Strengthening the Delivery of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Support, and Treatment in the Republic of Ethiopia as Part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 48143-48149 [05-16173]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48143-48149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16173]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening the Delivery of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention, 
Care, Support, and Treatment in the Republic of Ethiopia as Part of the 
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: AA119.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Dates: Application Deadline: September 9, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 307 and 
317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C Sections 242l and 
247b(k)(2)], 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].
    Purpose: 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.
    Over the same time period, as part of a collective national 
response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Ethiopia are to treat at 
least 210,000 HIV-infected individuals; and care for 1,050,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
    Purpose: The purpose of this funding announcement is to 
progressively build an indigenous, sustainable response to the national 
HIV epidemic through the rapid expansion of innovative, culturally 
appropriate, high-quality HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions, 
increase and strengthen the role of PLWHA in prevention, care, and 
treatment activities and improved linkages to HIV counseling and 
testing and HIV treatment to target rural and other underserved 
populations in Ethiopia.
    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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one 
(or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the numerical goals 
of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and HHS/CDC National 
Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (NCHSTP): Increase the proportion 
of HIV-infected people who are linked to appropriate prevention, care 
and treatment services, and strengthen the capacity nationwide to 
monitor the epidemic, develop and implement effective HIV prevention 
interventions and evaluate prevention programs.
    Activities: The recipient of these funds is responsible for 
activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved 
populations in Ethiopia. Either the awardee will

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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 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 Ethiopia 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.
    Specific awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Conduct needs assessment to determine risk factors, target 
behaviors, barriers, facilitators, reinforcement mechanisms, 
communication channels, availability of services, family demographics/
situations, etc. to inform the development prevention, care and 
treatment programs among people living with HIV/AIDS.
    2. Develop/adapt or organize tools such as operations manuals, 
training manuals, and guidelines in the areas of, prevention of mother-
to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, confidential voluntary counseling 
and testing (VCT), sexually transmitted infections (STI), tuberculosis 
(TB), laboratory, and other technical areas as deemed appropriate for 
provision of interventions, trainings, and targeted monitoring and 
evaluations.
    3. Institute the needed administrative and functional arrangements 
to coordinate the day-to-day activity of the project to guarantee 
effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability.
    4. Organize and procure necessary equipment and supplies in a 
transparent and competitive process, and coordinate services, trainings 
in local languages and targeted monitoring and evaluations.
    5. Provide trainings on counseling and home-based care to PLWHA to 
improve the provision of care at the community level.
    6. Establish self'care and anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment 
information resource center/section within the network of people living 
with HIV/AIDS to update members on current development including in ARV 
treatment.
    7. Establish peer-support system among the network of people living 
with HIV/AIDS to facilitate health-seeking behavior and adherence to 
ARV treatment.
    8. Engage PLWHA to closely work with public and private health 
facilities to strengthen adherence to care and treatment, including ARV 
drug adherence, such as linkage of health facilities to community/
household activities.
    9. Undertake activities geared towards prevention among HIV 
positives by following the ``ABC'' (Abstinence; Be faithful; and, for 
populations engaged in high-risk behavior,\1\ correct and consistent 
condom use) strategies and prevention and control of sexually 
transmitted infections. Awardees may not implement condom social 
marketing without also implementing abstinence and faithfulness 
behavior change interventions.
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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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    10. Conduct culturally and age-appropriate workshops, seminars and 
popularization events in local languages related to HIV/AIDS 
prevention, control, and treatment.
    11. Conduct targeted monitoring and evaluations of projects and in 
identified priority areas that require evidence for perusal in programs 
implementation, according to the strategic information guidance 
established by the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

Administration

    Winning applicants must comply with all HHS management requirements 
for meeting participation and progress and financial reporting for this 
cooperative agreement. (See HHS Activities and Reporting sections below 
for details.) Winning applicants must comply with all policy directives 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    HHS Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief it on 
applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    2. Review and approve the process used by the grantee to select key 
personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of 
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and 
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    3. Review and approve grantee's annual work plan and detailed 
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of 
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    4. Review and approve grantee's monitoring and evaluation plan, 
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    5. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    6. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    7. Meet on an annual basis with grantee to review annual progress 
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for

