[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 112 (Thursday, June 10, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32561-32565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13138]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


American Indian and Alaskan Native STD

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: 04202.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.977.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: July 12, 2004.
    Executive Summary: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) 
populations experience disproportionately high rates of sexually 
transmitted diseases (STDs). Compared to Caucasians, in 2002, AI/ANs 
were almost six times as likely to have chlamydia, four times as likely 
to have gonorrhea, and twice as likely to have syphilis; rates are 
higher among certain tribes (CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease 
Surveillance 2002). Chlamydia and gonorrhea can result in pelvic 
inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in women. 
Additionally, these diseases can result in pneumonia, eye infections 
and other complications in newborns. Syphilis can result in fetal death 
and stillbirths.
    CDC currently provides Comprehensive STD Prevention Services grants 
to fund 65 project areas (50 States, seven cities, and eight 
territories) to carry out essential functions in the prevention of 
STDs. Additionally, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Indian 
Health Service provides for disease surveillance and other STD 
programmatic support. Currently there is no direct STD funding for 
Indian communities. This program announcement will enable CDC to build 
new programs in a traditionally underserved area.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under sub-Section 318 
(a)(b)(c) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 247c (a), (b) and 
(c)], as amended. Regulations governing the implementation of this 
legislation are covered under 42 CFR Part 51b, subparts A and D.
    Purpose: The purpose of the program is to strengthen local capacity 
of AI/AN communities on Native American reservations to screen and 
arrange for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; and to 
educate local populations about such diseases, the consequences 
thereof, and how the transmission of such diseases can be prevented.
    This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of 
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, which is aimed at addressing health 
disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goals for the National Center for HIV, STD and TB 
Prevention (NCHSTP): (1) To reduce STD rates by providing Chlamydia and 
gonorrhea screening, treatment, and partner treatment to 50 percent of 
women in publicly funded clinics; (2) To reduce the incidence of 
primary and secondary syphilis; and (3) To reduce the incidence of 
congenital syphilis.
    Activities: Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Determine and describe the area's STD morbidity; identify 
available STD and related health programs; identify resources for STD 
prevention programs, including community partners that

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serve the target population; and identify gaps in STD prevention 
programs.
    2. Develop a three-year action plan, which includes objectives that 
are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-phased. 
Objectives should address the following: (a) Creating awareness among 
tribal or reservation councils about STD problems in their communities 
and how to prevent STDs; (b) working closely with CDC's Prevention 
Training Centers and developing collaborations with state and local 
health departments, regional infertility prevention programs, Indian 
Health Service, tribal epidemiological centers, and other relevant 
partners to share resources and information that could strengthen an 
STD program; (c) ensuring screening and treatment for STD either 
directly or by partnership with clinics that could provide screening 
and treatment; and (d) educating the local population about STDs, the 
consequences thereof, and how the transmission of such diseases can be 
prevented. The plan should consider culturally appropriate behavioral, 
policy, and community approaches to prevention of STDs.
    3. Develop an evaluation plan to: (a) Monitor and measure the 
progress toward achieving each objective; and (b) determine how program 
activities affect the target population.
    In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    CDC activities for this program are as follows:
    1. In collaboration with the recipient, provide training on 
developing prevention strategies (e.g., building scientific capacity, 
collaboration and partnerships, implementing guidelines and modeling 
programs on disease prevention, etc.) that prepare tribes to mobilize 
and engage in STD prevention activities.
    2. Provide technical assistance through site visits, conference 
calls, resource materials, strategic planning and updated information, 
as needed. Facilitate communications locally, regionally, and 
nationally regarding resources and other opportunities involving the 
implementation of the action plan activities.
    3. Provide technical assistance and participate in the evaluation 
of the action plan objectives.
    4. Facilitate linkages with State and Local STD Programs, Indian 
Health Service, STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers, and Tribal 
Epidemiological Centers.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    CDC involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section 
above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2004.
    Approximate Total Funding: $463,836.
    Approximate Number of Awards: One to three awards.
    Approximate Average Award: $154,612.
    Floor of Award Range: $150,000.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $463,836.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 2004.
    Budget Period Length: Twelve months.
    Project Period Length: Three years.
    Throughout the project period, CDC's 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.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants are federally recognized AI/AN tribal 
governments and corporations; non-federally recognized tribes and other 
organizations that qualify under the Indian Civil Rights Act, State 
Charter Tribes, Urban Indian Health Programs, Indian Health Boards, 
Inter-Tribal Councils; and other tribal organizations, including urban 
and eligible inter-tribal consortia.
    Tribal organizations, inter-tribal consortia, and urban 
organizations are eligible if incorporated for the primary purpose of 
improving AI/AN health and representing such interests for the tribes, 
Alaska Native Villages and corporations, or urban Indian communities 
located in its region. AI/AN tribes or urban communities represented 
may be located in one state or in multiple states. An urban 
organization is defined as a non-profit corporate body situated in an 
urban center eligible for services under Title V of the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act, PL 94-437, as amended.
    Eligibility is limited to the aforementioned applicants because 
they have the necessary knowledge of, experience with, and capacity to 
work within the AI/AN communities to perform the required activities, 
and have the experience needed to successfully perform the required 
activities.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

