[Federal Register: September 7, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 172)]
[Notices]
[Page 53216-53224]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07se05-67]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Support for Programs Designed To Reduce the Impact of HIV in
Southern Sudan, Under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA211.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 29, 2005.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301 (a) and
307 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.
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
[[Page 53217]]
design a customized program of assistance that fits within the host
nation's strategic plan.
The HHS Global AIDS Program (GAP) has established field operations
to support national HIV/AIDS control programs in 25 countries and to
build capacity to address the global AIDS pandemic. HHS/GAP provides
financial and technical assistance through partnerships with
governments, community- and faith-based organizations, the private
sector and national and international entities.
HHS/CDC/GAP works with the other offices within the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
within HHS; the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID);
Peace Corps; the U.S. Departments of State, Labor and Defense; and
other agencies and organizations. These efforts complement multilateral
efforts, including those of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/
AIDS (UNAIDS); the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB and Malaria (GFATM);
World Bank funding; and other private-sector donation programs.
The U.S. Government seeks to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in
specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas
through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (The Emergency
Plan). Through this new initiative, HHS/ GAP will continue to work with
host countries to strengthen capacity and expand activities in the
areas of: (1) Primary HIV prevention; (2) HIV care, support, and
treatment; and (3) capacity and infrastructure development, especially
for surveillance and training.
As Southern Sudan emerges from a long civil war, HIV prevention,
care, and strategic information activities and programs remain quite
limited. The President's Emergency Plan has designated funds for HIV
control in Southern Sudan through this announcement.
The approach taken by HHS/GAP and USAID in Southern Sudan, is
similar to that in countries with larger programs, emphasizing
collaboration with other agencies.
HHS/GAP and HHS/CDC Kenya support HIV-control efforts in Southern
Sudan by providing technical assistance, directly and indirectly, to
government bodies of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and
other partners, and by providing funding for program activities. HHS/
CDC is involved in developing protocols and guidelines for specific
program areas including sentinel surveillance; PMTCT and HIV clinical
care; supporting the implementation of PMTCT as part of a pilot Safe
Motherhood program primarily supported by the United Nations Children's
Fund (UNICEF); working to implement sentinel surveillance in PMTCT
sites; providing technical and material support towards the development
of HIV public health laboratory capacity; initiating HIV/TB linkage
activities in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO);
working to implement HIV-control activities in the Sudan People's
Liberation Army (SPLA), in collaboration with military officials and
United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders;
and implementing safe-water interventions.
HHS/GAP's mission in Southern Sudan is to work with Sudanese and
international partners to develop, support, and evaluate the effective
implementation of interventions to prevent HIV and related illnesses,
and to improve care and support for persons with HIV/AIDS. The program
aims to build local capacity and promote in-country leadership and
ownership of activities; focus on national and local priorities; share
experiences and technical information and coordinate activities with
other programs; and use local expertise, whenever possible.
Specifically, HHS/GAP's mission in Southern Sudan is to accomplish
the following, as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief:
1. Provide support and training for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in
health care facilities and in the community;
2. Establish training expertise for confidential HIV/AIDS testing
and counseling in Southern Sudan; and
3. Strengthen the local and national responses to HIV/AIDS in
Southern Sudan through support and collaboration with the National AIDS
Council (NAC), private and NGO health sectors, and others.
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve the capacity of
organizations that provide clinical care and public health
interventions to reduce the impact of HIV in Southern Sudan. The range
of activities supported under this announcement include the following:
(1) Prevention for the uniformed services of New Sudan (Southern
Sudan); (2) confidential counseling and testing {e.g. voluntary
counseling and testing (VCT){time} ; (3) prevention integrated with
maternal and child health care and community-based programs; (4)
strengthening laboratory capacity for HIV public health functions
(sentinel surveillance and quality assurance testing); (5) care and
treatment including both basic evidence-based care for persons with HIV
and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART); and (6) safe-water
interventions.
The support for implementing programs under this announcement will
vary according to needs, but could include infrastructure modification
to essential facilities, equipment procurement, hiring and training
staff, and procurement of materials and supplies.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan and one (or more) of
the following performance goal(s) for the National Center for HIV, STD
and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) within HHS/CDC: By 2010, work with other
countries, international organizations, the Department of State, USAID,
and other partners to achieve the United Nations General Assembly
Special Session on HIV/AIDS goal of reducing prevalence among people 15
to 24 years of age and to reduce HIV transmission and improve care of
persons living with HIV. In addition, the measurable outcomes of the
program will be in alignment with the goals of The Emergency Plan as
outlined in this Program Announcement.