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Country Operational Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global 
AIDS Coordinator.
    8. Provide technical assistance, as mutually agreed upon, and 
revise annually during validation of the first and subsequent annual 
work plans. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted 
training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic 
information, project management, confidential counseling and testing, 
palliative care, treatment literacy, and adult learning techniques.
    Please note: Either HHS staff or staff from organizations that have 
successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS contract, 
cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and 
training.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. HHS involvement in this 
program is listed in the Activities Section above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
    Approximate Total Funding: $1,250,000 (This amount is an estimate, 
and is subject to availability of funds).
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $250,000 (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes direct costs).
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $250,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Five years.
    Throughout the project period, HHS' commitment to continuation of 
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of 
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government, as determined by the annual review 
and approval of Country Operational Plans, managed by the U.S. Global 
AIDS Coordinator.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    Public and private non-profit and for-profit organizations may 
submit applications, such as:
     Public, non-profit organizations.
     Private, non-profit organizations.
     For-profit organizations.
     Small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
     Colleges.
     Universities.
     Hospitals.
     Community-based organizations.
     Faith-based organizations.
    In addition, applicants must meet the criteria listed below:
    1. Be indigenous to Ethiopia.
    2. Have the ability, and credibility to support culturally and age-
appropriate prevention, care, support, and treatment activities by 
PLWHA in local languages at the community and facility level.
    3. Documented experience in working with national and regional/
local PLWHA associations and support groups.
    4. Experience working with the Ethiopian Government, international 
organizations and community- and faith-based groups societies in the 
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

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 you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the 
award range, HHS/CDC will consider your application non-responsive, and 
will not enter into the review process. We will notify you that your 
application did not meet the submission requirements.
    Special Requirements: If your application is incomplete or non-
responsive to the special requirements listed in this section, it will 
not enter into the review process. We will notify you that your 
application did not meet submission requirements.
     HHS/CDC will consider late applications non-responsive. 
See section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information 
on deadlines.
     Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 
states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not 
eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or 
loan.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161-1.
    HHS strongly encourages you to submit your application 
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this 
announcement at https://www.grants.gov.
    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, you may contact the HHS/CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) staff at: 770-488-2700. We can mail application forms to you.

IV.2. Content and Form of Submission

    Application: You must submit a project narrative with your 
application forms. You must submit the narrative in the following 
format:
     Maximum number of pages: 25. If your narrative exceeds the 
page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page limit.
     Font size: 12 point unreduced.
     Double-spaced.
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
     Page margin size: One inch.
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     All pages should be numbered.
     Your application MUST be submitted in English.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
     Project Context and Background (Understanding and Need).
     Project Strategy--Description and Methodologies.
     Project Goals.
     Project Outputs.
     Project Contribution to the Goals and Objectives of the 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
     Work Plan and Description of Project Components and 
Activities.
     Performance Measures.
     Timeline (e.g., GANNT Chart).
     Management of Project Funds and Reporting.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. This additional information includes the following:
     Project Budget and Justification.
     Curriculum vitae of current staff who will work on the 
activity.
     Job descriptions of proposed key positions to be created 
for the activity.
     Quality-Assurance, Monitoring-and-Evaluation, and 
Strategic-Information Forms.
     Applicant's Corporate Capability Statement.

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     Letters of Support.
     Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure.
     Applicants must provide documentation that substantiates 
their well-developed management and financial controls and ability to 
implement HIV activities with reach to rural areas of Ethiopia. Such 
proof could include, but is not limited to, annual, financial, and 
audit reports, etc.
    The budget justification will not count in the narrative page 
limit.
    Although the narrative addresses activities for the entire project, 
the applicant should provide a detailed budget only for the first year 
of activities, while addressing budgetary plans for subsequent years.
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
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/pubcommt.htm. If your application form does 
not have a DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top 
of the first page of your application, and/or include your DUNS number 
in your application cover letter.
    Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional 
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 9, 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 your submission after closing because: (1) Carrier error, when 
the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the 
closing date and time, or (2) significant weather delays or natural 
disasters, you will have the opportunity to submit documentation of the 
carriers guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, 
HHS/CDC will 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 your submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be 
eligible for review, and we will discard it. We will notify you that 
you did not meet the submission requirements.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
     Funds may not be used for research.
     Needle Exchange--No funds appropriated under this Act 
shall be used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles 
or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
     Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel, training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment 
may be purchased and renovations completed if deemed necessary to 
accomplish program objectives; however, prior approval by HHS/CDC 
officials must be requested in writing.
     All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not 
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through 
the issuance of supplemental awards.
     The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United states or to international organizations, 
regardless of their location.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required) relating 
to the management of sub-grants to local organizations and improving 
their capacity.
     You must obtain an annual audit of these HHS/CDC funds 
(program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international 
branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance 
with International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s) 
approved in writing by HHS/CDC.
     A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, 
prior to or post award, to review the applicant's business management 
and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. Federal funds.

