[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29627-29634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7848]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Request for Applications for the Mentoring Partnership Program--
Prot[eacute]g[eacute]

AGENCY: Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of the Secretary, HHS.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2006 Initial 
announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: Not applicable.
    CFDA Number: 93.294.

DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), no later than 
June 22, 2006.
    Pre-site visits (if needed): August 21-25, 2006. If the pre-site 
visits will determine funding they will need to be prior to July 15 
(due date of funding memos to Office of Grants Management).
    Award date: September 1, 2006.

SUMMARY: The Office on Women's Health (OWH) within the Department of 
Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the government's champion and focal 
point for women's health issues, and works to redress inequities in 
research, health care services, and education that have historically 
placed the health of women at risk. The OWH coordinates women's health 
efforts within DHHS to eliminate disparities in health status and 
supports culturally sensitive educational programs that encourage women 
to take personal responsibility for their own health and wellness. To 
that end, OWH has established public/private partnerships to address 
critical women's health issues nationwide, namely mentoring 
partnerships (prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor) meant to strengthen the 
capacity of non-profit organizations that provide HIV/AIDS prevention 
services to women at risk and/or living with HIV/AIDS. Women of color 
represent over 80 percent of the reported AIDS cases. Younger women are 
increasingly at higher risk for HIV/AIDS. Thus, the Mentoring 
Partnership Program--Prot[eacute]g[eacute] intends to demonstrate how 
small, non-profit, community-based, faith-based, and women's service 
organizations will be strengthened, programs/service effectiveness 
increased, and gender-focused and culturally competent practices 
instituted so that efforts to reach women most at risk and/or living 
with HIV/AIDS are increased. The non-profit community-based, faith-
based, and

[[Page 29628]]

women's service organizations receive training to increase their 
competencies in operating a sound organization. Moreover, mentors 
prepare prot[eacute]g[eacute]s to compete for additional public and 
private funding. During the funding period, prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
organizations will demonstrate a gain in knowledge and skills by 
reaching more women with HIV/AIDS prevention education and support 
services. In order to improve HIV/AIDS program services to women, 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] grantees are also required to receive additional 
training by attending two HIV/AIDS prevention conferences (regional and 
national) and establish collaborative partnerships with the local 
health and social service departments for referral resources in areas 
such as primary health care, housing, education, job and/or trade 
training, to name a few.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. 300u-2(a).

    The purpose of the Mentoring Partnership Program--
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] is to strengthen the organizational 
infrastructure and program services of small non-profit organizations 
so they may deliver improved HIV/AIDS prevention and support services 
to women most at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS and women with positive 
HIV serostatus. With a sound infrastructure and culturally competent, 
gender-focused program services, women will increase their HIV 
prevention knowledge and reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The goals 
of the program are:

--For prot[eacute]g[eacute] or non-profit community-based, faith-based, 
and women's service organizations to be paired with certified small 
businesses or mentors (with expertise in women's health, particularly 
women-specific HIV/AIDS prevention services) and organizational 
development to design tailor-made capacity building training for: (1) 
Organization infrastructure: (a) fiscal management; (b) human 
resources; (c) governance; (d) data management; and (e) technology 
development; and (2) program infrastructure: (a) gender-focused 
programmatic development; (b) implementation; (c) reporting; (d) 
monitoring; and (e) evaluation; and simultaneously.
--For prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor organizations to develop a 
mentoring partnership approach offering prot[eacute]g[eacute] the 
opportunity to receive training and gain skills to adapt evidence-based 
HIV/AIDS prevention education curricula to improve program services to 
women disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS.

    The objectives of the OWH Mentoring Partnership Program--
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] are:

--For prot[eacute]g[eacute] or non-profit community-based, faith-based, 
and women's service organizations to gain skills and be prepared to 
compete for Federal and private funding before the program period ends; 
and
--For prot[eacute]g[eacute] or non-profit community-based, faith-based, 
and women's service organizations to increase the number of women at 
risk for or living with HIV/AIDS served with culturally competent, 
gender-focused, evidence-based program services.