Specific measurable outcomes from this program will include: (1)
The numbers of persons trained in confidential HIV counseling and
testing (VCT and healthcare provider-initiated models); (2) number of
persons trained in PMTCT; (3) number of persons trained in strategic
information (includes M&E, surveillance and/or HMIS); (4) number of
individuals trained in the provision of laboratory-related activities;
(5) number of individuals trained to provide HIV palliative care
(including TB/HIV); (6) numbers of individuals reached through
community outreach prevention services; (7) number of individuals
received counseling and testing for HIV and received their result; (8)
number of service outlets providing the minimum package of PMTCT
services according to national and international standards; (9) number
of pregnant women who received HIV counseling and testing and received
their results; (10) number of pregnant women provided with a complete
course of antiretroviral prophylaxis in a PMTCT setting.
This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by
HHS, including 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
[[Page 53218]]
address: http://www.HHS/CDC.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.
Activities
Applicant organizations may apply for one or more, or all
activities described in this program announcement. Organizations that
are implementing HIV control activities may receive direct funding
through this program announcement or through sub-grants from awardees.
Specific activities could include one or more of the following:
1. Provide prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT)
services;
2. Sentinel surveillance specimen collection;
3. HIV laboratory services for sentinel surveillance, quality
assessment, and care and treatment
4. Confidential HIV counseling and testing;
5. Development of a permanent HIV counseling and testing training
program;
6. Capacity development for government institutions and individuals
involved in HIV strategic information and service provision in Southern
Sudan;
7. Capacity development for local organizations, including faith-
based and other community-based and other non-governmental
organizations involved in HIV service provision;
8. Care and treatment programs with and without HAART; and
9. HIV prevention and control for SPLM/A uniformed services
personnel and their families.
Integrated approaches at the local level to confidential testing,
prevention and care are necessary, and improving the overall quality of
health care is essential to HIV control in conflict-affected Southern
Sudan.
1. Within the first three months from the date of this award,
develop a strategic plan to include goals, objectives, a monitoring
plan, and if applicable, an implementation strategy to identify
recipients of sub-grants, their implementation activities, and their
reporting requirements, consistent with strategic information guidance
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
2. Support training of staff of government and non-governmental
organizations in relevant program areas, possibly including
confidential counseling and testing, PMTCT integrated into strengthened
maternal-child health care, HIV/AIDS care and treatment, laboratory
methods, and data management.
3. Provide technical assistance to NAC and its staff and future HIV
management programs that may be developed within the Ministry of Health
of Southern Sudan to facilitate the development of program management
capacity. Such activities should be undertaken in close consultation
with HHS/CDC and other partners, especially USAID.
4. Identify project staffing needs, including administrative,
management and technical staff; hire and train staff.
5. Identify furnishings, fittings, equipment and other fixed asset
procurement needs of the project and implementing partners, and acquire
from normal local, regional or international vendors, as appropriate,
in a transparent and competitive process.
6. Establish an acceptable reporting structure. Provide fiscal
oversight and technical assistance to local partners in the areas of
program and financial management, administration, personnel management,
data management, and other aspects of institution strengthening.
7. Develop mechanisms for sharing information, including sharing of
lessons learned among local partners and including referral systems
between partners when appropriate.
8. Monitor, assess and report on the performance of the local
partners.
9. Assist the local partners to write reports describing their
programs.
10. Provide training and technical assistance to some local
partners so they could develop the skills to apply for funds
independently and manage funds effectively after the completion of the
program.
The recipient or recipients of these funds will be responsible for
activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved
populations in Southern Sudan. Either the awardee (or awardees) will
implement activities directly or will implement them through its
subgrantees and/or subcontractors; the awardees 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 is expected to work closely with HHS/CDC staff
in the planning and implementation of program activities. 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 Southern Sudan 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 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.
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 the announcement. For
each of these activities, the grantee will give priority to evidence-
based, yet culturally adapted, innovative approaches, including:
Confidential Counseling and Testing Services
Develop a training program for confidential HIV counseling and
testing that will meet expanding program needs including VCT, routine
and diagnostic testing in clinical settings, and eventually care and
treatment counseling. Confidential counseling and testing capacity in
Southern Sudan should be increased through training in counseling,
supervision, and laboratory quality assessment. Different curricula
could be appropriate for personnel with varying backgrounds and roles,
from full-time lay counselors to healthcare workers who will perform
some counseling.
