[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 126 (Friday, June 30, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37575-37581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10230]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Request for Applications for the Intergenerational Approaches to 
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education With Women Across the Lifespan Pilot 
Program

AGENCY: Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of the Secretary, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2006 Initial 
announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: Not applicable.
    OMB Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance: The OMB Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number is pending.

DATES: To receive consideration, the 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 
July 31, 2006.

Pre-site visits (if needed)--July 10-14, 2006.
Award date--September 1, 2006.

SUMMARY: The Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) is the government's 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. These partnerships are with non-profit 
community-based, faith-based, and women's service organizations (CBOs, 
FBOs, WSOs) innovating intergenerational approaches for HIV/AIDS 
prevention education targeting women disproportionately impacted by 
HIV/AIDS across the lifespan. African American and Latino women 
constituted 25 percent of the U.S. female population in 2002, but 81.5 
percent of the reported female AIDS cases (65 percent were among 
African Americans and 16.5 percent were among Hispanics). (1) The 
number of Asian/Pacific Islanders and American Indian/Alaskan Native 
women living with AIDS continues to rise, with an approximately 10 
percent increase each year over the past 5 years. (2) Women 
disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS are vulnerable for the disease 
because they lack accurate information about the virus; are impacted by 
cultural factors that decrease their abilities to protect themselves 
against HIV; have low to no condom negotiation skills; are faced with 
low socioeconomic circumstances; suffer from sexual abuse; struggle 
with violence and other traumas perpetrated against women, and lack 
information and skills to share sexual health information with other 
female members in the family. To this end, the Intergenerational 
Approaches to HIV/AIDS Prevention Education with Women Across the 
Lifespan Pilot Program intends to: (1) Develop a cross-generational 
HIV/AIDS prevention education program to establish effective and/or 
increase communication about sexual health between African American, 
Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific 
Islander women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS with other female 
family and/or kinship network members 12+ years old; (2) provide 
opportunities for African American, Native American/American Indian, 
Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander women and other female 
members of the family 12+ years old to know their serostatus; and (3) 
address the age-, gender-, cultural-, spiritual-, and language-specific 
needs of African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/
Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander women and other female members of 
the family 12+ years old regarding their sexual health issues, 
particularly HIV/AIDS prevention so they may decrease their risks for 
disease.
    This program builds on Minority AIDS Initiative- and Office on 
Women's Health-funded Women and HIV/AIDS Programs (e.g., Model 
Mentorship Program; HIV Prevention Education for Young Women Attending 
Minority Academic Institutions) by addressing HIV/AIDS issues using the 
strength of familial and kinship networks, as well as women-specific 
vulnerabilities to acquiring the virus.

HHS Collaborative Partners

    (1) The OWH is the lead for this program and will be responsible 
for project officer duties.
    (2) The following DHHS agencies and offices have agreed to 
establish a collaborative partnership:
     Office on Women's Health (OWH), OPHS.
     Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration 
(SAMHSA).
     Office of HIV/AIDS Policy (OHAP), OPHS.
     Indian Health Service (IHS).
     Administration on Aging (AOA).
     Office of Population Affairs (OPA).
     Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
     Center for Faith-Based Community Initiatives (CFBCI).
    Together these agencies agree to recruit technical review panelists 
to evaluate grant proposals; make presentations during the orientation 
meetings; provide advice and materials during the program year; provide 
advice during quarterly project monitoring teleconferences; and serve 
as site evaluation team members and/or assist in development of site 
evaluation form.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

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

    The purpose of the Intergenerational Approaches to HIV/AIDS 
Prevention Education with Women Across the Lifespan Pilot Program is to 
develop cross-generational HIV/AIDS prevention education approaches 
specific to women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and other female 
members of the family 12+ years old , particularly African American, 
Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific 
Islander women from the Diaspora who are grandmothers, mothers, 
daughters, granddaughters, and aunts. The goals of the program are:
     To teach cross-generations of women and other female 
members of the family 12+ years old how to develop healthy 
communication patterns built on caring, trusting familial 
relationships; and
     Equip women to give accurate information about their 
sexual health issues between other female members of the family 12+ 
years old by incorporating gender-focused, age-specific, culturally 
competent, and linguistically-appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention 
information.
    The objectives of the program are for African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander 
women and other female members of the family 12+ years old to:
     Know their serostatus;
     Increase their knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention;
     Gain competencies in cross-generational communications 
about health in general and sexual health specifically; and
     Connect with a primary healthcare physician (and navigate 
other systems of care).
    In order to achieve the objectives of the program, the grantee 
shall:

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    A. During months 1-5 (start-up phase):
    1. Attend the OWH Grantee Orientation Meeting. It will be conducted 
by OWH and DHHS Collaborating Partners (OHAP, IHS, AOA, OPA, ACF, and 
CFBCI).
    2. Hire and all train staff:
    a. Request local health department to conduct in-service training 
on how to establish a review process for conducting a local program 
evaluation to measure whether goals and objectives are met.
    3. Complete program development, including but not limited to the 
following activities:
    a. Complete development of training modules, assessment tools, and 
protocols necessary to present an intergenerational approach for HIV/
AIDS prevention education to reach African American, Native American/
American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander women at 
risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and other female members of the family 
12+ years old that reflects: (Note: Grantee must reach only one racial/
ethnic minority group)
     The cultural, spiritual, and/or ritual factors that bridge 
traditional and American mores and values for women at risk for or 
living with HIV/AIDS, especially African American; Native American/
American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander; and,
     Incorporate the ``ABC'' message as strategies to prevent 
HIV/AIDS; specifically, for adolescents and unmarried individuals, the 
message should include ``A'' for abstinence; for married individuals or 
those in committed relationships, the message is ``B'' for be faithful; 
and, for individuals who engage in behavior that puts them at risk for 
HIV, the message should include ``A,'' ``B,'' and ``C'' for correct and 
consistent condom use.
     Evidence-based (with U.S. Government policies) HIV/AIDS 
prevention education curricula designed to reach women at risk for or 
living with HIV/AIDS and other female members of the family 12+ years 
old.
    b. With adapted tools from local health department, develop the 
local program evaluation to measure whether the program goals and 
objectives are met.
    4 Recruit a Team of Consumers to give feedback on what works best 
during all phases of program development and implementation.
    5. Recruit community stakeholders with the following roles:
    a. Provide HIV testing opportunities for focus group participants 
(and consumer advisory team).
    b. Provide age-specific referral services via scheduled weekly 
appointments for women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and other 
female members of the family 12+ years old to receive counseling 
services from a licensed female behavioral health therapist with 
expertise in counseling women and other female members of the family 
12+ years old most vulnerable for acquiring HIV/AIDS, e.g. counseling 
to address fear, stigma, abuse, and other areas of need that prevent 
participants from practicing healthy behaviors.
    6. Recruit women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS to participate 
in focus groups to:
     Identify gender-focused concerns of women most vulnerable 
for acquiring HIV/AIDS to be included in trainings;
     Identify age- and culturally-specific barriers to 
effective cross-generational communication for each women and other 
female members of the family 12+ years old disproportionately impacted 
by HIV/AIDS, for instance, African American, Native American/American 
Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander women from the 
Diaspora;
     Adult minority women participants to develop strategies 
for recruiting other female members of the family 12+ years old;
     Participate in small group piloting of the training;
     Provide entry to untapped venues to recruit additional 
participants;
     Recruit age-appropriate peer support group leaders;
     Recruit peers to get tested for HIV; and
     Recruit peers to participate in program.
    7. Submit:
    a . Four abstracts for workshop and/or poster presentations at one 
national HIV/AIDS conference targeting public health professionals; and
    b. Four abstracts for one community conference attracting an 
audience of consumers.
    8. Require all program staff, consultants, and volunteers to attend 
OWH site evaluation visit.
    9. Identify twenty funding opportunities and submit four 
applications.
    10. Before start-up phase ends, recruit African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander 
women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS in places where they 
naturally gather both as a family and individually, including but not 
limited to:
     Churches and other places of worship.
     Alumni associations of academic institutions for higher 
learning.
     Women's professional organizations/social organizations.
     PTA meetings.
     Commercial fitness centers.
     Beauty centers.
     English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
     Conferences.
     Sporting events.
     Supermarkets.
    11. Submit OWH initial progress report.
    B. During months 6-8 (pilot-test phase 1):
    1. Pilot-test program and make program adaptations.
    a. Professional counseling services by licensed female behavioral 
therapist with expertise in counseling women at risk for or living with 
HIV/AIDS and other female members of the family 12+ years old to be 
offered to program participants.
    b. Peer group support to be offered to program participants.
    c. Review and measure success of meeting goals and objectives to-
date.
    2. Convene scheduled meetings for the:
    a. Team of Consumers.
    b. Community stakeholders.
    3. Require program participants, Team of Consumers, and community 
stakeholders to recruit new program participants.
    4. Receive confirmation for (2) conference presentations.
    5. Submit four applications to Federal and non-Federal funding 
sources.
    6. Submit OWH mid-year progress report.
    C. During months 9-12 (pilot phase 2).
    1. Conduct program with adaptations finalized from pilot phase 1:
     Offer counseling to program participants.
     Offer peer group support to program participants.
    2. Convene final meetings for the:
    a. Team of Consumers.
    b. Community stakeholders.
    3. Review the success of meeting program goals and objectives.
    4. Conduct one presentation (workshops, panels, posters) on the 
program at a national HIV/AIDS prevention conference targeting public 
health professionals.
    5. Conduct one presentation (workshops, panels, posters) on the 
program at one community conference targeting consumers.
    5. Submit four applications to Federal and non-Federal funding 
sources.
    6. Submit OWH final progress report.
    7. Submit OWH annual report.

