Enhancing the Community Response to HIV/AIDS and TB Through the Expanded Role of the Community Treatment Supporters in the Republic of Zambia, 48560-48566 [05-16357]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 159 (Thursday, August 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48560-48566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16357]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Enhancing the Community Response to HIV/AIDS and TB Through the 
Expanded Role of the Community Treatment Supporters in the Republic of 
Zambia

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA159.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 12, 2005.

[[Page 48561]]

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. 241 and 2421], as 
amended, and under Public Law 108-25 (United States Leadership 
Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003) [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.
    Over the same time period, as part of a collective national 
response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Zambia are to treat at 
least 120,000 HIV-infected individuals and care for 600,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
    The HIV/AIDS epidemic poses a health and developmental crisis for 
Zambia. The prevalence of infection in the general population was 
estimated at 16 percent in the last Demographic and Health Survey, 
though infection rates vary from more than 23 percent in urban areas to 
11 percent in rural areas. It is estimated that more than 900,000 
Zambians are currently living with HIV, and more than 200,000 are in 
need of specific anti-retroviral treatment (ART). The Government of 
Zambia has instituted an ART program in the public sector, and has set 
a goal of 100,000 on ART by the end of 2005. There are over 22,000 
people currently on ART in Zambia in both the public and private 
sectors, with support of co-operating partners such as the President's 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan), the Global Fund and 
the World Bank. However, for the majority of Zambians living with HIV, 
the primary type of HIV/AIDS care and support available is psychosocial 
support, non-ART health care and home-based care.
    Tuberculosis (TB) represents a major public health problem in 
Zambia, and notification rates in the country have increased more than 
fivefold in the last 20 years. According to the World Health 
Organization, the estimated notification rate for TB in Zambia is 668/
100,000, which makes it one of the countries with the highest burden of 
the disease. The increase in cases stems, in the main part, from co-
infection with HIV. Based on studies carried out in Lusaka, the capital 
city, HIV co-infection rates for newly diagnosed pulmonary TB cases are 
50-70 percent, with much higher rates of infection in extra-pulmonary 
cases.
    The Government of Zambia has adopted the Directly Observed 
Treatment Strategy (DOTS) for the management of TB. Direct observation 
of treatment occurs through health facilities in close collaboration 
with community members, who function as treatment supporters. 
Logistical problems, such as shortage of trained health personnel; long 
distances to health centers, especially in rural areas; poor road and 
transportation networks; and a high proportion of bed-ridden TB 
patients from co-infection with HIV make this method of supervising 
treatment the most practical.
    With the more widespread availability of ART, the role of community 
treatment supporters for TB is a possible mechanism to provide support 
to patients on ART, to enhance adherence to treatment. The Zambian 
Central Board of Health, with technical and financial support from HHS, 
has developed a manual for the training of community treatment 
supporters. To increase the number of treatment supporters, the winning 
applicant will implement a training-of-trainers program, with specific 
emphasis on the mission hospitals that provide over 50 percent of 
formal health care in rural Zambia. The trainers will, in turn, train 
community members to support TB/HIV patients. Logistical support will 
go to the treatment supporters to enable them to carry out their 
supportive activities, along with support to the mission hospitals to 
improve the care and treatment provided to people living with HIV/AIDS.
    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, 
and improved linkages to HIV counseling and testing and HIV treatment 
services targeting underserved populations in Zambia.
    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.
    The purpose of the program is to enhance the role and involvement 
of community-level DOTS volunteers in supporting the treatment and 
management of TB/HIV co-infected patients and people living with HIV/
AIDS in rural health facilities.
    The U.S. Government seeks to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in 
specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas 
through the President's Emergency Plan. Through this initiative, the 
HHS Global AIDS Program (GAP) will continue to work with host countries 
to strengthen capacity and expand activities in the areas of: (1) 
Primary HIV prevention; (2) HIV care, support, and treatment; and (3) 
capacity and infrastructure development. Focus countries represent 
those with the most severe epidemics and the highest number of new 
infections. They also represent countries where the potential for 
impact is greatest and where U.S. Government agencies are already 
active. Zambia is one of these focus countries.
    To carry out its activities in these countries, HHS is working in a 
collaborative manner with national governments and other agencies to 
develop programs of assistance to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As 
part of the President's Emergency Plan, HHS' mission in Zambia is to 
work with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its partners to develop and 
apply effective interventions to prevent and treat HIV infection and 
associated illnesses and death from AIDS.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one 
(or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the National Center 
for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Tuberculosis (TB) 
Prevention (NCHSTP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC) within HHS: By 2010, work with other countries, international 
organizations, the U.S. Department of State, 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 people 15 to 24 years of age. In 
addition, the measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment 
with the goals of the President's Emergency Plan to prevent seven 
million new HIV infections, provide care for ten million people 
including orphans and vulnerable children, and place two million people 
on anti-retroviral treatment.

