[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 76 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21135-21146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8889]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration


Availability of Funds Announced in the HRSA Mini-Preview

AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration.

ACTION: General notice.

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SUMMARY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces 
the availability of funds in the HRSA Mini-Preview for Spring 2004. The 
HRSA Preview is a comprehensive review of HRSA's fiscal year (FY) 2004 
competitive grant programs. This supplemental edition provides 
information on programs not initially announced in the full HRSA 
Preview, which was published in the Federal Register on September 4, 
2003. (Vol. 68, No. 171)
    The purpose of the HRSA Preview is to provide the general public 
with a single source of program and application information related to 
the Agency's competitive grant offerings. The HRSA Preview is designed 
to replace the multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally 
advertised the availability of HRSA's discretionary funds for its 
various programs. It should be noted that additional program 
initiatives responsive to new or emerging issues in the health care 
area and unanticipated at the time of publication of the HRSA Preview 
may be announced through the Federal Register and the HRSA Web site, 
http://www.hrsa.gov/grants.htm. A list of these programs can also be 
found at the Grants.gov Web site: http://www.grants.gov. This notice 
does not change requirements appearing elsewhere in the Federal 
Register.
    This notice is intended to serve as the HRSA Mini-Preview. The HRSA 
Mini-Preview contains a description of new competitive grant programs 
scheduled for awards in FY 2004 which were not included in the earlier 
HRSA Preview, and includes instructions on how to contact the Agency 
for information and receive application kits for these programs. 
Specifically, the following information is included in the HRSA Mini-
Preview: (1) Program announcement number; (2) program announcement 
title; (3) program announcement code; (4) legislative authority; (5) 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) identification number; 
(6) purpose; (7) eligibility; (8) funding priorities and/or 
preferences; (9) application review criteria; (10) estimated dollar 
amount of competition; (11) estimated number of awards; (12) estimated 
project period; (13) application availability date; (14) letter of 
intent deadline (if any); (15) application deadline; (16) projected 
award date; and (17) programmatic contact, with telephone and e-mail 
addresses. Certain other information, including how to obtain and use 
the HRSA Preview and grant terminology, can also be found in the HRSA 
Mini-Preview.
    This Fiscal Year HRSA began accepting grant applications online. 
Please refer to the HRSA Web site at http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/ 
preview/default.htm for more information.

    Dated: April 13, 2004.
Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator.
    This notice describes funding for the following HRSA discretionary 
authorities and programs (receipt deadlines are also provided):

Health Professions Programs:
  HRSA-04-086 Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)............   05/19/2004
  HRSA-04-087 Health Careers Adopt a School Demonstration     06/01/2004
   Program (HCSDP).........................................
  HRSA-04-096 Clinical Experiences in Federally-Funded        06/07/2004
   Community Health Centers for Nurse Practitioners and/or
   Nurse-Midwifery Students (CENS).........................
HIV/AIDS Programs:
  HRSA-04-079 National Quality Improvement/Management         06/30/2004
   Technical Assistance Center Cooperative Agreement (NQC).
Maternal and Child Health Programs:
  HRSA-04-083 Awareness and Access to Care for Children and   06/01/2004
   Youth with Epilepsy (AACYE).............................
  HRSA-04-084 State Oral Health Collaborative Systems         06/25/2004
   (SOHCS).................................................
  HRSA-04-085 Heritable Disorders Program (HDP)............   06/30/2004
  HRSA-04-088 State Grants for Perinatal Depression (SGPD).   06/01/2004
  HRSA-04-094 State Maternal and Child Health Early           06/18/2004
   Childhood Comprehensive Systems (SECCS).................
Rural Health Policy Programs:
  HRSA-04-089 Public Access Defibrillation Demonstration      06/10/2004
   Projects (PADDP)........................................
  HRSA-04-090 Rural Emergency Medical Service Training and    06/10/2004
   Equipment Assistance Program (REMSTEP)..................
  HRSA-04-091 Rural Health Best Practices and Community       06/21/2004
   Development Cooperative Agreement (RHCD)................
  HRSA-04-092 Frontier Extended Stay Clinic Cooperative       07/02/2004
   Agreement (FESC)........................................
  HRSA-04-093 Rural Policy Analysis Cooperative Agreement     06/30/2004
   (RPACA).................................................
Special Programs--Grants:
  HRSA-04-082 State Planning Grants (SPGP).................   06/15/2004
  HRSA-04-095 Media-Based Grass Roots Efforts to Increase     06/25/2004
   Minority Organ Donations (MBMOD)........................
 


[[Page 21136]]

How To Use and Obtain Copies of the HRSA Mini-Preview

    It is recommended that you read the introductory materials, 
terminology section, and individual program category descriptions 
before contacting the toll-free number: 1-877-HRSA-123 (1-877-477-
2123), M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. e.s.t. Likewise, we urge applicants to 
fully assess their eligibility for grants before requesting kits. As a 
general rule, no more than one kit per category will be mailed to 
applicants.

To Obtain a Copy of the HRSA Mini-Preview

    Unlike the full HRSA Preview, this Mini-Preview will not be 
available in booklet form. However, the HRSA Mini-Preview will be 
available on the HRSA homepage via the World Wide Web at: http://
www.hrsa.gov/grants.htm. You can download this document in Adobe 
Acrobat format.

To Obtain Application Materials

    You may apply for HRSA grants on-line or on paper. HRSA encourages 
you to apply on-line. HRSA's online system is designed to maximize data 
accuracy and speed processing. Multiple individuals may register and 
collaborate on applications, and institutional data is stored for you 
to re-use on future applications.
    To apply online, go to http://www.hrsa.gov/grants. On that Web 
page, you will find basic instructions and links to the HRSA online 
application system, where you will be able to register, download 
application guidance for specific programs, and submit your grant 
application.
    Please submit your application early, and pay strict attention to 
deadlines. Applications submitted after a program's deadline will not 
be accepted.
    To obtain paper application materials, determine which kit(s) you 
wish to receive and call 1-877-477-2123 to be placed on the mailing 
list. Be sure to provide the information specialist with the Program 
Announcement Number, Program Announcement Code and the title of the 
grant program. You may also request application kits using the e-mail 
address [email protected]. Application kits are generally available 30-
45 days prior to application deadline. If kits are available earlier, 
they will be mailed immediately. The guidance contained in the various 
kits contains detailed instructions, background on the grant program, 
and other essential information, such as the applicability of Executive 
Order 12372 and 45 CFR part 100, and additional information pertinent 
to the intergovernmental review process, as appropriate.

Grant Terminology

Application Deadlines

    Applications will be considered on time if they are received on or 
before the established deadline. Applicants should check the 
application guidance material or the HRSA-Grants homepage for deadline 
changes. Applications sent to any address other than that specified in 
the application guidance are subject to being returned.

Authorization

    The citation of the law authorizing the various grant programs is 
provided immediately following the title of the programs.

CFDA Number

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is a Government-
wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities 
that provide assistance. Programs listed therein are given a CFDA 
Number.

Cooperative Agreement

    A financial assistance mechanism (grant) used when substantial 
Federal programmatic involvement with the recipient is anticipated by 
the funding agency during performance of the project. The nature of 
that involvement will always be specified in the offering or 
application guidance materials, which HRSA considers to be part of the 
published program announcement.

DUNS Number

    All applicants are now required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (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.

