[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53216-53224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17678]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Support for Programs Designed To Reduce the Impact of HIV in 
Southern Sudan, Under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA211.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 29, 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 241 and 
2421], 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].

    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.
    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

[[Page 53217]]

design a customized program of assistance that fits within the host 
nation's strategic plan.
    The HHS Global AIDS Program (GAP) has established field operations 
to support national HIV/AIDS control programs in 25 countries and to 
build capacity to address the global AIDS pandemic. HHS/GAP provides 
financial and technical assistance through partnerships with 
governments, community- and faith-based organizations, the private 
sector and national and international entities.
    HHS/CDC/GAP works with the other offices within the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services 
Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
within HHS; the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); 
Peace Corps; the U.S. Departments of State, Labor and Defense; and 
other agencies and organizations. These efforts complement multilateral 
efforts, including those of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/
AIDS (UNAIDS); the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB and Malaria (GFATM); 
World Bank funding; and other private-sector donation programs.
    The U.S. Government seeks to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in 
specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas 
through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (The Emergency 
Plan). Through this new initiative, HHS/ GAP will continue to work with 
host countries to strengthen capacity and expand activities in the 
areas of: (1) Primary HIV prevention; (2) HIV care, support, and 
treatment; and (3) capacity and infrastructure development, especially 
for surveillance and training.
    As Southern Sudan emerges from a long civil war, HIV prevention, 
care, and strategic information activities and programs remain quite 
limited. The President's Emergency Plan has designated funds for HIV 
control in Southern Sudan through this announcement.
    The approach taken by HHS/GAP and USAID in Southern Sudan, is 
similar to that in countries with larger programs, emphasizing 
collaboration with other agencies.
    HHS/GAP and HHS/CDC Kenya support HIV-control efforts in Southern 
Sudan by providing technical assistance, directly and indirectly, to 
government bodies of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and 
other partners, and by providing funding for program activities. HHS/
CDC is involved in developing protocols and guidelines for specific 
program areas including sentinel surveillance; PMTCT and HIV clinical 
care; supporting the implementation of PMTCT as part of a pilot Safe 
Motherhood program primarily supported by the United Nations Children's 
Fund (UNICEF); working to implement sentinel surveillance in PMTCT 
sites; providing technical and material support towards the development 
of HIV public health laboratory capacity; initiating HIV/TB linkage 
activities in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO); 
working to implement HIV-control activities in the Sudan People's 
Liberation Army (SPLA), in collaboration with military officials and 
United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders; 
and implementing safe-water interventions.
    HHS/GAP's mission in Southern Sudan is to work with Sudanese and 
international partners to develop, support, and evaluate the effective 
implementation of interventions to prevent HIV and related illnesses, 
and to improve care and support for persons with HIV/AIDS. The program 
aims to build local capacity and promote in-country leadership and 
ownership of activities; focus on national and local priorities; share 
experiences and technical information and coordinate activities with 
other programs; and use local expertise, whenever possible.
    Specifically, HHS/GAP's mission in Southern Sudan is to accomplish 
the following, as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS 
Relief:
    1. Provide support and training for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in 
health care facilities and in the community;
    2. Establish training expertise for confidential HIV/AIDS testing 
and counseling in Southern Sudan; and
    3. Strengthen the local and national responses to HIV/AIDS in 
Southern Sudan through support and collaboration with the National AIDS 
Council (NAC), private and NGO health sectors, and others.
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve the capacity of 
organizations that provide clinical care and public health 
interventions to reduce the impact of HIV in Southern Sudan. The range 
of activities supported under this announcement include the following: 
(1) Prevention for the uniformed services of New Sudan (Southern 
Sudan); (2) confidential counseling and testing {e.g. voluntary 
counseling and testing (VCT){time} ; (3) prevention integrated with 
maternal and child health care and community-based programs; (4) 
strengthening laboratory capacity for HIV public health functions 
(sentinel surveillance and quality assurance testing); (5) care and 
treatment including both basic evidence-based care for persons with HIV 
and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART); and (6) safe-water 
interventions.
    The support for implementing programs under this announcement will 
vary according to needs, but could include infrastructure modification 
to essential facilities, equipment procurement, hiring and training 
staff, and procurement of materials and supplies.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan and one (or more) of 
the following performance goal(s) for the National Center for HIV, STD 
and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) within HHS/CDC: By 2010, work with other 
countries, international organizations, the Department of State, USAID, 
and other partners to achieve the United Nations General Assembly 
Special Session on HIV/AIDS goal of reducing prevalence among people 15 
to 24 years of age and to reduce HIV transmission and improve care of 
persons living with HIV. In addition, the measurable outcomes of the 
program will be in alignment with the goals of The Emergency Plan as 
outlined in this Program Announcement.
    Specific measurable outcomes from this program will include: (1) 
The numbers of persons trained in confidential HIV counseling and 
testing (VCT and healthcare provider-initiated models); (2) number of 
persons trained in PMTCT; (3) number of persons trained in strategic 
information (includes M&E, surveillance and/or HMIS); (4) number of 
individuals trained in the provision of laboratory-related activities; 
(5) number of individuals trained to provide HIV palliative care 
(including TB/HIV); (6) numbers of individuals reached through 
community outreach prevention services; (7) number of individuals 
received counseling and testing for HIV and received their result; (8) 
number of service outlets providing the minimum package of PMTCT 
services according to national and international standards; (9) number 
of pregnant women who received HIV counseling and testing and received 
their results; (10) number of pregnant women provided with a complete 
course of antiretroviral prophylaxis in a PMTCT setting.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS, including 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

