Increasing Access to, and Uptake of, HIV Prevention and Care, Including Confidential Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CT) Among the Uniformed Services, Ex-combatants and Their Partners in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, as Part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 48757-48764 [05-16445]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 160 (Friday, August 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48757-48764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16445]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Increasing Access to, and Uptake of, HIV Prevention and Care, 
Including Confidential Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CT) Among the 
Uniformed Services, Ex-combatants and Their Partners in the Republic of 
C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire, as Part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS 
Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-AA240.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.

[[Page 48758]]

    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: September 12, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301(a) and 
307 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Sections 241 and 
2421], as amended, and under Public Law 108-25 (United States 
Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003) 
[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 C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire are 
to treat at least 77,000 HIV-infected individuals and care for 385,000 
HIV-affected individuals, including orphans.
    Purpose: The United States Government seeks to reduce the impact of 
HIV/AIDS in specific countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the 
Americas by working with governments 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.
    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 increase the uptake of high-
quality HIV prevention and confidential HIV testing among the uniformed 
services, ex-combatants and their partners in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire. 
Increased access to, and uptake of, combined prevention, sexually 
transmitted infections (STI) diagnosis and treatment, and counseling 
and confidential HIV testing (CT) interventions in these populations is 
intended to lead to safer sexual behaviors, including abstinence, 
fidelity, and, for populations engaged in high-risk behaviors,\1\ 
correct and consistent condom use; and increased use of HIV care, 
treatment and support through a strong referral network to 
complementary services. A secondary purpose of this program is to 
enhance related HIV/AIDS communications activities to promote the 
uptake of CT and other care as well as behavior change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the winner of this announcement will expand quality 
HIV prevention and confidential HIV CT and STI care by targeting the 
uniformed services, ex-combatants and their partners in C[ocirc]te 
d'Ivoire. These interventions include referral of those testing HIV-
positive to sources of ongoing psycho-social support, comprehensive ART 
and palliative care.
    Monitoring and evaluation of all programs and interventions will be 
essential in measuring success of these activities. All of the program 
activities conducted in this cooperative agreement are part of The 
President's Emergency Plan.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan and with the 
following performance goal for the Centers for Disease Prevention and 
Control (CDC) National Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Disease and 
Tuberculosis Prevention within HHS: By 2010, work with other countries, 
international organizations, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. 
Agency for International Development (USAID), and other partners to 
achieve the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 
goal of reducing prevalence among young people 15 to 24 years of age. 
Specific measurable outcomes of this program include, but are not 
limited to, the number, age, sex and test outcomes of clients 
(individual and couples) provided with confidential HIV CT and STI 
care, the cost per client, and the number of persons with HIV 
successfully referred to an effective care or treatment provider.
    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: 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 Program Announcement. For each of these activities, the grantee 
will give priority to evidence-based, yet culturally adapted, 
innovative approaches.
    The awardee will either implement activities directly or 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 C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire 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. 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 target the specific 
subpopulations of uniformed services, ex-combatants and their partners.
    Specific awardee activities are as follows:
    1. Reinforcing the network of existing static sites and 
establishing mobile units to provide outreach HIV/STI prevention 
education and HIV CT and STI diagnosis and treatment (not including HIV 
ARV treatment) with referral to care and treatment sites for HIV-
positive

[[Page 48759]]