    In order to achieve the objectives of the program, the 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] grantee shall:
    (1) By October 16, 2006, OWH will pair each prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
with a mentor organization (mentoring partnerships will be established 
between a mentor and a maximum of two (2) prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
organizations). OWH Project Officer will provide prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
(and mentor) organization with contact information. 
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor must make contact by telephone and e-
mail:
    a. For introductions.
    b. Share background of agencies.
    c. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] to receive and complete initial assessment 
of capacity building needs from mentor.
    (2) OWH Orientation Meeting.
    a. The primary staff of the prot[eacute]g[eacute] organization will 
attend the mandatory OWH orientation meeting (held within the first 8 
weeks of the program period). Funded organizations must bring a copy of 
their cooperative agreement, proposal, and planning calendar for the 
12-month funding period (will schedule on-site visits and 
teleconferences between prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor; schedule 
Project Officer site evaluation visit; Project Officer monitoring 
teleconferences, etc.).
    b. The prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor organizations will give 
brief presentations on their funded programs. The mentoring partnership 
must meet with each other, determine a biweekly teleconference schedule 
and email correspondence schedule, discuss prot[eacute]g[eacute] needs, 
review prot[eacute]g[eacute] initial assessment on organizational and 
program/service capacity building needs, and further prioritize 
capacity needs.
    c. Each mentoring partnership must meet with the Project Officer, 
discuss areas and activities for capacity building assistance required, 
specify how the program will be evaluated, discuss a Plan of Action, 
and receive Project Office approval to proceed. Approval to proceed is 
based on prioritizing capacity building needs as follows:

--For organization Infrastructure, a maximum of two of the following 
areas may be selected: (1) Fiscal management; (2) human resources; (3) 
governance; (4) data management; or (5) technology development.
--For Program Infrastructure, a maximum of two of the following areas 
may be selected: (1) Gender-focused programmatic development; (2) 
implementation; (3) reporting; (4) monitoring; or (5) evaluation.
--For prot[eacute]g[eacute]s with 5 or less years of service, Project 
Officer may decrease the number of capacity building areas based on 
current organizational capacity.

    d. Project Officer will distribute list of national HIV/AIDS 
conferences approved for prot[eacute]g[eacute]s to attend.
    (3) The mentor will request program/service tracking assessment 
tools used by the prot[eacute]g[eacute]s local health departments with 
grantees of similar programs. The assessment tools must cover 
demographic and service information. Using these assessment(s), the 
mentor is to adapt these forms so they may be used by their 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]s to track and report women served in 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]'s adapted HIV/AIDS prevention program (must 
include gender-focused components).
    (4) A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be developed and signed by 
the prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor. The MOA must contain the 
following:

--Detailed description of mentoring partnership approach to be used 
with each prot[eacute]g[eacute] organization with considerations for 
style of leadership, vision, learning approaches, philosophy, and other 
significant attributes and factors expressed by the 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]; description must demonstrate a genuinely 
supportive mentoring approach with prot[eacute]g[eacute] organizations 
that facilitates the transfer and exchange of new information and 
skills-building training such that they may be applied within the 
program period;
--Prot[eacute]g[eacute] on-site visit schedules to be conducted by 
mentor (details of date, time, place, area and activities for capacity 
building, mentor training staff, prot[eacute]g[eacute] staff to 
attend);
--Bi-weekly teleconference schedule between prot[eacute]g[eacute] and 
mentor (details of date, time, place, areas and activities for capacity 
building, mentor training staff, prot[eacute]g[eacute] staff to be on 
the calls);
--Schedule for e-mail correspondence between prot[eacute]g[eacute] and 
mentor;
--Dates for mentors to review and give feedback on 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]'s progress reports (initial, mid-year, and final) 
to OWH;

[[Page 29629]]

--Statement of agreement for both mentoring partners regarding the 
gender-focused approaches to be used and intended outcomes, e.g., 
between mentoring partners; prot[eacute]g[eacute] agency clients and 
staff; Board of Director; Advisory Board; volunteers; etc., and,
--Detailed description of evaluation method to be used by both the 
mentor and prot[eacute]g[eacute].

