[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 210 (Monday, November 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63403-63407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24300]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration


Funding Opportunity Title: Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities National Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Service System Infrastructure Development (Short Title: HBCU-
NRC)

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: TI 05-002.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 93.243.

DATES: Due Date for Applications: January 18, 2005.

(Note: Letters from State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in response 
to E.O. 12372 are due March 21, 2005.)

SUMMARY: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 
(SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and Center for 
Mental Health Services (CMHS), announce the availability of FY 2005 
funds for a Historically Black Colleges and Universities National 
Resource Center (HBCU-NRC) for Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Service System Infrastructure Development. A synopsis of this Notice of 
Funding Availability (NOFA), as well as many other Federal government 
funding opportunities, are also available at the Internet site: http://www.grants.gov.
    For complete instructions, potential applicants must obtain a copy 
of SAMHSA's standard Infrastructure Grants Program Announcement, INF-05 
PA, and the PHS 5161-1 (Rev. 7/00) application form before preparing 
and submitting an application. The INF-05 PA describes the general 
program design and provides instructions for applying for all SAMHSA 
Infrastructure Grants, including the Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities National Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Service System Infrastructure Development. SAMHSA's 
Infrastructure Grants provide funds to

[[Page 63404]]

increase the capacity of mental health and substance abuse service 
systems to support effective programs and services. Additional 
instructions and specific requirements for this funding opportunity are 
described below.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: Sections 509 and 520A of the Public Health Service 
Act, as amended and subject to the availability of funds.

    The Historically Black Colleges and Universities National 
Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service System 
Infrastructure Development (HBCU-NRC) is one of SAMHSA's 
Infrastructure Grants. The purpose of the HBCU-NRC cooperative 
agreement is to provide funds to support an innovative national 
resource center dedicated to the following 3 goals: (1) Establishing 
a national network of HBCUs to facilitate collaboration among the 
104 HBCU institutions; (2) supporting culturally appropriate 
substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders prevention and 
treatment student health services and wellness needs on HBCU 
campuses; and (3) facilitating the design of accredited courses, 
minors/majors and undergraduate and graduate degree programs that 
adapt State requirements and encourage student interest in substance 
abuse and mental health.

    Applications should reflect a program that achieves these goals and 
may propose any of the activities listed under Section I-2.1 Allowable 
Activities of the INF-05 PA. However, the successful applicant must 
undertake the following required activities:
     Establish and manage a viable structure to serve all 104 
HBCU institutions.
     Support the annual Dr. Lonnie E. Mitchell Substance Abuse 
Conference with tracks on substance abuse and mental health treatment 
and prevention.
     Establish a database to measure student participation and 
impact of the Dr. Lonnie E. Mitchell Substance Abuse Conference.
     Develop a strategic plan for the HBCU-NRC.
     Convene the HBCU-NRC steering committee at least twice a 
year.
     Coordinate technical assistance efforts with SAMHSA's 
Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs), the Mental Health 
Information Network, and other appropriate SAMHSA-funded activities.
     Establish and maintain a data base of HBCUs with substance 
abuse and mental health curricula, programs, and faculty.
     Develop assessment models for evaluating substance abuse 
and mental health curricula and/or programs at HBCUs and in communities 
at large.
     Disseminate information about effective practices within 
the mental health services and substance abuse treatment fields and 
promote/encourage career opportunities for HBCU students in the 
substance abuse and mental health fields.
     Conduct on-site and distance learning opportunities to 
promote awareness of mental health and associated evidence-based 
practices.
     Pilot campus-based suicide screenings and referrals to 
appropriate mental health treatment.
    Background: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 
conjunction with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and in 
collaboration with the Morehouse School of Medicine and the Cork 
Institute-Southeast ATTC, helped to create the National HBCU Substance 
Abuse Consortium (NHBCUSAC) to address the shortage of qualified, 
trained, and licensed professionals, especially ethnic minorities, who 
are capable of treating and preventing substance abuse disorders.
    In 1995, CSAT began providing funding to the NHBCUSAC to develop 
curriculum models and enhance the expansion of college degrees being 
offered at HBCUs that led to licensure in substance abuse and health-
related academic programs. CSAT and the Center for Substance Abuse 
Prevention (CSAP) supported the initiation of the National Dr. Lonnie 
E. Mitchell Substance Abuse Conference that brought together 
researchers, practitioners, faith communities, treatment providers, 
government officials, and most importantly, students from HBCUs across 
the country to introduce them to the substance abuse field and 
stimulate increased awareness and capacity building in substance abuse 
curricula and services among the faculty. Since that time, CSAT and the 
NHBCUSAC have expanded their interests to include mental health 
disorders affecting HBCUs and surrounding communities. Accordingly, 
CMHS is joining as a cosponsor of this initiative.
    Outreach is critical to helping HBCUs develop the capacity to 
address substance abuse treatment and mental health wellness, as well 
as improve academic programs and curricula to prepare students to earn 
degrees and work towards careers in the fields of substance abuse 
treatment and mental health. For the past several years, CSAT's support 
for NHBCUSAC activities has been provided on a year-to-year basis under 
an interagency agreement with various National Institutes of Health. 
Based on the growing needs within HBCU campuses to develop capacities 
to address substance abuse treatment and mental health, formalizing the 
network of HBCUs with CSAT and CMHS support is expected to improve 
student access to information and training, thereby furthering support 
efforts to establish a culturally appropriate workforce.

