Strengthening Management Support Services for HHS Global AIDS Program in the Republic of India, 46853-46860 [05-15891]

Agencies

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 154 (Thursday, August 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46853-46860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15891]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening Management Support Services for HHS Global AIDS 
Program in the Republic of India

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA019.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: September 6, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301(a) and 
307 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Sections 241 and 
2421, as amended, and Under Public Law 108-25 (United States 
Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003 
[22 U.S.C. 7601].

    Background: President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has 
called for immediate, comprehensive and evidence-based action to turn 
the tide of global HIV/AIDS. The initiative aims to treat more than two 
million HIV-infected people with effective combination anti-retroviral 
therapy by 2008; care for ten million HIV-infected and affected 
persons, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS, by 2008; and prevent 
seven million infections by 2010, with a focus on 15 priority 
countries, including 12 in sub-Saharan Africa. The five-year strategy 
for the Emergency Plan is available at the following Internet address: 
https://www.state.gov/s/gac/rl/or/c11652.htm.
    The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) Global AIDS Program (GAP) mission in India is to work with Indian 
and international partners to develop, evaluate and support effective 
implementation of interventions to prevent HIV and related illnesses, 
and to improve care and support of persons with HIV/AIDS. The program 
aims to build local capacity and promote in-country leadership and 
ownership of activities; focus on national and local priorities; share 
experiences and technical information, and coordinate activities with 
other programs; and use local expertise whenever possible.
    Specifically, HHS/GAP's mission in India is to:
    1. Provide support and training for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in 
health care facilities and in the community.
    2. Establish training expertise for HIV/AIDS prevention and care 
and infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other 
states in India.
    3. Strengthen the local and national responses to HIV/AIDS in India 
through support and collaboration with the Indian National AIDS Control 
Organization, State AIDS Control Societies, networks of HIV-positive 
people, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 
and others.
    Purpose: The purpose of the program is to provide management, 
administrative and some technical support to the HHS/GAP India program.
    Specific measurable outcomes of this program include, but are not 
limited to, routine reporting, which verifies responsible maintenance 
of program expenditures and program technical activities and confirms 
accountability of United States Government (USG) funds spent in India.
    The measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with 
the goals of the National Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted 
Diseases, and Tuberculosis Prevention (NCHSTP) within the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention within HHS: By 2010, work with other 
countries, international organizations, the U.S. Department of State, 
the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other 
partners to achieve the United Nations General Assembly Special Session 
on HIV/AIDS goal of reducing prevalence among young persons 15 to 24 
years of age, reducing HIV transmission, and improving care of people 
living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). They will also contribute to the goals of 
the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (The Emergency Plan), 
which are to provide treatment to two million HIV-infected people, 
prevent seven million new HIV infections' and provide care for ten 
million people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and 
vulnerable children.
    Under the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, as part 
of the President's Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) works with host countries and other key partners 
to assess the needs of each country and design a customized program of 
assistance that fits within the host nation's strategic plan.
    HHS focuses on two or three major program areas in each country. 
Goals and priorities include the following:
     Achieving primary prevention of HIV infection through 
activities such as expanding confidential counseling and testing 
programs, building programs to reduce mother-to-child transmission, and 
strengthening programs to reduce transmission via blood transfusion and 
medical injections.
     Improving the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, sexually 
transmitted diseases (STDs) and related opportunistic infections by 
improving STD management; enhancing care and treatment of opportunistic 
infections, including tuberculosis (TB); and initiating programs to 
provide anti-retroviral therapy (ART).
     Strengthening the capacity of countries to collect and use 
surveillance data and manage national HIV/AIDS programs by expanding 
HIV/STD/TB surveillance programs and strengthening laboratory support 
for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, disease-monitoring and HIV 
screening for blood safety.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS, including the CDC. If an applicant proposes research activities, 
HHS will not review the application. For the definition of research, 
please see the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: 
https://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.
    Activities:
    The recipient of these funds is responsible for activities in 
multiple program areas designed to target underserved populations in 
India. Either the awardee will implement activities directly or will 
implement them through its subgrantees and/or subcontractors; the 
awardee will retain overall financial and programmatic management under 
the oversight of

[[Page 46854]]