    (5) The prot[eacute]g[eacute] will receive four (4) on-site 
capacity building sessions with the mentor. Each on-site visit will 
occur for 3 days per prot[eacute]g[eacute] organization at 8 hours each 
day. Each on-site visit should occur on a quarterly basis. However, the 
last on-site visit is not to be scheduled during the last month of the 
funding year. Based on the mentoring partnership, the 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] may receive capacity building assistance through 
mentor tutorial activities including, but not limited to the following:

a. Core Capacity Building Areas: Organization Infrastructure

Subset Areas
--Fiscal management (e.g., accounting and bookkeeping systems; Federal 
and State tax laws and regulations; systems operations; developing 
policies and procedures; equipment, computers, software; source of 
funding tracking systems).
--Human resources (e.g., personnel hiring policies and procedures; 
position descriptions; benefit packages).
--Organizational governance (e.g., board development; strategic plan; 
board membership recruitment, selection, retention; board roles and 
responsibilities).
--Data management (e.g., assessments, reporting requirements; designing 
and display; quantitative and qualitative data).
--Technology development (e.g., software).

b. Core Capacity Building Area: Program Infrastructure

Subset Areas
--Gender-focused, culturally competent, evidence-based programmatic 
development.
--Implementation.
--Reporting.
--Monitoring.
--Evaluation.

    c. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will complete assessments to help mentor 
gauge knowledge and skills gained in selected capacity building 
activity since previous assessments;
    d. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will take mentor on a tour of local 
service area(s) to see (when possible, meet members of) the women to be 
reached in the adopted HIV/AIDS prevention education program;
    e. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will be taught by mentor how to customize 
program/service materials (i.e., procedural guides, training handbooks, 
train-the-trainer guide, etc.);
    f. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] and mentor will select samples of 
evidence-based HIV/AIDS (culturally competent, gender-focused, age- and 
linguistically-appropriate) prevention education curricula and teach 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] how they may be adapted for use with women at 
high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS.
    g. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will be receiving training from mentor in 
skills building sessions to learn how to build the capacity in areas 
selected in 7a and 7b while simultaneously adapting HIV prevention 
education program, then offering new HIV prevention program reaching 
women at risk and/or living with HIV/AIDS.
    h. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will be tutored by mentor on new software 
(graphic design, fiscal, data collection/management, etc.); and,
    i. Prot[eacute]g[eacute], with mentor's guidance, will convene 
meetings with community stakeholders to develop and/or strengthen 
community collaborative partnerships.
    j. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will be taught by mentor how to develop a 
comprehensive work plan and time line for the entire funding year.
    (6) The prot[eacute]g[eacute] will receive the following from the 
mentor: (a) Program/service tracking assessment tools used by the 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]'s local health department; (b) training on how to 
adapt these assessment tools to reflect gender-focused components for 
reporting and evaluation of their OWH-funded programs (assessment tools 
must contain demographic and service information); (c) sample 
evaluation assessment tools and training on how to use and adapt them 
for purposes of self-evaluating competencies and skills gained in each 
capacity building area (and will be reported in mentor's mid-year and 
final progress reports to OWH); (d) Skills Building Assessment after 
mentor conducts on-site visits, and capacity building sessions via 
teleconference and e-mail; (e) assignments from mentor relative to 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]'s selected capacity building areas; and (f) 
Mentor Customer Service Assessment to be completed by 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] after each on-site visit with mentor AND capacity 
building sessions convened via teleconference and e-mail with mentor.
    (7) In order to gain additional training, the prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
shall travel to and attend:
    a. One national HIV/AIDS conference that includes women-specific 
HIV/AIDS issues; and
    b. one regional HIV/AIDS conference that includes women-specific 
HIV/AIDS issues.
    c. Project Officer approval must be given before registering for 
regional HIV/AIDS conferences.
    d. Prot[eacute]g[eacute] must attend both national and regional 
HIV/AIDS conference before July 1, 2007.
    (8) Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will develop indicators to determine 
success of meeting program outcomes, including but not limited to:
    a. List goals, dates to be achieved, and status.
    b. List process objectives for each program activity, dates to be 
achieved, and status.
    c. List outcome objectives (e.g., number of women reached in 
piloting adapted HIV/AIDS prevention training, etc.) for:

--mentoring partnership capacity building sessions (on-site visits, 
teleconferences, e-mail)
--training attended by prot[eacute]g[eacute] (e.g., based on evidence-
based, gender-specific HIV/AIDS curricula, etc.)

    (9) Prot[eacute]g[eacute] will work with OWH's independent 
evaluator to assess the measure of success for the OWH Mentoring 
Partnership Program. The independent evaluator will convene 
teleconference meetings, administer OMB assessments, and conduct one 
on-site visit.
    (10) OWH Project Officer will:
    a. Convene a maximum of three project monitoring teleconferences 
with prot[eacute]g[eacute] (both individually and with other funded 
prot[eacute]g[eacute]s) to receive program updates and address any 
inadequacies; and
    b. conduct one site evaluation visit at the prot[eacute]g[eacute]'s 
operating site.