Eligibility

    The status an entity must possess to be considered for a grant. 
Authorizing legislation and programmatic regulations specify 
eligibility for individual grant programs, and eligibility may be 
further restricted for programmatic reasons. Although program 
authorizing legislation and regulations provide specific eligibility 
requirements, generally, assistance is provided to public and nonprofit 
private organizations and institutions, including faith-based and 
community-based organizations, State/local governments and their 
agencies, Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or tribal organizations, 
and occasionally to individuals. For-profit organizations are eligible 
to receive awards under financial assistance programs when authorized 
by legislation.

Estimated Amount of Competition

    The funding level listed is provided only as an estimate, and is 
subject to the availability of funds, Congressional action, and 
changing program priorities.

Funding Priorities and/or Preferences

    Funding preferences, priorities, and special considerations may 
come from legislation, regulations, or HRSA program leadership 
decisions. They are not the same as review criteria. Funding 
preferences are any objective factors that would be used to place a 
grant application ahead of others without the preference on a list of 
applicants recommended for funding by a review committee. Some programs 
give preference to organizations that have specific capabilities such 
as telemedicine networking, or have established relationships with 
managed care organizations. Funding priorities are factors that cause a 
grant application to receive a fixed amount of extra rating points--
which may similarly affect the order of applicants on a funding list. 
Special considerations are other factors considered in making funding 
decisions that are neither review criteria, preferences, nor 
priorities, e.g., ensuring that there is an equitable geographic 
distribution of grant recipients, or meeting requirements for urban and 
rural proportions.

Letter of Intent

    To help in planning the application review process, many HRSA 
programs request a letter of intent from the applicant in advance of 
the application deadline. Letters of intent are neither binding nor 
mandatory. Details on where to send letters can be found in the 
guidance materials contained in the application kit.

Matching Requirements

    Several HRSA programs require a matching amount, or percentage of 
the total project support, to come from sources other than Federal 
funds. Matching requirements are generally mandated in the authorizing 
legislation for specific categories. Also, matching or other cost-
sharing requirements may be administratively required by the awarding 
office. Such requirements are set forth in the application kit.

[[Page 21137]]

Program Announcement Code

    The program announcement code is a unique identifier for each 
program funded by HRSA. The three-seven character acronyms are located 
in parentheses immediately at the end of each program title and must be 
used to request application materials either from the HRSA Grants 
Application Center or online at [email protected].
    Be sure to use the program announcement number, program 
announcement code and the title of the grant progam when requesting an 
application kit.

Program Announcement Number

    A unique program announcement (HRSA) number is located at the 
beginning of each program announcement in the HRSA Preview, Mini-
Preview and Federal Register notices and includes the Fiscal Year and 
sequence number for announcement; for example, HRSA 04-001.
    This number is used with the program title and program announcement 
code to order application materials.

Project Period

    The project period is the total time for which support of a 
discretionary project has been programmatically approved. The project 
period usually consists of a series of budget periods of one-year 
duration. Once approved through initial review, continuation of each 
successive budget period is subject to satisfactory performance, 
availability of funds, and program priorities.

Review Criteria

    The following are generic review criteria applicable to HRSA 
programs:
    (1) Need--The extent to which the application describes the problem 
and associated contributing factors to the problem.
    (2) Response--The extent to which the proposed project responds to 
the ``Purpose'' included in the program description. The clarity of the 
proposed goals and objectives and their relationship to the identified 
project. The extent to which the activities (scientific or other) 
described in the application are capable of addressing the problem and 
attaining the project objectives.
    (3) Evaluative Measures--The effectiveness of the method proposed 
to monitor and evaluate the project results. Evaluative measures must 
be able to assess (1) to what extent the program objectives have been 
met and (2) to what extent these can be attributed to the project.
    (4) Impact--The extent and effectiveness of plans for dissemination 
of project results, and/or the extent to which project results may be 
national in scope and/or the degree to which a community is impacted by 
delivery of health services, and/or the degree to which the project 
activities are replicable, and/or the sustainability of the program 
beyond Federal funding.
    (5) Resources/Capabilities--The extent to which project personnel 
are qualified by training and/or experience to implement and carry out 
the project. The capabilities of the applicant organization, and 
quality and availability of facilities and personnel to fulfill the 
needs and requirements of the proposed project. For competing 
continuations, past performance will also be considered.
    (6) Support Requested--The reasonableness of the proposed budget in 
relation to the objectives, the complexity of the activities, and the 
anticipated results.
    (7) Specific Program Criteria--Additional specific program 
criteria, if any, are included in the program description and in the 
individual guidance material provided with the application kit.
    The specific review criteria (that is, specific information 
detailing each of the above generic criteria) which will be used to 
review and rank applications are included in the individual guidance 
material provided with the application kit. Applicants should pay 
strict attention to addressing these criteria, as they are the basis 
upon which the reviewers will judge their applications.

Technical Assistance

    A contact person is listed for each program and his/her e-mail 
address and telephone number provided. Some programs may have also 
scheduled workshops and conference calls. If you have questions 
concerning individual programs or the availability of technical 
assistance, please contact the person listed. Also check your 
application materials and the HRSA Web site at http://www.hrsa.gov/ for 
the latest technical assistance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where Do I Submit Grant Applications?

    The address for submitting your grant application will be shown in 
the guidance document included in the application kit.

2. How Do I Learn More About a Particular Grant Program?

    If you want to know more about a program before you request an 
application kit, an e-mail/telephone contact is listed. This contact 
person can provide information concerning the specific program's 
purpose, scope and goals, and eligibility criteria. Usually, you will 
be encouraged to request the application kit so that you will have 
clear, comprehensive, and accurate information available to you. When 
requesting application materials, you must state the program 
announcement number, the program code and title of the program. The 
application kit lists telephone numbers for a program expert and a 
grants management specialist who will provide information about your 
program of interest if you are unable to find the information within 
the written materials provided.
    In general, the program contact person provides information about 
the specific grant offering and its purpose, and the grants management 
specialist provides information about the grant mechanism and business 
matters, though their responsibilities often overlap.
    Information specialists at the toll-free number provide only basic 
information and administer mailings.

3. The Dates Listed in the HRSA Mini-Preview and the Dates in the 
Application Kit Do Not Agree. How Do I Know Which Is Correct?

    HRSA Mini-Preview dates for application kit availability and 
application receipt deadlines are based upon the best known information 
at the time of publication, often several months in advance of the 
competitive cycle. Occasionally, the grant cycle does not begin as 
projected and dates must be adjusted. The deadline date stated in your 
application kit is generally correct. If the application kit has been 
made available and subsequently the date changes, notification of the 
change will be mailed to known recipients of the application kit, and 
also posted on the HRSA home page.

4. Are Programs Announced in the HRSA Mini-Preview Ever Cancelled?

    Infrequently, announced programs may be withdrawn from competition. 
If this occurs, a cancellation notice will be provided in the Federal 
Register, as well as through the HRSA Mini-Preview at the HRSA home 
page at http://www.hrsa.gov/grants.htm. If practicable, an attempt will 
be made to notify those who have requested a kit for the cancelled 
program by mail.

HRSA Program Competitions

Health Professions Program

HRSA-04-086 Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
    CFDA: 93.264.