HHS/CDC and the strategic direction of the Office of the Global AIDS 
Coordinator. The awardee must show a measurable progressive 
reinforcement of the capacity of indigenous organizations and local 
communities to respond to the national HIV epidemic, as well as 
progress towards the sustainability of activities.
    Applicants should describe activities in detail as part of a four-
year action plan (U.S. Government Fiscal Years 2005-2008 inclusive) 
that reflects the policies and goals outlined in the five-year strategy 
for the President's Emergency Plan.
    The grantee will produce an annual operational plan in the context 
of this four-year plan, which the U.S. Government Emergency Plan team 
on the ground in India will review as part of the annual Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and approval process 
managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The grantee 
may work on some of the activities listed below in the first year and 
in subsequent years, and then progressively add others from the list to 
achieve all of the Emergency Plan performance goals, as cited in the 
previous section. HHS/CDC, under the guidance of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator, will approve funds for activities on an annual basis, 
based on documented performance toward achieving Emergency Plan goals, 
as part of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process.
    Awardees activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Through this cooperative agreement, funds will go to one or more 
organizations that will serve as ``umbrella organizations,'' 
responsible for identifying and procuring the services of a number of 
sub-grantees based upon requirements and criteria developed by, and in 
close collaboration with, HHS/GAP in India, in conjunction with the 
Office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinators. The purpose of awarding to 
subgrantees is to provide HHS/GAP in India, with the ability to have 
access to technical support that will cover a broad technical and 
geographic base, and which might not be found in any one single 
organization. Such technical areas can include (but are not limited to) 
laboratory services, clinical management of HIV, community medicine, 
etc. A secondary purpose is to develop and build the capacity of the 
subgrantees, which will be indigenous NGOs/Community-based 
organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations, hospitals and/or other 
health-care organizations, universities, and other groups capable of 
designing, implementing and monitoring HIV-related public health 
initiatives in India, such as medical training programs and community-
care programs.
    2. Awardees will also be responsible for disbursing and managing 
U.S. Government funding in a transparent and competitive manner to the 
subgrantees, in accordance with U.S. Government laws and requirements.
    3. Awardees will provide accurate reporting of all funds to HHS/GAP 
in India.
    4. Using criteria developed in collaboration with HHS/GAP in India, 
awardees will identify subgrantees in a transparent and competitive 
process, and work closely with the subgrantees to develop their 
programs. Such programs will be training centers for local Indian 
medical personnel, and will develop a feasible and effective strategy 
that can be initiated within six months of funding.
    5. Awardees will select, establish and monitor the activities of an 
effective network of subgrantees and technical consultants, according 
to criteria and standards developed in collaboration with HHS/GAP in 
India.
    6. Awardees may focus on other parts of the country, including one 
or more northern Indian states in areas where the HIV epidemic is 
emerging.
    7. At least one of the awardees will focus its attention and 
activities on the southern region of India, where the epidemic has been 
concentrated to date.
    8. Awardees will identify project staffing needs, including 
administrative, management and technical staff; hire and train staff.
    9. Awardees will identify furnishings, fittings, equipment and 
other fixed-asset procurement needs of the project and acquire them 
through a transparent and competitive process.
    10. Within the first three months from the date of this award, 
awardees will develop a strategic plan to include: goals; objectives; a 
monitoring plan; and an implementation strategy to identify recipients 
of sub-grants, in a transparent and competitive process, select and 
review their implementation activities, and establish their reporting 
requirements.
    11. Awardees will establish a suitable administrative and financial 
management structure, by utilizing less than 10 percent of grant funds 
in overhead (inclusive of salaries, rent, office supplies, and 
management fees), or five percent (exclusive of salaries, rent, office 
supplies, and management fees).
    12. Awardees will establish an acceptable reporting structure in 
collaboration with HHS/GAP India and including the strategic 
information guidance provided by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    13. Information on HIV prevention methods (or strategies) must 
include abstinence, faithfulness, and, for populations engaged in high-
risk behaviors,\1\ using condoms consistently and correctly. These 
approaches can avoid risk (abstinence) or effectively reduce risk for 
HIV (monogamy, consistent and correct condom use).
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    \1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include 
engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging in sex in exchange 
for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-positive partner or one 
whose status is unknown, using drugs or abusing alcohol in the 
context of sexual interactions, and using intravenous drugs. Women, 
even if faithful themselves, can still be at risk of becoming 
infected by their spouse, regular male partner, or someone using 
force against them. Other high-risk persons or groups include men 
who have sex with men and workers who are employed away from home. 
Awardees may not implement condom social marketing without also 
implementing abstinence and faithfulness behavior-change 
interventions.
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    14. Work to link activities described here with related HIV care 
and other social services in the area, and promote coordination at all 
levels, including through bodies such as village, district, regional 
and national HIV coordination committees and networks of faith-based 
organizations.
    15. Participate in relevant national technical coordination 
committees and in national process(es) to define, implement and monitor 
simplified small grants program(s) for faith- and community-based 
organizations, to ensure local stakeholders receive adequate 
information and assistance to engage and access effectively funding 
opportunities supported by the President's Emergency Plan and other 
donors.
    16. Progressively reinforce the capacity of faith- and community-
based organizations and village and district AIDS committees to promote 
quality, local ownership, accountability and sustainability of 
activities.
    Through this program, HHS/GAP in India will broaden its ability to 
implement care programs by establishing an effective arrangement with 
one or more organizations, which in turn will identify qualified 
subgrantees in a transparent and competitive process. Through this 
program, HHS/GAP in India will further support the goals of the 
President's Emergency Plan by developing and further strengthening the 
capacity of local organizations to provide good quality HIV care to 
people living with AIDS (PLWA) in India. The awardees will, through 
this program, provide