individuals and couples. This will include the use of standardized CT, 
STI management and other protocols and procedures; standardized 
management systems; standardized monitoring and evaluation procedures 
and instruments; and standardized education and behavior change 
materials and activities.
    2. Developing and implementing targeted social marketing behavior 
change campaigns to promote abstinence, faithfulness, and, for 
populations engaged in high-risk behaviors,\2\ consistent and correct 
condom use; and uptake of confidential CT for individuals and couples, 
and reduction of HIV-associated stigma. Awardees may not implement 
social marketing of condoms without also implementing abstinence and 
faithfulness behavior change interventions.
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    \2\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Developing and implementing programs to promote risk-avoidance 
behavior change at high-risk sites (e.g., bars, demobilization cantons, 
active-duty deployment away from base etc).
    4. Promoting messages that raise awareness about the harmful ties 
between alcohol/substance abuse and HIV infection, as well as between 
alcohol/substance abuse and poor adherence to antiretrovirals (ARVs).
    5. Creating referral networks for HIV-positive clients to improve 
access to peer-support groups and other care, treatment and support.
    6. Collecting strategic information to ensure the effectiveness of 
HIV/AIDS prevention activities, consistent with strategic-information 
guidance established by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator.
    7. Collaborating with, and providing support to, the National 
Security and Defense Forces, Ministry of Health (MOH) and other 
C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire Government agencies, as appropriate, which can 
include, without limitation: improvement of monitoring and evaluation 
activities to assure high-quality in all peer education and CT/STI 
service delivery sites; development and implementation of training and 
communications materials; and improvement of infrastructure directly 
associated with HIV and STI testing and counseling.
    8. Ensuring that all of the above activities are undertaken in a 
manner consistent with and in support of U.S. Government HIV/AIDS 
strategies. Work to link activities described here with related HIV 
prevention, care, treatment and basic social services in the area, and 
promote coordination at all levels, including through bodies such as 
village, district, regional and national HIV coordination committees 
and networks of community-based, non-governmental and faith-based 
organizations.
    9. Participate in relevant national technical coordination 
committees and in national process(es) to ensure local stakeholders 
receive adequate information and assistance to engage and access 
effectively funding opportunities supported by the President's 
Emergency Plan and other donors.
    10. Develop and implement a project-specific participatory 
monitoring and evaluation plan by drawing on national and U.S. 
Government requirements and tools, including the strategic information 
guidance established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

Administration

    The winning applicant 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 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. Provide technical assistance in the development of training, 
communication and monitoring and evaluation materials and tools in 
local languages in support of project activities. Interventions will 
emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual 
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and 
correct and consistent use of condoms as well as uptake of HIV testing 
and STI screening by those engaged in high-risk behaviors.\3\
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    \3\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Provide technical assistance to establish quality HIV testing, 
including quality assurance, and competitive and transparent 
procurement of HIV rapid tests and other laboratory supplies.
    3. Facilitate the national, regional and international exchange of 
materials and expertise with regard to comprehensive prevention, STI 
treatment and counseling and confidential HIV testing services for 
uniformed services, ex-combatants and their partners in C[ocirc]te 
d'Ivoire.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    8. 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.
    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.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following

[[Page 48760]]

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 \4\, correct and consistent condom use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. Prevention (ABC).
     Number of individuals reached with community outreach HIV/
AIDS prevention programs that promote abstinence and/or being faithful.
B. Care and Support
    1. Confidential counseling and testing.
     Number of clients 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. Palliative Care: Basic Health Care and Support.
     Number of service outlets that provide STI screening and 
treatment, direct.
     Number of clients served with STI screening and treatment, 
direct.
     Number of persons trained in providing STI screening and 
treatment, direct.
     Number of service outlets that provide palliative care, 
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. Strategic Information
     Number of persons trained in strategic information, 
direct.
D. 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: FY 2005.
    Approximate Total Funding: $1-1.8 million per year, over four 
years; or approximately $5.5 million. (This amount is an estimate, and 
is subject to availability of funds.)
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $1.8 million. (This amount is for the 
first 12 month budget period and includes both direct and indirect 
costs.)
    Floor of Award Range: $1 million.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $1.8 million.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Four 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 input from the Government of C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire), and the 
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the 
United States Federal Government, through the President's 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