Prevention Services
This activity can include PMTCT integrated with basic HIV clinical
care and evidence-based maternal and child health, community-based
prevention, and strengthening of antenatal surveillance. For example,
organizations that operate primary health care centers and hospital
should be strengthened, enhancing their capacity to provide integrated
HIV prevention and care services including appropriate
[[Page 53219]]
confidential testing and counseling; development of comprehensive
antenatal and maternity care that include PMTCT of HIV; care and
treatment for those infected (care and treatment programs that include
HAART are not included under this activity); and prevention and
voluntary, age and culturally-appropriate family planning. All
facilities offering HIV care to pregnant mothers and their families
should develop the capacity to provide basic HIV-related care to HIV-
affected families and to effectively refer clients for more
comprehensive care. Basic care (also known as palliative care) includes
interventions to prevent opportunistic infections (OIs) as well as the
treatment of OIs when they occur.
Interventions should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies
must emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and
correct and consistent use of condoms by those populations who are
engaged in high-risk behaviors.\1\ Awardees may not implement condom
social marketing without also implementing the abstinence and
faithfulness behavior-change interventions outlined in the preceding
paragraph.
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\1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include:
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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Laboratory Support for Regional Sentinel Surveillance
Support HIV public health laboratory services within Southern
Sudan, at a facility designated by the National AIDS Council. ELISA
equipment supplies will be procured separately, and it is anticipated
that a GFATM-funded partner (identification pending) will play a
substantial role in supporting logistic and data management needs
related to HIV surveillance as well as program quality assurance. HHS/
CDC laboratory staff will provide substantial technical support. The
implementing partner for surveillance laboratory testing will require
support for continuing activity, which is expected to include support
for one laboratory technician and one data entry staff, with associated
material costs.
Care and Treatment
Contingent upon identification of a suitable site, develop
excellence in providing HIV clinical care, including highly active
HAART programs, through support to one or more facility-based programs.
HIV care and treatment activities will be consistent with national
guidelines which are HHS/GAP will provide significant technical
assistance and support. Promote knowledge of current HIV care, and
support the provision of non-HAART care through training of healthcare
providers, technical assistance, and support for equipment and supplies
in implementing facilities.
Prevention Activities for the Uniformed Services
Provide HIV prevention services to active and demobilizing SPLA
personnel and their families. National health authorities have
identified uniformed service personnel as a priority for U.S.
Government-supported HIV control efforts. Such interventions should
include prevention and confidential VCT, and should be planned in
association with the NAC, appropriate SPLA authorities, and current
efforts to develop plans and policies for HIV control in the SPLA.
Interventions should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies must
emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and
correct and consistent use of condoms by those populations who are
engaged in high-risk behaviors.\2\ Awardees may not implement condom
social marketing without also implementing the abstinence and
faithfulness behavior-change interventions outlined in the preceding
paragraph.
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\2\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include:
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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Safe Water Interventions
Support a pilot program that makes safer water interventions
available to one or more communities, conducted in association with
HHS/CDC-supported activities described under the ``Prevention''
(including PMTCT) or ``Care and Treatment'' sections above. HIV-
infected persons are at higher-than-average risk of diarrheal disease;
therefore, the program should include such an intervention as part of a
package of basic care for persons with HIV, and involve healthcare
providers and facilities in the promotion of the intervention, although
promotion should not be limited to the health-facility level. Studies
have shown that variety of interventions designed to improve water and
hand hygiene reduce the incidence of diarrheal disease at the household
level, including point-of-use water treatment combined with the use of
safer household water vessels. Although most studies have focused on
the benefits in other vulnerable groups, such as young children,
successful efforts can have particular benefits for people with
advanced HIV infection.
Awardees activities for this program are as follows:
Administer sub-grants and provide technical assistance to other
organizations by developing a plan to support local or international
organizations that provide a range of interventions including
confidential VCT and other models of HIV testing and counseling, PMTCT,
basic HIV care, HAART, and prevention education.
Administration
The successful applicant 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. 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 include meetings with staff from
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
2. 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.
[[Page 53220]]
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as
necessary.
6. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.
10. Assist awardees in identifying prospective local partners, and
choosing them in a transparent and competitive process.