[[Page 21138]]

    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act, Title VIII, 
Section 846A.
    Purpose: The Nurse Faculty Loan Program authorizes a school of 
nursing to establish and operate a student loan fund to increase the 
number of qualified nurse faculty. The school of nursing makes loans 
from the fund to students enrolled full-time in an advanced degree 
program in nursing that will prepare students to teach at a school of 
nursing. Loan recipients who complete the education program may cancel 
up to 85% of the loan in exchange for serving as full-time nurse 
faculty at a school of nursing.
    Eligibility: Only collegiate schools of nursing are eligible to 
apply. Schools of nursing must be accredited as defined in section 
801(3) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act and offer full-time 
advanced degree programs in nursing that prepare students to serve as 
nurse faculty.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $4,800,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 80.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-086 Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
    Application Availability: April 18, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required
    Application Deadline: May 19, 2004.
    Project Award Date: June 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Denise Thompson.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-6333.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-087 Health Careers Adopt a School Demonstration Program (HCSDP)
    CFDA: 93.822.
    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act, Title VII, 
Section 739.
    Purpose: The purpose of the HCSDP program is to stimulate the 
development of partnerships between community-based organizations, 
schools, and health professionals, exposing under-represented minority 
(URM) and disadvantaged students to health careers, introducing health 
career curriculum, improving academic achievement, and promoting 
healthy lifestyles through education. The HCSDP program is intended to 
provide models that can be replicated and utilized by schools (middle 
and high school), community-based organizations and other educational 
or health related entities, in partnership, to increase the interest, 
preparation and pursuit of health careers among URM and disadvantaged 
students. The final product of each project supported by this grant 
will be the demonstration of the Adopt A School educational curriculum, 
and a technical assistance presentation detailing the implementation of 
the model, intended to enhance and support the portability of the 
program. For FY 2004, funding is available for five to ten (5-10) HCSDP 
demonstration grants activities. Activities will include: (a) 
Identifying and recruiting partners; (b) implementing the Adopt A 
School educational curriculum for middle or high school students; and 
(c) creating models and procedures for carrying out educational 
activities utilizing the resource of partners.
    Eligibility: Middle schools, high schools, community colleges, 
universities, non-profit faith-based and community-based organizations, 
and health or education professional organizations.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $400,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 5-10.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-087 Health Careers Adopt a School Demonstration Program (HCSDP)
    Application Availability: April 30, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required.
    Application Deadline: June 1, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Stuart Weiss.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-5644.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-096 Clinical Experience in Federally-Funded Community Health 
Centers for Nurse Practitioners and/or Nurse-Midwifery Students (CENS)
    CFDA: 93.247.
    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act, Title VIII, 
Section 811(f).
    Purpose: To establish partnerships between accredited schools of 
nursing and a Community Health Center (CHC) funded under the Section 
330(e) of the Consolidated Health Center Program, Public Health Service 
(PHS) Act in order to provide nurse practitioner and/or nurse-midwifery 
graduate students with clinical learning experiences within CHCs. The 
goal of the grant is to provide nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery 
students with clinical experience serving underserved populations, to 
introduce the students to chronic disease management, and to introduce 
them to integrated mental health and substance abuse services within 
the CHC's primary care clinics. Based on increased exposure to nurse 
practitioner and nurse-midwifery students, an expected outcome of this 
grant includes increased CHC recruitment of graduate nurse 
practitioners and nurse-midwives.
    Eligibility: Applicants must either be an accredited School of 
Nursing with a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse-Midwifery Program, or a 
CHC funded under section 330(e) of the PHS Act.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $250,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 10.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-096 Clinical Experience in Federally-Funded Community Health 
Centers for Nurse Practitioners and/or Nurse-Midwifery Students (CENS)
    Application Availability: May 3, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required.
    Application Deadline: June 7, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Carolyn Aoyama, MPH, CNM, RN.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-1272.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].

HIV/AIDS Programs

HRSA-04-079 National Quality Improvement/Management Technical 
Assistance Center Cooperative Agreement (NQC)
    CFDA: 93.145.
    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act sec. 2692, 42 
U.S.C. 300ff-111.
    Purpose: The goal of this Cooperative Agreement is to support the 
National Quality Improvement/ Management Technical Assistance Center 
(NQC). The NQC will provide technical assistance related to quality 
improvement and quality management to Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS 
Resources Emergency (CARE) Act grantees as they improve the quality of 
care and services and respond to and implement quality management 
legislative mandates. The NQC is expected to serve as the primary 
resource for CARE Act grantees on issues related to quality improvement 
and quality management. There are six (6) main expectations for the 
NQC. The NQC will: (1) Establish a formal system to triage and field 
all requests for quality management consultation, (2) Offer

[[Page 21139]]

three levels of consultation/technical assistance (TA) to meet the 
varied quality improvement/management needs of the CARE Act grantees: 
Level (1) Information dissemination; Level (2) training and educational 
forums; and Level (3) intensive consultation on/off-site; (3) Measure 
achievement of program objectives and impact of the program and 
implement an internal continuous quality improvement program; (4) 
Actively collaborate with the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), HAB's TA programs, 
grantees and subcontractors, and other identified contractors to 
achieve the program's expectations; (5) Within the TA strategy, 
incorporate responses to Congressionally-mandated reports, Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS), HRSA and HAB performance measures 
and other HAB quality management initiatives; and (6) Establish a 
Steering Committee or Advisory Board that is representative of the CARE 
Act grantees.
    Eligibility: Eligible entities include public or private non-profit 
entities, including schools and academic health sciences centers. 
Faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible to apply. 
Applicants must have extensive experience in the field of quality 
improvement, working with Ryan White CARE Act grantees and providing 
technical assistance.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of Federal involvement is included 
in the application kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $1,500,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
    Estimated Project Period: 5 years.
HRSA-04-079 National Quality Improvement/Management Technical 
Assistance Center Cooperative Agreement (NQC)
    Application Availability: April 30, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: June 1, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 30, 2004.
    Project Award Date: August 31, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Dr. Magda Barini-Garcia.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-6366.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].