II. Award Information

    Under this announcement the OWH anticipates making four cooperative 
agreement awards. Approximately $200,000 is available to make four 
awards of up to $50,000 each. It is expected that the award will cover 
costs for the 12-month period from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 
2007. Funding estimates may change. Please read Section II. Award 
Information and Section IV. Application and Submission Information for 
specific information on OWH's involvement with the grantee.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible entities may include: non-profit community-based 
organizations, faith-based organizations, national

[[Page 29630]]

organizations, colleges and universities, clinics and hospitals, 
research institutions, State and local government agencies, tribal 
government agencies and tribal/urban Indian organizations.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing and matching funds is not a requirement of this grant.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Application kits may be requested by calling (240) 453-8822 or 
writing to: Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and 
Science, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. 
Applicants may fax a written request to the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management to obtain a hard copy of the application kit at (240) 453-
8823.
    By mail, address to ``Request Application Package.'' Application 
kits may be requested from, and submitted to the Office of Grants 
Management, OPHS, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 
20852, (240) 453-8822. Application kits are also available online at 
http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal. Applicants may fax a written 
request to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to obtain a hard copy 
of the application kit at (240) 453-8823.

2. Content and Format of Application and Submission

    At a minimum, each application for a cooperative agreement funded 
under this OWH announcement must:
    a. Describe the organization's current capacity and record of 
success (minimum 3 years) to provide HIV/AIDS prevention education and 
support to women at high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS.
    b. Provide an assessment of women at high risk for or living with 
HIV/AIDS relative to their prevention needs and service gaps in the 
local geographic area covering the applicant's county and State (must 
cite all data using credible sources only).
    c. Describe the HIV/AIDS prevention needs of women at high risk for 
or living with HIV/AIDS and service gaps the applicant proposes to 
address with capacity building assistance (must cite all data using 
credible sources only).
    d. State goals and objectives for strengthening (objectives must be 
quantifiable citing the number of new women at high risk for or living 
with HIV/AIDS to be served by the end of the program period):

--The organizational infrastructure of the applicant.
--The HIV/AIDS prevention program of the applicant.

    e. Give details on the specific capacity building assistance 
needed. If previous technical assistance and/or capacity building 
services received, include records documenting pre/interim/final 
assessments for organizational and/or program capacity building.
    f. Explain how strengthening the agency's organizational and 
programmatic infrastructures will result in increased HIV/AIDS 
prevention service delivery to women at high risk for or living with 
HIV/AIDS.
    g. Provide a time line for implementing proposed improvements in 
both the organizational and program infrastructures.
    h. Describe the most meaningful components of a mentoring 
partnership that will help the organization maximize the process of 
learning new skills and knowledge. Give details on aspects such as 
gender-focus, sensitivity, compassion, expertise, flexibility, dignity, 
honor, experience or willingness to ``walk in my shoes,'' to name a 
few.
    i. Provide a draft Plan of Action that links the applicant's time 
line and areas for capacity building with achievement dates.
    j. Describe the types of capacity building training taken within 
the past three years (name of training, description, length of 
training, need for training, results of training; pre/interim/final 
assessments for organizational and/or program capacity building).
    k. Describe the evaluation plan for:

--The applicant's HIV/AIDS program services to women at high risk for 
or living with HIV/AIDS.
--Measuring effectiveness of mentoring services and corrective actions.

