Building Human Resource Capacity Within the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Republic of Namibia as Part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 48566-48573 [05-16373]

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 48566-48573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16373]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Building Human Resource Capacity Within the Ministry of Health 
and Social Services in the Republic of Namibia as Part of the 
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA108.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: September 12, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301 and 
307(k)(2) 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.
    Over the same time period, as part of a collective national 
response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Namibia are to treat at 
least 23,000 HIV-infected individuals; and care for 115,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
    The Namibian Government has publicly acknowledged the HIV/AIDS 
epidemic, and its human and societal cost. The Namibian Government has 
elevated the fight against HIV/AIDS to a top priority, including by 
rolling out anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and the

[[Page 48567]]

prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in all 13 regions, 
including all 35 public hospitals in Namibia. The Namibian Ministry of 
Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has estimated it will need an 
additional 143 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists at its hospitals to 
reach the goal of 23,000 patients on ART by the end of 2007. The 
anticipated positions to fill in 2005 include 27 doctors, one doctor 
for quality assurance, 15 nurses, 15 pharmacists, and 15 data-entry 
clerks.
    The United States Government seeks to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS 
and related conditions in specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa, 
Asia, and the Americas to strengthen capacity and expand activities in 
the areas of (1) HIV primary prevention; (2) HIV care, support, and 
treatment; and (3) capacity and infrastructure development, especially 
for strategic information, including surveillance. Targeted 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. Namibia is one of these targeted countries.

Purpose

    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.
    This program will enhance and expand nationwide access to and use 
of services for VCT, PMTCT, and comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, including 
cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, IPT TB/HIV, and ART in Namibia.
    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.
    The HHS cooperative agreement, with technical assistance from HHS/
CDC and the MoHSS, will provide assistance to recruit suitably 
qualified and experienced (preferably Namibian) individuals to meet 
Emergency Plan objectives. A local human resource provider (HRP) 
identifies and recruits candidates on behalf of the interview 
committee, which will consist of personnel from the MoHSS and HHS/CDC.
    These collaborative activities could profoundly affect the ability 
to meet the goals and objectives of the Third National Medium Term Plan 
(2004-2009) in Namibia, which is the National Strategic Plan on HIV/
AIDS, and the President's Emergency Plan. Cooperative efforts could 
lead to greater use of confidential voluntary counseling and testing 
(VCT) in all areas of the country; and increase enrollment in 
comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, including cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, 
isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for 
adults and children, and programs to prevent mother-to-child 
transmission (PMTCT) throughout the nation.
    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. HHS'' 
program of technical assistance to Namibia focuses on capacity-building 
in several areas to scale up promising prevention and care strategies, 
such as VCT, PMTCT, ART, Tuberculosis/HIV, and laboratory services.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), within the 
Department of Health and Human Services, announces the availability of 
Fiscal Year 2005 funds for a cooperative agreement to assist with 
building human resource capacity within the Ministry of Health and 
Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia for roll-out of ART and PMTCT of 
HIV.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and 
one or more of the following performance goals for the CDC National 
Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis 
Prevention (NCHSTP) 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 persons 15 to 24 years of age; reduce 
HIV transmission; and improve care of persons living with HIV.
    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 
Namibia. 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 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 Namibia 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