III.3. Other

    CDC will accept and review applications with budgets greater than 
the ceiling of the award range.
    If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the 
requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the 
review process. You will be notified that your application did not meet 
submission requirements.
    CDC may choose to schedule pre-decisional site visits prior to the 
awarding of funds.

    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. Application forms and instructions are available on the CDC web 
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) staff at: (770) 488-2700. Application forms can be mailed 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: 40
    If your narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first pages, 
which are within the page limit, will be reviewed.
     Font size: 12 point unreduced
     Single spaced
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
     Page margin size: One inch
     Printed only on one side of page
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
1. Background
    The applicant should describe:
    a. The tribe, organization, or consortia including purpose or 
mission (if

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applicable), years of existence (if applicable), and experience in 
representing the health-related interests of the represented tribe(s).
    b. The total population size of the tribe(s) represented, 
geographic location(s) and proximity to the applicant.
    c. How affected community members will be included in the 
development and implementation of the Action Plan.
    d. The applicant's capacity and ability to conduct the activities 
as evidenced by current and past experience in:
    i. Providing leadership in the development of health-related 
programs, training programs or health promotion campaigns.
    ii. Networking and building partnerships and alliances with other 
organizations.
    iii. Providing STD or other public health disease prevention and 
control programs including descriptions of activities and initiatives 
developed and implemented.
2. Need
    The applicant should document:
    a. The need for building capacity to address STDs for the 
identified AI/AN population, including the impact of STDs on the 
community, discussion of morbidity rates (incidence, prevalence or 
positivity data) and any variations in rates among represented 
tribe(s), or other evidence of health disparity.
    b. The need to strengthen existing data and add new data about STD 
in the community. Since reporting authority resides in the State Health 
Departments or Authorities, the recipient will be required to work with 
the States to ensure accuracy, and completeness of reporting.
    c. The need for STD prevention and control strategies that are 
culturally appropriate including discussion of the challenges, 
limitations, and other opportunities for implementing effective STD 
prevention programs.
    d. The need to develop a comprehensive and sustainable community 
action plan among the represented tribe(s), and community partners that 
serve the target population.
3. Action Plan and Implementation
    The applicant should clearly describe how it will:
    a. Work with the tribe(s) to ensure that leaders are committed to 
the need for strengthening local capacity.
    b. Collaborate with appropriate partners (e.g., Indian Health 
Service, tribal, state, local health departments, Tribal 
Epidemiological Centers, STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers, 
Infertility Prevention Programs, HIV, Drug and Alcohol programs, 
Community Health Representative Programs, and other relevant public or 
private organizations in carrying out the activities.
    c. Provide screening and treatment for STD directly or through 
referral.
    d. Develop and disseminate STD prevention education that meets the 
educational and cultural needs of the target population;
    e. Provide culturally competent training and technical assistance 
programs to increase the skill-level of tribes and partners in areas 
such as surveillance, health education, and other relevant topics.
    f. Communicate with and disseminate information and guidance to the 
represented tribe(s) and their memberships (e.g., newsletters, 
conferences, and meeting minutes).
    g. The applicant should provide time lines for initiation and 
completion of all proposed activities for the three-year project 
period. This should include who will be the target population and how 
each proposed activity will be achieved.
4. Evaluation Plan
    a. Design and develop an evaluation plan that will monitor and 
measure the progress toward achieving each objective and determine how 
program activities affect the target population. Specifically, the 
applicant should describe:
    i. How the applicant plans to measure the implementation and 
progress of the activities in achieving the objectives during the 
three-year project period (e.g., commitment of leaders to strengthen 
STD prevention programs, development of partnerships with relevant 
partners, identification of resources to gather STD data, 
identification of clinics that could provide screening and treatment 
for STD, development of educational STD prevention campaigns, etc.);
    ii. How the applicant will document success in developing an STD 
prevention program for the tribe(s) (e.g., number of persons screened 
and treated for STD, number of providers attending culturally competent 
STD trainings, number of target community attending educational 
presentations, etc.); and
    iii. How the applicant will assess the quantity and quality of 
networking efforts (e.g., number of planning meetings, degree of 
collaboration with leadership and other STD prevention programs, degree 
of collaboration with other organizations, etc.).
5. Management Plan
    The applicant should describe how the project will be managed to 
accomplish all proposed activities. Specifically, the applicant should:
    a. Include a description of proposed staffing for the project, 
provide job descriptions, and indicate if the positions currently exist 
or are proposed. Staffing should include the commitment of at least one 
full-time staff member to provide direction for the proposed 
activities. Information should be provided that demonstrates that the 
staff has the professional background, experience, and organizational 
support needed to fulfill the proposed responsibilities. Where 
possible, the applicant should identify staff responsible for 
completing each activity.
    b. Provide letters of commitment from represented tribe(s) 
leadership which indicates the tribe's willingness to participate in 
the program, as well as letters of collaboration describing specific 
activities to be provided for this effort with other public and private 
health entities including State Health Departments, State Laboratories, 
Indian Health Service, and Tribal Epidemiological Center. Signed 
originals should be provided in the Appendix.
    c. Submit a copy of its organizational chart, and describe existing 
structure and how it supports the development of the proposed plan for 
STD prevention.
6. Performance Measures (Included in Page Limit)
    The applicant is required to:
    a. 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.
    b. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must measure 
the intended outcome.
    c. These measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the 
application and will be an element of the evaluation process.
7. Budget Justification
    a. The applicant should provide a one year detailed budget, with 
accompanying justification of all operating expenses that is consistent 
with the stated objectives and planned activities of the project.
    b. Page limits will not apply to the budget justification.
    Additional information may be included in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative 
page limit. This additional information includes:

[[Page 32564]]

     Curriculum Vitaes and resumes of staff
     Organizational Charts
     Letters of collaboration with Prevention Training Centers 
and other partners
    You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative 
agreement from the Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit 
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access http.www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711.
    For more information, see the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.htm. If your application form does not have a 
DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top of the 
first page of your application, and/or include your DUNS number in your 
application cover letter.
    Additional requirements that may require you to submit additional 
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: July 12, 2004.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline 
date. If you send your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure that the carrier will 
be able to guarantee delivery of the application by the closing date 
and time. If CDC receives your application after closing due to: (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 be given the opportunity to 
submit documentation of the carriers guarantee. If the documentation 
verifies a carrier problem, CDC will consider the application as having 
been received by the deadline.
    This announcement is the definitive guide on application submission 
address and deadline. It supersedes information provided in the 
application instructions. If your application does not meet the 
deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and will be 
discarded. You will be notified that your application did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    CDC will not notify you upon receipt of your application. 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 application deadline. This will allow time for applications to be 
processed and logged.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which must be taken into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
     Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. Equipment may be 
purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives; 
however, prior approval by CDC officials must be requested in writing.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required).
    If you are requesting indirect costs in your budget, you must 
include a copy of your indirect cost rate agreement. If your indirect 
cost rate is a provisional rate, the agreement should be less than 12 
months of age.
    For all contracts, provide: (1) Name of contractor; (2) period of 
performance; (3) method of selection (e.g., competitive or sole 
source); (4) description of activities; (5) reason for contracting 
activities; and (6) itemized budget.
    Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
    Guidance for completing your budget can be found on the CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

    Application Submission Address: Submit the original and two hard 
copies of your application by mail or express delivery service to: 
Technical Information Management-PA 04202, CDC Procurement and Grants 
Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically at this time.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