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II. Award Information

    Under this announcement, the OWH anticipates making four 
cooperative agreement awards. Approximately $1,000,000 is available to 
make four awards of up to $250,000 each. It is expected that the award 
will cover costs for the period September 1, 2006 through August 31, 
2007. Funding estimates may change.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible entities may include: non profit community-based 
organizations, faith-based organizations, national 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: Director, 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 applications kit at (240) 453-8823.
    2. Content and Format of Application and Submission: At a minimum, 
each application for a cooperative agreement grant funded by this OWH 
announcement must:
     Describe the applicant's record of success in providing 
HIV/AIDS prevention education, support services, and/or other services 
(e.g., other minority women's health issues; socioeconomic empowerment 
services; educational services) to women at risk for or living with 
HIV/AIDS.
     Describe the applicant's current HIV/AIDS prevention 
education, support services, and/or other services for the women at 
risk for or living with HIV/AIDS served by the agency.
     Give details on the barriers to cross-generational 
communication between grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, and 
other female members of the family 12+ years old citing the impact of 
age, culture, traditions, and spirituality, as well as any trends or 
shifts in these areas.
     Clearly define the women at risk for or living with HIV/
AIDS to be reached by giving demographic and HIV/AIDS data covering the 
applicant's local service area and State (must cite all data from 
credible sources only).
     Describe the applicant's work utilizing Teams of Consumers 
for feedback, in such cases where consumer feedback assisted in the 
design of new programs or making program adaptations that better meet 
the needs of those to be served.
     Describe in detail any focus groups convened by the agency 
to reach women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, including 
demographic information, focus group leadership, number of 
participants, number of sessions, topics for each session, participant 
age range, and outcomes of the focus groups.
     Describe the applicant's knowledge and/or experience with 
evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention education curricula for women at 
risk for or living with HIV/AIDS in America. Cite your sources.
     Provide a timeline for start-up, two piloting phases, and 
the proposed intergenerational approach for HIV/AIDS prevention 
education with a description of the demographics for women at risk for 
or living with HIV/AIDS and other female members of the family 12+ 
years old to be reached.
     Provide a draft Plan of Action that links the applicant's 
timeline with delineated tasks to be accomplished over the three phases 
of the program.
     Give a detailed description of the participation of 
applicant in existing community collaborative efforts. Include 
information on the purpose for collaboration; goals and objectives; 
names and complete contact information for partners; roles of each 
partner; timeline; challenges; corrective actions; and achievements.
     Describe the applicant's competency or needs to build 
skills in reviewing whether program goals and objectives are met during 
all phases of the funding period.
     Describe the process for determining whether program goals 
and objectives are met during all phases of the funding period.
    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. 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 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 of the Problem)

