Meeting of the Priority Setting & Resource Allocation Committee
Monday, November 9, 2020
By Zoom Videoconference
3:05 – 4:25
DRAFT MINUTES
Members Present: Jeff Natt (Co-chair), Marya Gilborn (Co-chair), Fulvia Alvelo, Paul Carr, Broni Cockrell, Joan Edwards, Billy Fields, David Klotz, Michael Rifkin, Leo Ruiz, John Schoepp, Claire Simon, Scott Spiegler (for Guadalupe Dominguez Plummer), Terry Troia, Rob Walker
Members Absent: Randall Bruce, Barry Zingman, MD
Staff Present: Melanie Lawrence, Ashley Azor, Kimbirly Mack, Eleanora Jimenez-Levi, Karen Miller (NYC DOHMH); Bettina Carroll, Gucci Kaloo (Public Health Solutions)
Agenda Item #1: Welcome/Introductions/Minutes
Mr. Natt and Ms. Gilborn opened the meeting, followed by introductions and a moment of silence. The minutes of the July 20, 2020 meeting were approved with no changes.
Mr. Natt reported that President-elect Biden’s new COVID task force has at least two HIV experts on it.
Agenda Item #2: PSRA Orientation
Mr. Klotz presented an overview of the priority setting and resource allocation process. Topics covered included: Award Components and Use of Funds; PSRA Committee Roles and Responsibilities; PSRA Planning Process and how it fits into the overall Planning Council Planning Process; PSRA Products (Ranking Tool, Application Spending Plan, Spending Scenario Plan, Reprogramming Plan, Carryover Plan); Data sources for planning, and Conflicts of Interest. The details of the ranking tool and spending plan spreadsheet were reviewed.
In response to questions concerning the FY 2020 CARES (Coronavirus AID, Relied and Economic Stimulus) Act funding, it was explained that this is one-time funding unless Congress passes another stimulus and some of the funds are directed to Ryan White programs. The EMA does not apply for the funds, and all of it must be used for COVID-related needs and be spent by the end of the fiscal year (Feb. 28, 2021).
Agenda Item #3: FY 2020-21 Estimate Unobligated Balance Request
Mr. Klotz presented the draft FY 2020 Estimated Unobligated Balance Request. This is a HRSA mandate due by the end of the year, where we inform HRSA that we might carry-over up to the 5% maximum in unspent funds from the current year (FY 2020 ) into the next FY 2021). This request will allow us to apply to use the actual carry-over when we know that amount next spring. Typically, the actual carry-over is less than 1%. The estimated unobligated balance request must be earmarked for a specific program and we typically say that we will use it to enhance ADAP. The PSRA is not bound by this. When the Committee considers the actual carry-over plan next spring, it can be allocated to any service in the portfolio (e.g., the FY 2019 carry-over was allocated to Housing for this year).
In response to a question from Ms. Gilborn, Ms. Carroll said that this year’s under-spending is not expected to be larger than usual in spite of many programs switching back to cost-based reimbursement.
A motion was made, seconded and adopted unanimously to approve the FY 2020-21 Estimated Unobligated Balance Request as presented.
Agenda Item #4: FY 2020-21 PSRA Work Plan
Mr. Klotz presented the timeline of work for the committee, running from today through July when the application spending plan is approved.
The next meeting will be on Monday, December 14th, 3-4:30pm.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