Maternal and Child Health Programs

HRSA-04-083 Awareness and Access To Care for Children and Youth With 
Epilepsy (AACYE)
    CFDA: 93.110.
    Legislative Authority: Social Security Act, Title V, Section 
501(a)(2).
    Purpose: The purpose of this initiative is to improve access to 
comprehensive, coordinated health care and related services for 
children and youth with epilepsy residing in medically underserved 
areas (MUAs). The initiative supports (1) development of an epilepsy 
demonstration program to improve access to health and other services 
regarding seizures and to encourage early detection and treatment for 
children and youth with epilepsy residing in medically underserved 
areas, especially rural medically underserved areas, and (2) 
establishment of a public education and awareness campaign directed 
toward racial and ethnic populations to improve access to care. 
Applications will be accepted in three priority areas: Priority 
1 (grants): development of statewide demonstration grants to 
improve access to health and other services for children and youth 
residing in medically underserved areas; Priority 2 
(cooperative agreement): development of a national Continuous Quality 
Improvement (CQI) strategy using a learning collaborative model to 
support grantees funded through Priority 1 to improve access 
to and quality of care for children and youth with epilepsy; and 
Priority  3 (cooperative agreement): development of a national 
public education and awareness campaign directed toward racial and 
ethnic populations to improve access to care for children and youth 
with epilepsy.
    Eligibility: As cited in 42 CFR part 51a.3(a), any public or 
private entity, including an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as 
those terms are defined at 25 U.S.C. 450b), faith-based or community-
based organization, is eligible to apply for these funds.
    Funding Preferences: Applicants serving medically underserved areas 
and populations, including qualified rural and urban communities, are 
strongly encouraged to apply.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of Federal involvement for 
Priorities 2 and 3 is included in the application kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $3,000,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: Priority 1: 6-8; Priority 
2: 1; Priority 3: 1.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.
HRSA-04-083 Awareness and Access To Care for Children and Youth With 
Epilepsy (AACYE)
    Application Availability: April 16, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: April 30, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 1, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Bonnie Strickland.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-2370.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-084 State Oral Health Collaborative Systems (SOHCS)
    CFDA: 93.110.
    Legislative Authority: Social Security Act, Title V, Section 
501(a)(2).
    Purpose: This grant program has been developed with the intention 
of supporting States' efforts to develop, implement or otherwise 
strengthen State strategies to better integrate oral health into State 
MCH programs, address MCHB performance measures in oral health and 
stimulate action toward implementation of the Surgeon General's 
National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health as it affects women and 
children. The underlying goal of this grant program is to increase 
access to oral health services for Medicaid and State Children's Health 
Insurance Program (SCHIP) eligible children, and other underserved 
children and their families. Because of the cross-cutting oral health 
needs of women and children, collaborative strategies may range from 
broad-based interventions such as strategic planning, public/private 
partnerships and comprehensive integrated support systems to more 
narrowly focused interventions in such areas as early childhood dental 
decay, sealant and prevention programs.
    Eligibility: Only State (defined in this offering as State and 
State Jurisdictions/Territories) oral health program offices are 
eligible to apply for State Oral Health Collaborative Systems grant 
funding. A State may specifically request and designate another 
government or non-government agency, so long as it provides a 
convincing justification for so doing. States designating another 
agency must submit an endorsement acknowledging that the applicant has 
consulted with the State and that the State has been assured that the 
applicant will work with the State on the proposed project. This 
endorsement must accompany the application. Without the endorsement, 
the application will not be considered for funding. Additionally, 
because of the importance of linking oral health activities with 
systems of care for children, the involvement of the State MCH program 
must be demonstrated either by a co-signed application or by a letter 
of support.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.

[[Page 21140]]

    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $3,835,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 59.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.
HRSA-04-084 State Oral Health Collaborative Systems (SOHCS)
    Application Availability: April 27, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 12, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 25, 2004.
    Project Award Date: September 1, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Mark E. Nehring, DMD, MPH.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-3449.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-085 Heritable Disorders Program (HDP)
    CFDA: 93.110.
    Legislative Authority: Social Security Act, Title V, Section 
501(a)(2).
    Purpose: Heritable Disorders Program (Program) was established to 
enhance, improve or expand the ability of State and local public health 
agencies to provide screening, counseling or health care services to 
newborns and children having or at risk for heritable disorders. This 
Program shall improve the access to newborn screening and genetic 
services for medically underserved populations and shall enhance such 
activities as: screening, follow-up services; augmentation of capacity 
needs: training, education; subspecialty linkage; expansion of long 
term follow-up activities; strengthening of linkage to medical homes; 
strengthening of linkage to tertiary care; strengthening of genetic 
counseling services; and enhancement of communication/education to 
families and health practitioners and other forms of information 
sharing.
    This initiative, through the use of cooperative agreements, 
supports the Heritable Disorders Program through: (1) A national 
coordinating center; (2) regional genetic service and newborn screening 
collaboratives; and (3) increasing the screening capacity of newborn 
screening programs to improve early identification of infants with 
hyperbilirubinemia. The Program is divided into three projects:
    Project 1: Regional Genetics and Newborn Screening Collaboratives 
National Coordinating Center--The Regional Genetics and Newborn 
Screening Collaboratives National Coordinating Center is to be 
responsive to the priorities of the Heritable Disorders Program as 
indicated under title V, section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act. 
The National Coordinating Center will serve to coordinate and monitor 
the implementation of MCHB-funded Regional Genetics and Newborn 
Screening Collaboratives projects and provide a community forum between 
the Regional Collaborative projects, MCHB, and other relevant 
organizational entities to identify and prioritize issues of importance 
to the genetics and newborn screening community, specifically regarding 
the utilization of genetic services at the National, State, and 
community levels.
    Project 2: Regional Genetics and Newborn Screening Collaboratives--
The Regional Genetics and Newborn Screening Collaboratives are to be 
responsive to the priorities of the Heritable Disorders Program as 
indicated under Title V, Section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act. 
The Regional Genetics and Newborn Screening Collaboratives project will 
enhance and support the genetics and newborn screening capacity of 
States across the nation by undertaking a regional approach toward 
addressing the maldistribution of genetic resources. These grants are 
expected to improve the health of children and their families by 
promoting the translation of genetic medicine into public health and 
health care services. In order to address capacity needs nationally, 
seven regions have been identified. These regions are:

Region 1: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
Region 2: DC, DE, MD, NY, NJ, PA, VA, WV
Region 3: AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VI
Region 4: IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI
Region 5: AR, IA, KS, MO, ND, NE, OK, SD
Region 6: AZ, CO, MT, NM, TX, UT, WY
Region 7: AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, Pacific Basin

    Applicants must propose to serve one of the defined regions.
    Project 3: Screening for Hyperbilirubinemia in the Term Newborn--
The purpose of this project is to prospectively assess and validate one 
or more previously published methods that will predict the risk of a 
term or near-term newborn developing significant hyperbilirubinemia in 
the first two weeks of life. Potential methods to be assessed and 
validated include clinical risk factors analysis, hour specific 
nomogram for total serum bilirubin levels and transcutaneous 
measurements of serum bilirubin.
    Eligibility: For all Projects: As cited in 42 CFR part 51a.3(a), 
any public or private entity, including a faith-based or community-
based organization, an Indian Tribe or tribal organization (as those 
terms are defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b), is eligible to apply for Federal 
funding. For Project 2: Those eligible applicants must be based within 
the identified region it will serve and be part of a collaborative 
network of public health program entities responsible for genetic and/
or newborn screening and services in at least 4 different States.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of federal involvement with respect 
to all of the cooperative agreements is included in the application 
kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $3,950,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: Project 1: 1; Project 2: 7; Project 3: 
1.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.

HRSA-04-085 Heritable Disorders Program (HDP)

    Application Availability: April 16, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: April 23, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 30, 2004.
    Project Award Date: September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Michele A. Lloyd-Puryear, M.D., Ph.D.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-1080.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-088 State Grants for Perinatal Depression (SGPD)
    CFDA: 93.110.
    Legislative Authority: Social Security Act, Title V, 42 U.S.C. 701.
    Purpose: The purpose of this grant program is to focus on expanding 
the capacity in State Maternal and Child Health programs to launch an 
intensive multi-lingual public health campaign that, at the grassroots 
level, will promote mental wellness for mothers and their families, as 
well as a better understanding of perinatal depression and the warning 
signs associated with it. The goals of this endeavor are to reduce the 
stigma associated with perinatal depression; to increase the number of 
women and their families who seek treatment; and, to increase the 
number of health and community-based providers to be able to recognize 
the signs and symptoms of perinatal depression, provide screening for 
perinatal depression and related mental health problems, and refer for 
further assessment and treatment as necessary. This initiative would 
require the States to work to decrease barriers to care for families 
with signs of perinatal depression and related mental health problems. 
To maximize the use of this one-time funding, the competition

