[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49629-49635]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16817]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening HIV/AIDS, TB and STI Prevention, Control and 
Treatment in the Oromia Area of the Southwest Region of the Federal 
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

    Announcement Type: New .
    Funding Opportunity Number: AA136.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application deadline: September 19, 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. 241 and 2421], as amended, 
and under Public Law 108-25 (United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, 
Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003) [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. 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.
    The Emergency Plan goals specific to Ethiopia are to treat at least 
210,000 HIV-infected individuals and care for 1,050,000 HIV-affected 
individuals, including orphans.
    Purpose: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 funds for a 
cooperative agreement for strengthening the activities on the 
prevention, control, and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus 
Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, other Sexually 
Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HIV/AIDS/STI/TB) among 
students and faculty of higher education institutions in the Oromia 
area of Southwest Ethiopia.
    This project particularly aims to: (1) Improve HIV/AIDS/STI/TB 
prevention following the Abstinence, Be Faithful, and, for populations 
engaged in high-risk behaviors,\1\ Correct and Consistent Condom Use 
(ABC) strategies, control, and treatment programs; (2) strengthen 
training in HIV/AIDS/STI/TB care and treatment, (3) implement HIV/AIDS/
STI/TB related targeted monitoring and evaluations and development 
plans; (4) establish a technical support and training unit to support 
the Oromia Regional Health Bureau and assist HIV/AIDS/STI/TB program 
implementation in the Oromia region of Southwest Ethiopia; (5) conduct 
prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS/STIs programs among students 
and faculty at institutions of higher education in the region and (6) 
develop the health system and infrastructure important for the

[[Page 49630]]

delivery of HIV/AIDS/STI/TB services in the Oromia region Southwest 
Ethiopia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This project addresses the Healthy People 2010 focus area of HIV.
    The U.S. Government (USG) has taken major steps to reduce the 
global impact of HIV/AIDS. Through various agencies, including the 
Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Government is working 
with specific countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas. 
The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief aims at strengthening 
national capacities for: (1) HIV primary prevention; (2) HIV care, 
support, and treatment; and (3) health systems and infrastructure 
development. Targeted countries represent those with the most severe 
epidemics and the highest number of new infections. They also represent 
countries where the potential for impact is greatest and where U.S. 
Government agencies are already active.
    As one of the key agencies to implement the Emergency Plan, HHS is 
working in a collaborative manner with national governments and other 
agencies to develop programs of assistance to address the HIV/AIDS 
epidemic in target countries, including Ethiopia. In particular, HHS's 
mission in Ethiopia is to work with Ethiopian and international 
partners to develop and apply effective interventions to prevent and 
treat HIV infection and associated illness and deaths from AIDS.
    Ethiopia is among the world's countries most adversely affected by 
the HIV/AIDS epidemic and TB. STIs are highly prevalent, and contribute 
to morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS. With an estimated 1.5 million 
adults infected with HIV by the end of 2003, Ethiopia had one of the 
largest populations of HIV-infected persons in the world. The estimated 
percent of persons age 15 to 49 infected with HIV is 4.4 percent. There 
have been about a million cumulative deaths due to AIDS. Estimates 
posit that 200,000 children are currently living with HIV in Ethiopia 
and that AIDS has orphaned over 500,000 children.
    Given the complex nature of the causes and the serious impact of 
the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia, forging a strong multi-sectoral and 
multi-level partnership and broad stakeholder involvement is 
imperative. The Government of Ethiopia has therefore adopted an HIV/
AIDS/STI/TB program that responds to these needs, and implementation 
mechanisms are in place. The government and its partners in civil 
society are currently taking measures to accelerate the implementation 
of interventions that deliver comprehensive care and treatment to 
decrease illness and death, promote acceptance of HIV confidential 
counseling and testing, and strengthen local health-care capacity. 
Health-care facilities that are already in the frontlines of the fight 
against HIV/AIDS/STI/TB are scaling up prevention, care and treatment 
activities.
    The national experience and momentum gathered accord much support 
to Ethiopia's effort to scale up its HIV/AIDS/STI/TB interventions. 
However, a shortage of trained manpower, a lack of adequate technical 
support, and constraints with scientific evidence to guide policy and 
programmatic decisions, have emerged as major challenges. The 
complexity of the response to HIV/AIDS/STI/TB calls for strong 
technical support to national and regional programs. In the Oromia 
region of Southwest Ethiopia, there is a strong need to scale up 
training at in-service and pre-service levels, target monitoring and 
evaluation activities, and establish linkages to national and 
international partners.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one 
(or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the National Center 
for HIV/AIDS, STI, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP): By 2010, work with other 
countries, international organizations, the Department of State, the 
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), and other partners to achieve the 
United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS goal of 
reducing prevalence among 15 to 24 years of age and to initiate, expand 
or strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support 
globally.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS. If an applicant proposes research, we 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/opspo111.htm.

