[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 160 (Friday, August 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48745-48751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16434]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening and Expanding Anti-Retroviral (ARV) Treatment 
Through the Provision of Social Support Services to HIV/AIDS-Infected 
and Affected Populations in the Central Plateau and Saint Marc 
Communities of the Republic of Haiti, as Part of the President's 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA214.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 12, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301(a) and 307 
of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C Sections 242l and 
247b(k)(2)], as amended and under Public Law 108-25 (United States 
Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003) [22 
U.S.C. 7601].
    Purpose: 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. The initiative aims to treat more than two million 
HIV-infected people with effective combination anti-retroviral therapy 
by 2008; care for ten million HIV-infected and affected persons, 
including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS, by 2008; and prevent seven 
million infections by 2010, with a focus on 15 priority countries, 
including 12 in sub-Saharan Africa. 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.
    Over the same time period, as part of a collective national 
response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Haiti are to treat at 
least 25,000 HIV-infected individuals; and care for 125,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
    Haiti's HIV prevalence rate in adults is reported at 5.6 percent, 
according to the 2004 Annual Report of the Joint United Nations 
Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Access to prevention and treatment is 
limited among the Haitian population because of an underdeveloped 
public health infrastructure and lack of clinical capacity.
    Purpose: The purpose of this funding announcement is to build 
progressively an indigenous, sustainable response to the national HIV 
epidemic through the rapid expansion of innovative, culturally 
appropriate, high-quality HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions, 
and improved linkages to HIV counseling and testing and HIV treatment 
by targeting rural and other underserved populations in Haiti.
    Under the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, as part 
of the President's Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) works with host countries and other key partners 
to assess the needs of each country and design a customized program of 
assistance that fits within the host nation's strategic plan.
    HHS focuses on two or three major program areas in each country. 
Goals and priorities include the following:
     Achieving primary prevention of HIV infection through 
activities such as expanding confidential counseling and testing 
programs, building programs to reduce mother-to-child transmission, and 
strengthening programs to reduce transmission via blood transfusion and 
medical injections.
     Improving the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, sexually 
transmitted diseases (STDs) and related opportunistic infections by 
improving STD management; enhancing care and treatment of opportunistic 
infections, including tuberculosis (TB); and initiating programs to 
provide anti-retroviral therapy (ART).
     Strengthening the capacity of countries to collect and use 
surveillance data and manage national HIV/AIDS programs by expanding 
HIV/STD/TB surveillance programs and strengthening laboratory support 
for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment,

[[Page 48746]]

disease-monitoring and HIV screening for blood safety.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If 
an applicant proposes research activities, HHS 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.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and 
one (or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the National 
Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Tuberculosis 
Prevention (NCHSTP), within HHS/CDC: Increase the proportion of HIV-
infected people who are linked to appropriate prevention, care and 
treatment services, and strengthen the capacity nationwide to monitor 
the epidemic, develop and implement effective HIV prevention 
interventions and evaluate prevention programs.
    Activities: The recipient of these funds is responsible for 
activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved 
populations in Haiti. Either the awardee will implement activities 
directly or will implement them through its subgrantees and/or 
subcontractors; the awardee will retain overall financial and 
programmatic management under the oversight of HHS/CDC and the 
strategic direction of the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. 
The awardee must show a measurable progressive reinforcement of the 
capacity of indigenous organizations and local communities to respond 
to the national HIV epidemic, as well as progress towards the 
sustainability of activities.
    Applicants should describe activities in detail as part of a 4-year 
action plan (U.S. Government Fiscal Years 2005-2008 inclusive) that 
reflects the policies and goals outlined in the 5-year strategy for the 
President's Emergency Plan.
    The grantee will produce an annual operational plan in the context 
of this 4-year plan, which the U.S. Government Emergency Plan team on 
the ground in Haiti will review as part of the annual Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and approval process 
managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The grantee 
may work on some of the activities listed below in the first year and 
in subsequent years, and then progressively add others from the list to 
achieve all of the Emergency Plan performance goals, as cited in the 
previous section. HHS/CDC, under the guidance of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator, will approve funds for activities on an annual basis, 
based on documented performance toward achieving Emergency Plan goals, 
as part of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process.
    Specific awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Build the capacity of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and care 
facilities in Haiti's rural Central Plateau and Saint Marc communities.
    2. Train local health care personnel in local languages in 
administering treatment, care and testing services to populations 
infected with HIV or at risk of infection with HIV/AIDS in the Central 
Plateau and Saint Marc communities.
    3. Identify potential patient participants for ARV treatment, care 
and disease maintenance.
    4. Expand health care delivery areas and increase the number of 
eligible recipients of clinical care in underserved communities in the 
Central Plateau and Saint Marc.
    5. Monitor clinical contact with HIV-positive patients.
    6. Implement evaluation strategies for program interventions.
    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. Collaborate with the Haitian Ministry of Health (MSPP) and 
partners to strengthen confidential voluntary counseling and testing/
prevention of mother-to-child transmission (VCT/PMTCT) sites and 
regional ARV treatment sites.
    10. Provide equipment and commodities (excluding ARV drugs) through 
a transparent and competitive process to all VCT/PMTCT sites and ARV 
sites.
    11. Support the development of an electronic medical record (EMR) 
database system, and a surveillance database system for HIV/AIDS case 
notification in conformation with the strategic-information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    12. Support the installation of hardware necessary for the 
operation of these database systems, acquired through a transparent and 
competitive process.
    13. Support operational research and technical assistance for 
operational research.
    14. Support the annual technical review of the National AIDS, TB 
and STI Program in Haiti.
    15. Assist in organizing national and regional meetings (support 
will not include financing).
    Please note: Either HHS staff or staff from organizations that have 
successfully competed for funding