[[Page 21141]]

would capitalize on existing State assets, such as a hotline that has 
the existing capacity to make referrals, an American College of 
Obstetrics and Gynecology chapter currently working on perinatal 
depression, one or more Healthy Start sites that screen and refer for 
treatment, Postpartum Support International chapters that offer support 
groups, or other similar endeavors that are already working to address 
the needs of mothers and their families in perinatal depression and 
other related mental health problems.
    Eligibility: Any State Maternal and Child Health Department is 
eligible to apply. If designated by the State Title V agency as cited 
in 42 CFR part 51a.3(a), any public/private entity, including an Indian 
Tribe or tribal organization (as those terms are defined at 25 U.S.C. 
450b), faith-based or community-based organization is eligible to apply 
for this Federal funding. Funding would be made available to States 
that have existing community-based activities in perinatal depression 
and related mental health problems, including infant mental health.
    Special Consideration: For the purposes of this grant program, only 
one (1) applicant per State will be funded.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $1,000,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 4-5.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-088 State Grants for Perinatal Depression (SGPD)
    Application Availability: April 15, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 3, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 1, 2004.
    Project Award Date: September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Janice Berger.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-9992.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-094 State Maternal and Child Health Early Childhood 
Comprehensive Systems (SECCS)
    CFDA: 93.110.
    Legislative Authority: Social Security Act, Title V, Section 
502(a)(1).
    Purpose: The purpose of these grants is to support States to plan, 
develop, and ultimately implement collaborations and partnerships to 
support families and communities in their development of children that 
are healthy and ready to learn at school entry. This grant initiative 
combines the thrust engendered in the Maternal and Child Health 
Bureau's (MCHB) Early Childhood Health Strategic Plan with the 
experience of the State and local systems building initiatives 
supported through MCHB's Community Integrated Services Systems (CISS) 
grants program since 1992. While funding will be in two stages, 
planning and implementation, only planning grants are offered at this 
time. Plans would anticipate the implementation of systems which would 
include, but not be limited to, the following initiatives: (1) Access 
to medical homes providing comprehensive physical and child development 
services for all children in early childhood including children with 
special health care needs and assessment, intervention, and referral of 
children with developmental, behavioral and psycho-social problems; (2) 
availability of services to address the needs of children at risk for 
the development of mental health problems, and service delivery 
pathways to facilitate entrance of at risk children into appropriate 
child development and mental health delivery systems; (3) early care 
and education services for children from birth through five years of 
age that support children's early learning, health, and development of 
social competence; (4) parenting education services that provide 
support to parents in their role as prime educators of their children; 
and (5) family support services that address the stressors impairing 
the ability of families to nurture and support the healthy development 
of their children.
    Through Planning Grants, State Maternal and Child Health programs 
would be expected to provide leadership in the development of cross 
systems service integration. They would work closely with other State 
public and private agencies to coordinate their efforts into a common 
focus on assuring the availability of a broad range of early childhood 
intervention services. Examples of such agencies would be the State 
administrations for Mental Health, Public Welfare, Education, Child 
Welfare, local and county health departments, March of Dimes, Easter 
Seal Society, etc. This grant should facilitate: (1) A completed needs 
assessment with respect to early childhood intervention; (2) a 
completed plan for action based on the needs assessment; and (3) 
documented evidence of the contribution and commitment of their 
partners to carry out this plan. The achievement of these essential 
goals is requisite for States to apply for an implementation grant.
    Eligibility: Only State (defined in this offering as State and 
State Jurisdictions/Territories) Title V Maternal and Child Health 
Program Offices are eligible to apply for State Maternal and Child 
Health Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant funding. 
Furthermore, this offering is limited to those States which have never 
received funding through this initiative or those States whose funding 
has been limited to a one-year project period.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $1,000,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 10.
    Estimated Project Period: 2 years.
HRSA-04-094 State Maternal and Child Health Early Childhood 
Comprehensive Systems (SECCS)
    Application Availability: April 23, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 7, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 18, 2004.
    Project Award Date: August 1, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Joseph Zogby, MSW.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-4393.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].

Rural Health Policy Programs

HRSA-04-089 Public Access Defibrillation Demonstration Projects (PADDP)
    CFDA: 93.259.
    Legislative Authority: Section 330A of the PHS Act, note (42 U.S.C. 
254c, note).
    Purpose: The Public Access Defibrillation Demonstration Grant 
Program is designed to assist both urban and rural communities in 
increasing survivability from sudden cardiac arrest. This grant program 
provides funding for the purchase, placement, and training in the use 
of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants will include, but not be limited 
to: first responders (e.g., EMS, law enforcement and fire departments) 
and local for and non-profit entities that may include, but are not 
limited to, long-term care facilities, rural health clinics, Federally 
Qualified Health Centers, Indian Health Service clinics and tribal EMS 
services, post offices, libraries and other civic centers, athletic 
facilities (i.e., high school playing fields where a town may gather 
for games), senior citizen and child day care facilities, faith-based 
organizations and schools.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit. Pre-applications will be reviewed and scored based on 
how well applicants developed their abstract based on their need and 
the criteria provided in the

[[Page 21142]]

program guidance. Top applicants will be invited to submit a fully 
developed application which will be field reviewed.
    Administrative Funding Preference: Applicants proposing to use a 
regional approach and distance learning to address common needs of one 
region are strongly encouraged to apply.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $900,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 3-5.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.
HRSA-04-089 Public Access Defibrillation Demonstration Projects (PADDP)
    Application Availability: May 10, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required.
    Application Deadline: June 10, 2004. HRSA will be using a pre-
application process. Deadline to submit a nine-page pre-application is 
June 10, 2004. Pre-applications will undergo an internal review process 
and a subset of the reviewed proposals will be invited to submit a full 
and complete proposal, which will be due on July 30, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Blanca Fuertes.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-0612.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-090 Rural Emergency Medical Service Training and Equipment 
Assistance Program (REMSTEP)
    CFDA: 93.912.
    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act, Section 330J.
    Purpose: The Rural EMS Training and Equipment Assistance Grant 
Program was enacted to assist rural and frontier communities in 
increasing access to desperately needed funding for EMS agencies 
serving such areas. This grant program provides funding for innovative 
solutions to continuing education, initial provider licensure, skill 
retention and expanding scopes of practice to support paramedicine as a 
source of primary care in rural and frontier communities. Medical 
direction and emergency medical dispatcher training is also eligible. 
In addition, assistance towards the purchase of life saving equipment 
may also be obtained via this program. Such equipment could include 
advanced airway adjuncts, manual defibrillators, intravascular (IV) 
access training and equipment, etc.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants will be emergency services 
training entities, State Offices of Rural Health, State EMS Offices 
(and regional affiliates), State EMS associations, local governmental 
entities, and individual EMS agencies. Former and current rural health 
grantees already involved in EMS are also encouraged to apply.
    All services funded via this program must take place in an eligible 
rural area. Eligible rural counties may be found at http://
www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/ruralcoI.htm and Rural-Urban Commuting Area 
ZIP Codes may be found at http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/
ruralcoZIPII.htm. Each listing is sorted by State. ZIP Code listings 
are to include rural census tracts of Metropolitan Statistical Areas 
(MSAs) as determined by the most recent Goldsmith Modification, 
originally published in the Federal Register on February 27, 1992, 57 
FR 6725. The applicant of record, however, may be located in an MSA if 
they can document in their application that serves non-MSA residents.
    Matching Requirement: Mandatory 25 percent matching requirement.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit. Pre-applications will be reviewed and scored based on 
how well applicants developed their abstract based on their need and 
the criteria provided in the program guidance. Top applicants will be 
invited to submit a fully developed application which will be field 
reviewed.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $370,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 2-3.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.
HRSA-04-090 Rural Emergency Medical Service Training and Equipment 
Assistance Program (REMSTEP)
    Application Availability: May 10, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required.
    Application Deadline: June 10, 2004. HRSA will be using a pre-
application process. Deadline to submit a nine page pre-application is 
June 10, 2004. Pre-applications will undergo an internal review process 
and a subset of the reviewed proposals will be invited to submit a full 
and complete proposal, which will be due on July 30, 2004.
    Project Award Date: prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Blanca Fuertes.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-0612.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-091 Rural Health Best Practices and Community Development 
Cooperative Agreement (RHCD)
    CFDA: 93.155.
    Legislative Authority: Section 711(b) of the Social Security Act, 
42 U.S.C. 912(b).
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to develop and continue a 
number of projects that (1) help identify and promote best practices 
for rural health care providers in terms of quality of care and 
economic viability by addressing needs related to access to care, 
workforce, networking and performance improvement through a variety of 
approaches, including workshops, conferences, technical assistance and 
other outreach efforts; (2) provide resources to communities for help 
in shaping their local health care systems to best meet community need; 
(3) promote best practices to help rural communities with health 
quality initiatives; (4) identify and translate the key points from 
emerging policy issues to rural health care providers, researchers and 
policymakers; and (5) work with State-based entities such as State 
Offices of Rural Health and State Rural Health Associations to provide 
technical assistance in identifying key rural health challenges and 
programs and resources that will assist rural communities in addressing 
these challenges.
    Eligibility: Eligibility is open to public and private non-profit 
organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, State 
Governments and their agencies such as universities, colleges, research 
institutions, hospitals, State and local governments or their bona fide 
agents along with federally recognized Indian tribal governments, 
Indian tribes, and Indian tribal organizations. Applicants who 
currently receive funding through the HRSA Office of Rural Health 
Policy Rural Health Research Center Cooperative Agreement program are 
not eligible.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of Federal involvement is included 
in the application kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $800,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
    Estimated Project Period: 5 years.
HRSA-04-091 Rural Health Best Practices and Community Development 
Cooperative Agreement (RHCD)
    Application Availability: May 10, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 24, 2004.