Prostitution and Related Activities

    The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related 
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and 
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.
    Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document (``recipient'') cannot use such 
U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or 
practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding 
sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of 
palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical 
prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities,

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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.
    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: HHS/CDC strongly encourages you to 
submit electronically at: https://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 recommended that you submit your grant application by 
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may 
submit a PDF file. You may find directions for creating PDF files on 
the Grants.gov web site. Use of files other than Microsoft Office or 
PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff.
 or:
    Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail 
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical 
Information Management--AA119, 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.
    An objective review panel appointed by HHS will evaluate each 
application against the following criteria:
1. Plans for Administration and Management of the Project (30 Points)
    Does the applicant provide a clear plan for the administration and 
management of the proposed activities, to manage the resources of the 
program, prepare reports, monitor and evaluate activities and audit 
expenditures?
2. Technical and Programmatic Approach (20 Points)
    Does the applicant's proposal demonstrate an understanding of how 
to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate activities listed 
above? Does the applicant describe strategies that are pertinent and 
match those identified in the five-year strategy of the President's 
Emergency Plan and activities that are evidence-based, realistic, 
achievable, measurable and culturally appropriate in Ethiopia to 
achieve the goals of the Emergency Plan?
3. Ability To Carry Out the Project (20 Points)
    Does the applicant demonstrate the local experience and capability 
to achieve the goals of the project?

[[Page 48148]]

4. Personnel (20 Points)
    Are staff involved in this project qualified to perform the tasks 
described? CVs provided should include information that they are 
qualified to perform HIV/AIDS, prevention, care, support and treatment 
activities in the local languages? Are the staff roles clearly defined? 
Are professional personnel involved in this project qualified, 
including evidence of experience in working with HIV/AIDS, sexually 
transmitted infections, and tuberculosis?
5. Understanding the Problem (10 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 Ethiopia and meet the goals 
of the Emergency Plan? Does the applicant demonstrate a clear and 
concise understanding of the general AIDS epidemic situation, the 
policy environment and current training and research needs in Ethiopia?
6. Budget (Not Scored)
    Is the itemized budget for conducting the project is reasonable and 
well-justified? Is the budget itemized, well-justified and consistent 
with the five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan 
and Emergency Plan activities in Ethiopia?

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 in Ethiopia. The panel can 
include both Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision:
    It is possible for one organization to apply as lead grantee with a 
plan that includes partnering with other organizations, preferably 
local. Although matching funds are not required, preference will be go 
to organizations that can leverage additional funds to contribute to 
program goals.
    Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined 
by the review panel. HHS/CDC will provide justification for any 
decision to fund out of rank order.

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    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-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
     AR-7 Executive Order 12372
     AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
     AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
    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 PHS 
5161-1 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 Attachment Forms.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies, of 
the following reports (in English).
    1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end 
of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-
competing continuation application, and must contain the following 
elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Budget.
    e. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Ethiopia.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Annual progress report, due 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 
Ethiopia.
    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: Tadesse Wuhib, MD, MPH, 
Country Director, HHS/CDC-Ethiopia, P.O. Box 1014, Entoto Road, Addis 
Ababa. Telephone: (Office) 251-1-66-95-33; (Cell) 251-9-228543. E-mail 
address: wuhibt@etcdc.com.
    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: 
SWynn@cdc.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    Applicants can find this and other HHS funding opportunity

[[Page 48149]]

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 9, 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. 05-16173 Filed 8-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P