[[Page 48747]]

under a separate HHS contract, cooperative agreement or grant will 
provide technical assistance and training.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goals for the Emergency Plan:

A. Prevention

    Number of individuals trained to provide HIV prevention 
interventions, including abstinence, faithfulness, and, for populations 
engaged in high-risk behaviors,\1\ correct and consistent condom use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission including 
engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging in sex in exchange 
for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-positive partner or one 
whose status is unknown, using drugs or abusing alcohol in the 
context of sexual interactions, and using intravenous drugs. Women, 
even if faithful themselves, can still be at risk of becoming 
infected by their spouse, regular male partner, or someone using 
force against them. Other high-risk persons or groups include men 
who have sex with men and workers who are employed away from home.
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1. Abstinence (A) and Be Faithful (B)
     Number of community outreach and/or mass media (radio) 
programs that are A/B focused
     Number of individuals reached through community outreach 
and/or mass media (radio) programs that are A/B focused.

B. Care and Support

1. Confidential Counseling and Testing
     Number of patients who accept confidential counseling and 
testing in a health-care setting.
     Number of clients served, direct.
     Number of people trained in confidential counseling and 
testing, direct, including health-care workers.
2. Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC)
    Number of service outlets/programs, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of clients (OVC) served, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of persons trained to serve OVC, direct.
3. Palliative Care: Basic Health Care and Support
     Number of service outlets/programs that provide palliative 
care, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of service outlets/programs that link HIV care with 
malaria and tuberculosis care and/or referral, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of clients served with palliative care, direct and/
or indirect.
     Number of persons trained in providing palliative care, 
direct.

C. HIV Treatment With ART

     Number of clients enrolled in ART, direct and indirect.
     Number of persons trained in providing ART, direct.

D. Strategic Information

     Number of persons trained in strategic information, 
direct.

E. Expanded Indigenous Sustainable Response

     Project-specific quantifiable milestones to measure the 
following:
    a. Indigenous capacity-building.
    b. Progress toward sustainability.

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: $7,500,000 (This amount is an estimate 
for the entire five-year project period, and is subject to availability 
of funds).
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $1,500,000 (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes direct costs).
    Floor of Award Range: $1,500,000.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $1,500,000 (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, through 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.

III. Eligibility Information

III. 1. Eligible Applicants

    Public and private non-profit and for-profit organizations may 
submit applications, such as:
     Public, non-profit organizations
     Private, non-profit organizations
     For-profit organizations
     Small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses
     Colleges
     Universities
     Hospitals
     Community-based organizations
     Faith-based organizations
    In addition, applicants must meet the criteria listed below:
    1. Be indigenous to Haiti
    2. Have a minimum of three years of experience in HIV/AIDS and TB 
care
    3. Have documented experience in providing fully integrated HIV/
AIDS and health care to residents of the Central Plateau region of 
Haiti.
    4. Demonstrate the capacity to expand existing fully integrated 
HIV/AIDS care in the Central Plateau and Saint Marc regions of Haiti.
    5. Must already be integrated into the national HIV/AIDS program.

III. 2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

    Matching funds are not required for this program. Although matching 
funds are not required, funding preference will go to organizations 
that can leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals.