[[Page 21143]]

    Application Deadline: June 21, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 1, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Jennifer Riggle.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-7530.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-092 Frontier Extended Stay Clinic Cooperative Agreement (FESC)
    CFDA: 93.912.
    Legislative Authority: Section 330A of the Public Health Service 
Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c.
    Purpose: The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to 
evaluate the effectiveness of a new type of provider, the ``Frontier 
Extended Stay Clinic.'' Funds awarded under Category One/Model 
Development must be used for the support of activities related to the 
coordination of FESC efforts throughout a State, including the 
development of FESC protocols, licensure and certification criteria and 
program evaluation. Funds awarded under Category Two/Model Feasibility 
must be used to educate eligible providers about the FESC model and 
determine if the model would be viable for those providers.
    Eligibility: Funds awarded under the authority of Section 330A of 
the Public Health Service Act must be awarded to a rural public or 
rural non-profit private entity. Funds awarded under this authority 
also require the development of a consortium of at least three 
separately owned organizations that provide health care services. For-
profit organizations may be members of consortiums, but they are not 
eligible to be applicants. The purpose of the consortium requirement is 
to encourage creative and lasting collaborative relationships among 
service providers in rural areas. Members of a consortium might include 
hospitals, public health agencies, primary care service providers, 
rural health clinics, emergency services providers, and community and 
migrant health centers. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply 
as members of a consortium. At least one member of the consortium must 
be an operational clinic or hospital, currently providing primary care 
services and located at least 75 miles from the nearest acute care or 
critical access hospital. The roles and responsibilities of each member 
organization must be clearly defined and each must contribute 
significantly to the goals of the project.
    The applicant organization must not have received a grant under 
this subsection (other than for planning activities) for the same or a 
similar project.
    Applicants for funds under Category One/Model Development of this 
program must also submit evidence of the support of the agency of their 
State's government responsible for the licensure and certification of 
health care entities.
    Funding Preferences: Section 330A of the Public Health Service Act 
provides a funding preference for some applicants. Applicants receiving 
a preference will be placed in a more competitive position among the 
applicants that can be funded. A funding preference will be given to 
qualified applicants that can demonstrate either of the following two 
criteria:
    A. Those applicants for which the service area is located in 
officially designated health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) OR 
medically underserved communities (MUCs) OR serve medically underserved 
populations (MUPs). To ascertain HPSA and MUP designation status, 
please refer to the following Web site: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/
index.htm.
    To qualify as a Medically Underserved Community (MUC), the project 
must include facilities that are federally designated as one of the 
following:
    (i) Community Health Centers;
    (ii) Migrant Health Centers;
    (iii) Health Care for the Homeless Grantees;
    (iv) Public Housing Primary Care Grantees;
    (v) Rural Health Clinics;
    (vi) National Health Service Corps sites;
    (vii) Indian Health Service sites;
    (viii) Federally Qualified Health Centers;
    (ix) Primary Medical Care Health Professional Shortage Areas;
    (x) Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas;
    (xi) Nurse Shortage Areas;
    (xii) State or Local Health Departments;
    (xiii) Ambulatory practice sites designated by State Governors as 
serving medically underserved communities; or
    B. Those applicants whose projects focus on primary care, and 
wellness and prevention strategies.
    To receive a funding preference, applicants must clearly identify 
and demonstrate which preference they are requesting as instructed in 
the program guidance and application instructions.
    Prospective applicants are required to notify their State Office of 
Rural Health or other appropriate State government entity early in the 
application process to advise them of their intent to apply. The State 
Offices can often provide technical assistance to applicants.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of Federal involvement is included 
in the application kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $1,500,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 6.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-092 Frontier Extended Stay Clinic Cooperative Agreement (FESC)
    Application Availability: April 16, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: Not required.
    Application Deadline: July 2, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Emily Costich.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-0502.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-093 Rural Policy Analysis Cooperative Agreement (RPACA)
    CFDA: 93.155.
    Legislative Authority: Section 711(b) of the Social Security Act, 
42 U.S.C. 912(b).
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to (1) facilitate public 
dialogue on key rural policy issues by tracking emerging rural health 
policy issues, and synthesize them in a manner that provides for easy 
understanding by rural community leaders with particular emphasis on 
rural health care providers and systems; (2) identify opportunities for 
integrating health and human services in rural policy, program and 
evaluation in a local community context; (3) assist rural communities 
in understanding how geographic information systems technology can be 
brought to bear in rural community planning activities; and (4) provide 
community leaders with assistance in examining ways community colleges 
and workforce investment boards can help address rural health and human 
service workforce needs.
    Eligibility: Eligibility is open to public and private non-profit 
organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, State 
Governments and their agencies such as universities, colleges, research 
institutions, hospitals, State and local governments or their bona fide 
agents, along with Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, 
Indian tribes and Indian tribal organizations. Applicants who currently

[[Page 21144]]

receive funding through the HRSA Office of Rural Health Policy Rural 
Health Research Center Cooperative Agreement program are not eligible.
    Federal Involvement: The scope of Federal involvement is included 
in the application kit.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $175,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
    Estimated Project Period: 3 years.
HRSA-04-093 Rural Policy Analysis Cooperative Agreement (RPACA)
    Application Availability: April 23, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 30, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 30, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 1, 2004
    Program Contact Person: Nisha Patel.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-6894.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].