[[Page 46855]]

technical support (through the subgrantees) to HHS/GAP in India.
    Selected subgrantees will carry out the goals of GAP India through 
the following activities:
    1. Strengthening the capacity of primary health care centers to 
address HIV care and prevention, initially in one or two districts in 
the State of Andhra Pradesh, with possible expansion into other 
districts in Andhra Pradesh or other Indian states, if successful.
    2. Train private medical practitioners and village health nurses in 
local languages, and provide appropriate follow up to the training.
    3. Develop centers of excellence in training of medical personnel 
in HIV/AIDS care.
    4. Develop and sustain effective and cost-efficient community care 
and support interventions for PLWHAs.
    5. Employ core team resource persons in various areas of expertise, 
such as training, counseling, management, behavior change 
communication, laboratory quality control, monitoring and evaluation.
    6. Develop programs that enhance or complement existing HIV 
training programs.
    7. Establish culturally and age-appropriate media advocacy programs 
in local languages.
    8. Develop and administer public-private partnerships in close 
collaboration with HHS/GAP in India and with state AIDS control 
societies.
    Based on its competitive advantage and proven field experience, the 
winning applicant will undertake a broad range of activities to meet 
the numerical Emergency Plan targets outlined above. For each of these 
activities, the grantee will give priority to evidence-based, yet 
culturally adapted, innovative approaches.
    Administration: Comply with all HHS management requirements for 
meeting participation and progress and financial reporting for this 
cooperative agreement. (See HHS Activities and Reporting sections below 
for details.) Comply with all policy directives established by the 
Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    HHS activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Provide input into the development of the overall program 
strategy, including collaboration in the selection of key personnel 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement.
    2. Define, in collaboration with the awardees and other HHS 
partners, the specific geographic reach of the activities of the 
awardees.
    3. Provide clearly defined goals and desired outcomes for 
subgrantee activities; and provide technical input and assistance in 
the selection of subgrantees.
    4. Collaborate in the development of an information system for 
record-keeping and information access following the strategic 
information guidance provided by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    5. Collaborate in the development of a monitoring and evaluation 
system; and provide technical assistance, as needed, in the monitoring 
and evaluation of program activities, including all activities by 
subgrantees following the strategic information guidance provided by 
the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    6. Assist, as needed, in appropriate analysis and interpretation of 
program evaluation data collected.
    7. Provide support in all aspects of the implementation of the 
cooperative agreement. This will include, but will not be limited to, 
working with subgrantees to review existing materials available for 
PLWHA; developing culturally appropriate information and education 
resources for PLWHA; and supporting other activities that address 
stigma and discrimination, as required.
    8. Promote coordination of activities, as required, between the 
awardees and other HHS/GAP in India programs.
    9. Organize an orientation meeting with the awardee to brief them 
on applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    10. Review and approve the process used by the awardee to select 
key personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of 
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and 
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    11. Review and approve awardee's annual work plan and detailed 
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of 
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    12. Review and approve awardee's monitoring and evaluation plan, 
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    13. Meet on a monthly basis with awardee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    14. Meet on a quarterly basis with awardee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    15. Meet on an annual basis with awardee to review annual progress 
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for Country Operational 
Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    Either HHS staff or staff from other organizations that have 
successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS contract, 
cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and 
training.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    HHS involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section 
above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
    Approximate Total Funding: $300,000-$1,000,000 (year one). 
$300,000-$1,200,000 (per year for years two-five). (This amount is an 
estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One-Three.
    Approximate Average Award: $300,000 per award (This amount is for 
the first 12-month budget period, and includes direct costs.)
    Floor of Award Range: $150,000.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $1,000,000 (This ceiling is for the first 
12-month budget period.)
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Five years.
    Throughout the project period, HHS's commitment to continuation of 
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of 
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government, as determined by the annual review 
of country operational plans for the President's Emergency Plan for 
AIDS Relief, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

