[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48135-48143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16170]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private-
Sector Care Networks in the Republic of India as Part of the 
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA058.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 9, 2005.

[[Page 48136]]

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Section 301(a) (42 
U.S.C. Sections 241 and 2421), as amended, and under Pub. L. 108-25 
(United States Leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria 
Act of 2004) [22 U.S.C. 7601].
    Background: President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has 
called for immediate, comprehensive and evidence-based action to turn 
the tide of global HIV/AIDS, and supports programs in more than 100 
countries. The five-year strategy for the Emergency Plan is available 
at the following Internet address: http://www.state.gov/s/gac/rl/or/c11652.htm.
    In India, the Emergency Plan seeks to engage both governmental and 
non-governmental institutions at all levels to bolster the provision of 
care and treatment to HIV-positive people, and to expand prevention 
activities to avoid new cases of HIV.
    HHS' mission in India is to work with Indian and international 
partners to develop, evaluate and support effective implementation of 
interventions to prevent HIV and related illnesses, and to improve care 
and support of persons with HIV/AIDS. The program aims to build local 
capacity and promote in-country leadership and ownership of activities 
by focusing on national and local priorities, sharing experiences and 
technical information, coordinating activities with other programs, and 
using local expertise whenever possible.
    Specifically, HHS' mission in India is to accomplish the following:
    1. Provide support and training for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in 
health care facilities and in the community.
    2. Establish training expertise for HIV/AIDS prevention and care 
and infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other 
states in India.
    3. Strengthen the local and national response to HIV/AIDS in India 
through support and collaboration with the National AIDS Control 
Organization (NACO), State AIDS Control Societies, Networks of Positive 
People, the private, non-governmental and faith-based health sectors, 
and others.

Purpose

    The purpose of this program is to address the HIV-related health 
care needs in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh (the state most 
heavily affected by HIV in India, according to Government of India 
reports), and, to a lesser extent, in other states in India affected by 
the epidemic, by strengthening the existing health care infrastructure 
in the private/non-government/faith-based sectors and mobilizing local 
institutions to commit to quality HIV-related health care. Through this 
cooperative agreement, funds are available to encourage independent 
non-government and for-profit care institutions to join together to 
form new or improve existing care and training networks. The activities 
will initially be concentrated on the south Indian state of Andhra 
Pradesh during the first one to two years and could expand into other 
Indian states in subsequent years, at the discretion of HHS in India 
and the grantee with the approval of the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    This competition will select one or more awardees that focus on 
Andhra Pradesh, and possibly one or more additional awardees to focus 
on other parts of the country, including one or more northern Indian 
states in areas in which the HIV epidemic is emerging. Applicants 
should clearly define in which State they will initially focus the 
activities of this cooperative agreement, and should keep in mind that 
scaling up care activities in Andhra Pradesh is our first priority.
    Each awardee will seek to improve and expand the clinical care of 
persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) within the recipient's 
institutions/network of institutions, with a focus on outpatient care. 
``Care: includes confidential, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT); 
treatment of opportunistic infections (OIs); staging of HIV; 
nutritional support; family counseling and support; treatment of 
sexually transmitted infections (STIs); treatment with anti-retroviral 
therapy (ART), when appropriate and economically feasible; and 
prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
    The activities also follow the five-year strategy of the 
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the three strategies of 
the National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) of the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within HHS: 
prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment and care, and surveillance and 
infrastructure development. The measurable outcomes of the program will 
be in alignment with the goals of HHS/CDC Strategy of the Emergency 
Plan and NCHSTP, to reduce HIV transmission and improve care of PLWHAs. 
They will also contribute to the goals of the President's Emergency 
Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan), which include the following:
     Within five years treat more than two million HIV-infected 
persons with effective combination anti-retroviral therapy.
     Provide care for ten million HIV-infected and affected 
persons, including those orphaned and left vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
     Prevent seven million new infections.
    Specific measurable outcomes of this program include, but are not 
limited to, routine reporting, which verifies responsible maintenance 
of program expenditures and program technical activities and confirms 
accountability of U.S. Government funds spent in India.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS/CDC. If applicants propose research, HHS/CDC will not review the 
application. For the definition of ``research,'' please see the HHS/CDC 
Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.