II. Award Information

    1. Estimated Funding Available/Number of Awards: It is expected 
that up to $1.075 million will be available to fund one (1) award in FY 
2005. The maximum allowable award is $1.075 million in total costs 
(direct and indirect) per year for up to 3 years. Proposed budgets 
cannot exceed the allowable amount in any year of the proposed project. 
The actual amount available for the awards may vary, depending on 
unanticipated program requirements and the number and quality of the 
applications received. Annual continuations will depend on the 
availability of funds, grantee progress in meeting program goals and 
objectives, and timely submission of required data and reports.
    This is a Category 2--Comprehensive Infrastructure Grant; the total 
award may be used for infrastructure development and implementation 
pilots. The allowance of 15 percent of the total grant award for 
implementation pilots specified in INF-05 PA is not applicable to this 
program. Funding requested for pilot campus-based suicide screening and 
referral to appropriate mental health treatment may not exceed $150,000 
per year. Funding requested for the annual Dr. Lonnie E. Mitchell 
Substance abuse Conference may not exceed $500,000 per year. The 
$500,000 set aside for the conference includes a contribution from 
SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
    This program is being announced prior to the annual appropriation 
for FY 2005 for SAMHSA's programs, with funding estimates based on the 
President's budget request for FY 2005. Applications are invited based 
on the assumption that sufficient funds will be appropriated for FY 
2005 to permit funding of an award. All applicants are reminded, 
however, that we cannot guarantee that sufficient funds will be 
appropriated to permit SAMHSA to fund any applications.
    2. Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement.
    Because of the complexity of this cross-center initiative, and the 
anticipation of ongoing involvement of the Federal government in the 
development of the program guidelines, this award will be made as a 
cooperative agreement. The grantee will establish a

[[Page 63405]]

