[Federal Register: August 18, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 159)]
[Notices]
[Page 48566-48573]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18au05-47]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Building Human Resource Capacity Within the Ministry of Health
and Social Services in the Republic of Namibia as Part of the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA108.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 12, 2005.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301 and
307(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Sections 241
and 2421)], as amended, and under Public Law 108-25 (United States
Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of
2003)[22 U.S.C. 7601].
Background: President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has
called for immediate, comprehensive and evidence-based action to turn
the tide of global HIV/AIDS. The initiative aims to treat more than two
million HIV-infected people with effective combination anti-retroviral
therapy by 2008; care for ten million HIV-infected and affected
persons, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS, by 2008; and prevent
seven million infections by 2010, with a focus on 15 priority
countries, including 12 in sub-Saharan Africa. The five-year strategy
for the Emergency Plan is available at the following Internet address:
http://www.state.gov/s/gac/rl/or/c11652.htm.
Over the same time period, as part of a collective national
response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Namibia are to treat at
least 23,000 HIV-infected individuals; and care for 115,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
The Namibian Government has publicly acknowledged the HIV/AIDS
epidemic, and its human and societal cost. The Namibian Government has
elevated the fight against HIV/AIDS to a top priority, including by
rolling out anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and the
[[Page 48567]]
prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in all 13 regions,
including all 35 public hospitals in Namibia. The Namibian Ministry of
Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has estimated it will need an
additional 143 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists at its hospitals to
reach the goal of 23,000 patients on ART by the end of 2007. The
anticipated positions to fill in 2005 include 27 doctors, one doctor
for quality assurance, 15 nurses, 15 pharmacists, and 15 data-entry
clerks.
The United States Government seeks to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS
and related conditions in specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa,
Asia, and the Americas to strengthen capacity and expand activities in
the areas of (1) HIV primary prevention; (2) HIV care, support, and
treatment; and (3) capacity and infrastructure development, especially
for strategic information, including surveillance. Targeted countries
represent those with the most severe epidemics and the highest number
of new infections. They also represent countries where the potential
for impact is greatest, and where U.S. Government agencies are already
active. Namibia is one of these targeted countries.
Purpose
Under the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, as part
of the President's Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) works with host countries and other key partners
to assess the needs of each country and design a customized program of
assistance that fits within the host nation's strategic plan.
This program will enhance and expand nationwide access to and use
of services for VCT, PMTCT, and comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, including
cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, IPT TB/HIV, and ART in Namibia.
HHS focuses on two or three major program areas in each country.
Goals and priorities include the following:
Achieving primary prevention of HIV infection through
activities such as expanding confidential counseling and testing
programs, building programs to reduce mother-to-child transmission, and
strengthening programs to reduce transmission via blood transfusion and
medical injections.
Improving the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) and related opportunistic infections by
improving STD management; enhancing care and treatment of opportunistic
infections, including tuberculosis (TB); and initiating programs to
provide anti-retroviral therapy (ART).
Strengthening the capacity of countries to collect and use
surveillance data and manage national HIV/AIDS programs by expanding
HIV/STD/TB surveillance programs and strengthening laboratory support
for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, disease-monitoring and HIV
screening for blood safety.
The HHS cooperative agreement, with technical assistance from HHS/
CDC and the MoHSS, will provide assistance to recruit suitably
qualified and experienced (preferably Namibian) individuals to meet
Emergency Plan objectives. A local human resource provider (HRP)
identifies and recruits candidates on behalf of the interview
committee, which will consist of personnel from the MoHSS and HHS/CDC.
These collaborative activities could profoundly affect the ability
to meet the goals and objectives of the Third National Medium Term Plan
(2004-2009) in Namibia, which is the National Strategic Plan on HIV/
AIDS, and the President's Emergency Plan. Cooperative efforts could
lead to greater use of confidential voluntary counseling and testing
(VCT) in all areas of the country; and increase enrollment in
comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, including cotrimoxazole prophylaxis,
isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for
adults and children, and programs to prevent mother-to-child
transmission (PMTCT) throughout the nation.
To carry out its activities in these countries, HHS is working in a
collaborative manner with national governments and other agencies to
develop programs of assistance to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. HHS''
program of technical assistance to Namibia focuses on capacity-building
in several areas to scale up promising prevention and care strategies,
such as VCT, PMTCT, ART, Tuberculosis/HIV, and laboratory services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), within the
Department of Health and Human Services, announces the availability of
Fiscal Year 2005 funds for a cooperative agreement to assist with
building human resource capacity within the Ministry of Health and
Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia for roll-out of ART and PMTCT of
HIV.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and
one or more of the following performance goals for the CDC National
Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis
Prevention (NCHSTP) within HHS: By 2010, work with other countries,
international organizations, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), and other partners to
achieve the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS
goal of reducing prevalence among persons 15 to 24 years of age; reduce
HIV transmission; and improve care of persons living with HIV.