Activities

    Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Conduct needs assessment among students and faculty at 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Oromia region of Southwest 
Ethiopia to determine risk factors, target behaviors, barriers, 
facilitators, reinforcement mechanisms, communication channels, 
availability of care, family demographics/situations, etc. to inform 
the development and implementation of prevention, care and treatment 
programs.
    2. Organize and procure necessary equipment and supplies in a 
competitive and transparent process, and coordinate care, trainings and 
targeted monitoring and evaluations.
    3. Develop/adapt or organize tools, such as operations manuals, 
training manuals, and guidelines, in the areas of HIV/AIDS; prevention 
of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT); confidential counseling and 
testing; STI, TB, laboratory, and other technical areas as deemed 
appropriate for provision of in-patient and out-patient care, in-
service training; and targeted monitoring and evaluations.
    3.5. Develop and implement a program to make confidential HIV 
counseling and testing as a routine part of medical care in teaching 
hospitals in the Oromia region of Southwest Ethiopia.
    4. Institute the needed administrative and functional arrangements 
to coordinate the day-to-day activity of the project to guarantee 
effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability.
    5. Conduct in-service training activities related to HIV/AIDS, 
PMTCT, confidential counseling and testing, STI, TB, laboratory, and 
other technical areas as needed at universities and teaching hospitals 
in the Oromia region of Southwest Ethiopia.
    6. Review, update, and institute course outlines and contents for 
pre-service (undergraduate and post-graduate medical students, nursing 
students and other paramedical students) training programs to 
strengthen the training in HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, confidential counseling and 
testing, STI, TB, laboratory, and other related technical areas at 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Oromia region of Southwest 
Ethiopia.
    7. Conduct pre-service training in HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, confidential 
counseling and testing, STI, TB, laboratory, and other related 
technical areas in all health professional training programs at 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Oromia region of Southwest 
Ethiopia.
    8. Conduct targeted monitoring and evaluations of project and in 
identified priority areas that require evidence for perusal in program 
implementation and in-service and pre-service training, in 
collaboration with international partners.
    9. Conduct reviews and analysis of data and prepare, and 
disseminate reports and information.
    10. Conduct culturally appropriate workshops, seminars and 
popularization events in local languages related to HIV/AIDS 
prevention, control,

[[Page 49631]]

and treatment in South West Ethiopia, and undertake monitoring and 
evaluation and re-planning of the project.
    11. Conduct HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention following the ABC strategies, 
control, and treatment activities among students and faculty of 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Oromia region of Southwest 
Ethiopia. Grantee may not implement condom social marketing without 
also implementing abstinence and behavior-change interventions.
    12. Institute comprehensive prevention, care and treatment 
supported by information systems and laboratories at teaching hospitals 
in the Oromia region of Southwest Ethiopia.
    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. HHS will collaborate with the recipient on designing and 
implementing the activities listed above, including but not limited to, 
providing technical assistance to develop and implement program 
activities, training, quality assurance, data management, statistical 
analysis and presentations, and project evaluation.
    2. Monitor project and budget performance, 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. Assist in the selection of key personnel to be involved in the 
activities performed under this cooperative agreement.
    4. Make available manuals, guidelines or other related materials 
already developed by HHS-Ethiopia for other similar projects, as well 
as all policy directives established 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.