Special Programs--Grants

HRSA-04-082 State Planning Grants (SPGP)
    CFDA: 93.256.
    Legislative Authority: Public Law 108-199.
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to ensure that every 
citizen in every State has access to affordable health insurance 
benefits similar in scope to the Federal Employee Benefit Plan, 
Medicaid, benefits offered to State employees, or other similar quality 
benchmarks. Each new State grantee is to develop a plan or propose 
options to meet this objective. Continuation Limited Competition Grants 
will be awarded to complete and/or enhance existing work. Pilot 
Planning Limited Competition Grants will be awarded to plan for a pilot 
project to expand insurance based on options previously developed.
    Eligibility: For new grants, eligible applicants are any public 
State entity designated by the Governor of that State. Applicant States 
for new grants may not have previously received a State Planning Grant. 
For continuation and pilot planning limited competition grants, 
eligible applicants are any public State entity that has previously 
received a State Planning Grants Program grant. Only one overall 
application per State is accepted.
    Review Criteria: Final review criteria are included in the 
application kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $14,800,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 7 new grants; 24 Continuation Limited 
Competition grants; 8 Pilot Planning Limited Competition grants.
    Estimated Project Period: 1 year.
HRSA-04-082 State Planning Grants (SPGP)
    Application Availability: April 16, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: May 7, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 15, 2004.
    Project Award Date: Prior to September 1, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Judy Humphrey.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-2309.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].
HRSA-04-095 Media-Based Grass Roots Efforts To Increase Minority Organ 
Donation (MBMOD)
    CFDA: 93.134.
    Legislative Authority: Public Health Service Act, Section 
371(a)(3), 42 U.S.C. 273(a)(3) as Amended.
    Purpose: The goal of this grant program is to promote multifaceted 
interventions that use broadcast media to increase intent to donate 
solid organs in minority communities. Specifically, HRSA's Division of 
Transplantation (DoT) wishes to fund projects that consist of a 
television or television and radio component with complementary 
community donation education programs in multiple venues (e.g., 
schools, worksites, faith institutions). Projects must target an ethnic 
minority group in a geographic area with particularly high numbers of 
that population. Funds from this grant program are primarily to support 
the media component of the intervention. No less than 80 percent of 
grant funds may be used to purchase media air time. No grant funds 
shall be used for development of radio or television ads. Projects must 
use existing ads that are appropriate for the target population (such 
as those produced by the Coalition on Donation, Division of 
Transplantation grants, or other organizations). Only if media ads do 
not exist for the target population may applicants justify use of grant 
funds for ad development. In all cases, up to 20 percent of grant funds 
may be used to support evaluation and grass roots activities.
    Eligibility: Federally designated organ procurement organizations 
and other private not-for-profit entities eligible for funds under 
section 371(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
273(a)(3).
    Special Considerations: HRSA reserves the option to achieve a 
balance among funded projects with respect to various parameters, e.g., 
target populations, geography, and intervention diversity.
    Review Criteria: Review criteria are included in the application 
kit.
    Estimated Amount of This Competition: $1,250,000.00.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 4-5.
    Estimated Project Period: 2 years.
HRSA-04-095 Media-Based Grass Roots Efforts To Increase Minority Organ 
Donation (MBMOD)
    Application Availability: May 11, 2004.
    Letter of Intent Deadline: June 4, 2004.
    Application Deadline: June 25, 2004.
    Project Award Date: September 30, 2004.
    Program Contact Person: Judy Ceresa.
    Program Contact Phone Number: (301) 443-8727.
    Program Contact E-Mail: [email protected].

HRSA News--Additional Information

Guidance and Policy Statement of Religious Nondiscrimination in Grant 
Eligibility and Service Delivery Faith-Based and Other Community 
Organizations

    The Department, in formulating and developing policies with 
implications for faith-based organizations and other community 
organizations, assists in furthering the national effort to expand 
opportunities for, and strengthen the capacity of, faith-based and 
other community organizations so that they may better meet social needs 
in America's communities. In awarding grant funding, the Department 
follows these fundamental principles regarding faith-based and other 
community organizations:
    (a) Federal financial assistance for grant programs will be 
distributed in the most effective and efficient manner possible;
    (b) The Nation's social service capacity will benefit if all 
eligible organizations, including faith-based and other community 
organizations, are able to compete on an equal footing for the 
Department's grant funding;
    (c) No organization will be discriminated against on the basis of 
religion or religious belief in the administration or distribution of 
these grant funds;
    (d) All organizations that receive such Departmental grant funding 
will be prohibited from discriminating against beneficiaries or 
potential beneficiaries of the funded programs on the basis of religion 
or religious belief. Accordingly, organizations, in providing services

[[Page 21145]]

supported in whole or in part with these grant funds, and in their 
outreach activities related to such services, cannot discriminate 
against current or prospective program beneficiaries on the basis of 
religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or 
a refusal to actively participate in a religious practice;
    (e) Organizations that engage in inherently religious activities, 
such as worship, religious instruction, and proselytization, must offer 
those services separately in time or location from any programs or 
services supported with direct grant funding, and participation in any 
such inherently religious activities must be voluntary for the 
beneficiaries of the grant program; and
    (f) A faith-based organization that applies for or participates in 
a Departmental grant program may retain its independence and may 
continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, 
development, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs, 
provided that it does not use direct Departmental grant funding to 
support any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious 
instruction, or proselytization. Among other things, faith-based 
organizations that receive Departmental grant funding may use their 
facilities to provide the grant funded activities without removing or 
altering religious art, icons, scriptures, or other symbols from these 
facilities. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives 
Departmental grant funding may retain religious terms in its 
organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and 
include religious references in its organization's mission statements 
and other chartering or governing documents.

Key Facts About the Grants.gov Program Spring 2004

www.grants.gov. Find. Apply. Succeed.

Overview
    Grants.gov has simplified the grants management process, and 
created a centralized, online process to find and apply for over 600 
grant programs from the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov 
has streamlined the process of awarding $360+ billion annually to state 
and local governments, academia, not-for-profits and other 
organizations. This program is one of the 24 Federal cross-agency e-
government initiatives focused on improving access to services via the 
Internet. The vision for grants.gov is to produce a simple, unified 
source to electronically find, apply, and manage grant opportunities. 
Additionally, the grants.gov initiative will facilitate efficient 
operations for Federal grant agencies and the grant community.
    Agencies will allow applicants for Federal grants to apply for and 
ultimately manage grant funds online through a common Web site, 
simplifying grants management and eliminating redundancies.
    (The President's FY 2002 Management Agenda)
    Standardizing Federal grant management activities is a priority for 
the Administration and Congress, as evidenced by Public Law 106-107, 
legislation that mandates streamlining and improved accountability for 
Federal grants, and related references in the President's Management 
Agenda.
Benefits
    Grants.gov will serve as the common face for Federal grant program 
information and applications. Key benefits include: (1) A single source 
for finding grant opportunities, helping applicants locate and learn 
more about funding opportunities in a standardized manner; and (2) a 
single, secure and reliable source for applying for Federal Grants 
online, simplifying the grant application process and reducing 
paperwork
    Grants.gov will provide a unified interface for all agencies to 
announce their grant opportunities, and for all potential grantees to 
find and apply for grants. Grants.gov simplifies the entire application 
process, while also creating avenues for consolidation and best 
practices within each grant-making agency.
Progress and Next Steps
    The first stage of Grants.gov was a successful pilot that enabled 
participating grantors to post and grant seekers to search for grant 
opportunities. Most Federal grant-making agencies are now posting all 
of their competitive grant opportunities to Grants.gov. Here's how it 
works: a grant seeker from an organization, for instance, visits the 
Grants.gov Web site to search for grant opportunities. Once a match is 
found, the organization downloads an electronic application to apply 
for the grant. The organization would complete the application and then 
submit it through the Grants.gov site. The application is time stamped 
and the appropriate Federal agency has immediate access to it. The 
agency will receive the application, sending confirmation back to the 
applicant through Grants.gov. Processing will be accelerated by 
avoiding the handling of paper applications. The Department of Health 
and Human Services, managing partner for the Grants.gov program, is 
supported by 10 additional ``partner'' agencies. A list of these 
agencies can be found on the Grants.gov Web site, at http://
www.grants.gov. The Grants.gov team is also working closely with the 
grant community and organizations that represent them, to facilitate 
delivery of a system that will meet their needs. We are in close 
contact with the Council of State Governments, the National Council for 
Nonprofit Associations, and the Federal Demonstration Partnership, to 
name just a few. Questions? Visit http://www.grants.gov to access past 
and current materials on the Grants.gov program or e-mail your 
questions to [email protected].