steering committee for this initiative, and will manage the steering 
committee's logistical and programmatic needs. The steering committee 
will consist of the HBCU-NRC Project Director; members of the Executive 
Board of the NHBCUSAC; two representatives selected by the grantee from 
among the HBCU institutions that are not current members of the 
NHBCUSAC; and the CSAT and CMHS Project Officers. All steering 
committee members will have a vote. Non-voting representatives of 
professional organizations that have expertise in the fields of 
substance abuse treatment and mental health may be invited to steering 
committee meetings on an as-needed basis.
    Role of Grantee:
     Comply with the terms and conditions of the cooperative 
agreement and collaborate with SAMHSA staff in project implementation.
     Provide SAMHSA with data required to comply with the 
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). The grantee must meet 
with SAMHSA Project Officers within two months after the award of the 
cooperative agreement to begin discussing the grantee's evaluation 
strategy and how it will meet SAMHSA GPRA requirements.
     Participate with SAMHSA staff in any necessary development 
and refinement of HBCU-NRC policies, evaluation designs, measures, and 
databases.
     Keep policies consistent with SAMHSA policies on data 
sharing, access to data and materials, and publications.
     Attend meetings with SAMHSA as typically required of 
cooperative agreement grantees. These may be conducted in person, 
electronically, or by conference call.
     Provide funds for HBCU-NRC staff to attend relevant 
national meetings and conferences.
     Collaborate in planning and participate in any joint 
learning workshops with the ATTCs and other appropriate SAMHSA-funded 
activities.
    Role of SAMHSA Staff:
     Work with the HBCU-NRC to help coordinate activities.
     Provide guidance and technical assistance across all the 
project's components, and conduct site visits as needed.
     Approve project implementation plan.
     Monitor and review progress of the HBCU-NRC project and 
make recommendations regarding moving through successive stages 
including its potential continuance.
     Participate in any necessary development and refinement of 
the HBCU-NRC policies, evaluation designs, measures, and databases.
     Facilitate the coordination of this program with other 
SAMHSA policies and activities, as appropriate.
     Participate as voting members of the HBCU-NRC steering 
committee.
     Approve steering committee structure and membership.
     Review and approve products prior to publication and 
dissemination.
     Approve proposed pilots and subawards.
    The HBCU-NRC Steering Committee will:
     Consist of the HBCU-NRC Project Director, members of the 
Executive Board of the NHBCUSAC; two representatives selected by the 
grantee from among the HBCU institutions that are not current members 
of the NHBCUSAC; and the CSAT and CMHS Project Officers who will 
participate in but will not chair meetings.
     Meet at least twice annually. The first meeting of the 
steering committee may be convened at the request of SAMHSA Project 
Officers; the HBCU-NRC Steering Committee will coordinate with the 
SAMHSA Project Officers in scheduling, planning, and carrying out 
future meetings.
     Assist in the development and refinement of HBCU-NRC 
policies, evaluation designs, measures, and databases.
     Collaborate with SAMHSA in designing and implementing 
evaluation plans that will include SAMHSA GPRA goals and program 
specific goals.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants are the 104 nationally recognized 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or a consortium of 
HBCUs with a lead college/university as the applicant. The recipient of 
the award will be the entity legally responsible for satisfying the 
grant requirements. The applicant must agree to involve and serve all 
104 HBCUs in the United States.
    Eligibility is limited to the nationally recognized HBCUs or a 
consortium of HBCUs because the target audiences for activities 
supported under this initiative are HBCUs and HBCU students. Since 
there is a high concentration of African American students on these 
campuses, HBCUs are uniquely situated to provide the perspective 
regarding the substance abuse and mental health needs and issues 
surrounding the African American population in and around these college 
campuses. This initiative also supports Executive Orders 12320 and 
12876 to ``strengthen the capacity of historically Black colleges and 
universities to provide quality education, to overcome the effects of 
discriminatory treatment, and to provide advice to the President 
regarding the needs in the areas of infrastructure, academic programs, 
and faculty and institutional development.''
    These eligibility criteria supersede the criteria specified in 
Section III-1 of the INF-05 PA.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching is not required.
    3. Other: Applicants must also meet certain application formatting 
and submission requirements or the application will be screened out and 
will not be reviewed. These requirements are described in Section IV-2 
below as well as in the INF-05 PA.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Complete application 
kits may be obtained from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and 
Drug Information (NCADI) at 1-800-729-6686, or the National Mental 
Health Information Center at 1-800-789-2647. When requesting an 
application kit for this program, the applicant must specify the 
funding opportunity title ``HBCU-NRC'' and the funding opportunity 
number (TI 05-002). All information necessary to apply, including where 
to submit applications and application deadline instructions, is 
included in the application kit. The PHS 5161-1 application form is 
also available electronically via SAMHSA's World Wide Web home page: 
http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/generalinfo/useful_Info.aspx and the INF-
05 PA is available electronically at http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/standard/Infrastructure/index.aspx.
    When submitting an application, be sure to type ``TI 05-002/HBCU-
NRC'' in Item Number 10 on the face page of the application form. Also, 
SAMHSA applicants are required to provide a DUNS Number on the face 
page of the application. To obtain a DUNS Number, access the Dun and 
Bradstreet web site at http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-
705-5711.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Information 
including required documents, required application components, and 
application formatting requirements is available in the INF-05 PA in 
Section IV-2.