Activities

    Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    a. Identify project staffing needs (including administrative, 
management and technical staff); hire and train staff.
    b. Identify furnishings, fittings, equipment and other fixed-asset 
procurement needs of the project and implementing partners, and acquire 
through transparent and competitive processes.
    c. Within the first three months from the date of the award, 
develop a revised and updated strategic plan, to include goals, 
objectives, a monitoring plan, an implementation strategy, and a 
reporting system.
    d. Improve and expand the clinical care of PLWHAs within the 
recipient's institutions/network of institutions with a focus on 
outpatient care. Care includes: confidential VCT; treatment of OIs; 
staging of HIV; nutritional support; family counseling and support; 
treatment of STIs; treatment with ART, when appropriate and 
economically feasible; and PMTCT.
    e. Improve the HIV-related laboratory capacity of the recipient's 
institutions/network of institutions. The awardee should develop and 
implement a system of sharing expertise or technically difficult 
laboratory equipment within the network (and possibly with the medical 
community outside of the existing network). An acceptable alternative 
could be to organize a cost-efficient system of outsourcing some 
laboratory testing to independent quality labs.
    f. Improve and expand HIV-related community outreach activities 
directly run or sponsored by the recipient's institutions/network of 
institutions as a whole. Outreach activities should be

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cost-efficient, effective, feasible, have a wide reach, be culturally 
and age-appropriate and be performed in local languages. Community 
outreach activities can include primary prevention of HIV; family 
counseling of PLWHAs; confidential VCT; STI care and linkages; 
voluntary, age-appropriate family planning; nutritional support; ART 
support, etc.
    g. Develop a functional relationship and linkages to national 
level, district level and/or state-level networks of HIV-positive 
people, where these positive networks already exist; and help develop 
such positive networks where they do not currently exist.
    h. Develop and initiate a system for creating the human capacity to 
meet the above HIV care and support needs. This includes developing and 
implementing plans to increase interest in HIV care; remove any stigma 
and discrimination from applicant institutions; and provide ongoing, 
innovative hands-on training in local languages to medical personnel 
(physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, community health 
workers, counselors, etc.) and management (institutional leaders, 
etc.).
    i. Systematically document programmatic activities and 
institutional capacities over time. Awardees should use formal 
monitoring and evaluation tools, such as asset mapping, community 
assessments, and pre/post-evaluation of specific trainings or 
interventions, initially and then periodically, as appropriate.
    j. Participate in HHS-sponsored meetings and other HIV-related 
meetings, conferences and/or workshops, as appropriate.
    k. Make use of existing guidelines, curricula and clinical 
algorithms developed by the Indian National AIDS Control Organization 
(NACO), the World Health Organization (WHO), HHS, the Office of the 
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, the University of Washington 
International Training and Education Center for HIV/AIDS (I-TECH), and 
others, as appropriate.
    l. Create and/or strengthen linkages with Indian federal and state 
Government health-care institutions, as appropriate (i.e., State AIDS 
Control Societies, primary health care clinics, Departments of Medical 
Education, the national/state Tuberculosis (TB) programs, nutrition 
support programs, etc.).
    m. Formalize the structures and rules of the applicant's networks 
of medical care institutions, if required. This includes creating by-
laws, a management/leadership team, developing and/or strengthening 
decision-making processes, funding and accounting mechanisms, etc.
    n. Provide in-kind support equal to or greater than 15 percent of 
the funding granted by HHS in year one, and 25 percent in years 2-5.
    o. Provide HHS in India with semi-annual reports, according to 
guidelines developed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

Administration

    Comply with all HHS management requirements for meeting 
participation and progress and financial reporting for this cooperative 
agreement. (See HHS Activities and Reporting sections below for 
details.) Comply with all policy directives established by the Office 
of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    HHS Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief them 
on applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    2. Review and approve the process used by the grantee to select key 
personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of 
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and 
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    3. Review and approve grantee's annual work plan and detailed 
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of 
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    4. Review and approve grantee's monitoring and evaluation plan, 
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    5. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    6. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    7. Meet on an annual basis with grantee to review annual progress 
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for Country Operational 
Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    8. Provide technical assistance, as mutually agreed upon, and 
revise annually during validation of the first and subsequent annual 
work plans. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted 
training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic 
information, project management, confidential counseling and testing, 
palliative care, treatment literacy, and adult learning techniques.
    9. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet 
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.
    Please note: Either HHS staff or staff from organizations that have 
successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS contract, 
cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and 
training.
    Additional HHS activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Provide input into the development of the overall program 
strategy, including collaboration in the selection of key personnel to 
be involved in the activities to be performed under this agreement.
    2. Define, in collaboration with the grantee(s) and other HHS 
partners, the specific geographic reach of the grantee(s) activities, 
in consultation with the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    3. Provide clearly defined goals and desired outcomes for 
activities; and provide ongoing technical assistance to the recipient, 
and its member institutions and external partners in local languages, 
if possible. This technical assistance could come directly from HHS 
staff or through in-country partners/contractors of the U.S. 
Government.
    4. Help encourage and strengthen linkages to, and cooperation with, 
Indian Federal and State Government institutions and programs.
    5. Convene meetings, workshops and consultations between 
recipients, with recipients and others (U.S. Government partners, HIV 
experts, etc.), as appropriate.
    6. Collaborate in the development of a system for record-keeping 
and information access.
    7. Collaborate in the development of a monitoring and evaluation 
system; and provide technical assistance, as