    The Project Summary and Project Narrative must not exceed a total 
of 25 double-spaced pages, excluding the appendices. The original and 
each copy must be stapled and/or otherwise securely bound. The 
application should be organized in accordance with the format presented 
in the Program Guidelines. An outline for the minimum information to be 
included in the ``Project Narrative'' section is presented below. The 
content requirements for the Project Narrative portion of the 
application are divided into five sections and are described below 
within each Factor. Applicants must pay particular attention to 
structuring the narrative to respond clearly and fully to each review 
Factor and associated criteria.
Background (Understanding the Problem)
    A. Provide an assessment of the prevention needs and service gaps 
for women at high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS in the applicant's 
local geographic area covering applicant's county and State (must cite 
all data using credible sources only).
    B. Describe the HIV/AIDS prevention needs of women at high risk for 
or living with HIV/AIDS and service gaps the applicant proposes to 
address with capacity building assistance (must cite all data using 
credible sources only).
    C. Describe the applicant's current capacity to provide HIV/AIDS 
prevention education and support services to women at high risk for or 
living with HIV/AIDS (including any documentation for 3+ years of 
service).
    D. Give details on the specific capacity building assistance 
needed. Explain how strengthening the applicant's infrastructure AND 
program(s) will result in increased HIV/AIDS prevention service 
delivery to women at high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS.
Implementation Plan (Approach)
    A. State goals for strengthening:
    1. the organizational infrastructure of the applicant;
    2. the HIV/AIDS prevention program services.
    B. State quantifiable objectives for strengthening:
    1. The organizational infrastructure of the applicant;
    2. the HIV/AIDS prevention program services (must give the number 
of new women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS to be served by the 
end of the program period).
    C. Describe the most meaningful components of a mentoring 
partnership that will help the applicant maximize the process of 
learning new skills and information. Give details on aspects such as 
gender-focus, sensitivity, compassion, expertise, flexibility, dignity, 
honor, experience or willingness to ``walk in my shoes,'' to name a 
few.
Management Plan
    A. Key project staff, their resumes, and staffing chart for 
budgeted staff.
    B. To-be-hired staff and their qualifications.
    C. Staff responsibilities.
    D. Management oversight of staff roles and job performance.
    E. Address maintenance of confidentiality, ethics in performance, 
and any mandatory in-service staff training.

[[Page 29631]]

Indicators of Success Plan
    A. How will applicant determine success in meeting goals?
    B. How will applicant determine success in meeting process 
objectives?
    C. How will applicant determine success in meeting outcome 
objectives?
Appendices
    A. Required Forms (Assurance of Compliance Form, etc.).
    B. Key Staff Resumes.
    C. Charts/Tables (target population demographics, gaps in services, 
etc.).
    D. Other attachments.
    Format and Limitations of Application: Applicants are required to 
submit an original ink-signed and dated application and 2 photocopies. 
All pages must be numbered clearly and sequentially beginning with the 
Project Summary. The application must be typed double-spaced on one 
side of plain 8\1/2\'' x 11'' white paper, using 12 point font, and 
containing 1'' margins all around.
    Use of Funds: A majority of the funds from the award must be used 
to support staff and efforts aimed at implementing the program. Funds 
may be used for supplies (including screening, education, and outreach 
supplies); local travel to perform duties of the funded HIV/AIDS 
prevention program; and out-of-town travel (required training at one 
national and one regional HIV/AIDS conference). Funds may not be used 
for construction, building alterations, equipment, medical treatment, 
or renovations. All budget requests must be justified fully in terms of 
the proposed goals and objectives and include an itemized computational 
explanation/brakeout of how costs were determined.
    Meetings: The OWH will sponsor a mandatory orientation meeting for 
grantees. The meeting will be held in the Washington metropolitan area. 
The budget should include a request for funds to pay for the travel, 
lodging, and meals. The meeting is usually scheduled within the first 8 
weeks after awards are made.
    The Federal Government (Project Officer) will:
    (1) Conduct an orientation meeting for the grantees within the 
first 8 weeks of the funding period.
    (2) Conduct one site evaluation visit.
    (3) Regularly monitor progress via teleconference with all funded 
programs and on an as needed basis with individual funded programs.
    (4) Contribute information throughout the program year on funding 
opportunities, trends in HIV/AIDS impacting women at risk and living 
with HIV/AIDS, and women-specific HIV/AIDS issues addressed in 
prevention, care, support, treatment, and research.
    (5) Review all quarterly progress reports, annual report, and 
expense reports. Approves/disapproves invoices for payment. If 
disapproved, the applicant will receive information for specific areas 
to be addressed.
    (6) Review time line and implementation plan to compare consistency 
with memorandum of agreement between the prot[eacute]g[eacute] and 
mentor (mentoring partnership).
    (7) Work on an as-needed basis with the OWH independent evaluator 
and grantees.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    All completed applications must be submitted to the Office of 
Grants Management, OPHS, DHHS at the above mailing address. In 
preparing the application, it is important to follow ALL instructions 
provided in the application kit.
    Applications must be submitted on the forms supplied (OPHS-1, 
Revised 6/2001) and in the manner prescribed in the application kits 
provided by the OPHS. Applicants are required to submit an application 
signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or 
organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The program narrative 
should not be longer than 25 double-spaced pages, not including 
appendices and required forms, using an easily readable, 12 point font. 
All pages, figures and tables should be numbered.
Submission Mechanisms
    The OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of 
applications, as described in the following sections. Applicants will 
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
confirming the receipt of applications submitted using any of these 
mechanisms. Applications submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management after the deadlines described below will not be accepted for 
review. Applications which do not conform to the requirements of the 
grant announcement will not be accepted for review and will be returned 
to the applicant.
    Applications may only be submitted electronically via the 
electronic submission mechanisms specified below. Any applications 
submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including 
facsimile or electronic mail, will not be accepted for review. While 
applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the electronic 
application submission capabilities provided by using the http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal is encouraged.
    Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later 
than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement using one of the electronic submission 
mechanisms specified below. All required hard copy original signatures 
and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day 
after the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the 
announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hard copy original signatures, and mail-in 
items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to 
the deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not 
adhere to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be 
deemed ineligible.
    Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early 
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due 
date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with 
submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal
    The http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal provides organizations 
with the ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the http://www.Grants.gov Web site.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may 
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is 
imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as 
well as the application guidance provided within the http://www.Grants.gov application package, to determine such requirements. Any 
required hard copy materials, or documents that require a signature, 
must be submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management, and, if required, must contain the original signature of an 
individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and the 
obligations

