Basic/Core Area Health Education Centers

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

In determining the funding of applications, consideration is given to: (1) NEED Demonstrates an understanding of the purpose of the AHEC program, and demonstrates an understanding of the identified need(s) as evidenced by the applicant's description of target population(s) and geographic areas validated with supporting data, demographics, health status of the target population(s), and associated contributing factors which the proposed AHEC project intends to address in the area(s) to be served by the area health education center(s); (2) RESPONSE The degree to which the proposed project responds to the program requirements as set forth in Sections 751(a)(l) and 751(a)(2) of the PHS Act, as amended; degree to which project activities address the AHEC Project and Center requirements; clarity of the project objectives and their relationship to the identified need(s); extent to which project objectives are measurable and attainable within the stated timeframe; clarity of the proposed work plan and mechanisms to assure that satisfactory progress is attained; extent to which the project fulfills the cost sharing/matching requirements; degree to which project challenges and plans to overcome barriers are addressed; and degree to which the project meets the Medical School 10 Percent Requirement; (3) EVALUATIVE MEASURES The adequacy of the evaluation strategy to monitor and evaluate project results: potential of evaluative measures to assess the extent to which project objectives are met and to what extent these can be attributed to the project; clarity of methods and techniques that will be used to measure, analyze, and report the outcomes of each objective; and the extent to which the proposed project adequately responds to AHEC Program performance measures and outcome indicators; the points will be allocated across the performance measures of Distribution, Diversity, and Quality; (4) IMPACT The potential of the proposed AHEC program and participating center(s) to continue on a self-sustaining basis; identification of plans for effective, efficient dissemination of project results; potential of project results to be of national significance; and potential for replication of project activities; (5) RESOURCES/CAPABILITIES Evidence of qualifications in key personnel bio-sketches; evidence of adequate staffing plan for proposed project; evidence of ability to implement complex programs with similar requirements; evidence of institutional support, e.g., resources and letters of support; and evidence of successful partnerships and linkages with academic and community-based organizations; (6) SUPPORT REQUESTED Evidence of a reasonable detailed budget and budget rationale to accomplish the project objectives; evidence of fiscal capability to successfully manage cooperative agreements and contracts; and evidence of efforts to become self-sufficient, e.g., other sources of income, income generation plans, and future funding strategies.