    You are required to 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. These measures of effectiveness must be 
submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.
    Your application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
Action Plan and Implementation (30 Points)
    Does the plan address: (1) How the applicant will work with 
tribe(s) to assure leaders are committed to strengthening local 
capacity? (2) Appropriate collaborations with relevant partners to 
carry out activities? (3) How screening and treatment for STD will be 
provided? (4) The development and dissemination of STD-prevention 
education that meets the needs of the target population? (5) Training 
and technical assistance that is culturally competent for relevant 
topics identified? (6) Communication and dissemination of information 
and guidance to tribes and membership? (8) Time lines for initiation 
and completion of all proposed activities for the three-year project 
period that identifies the target population and how each proposed 
activity will be achieved?
    Is the plan realistic and are its objectives specific, measurable, 
achievable, relevant, time-phased, and likely to be accomplished during 
the three-year project period?
Evaluation Plan (20)
    Does the evaluation plan describe how the applicant plans to 
measure the implementation and progress of the activities in achieving 
the objectives during the three-year project period? Does the applicant 
describe how it will document success in developing an STD prevention 
program for the tribe(s)? Does the applicant describe how it will 
assess the quantity and quality of networking efforts?
Management Plan (20 points)
    Does the applicant include a description of proposed staffing for 
the project, provide job descriptions and indicate if the positions 
exist or are proposed? Does the applicant include the commitment of at 
least one full-time staff member to provide direction for

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proposed activities? Does the applicant provide staffing information 
including adequate background information to show qualifications of 
staff? Does the applicant identify staff responsible for completing 
each activity?
    Does the application provide letters of commitment from represented 
tribal leadership indicating the tribe's willingness to participate in 
the program, as well as letters of collaboration with prevention 
training centers, other public health entities including state health 
departments, state laboratories, Indian health services, and tribal 
epidemiological centers? Signed originals should be provided in the 
Appendix.
    Does the application include a copy of its organizational chart, 
and describe existing structure and how it supports the development of 
the proposed Capacity Building Plan for STD prevention?
Background (15 points)
    Does the applicant describe the tribe, organization, or consortia, 
including purpose or mission (if applicable), years of existence (if 
applicable), and experience in representing the health-related 
interests of the represented tribe(s)? Does the applicant describe the 
total population size of the tribe(s) represented, geographic 
location(s) and proximity to the applicant? Does the applicant explain 
how affected community members will be included in the development and 
implementation of the Action Plan? Does the applicant describe its 
capacity and ability to conduct the activities as evidenced by current 
and past experience in providing leadership in the development of 
health-related programs, training programs or health promotion 
campaigns; networking and building partnerships and alliances with 
other organizations; and, providing STD or other public health disease 
prevention and control programs including descriptions of activities 
and initiatives developed and implemented?
Need (15 points)
    Does the applicant document the need: (1) For building capacity to 
address STDs? (2) To strengthen existing data and add new data about 
STD, including a commitment to work with states to ensure accuracy and 
completeness of reporting? (3) For STD prevention and control 
strategies that are culturally appropriate including discussion of the 
challenges, limitations, and other opportunities for implementing 
effective STD prevention programs? (4) To develop a comprehensive and 
sustainable community action plan among represented tribes and 
community partners that serve the target population?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement 
and Grants Office (PGO) staff, and for responsiveness by staff in the 
NCHSTP. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-
responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through the 
review process. Applicants will be notified 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.

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    September 1, 2004

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) 
from the CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NGA shall be the only 
binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NGA 
will be signed by an authorized Grants Management Officer, and mailed 
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 and Part 92
    For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the 
National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet 
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
    The following additional requirements apply to this project:
     AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions
     AR-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
     AR-6 Patient Care
     AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-11 Healthy People 2010
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
     AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
     AR-16 Security Clearance Requirement
     AR-21 Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business
     AR-22 Research Integrity
     AR-24 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
Requirements
    Additional information on these requirements can be found on the 
CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of the 
following reports:
    1. Interim progress report, no less than 90 days before the end of 
the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-competing 
continuation application, and must contain the following elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Budget.
    e. Additional Requested Information.
    f. Measures of Effectiveness.
    2. Financial status report is required no more than 90 days after 
the end of the budget period.
    3. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management or Contract 
Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this 
announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For general questions about this announcement, contact: Technical 
Information Management Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-2700.
    For program technical assistance, contact:
    Kim Seechuk, Deputy Chief, Program Development and Support Branch, 
Division of STD Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, MS E-27, Atlanta, GA 
30333, Telephone: 404-639-8339, E-mail: [email protected].
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
    Gladys T. Gissentanna, Contract Specialist, CDC Procurement and 
Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-
488-2753, E-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: June 4, 2004.
William P. Nichols,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 04-13138 Filed 6-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P