III. 3. Other

    If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the 
award range, we will consider your application non-responsive, and it 
will not enter into the review process. We will notify you 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 enter 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.
     Applicants must provide documentation that substantiates 
eligibility criteria. Such proof could include, but is not limited to, 
official documents that describe legal organizational status, annual, 
financial, and audit reports, etc.
    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.

[[Page 48748]]

    HHS strongly encourages you to submit your application 
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this 
announcement at http://www.grants.gov.
    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: 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: 25. 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.
     All pages should be numbered
     Your 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:
     Project Context and Background (Understanding and Need)
     Project Strategy--Description and Methodologies
     Project Goals
     Project Outputs
     Project Contribution to the Goals and Objectives of the 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
     Work Plan and Description of Project Components and 
Activities
     Performance Measures
     Timeline (e. g. , GANNT Chart)
     Management of Project Funds and Reporting.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. This additional information includes the following:
     Project Budget and Justification
     Curriculum vitae of current staff who will work on the 
activity
     Job descriptions of proposed key positions to be created 
for the activity
     Quality-Assurance, Monitoring-and-Evaluation, and 
Strategic-Information Forms
     Applicant's Corporate Capability Statement
     Letters of Support
     Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure
     Applicants must provide documentation that substantiates 
their well-developed management and financial controls and ability to 
implement HIV activities with reach to rural areas of Haiti. Such proof 
could include, but is not limited to, annual, financial, and audit 
reports, etc.
    The budget justification will not count in the narrative page 
limit.
    Although the narrative addresses activities for the entire project, 
the applicant should provide a detailed budget only for the first year 
of activities, while addressing budgetary plans for subsequent years.
    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 HHS/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 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 12, 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 applicant 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 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: 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.
     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,

[[Page 48749]]

training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment may be purchased and 
renovations completed 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, 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) relating 
to the management of sub-grants to local organizations and improving 
their capacity.
     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, to review the applicant's business management and fiscal 
capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. Federal funds.
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: 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 [email protected], or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-
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 submissions. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper 
submissions by the deadline, we will

[[Page 48750]]

consider the electronic version the official submission.
    We strongly recommend 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 files other than Microsoft Office or 
PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff, or
    Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail 
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical 
Information Management--AA214, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, 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. Work Plan (20 Points)
    Does the applicant describe strategies that are pertinent and match 
those identified in the five-year strategy of the President's Emergency 
Plan and activities that are evidence-based, realistic, achievable, 
measurable and culturally appropriate in Haiti to achieve the goals of 
the Emergency Plan? Is the plan adequate to carry out the proposed 
objectives? Does the work plan include quantitative, process and 
outcome measures?
2. Need (10 Points)
    To what extent does the applicant justify the need for this program 
within the target community?
3. Program Experience (20 points)
    Is the applicant's program experience relevant to the provision of 
the interventions it intends to provide?
4. Methods (20 Points)
    Are the proposed methods feasible? To what extent will they 
accomplish the numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan?
5. Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (20 Points)
    Does the applicant describe a system for reviewing and adjusting 
program activities based on monitoring information? Does the plan 
include indicators for each program milestone and incorporated into the 
financial and programmatic reports? Are all indicators drawn from the 
Emergency Plan Indicator Guide? Is the system able to generate 
financial and program reports to show disbursement of funds, and 
progress towards achieving the objectives of the President's Emergency 
Plan?
6. Personnel (10 Points)
    Do the staff members have appropriate experience, including local-
language skills? Are the staff roles clearly defined? As described, 
will the staff be sufficient to accomplish the program goals?
7. Budget (Not Scored)
    Is the budget itemized, well-justified and consistent with the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and 
Emergency Plan activities in Haiti?

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 in Haiti. The panel can 
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, funding 
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-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
     AR-7 Executive Order 12372
     AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
     AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
    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 in your Grants.gov electronic submission only. 
Please refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-Certificates.pdf. Once you have filled out the form, please 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 (in English).
    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:

[[Page 48751]]

    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, including progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Haiti.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Annual progress report, due no more than 60 days after the end 
of the budget period. Reports should include progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Haiti.
    3. Financial status report, due no more than 90 days after the end 
of the budget period.
    4. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    Recipients must mail these reports to the Grants Management or 
Contract 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: 
770-488-2700.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Kathy Grooms, Country 
Program Officer, CDC, NCHSTP, Global AIDS Program, 1600 Clifton Road, 
MS E-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 404-639-8394, Email: 
[email protected].
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Vivian Walker, Contracts Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-2724, E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Applicants can find this and other HHS 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 12, 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. 05-16434 Filed 8-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P