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needed, in the monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
    8. Assist, as needed, in appropriate analysis and interpretation of 
program evaluation data collected.
    9. Provide support in all aspects of the implementation of the 
cooperative agreement. This will include, but will not be limited to, 
working with the network of institutions to review existing materials 
available in local languages for PLWHAs; develop information and 
education resources for PLWHAs; etc.
    10. Provide and promote liaison and assist in coordinating 
activities, as required, between the awardee(s) and the activities to 
be performed under this agreement and other HHS and U.S. Government 
programs in India in training, care, support, and other activities.
    HHS India staff, HHS/CDC Atlanta Staff or U.S. Government partners 
may provide technical and administrative/management assistance.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. HHS involvement in this 
program is listed in the Activities Section above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
    Approximate Total Funding: $300,000-$750,000 (year one). $300,000-
$1,000,000 (each of years two-five). (This amount is an estimate, and 
is subject to availability of funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One-four.
    Approximate Average Award: $150,000-$300,000 per award. (This 
amount is for the first 12-month budget period, and includes direct 
costs.)
    Floor of Award Range: $150,000.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $500,000. (This ceiling is for the first 
12-month budget period.)
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Five years.
    Throughout the project period, HHS' commitment to continuation of 
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of 
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government, as determined by the annual review 
and approval of Country Operational Plans for the President's Emergency 
Plan for AIDS Relief, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by for-profit organizations, as well 
as public and private non-profit organizations, such as:
     Universities
     Colleges
     Research institutions
     Hospitals
     Community-based organizations
     Faith-based organizations
    In addition, eligible applicants will:
     Be Indian owned/operated non-governmental organizations; 
network, trust or private enterprise.
     Have major ongoing organizational activity in the delivery 
of quality medical care (and/or the training of medical personnel in 
local language).
     Have established (or soon to be established) medical care 
activities in a minimum of four districts in Andhra Pradesh. If 
applying for one of the additional awards outside of Andhra Pradesh, 
have established medical care activities in a minimum of four districts 
in the Indian state of focus (applicant's choice).
     Be committed to ensuring expanded quality HIV medical and 
community care services within their network/organization, and to 
providing local/state-level leadership in HIV related issues.
     Be recognized and respected by the Government of India at 
both the national and state levels.
    Competition for this cooperative agreement is limited to the types 
of organizations listed above because of the uniqueness of the 
activities for this project. Awardees must have specific knowledge and 
capability to work in urban and rural locations and in multiple and 
diverse geographic locations throughout India. The types of 
organizations listed above would have direct experience, and on-the-
ground capacity and knowledge, to perform these activities in India.
    Competition is limited to agencies that possess the following:
     A proven track record in developing and successfully 
managing effective and sustainable medical and community care 
activities and/or the training of medical personnel in local languages.
     Established medical and/or community care activities in 
several areas and the experience and ability to effectively link with 
other public and private health care institutions/providers to deliver 
quality care.
     The commitment to establish medical care activities in 
several areas and willingness and ability to effectively link with 
other health care institutions/providers to deliver quality care.
     Extensive knowledge of the Indian public and private 
health structure--from the national to the district levels.
     Credentials that allow the organization to work legally in 
India, and an existing office in one or more critical locations in 
India.
    Furthermore, a guiding principle of the President's Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief, which implements assistance for HIV/AIDS in countries 
throughout the world, calls for the support and development of local 
expertise and capacity so national programs can achieve results and 
monitor and evaluate their activities for the long term. Through the 
President's Emergency Plan, HHS in India seeks to support and foster 
the development of indigenous leadership, which is critical to 
developing a sustainable and successful response to the AIDS epidemic 
in India. In adherence to these guiding principles, competition for the 
cooperative agreement is therefore limited to the organizations listed 
above.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