This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by
HHS, including the CDC. If an applicant proposes research activities,
HHS will not review the application. For the definition of
``research,'' please see the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet
address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.
Activities
The recipient of these funds is responsible for activities in
multiple program areas designed to target underserved populations in
Namibia. Either the awardee will implement activities directly or will
implement them through its subgrantees and/or subcontractors; the
awardee will retain overall financial and programmatic management under
the oversight of HHS/CDC and the strategic direction of the Office of
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The awardee must show a measurable
progressive reinforcement of the capacity of indigenous organizations
and local communities to respond to the national HIV epidemic, as well
as progress towards the sustainability of activities.
Applicants should describe activities in detail as part of a four-
year action plan (U.S. Government Fiscal Years 2005-2008 inclusive)
that reflects the policies and goals outlined in the five-year strategy
for the President's Emergency Plan.
The grantee will produce an annual operational plan in the context
of this four-year plan, which the U.S. Government Emergency Plan team
on the ground in Namibia will review as part of the annual Emergency
Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and approval
process managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The
grantee may work on some of the activities listed below in the first
year and in subsequent years, and then progressively add others from
the list to achieve all of the Emergency Plan performance goals, as
cited in the previous section.
HHS/CDC, under the guidance of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator,
will approve funds for activities on an
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annual basis, based on documented performance toward achieving
Emergency Plan goals, as part of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief Country Operational Plan review and approval process.
Awardee activities for covering all program areas are as follows:
1. The HRP will advertise and recruit for a short-list of potential
candidates for the positions of an estimated 27 physicians, 15 nurses,
15 pharmacists and 15 medical data-entry clerks. Specific activities
are as follows:
a. Advertise and recruit for professional staff.
b. Draft advertisements for approval by HHS and the Namibian MoHSS,
and advertise in local languages in three Namibian newspapers.
c. Set up interviews with a short list of candidates.
d. Develop a compensation package consistent with the MoHSS
employment package.
2. Hiring of Professional Staff.
a. Hire and administer a monthly salary and benefits package for
each health professional hired, using a standard employment contract in
conformance with Namibian labor legislation and the hiring policies of
the MoHSS.
b. Set up a computerized personnel administration file, medical
aid, pension plan, and social security payments for Namibian nationals
and non-Namibian nationals.
c. In concert with HHS and the Namibian MoHSS, compile the
necessary documentation and process residency permits for employment of
foreign nationals in Namibia.
d. Register individuals with the Namibian Social Security
Commission and the Ministry of Finance for tax purposes.
e. Assist with professional registration, establishment of bank
accounts, arrangements for accommodation, moving of personal effects,
schooling of dependents and other settling-in activities, as required.
3. Personnel Support and Human Resource Management.
a. Maintain personnel records and addresses, with all personnel-
related matters, on a professional and consistent basis.
b. Contact selected candidates and offer employment within the
agreed scope of work and in accordance with the relevant Namibian labor
legislation, including processing remuneration packages with copies to
HHS and the Namibian MoHSS and the individual.
c. Electronic transfer of paycheck in local currency to personal
banking accounts.
d. Process tax calculations and make monthly payments to the Social
Security Commission.
e. Process medical aid calculations and make monthly payments to an
approved medical aid fund (currently, Namibian Health Plan).
f. Process all pension calculations and benefits.
g. Provide monthly HR reports to HHS and MoHSS.
h. Issue annual Pay as You Earn (PAYE) certificates to individuals,
and tax returns to the Namibian Ministry of Finance.
i. Under the guidance of the Namibian MoHSS and HHS staff, liaise
with targeted health facilities as personnel are assigned to promote
smooth introductions of the professionals.
j. Ensure the new recruits participate in appropriate HHS and
Namibian MoHSS training, maintaining performance evaluation records,
providing assistance in any disciplinary action in concert with MoHSS
and reporting results to HHS and the Namibian MoHSS.
k. At the beginning and end of their contract, arrange relocation,
and travel assistance for foreign nationals and their dependents with
the necessary documentation, if applicable, for repatriation, and
arrange transportation for airport pick-up and departures.