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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 covering all program areas are as follows:
    1. The HRP will advertise and recruit for a short-list of potential 
candidates for the positions of an estimated 27 physicians, 15 nurses, 
15 pharmacists and 15 medical data-entry clerks. Specific activities 
are as follows:
    a. Advertise and recruit for professional staff.
    b. Draft advertisements for approval by HHS and the Namibian MoHSS, 
and advertise in local languages in three Namibian newspapers.
    c. Set up interviews with a short list of candidates.
    d. Develop a compensation package consistent with the MoHSS 
employment package.
    2. Hiring of Professional Staff.
    a. Hire and administer a monthly salary and benefits package for 
each health professional hired, using a standard employment contract in 
conformance with Namibian labor legislation and the hiring policies of 
the MoHSS.
    b. Set up a computerized personnel administration file, medical 
aid, pension plan, and social security payments for Namibian nationals 
and non-Namibian nationals.
    c. In concert with HHS and the Namibian MoHSS, compile the 
necessary documentation and process residency permits for employment of 
foreign nationals in Namibia.
    d. Register individuals with the Namibian Social Security 
Commission and the Ministry of Finance for tax purposes.
    e. Assist with professional registration, establishment of bank 
accounts, arrangements for accommodation, moving of personal effects, 
schooling of dependents and other settling-in activities, as required.
    3. Personnel Support and Human Resource Management.
    a. Maintain personnel records and addresses, with all personnel-
related matters, on a professional and consistent basis.
    b. Contact selected candidates and offer employment within the 
agreed scope of work and in accordance with the relevant Namibian labor 
legislation, including processing remuneration packages with copies to 
HHS and the Namibian MoHSS and the individual.
    c. Electronic transfer of paycheck in local currency to personal 
banking accounts.
    d. Process tax calculations and make monthly payments to the Social 
Security Commission.
    e. Process medical aid calculations and make monthly payments to an 
approved medical aid fund (currently, Namibian Health Plan).
    f. Process all pension calculations and benefits.
    g. Provide monthly HR reports to HHS and MoHSS.
    h. Issue annual Pay as You Earn (PAYE) certificates to individuals, 
and tax returns to the Namibian Ministry of Finance.
    i. Under the guidance of the Namibian MoHSS and HHS staff, liaise 
with targeted health facilities as personnel are assigned to promote 
smooth introductions of the professionals.
    j. Ensure the new recruits participate in appropriate HHS and 
Namibian MoHSS training, maintaining performance evaluation records, 
providing assistance in any disciplinary action in concert with MoHSS 
and reporting results to HHS and the Namibian MoHSS.
    k. At the beginning and end of their contract, arrange relocation, 
and travel assistance for foreign nationals and their dependents with 
the necessary documentation, if applicable, for repatriation, and 
arrange transportation for airport pick-up and departures.
    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 in this announcement.

Administration

    Awardee 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), and 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. Collaborate with the applicant, the Namibian Ministry of Health 
and other in-country and international partners to assess, plan, 
implement and monitor activities under the cooperative agreement, 
including, but not limited to, providing technical assistance and 
training in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), based on the country 
needs, the HHS technical assistance portfolio, strategic-information 
guidance established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, 
and HIV laboratory activities conducted by other partners.
    2. Furnish consultants from HHS headquarters, the Office of the 
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator or other U.S. Government institutions to 
assist with program planning, implementation and monitoring.
    3. Make available manuals, guidelines, and other related materials 
developed by HHS Namibia or other HHS programs for similar projects.
    4. Facilitate in-country planning and review meetings for ensuring 
coordination of country-based program technical assistance activities.
    5. Act as liaison and assist in coordinating activities as 
required, between the applicant and other non-governmental 
organizations (NGOs), Government of Namibia organizations, and other 
HHS partners.
    6. Develop criteria to evaluate and select hospital sites that 
require designated health professionals, in collaboration with the 
Namibian MoHSS.
    7. Actively participate in the recruitment process by assessing 
health professionals' skills and technical requirements.
    8. Match health professionals' skills, training, and experience 
with specific hospitals to facilitate technically viable placements.
    9. Provide technical guidelines and instructions to contracted 
health professionals to build capacity for VCT, PMTCT, and ART.
    10. Direct HRP in adapting to the Namibian context, including, but 
not limited to design; program materials; quality assurance; monitoring 
and evaluation; and providing recommendations.
    11. Direct HRP in adapting to the Namibian context, including, but 
not limited to design; program materials; quality assurance; monitoring 
and evaluation; and providing recommendations.
    12. Develop performance-evaluation criteria for health 
professionals, including semi-annual and annual performance 
evaluations.
    13. Monitor project and personnel performance.
    14. Monitor budget to ensure cost-effective placement and timely 
financial reporting.
    15. 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

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include meetings with staff from HHS agencies and the Office of the 
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    16. 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.
    17. 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.
    18. 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.
    19. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    20. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    21. 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.
    22. 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.
    23. 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.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goals for the Emergency Plan:
A. Prevention
    Number of individuals trained to provide HIV prevention 
interventions, including abstinence, faithfulness, and, for populations 
engaged in high-risk behaviors,\1\ correct and consistent condom use.
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    \1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission including 
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.
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    1. Abstinence (A) and Be Faithful (B).
     Number of community outreach and/or mass media (radio) 
programs that are A/B focused.
     Number of individuals reached through community outreach 
and/or mass media (radio) programs that are A/B focused.
B. Care and Support
    1. Confidential counseling and testing.
     Number of patients who accept confidential counseling and 
testing in a health-care setting.
     Number of clients served, direct.
     Number of people trained in confidential counseling and 
testing, direct, including health-care workers.
    2. Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
     Number of service outlets/programs, direct and/or 
indirect.
     Number of clients (OVC) served, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of persons trained to serve OVC, direct.
    3. Palliative Care: Basic Health Care and Support.
     Number of service outlets/programs that provide palliative 
care, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of service outlets/programs that link HIV care with 
malaria and tuberculosis care and/or referral, direct and/or indirect.
     Number of clients served with palliative care, direct and/
or indirect.
     Number of persons trained in providing palliative care, 
direct.
C. HIV Treatment with ART
     Number of clients enrolled in ART, direct and indirect.
     Number of persons trained in providing ART, direct.
D. Strategic Information
     Number of persons trained in strategic information, 
direct.
E. Expanded Indigenous Sustainable Response
     Project-specific quantifiable milestones to measure the 
following:
    a. Indigenous capacity-building.
    b. Progress toward sustainability.