    Applicant must provide direct funds or in-kind services (equipment, 
supplies, salaries, etc.) of at least 15 percent of the annual HHS 
award for year one, and 25 percent for years two-five. [For example, if 
the applicant asked for $100,000 from HHS in the first year and 
$300,000 in year two, it must provide at least $15,000 in additional 
funds or in-kind services directly to the project in year one, and 
$75,000 in year two.]

III.3. Other

    If applicants request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of 
the award range, HHS/CDC will consider the application non-responsive, 
and it will not be entered into the review process. You will be 
notified that your application did not meet the submission 
requirements.
Special Requirements
    If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special 
requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the 
review process. We will notify you that your application did not meet 
submission requirements.
     HHS/CDC will consider late applications non-responsive. 
See section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information 
on deadlines.
     Applications that cannot provide supporting documentation 
(such as:

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letters, legal documents, etc.) in the appendices will be considered 
unresponsive. At a minimum, please provide:
    1. Proof of legal status in India.
    2. Proof of work in the health sector.
     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.
    Electronic Submission: HHS strongly encourages you to submit your 
application electronically by using the forms and instructions posted 
for this announcement at http://www.grants.gov, the official Federal 
agency wide E-grant Web site. Only applicants who apply on-line are 
permitted to forego paper copy submission of all application forms.
    Paper Submission: Application forms and instructions are available 
on the HHS/CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the HHS/CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) staff at: 1-770-488-2700. We can mail application forms to 
you.

IV.2. Content and Form of Submission

    Application: You must submit a project narrative with your 
application forms. You must submit the narrative in the following 
format:
     Maximum number of pages: 20. If your narrative exceeds the 
page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page limit.
     Font size: 12 point unreduced.
     Double-spaced.
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
     Page margin size: One inch.
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     Number all pages of the application sequentially from page 
one (Application Face Page) to the end of the application, including 
charts, figures, tables, and appendices.
     Application 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:
    1. Executive Summary (one page) to include a brief description of 
your organization's strengths and a summary of activities that you are 
proposing under this RFA.
    2. Narrative (to include four sections as follows):
    Section A: Description of your organization, institutions, existing 
infrastructure and current scope of activities. Include: details 
regarding the specific areas you serve; the assets and deficiencies of 
the communities you serve or hope to serve; your organizational 
strengths and weaknesses; an overview of your organization's (and/or 
member institutions') five year overall strategic plan; and any ongoing 
monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or quality improvement efforts. Also 
include the following as appendices:
     One or more map illustrations outlining the areas you 
currently serve and areas you hope to move into in the next two years. 
Clearly note on the map where your member institutions are located, as 
well as a general category of these institutions (i.e., hospitals, 
colleges, clinics, social service centers, etc.).
     A single detailed chart listing member institutions. Next 
to each unique institution or project site, list the activities being 
undertaken there, the number of technical staff (physicians, nurses, 
outreach workers, etc.), and any other relevant information concerning 
staff. Please provide an estimate of the size of the population being 
served by the staff, and anything else you feel is relevant to 
understanding your organization.
    Section B: Describe your existing or proposed network that is or 
will be responsible for overseeing and enacting the HIV-related 
activities of this project. Specifically, please describe:
     How this network was, or will be, created and maintained.
     The scope of work that is conducted, or is proposed to be 
conducted, by the network.
     The mechanism in which this network makes decisions, 
gathers information, and communicates with its member institutions. If 
the network is not yet established, the mechanism in which it proposes 
to communicate.
     The structure of the network (or the proposed network), 
including staff (or proposed staff) and other active participants.
     The relationship between the network (or proposed network) 
leaders/staff and member institutions (i.e., How does the network 
influence individual institutions? Has this been effective?).
     Any plans on how the network or the proposed network will 
be strengthened.
    Section C: Describe, in as much detail as possible, your proposed 
HIV-related activities and provide a detailed plan that discusses how 
you will accomplish and maintain/sustain these activities. Discuss your 
long-term vision (years three to five); however, provide detailed 
activities of years one to two in the state of Andhra Pradesh and in 
other states in India. For years one to two, include information on the 
staffing needs associated with this project and your ability to meet 
these needs; your training plan; your scale up strategies; and your 
current M&E plan, or proposal for developing a focused and efficient 
M&E system. Also include information on other HIV-related funding 
sources you receive and how these new CDC funds will add to (and not 
duplicate) the activities carried out under existing funding sources.
    Section D: Describe the commitment of the applicant, member 
institutions and other proposed partners to improve the quality and 
scope of HIV-related services. Specifically, the applicant should 
provide evidence of support by key institutional leaders and field 
level staff. Examples of ways to provide such evidence may be included 
in the appendices and may include:
     A summary of current HIV-related activities and care 
within the network or individual institutions.
     Letters of support by member institutions, network leaders 
and/or outside community groups (attach as appendix number one; NOT to 
be included in the 20 page limit).
     A detailed description of your proposed in-kind support 
for this project.
     A summary of any efforts, to date, to collect and analyze 
HIV-related data in the communities you serve (i.e., HIV prevalence 
data, community needs assessment, asset mapping, VCT data, etc.). 
Details can be included as part of appendix number two.
    3. Budget and Justification:
    A budget and budget justification for the entire project period 
should be included. While summary budgets may be provided for years two 
through five, a full budget and budget justification for year one must 
be included. In the year one budget, the specific overhead costs should 
be clear. The applicant should clearly delineate what the CDC, via the 
cooperative agreement, will pay for and what the applicant institution 
(as part of the in-kind requirement) will pay for.