11. Assist awardee in developing strategies and mechanisms to
identify new partners for years two and three.
12. Procure laboratory supplies including rapid, simple HIV and
syphilis test kits and ELISA testing supplies.
13. Procure some drugs (non-HAART) and other therapeutics for HIV
care and treatment.
14. Play an active role in the development of curricula and
training courses, including provision of technical assistance.
15. Provide technical assistance in clinical, counseling and
laboratory issues, training, data management, and program monitoring
and evaluation.
16. Provide technical assistance with prevention, confidential
counseling and testing and data-management issues. Such technical
assistance can involve the identification of problems and challenges
and collaborative efforts to find practical solutions.
17. Work with other stakeholders to evaluate curriculum and
training needs on a continuous basis, and adapt training as necessary
to meet the program needs in Southern Sudan, particularly in local
languages.
18. Participate in providing support and supervision to
implementing partners.
19. Monitor project and budget performance to ensure satisfactory
progress towards the goals of the project.
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.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
HHS involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section
above.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2006.
Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $3,000,000. (This amount
is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
Approximate Number of Awards: Three or more, contingent upon
funding.
Approximate Average Award: $250,000. (The amount will be higher in
the first two years because of the need to develop curriculum and train
trainers, etc. The amount is for the first 12-month budget period and
will include direct costs [and indirect costs in the case of domestic
grantees.])
Floor of Individual Award Range: $50,000.
Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $1,000,000. (This ceiling is for
the first 12-month budget period.)
Anticipated Award Date: October 30, 2005.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: Three 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
This announcement is for limited competition.
Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are
public and private non-profit organizations and governments and their
agencies, such as:
U.S.-Based and International non-profit organizations
Sudanese non-profit organizations
Universities
Colleges
Research institutions
Hospitals
Community-based organizations
Faith-based organizations
U.S.-based and international organizations that meet the
eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.
Applicants must have at least two years of documented experience in
conducting one of the following activities:
(1) Building the capacity of local and indigenous organizations to
conduct health-related activities in Southern Sudan, (2) managing sub-
grants to local organizations in Southern Sudan; (3) providing health-
related interventions in Southern Sudan; or (4) experience in
developing similar HIV-related health programs, especially in other
post-conflict settings.
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.
[[Page 53221]]
Applicant organizations meeting the criteria are eligible
to apply for one or more, or all activities described in this program
announcement. Applicants should indicate in the application, which
activities they plan to implement. Applicants that are capable of
providing management, administrative technical support for HHS/CDC/GAP-
funded activities in Southern Sudan will be eligible to administer sub-
grants to partner organizations. Applicants providing health-related
services in Southern Sudan with capacity to implement HIV control
activities may also apply for funding by responding directly to this
program announcement.
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 your application
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this
announcement on 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, 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. The narrative must be submitted in the following
format:
Maximum number of pages: 30. If your narrative exceeds the
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.
Number all pages of the application sequentially from page
1 (application Face Page) to the end of the application, including
charts, figures, tables, and appendices.
Printed only on one side of the page.
Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not
bound in any other way.
Submitted in English.
Numbered pages
Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the
entire project period and must include the following items in the order
listed:
Background--what are the underlying issues related to
undertaking this project?
Objectives--What objectives will be achieved by
undertaking this project?
Activities--What activities will be undertaken to achieve
stated objectives?
Methods--What methods will be used to conduct activities?
Evaluation Framework--What evaluation procedures will be
used to determine if the objectives of the project are being met?
Budget highlighting any supplies mentioned in the program
requirements.
Any proposed capital expenditures.
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:
Organizational charts
Curriculum vitas
Letters of support, etc.
The budget and budget justification will not count in the page
limit stated above.
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, please see the HHS/CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.pdf
.
If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please
write the DUNS number at the top of the first page of the application,
and/or include your DUNS number in the application cover letter.
Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional
documentation with the application are listed in section ``VI.2.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''
IV.3. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: September 29, 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 on-line 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 through Grants.gov
(http://www.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 that 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
carrier's guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem,
HHS/CDC will consider the submission as having been received by the
deadline.
If you submit a hard copy application, HHS/CDC will not notify you
upon receipt of the 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. 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.
[[Page 53222]]
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.