[[Page 29632]]

imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    Electronic applications submitted via the http://www.Grants.gov Web 
site portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any 
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must be received by 
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-in items may only 
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal, the applicant will be 
provided with a confirmation page from http://www.Grants.gov indicating 
the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application 
submission, as well as the http://www.Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is 
critical that the applicant print and retain this confirmation for 
their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package.
    All applications submitted via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site 
portal will be validated by http://www.Grants.gov. Any applications 
deemed ``Invalid'' by the http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal will 
not be transferred to the OPHS eGrants system, and OPHS has no 
responsibility for any application that is not validated and 
transferred to OPHS from the http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application 
validation status. Once the application is successfully validated by 
the http://www.Grant.gov Web site portal, applicants should immediately 
mail all required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management to be received by the deadlines specified above. It is 
critical that the applicant clearly identify the organization name and 
http://www.Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard copy 
materials.
    Once the application is validated by http://www.Grants.gov, it will 
be electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for 
processing. Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the 
http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal, and the required hard copy mail-
in items, applicants will receive notification via mail from the OPHS 
Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of the application 
submitted using the http://www.Grants.gov Web site portal.
    Applicants should contact http://www.Grants.gov regarding any 
questions or concerns pertaining to the electronic application process.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
    Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the 
application. The original application must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to 
assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and 
conditions of the grant award.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date 
specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application 
deadline date requirements specified in this announcement supersedes 
the instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the 
deadline will be returned to the applicant unread.
    Applications will be screened upon receipt. Those that are judged 
to be incomplete or arrive after the deadline will be returned without 
review or comment. Applications that exceed the requested amount of 
$50,000 for a 12-month budget period may also be returned without 
review or comment. Applicants that are judged to be in compliance will 
be notified by the OPHS Office of Grants Management. Accepted 
applications will be reviewed for technical merit in accordance with 
DHHS policies.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the Public Health Systems Reporting 
Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based non-
governmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health System 
Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicants shall submit a copy of the 
application face page (SF-424) and a one-page summary of the project, 
called the Public Health System Impact Statement. The PHSIS is intended 
to provide information to State and local health officials to keep them 
apprised on proposed health services grant applications submitted by 
community-based, non-governmental organizations within their 
jurisdictions.
    Community-based, non-governmental applicants are required to 
submit, no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the 
application, the following information to the head of the appropriate 
State and local health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A 
copy of the face page of the application (SF 242), (b) a summary of the 
project (PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) A 
description of the population to be served, (2) a summary of the 
services to be provided, and (3) a description of the coordination 
planned with the appropriate State or local health agencies. Copies of 
the letters forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained 
in the application materials submitted to the OWH.
    This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive order 
12372 that allows States the option of setting up a system for 
reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under 
certain Federal programs. The application kit to be made available 
under this notice will contain a listing of States that have chosen to 
set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC) in the State for review. Applicants (other than federally 
recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOCs as early as 
possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any 
necessary instructions on the State process. For proposed projects 
serving more than one State, the applicant is advised to contact the 
SPOC in each affected State. A complete list of SPOCs may be found at 
the following Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 
The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the 
application deadline. The OWH does not guarantee that it will 
accommodate or explain its responses to State process recommendations 
received after that date. (See ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR Part 100 for a 
description of the review process and requirements.)

