals carefully to obtain the eligibility requirements
If we have a CTCP contract in place, may we apply for funding under a different CTCP procurement?
Generally, yes. Read the instructions for each Request for Applications/Request for Proposals carefully to obtain eligibility requirements.
Do you have formal application forms?
Yes. All of the application forms and instructions can be found on the Tobacco Control Funding Opportunities and Resources (TCFOR) website. Follow the instructions carefully as each Request for Applications/Request for Proposals may have different application requirements.
How long does it take for an application or proposal to be awarded?
The timeline for every Request for Application/Request for Proposal is included in the accompanying documentation that is provided on the TCFOR website. CTCP utilizes a formal, merit-based review process for each application that is received. Some Request for Application/Request for Proposals require a presentation or site visit in addition to the submission of a written application or proposal which may increase the length of the application process.
What are the most common reasons that an application or proposal is declined?
The most common reason that an application or proposal is declined is because the submission did not meet the criteria for funding identified in the Request for Applications/Request for Proposals. Each application or proposal is scored independently against these criteria. Failure to answer questions and provide complete responses may also result in a declined application or proposal. Applications received after the closing time for each procurement will not be reviewed. Please follow the instructions and timelines carefully.
Are applications and proposals reviewed by experts outside CTCP?
Yes. Many of the applications or proposals are reviewed by outside subject specific experts, along with CTCP staff. A formal merit-based review is developed for each Request for Applications/Request for Proposals which is followed carefully.
What are indirect costs, and how does CTCP handle them?
Indirect Costs are expenses not directly associated with the project’s SOW deliverables. These are individuals or activities that indirectly support the project, but do not directly complete activities connected to the SOW.
Examples are: Management and fiscal personnel (e.g., Executive Director, Deputy Director, Attorney, and Bookkeeper), bookkeeping and payroll services, utilities, building and equipment maintenance, janitorial services, insurance costs, and any expenses related to the mandatory annual Financial and Compliance Audit.
The CTCP indirect rate ranges from a maximum 15% of Personnel and Fringe Benefits for county government agreements to a maximum of 25% of Personnel and Fringe Benefits for local tobacco control projects; however, some contracts have indirect rate ranges from 8 to 15 percent of total direct cost (limited to the first $25,000 of subcontracts). Read the instructions for each Request for Applications/Request for Proposals to obtain the Indirect Costs rate.
**Please note: Proposals for Media RFPs will not include indirect costs. Read the application carefully for further details.
How many procurements are issued each year?
CTCP issues one to four procurements on an annual basis which is dependent on the availability of funds and grant cycles.
Are Media procurements the same as other CTCP procurements?
No. The media procurements are substantially different. Please be sure to read the requirements and eligibility for each procurement, and follow the instructions carefully.