Checklist for Application Formatting Requirements

    SAMHSA's goal is to review all applications submitted for grant

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funding. However, this goal must be balanced against SAMHSA's 
obligation to ensure equitable treatment of applications. For this 
reason, SAMHSA has established certain formatting requirements for its 
applications. If you do not adhere to these requirements, your 
application will be screened out and returned to you without review.
    [ballot] Use the PHS 5161-1 application.
    [ballot] Applications must be received by the application deadline 
or have proof of timely submission, as detailed in Section IV-3 of the 
INF-05 PA.
    [ballot] Information provided must be sufficient for review.
    [ballot] Text must be legible.
     Type size in the Project Narrative cannot exceed an 
average of 15 characters per inch, as measured on the physical page. 
(Type size in charts, tables, graphs, and footnotes will not be 
considered in determining compliance.)
     Text in the Project Narrative cannot exceed 6 lines per 
vertical inch.
    [ballot] Paper must be white paper and 8.5 inches by 11.0 inches in 
size.
    [ballot] To ensure equity among applications, the amount of space 
allowed for the Project Narrative cannot be exceeded.
     Applications would meet this requirement by using all 
margins (left, right, top, bottom) of at least one inch each, and 
adhering to the page limit for the Project Narrative stated in the INF-
05 PA.
     Should an application not conform to these margin or page 
limits, SAMHSA will use the following method to determine compliance: 
The total area of the Project Narrative (excluding margins, but 
including charts, tables, graphs and footnotes) cannot exceed 58.5 
square inches multiplied by the page limit. This number represents the 
full page less margins, multiplied by the total number of allowed 
pages.
     Space will be measured on the physical page. Space left 
blank within the Project Narrative (excluding margins) is considered 
part of the Project Narrative, in determining compliance.
    To facilitate review of your application, follow these additional 
guidelines. Failure to adhere to the following guidelines will not, in 
itself, result in your application being screened out and returned 
without review. However, the information provided in your application 
must be sufficient for review. Following these guidelines will help 
ensure your application is complete, and will help reviewers to 
consider your application.
    [ballot] The 10 application components required for SAMHSA 
applications should be included. These are:
     Face Page (Standard Form 424, which is in PHS 5161-1).
     Abstract.
     Table of Contents.
     Budget Form (Standard Form 424A, which is in PHS 5161-1).
     Project Narrative and Supporting Documentation.
     Appendices.
     Assurances (Standard Form 424B, which is in PHS 5161-1).
     Certifications (a form in PHS 5161-1).
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL, 
which is in PHS 5161-1).
     Checklist (a form in PHS 5161-1).
    [ballot] Applications should comply with the following 
requirements:
     Provisions relating to confidentiality, participant 
protection and the protection of human subjects, as indicated in the 
INF-05 PA.
     Budgetary limitations as indicated in Sections I, II, and 
IV-5 of the INF-05 PA.
     Documentation of nonprofit status as required in the PHS 
5161-1.
    [ballot] Pages should be typed single-spaced in black ink with one 
column per page. Pages should not have printing on both sides.
    [ballot] Please number pages consecutively from beginning to end so 
that information can be located easily during review of the 
application. The cover page should be page 1, the abstract page should 
be page 2, and the table of contents page should be page 3. Appendices 
should be labeled and separated from the Project Narrative and budget 
section, and the pages should be numbered to continue the sequence.
    [ballot] The page limits for Appendices stated in the specific 
funding announcement should not be exceeded.
    [ballot] Send the original application and two copies to the 
mailing address in the funding announcement. Please do not use staples, 
paper clips, and fasteners. Nothing should be attached, stapled, 
folded, or pasted. Do not use heavy or lightweight paper, or any 
material that cannot be copied using automatic copying machines. Odd-
sized and oversized attachments such as posters will not be copied or 
sent to reviewers. Do not include videotapes, audiotapes, or CD-ROMs.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications must be received by 
January 18, 2005. You will be notified by postal mail that your 
application has been received. Additional submission information is 
available in the INF-05 PA in Section IV-3.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: Applicants for this funding 
opportunity must comply with Executive Order 12372 (E.O.12372). 
E.O.12372, as implemented through Department of Health and Human 
Services (DHHS) regulation at 45 CFR part 100, sets up a system for 
State and local review of applications for Federal financial 
assistance. Instructions for complying with E.O. 12372 are provided in 
the INF-05 PA in Section IV-4. A current listing of State Single Points 
of Contact (SPOCs) is included in the application kit and is available 
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    5. Funding Restrictions: Information concerning funding 
restrictions is available in the INF-05 PA in Section IV-5.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be reviewed against the 
Evaluation Criteria and requirements for the Project Narrative 
specified in Section V. Application Review Information in the INF-05 
PA. The following information describes exceptions or limitations to 
the INF-05 PA and provides special requirements that pertain only to 
HBCU-NRC grants. Applicants must discuss the following requirements in 
their applications, in addition to the requirements specified in the 
INF-05 PA:

1.1 In ``Section A: Statement of Need,'' the 4th bullet is deleted.
1.2 Performance Measurement: All SAMHSA grantees are required to 
collect and report certain data so that SAMHSA can meet its obligations 
under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and the 
grantees can meet their requirements to provide quarterly progress 
reports to SAMHSA as outlined below. All applicants must document their 
ability to collect and report data using the Knowledge Application 
Customer Satisfaction GPRA tool in ``Section D. Evaluation and Data''. 
This tool can be found at http://www.csat-gpra.samhsa.gov (click on 
`Data Collection Tools/Instruments'), along with instructions for 
completing it. GPRA data must be collected at the end of each event and 
thirty days post-event. GPRA data must be entered into the GPRA Web 
system within 7 business days of the forms being completed. In 
addition, 80% of the participants must be followed up on. GPRA data are 
to be collected and then entered into CSAT's GPRA Data Entry and 
Reporting System (http://www.csat-gpra.samhsa.gov). Training and 
technical assistance on data collecting, as well as data entry, will be 
provided by CSAT.