Based on its competitive advantage and proven field experience, the
winning applicant will undertake a broad range of activities to meet
the numerical Emergency Plan targets outlined in this announcement.
Administration
Awardee must comply with all HHS management requirements for
meeting participation and progress and financial reporting for this
cooperative agreement (see HHS Activities and Reporting sections below
for details), and comply with all policy directives established by the
Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
HHS activities for this program are as follows:
1. Collaborate with the applicant, the Namibian Ministry of Health
and other in-country and international partners to assess, plan,
implement and monitor activities under the cooperative agreement,
including, but not limited to, providing technical assistance and
training in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), based on the country
needs, the HHS technical assistance portfolio, strategic-information
guidance established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator,
and HIV laboratory activities conducted by other partners.
2. Furnish consultants from HHS headquarters, the Office of the
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator or other U.S. Government institutions to
assist with program planning, implementation and monitoring.
3. Make available manuals, guidelines, and other related materials
developed by HHS Namibia or other HHS programs for similar projects.
4. Facilitate in-country planning and review meetings for ensuring
coordination of country-based program technical assistance activities.
5. Act as liaison and assist in coordinating activities as
required, between the applicant and other non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), Government of Namibia organizations, and other
HHS partners.
6. Develop criteria to evaluate and select hospital sites that
require designated health professionals, in collaboration with the
Namibian MoHSS.
7. Actively participate in the recruitment process by assessing
health professionals' skills and technical requirements.
8. Match health professionals' skills, training, and experience
with specific hospitals to facilitate technically viable placements.
9. Provide technical guidelines and instructions to contracted
health professionals to build capacity for VCT, PMTCT, and ART.
10. Direct HRP in adapting to the Namibian context, including, but
not limited to design; program materials; quality assurance; monitoring
and evaluation; and providing recommendations.
11. Direct HRP in adapting to the Namibian context, including, but
not limited to design; program materials; quality assurance; monitoring
and evaluation; and providing recommendations.
12. Develop performance-evaluation criteria for health
professionals, including semi-annual and annual performance
evaluations.
13. Monitor project and personnel performance.
14. Monitor budget to ensure cost-effective placement and timely
financial reporting.
15. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief them
on applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations,
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats
and contents. The orientation could
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include meetings with staff from HHS agencies and the Office of the
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
16. Review and approve the process used by the grantee to select
key personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS
Coordinator.
17. Review and approve grantee's annual work plan and detailed
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
18. Review and approve grantee's monitoring and evaluation plan,
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
19. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as
necessary.
20. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
21. Meet on an annual basis with grantee to review annual progress
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for Country Operational
Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
22. Provide technical assistance, as mutually agreed upon, and
revise annually during validation of the first and subsequent annual
work plans. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted
training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic
information, project management, confidential counseling and testing,
palliative care, treatment literacy, and adult learning techniques.
23. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.
Please note: Either HHS staff or staff from organizations that have
successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS contract,
cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and
training.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
following performance goals for the Emergency Plan:
A. Prevention
Number of individuals trained to provide HIV prevention
interventions, including abstinence, faithfulness, and, for populations
engaged in high-risk behaviors,\1\ correct and consistent condom use.
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\1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission including
engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging in sex in exchange
for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-positive partner or one
whose status is unknown, using drugs or abusing alcohol in the
context of sexual interactions, and using intravenous drugs. Women,
even if faithful themselves, can still be at risk of becoming
infected by their spouse, regular male partner, or someone using
force against them. Other high-risk persons or groups include men
who have sex with men and workers who are employed away from home.
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1. Abstinence (A) and Be Faithful (B).
Number of community outreach and/or mass media (radio)
programs that are A/B focused.
Number of individuals reached through community outreach
and/or mass media (radio) programs that are A/B focused.
B. Care and Support
1. Confidential counseling and testing.
Number of patients who accept confidential counseling and
testing in a health-care setting.
Number of clients served, direct.
Number of people trained in confidential counseling and
testing, direct, including health-care workers.
2. Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
Number of service outlets/programs, direct and/or
indirect.
Number of clients (OVC) served, direct and/or indirect.
Number of persons trained to serve OVC, direct.
3. Palliative Care: Basic Health Care and Support.
Number of service outlets/programs that provide palliative
care, direct and/or indirect.
Number of service outlets/programs that link HIV care with
malaria and tuberculosis care and/or referral, direct and/or indirect.
Number of clients served with palliative care, direct and/
or indirect.
Number of persons trained in providing palliative care,
direct.