[[Page 53218]]

address: http://www.HHS/CDC.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.

Activities

    Applicant organizations may apply for one or more, or all 
activities described in this program announcement. Organizations that 
are implementing HIV control activities may receive direct funding 
through this program announcement or through sub-grants from awardees.
    Specific activities could include one or more of the following:
    1. Provide prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) 
services;
    2. Sentinel surveillance specimen collection;
    3. HIV laboratory services for sentinel surveillance, quality 
assessment, and care and treatment
    4. Confidential HIV counseling and testing;
    5. Development of a permanent HIV counseling and testing training 
program;
    6. Capacity development for government institutions and individuals 
involved in HIV strategic information and service provision in Southern 
Sudan;
    7. Capacity development for local organizations, including faith-
based and other community-based and other non-governmental 
organizations involved in HIV service provision;
    8. Care and treatment programs with and without HAART; and
    9. HIV prevention and control for SPLM/A uniformed services 
personnel and their families.
    Integrated approaches at the local level to confidential testing, 
prevention and care are necessary, and improving the overall quality of 
health care is essential to HIV control in conflict-affected Southern 
Sudan.
    1. Within the first three months from the date of this award, 
develop a strategic plan to include goals, objectives, a monitoring 
plan, and if applicable, an implementation strategy to identify 
recipients of sub-grants, their implementation activities, and their 
reporting requirements, consistent with strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    2. Support training of staff of government and non-governmental 
organizations in relevant program areas, possibly including 
confidential counseling and testing, PMTCT integrated into strengthened 
maternal-child health care, HIV/AIDS care and treatment, laboratory 
methods, and data management.
    3. Provide technical assistance to NAC and its staff and future HIV 
management programs that may be developed within the Ministry of Health 
of Southern Sudan to facilitate the development of program management 
capacity. Such activities should be undertaken in close consultation 
with HHS/CDC and other partners, especially USAID.
    4. Identify project staffing needs, including administrative, 
management and technical staff; hire and train staff.
    5. Identify furnishings, fittings, equipment and other fixed asset 
procurement needs of the project and implementing partners, and acquire 
from normal local, regional or international vendors, as appropriate, 
in a transparent and competitive process.
    6. Establish an acceptable reporting structure. Provide fiscal 
oversight and technical assistance to local partners in the areas of 
program and financial management, administration, personnel management, 
data management, and other aspects of institution strengthening.
    7. Develop mechanisms for sharing information, including sharing of 
lessons learned among local partners and including referral systems 
between partners when appropriate.
    8. Monitor, assess and report on the performance of the local 
partners.
    9. Assist the local partners to write reports describing their 
programs.
    10. Provide training and technical assistance to some local 
partners so they could develop the skills to apply for funds 
independently and manage funds effectively after the completion of the 
program.
    The recipient or recipients of these funds will be responsible for 
activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved 
populations in Southern Sudan. Either the awardee (or awardees) will 
implement activities directly or will implement them through its 
subgrantees and/or subcontractors; the awardees 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 is expected to work closely with HHS/CDC staff 
in the planning and implementation of program activities. 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 four-
year action plan (U.S. Government Fiscal Years 2005-2008 inclusive) 
that reflects the policies and goals outlined in the five-year strategy 
for the President's Emergency Plan.
    The grantee will produce an annual operational plan in the context 
of this four-year plan, which the U.S. Government Emergency Plan team 
on the ground in Southern Sudan 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.
    Based on its competitive advantage and proven field experience, the 
winning applicant will undertake a broad range of activities to meet 
the numerical Emergency Plan targets outlined in the announcement. For 
each of these activities, the grantee will give priority to evidence-
based, yet culturally adapted, innovative approaches, including:

Confidential Counseling and Testing Services

    Develop a training program for confidential HIV counseling and 
testing that will meet expanding program needs including VCT, routine 
and diagnostic testing in clinical settings, and eventually care and 
treatment counseling. Confidential counseling and testing capacity in 
Southern Sudan should be increased through training in counseling, 
supervision, and laboratory quality assessment. Different curricula 
could be appropriate for personnel with varying backgrounds and roles, 
from full-time lay counselors to healthcare workers who will perform 
some counseling.

Prevention Services

    This activity can include PMTCT integrated with basic HIV clinical 
care and evidence-based maternal and child health, community-based 
prevention, and strengthening of antenatal surveillance. For example, 
organizations that operate primary health care centers and hospital 
should be strengthened, enhancing their capacity to provide integrated 
HIV prevention and care services including appropriate

[[Page 53219]]

confidential testing and counseling; development of comprehensive 
antenatal and maternity care that include PMTCT of HIV; care and 
treatment for those infected (care and treatment programs that include 
HAART are not included under this activity); and prevention and 
voluntary, age and culturally-appropriate family planning. All 
facilities offering HIV care to pregnant mothers and their families 
should develop the capacity to provide basic HIV-related care to HIV-
affected families and to effectively refer clients for more 
comprehensive care. Basic care (also known as palliative care) includes 
interventions to prevent opportunistic infections (OIs) as well as the 
treatment of OIs when they occur.
    Interventions should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies 
must emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual 
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and 
correct and consistent use of condoms by those populations who are 
engaged in high-risk behaviors.\1\ Awardees may not implement condom 
social marketing without also implementing the abstinence and 
faithfulness behavior-change interventions outlined in the preceding 
paragraph.
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    \1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include: 
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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Laboratory Support for Regional Sentinel Surveillance

    Support HIV public health laboratory services within Southern 
Sudan, at a facility designated by the National AIDS Council. ELISA 
equipment supplies will be procured separately, and it is anticipated 
that a GFATM-funded partner (identification pending) will play a 
substantial role in supporting logistic and data management needs 
related to HIV surveillance as well as program quality assurance. HHS/
CDC laboratory staff will provide substantial technical support. The 
implementing partner for surveillance laboratory testing will require 
support for continuing activity, which is expected to include support 
for one laboratory technician and one data entry staff, with associated 
material costs.

Care and Treatment

    Contingent upon identification of a suitable site, develop 
excellence in providing HIV clinical care, including highly active 
HAART programs, through support to one or more facility-based programs. 
HIV care and treatment activities will be consistent with national 
guidelines which are HHS/GAP will provide significant technical 
assistance and support. Promote knowledge of current HIV care, and 
support the provision of non-HAART care through training of healthcare 
providers, technical assistance, and support for equipment and supplies 
in implementing facilities.

Prevention Activities for the Uniformed Services

    Provide HIV prevention services to active and demobilizing SPLA 
personnel and their families. National health authorities have 
identified uniformed service personnel as a priority for U.S. 
Government-supported HIV control efforts. Such interventions should 
include prevention and confidential VCT, and should be planned in 
association with the NAC, appropriate SPLA authorities, and current 
efforts to develop plans and policies for HIV control in the SPLA. 
Interventions should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies must 
emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual 
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and 
correct and consistent use of condoms by those populations who are 
engaged in high-risk behaviors.\2\ Awardees may not implement condom 
social marketing without also implementing the abstinence and 
faithfulness behavior-change interventions outlined in the preceding 
paragraph.
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    \2\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include: 
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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Safe Water Interventions