Funds may be used for: Hiring of staff needed to provide
services; training service providers; coordination of the program;
purchase of supplies, equipment, and commodities (including
antiretroviral drugs) needed to provide the services; renovation of
clinical facilities at site of program implementation; sensitization of
the community on HIV control services; providing ground transportation
services to HHS/CDC GAP staff in Southern Sudan, maintaining office and
residential facilities for GAP staff.
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, training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment
may be purchased and renovations completed 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 organization,
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 and care services for which funds are required).
An annual audit of these funds is required and must be
conducted 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. The audit should specify the use of funds and
the appropriateness and reasonableness of expenditures.
A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required,
prior to or post award, to review the applicant's business management
and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. Federal funds.
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
.
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. Sec. 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.''
[[Page 53223]]
IV.6. Other Submission Requirements
Application Submission Address
HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to submit applications
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 site. We
will not accept e-mail submissions. If you are having technical
difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service can be reached 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 the
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 recommend 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 a PDF on the
Grants.gov web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft Office or
PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff.
or
Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail
or express delivery service to the following address:
Technical Information Management--AA211, 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 your application against the following criteria:
1. Ability To Carry Out the Project (35 Points)
Does the applicant document demonstrated capability to achieve the
purposes of the project? Does the applicant demonstrate an
understanding of the issues and problems that face local and indigenous
organizations in implementing HIV prevention and care in Sudan? Does
the applicant have demonstrated and prior experience in providing
capacity building and support to local and indigenous organizations in
developing countries? Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding
of the national cultural and political context and the technical and
programmatic areas covered by the project? Does the applicant have
demonstrated experience in HIV service delivery? Does the applicant
display knowledge of the five-year strategy and goals of the
President's Emergency Plan, such that it can build on these to develop
a comprehensive, collaborative project to reach underserved populations
in Southern Sudan and meet the goals of the Emergency Plan?
2. Plans for Administration and Management of the Project (25 Points)
Are there adequate plans for administering the project? Does the
applicant describe activities that are realistic, achievable, time-
framed and appropriate to complete this program? Does the application
include an overall design strategy, including measurable time lines,
clear monitoring and evaluation procedures, and specific activities for
meeting the proposed objectives? Does the applicant describe a plan to
progressively build the capacity of local organizations and of target
beneficiaries and communities to respond to the epidemic?
3. Personnel (25 Points)
Do the personnel have appropriate technical qualifications, and are
they fluent in local languages spoken in Southern Sudan? Are the
professional personnel involved in this project qualified, including
prior experience with improving the capacity of local and indigenous
organizations or delivering the specified services in Sudan or
elsewhere in developing countries?
4. Administrative, Evaluation and Accounting Plan (15 Points)
Is there a plan to account for, prepare reports, monitoring and
audit expenditures under this agreement, manage the resources of the
program and produce, collect and analyze performance data?
5. Budget (Not Scored)
Is the budget itemized, well justified and consistent with the
five-year strategy and goals for the President's Emergency Plan and
Emergency Plan activities in Southern Sudan? Does the budget reflect a
commitment to ensure that local organizations receive an adequate
percentage of the total award to ensure they can achieve their targets?
Is the percentage of funds designated for administration and capacity
building, including technical oversight from a head office, reasonable?
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. The panel may 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/Southern Sudanese 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.
[[Page 53224]]
V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
October 30, 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.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74 as Appropriate
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-12 Lobbying Restrictions
AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
AR-23 States and Faith Based Organization
Applicants can find additional information on these requirements 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 PHS
5161-1 application in your Grants.gov electronic submission only.
Please refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-11Certificates.pdf.
Once you have filled out the form, please attach it
to the Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of
the following reports:
1. In year one, quarterly progress reports, due 30 days after the
end of each quarter. In subsequent years, a semi-annual progress report
is required no later than 30 days after the reporting period.
2. Interim progress report, no less than 90 days before the end of
the budget period. The progress report will serve as the 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
Southern Sudan.
f. Additional Requested Information.
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.
5. 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
Southern Sudan.
Recipients must 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: Thomas Boo, Medical
Officer, GAP, CDC-Kenya, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
HHS/CDC Global AIDS Program, P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621
Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone: 254-20-271-3008, ext. 149 or Mobile: +254-
722-200-189. E-mail: tboo@ke.cdc.gov.
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Diane Flournoy, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and
Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: 770-488-2072. E-mail:
dmf6@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 Office of Global Health Affairs, Internet
address: http://www.globalhealth.gov.
Dated: August 31, 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. 05-17678 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P