    Applications may be submitted by:
     Public, non-profit organizations.
     Private, non-profit organizations.
     Universities.
     Colleges.
     For-profit organizations.
     Small, minority, women-owned businesses.
     Community-based organizations.
     Research institutions.
     Hospitals.
     Faith-based organizations.
     Federally recognized Indian tribal governments.
     Indian tribes.
     Indian tribal organizations.
     State and local governments or their Bona Fide Agents 
(this includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna 
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau).
     Political subdivisions of States (in consultation with 
States).
    Additionally, applicants must meet the criteria listed below:
     Have at least three years of documented experience in 
implementing HIV/AIDS-related programs in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire.
     Have demonstrated expertise working with the target 
populations and in the areas of direct HIV confidential CT service 
delivery, and HIV/AIDS communications in local languages in C[ocirc]te 
d'Ivoire.
     Have established relationships with the National 
Government in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire and written letters of support from 
the health authorities responsible for the Ivorian National Forces of 
Defense and Security.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    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, we 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. You will be notified that your 
application did not meet submission requirements.
     HHS/CDC will consider late applications to be non-
responsive. See section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more 
information on deadlines.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161.
    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 CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) staff

[[Page 48761]]

at: 770-488-2700. We can e-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.
     Pages should be numbered.
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Appendices may be included.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     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.
     Project Budget Notes.
     Job Descriptions.
     STI and HIV Testing Protocols.
     Overview of peer outreach, STI and HIV Counseling and 
Testing Quality Assurance Procedures, both Internal and External.
     Peer outreach, HIV Counseling and Testing Quality 
Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation and Strategic Information Forms.
     HIV Counseling and Testing Referral Procedures and Forms.
     Mobile HIV Counseling and Testing Processes and 
Procedures.
     HIV Counseling and Testing Staff Training Curricula.
     Applicant's Corporate Capability Statement.
     Letter(s) of Support.
    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 12, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the 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 taken 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 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, 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

[[Page 48762]]

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 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 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.
     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.
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 can 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-
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--AA240, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, U.S. 
Department of Health and Human

[[Page 48763]]

Services, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

    Applicants must provide measures of effectiveness that will 
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of 
the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the 
performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must 
measure the intended outcome. Applicants must submit these measures of 
effectiveness with the application and they will be an element of 
evaluation.
    We will evaluate your application will be evaluated against the 
following criteria:
    1. Ability to Carry Out the Proposal (30 points).
    Does the applicant demonstrate the local experience and capability 
to achieve the goals of the project? Do the staff members have 
appropriate experience? Are the staff roles clearly defined? Does the 
applicant currently have the capacity to reach target populations of 
uniformed services, ex-combatants and their partners in C[ocirc]te 
d'Ivoire despite the complex politico-military situation?
    2. Understanding the issues, principles and systems requirements 
involved in carrying out the project and fitting into the five-year 
strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan (30 points).
    Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the national 
cultural and political context and the technical and programmatic areas 
covered by the project? Does the applicant display knowledge of the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan, such 
that it can build on these to develop a comprehensive, collaborative 
project to reach the target populations in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire and meet 
the goals of the Emergency Plan?
    3. Work Plan (20 points).
    Does the applicant describe strategies that are pertinent and match 
those identified in the five-year strategy of the President's Emergency 
Plan and activities that are evidence-based, realistic, achievable, 
measurable and culturally appropriate in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire to achieve 
the goals of the Emergency Plan?
    4. Administrative and Accounting Plan (20 points).
    Is there a plan to prepare reports, monitor and evaluate 
activities, audit expenditures and manage the resources of the program?
    5. Budget (not scored).
    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 C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire?

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 C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire. 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 and French).
    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 
C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire.
    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 
C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire.
    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.

[[Page 48764]]

    Recipients must mail these reports to the Grants Management or 
Contract Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this 
announcement.
    Please note: the grantee is responsible for accurate translation of 
all reports, and should submit French-language versions to the local 
HHS/CDC office in Abidjan and English-language versions to the HHS/CDC 
Grants office in the United States, by the established deadlines. See 
the HHS/CDC project management officer in Abidjan for more details.

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: Monica Nolan, Director, 
HHS/CDC/Projet RETRO-CI, 2010 Abidjan Place, Dulles, Virginia 20189-
2010, Telephone: (225) 21-25-41-89, E-mail: mnolan@cdc.gov.
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Shirley Wynn, Contract 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 12, 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. 05-16445 Filed 8-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P