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    The HBCU-NRC grantee will be required to report quarterly on their 
progress in meeting the Required Activities in Section I. Funding 
Opportunity Description of this NOFA as well as any other activities 
proposed in the application. At present, performance measures for these 
required activities have not been established. In ``Section D. 
Evaluation and Data,'' applicants must describe their current ability 
to collect and report data on their progress in meeting the Required 
Activities and any other proposed activities. Applicants may also 
propose performance measures to be considered by SAMHSA. The HBCU-NRC 
steering committee will work to build consensus around a common set of 
performance measures aligned with the Required Activities and program 
goals in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description of this NOFA. The 
grantee will be required to report in narrative format on the broad 
themes around their progress in their quarterly reports. Once SAMHSA 
has obtained necessary approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB), further data requirements will be mandated based on the 
consensus from the steering committee. The grantee may choose at any 
time to begin collecting more specific data related to the agreed upon 
measures to assist in building local support for continued 
sustainability for their activities once the period of Federal funding 
ends. SAMHSA will work with the grantee to assist them in building 
performance measurement systems that will provide needed local policy 
information.
    Program activities may be used to demonstrate SAMHSA's contribution 
to the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities.
    Outcome measures expected from the HBCU-NRC:
     Program reports and evaluations that include client 
satisfaction and performance with relevant Government Performance and 
Results Act (GRPA) measures.
     Practice changes resulting from participating in the 
substance abuse and HIV prevention, substance abuse treatment, and 
mental health wellness tracks at the Dr. Lonnie E. Mitchell Substance 
Abuse Conference.
     An increase in the number of HBCUs that will make 
substance abuse and mental health a major part of their student 
orientations by 25% in year 2 and 50% in year 3 relative to the 
baseline estimate in year 1 of the project.
     An increase in the number of HBCUs that offer courses, 
concentrations, minors and/or majors in the fields of substance abuse 
and/or addiction and mental health by 15% in year 2 and 30% in year 3 
relative to the baseline estimate in year 1 of the project.
     Number of referrals to mental health treatment as a result 
of suicide screenings.
    2. Review and Selection Process: Information about the review and 
selection process is available in the INF-05 PA in Section V-2.

VI. Award Administration Information

    Award administration information, including award notices, 
administrative and national policy requirements, and reporting 
requirements are available in the INF-05 PA in Section VI. SAMHSA's 
standard terms and conditions are available at http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/generalinfo/grants_management.aspx.
    The HBCU-NRC program requires reporting in addition to that 
outlined in Section VI-3 Reporting Requirements of the INF-05 PA. The 
HBCU-NRC is expected to provide the following types of reports:
     Quarterly progress reports.
     Annual progress and fiscal reports.
     Final summary report at the end of the 3-year cycle.
     Periodic delivery of electronic copies of contact and 
service data.
    Additional reports may be required on special projects and 
activities (e.g., collaborative services delivered with supplemental 
funding by another Federal agency partnering with SAMHSA in this 
program).

VII. Agency Contacts for Additional Information

    For questions concerning program issues contact:
    CSAT: Shannon Taitt, SAMHSA/CSAT/OPAC, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Room 5-
1037, Rockville, MD 20857. 240-276-1691; e-mail: 
[email protected].
    CMHS: Roslyn Holliday Moore, SAMHSA/CMHS/OPAC, 1 Choke Cherry Road, 
Room 6-1077, Rockville, MD 20857. 240-276-1825; e-mail: 
[email protected].
    For questions on grants management issues contact: Kimberly 
Pendleton, SAMHSA/Division of Grants Management, 1 Choke Cherry Road, 
Room 7-1097, Rockville, MD 20857. 240-276-1421; e-mail: 
[email protected].

    Dated: October 22, 2004.
Daryl Kade,
Director, Office of Policy Planning and Budget, Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration.
[FR Doc. 04-24300 Filed 10-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4162-20-P