[[Page 46856]]

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible applicants

    Organizations that possess the experience and ability to identify, 
select and manage sub-grantees in a transparent and competitive process 
and report back to HHS may submit applications. Awardees must be based 
in India and may be public, non-profit organizations; private non-
profit organizations; universities; community-based organizations; and 
faith-based organizations with experience in identifying appropriate 
subgrantees in a transparent and competitive process to design and 
carry out the goals and objectives of HHS/GAP in India. Awardees must 
also be capable of providing planning, management and monitoring 
support to subgrantees.
    In addition, each eligible applicant will:
     Be a legal entity that has worked in India for over ten 
years.
     Have experience in working in the health sector 
(preferably in the area of HIV/AIDS care and support) for over five 
years.
     Possess at least ten years of experience in successfully 
managing efficient and sustainable programs.
     Possess experience and capability in efficiently awarding 
(in a transparent and competitive process) and monitoring subcontracts 
and/or subgrants in India.
     Have earned the recognition and respect of the Government 
of India at both the national and state levels.
     Have earned the recognition and respect of local NGOs in 
India.
     Possess contacts and proactive working relationships with 
networks of NGOs and faith-based organizations.
     Have an existing office in one or more of the following 
locations, which will serve as the headquarters for this cooperative 
agreement: Chennai; Hyderabad; or Bangalore, for grantees that will 
focus on the southern region of India. If additional applicants are 
selected to focus on other regions in India, applicants must have an 
office in at least one of the following locations: Bhopal; Patna; 
Lucknow; Jaipur; Ranchi; Bhubaneshwar; Calcutta; or Mumbai. The 
applicant must have had a fully functional office of its own in one of 
the above cities for a minimum of two years.
    Competition for this cooperative agreement is limited to the types 
of organizations listed above because of the uniqueness of the specific 
activities for this project. Awardees must have specific knowledge and 
capability to identify locally based subgrantees in urban and rural 
locations in a transparent and competitive process and in multiple and 
diverse geographic locations throughout India. The types of 
organizations listed above would have direct experience and on the 
ground capacity and knowledge to perform this type of activity in India 
in local languages.
    Furthermore, a guiding principle of the President's Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief, which implements assistance for HIV/AIDS in countries 
throughout the world, calls for the support and development of local 
expertise and capacity so national programs can achieve results and 
monitor and evaluate their activities for the long term. Through the 
President's Emergency Plan, HHS/GAP in India seeks to support and 
foster the development of indigenous leadership, which is critical to 
developing a sustainable and successful response to the AIDS epidemic 
in India.
    In adherence to these guiding principles, competition for this 
cooperative agreement is therefore limited to the organizations listed 
above.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

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

III.3. Other

    If applicants request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of 
the award range, HHS/CDC will consider the application non-responsive, 
and it will not enter into the review process. We will notify you that 
your application did not meet the submission requirements.
    Special Requirements: If your application is incomplete or non-
responsive to the special requirements listed in this section, it will 
not enter into the review process. We will notify you that your 
application did not meet submission requirements.
     HHS/CDC will consider late applications non-responsive. 
See section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information 
on deadlines.

     Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 
states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not 
eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or 
loan.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161-1.

Electronic Submission

    HHS strongly encourages you to submit your application 
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this 
announcement at https://www.grants.gov.