    Support a pilot program that makes safer water interventions 
available to one or more communities, conducted in association with 
HHS/CDC-supported activities described under the ``Prevention'' 
(including PMTCT) or ``Care and Treatment'' sections above. HIV-
infected persons are at higher-than-average risk of diarrheal disease; 
therefore, the program should include such an intervention as part of a 
package of basic care for persons with HIV, and involve healthcare 
providers and facilities in the promotion of the intervention, although 
promotion should not be limited to the health-facility level. Studies 
have shown that variety of interventions designed to improve water and 
hand hygiene reduce the incidence of diarrheal disease at the household 
level, including point-of-use water treatment combined with the use of 
safer household water vessels. Although most studies have focused on 
the benefits in other vulnerable groups, such as young children, 
successful efforts can have particular benefits for people with 
advanced HIV infection.
    Awardees activities for this program are as follows:
    Administer sub-grants and provide technical assistance to other 
organizations by developing a plan to support local or international 
organizations that provide a range of interventions including 
confidential VCT and other models of HIV testing and counseling, PMTCT, 
basic HIV care, HAART, and prevention education.

Administration

    The successful applicant must 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), and 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.

[[Page 53220]]

    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.
    10. Assist awardees in identifying prospective local partners, and 
choosing them in a transparent and competitive process.
    11. Assist awardee in developing strategies and mechanisms to 
identify new partners for years two and three.
    12. Procure laboratory supplies including rapid, simple HIV and 
syphilis test kits and ELISA testing supplies.
    13. Procure some drugs (non-HAART) and other therapeutics for HIV 
care and treatment.
    14. Play an active role in the development of curricula and 
training courses, including provision of technical assistance.
    15. Provide technical assistance in clinical, counseling and 
laboratory issues, training, data management, and program monitoring 
and evaluation.
    16. Provide technical assistance with prevention, confidential 
counseling and testing and data-management issues. Such technical 
assistance can involve the identification of problems and challenges 
and collaborative efforts to find practical solutions.
    17. Work with other stakeholders to evaluate curriculum and 
training needs on a continuous basis, and adapt training as necessary 
to meet the program needs in Southern Sudan, particularly in local 
languages.
    18. Participate in providing support and supervision to 
implementing partners.
    19. Monitor project and budget performance to ensure satisfactory 
progress towards the goals of the project.
    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.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    HHS involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section 
above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2006.
    Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $3,000,000. (This amount 
is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: Three or more, contingent upon 
funding.
    Approximate Average Award: $250,000. (The amount will be higher in 
the first two years because of the need to develop curriculum and train 
trainers, etc. The amount is for the first 12-month budget period and 
will include direct costs [and indirect costs in the case of domestic 
grantees.])
    Floor of Individual Award Range: $50,000.
    Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $1,000,000. (This ceiling is for 
the first 12-month budget period.)
    Anticipated Award Date: October 30, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Three 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

    This announcement is for limited competition.
    Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are 
public and private non-profit organizations and governments and their 
agencies, such as:
     U.S.-Based and International non-profit organizations
     Sudanese non-profit organizations
     Universities
     Colleges
     Research institutions
     Hospitals
     Community-based organizations
     Faith-based organizations
    U.S.-based and international organizations that meet the 
eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.
    Applicants must have at least two years of documented experience in 
conducting one of the following activities:
    (1) Building the capacity of local and indigenous organizations to 
conduct health-related activities in Southern Sudan, (2) managing sub-
grants to local organizations in Southern Sudan; (3) providing health-
related interventions in Southern Sudan; or (4) experience in 
developing similar HIV-related health programs, especially in other 
post-conflict settings.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

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

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 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.

[[Page 53221]]

     Applicant organizations meeting the criteria are eligible 
to apply for one or more, or all activities described in this program 
announcement. Applicants should indicate in the application, which 
activities they plan to implement. Applicants that are capable of 
providing management, administrative technical support for HHS/CDC/GAP-
funded activities in Southern Sudan will be eligible to administer sub-
grants to partner organizations. Applicants providing health-related 
services in Southern Sudan with capacity to implement HIV control 
activities may also apply for funding by responding directly to this 
program announcement.


    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 on 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, 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. The narrative must be submitted in the following 
format:
     Maximum number of pages: 30. 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.
     Number all pages of the application sequentially from page 
1 (application Face Page) to the end of the application, including 
charts, figures, tables, and appendices.
     Printed only on one side of the page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     Submitted in English.
     Numbered pages
    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?
     Objectives--What objectives will be achieved by 
undertaking this project?
     Activities--What activities will be undertaken to achieve 
stated objectives?
     Methods--What methods will be used to conduct activities?
     Evaluation Framework--What evaluation procedures will be 
used to determine if the objectives of the project are being met?
     Budget highlighting any supplies mentioned in the program 
requirements.
     Any proposed capital expenditures.
    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:
     Organizational charts
     Curriculum vitas
     Letters of support, etc.
    The budget and budget justification will not count in the page 
limit stated above.
    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 
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    For more information, please see the HHS/CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.pdf.
    If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please 
write the DUNS number at the top of the first page of the application, 
and/or include your DUNS number in the application cover letter.
    Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional 
documentation with the application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 29, 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 www.grants.gov. 
We consider applications completed on-line 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 through Grants.gov 
(http://www.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 the 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.