C. HIV Treatment with ART
Number of clients enrolled in ART, direct and indirect.
Number of persons trained in providing ART, direct.
D. Strategic Information
Number of persons trained in strategic information,
direct.
E. Expanded Indigenous Sustainable Response
Project-specific quantifiable milestones to measure the
following:
a. Indigenous capacity-building.
b. Progress toward sustainability.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. HHS involvement in this
program is listed in the Activities Section above.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
Approximate Total Funding: $15,809,580.
(This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of
funds.)
Approximate Number of Awards: One.
Approximate Average Award: $3,161,916.
(This amount is for the first 12-month budget period and includes
direct costs.)
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $3,161,916.
(This ceiling is for the first 12-month budget period.)
Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2005.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: Five years.
Throughout the project period, HHS' commitment to continuation of
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best
interest of the Federal Government, through the Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief review and approval process for Country Operational Plans,
managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible Applicants
As a result of the impact of the Apartheid era, local organizations
must possess cultural sensitivity and awareness to work effectively
with previously disadvantaged racial and cultural groups. The following
type of organizations, which have been operational in Namibia for a
minimum of three years, may submit applications:
Private, non-profit organizations.
For-profit organizations.
Faith-based organizations.
Community-based organizations.
No other applications are solicited.
Eligible applicants must have been operational in Namibia for a
minimum of three years.
[[Page 48570]]
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds
Matching funds are not required for this program. Although matching
funds are not required, preference will go to organizations that can
leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals.
III.3. Other
If applicants request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of
the award range, HHS/CDC will consider the application non-responsive,
and it will not enter into the review process. We will notify you that
your application did not meet the submission requirements.
Special Requirements
If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special
requirements listed in this section, it will not enter into the review
process. We will notify you that your application did not meet
submission requirements.
HHS/CDC will consider late applications non-responsive.
See section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information
on deadlines.
Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611
states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not
eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or
loan.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV.1. Address To Request Application Package
To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS
5161-1.
HHS strongly encourages you to submit the application
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this
announcement at http://www.grants.gov.
Application forms and instructions are available on the HHS/CDC Web
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm
.
If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the HHS/CDC
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section
(PGO-TIM) staff at: 770-488-2700. We can mail application forms to you.
IV.2. Content and Form of Submission
Application: You must submit a project narrative with your
application forms. You must submit the narrative in the following
format:
Maximum number of pages: 25. If your narrative exceeds the
25 page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page
limit.
Font size: 12 point unreduced.
Double-spaced.
Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
Page margin size: One inch.
Printed only on one side of page.
Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not
bound in any other way.
Must be submitted in English.
Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the
entire project period, and must include the following items in the
order listed:
Plan.
Methods.
Project Goals and Objectives.
Project Contribution to the Goals and Objectives of the
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
Timeline (e.g., GANNT Chart).
Staff.
Project Context and Background (Understanding and Need).
Performance Measures.
Budget Justification.
You may include additional information in the application
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page
limit. This additional information includes the following:
Curriculum Vitae or Resumes of current staff who will work
on the activity.
Organizational Charts.
Letters of Support.
Project Budget and Justification.
The budget justification will not count in the narrative page
limit.
Although the narrative addresses activities for the entire project,
the applicant should provide a detailed budget only for the first year
of activities, while addressing budgetary plans for subsequent years.
You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access
http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. For more information, see the HHS/CDC Web site at: http://
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm. If your application form does
not have a DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top
of the first page of your application, and/or include your DUNS number
in your application cover letter.
Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''
IV.3. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: September 12, 2005.
Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the
deadline date.
You may submit your application electronically at http://www.grants.gov.
We consider applications completed online through
Grants.gov as formally submitted when the applicant organization's
Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to http://www.grants.gov.
We will consider electronic applications as having met
the deadline if the applicant organization's Authorizing Official has
submitted the application electronically to Grants.gov on or before the
deadline date and time.
If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your
application will be electronically time/date stamped, which will serve
as receipt of submission. You will receive an e-mail notice of receipt
when HHS/CDC receives the application.
If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure the carrier will be
able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If HHS/CDC
receives your submission after closing because: (1) Carrier error, when
the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the
closing date and time, or (2) significant weather delays or natural
disasters, you will have the opportunity to submit documentation of the
carriers guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem,
HHS/CDC will consider the submission as received by the deadline.
If you submit a hard copy application, HHS/CDC will not notify you
upon receipt of your submission. If you have a question about the
receipt of your application, first contact your courier. If you still
have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at: 770-488-2700. Before
calling, please wait two to three days after the submission deadline.