[[Page 48140]]

The budget and justification will not be counted in the page limit 
stated above.
    The following information must be included in the application 
appendices: Supporting documentation (i.e., letters, legal documents, 
etc.) to verify legal status in India and provide proof of work in the 
health sector.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. This additional information may include the following:
     Curriculum Vitas and/or Resumes.
     Organizational Charts/Maps.
     Letters of Support.
     A summary of current HIV-related activities and care 
programs being carried out within the network or individual 
institutions.
     Letters of support by member institutions, network leaders 
and/or outside community members/organizations.
     A detailed description of your proposed in-kind support 
for this project.
     A summary of any efforts, to date, to collect and analyze 
HIV-related data in the communities you serve (i.e., HIV prevalence 
data, community needs assessment, asset mapping, VCT data, etc.).
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. For more 
information, see the CDC web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.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 could 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: September 9, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date.
    You may submit your application electronically at http://www.grants.gov. We consider applications completed online through 
Grants.gov as formally submitted when the applicant organization's 
Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to http://www.grants.gov. We will consider electronic applications as having met 
the deadline if the application organization's Authorizing Official has 
submitted the application electronically to Grants.gov on or before the 
deadline date and time.
    If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your 
application will be electronically time/date stamped, which will serve 
as receipt of submission. You will receive an e-mail notice of receipt 
when HHS/CDC receives the application.
    If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure the carrier will be 
able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If HHS/CDC 
receives your submission after closing because: (1) Carrier error, when 
the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the 
closing date and time; or (2) significant weather delays or natural 
disasters, you will have the opportunity to submit documentation of the 
carrier's guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, 
HHS/CDC will consider the submission as having been received by the 
deadline.
    If you submit a hard copy application, HHS/CDC will not notify you 
upon receipt of your submission. If you have a question about the 
receipt of your application, first contact your courier. If you still 
have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at: 1-770-488-2700. Before 
calling, please wait two to three days after the submission deadline. 
This will allow time for us to process and log submissions.
    This announcement is the definitive guide on application content, 
submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in 
the application instructions. If your submission does not meet the 
deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and we will discard 
it. We will notify you that you did not meet the submission 
requirements.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
     Funds may not be used for research.
     Awards will allow recipients reimbursement of pre-award 
costs, such as photocopying, fax, postage or delivery charges and 
translation.
     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 HHS/CDC officials must be requested in 
writing.
     All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not 
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through 
the issuance of supplemental awards.
     The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization (WHO). 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 organizations 
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 services for which funds are required).
     You must obtain an annual audit of these HHS/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 HHS/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.
     Funds received from this announcement will not be used for 
the purchase of antiretroviral drugs for treatment of established HIV 
infection (with the exception of nevirapine in Prevention of Mother-to-
Child Transmission (PMTCT) cases with prior written approval), 
occupational

