Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network

Background
The Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network program aims to coordinate among the Nation’s children’s hospitals and their communities in preparing for and responding to global health threats. This includes the coordination, preparation, response, and real-time dissemination of research-informed pediatric care for future pandemics. The program is a Special Project of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS), authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 701(a)(2) (Title V, § 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act). Children are uniquely vulnerable to global threats and public health emergencies, requiring weight-specific, age-appropriate, and developmentally suitable interventions and care.

Grant Details
The program objectives include increasing the proportion of children’s hospitals working in partnership with local, state, regional, and/or national emergency preparedness systems. It also aims to increase collaborations with emergency preparedness systems and national organizations focused on improving pediatric emergency readiness. Additionally, it seeks to improve pediatric emergency readiness of health care systems, increase the capability of telehealth/telemedicine systems, and accelerate real-time dissemination of research-informed pediatric care. The program will fund one award to support a network of five identified children’s hospitals or their affiliated university pediatric partners that collectively meet specific geographic criteria.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities are children’s hospitals or their affiliated university pediatric partners applying on behalf of a Network and meeting specific criteria listed in Section III.1 of the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). Eligible applicants must demonstrate eligibility according to section 340E of the PHS Act (Public Law 106-129) and meet specific geographic criteria.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is from September 1, 2021 through August 30, 2026 (5 years). Funding beyond the first year is subject to the availability of appropriated funds for the RPPN Program in subsequent fiscal years, satisfactory recipient performance, and a decision that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

Grant Value
$9,700,000 is available annually to fund one recipient. Applicants may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $9,700,000 in total costs per year.

Place of Performance
The program requires coordination among children’s hospitals or their affiliated university pediatric partners in geographically diverse areas across the United States. Specific geographic criteria include states within the Delta Regional Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission, HRSA's regions V and VII, as well as HRSA region VIII or X.