Paper Submission

    Application forms and instructions are available on the HHS/CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: https://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/
forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, contact the HHS/CDC Procurement 
and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIM) 
staff at: 770-488-2700. We can mail application forms to you.

IV.2. Content and Form of Submission

    Application: You must submit a project narrative with your 
application forms. You must submit the narrative in the following 
format:
     Maximum number of pages: 20. If the narrative exceeds the 
page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page limit.
     Font size: 12 point unreduced.
     Double-spaced.
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
     Page margin size: One inch.
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     All pages must be numbered, and a complete index to the 
application and any appendices must be included.
     Application must be submitted in English.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
    1. A detailed summary of the applicant organization's past and 
current activities in India. This should include a description of the 
applicant's experience and expertise with: public health issues 
(including HIV); rural development; health care systems and 
infrastructure; training of medical personnel; managing large budgets; 
identifying, organizing and monitoring subgrantees and/or technical 
consultants; conducting or overseeing monitoring and evaluation 
activities;

[[Page 46857]]

working with community groups; etc. The applicant should additionally 
describe its efforts and successes in sustaining interventions beyond 
the initial funding period.
    2. A description of the applicant's existing infrastructure 
(including its offices) in the required state capital cities listed 
earlier in this announcement, and what function these offices have 
served over the past few years. The applicant should also include any 
expansion plans for its offices, or establishment of new offices in 
that region of India. The applicant should also describe its existing 
formal, as well as informal, relationships with other local and state-
level organizations and agencies.
    3. A detailed plan for initiating the activities required in the 
request for assistance in the first three-six months. This should 
include:
    a. A detailed analysis of which states, or areas within certain 
states, the applicant proposes to work in; and which states/areas the 
applicant feels most comfortable working in (and why).
    b. A discussion of the applicant's ability to identify and organize 
region or state(s) of focus; a plan or structure for selecting 
subgrantees and consultants; and a plan for communicating with 
subgrantees, consultants, contractors, HHS/CDC and its partners, and 
other governmental agencies and NGOs (including faith-based 
organizations) working in the field of HIV in that particular 
geographical area.
    c. A plan for assessing the technical, management and human 
capacity needs of the subgrantees, as well as the technical 
consultants, within the specific needs of the local communities in 
addressing HIV prevention and care and then responding to those needs; 
and a plan for developing a focused and efficient monitoring and 
evaluation system.
    d. A description of the project's contribution to the goals and 
objectives of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
    4. A thorough description of the staffing needs associated with 
this project and the ability of the applicant to meet these needs. This 
should include the names of specific individuals who would likely work 
on this cooperative agreement project, their skills and experiences to 
date, and their role in the project in year one. Complete resumes/
biographical sketches of these key personnel should be included as an 
appendix. This should include individuals currently working for the 
applicant organization, as well as those who would be hired as 
consultants or staff, if funded.
    5. In addition to the 20-page narrative, the applicant should 
submit a description of a specific plan to develop a new and innovative 
HIV training center for medical personnel outside of Tamil Nadu State. 
This is one of HHS/GAP in India's priority strategies for 2005 and, 
thus, it is important for the applicant to show some ability to 
formulate this into a feasible and effective strategy that can be 
initiated within six months of funding. It will also serve as a 
concrete way to judge the applicant's ability to plan, mobilize 
resources, and work in highly technical subjects. In ten pages or less, 
the applicant should briefly define the specific goals of this 
intervention; determine a specific site for the intervention (including 
an explanation of why this site is best suited for the project); 
identify specific consultants and subgrantees required, and their scope 
of work; create a project timeline and budget; and determine how to 
monitor the progress and success of this intervention.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. Additional information includes the following:
     Organizational Charts.
     Curriculum Vitas/Resumes.
     Letters of Support.
     Eligibility requirements are as follows:
    a. Proof of legal status in India (ten years).
    b. Proof of work in the health sector (preferably in the area of 
HIV/AIDS care and support) for over five years.
    c. Experience and capability in efficiently implementing and 
monitoring subcontracts and/or subgrants in India.
    HHS will consider applications that cannot provide proof of 
eligibility unresponsive.
    You must include a full budget and budget justification for year 
one in the application. The specific overhead costs should be clear, 
with the total not exceeding the limit set forth earlier in this 
announcement. A summary budget, with a brief budget justification, 
should also be included to address years two through five of the 
cooperative agreement. The summary budget for years two through five 
should be accompanied by a brief justification and be consistent with 
planned program activities. The budget justification will not count in 
the page limit stated above.
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
https://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    For more information, see the HHS/CDC Web site at: https://
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm. If the application form does 
not have a DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top 
of the first page of the application, and/or include the DUNS number in 
the application cover letter.
    Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional 
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 6, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date.
    You may submit your application electronically at https://
www.grants.gov. We consider applications completed online through 
Grants.gov as formally submitted when the applicant organization's 
Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to https://
www.grants.gov. We will consider electronic applications as having met 
the deadline if the applicant organization's Authorizing Official has 
submitted the application electronically to Grants.gov on or before the 
deadline date and time.
    If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your 
application will be electronically time/date stamped, which will serve 
as receipt of submission. You will receive an e-mail notice of receipt 
when HHS/CDC receives the application.
    If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure the carrier will be 
able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If HHS/CDC 
receives the submission after the closing date because: (1) Carrier 
error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for 
delivery by the closing date and time, or (2) significant weather 
delays or natural disasters, you will have the opportunity to submit 
documentation of the carrier's guarantee. If the documentation verifies 
a carrier problem, HHS/CDC will