[[Page 48141]]

exposures, and non-occupational exposures; and will not be used for the 
purchase of machines and reagents to conduct the necessary laboratory 
monitoring for patient care.
     No funds appropriated under this announcement shall be 
used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles or 
syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
Prostitution and Related Activities
    The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related 
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and 
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.
    Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document (``recipient'') cannot use such 
U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or 
practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding 
sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of 
palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical 
prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including 
test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.
    A recipient that is otherwise eligible to receive funds in 
connection with this document to prevent, treat, or monitor HIV/AIDS 
shall not be required to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to 
combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, or participate in a 
prevention method or treatment program to which the recipient has a 
religious or moral objection. Any information provided by recipients 
about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are 
funded in connection with this document shall be medically accurate and 
shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.
    In addition, any recipient must have a policy explicitly opposing 
prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not 
apply to any ``exempt organizations'' (defined as the Global Fund to 
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization and 
its six Regional Offices, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative or 
to any United Nations agency).
    The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:
     Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, 
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of 
a commercial sex act. 22 U.S.C. 7102(9).
    All recipients must insert provisions implementing the applicable 
parts of this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' in all 
subagreements under this award. These provisions must be express terms 
and conditions of the subagreement, must acknowledge that compliance 
with this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' is a 
prerequisite to receipt and expenditure of U.S. Government funds in 
connection with this document, and must acknowledge that any violation 
of the provisions shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the 
agreement prior to the end of its term. Recipients must agree that HHS 
may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials 
maintained or prepared by the recipient in the usual course of its 
operations that relate to the organization's compliance with this 
section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities.''
    All prime recipients that receive U.S. Government funds (``prime 
recipients'') in connection with this document must certify compliance 
prior to actual receipt of such funds in a written statement that makes 
reference to this document (e.g., ``[Prime recipient's name] certifies 
compliance with the section, `Prostitution and Related Activities.' '') 
addressed to the agency's grants officer. Such certifications by prime 
recipients are prerequisites to the payment of any U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document.
    Recipients' compliance with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities,'' is an express term and condition of receiving 
U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and any 
violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination by HHS of 
the agreement with HHS in connection with this document prior to the 
end of its term. The recipient shall refund to HHS the entire amount 
furnished in connection with this document in the event HHS determines 
the recipient has not complied with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities.''
    You may find guidance for completing your budget on the HHS/CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

Application Submission Address
    Electronic Submission: HHS/CDC strongly encourages you to submit 
electronically at: http://www.grants.gov. You will be able to download 
a copy of the application package from http://www.grants.gov, complete 
it offline, and then upload and submit the application via the 
Grants.gov site. We will not accept e-mail submissions. If you are 
having technical difficulties in Grants.gov, you may reach them by e-
mail at http://[email protected] or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-
518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
eastern time, Monday through Friday.
    HHS/CDC recommends that you submit your application to Grants.gov 
early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the 
deadline. You may also submit a back-up paper submission of your 
application. We must receive any such paper submission in accordance 
with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. 
of the grant announcement.
    You must clearly mark the paper submission: ``BACK-UP FOR 
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.''
    The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-
electronic submission. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper 
submissions by the deadline, we will consider the electronic version 
the official submission.
    We strongly recommended that you submit your grant application by 
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may 
submit a PDF file. You may find directions for creating PDF files on 
the Grants.gov web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft 
Office or PDF may result in your file being unreadable for our staff; 
or
    Paper Submission: Submit the original and two hard copies of your 
application by mail or express delivery service to the following: 
Technical Information Management-CDC-RFA-AA058, CDC Procurement and 
Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

    Applicants must provide measures of effectiveness that will 
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of 
the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the 
performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must 
measure the intended outcome. Applicants must submit these measures of 
effectiveness with the application and they will be an element of 
evaluation.
    We will evaluate your application against the following criteria:
    1. The current ability of the applicant and its member institutions 
to provide