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: $15,809,580.
    (This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of 
funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $3,161,916.
    (This amount is for the first 12-month budget period and includes 
direct costs.)
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $3,161,916.
    (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

    As a result of the impact of the Apartheid era, local organizations 
must possess cultural sensitivity and awareness to work effectively 
with previously disadvantaged racial and cultural groups. The following 
type of organizations, which have been operational in Namibia for a 
minimum of three years, may submit applications:
     Private, non-profit organizations.
     For-profit organizations.
     Faith-based organizations.
     Community-based organizations.
    No other applications are solicited.
    Eligible applicants must have been operational in Namibia for a 
minimum of three years.

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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.
    HHS strongly encourages you to submit the 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 
25 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.
     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:
     Plan.
     Methods.
     Project Goals and Objectives.
     Project Contribution to the Goals and Objectives of the 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
     Timeline (e.g., GANNT Chart).
     Staff.
     Project Context and Background (Understanding and Need).
     Performance Measures.
     Budget Justification.
    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:
     Curriculum Vitae or Resumes of current staff who will work 
on the activity.
     Organizational Charts.
     Letters of Support.
     Project Budget and Justification.
    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/grantmain.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 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 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.

[[Page 48571]]

    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.
    Antiretroviral Drugs--The purchase of antiretrovirals, reagents, 
and laboratory equipment for antiretroviral treatment projects require 
pre-approval from the GAP headquarters.
     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, 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 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 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, in order 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, 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 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

[[Page 48572]]

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.
    Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail 
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical 
Information Management--CDC-RFA-AA108, 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 against the following criteria:
1. Technical Approach (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, 
measurable and culturally appropriate in Nigeria to achieving the goals 
of the Emergency Plan? The extent to which the applicant's proposal 
includes an overall design strategy, including measurable time lines; 
the extent to which the proposal addresses regular monitoring and 
evaluation; and the potential effectiveness of the proposed activities 
in meeting the numerical objectives of the Emergency Plan?
2. Understanding of the Problem (20 Points)
    Extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and concise 
understanding of the nature of the problem described in the Purpose 
section of this announcement. This specifically includes description of 
the public health importance of the planned activities to be undertaken 
and realistic presentation of proposed objectives and projects.
3. Ability To Carry Out the Proposal (20 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant documents demonstrated capability 
to achieve the purpose of the project. Does the applicant demonstrate 
knowledge of the cultural and political realities in Namibia?
4. Personnel (15 Points)
    The extent to which professional personnel involved in this project 
are qualified, including evidence of experience in working with HIV/
AIDS, opportunistic infections, and HIV/STD surveillance. Are the staff 
roles clearly defined?
5. Plans for Administration and Management of Projects (15 Points)
    Adequacy of plans for administering the projects.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (10 Points)
    Is the plan to measure impact of interventions, and the manner in 
which they will be provided, adequate? Is the plan to manage the 
resources of this program and monitor and audit expenditures adequate?
7. Budget (Reviewed, But Not Scored)
    The extent to which the itemized budget for conducting the project, 
along with justification, is reasonable and consistent with stated 
objectives and planned program activities. Is it consistent with the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and 
Emergency Plan activities in Namibia?

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 Namibia. The panel can 
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/Namibian 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.
    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.

[[Page 48573]]

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-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements.
     AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements.
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements.
    Applicants can find additional information on these requirements 
can be found 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 to 
the 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:
    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 
Namibia.
    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 
Namibia.
    3. Financial status report 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 be 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: Leonard Floyd, U.S. 
Department of State, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2540 
Windhoek Place, Washington, DC 20521-8320, Telephone: 011 264 61224 
149, E-mail: Floydl@nacop.net.
    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 
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 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. 05-16373 Filed 8-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P