[[Page 48562]]

    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 Zambia. 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 HHS/CDC and the 
strategic direction of the Office of the U.S. 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 awardee 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 Zambia 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 
awardee 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.
    Awardee Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Improve the capacity for rural hospitals and health care centers 
to provide quality treatment for TB/HIV through promoting the 
supervision of TB treatment and ART by using trained community 
volunteers.
    2. Train a core of trainers for the community treatment supporters 
in the districts.
    3. Provide on-going supportive supervision in local languages to 
the community treatment supporters to ensure quality care and adherence 
to treatment protocols.
    4. Provide logistics, such as bicycles and home-based care kits, to 
support the community treatment supporters in their provision of care 
in the community.
    In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    HHS Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief them 
on applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    2. Review and approve the process used by the grantee to select key 
personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of 
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and 
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    3. Review and approve grantee's annual work plan and detailed 
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of 
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    4. Review and approve grantee's monitoring and evaluation plan, 
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    5. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    6. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    7. Meet on an annual basis with grantee to review annual progress 
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for Country Operational 
Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    8. Provide technical assistance, as mutually agreed upon, and 
revise annually during validation of the first and subsequent annual 
work plans. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted 
training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic 
information, project management, confidential counseling and testing, 
palliative care, treatment literacy, and adult learning techniques.
    9. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet 
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.


    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: $750,000 (This amount is an estimate, 
and is subject to availability of funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $150,000 (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes direct costs).
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $150,000 (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' commitment to continuation of 
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of 
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government, through the Emergency Plan for AIDS 
Relief review and approval process for Country Operational Plans, 
managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    To meet the eligibility criteria for this program announcement, 
applicants must be indigenous to Zambia and have at least 10 years 
experience providing health care.

[[Page 48563]]

    Applicants must be umbrella bodies of non-governmental 
organizations that have the role of representation and advocacy, 
resource mobilization, technical support as well as administrative and 
logistical support for affiliated organizations, including faith-based 
organizations.
    Applicants must have demonstrated experience in managing an AIDS 
care and prevention program in faith-based hospitals and run other 
related programs such as a TB program, malaria control program as well 
as a Primary Health Care program that includes the training of 
community health workers and traditional birth attendants.
    Applicants must have a Grant Management Unit that manages sub-
grants and capacity building of NGOs that work in remote and under-
served districts in partnership with the Zambian District Health 
Management teams.
    Preference will go to applicants that have a demonstrated track 
record of successfully managing funds from the Global Fund and other 
multilateral and bilateral donors.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