[[Page 46858]]

consider the submission as received by the deadline.
    If you submit a hard copy application, HHS/CDC will not notify you 
upon receipt of your submission. If you have a question about the 
receipt of your application, first contact your courier. If you still 
have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at: (770) 488-2700. Before 
calling, please wait two to three days after the submission deadline. 
This will allow time for us to process and log submissions.
    This announcement is the definitive guide on application content, 
submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in 
the application instructions. If the submission does not meet the 
deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and we will discard 
it. We will notify you that you did not meet the submission 
requirements.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
     Funds may not be used for research.
     Award will allow recipients reimbursement of pre-award 
costs, such as photocopying, fax, postage or delivery charges, and 
translation.
     Awardees will establish a suitable administrative and 
financial management structure, utilizing less than 10 percent of grant 
funds in overhead (inclusive of salaries, rent, office supplies, and 
management fees), or five percent (exclusive of salaries, rent, office 
supplies, and management fees).
     Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. Equipment may be 
purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives; 
however, prior approval by HHS/CDC officials must be requested in 
writing.
     All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not 
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through 
the issuance of supplemental awards.
     The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization (WHO), Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United States or to international organizations 
regardless of their location.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required).
     You must obtain an annual audit by a U.S.-based audit firm 
with international branches and current licensure/authority in-country, 
and in accordance with International Accounting Standards or equivalent 
standard(s) approved in writing by HHS/CDC.
     A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, 
prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business 
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. 
Federal funds.
     Funds received from this announcement will not be used for 
the purchase of antiretroviral drugs for treatment of established HIV 
infection (with the exception of nevirapine in Prevention of Mother-to-
Child Transmission (PMTCT) cases with prior written approval), 
occupational exposures, and non-occupational exposures.
     No funds appropriated under this announcement shall be 
used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles or 
syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
Prostitution and Related Activities
    The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related 
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and 
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.
    Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document (``recipient'') cannot use such 
U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or 
practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding 
sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of 
palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical 
prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including 
test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.
    A recipient that is otherwise eligible to receive funds in 
connection with this document to prevent, treat, or monitor HIV/AIDS 
shall not be required to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to 
combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, or participate in a 
prevention method or treatment program to which the recipient has a 
religious or moral objection. Any information provided by recipients 
about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are 
funded in connection with this document shall be medically accurate and 
shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.
    In addition, any recipient must have a policy explicitly opposing 
prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not 
apply to any ``exempt organizations'' (defined as the Global Fund to 
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization and 
its six Regional Offices, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative or 
to any United Nations agency).
    The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:
     Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, 
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of 
a commercial sex act. 22 U.S.C. 7102(9).
    All recipients must insert provisions implementing the applicable 
parts of this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' in all 
subagreements under this award. These provisions must be express terms 
and conditions of the subagreement, must acknowledge that compliance 
with this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' is a 
prerequisite to receipt and expenditure of U.S. Government funds in 
connection with this document, and must acknowledge that any violation 
of the provisions shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the 
agreement prior to the end of its term. Recipients must agree that HHS 
may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials 
maintained or prepared by the recipient in the usual course of its 
operations that relate to the organization's compliance with this 
section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities.''
    All prime recipients that receive U.S. Government funds (``prime 
recipients'') in connection with this document must certify compliance 
prior to actual receipt of such funds in a written statement that makes 
reference to this document (e.g., ``[Prime recipient's name] certifies 
compliance with the section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities.' 
'') addressed to the agency's grants officer. Such certifications by 
prime recipients are prerequisites to the payment of any U.S. 
Government funds in connection with this document.