Office of Management & Budget Requirement--DUNS Number for all Federal 
Applicants

    In order to improve the statistical reporting of federal grants and 
cooperative agreements, the Office of Management and Budget has 
directed federal agencies to require all applicants to provide a Dun 
and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number is now required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper or an electronic application, and whether an 
applicant is applying for a new award or renewal of a current award.
    Use of the DUNS number government-wide will provide a cost-
effective means to identify entities receiving those awards and their 
business relationships. The identifier will be used for tracking 
purposes, and to validate address and point of contact information. The 
DUNS number already is in use by the federal government to identify 
entities receiving federal contracts, and by some agencies in their 
grant and cooperative agreement processes.
    Organizations should verify that they have a DUNS number or take 
the steps needed to obtain one as soon as possible. Organizations can 
receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Individuals who would 
personally receive a grant or cooperative agreement award from the 
federal government apart from any business or non-profit organization 
they may operate, and foreign entities are exempt from this 
requirement.
    If your organization does not have a DUNS number, and you 
anticipate that your organization will apply for a grant or cooperative 
agreement now or in the

[[Page 21146]]

future, you should take steps to obtain a DUNS number in advance of the 
application deadline. If your organization does not have a DUNS number, 
you may not be able to apply for Federal grants or cooperative 
agreements. Future potential applicants should also consider requesting 
a DUNS number now if there is any intention of applying for a Federal 
grant in the future. Further information can be found in the Federal 
Register, located at: http://a257.gakamaitech.net/7/257/2422/
14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-16356.pdf.

Register in the Central Contract Registry (CCR)

    In order to help centralize information about grant recipients and 
provide a central location for grant recipients to change 
organizational information, the government will be using the Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) for grant applicants and recipients. Use of 
the CCR is to provide one location for applicants and recipients to 
change information about their organization and enter information on 
where government payments should be made. The registry will enable 
recipients to make a change in one place and one time for all Federal 
agencies to use.

General Information

    Organizations should register on how they want to do business. A 
separate registration in the CCR may be required if an organization 
wants to have a single unit conduct business and it has a direct 
payment flow to that organization, it would require a separate DUNS 
number specified for that unit (if a different address from the parent 
organization). If the same address, the organization could use the DUNS 
+ 4 found in the CCR. For example, a university that wants to have its 
payment information flow through one central point for grants should 
register as the entity doing business with the government. This 
registration would require a specific DUNS number for that business.

Instructions for Registering

    Information for registering in the CCR and online documents can be 
found at http://www.ccr.gov. Before registering applicants and 
recipients should review the Central Contractor Registration Handbook 
(March 2003). In the handbook is a Registration Worksheet. It is 
recommended that registrants print this worksheet and gather the needed 
information prior to starting the online registration process. The 
fastest and easiest method to register is by computer. To register via 
the computer, click on ``Start New Registration.'' Registering in the 
CCR should be the first preparation step in the submission for a grant. 
Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the CCR registration. 
Organizations can register independently of submitting a grant 
application.

Registration Worksheet for Grant Applicants/Recipients

    General Information: Enter all information that has an M placed 
next to the line meaning Mandatory or Required.
    Prior to registering in the CCR, an applicant organization must 
receive a DUNS number. This can be done by telephone and the numbers 
are on the bottom of the worksheet. Many of the items are self-
explanatory. Identified below are some items that may not be familiar 
to grant applicants and recipients.
    Cage Code: For U.S. applicants, do not enter a Cage Code, one will 
be assigned. For foreign applicants, follow the instructions in the 
CCR.
    Legal Business Name: Enter the name of the business or entity as it 
appears on legal documents.
    Business Name: Enter the name of the organization/entity under 
which it is applying for a grant.
    Annual Revenue: For some organizations/entities this can be an 
annual budget.
    Type of Organization: In this section, indicate whether the 
organization/entity is Tax Exempt or Not. Indicate what type or how the 
organization is recognized. Use ``Other'' if the organization does not 
fit in the designated categories.
    Owner Information: Fill-in if a sole proprietorship.
    Business Types: As indicated, check all that apply. Check the ones 
that are the closest description to your organization. Most grant 
applicants can use ``Nonprofit Institution'' plus any other type that 
may fit the description. (The listing is being revised to include grant 
applicants business types.)
    Party Performing Certification: Enter information only if the 
organization has a certification from SBA. Most grant recipients and 
applicants do not fall into this category.
    Goods and Services: This section is required. It will require the 
grant applicant/recipient to look up a code and enter the ones that 
best fit the type of services the organization provides. It is not 
required to fill-in all the spaces provided for the codes.
    NAICS Code: Is required. Follow the instructions.
    SIC Code: Is required. Follow the instructions.
    Financial Information: Follow the instructions found in the CCR 
Handbook on page 14.

Registration Acknowledgment and Point of Contact Information

    This section is very important and needs to have names and 
telephone numbers put in for specific purposes. For grant applicants 
and recipients the M fields are required.
    CCR Point of Contact: Mandatory. Enter the name of the person that 
knows and acknowledges that the information in the CCR is current, 
accurate and complete. The person named here will be the only person 
within the registering organization to receive the Trading Partner 
Identification Number (TPIN) via e-mail or U.S. mail services. The 
registrant and the alternate are the only people authorized to share 
the information with the CCR Assistance Center personnel. An e-mail 
address is required. An alternate is also required for registration.
    Government Business Point of Contact: Not mandatory; review CCR 
Handbook.
    Electronic Business Point of Contact: Mandatory. Grant applicants/ 
recipients must provide a name of an individual who will be responsible 
for approving the Role Manager for the organization. The Role Manager 
will be required to approve individuals who are authorized to submit 
grant applications on behalf of the organization. E-mail and telephone 
number are required. An alternate is required.
    Past Performance Point of Contact: Not required.
    Marketing Partner ID (MPIN): Mandatory for grants.gov submission. 
This is a self-defined access code that will be shared with authorized 
electronic partner applications. The MPIN will act as your password in 
other systems. The MPIN must be nine positions and contain at least one 
alpha character, one number and no spaces or special characters.
    Registration Notification: Once the registration is completed, a 
TPIN will be e-mailed or sent via the U.S. Postal Service to the 
organization's point of contact. If registration is done 
electronically, notification will be sent via e-mail within five days 
of registration.

[FR Doc. 04-8889 Filed 4-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416-15-P