[[Page 48142]]

high-quality health care and community outreach in local languages to a 
significant portion of that state's population and any ongoing 
monitoring and evaluation or quality-assurance activities within these 
institutions. (25 points).
    Does the applicant show, through its' experience and the written 
proposal, that it has a firm understanding of health care and community 
outreach, along with expertise in the existing systems of health care 
delivery and medical training in India? Does the applicant's current 
network reach a large segment of the at-risk populations of the state?
    2. Strength of applicant's existing or proposed network. (25 
points).
    Is the network firmly established and credible? Is there evidence 
of institutional support for establishing or strengthening their 
network? Is the existing or proposed network likely to be maintained 
during or beyond the project period? Does the network exhibit value 
beyond this project? Does the network have the commitment and interest 
to work collaboratively with outside groups and agencies?
    3. Quality and feasibility of proposed activities. (25 points).
    Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the national 
cultural and political context and the technical and programmatic areas 
covered by the project? Does the applicant display knowledge of the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan, such 
that it can build on these to develop a comprehensive, collaborative 
project to reach underserved populations in India and meet the goals of 
the Emergency Plan? Are the details of the proposed activities (for the 
entire project period) clearly presented in the application? While 
summary details for years three through five are acceptable, specific 
and clearly presented details for years one and two are required. Is 
staffing, professional personnel, and leadership in place; if not, is 
there a proposed plan to meet staffing needs to carry out the proposed 
program? Are program strategies well thought out and clearly defined, 
including evidence of innovation and creativity? Is scale up and 
sustainability addressed? Is there an effective monitoring and 
evaluation plan proposed, or currently in place, and can initial 
assessment activities be immediately started?
    4. Commitment of the applicant and its member institutions to 
improving the quality and scope of HIV-related care. (25 points).
    Is there evidence of leadership support and of evidence of current 
or past efforts to improve HIV care? Are there letters of support by 
outside groups and member organizations? Does the level and quality of 
in-kind support reflect a commitment to HIV care by the applicant? Does 
the applicant describe a plan to progressively build the capacity of 
local organizations and of target beneficiaries and communities to 
respond to the epidemic?
    5. Budget. (Reviewed, but not scored).
    Is the budget for conducting the activity itemized, well-justified, 
and consistent with stated activities and planned program activities?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review 
applications for completeness, and HHS Global AIDS program will review 
them for responsiveness. Incomplete applications and applications that 
are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through 
the review process. Applicants will receive notification that their 
application did not meet submission requirements.
    An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive 
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria'' 
section above. All persons who serve on the panel will be external to 
the U.S. Government Country Program Office. The panel may include both 
Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision:
    It is possible for one organization to apply as lead grantee with a 
plan that includes partnering with other organizations, preferably 
local. Although matching funds are not required, preference will go to 
organizations that can leverage additional funds to contribute to 
program goals.
    Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined 
by the review panel. HHS/CDC will provide justification for any 
decision to fund out of rank order.

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates:

    September 15, 2005.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the 
HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only 
binding, authorizing document between the recipient and HHS/CDC. An 
authorized Grants Management Officer will sign the NoA, and mail it to 
the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review by mail.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74 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-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
     AR-25 Release and Sharing of Data
    Applicants can find additional information on these requirements on 
the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.
    You need to include an additional Certifications form from the PHS 
5161-1 application ed in your Grants.gov electronic submission only. 
Refer to: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-Certificates.pdf. 
Once you have filled out the form, attach it to your Grants.gov 
submission as Other Attachment Forms.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of 
the following reports:
    1. Interim progress report, due 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. Measures of effectiveness.
    f. Additional requested information.
    2. Financial status report and annual progress 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.
    4. Annual progress report, due no less than 30 days after the end 
of the budget period. This report will include progress to date, plans 
for upcoming activities,

[[Page 48143]]

and will report on a specific set of indicators developed in 
collaboration with CDC GAP India. This report must be provided to the 
CDC GAP office in New Delhi.
    These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management Specialist 
listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.
    For general questions, contact: Technical Information Management 
Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, telephone: 
1-770-488-2700.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Michael Friedman, MD, 
HHS/CDC, Global AIDS Program (India), Country Team, c/o U.S. Consulate 
General, 220 Mount Road, Chennai, India 600 006, telephone: 91-44-2811-
2000, e-mail: [email protected]; or Nancy Hedemark Nay, MPH 
(Project Officer), HHS/CDC, Global AIDS Program (India), Country Team, 
c/o U.S. Embassy, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India 110 021, 
telephone: 91-11-2419-8000, e-mail: [email protected].
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Shirley Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants 
Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine 
Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, telephone: 770-488-1515, e-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Applicants can find this and other HHS/CDC funding opportunity 
announcements on the HHS/CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov (Click on ``Funding,'' then ``Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements''), and on the Web site of the HHS Office of Global Health 
Affairs, Internet address: http://www.globalhealth.gov.

    Dated: August 9, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 05-16170 Filed 8-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P