[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 112 (Thursday, June 10, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32570-32573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13139]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Comprehensive Community and Home-Based Care and Support for 
People Living With HIV and AIDS in India

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: 04201.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.941.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: July 12, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under section 307 of the 
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. Section 2421], as amended.
    Purpose: The purpose of the program is to improve the quality of 
life of people living with HIV/AIDS in India and their families. With 
the recent commitment by the government of India to provide 
antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to a large population of people living 
with HIV/AIDS, there is an urgent need to implement sustainable and 
comprehensive programs for comprehensive community and home-based care 
in areas of high prevalence and high risk. This is accomplished by 
supporting, sustaining and expanding current activities for 
comprehensive community and home-based care and support for people 
living with HIV and AIDS in India.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goal(s) for the National Center for HIV, STD and 
TB Prevention (NCHSTP): initiate, expand or strengthen HIV/AIDS 
prevention, care, treatment and support activities globally.
    The measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with 
goals of the Global AIDS Program (GAP), NCHSTP to reduce HIV 
transmission and improve care of persons living with HIV.
    The program will also contribute to the United States Federal 
Government's goals of:
     Increasing the proportion of HIV infected people who are 
linked to appropriate prevention, care and treatment services.
     Increasing the proportion of HIV infected persons who know 
they are infected.
     Decreasing the number of persons at high-risk for 
acquiring or transmitting HIV infection.
    Activities:
    Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
     Collaborate with CDC, the Government of India, the Indian 
Network of Positive People, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and 
other partners to ensure: (1) That there is country ownership of all 
activities; (2) that proposed activities complement existing efforts 
within India; and (3) that activities are supportive of indigenous 
expertise and institutions.
     Collaborate with CDC, the Government of India, the Indian 
Network of Positive People, NGOs and other partners for the development 
of capacity for the local and national level Ministries of Health, care 
providers, NGOs, groups and networks of HIV positive people and other 
in-country partners to deliver services.
     Develop and implement community and home level 
intervention programs with vulnerable populations such as youth (age 
15-29 years old), women and migrant populations living in selected high 
prevalence (urban and rural) areas. Intervention programs may include: 
(1) Provision of voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/STD and/or 
tuberculosis; (2) provision of care and treatment for HIV/STD and/or 
tuberculosis; (3) Information, Education and Communication (IEC) 
campaigns; and (3) behavior change for HIV infected and uninfected 
persons.
     Focus on the following specific activities:
    1. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT): implement, monitor, and 
evaluate HIV counseling and testing programs. Identify barriers and 
concerns

[[Page 32571]]

raised in providing VCT. Implement and coordinate, with other national 
programs, to help reduce HIV-related fear, stigma, discrimination and 
isolation.
    2. STD prevention and care: expand and improve the diagnosis and 
treatment of STDs, including risk reduction counseling and education, 
as a means of reducing the continued transmission of HIV.
    3. Prevention and Youth: implement youth-focused prevention/
intervention programs, testing prevention programs, secondary 
prevention for HIV-positive youth, and build youth development 
programs.
    4. Implement HIV/AIDS care, support, and treatment, at the 
community level, and in the homes of persons and their families 
affected by HIV, to prevent and treat HIV and related opportunistic 
infections with a special emphasis on tuberculosis.
    5. Design and implement palliative care programs for persons and 
their families affected by HIV.
    6. Increase access to health care, build capacity, and strengthen 
linkages for follow up of individuals from the health care institutions 
to the community and home.
    7. Increase access to psycho-social services, economic support, and 
prevention services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
    8. Increase community support for people living with HIV/AIDS and 
their families.
    9. Develop and improve the capacity of local partners, Government 
and private health services, NGOs, groups and networks of people living 
with HIV, and other community groups to provide home-based care and 
support services.
    10. Participate in specific India-based workgroups that develop and 
review ongoing country assistance activities. The product of these 
workgroups will define the activities of the collaborating agencies.
    11. Develop activities to document critical components necessary 
for expansion and replication of community and home-based programs in 
other areas in India.
    12. Develop and implement a program for monitoring and evaluation 
of all program components.
    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:
     Collaborate with the Government of India, USAID India 
mission and other partners to assist recipient in the development of 
plans for program assistance based upon the needs of the selected 
communities, the CDC technical assistance portfolio, and HIV prevention 
activities conducted by other partners. This also includes the 
development of a strategic plan for expansion of activities into other 
high prevalence areas.
     Provide consultations and scientific and technical 
assistance based on the CDC GAP goals to promote the use of best 
practices known at this time. This may include provision of technical 
assistance including support from CDC staff and/or CDC/GAP partners for 
designing, planning, implementing and monitoring community and home-
based care activities in selected high prevalence areas. This may also 
include support for assessment visits, direct technical reviews, and 
the review of existing materials available for people living with HIV; 
and development of information and education resources for people 
living with HIV/AIDS.
     Facilitate in-country planning and review meetings for the 
purpose of ensuring coordination of country-based program technical 
assistance activities. CDC will act as liaison and assist in 
coordinating activities as required between the applicant and other 
NGOs, government of India organizations, and other CDC, GAP partners.
    Technical assistance and training may be provided directly by CDC 
staff or through organizations that have successfully competed for 
funding under a separate CDC contract.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    CDC involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section 
above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2004.
    Approximate Total Funding: $3,500,000. (This amount is for the 
entire five-year project period.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Approximate Average Award: $700,000. (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes only direct costs).
    Floor of Award Range: $600,000.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $700,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 2004.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Five 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

    Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit 
organizations, and by governments and their agencies, such as:
     Public nonprofit organizations.
     Private nonprofit organizations.
    Organizations must be based in India.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

III.3. Other

    If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the 
award range, your application will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that 
your application did not meet the submission requirements.
    If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the 
requirements listed below, it will not be entered into the review 
process. You will be notified that your application did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    Applicants must have:
    1. At least five years of experience in delivering HIV, STD and/or 
TB prevention and care programs in India.
    2. At least three years of experience implementing programs to 
deliver and monitor care and support for HIV/AIDS at both the community 
and the home-based level in India. These programs must be ongoing and 
established in high risk communities in high prevalence states in 
India.
    In December of 2003, the government of India made a landmark 
commitment to collaborate with the World Health Organization in 
implementing their initiative of ``Treating 3 Million People by 2005'' 
by providing antiretroviral treatment to a large population of people 
living with HIV/AIDS in India. As a result an urgent immediate need 
exists to support, expand and sustain activities for comprehensive 
community and home-based care for HIV positive individuals and family 
members. Starting an effective community and home-based HIV care 
program from scratch, including establishing partnerships with key 
partners cannot be accomplished in the limited time required. To 
successfully address and meet the critical time sensitive need for 
rapid scale up, an established program with demonstrated partnerships 
within the HIV positive community and a proven track record must be 
identified and utilized to respond to the government's initiative and 
the CDC GAP.

[[Page 32572]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161. 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. Your narrative must be submitted in the following 
format:
     Maximum number of pages: 25. If your narrative exceeds the 
page limit, only the first pages which are within the page limit will 
be reviewed.
     Double spaced.
     Font size: 12 point unreduced.
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
     Page margin size: One inch.
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     Must be submitted in English.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
     Plan.
     Objectives.
     Activities.
     Methods of Monitoring the Project.
     Methods of Project Evaluation.
     Summary Budget by line item along with a budget 
justification (this will not be counted against the stated page limit).
    Additional information may be included in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative 
page limit. This additional information includes:
     Organizational Chart.
     Curriculum Vitae/Resumes of Current Staff.
     Proposed staffing pattern (include qualifications) 
required to carry out program activities.
    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 Time

    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 format, 
content, and deadlines. 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

    Funding restrictions, which must be taken into account while 
writing your budget are as follows:
     Antiretroviral Drugs--The purchase of antiretrovirals, 
reagents, and laboratory equipment for antiretroviral treatment 
projects require pre-approval from the GAP headquarters.
     Needle Exchange--No funds appropriated under this Act 
shall be used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles 
or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
     Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel, training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment 
may be purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives; 
however, prior written approval by CDC officials must be requested in 
writing.
     All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, CDC will not compensate 
foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through the 
issuance of supplemental awards.
     The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United States or to international organization regardless 
of their location.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention and care services for which funds are required).
     You must obtain an annual audit of these CDC funds 
(program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international 
branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance 
with International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s) 
approved in writing by CDC.
     A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, 
prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business 
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. 
Federal funds.

[[Page 32573]]

    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.
    Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

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 04201, 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:
    1. Ability to carry Out the Project (25 points)
    Does the applicant provide documents, which demonstrate the 
organization's capability to achieve the purpose of the project?
    2. Technical Approach (20 points)
    Does the applicant's proposal include an overall design strategy, 
including measurable time lines? Does the proposal address regular 
monitoring and evaluation, and the potential effectiveness of the 
proposed activities in meeting objectives?
    3. Understanding of the Problem (20 points)
    Does the applicant demonstrate a clear and concise understanding of 
the nature of the problem described in the Purpose section of this 
announcement? Does the applicant include a description of the public 
health importance of the planned activities to be undertaken and 
realistic presentation of proposed objectives and projects?
    4. Personnel (20 points)
    Are professional personnel involved in this project qualified? Does 
the applicant include evidence of experience in working with HIV/AIDS, 
opportunistic infections, and HIV/STD surveillance?
    5. Plans for Administration and Management of Projects (15 points)
    Are plans for administering the projects adequate?
    6. Budget (not scored)
    Is the itemized budget for conducting the project, along with 
justification, reasonable and consistent with stated objectives and 
planned program activities?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement 
and Grants Office (PGO) staff, and for responsiveness by NCHSTP/GAP. 
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-6 Patient Care
     AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace 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 copies of the 
following reports in English:
    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 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 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: Jeanine Ambrosio, 
Project Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NCHSTP/
GAP, 1 Corporate Square, Atlanta, GA 30329, Telephone: (404) 639-6340, 
e-mail: [email protected].
    For budget assistance, contact: Shirley Wynn, Grants Management 
Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: (770) 488-1515, 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. 04-13139 Filed 6-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P