This will allow time for us to process and log submissions.
This announcement is the definitive guide on application content,
submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in
the application instructions.
[[Page 48571]]
If your submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be
eligible for review, and we will discard it. We will notify you that
you did not meet the submission requirements.
IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
IV.5. Funding Restrictions
Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your
budget, are as follows:
Funds may not be used for research.
Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
Antiretroviral Drugs--The purchase of antiretrovirals, reagents,
and laboratory equipment for antiretroviral treatment projects require
pre-approval from the GAP headquarters.
Needle Exchange--No funds appropriated under this Act
shall be used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles
or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes,
including personnel, travel, supplies and services. Equipment may be
purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives;
however, prior approval by HHS/CDC officials must be requested in
writing.
All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through
the issuance of supplemental awards.
The costs that are generally allowable in grants to
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and
international organizations, with the following exception: With the
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial
limits of the United States or to international organizations,
regardless of their location.
The applicant may contract with other organizations under
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion
of the activities (including program management and operations, and
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required).
You must obtain an annual audit of these HHS/CDC funds
(program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international
branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance
with International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s)
approved in writing by HHS/CDC.
A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required,
prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S.
Federal funds.
Prostitution and Related Activities
The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.
Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government
funds in connection with this document (``recipient'') cannot use such
U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or
practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding
sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of
palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical
prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including
test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.
A recipient that is otherwise eligible to receive funds in
connection with this document to prevent, treat, or monitor HIV/AIDS
shall not be required to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to
combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, or participate in a
prevention method or treatment program to which the recipient has a
religious or moral objection. Any information provided by recipients
about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are
funded in connection with this document shall be medically accurate and
shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.
In addition, any recipient must have a policy explicitly opposing
prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not
apply to any ``exempt organizations'' (defined as the Global Fund to
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization and
its six Regional Offices, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative or
to any United Nations agency).
The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:
Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring,
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of
a commercial sex act. 22 U.S.C. 7102(9).
All recipients must insert provisions implementing the applicable
parts of this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' in all
subagreements under this award. These provisions must be express terms
and conditions of the subagreement, must acknowledge that compliance
with this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' is a
prerequisite to receipt and expenditure of U.S. government funds in
connection with this document, and must acknowledge that any violation
of the provisions shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the
agreement prior to the end of its term. Recipients must agree that HHS
may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials
maintained or prepared by the recipient in the usual course of its
operations that relate to the organization's compliance with this
section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities.''
All prime recipients that receive U.S. Government funds (``prime
recipients'') in connection with this document must certify compliance
prior to actual receipt of such funds in a written statement that makes
reference to this document (e.g., ``[Prime recipient's name] certifies
compliance with the section, `Prostitution and Related Activities.' '')
addressed to the agency's grants officer. Such certifications by prime
recipients are prerequisites to the payment of any U.S. Government
funds in connection with this document.
Recipients' compliance with this section, ``Prostitution and
Related Activities,'' is an express term and condition of receiving
U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and any
violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination by HHS of
the agreement with HHS in connection with this document prior to the
end of its term. The recipient shall refund to HHS the entire amount
furnished in connection with this document in the event HHS determines
the recipient has not complied with this section, ``Prostitution and
Related Activities.''
You may find guidance for completing your budget on the HHS/CDC Web
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm
.
IV.6. Other Submission Requirements
Application Submission Address: HHS/CDC strongly encourages you to
submit electronically at http://www.grants.gov You will be able to download a copy of the application package from http://www.grants.gov.,
complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via
the Grants.gov Web site. We will not accept e-mail submissions. If you
are having technical difficulties in Grants.gov, you
[[Page 48572]]
may reach them by e-mail at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-
518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7
a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
HHS/CDC recommends that you submit your application to Grants.gov
early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the
deadline. You may also submit a back-up paper submission of your
application. We must receive any such paper submission in accordance
with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3.
of the grant announcement.
You must clearly mark the paper submission: ``BACK-UP FOR
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.''
The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-
electronic submissions. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper
submissions by the deadline, we will consider the electronic version
the official submission.
We strongly recommended that you submit your grant application by
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may
submit a PDF file. You may find directions for creating PDF files on
the Grants.gov Web site. Use of files other than Microsoft Office or
PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff.
Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical
Information Management--CDC-RFA-AA108, CDC Procurement and Grants
Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine
Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Criteria
Applicants must provide measures of effectiveness that will
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of
the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the
performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must
measure the intended outcome. Applicants must submit these measures of
effectiveness with the application, and they will be an element of
evaluation.
