The purpose of this FOA is to identify modifiable maternal exposures in early pregnancy that may increase the risk for having a pregnancy affected by certain major, structural birth defects. CDC’s mission is “to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.” This program is most closely aligned with CDC’s Health Protection Goal of “Healthy People in Every Stage of Life.” Quantifiable and measurable outcomes will be measured against the GPRA performance goal to find causes and risk factors for birth defects in order to develop prevention strategies.

1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Organizations Higher Education Institutions: • Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education • Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for CDC support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education: • Hispanic-serving Institutions • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) • Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) • Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education • Nonprofits (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) For- Profit Organizations • Small Businesses • For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) Governments • State Governments • County Governments • City or Township Governments • Special District Governments • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) • Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government • U.S. Territory or Possession Other • Independent School Districts • Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) • Faith-based or Community-based Organizations • Regional Organizations • Bona Fide Agents: a Bona Fide Agent is an agency/organization identified by the state as eligible to submit an application under the state eligibility in lieu of a state application. If applying as a bona fide agent of a state or local government, a legal, binding agreement from the state or local government as documentation of the status is required. Attach with "Other Attachment Forms" when submitting via www.grants.gov. 2. Foreign Organizations Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.

CDC Procurement and Grants Office TIMS Phone 770-488-2700