5. Funding Restrictions

    Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations, 
equipment purchase, medical treatment, renovations, or to purchase 
food. Pre-award costs are not allowable.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants are required to obtain a 
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as preparation for doing 
business electronically with the Federal government. The DUNS number 
must be obtained prior to applying for OWH funds. The DUNS number is a 
nine-character identification code provided by the commercial company 
Dun & Bradstreet, and serves as a unique identifier of business 
entities. There is no charge for requesting a DUNS number, and you may 
register and

[[Page 29633]]

obtain a DUNS number by either of the following methods:
    Telephone: 1-866-705-5711.
    Web site: https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html.
    Be sure to click on the link that reads, ``DUNS Number Only'' at 
the right hand, bottom corner of the screen to access the free 
registration page. Please note that registration via the Web site may 
take up to 30 business days to complete.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: The technical review of applications will consider the 
following factors:

Factor 1: Background/Understanding of the Problem (25%)

    This section must discuss:
    1. The applicant's background and record of success in addressing 
the needs of women at high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS in urban 
and/or rural areas; and
    2. The HIV/AIDS prevention needs for women at high risk for or 
living with HIV/AIDS and service gaps in the agency's local service 
area.

Factor 2: Implementation/Approach (25%)

    This section must discuss:
    1. The applicant's current capacity to provide HIV/AIDS prevention 
education and support services to women at high risk for or living with 
HIV/AIDS in urban or rural areas;
    2. The applicant's specific organizational AND program capacity 
building assistance needed based on the following:
    a. Core Capacity Building Areas: Organization Infrastructure Subset 
Areas:

--Fiscal management (e.g., accounting and bookkeeping systems; Federal 
and State tax laws and regulations; systems operations; developing 
policies and procedures; equipment, computers, software; source of 
funding tracking systems).
--Human resources (e.g., personnel hiring policies and procedures; 
position descriptions; benefit packages).
--Organizational governance (e.g., board development; strategic plan; 
board membership recruitment, selection, retention; board roles and 
responsibilities).
--Data management (e.g., assessments, reporting requirements; designing 
and display; quantitative and qualitative data).
--Technology development (e.g., software).

    b. Core Capacity Building Area: Program Infrastructure Subset 
Areas:

--Gender-focused programmatic development.
--Implementation.
--Reporting.
--Monitoring.
--Evaluation.

    3. The application's description of how strengthening the 
organizational AND program infrastructure will result in increased HIV/
AIDS prevention service delivery to women at high risk for or living 
with HIV/AIDS;
    4. The applicant's description of key components of a mentoring 
partnership necessary for maximum learning and skills-building 
experience.

Factor 3: Management Plan (25%)

    The applicant's proposal should contain:
    1. Proposed staff and/or requirements for new staff adequately 
described in r[eacute]sum[eacute]s (appears in Appendix);
    2. Proposed staff level of effort; and
    3. Detailed position descriptions (appears in Appendix).

Factor 4: Indicators of Success (25%)

    The applicants proposal contains:
    1. Clear statement of program goal(s).
    2. Comprehensive process objectives.
    3. Comprehensive outcome objectives.
    2. Review and Selection Process: Funding decision will be made by 
the OWH, and will take into consideration the recommendations and 
ratings of the review panel, program needs, geographic location, stated 
preferences, and the recommendations of DHHS Regional Women's Health 
Coordinators (RWHC).
    Applications will be evaluated by a technical review panel composed 
of experts in the fields of minority women's health issues, 
particularly HIV/AIDS prevention; community-based, faith-based, and 
women's service organization's delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention and 
support services; and Federal and State government public health 
systems. Applicants are requested to pay close attention to the 
specific program guidelines and general instructions in the application 
kit that may be obtained from the Grants Management Office, Office of 
Public Health and Science, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, 
Rockville, MD 20852, and to the definitions provided in this notice.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: Cooperative agreement award applicants will 
receive a Notice of Grant Award signed by the Grants Management Office. 
This is the authorizing document and it will be sent electronically and 
followed up with a mailed copy.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The regulations 
set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the Department of Health and 
Human Services (DHHS) rules and requirements that govern the 
administration of grants. Part 74 is applicable to all recipients 
except those covered by part 92, which governs awards to State and 
local governments. Applicants funded under this announcement must be 
aware of and comply with these regulations. The CFR volume that 
includes parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx 03/45cfrv1--03.html.
    The DHHS Appropriations Act requires that, when issuing statements, 
press releases, request for proposals, bid solicitations, and other 
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part 
with Federal money, all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and 
dollar amount of the total cost of the program or project which will be 
financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of the 
total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-
governmental sources.
    3. Reporting: In addition to those listed above, the applicant will 
submit two progress reports and an annual report detailing the entire 
funding year of mentoring partnership program activities. OWH will 
provide the Progress Report Form and Annual Report Form during the 
orientation meeting. The purpose of the progress reports is to provide 
accurate and timely program information to program managers and to 
respond to Congressional, Departmental, and public requests for 
information about the program. The applicant will also submit a 
financial status report (in accordance with provisions of the general 
regulation which apply under ``Monitoring and Reporting Program 
Performance,'' 45 CFR parts 74 and 92).
    An original and two copies of the progress report(s) must be 
submitted by January 12, 2007, May 11, 2007, and August 31, 2007. The 
last quarterly report will serve as the annual progress report and must 
describe all project activities for the entire year. A Financial Status 
Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the close of each 12-month 
budget period.