[[Page 53222]]

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.
     Funds may be used for: Hiring of staff needed to provide 
services; training service providers; coordination of the program; 
purchase of supplies, equipment, and commodities (including 
antiretroviral drugs) needed to provide the services; renovation of 
clinical facilities at site of program implementation; sensitization of 
the community on HIV control services; providing ground transportation 
services to HHS/CDC GAP staff in Southern Sudan, maintaining office and 
residential facilities for GAP staff.
     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 organization, 
regardless of their location.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention and care services for which funds are required).
     An annual audit of these funds is required and must be 
conducted 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. The audit should specify the use of funds and 
the appropriateness and reasonableness of expenditures.
     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.
    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.

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. Sec.  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.''

[[Page 53223]]

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

Application Submission Address

    HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to submit applications 
electronically at www.grants.gov. You will be able to download a copy 
of the application package from www.Grants.gov, complete it off-line, 
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, customer service can be reached 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 the 
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 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 a PDF on the 
Grants.gov web site. Use of file formats 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--AA211, 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. Ability To Carry Out the Project (35 Points)
    Does the applicant document demonstrated capability to achieve the 
purposes of the project? Does the applicant demonstrate an 
understanding of the issues and problems that face local and indigenous 
organizations in implementing HIV prevention and care in Sudan? Does 
the applicant have demonstrated and prior experience in providing 
capacity building and support to local and indigenous organizations in 
developing countries? 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 have 
demonstrated experience in HIV service delivery? 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 Southern Sudan and meet the goals of the Emergency Plan?
2. Plans for Administration and Management of the Project (25 Points)
    Are there adequate plans for administering the project? Does the 
applicant describe activities that are realistic, achievable, time-
framed and appropriate to complete this program? Does the application 
include an overall design strategy, including measurable time lines, 
clear monitoring and evaluation procedures, and specific activities for 
meeting the proposed objectives? 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?
3. Personnel (25 Points)
    Do the personnel have appropriate technical qualifications, and are 
they fluent in local languages spoken in Southern Sudan? Are the 
professional personnel involved in this project qualified, including 
prior experience with improving the capacity of local and indigenous 
organizations or delivering the specified services in Sudan or 
elsewhere in developing countries?
4. Administrative, Evaluation and Accounting Plan (15 Points)
    Is there a plan to account for, prepare reports, monitoring and 
audit expenditures under this agreement, manage the resources of the 
program and produce, collect and analyze performance data?
5. Budget (Not Scored)
    Is the budget itemized, well justified and consistent with the 
five-year strategy and goals for the President's Emergency Plan and 
Emergency Plan activities in Southern Sudan? Does the budget reflect a 
commitment to ensure that local organizations receive an adequate 
percentage of the total award to ensure they can achieve their targets? 
Is the percentage of funds designated for administration and capacity 
building, including technical oversight from a head office, reasonable?

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:
    While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will give 
preference to existing national/Southern Sudanese organizations. 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 be 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.

[[Page 53224]]

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    October 30, 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 as Appropriate
    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-6 Patient Care
     AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
     AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
     AR-23 States and Faith Based Organization
    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/PHS5161-11Certificates.pdf. Once you have filled out the form, please attach it 
to the Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of 
the following reports:
    1. In year one, quarterly progress reports, due 30 days after the 
end of each quarter. In subsequent years, a semi-annual progress report 
is required no later than 30 days after the reporting period.
    2. Interim progress report, no less than 90 days before the end of 
the budget period. The progress report will serve as the 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 
Southern Sudan.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    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.
    5. 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 
Southern Sudan.
    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: Thomas Boo, Medical 
Officer, GAP, CDC-Kenya, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
HHS/CDC Global AIDS Program, P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 
Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone: 254-20-271-3008, ext. 149 or Mobile: +254-
722-200-189. E-mail: [email protected].
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Diane Flournoy, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and 
Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: 770-488-2072. 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 31, 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. 05-17678 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P