[[Page 46859]]

    Recipients' compliance with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities,'' is an express term and condition of receiving 
U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and any 
violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination by HHS of 
the agreement with HHS in connection with this document prior to the 
end of its term. The recipient shall refund to HHS the entire amount 
furnished in connection with this document in the event HHS determines 
the recipient has not complied with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities.''
    You may find guidance for completing your budget on the HHS/CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: https://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/
funding/budgetguide.htm.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

    Application Submission Address:

Electronic Submission:

    HHS/CDC strongly encourages you to submit electronically at: http:/
/www.grants.gov. You will be able to download a copy of the application 
package from https://www.grants.gov, complete it offline, and then 
upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. We will not 
accept e-mail submissions. If you are having technical difficulties in 
Grants.gov, you may reach them by e-mail at support@grants.gov or by 
phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center 
is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
    HHS/CDC recommends that you submit your application to Grants.gov 
early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the 
deadline. You may also submit a back-up paper submission of your 
application. We must receive any such paper submission in accordance 
with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. 
of the grant announcement. You must clearly mark the paper submission: 
``BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.''
    The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-
electronic submissions. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper 
submissions by the deadline, we will consider the electronic version 
the official submission.
    We strongly recommend that you submit your grant application by 
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may 
submit a PDF file. You may find directions for creating PDF files on 
the Grants.gov web site. Use of files other than Microsoft Office or 
PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff, or

Paper Submission

    Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail 
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical 
Information Management--RFA AA019, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

    Applicants must provide measures of effectiveness that will 
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of 
the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the 
performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must 
measure the intended outcome. Applicants must submit these measures of 
effectiveness with the application, and they will be an element of 
evaluation.
    We will evaluate your application against the following criteria:
    1. Understanding the national HIV/AIDS response and cultural and 
political context in India and fitting into the five-year strategy and 
goals of the President's Emergency Plan. Understanding the issues, 
principles and systems required in providing effective leadership, 
management and support of subgrantees and technical experts, including 
the financial and the technical requirements to promote the goals and 
specific strategies of HHS/GAP India. (30 points).
    Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the national 
cultural and political context and the technical and programmatic areas 
covered by the project? Does the applicant display knowledge of the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan, such 
that it can build on these to develop a comprehensive, collaborative 
project to reach underserved populations in India? Does the applicant 
prove (through its experience and the written proposal) that it has a 
firm understanding of public health and development within an Indian 
context, as well as some expertise in the existing systems of health 
care delivery and medical training in local languages in India? Does 
the applicant's proposal demonstrate knowledge of the systems required 
to effectively manage U.S. Government funds, disburse U.S. Government 
funds to a network of NGOs, CBOs, faith-based organizations and others, 
and provide management support to this network?
    2. Work Plan. (20 points).
    Does the applicant describe strategies that are pertinent and match 
those identified in the five-year strategy of the President's Emergency 
Plan and activities that are evidence-based, realistic, achievable, 
time-framed, measurable and culturally appropriate in India to achieve 
the goals of this program and of the Emergency Plan? Does the applicant 
propose an immediate start up plan to identify and select subgrantees 
and technical experts in a transparent and competitive process, which 
will help the grantee establish needed interventions and, at the same 
time, assist HHS in expanding its overall programmatic strategies?
    3. Personnel. (20 points).
    Are the professional personnel, including qualifications, training, 
availability and experience, adequate to carry out the proposed 
activities? Are specific individuals identified to lead this large 
initiative, and are they appropriate for the given task? Does the 
applicant have the connections and good will in the region to identify 
and recruit additional personnel? Do the proposed staff, sub-grantees, 
and consultants have the appropriate experience, the community trust, 
and the local language fluency necessary to provide technical 
assistance to CBOs, NGOs, faith-based organizations, the private 
sector, and/or state/local government agencies?
    4. Administrative and Accounting Experience and Plan. (20 points).
    Does the applicant have a proven track record in managing large 
budgets; running transparent and competitive procurement processes, 
supervising consultants and contractors; using subgrants or other 
systems of sharing resources with CBOs, faith-based organizations or 
smaller NGOs; and providing technical assistance? Is there a plan to 
prepare reports; monitor and audit expenditures under this agreement; 
manage the resources of the program; and produce, collect and analyze 
performance data?
    5. Ability to work with HHS/GAP and other key stakeholders on 
implementing the project. (10 points).
    Does the application address the requirement to work 
collaboratively with HHS/GAP in India in the development and 
implementation of program activities? Does the applicant, and their 
proposed staff, have the communication skills and systems to work 
effectively with multiple partners,