    A. Provide a preliminary assessment of the HIV/AIDS prevention and 
support service needs for women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS to 
be reached in this program. The assessment must be an age-specific 
demographic and service need profile for African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander 
women disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and other female members 
of the family 12+ years old in your local service area and State (cite 
data from credible sources only).
    B. Describe issues or challenges that impact African American, 
Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific 
Islander women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS to be able to have 
effective cross-generational communication about: (1) Their own sexual 
health issues; and (2) the health of female family or kinship network 
members 12+ years old about:
     Understanding a woman's body and how to care for it over 
the lifespan;
     Knowledge of ways to enhance health;
     Building and/or maintaining healthy relationships that 
include an understanding of health threats;
     Awareness of a primary healthcare system and how to access 
it;
     Skills to express feelings and concerns about one's sexual 
health issues to other female family or kinship network members 12+ 
years old;
     Awareness and ability to insure physical safety when 
threatened by sexual, physical, or emotional violence.
Implementation Plan (Approach)
    A. State goals for achieving the intended purpose of the proposed 
Intergenerational Approaches to HIV/AIDS Prevention Education with 
Women Across the Lifespan Pilot Program: To develop a cross-
generational HIV/AIDS prevention education approach specific to women 
at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and

[[Page 37578]]

other female members of the family 12+ years old, particularly African 
American women, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and 
Asian/Pacific Islander women from the Diaspora who are grandmothers, 
mothers, daughters, granddaughters, and aunts.
    B. State quantifiable objectives for the number of African 
American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/
Pacific Islander women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and other 
female members of the family 12+ years old to be reached for the 
proposed program.
    C. Give a detailed Plan of Action and timeline covering:
     Start-up phase activities;
     First pilot phase activities; and
     Second pilot phase activities.

Management Plan

    A. Key project staff, volunteer, and student interns; their 
resumes; and a staffing chart for budgeted staff.
    B. To-be-hired staff and their qualifications, including but not 
limited to a contractual services of a licensed female behavioral 
health therapist with expertise in counseling African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander 
women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and other female members of 
the family 12+ years old.
    C. Staff, consultant/sub-contractor, volunteer, and student intern 
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.

Evaluation Plan

    A. Indicators that reflect goals/objectives are being met.
    B. Indicators of any trends.
    C. Indicators of any unanticipated outcomes.

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.

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 attendance at the OWH Grantee 
Orientation meeting and participation in one national HIV/AIDS 
prevention 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/
breakout 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 or in one 
of the ten (10) HHS regional office cities. The budget should include a 
request for funds to pay for the travel, lodging, and meals. The 
meeting is usually held within the first eight weeks after awards are 
made.
    The Federal Government (Project Officer) will:
    A. Provide substantive guidance and advisement throughout the 
program funding period, particularly for training development, 
connecting grantees to OWH Regional Health Coordinators and HHS 
collaborating partners, to name a few.
    B. Conduct an orientation meeting for the grantees (with other 
federal partners) within the first 8 weeks of the funding period.
    C. Conduct at least one site evaluation visit (with DHHS 
Collaborative Partners) that may include observation of program during 
pilot or implementation phase.
    D. Conduct quarterly project monitoring teleconferences (with DHHS 
Collaborative Partners).
    E. Review all quarterly, final, and annual progress reports.
    F. Review timeline and implementation plan.
    3. Submission Date 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.

[[Page 37579]]

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 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.grants.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 regarding 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 Grant 
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 requirement 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 
$250,000 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 424), (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

[[Page 37580]]

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.
    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 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

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

Factor 1: Background/Understanding of the Problem (30%)

    This section must discuss:
    1. Applicant's experience providing HIV/AIDS prevention education, 
support services, and/or other services (e.g., women's health issues; 
socioeconomic empowerment services; educational services) to women at 
risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, particularly African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander 
women.
    2. Applicant's description of the HIV/AIDS prevention and support 
service needs for the women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and 
other female members of the family 12+ years old to be reached in this 
program; must include a detailed assessment must with age-specific 
demographic and service need profile for minority females (African 
American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian/
Pacific Islander) in the applicant's local service area.
    3. Applicant's full description of the issues or challenges that 
impact women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS specific to one of the 
racial/ethnic minority groups to be reached (African American, Native 
American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander) 
relative to effective cross-generational communication about: 1) their 
own sexual health issues; and 2) the health of female family or kinship 
network members 12+ years old about:
     Understanding a woman's body and how to care for it over 
the lifespan.
     Knowledge of ways to enhance health.
     Building and/or maintaining healthy relationships that 
includes an understanding of health threats.
     Awareness of primary healthcare system and how to access 
it.
     Gaining skills to express feelings and concerns about 
one's sexual health issues to other female family or kinship network 
members 12+ years old.
     Increasing awareness and ability to secure a safe place to 
live first when threatened by sexual, physical, or emotional violence.