III.3. Other

    If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the 
award range, HHS will consider your 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 considers 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 on www.Grants.gov, the official Federal agency 
wide E-grant Web site. Only applicants who apply on-line are permitted 
to forego paper copy submission of all application forms.
    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 the 
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.
     Application must be written in English.
    The narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
     Goals and Objectives, including Project Contribution to 
the Goals and Objectives of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
     Work Plan and Description of Project Components and 
Activities.
     Timeline.
     Staffing Plan, with Level of Effort.
     Performance Measures and Methods of Evaluation.
     Summary Budget composed by line item, along with a budget 
justification. (This will not be counted against the stated page 
limit).
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. This additional information includes:
     Curriculum Vitas (CVs)/Resumes.
     Organizational Charts.
     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.
     Letters of Support.
     Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure.
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    For more information, see the HHS/CDC Web site at: https://
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm.
    If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please 
write the DUNS number at the top of the first page of the application, 
and/or include the DUNS number in the application cover letter.
    Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional 
documentation with the application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 12, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date.
    You may submit your application electronically at www.grants.gov. 
We consider applications completed on-line through Grants.gov as 
formally submitted when the applicant organization's Authorizing 
Official electronically submits the application to www.grants.gov. We 
will consider electronic applications as having met the deadline if the 
applicant organization's Authorizing Official has submitted the 
application electronically to Grants.gov on or before the deadline date 
and time.
    If you submit your application electronically through Grants.gov 
(https://www.grants.gov), your application will be electronically time/
date stamped, which will serve as receipt of submission. You will 
receive an e-mail notice of receipt when HHS/CDC receives the 
application.
    If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure the carrier will be 
able to

[[Page 48564]]

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 consider the submission as having been received by the 
deadline.
    If you submit a hard copy of the application, HHS/CDC will not 
notify you upon receipt of the submission. If you have a question on 
the receipt of the 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. 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.
     Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
     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, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the U.S. 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 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 standards(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 and with prior written approval), 
occupational exposures, and non-occupational exposures and will not be 
used for the purchase of machines and reagents to conduct the necessary 
laboratory monitoring for patient care.
     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.
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

[[Page 48565]]

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: Electronic Submission: HHS/CDC 
strongly encourages you to submit electronically at www.Grants.gov. You 
will be able to download a copy of the application package from 
www.Grants.gov, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the 
application via the Grants.gov Web 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 the 
application. We must receive any such paper submission in accordance 
with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. 
Of the grant announcement.
    You must clearly mark the paper submission: ``BACK-UP FOR 
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.''
    The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-
electronic submissions. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper 
submissions by the deadline, we will consider the electronic version 
the official submission.
    We strongly recommended that you submit your grant application 
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, a PDF 
file may be submitted. You may find directions for creating PDF files 
on the Grants.gov Web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft 
Office or PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff; or
    Paper Submission: Applicants should submit the original and two 
hard copies of the application by mail or express delivery service to: 
Technical Information Management--AA159, 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.
    The application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
1. Understanding the Problem (25 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 Zambia and meet the goals 
of the Emergency Plan? Does the applicant demonstrate a clear and 
concise understanding of the nature of the problems to be addressed as 
described in the Purpose section of this announcement? This includes a 
description of the planned activities to be undertaken and a detailed 
presentation of the objectives of the proposal.
2. Methodology (25 Points)
    Does the application include an overall design strategy, including 
measurable timelines, clear monitoring and evaluation procedures and 
specific activities for meeting the proposed objectives? Does the 
applicant describe a plan to progressively build the capacity of local 
organizations and of target beneficiaries and communities to respond to 
the epidemic?
3. Personnel (25 Points)
    Is the staff involved in this project qualified to perform the 
tasks described? CVs provided should include information that they are 
qualified in the following: management of HIV/AIDS prevention 
activities in local languages, especially confidential voluntary 
counseling and testing; and development of capacity-building among and 
collaboration between governmental and NGO partners. Are the staff 
roles clearly defined?
4. Administration and Management (25 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?
5. Budget (Reviewed But Not Scored)
    Does the applicant present a detailed budget with clear 
justifications for all line items and consistent with the proposed 
activities and objectives of the proposal, and with the five-year 
strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and Emergency Plan 
activities in Zambia?

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:
    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.

[[Page 48566]]

    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-6--Patient Care
     AR-10--Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
    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 needs in the 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 the Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of 
the following reports:
    1. 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 
Zambia.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Financial status report no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period.
    3. Quarterly progress reports.
    4. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    5. Annual progress report, due no more than 60 days after the end 
of the budget period. Reports should include progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Zambia.
    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: Marc Bulterys, Project 
Officer, 1600 Clifton Road MS E-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 011 
260 1 250 955 ext 246, E-mail: bulterysm@cdczm.org.
    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: 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 11, 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. 05-16357 Filed 8-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P