[[Page 46860]]

including HHS/GAP in India? Does the applicant describe a plan to 
progressively build the capacity of local organizations and of target 
beneficiaries and communities to respond to the epidemic?
    6. Budget. (Reviewed, but not scored).
    Is the budget for conducting the activity itemized and well-
justified and consistent with the five-year strategy and goals of the 
President's Emergency Plan and the stated activities and planned 
program activities? Is the overhead less than 10 percent of the total 
budget (including salaries, supplies, rent, and management fees) or 
less than five percent (excluding salaries, rent, office supplies, and 
management fees)?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review 
applications for completeness, and HHS Global AIDS program will review 
them for responsiveness. Incomplete applications and applications that 
are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through 
the review process. Applicants will receive notification that their 
application did not meet submission requirements.
    An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive 
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria'' 
section above. All persons who serve on the panel will be external to 
the U.S. Government Country Program Office. The panel may include both 
Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision:
    While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will give 
preference to existing national/Indian organizations. It is possible 
for one organization to apply as lead grantee with a plan that includes 
partnering with other organizations, preferably local. Although 
matching funds are not required, preference will be go to organizations 
that can leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals.

V.3. Anticipated Award Date

    September 15, 2005.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the 
HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only 
binding, authorizing document between the recipient and HHS/CDC. An 
authorized Grants Management Officer will sign the NoA, and mail it to 
the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review by mail.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92.
    For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the 
National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet 
address: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
    The following additional requirements apply to this project:
     AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions.
     AR-7 Executive Order 12372.
     AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements.
     AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions.
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements.
     AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status.
     AR-25 Release and Sharing of Data.
    Applicants can find additional information on these requirements on 
the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: https://
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.
    You need to include an additional Certifications form from the 
PHS5161-1 application in your Grants.gov electronic submission only. 
Please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-
Certificates.pdf. Once you have filled out the form, please attach it 
to your Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies, of 
the following reports:
    1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end 
of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-
competing continuation application, and must contain the following 
elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Budget.
    e. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
India.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Annual progress report, due no more than 60 days after the end 
of the budget period. Reports should include progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
India.
    3. Financial status report, due no more than 90 days after the end 
of the budget period.
    4. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    Recipients must mail these reports to the Grants Management or 
Contract Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this 
announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.
    For general questions, contact: Technical Information Management 
Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 
770-488-2700.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Michael Friedman, MD, 
HHS/CDC, Global AIDS Program (India), Country Team c/o U.S. Consulate 
General, 220 Mount Road, Chennai, India 600 006, Telephone: 91-44-2811-
2000, E-mail address: FriedmanM@gapcdcin.org, or Nancy Hedemark Nay, 
MPH (Project Officer), HHS/CDC, Global AIDS Program (India), Country 
Team c/o U.S. Embassy, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India 110 
021, Telephone: 91-11-2419-8000, E-mail address: NHN1@cdc.gov.
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Shirley Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants 
Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 Brandywine 
Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-1515, E-mail address: 
zbx6@cdc.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    Applicants can find this and other HHS funding opportunity 
announcements on the HHS/CDC Web site, Internet address: https://
www.cdc.gov (click on ``Funding,'' then ``Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements''), and on the Web site of the HHS Office of Global Health 
Affairs, Internet address: https://www.globalhealth.gov.

    Dated: August 5, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 05-15891 Filed 8-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P