Factor 2: Implementation /Approach (25%)

    This section must discuss:
    1. Evidence provided of applicant's success in providing HIV/AIDS 
prevention education, support services, and/or other services (e.g., 
women's health issues; socioeconomic empowerment services; educational 
services) to women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS who are African 
American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/
Pacific Islander.
    2. Applicant's goals, objectives, plan of action and timeline that 
fully describes how proposed intergenerational approach to HIV/AIDS 
prevention education for women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS who 
are African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, 
or Asian/Pacific Islander addresses the barriers to cross-generational 
communication between grandmothers, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, 
and aunts and/or other adult female kinship members 12+ years old with 
the impact of age, culture, traditions, and spirituality, as well as 
any trends or shifts in these areas.
    3. Evidence of applicant's work in establishing and/or convening 
African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or 
Asian/Pacific Islander consumers for feedback on HIV/AIDS prevention, 
support, care, and/or treatment programs.
    4. Evidence of applicant's work in identifying and/or working with 
community stakeholders, specifically for HIV/AIDS prevention, support, 
care, and/or treatment.

Factor 3: Management Plan (25%)

    The applicant's proposal should contain:
    1. Applicant's proposed staff and/or requirements for new staff 
adequately described in resumes (see Appendix); must include 
contractual services of a licensed female behavioral health therapist 
with expertise in counseling African American, Native American/American 
Indian, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander women at risk for or 
living with HIV/AID and other female members of the family 12+ years 
old.
    2. Proposed staff level of effort;
    3. Detailed position descriptions (appears in Appendix); and
    4. Addresses maintenance of confidentiality, ethics in performance, 
and any mandatory in-service staff training.

Factor 4: Evaluation Plan (20%)

    The applicant's proposal contains:
    1. Clear statement of program goal(s);
    2. Quantifiable objectives;
    3. Clear indicators to analyze trends; and
    4. Clear indicators to recognize unanticipated outcomes.
    Review and Selection Process: Funding decisions 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). Accepted applications will be reviewed for 
technical merit in accordance with DHHS policies. 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 organizations 
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 
Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, DHHS, 
1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852 and to the 
definitions provided in this notice.
    Applications should be submitted to the Office of Grants 
Management,

[[Page 37581]]

OPHS, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. 
Technical assistance on budget and business aspects of the application 
may be obtained from Office of Grants Management, Office of Public 
Health and Science, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, 
MD 20852, telephone: (240) 453-8822.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: Applicants will receive a Notice of Grant Award 
signed by the Grants Management Officer (GMO). 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, requests 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 costs 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: The applicant will submit an Initial Progress Report, 
a Mid-Year Progress Report, a Final Progress Report, an Annual Report 
detailing the entire funding year, and a Financial Status Report (in 
accordance with provisions of the general regulations which apply under 
``Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance,'' 45 CFR Parts 74 and 
92). The Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the 
close of each 12-month budget period. OWH will provide Progress Report 
Forms and Annual Report Forms 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. An original and two copies of the four report(s) must be 
submitted.

VII. Agency Contacts

     For budget and business aspects of the application, please 
contact: Eric West, Associate Grants Management Officer, Grants 
Management Office, OPHS, DHHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, 
Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: 240-453-8822.
     Questions regarding programmatic information and/or 
requests for technical assistance in the preparation of the grant 
application should be directed in writing to: Joanna Short, M. Div., 
Public Health Advisor, Office on Women's Health, OPHS, DHHS, H. 
Humphrey Building, Room 733E, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., 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 of Human Research 
Protections (PHRP) at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp, or [email protected], 
or toll free at (866) 447-4777.
    B. Objectives of Healthy 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/May2001/factsheets/Cultural-Competency.html.
    Evidence-Based: DHHS recognizes HIV/AID 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, in considering the social and 
environmental contexts impacting women's lives therefore structures 
information, activities, program priorities, and service delivery 
systems that compliment those factors.
    Healthy People 2010: A set of national health objectives that 
outlines the prevention agenda for the Nation. Healthy People 2010 
identifies 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.

References

(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV/AIDS 
Surveillance Report. 2002; 14/Addendum: 5. Table A3.
(2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV/AIDS 
Surveillance Report 2002, Vol. 14.

    Dated: June 16, 2006.
Frances Ashe-Goins,
Deputy Director and Director of Policy and Program Development (Women's 
Health).
 [FR Doc. E6-10230 Filed 6-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-33-P