We will evaluate against the following criteria:
1. Technical Approach (20 Points)
Does the applicant describe strategies that are pertinent and match
those identified in the five-year strategy of the President's Emergency
Plan and activities that are evidence-based, realistic, achievable,
measurable and culturally appropriate in Nigeria to achieving the goals
of the Emergency Plan? The extent to which the applicant's proposal
includes an overall design strategy, including measurable time lines;
the extent to which the proposal addresses regular monitoring and
evaluation; and the potential effectiveness of the proposed activities
in meeting the numerical objectives of the Emergency Plan?
2. Understanding of the Problem (20 Points)
Extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and concise
understanding of the nature of the problem described in the Purpose
section of this announcement. This specifically includes description of
the public health importance of the planned activities to be undertaken
and realistic presentation of proposed objectives and projects.
3. Ability To Carry Out the Proposal (20 Points)
The extent to which the applicant documents demonstrated capability
to achieve the purpose of the project. Does the applicant demonstrate
knowledge of the cultural and political realities in Namibia?
4. Personnel (15 Points)
The extent to which professional personnel involved in this project
are qualified, including evidence of experience in working with HIV/
AIDS, opportunistic infections, and HIV/STD surveillance. Are the staff
roles clearly defined?
5. Plans for Administration and Management of Projects (15 Points)
Adequacy of plans for administering the projects.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (10 Points)
Is the plan to measure impact of interventions, and the manner in
which they will be provided, adequate? Is the plan to manage the
resources of this program and monitor and audit expenditures adequate?
7. Budget (Reviewed, But Not Scored)
The extent to which the itemized budget for conducting the project,
along with justification, is reasonable and consistent with stated
objectives and planned program activities. Is it consistent with the
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and
Emergency Plan activities in Namibia?
V.2. Review and Selection Process
The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review
applications for completeness, and HHS Global AIDS program will review
them for responsiveness. Incomplete applications and applications that
are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through
the review process. Applicants will receive notification that their
application did not meet submission requirements.
An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria''
section above. All persons who serve on the panel will be external to
the U.S. Government Country Program Office in Namibia. The panel can
include both Federal and non-Federal participants.
In addition, the following factors could affect the funding
decision:
While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will give
preference to existing national/Namibian organizations. It is possible
for one organization to apply as lead grantee with a plan that includes
partnering with other organizations, preferably local. Although
matching funds are not required, preference will be go to organizations
that can leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals.
Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined
by the review panel. HHS/CDC will provide justification for any
decision to fund out of rank order.
V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
September 15, 2005.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the
HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only
binding, authorizing document between the recipient and HHS/CDC. An
authorized Grants Management Officer will sign the NoA, and mail it to
the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of
the application review by mail.
[[Page 48573]]
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92
For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the
National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
The following additional requirements apply to this project:
AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions.
AR-6 Patient Care.
AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements.
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements.
AR-14 Accounting System Requirements.
Applicants can find additional information on these requirements
can be found on the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.
You need to include an additional Certifications form from the
PHS5161-1 application in your Grants.gov electronic submission only.
Please refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-Certificates.pdf.
Once you have filled out the form, please attach to
the Grants.gov submission as Other Attachment Forms.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of
the following reports:
1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end
of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-
competing continuation application, and must contain the following
elements:
a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
d. Budget.
e. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for
Namibia.
f. Additional Requested Information.
2. Annual progress report, due no more than 60 days after the end
of the budget period. Reports should include progress against the
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for
Namibia.
3. Financial status report no more than 90 days after the end of
the budget period.
4. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days
after the end of the project period.
Recipients must be mail these reports to the Grants Management or
Contract Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this
announcement.
VII. Agency Contacts
We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.
For general questions, contact: Technical Information Management
Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone:
770-488-2700.
For program technical assistance, contact: Leonard Floyd, U.S.
Department of State, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2540
Windhoek Place, Washington, DC 20521-8320, Telephone: 011 264 61224
149, E-mail: Floydl@nacop.net.
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Shirley Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants
Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine
Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-1515, E-mail:
swynn@cdc.gov.
VIII. Other Information
Applicants can find this and other HHS funding opportunity
announcements on the HHS/CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov.
(Click on ``Funding,'' then ``Grants and Cooperative
Agreements''), and on the Web site of the HHS Global Health Affairs,
Internet address: http://www.globalhealth.gov.
Dated: August 11, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 05-16373 Filed 8-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P