    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,\2\ correct and consistent condom use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 49632]]

     Number of persons trained in strategic information, 
direct.
    E. Expanded Indigenous Sustainable Response
     Project-specific quantifiable milestones to measure:
    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: $500,000. (This amount is an estimate, 
and is subject to availability of funds)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $100,000.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $100,000. (This is the ceiling for the 
first 12-month budget period)
    Anticipated Award Date: September 23, 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

    Assistance will be provided only to universities and teaching 
hospitals in South West Ethiopia. Applicants must demonstrate a strong 
commitment to community based, multi-disciplinary team training program 
that also integrates training, service and research.
    Applicants must have a documented track record of working closely 
with Oromia Regional Health Bureau and the adjoining regions as well as 
with a number of regional and international institutions of higher 
education, professional associations and non-governmental organizations 
(NGOs) and faith based organizations (FBOs). Applicants must have 
demonstrated capacity to provide training for all cadres of health care 
professionals deployed to this region of Ethiopia.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

III.3. Other

    If an applicant requests a funding amount greater than the ceiling 
of the award range, HHS/CDC will consider the 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.
     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.
    HHS strongly encourages you to submit your application 
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this 
announcement at www.grants.gov.
    Application forms and instructions are available on the HHS/CDC web 
site, at the following Internet address: 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: 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.
     All pages should be numbered
     A complete index to the application and any appendices 
must be included.
     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:
     Background--What are the underlying issues related to 
undertaking this project?
     Goals and Objectives, including Project Contribution to 
the Goals and Objectives of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
     Work Plan and Description of Project Components and 
Activities
     Timeline
     Staffing Plan, with Level of Effort
     Understanding--Demonstrate knowledge of the elements 
involved in implementing this project.
     Performance Measures--What measures will be used to 
determine if the objectives of the project are being met?
     Budget Justification--How are the costs related to 
implementing the project justified?
     Budget--what are the costs associated with implementing 
the project?
    The budget and budget justification is needed only for year one of 
the project period. The budget and budget justification will not be 
counted in the page limit stated above.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative 
page limit. This additional information could include, but is not 
limited to the following:
     Resumes and/or Curriculum Vitas
     Letters of support, etc.
     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
    1. Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure
    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

[[Page 49633]]

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 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 19, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline 
date.
    You may submit your application electronically at 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 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 that 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: 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.
     Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
     Antiretroviral Drugs--The purchase of antiretrovirals, 
reagents, and laboratory equipment for antiretroviral treatment 
projects require pre-approval from the GAP headquarters.
     Needle Exchange--No funds appropriated under this Act 
shall be used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles 
or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
     Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel, training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment 
may be purchased 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 and care 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.
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.

[[Page 49634]]

    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: 
www.grants.gov,
    You will be able to download a copy of the application package from 
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 (1-800-518-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 submissions. 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 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 Section--AA136, 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. Plans for Administration and Management of the Project (25 
points)
    Do the plan, objectives, and methods described meet the strategy 
and goals of the President's Emergency Plan? Does the described 
evaluation methodology meet the plans of the project?
    2. Technical and Programmatic Approach (20 points)
    Does the applicant's proposal demonstrate an understanding of how 
to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate activities listed 
above? 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, and measurable and culturally appropriate in Ethiopia to 
achieve the goals of the Emergency Plan?
    3. Ability To Carry Out the Project (20 points)
    Does the applicant demonstrate the capability to achieve the 
purpose of the project and provide the required training and outreach 
activities in local languages?
    4. Personnel (20 points)
    Are professional personnel involved in this project qualified, 
including evidence of experience in working with HIV/AIDS/STI/TB in 
Sub-Saharan Africa?
    5. Understanding the Problem (15 points)
    Does the applicant's proposal demonstrate a clear and concise 
understanding of the general AIDS epidemic and the specific situation 
in Ethiopia, the policy environment and current training and research 
needs in Ethiopia?
    6. Budget (Not scored, but Evaluated)
    Is the itemized budget for conducting the project reasonable and 
well justified?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review

[[Page 49635]]

applications for completeness, and the 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 applications 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 can include both 
Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision: While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will 
give preference to existing national/Ethiopian organizations with a 
successful history of working in the Oromia region of Southwest 
Ethiopia. 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 23, 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
    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
    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:
    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, including progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Ethiopia.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Annual progress report, due within no later than 90 days after 
the end of the budget period.
    3. Financial status report, 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: Tadesse Wuhib, MD, MPH, 
Country Director, HHS/CDC-Ethiopia, P.O. Box 1014, Entoto Road, Addis 
Ababa. Telephone: (Office) 251-1-66-95-33; (Cell) 251-9-228543. E-mail 
address: [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 funding opportunity 
announcements on the HHS CDC web site, Internet address: 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: www.globalhealth.gov.

    Dated: August 17, 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. 05-16817 Filed 8-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P