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. For budget and business aspects of the application, please 
contact: Grants Management Officer, Office of Public Health and 
Science, DHHS, 1101

[[Page 29634]]

Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (240) 453-
8822.
    2. Questions regarding programmatic information and/or requests for 
technical assistance in the preparation of the grant application should 
be directed in writing to: Ms. Joanna Short, M.Div., Public Health 
Advisor, Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science, 
DHHS, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 733E, Washington, DC 20201. 
Telephone: (202) 260-8420. E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

A. Protection of Human Subjects Regulations

    The applicant must comply with the DHHS Protection of Human 
Subjects regulations (which require obtaining Institutional Review 
Board approval), set out as 45 CFR Part 46, if applicable. General 
information about Human Subjects regulations can be obtained through 
the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp, or [email protected], or toll free at (866) 447-4777.

B. Objectives of Health People 2010

    Emphasis will be placed on aligning OWH activities and programs 
with Healthy People 2010: Goal 2 to eliminate health disparities. More 
information on the Healthy People 2010 objectives may be found on the 
Healthy People 2010 Web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.

C. Definitions

    Community-based organization: Public and private, non-profit 
organizations that are representative of communities or significant 
segments of communities.
    Culturally competent: Information and services provided at the 
educational level and in the language and cultural context that are 
most appropriate for the individuals for whom the information and 
services are intended. Additional information on cultural competency is 
available at the following Web site: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/May 2001/
factsheets/Cultural-Competency.html.
    Cultural perspective: Recognizes that culture, language, and 
country of origin have an important and significant impact on the 
health perceptions and health behaviors that produce a variety of 
health outcomes (e.g., influx of immigrant populations in the rural 
south, such as Africans, Hispanics, and Native/American Indians).
    Evidence-Based: DHHS recognizes HIV/AIDS prevention education 
approaches for reaching minority populations, namely education/
training, outreach (street, media), and care services. Additional 
information on evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs is available 
at the following Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/hivcompendium/organize.htm.
    Gender-focused: An approach which considers the social and 
environmental context in which women live and therefore structures 
information, activities, program priorities and service delivery 
systems to compliment those factors.
    Healthy People 2010: A set of national health objectives that 
outlines the prevention agenda for the Nation. Healthy People 2010 
identify the most significant preventable threats to health and 
establishes national goals for the next ten years. Individuals, groups, 
and organizations are encouraged to integrate Healthy People 2010 into 
current programs, special events, publications, and meetings. 
Businesses can use the framework, for example to guide worksite health 
promotion activities as well as community-based initiatives. Schools, 
colleges, and civic and faith-based organizations can undertake 
activities to further the health of all members of their community. 
Health care providers can encourage their patients to pursue healthier 
lifestyles and to participate in community-based programs. By selecting 
from among the national objectives, individuals and organizations can 
build an agenda for community health improvement and can monitor 
results over time. More information on the Healthy People 2010 
objectives may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    Prevention education: Accurate information to increase knowledge of 
methods and behaviors to keep individuals from becoming infected with 
HIV.

    Dated: May 16, 2006.
Wanda K. Jones,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's Health), Office of 
Public Health and Science.
 [FR Doc. E6-7848 Filed 5-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-33-P