Strengthening Prevention, Control and Treatment Activities for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infection in the Amhara Region of Northwest Ethiopia, as Part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 49642-49648 [05-16832]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49642-49648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16832]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Strengthening Prevention, Control and Treatment Activities for 
HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infection in the Amhara 
Region of Northwest Ethiopia, as Part of the President's Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: AA135.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates: Application deadline: September 19, 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. 241 and 242l], 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 Ethiopia are to treat at 
least 210,000 HIV-infected individuals and care for 1,050,000 HIV-
affected individuals, including orphans.
    Purpose: The purpose of this funding announcement is to 
progressively build an indigenous, sustainable response to the national 
HIV epidemic in Ethiopia through the rapid expansion of innovative, 
culturally appropriate, high-quality HIV/AIDS prevention and care 
interventions, and improved linkages to HIV counseling and testing and 
HIV treatment by targeting underserved populations in Ethiopia. Under 
the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, as part of the 
President's Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) works with host countries and other key partners to 
assess the needs of each country and design a customized program of 
assistance that fits within the host nation's strategic plan.
    HHS focuses on two or three major program areas in each country. 
Goals and priorities include the following:
     Achieving primary prevention of HIV infection through 
activities such as expanding confidential counseling and testing 
programs, building programs to reduce mother-to-child transmission, and 
strengthening programs to reduce transmission via blood transfusion and 
medical injections.
     Improving the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, sexually 
transmitted diseases (STDs) and related opportunistic infections by 
improving STD management; enhancing care and treatment of opportunistic 
infections, including tuberculosis (TB); and initiating programs to 
provide anti-retroviral therapy (ART).
     Strengthening the capacity of countries to collect and use 
surveillance data and manage national HIV/AIDS programs by expanding 
HIV/STD/TB surveillance programs and strengthening laboratory support 
for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, disease-monitoring and HIV 
screening for blood safety.
    As one of the key agencies that implement the Emergency Plan, HHS 
works in a collaborative manner with national governments and other 
agencies to develop programs of assistance to address the HIV/AIDS 
epidemic in target countries, including Ethiopia. In particular, HHS' 
mission in Ethiopia is to work with Ethiopian and international 
partners to develop and apply effective interventions to prevent HIV 
infection and associated illnesses and death from AIDS.
    Ethiopia is among the countries most adversely affected by the HIV/
AIDS epidemic and TB. STIs are highly prevalent in Ethiopia and 
contribute to morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS. Ethiopia has one 
of the largest populations of HIV-infected persons in the world. By the 
end of 2003 an estimated 1.5 million adults in Ethiopia were HIV-
positive. The estimated percentage of Ethiopians age 15 to 49 infected 
with HIV is 4.4 percent, and there have been over a million cumulative 
deaths from AIDS. In Ethiopia approximately 200,000 children are 
currently living with HIV, and AIDS has orphaned over 500,000 children.
    Given the complex nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia, 
forging a strong multi-sectoral and multi-level partnership with broad 
stakeholder involvement is imperative. The Government of Ethiopia has 
therefore adopted a responsive HIV/AIDS/STI/TB program, and its 
implementation mechanisms have been in place since 1998. Ethiopia is 
currently taking measures to accelerate the implementation of 
interventions that deliver comprehensive care to decrease illness and 
death, promote acceptance of HIV counseling and confidential voluntary 
testing, and strengthen local health care capacity. Health care 
facilities that are already in the frontlines of the fight against HIV/
AIDS/STI/TB are scaling up prevention, care, support, and treatment 
across the country, with significant assistance from the President's 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
    A shortage of trained care providers and lack of adequate technical 
support, and scientific evidence to guide policy and program decisions 
are major challenges. The complexity of the response to HIV/AIDS/STI/TB 
necessitates strong technical support to national and regional 
programs. Scaling up training at in-service and pre-service levels, 
targeted monitoring and evaluations, and linkages to national and 
international partners are all needed. These program needs in Northwest 
Ethiopia are best met by universities, their teaching hospitals and 
catchment health facilities, working in partnership with the Regional 
Health Bureau, and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MOH) and sister 
institutions in-country and overseas.
    The purpose of this project is to strengthen HIV/AIDS/sexually 
transmitted infection (STI)/tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control 
efforts in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia. The project will 
(1) improve HIV/AIDS/STI/TB prevention by using the ``ABC strategy'' 
(abstinence, be faithful, and, for populations engaged in high-risk 
behaviors,\1\ correct and

[[Page 49643]]

consistent condom use),\2\ and control and treatment programs in the 
Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia; (2) strengthen training in HIV/
AIDS/STI/TB at university-affiliated teaching hospitals in the Amhara 
region of Northwest Ethiopia and their outreach training facilities; 
(3) establish a technical support and training unit to assist 
university-affiliated teaching hospitals HIV/AIDS/STI/TB program 
implementation within their catchment areas in the Amhara region of 
Northwest Ethiopia; (4) prevent, control, and treat HIV/AIDS/STI among 
students and faculty of universities in the Amhara region of Northwest 
Ethiopia; and (5) develop the health system and infrastructure 
important for the delivery of HIV/AIDS/STI/TB care at university-
affiliated teaching hospitals in the Amhara region of Northwest 
Ethiopia; (6) implement HIV/AIDS/STI/TB-targeted monitoring and 
evaluation for these programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Behaviors that increase risk for HIV transmission include 
engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging in sex in exchange 
for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-positive partner or one 
whose status is unknown, using drugs or abusing alcohol in the 
context of sexual interactions, and using intravenous drugs. Women, 
even if faithful themselves, can still be at risk of becoming 
infected by their spouse, regular male partner, or someone using 
force against them. Other high-risk persons or groups include men 
who have sex with men and workers who are employed away from home. 
Awardees may not implement condom social marketing without also 
implementing abstinence and faithfulness behavior-change 
interventions.
    \2\ Prevention interventions directed toward behavior change 
should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies should 
emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual 
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and 
correct and consistent use of condoms by populations engaged in 
high-risk behaviors. Behaviors that increase risk for HIV 
transmission include engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging 
in sex in exchange for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-
positive partner or one whose status is unknown, using drugs or 
abusing alcohol in the context of sexual interactions, and using 
intravenous drugs. Women, even if faithful themselves, can still be 
at risk of becoming infected by their spouse, regular male partner, 
or someone using force against them. Other high-risk persons or 
groups include men who have sex with men and workers who are 
employed away from home. Awardees may not implement condom social 
marketing without also implementing the abstinence and faithfulness 
behavior-change interventions outlined above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This collaborative initiative will change the focus and activities 
of universities and their teaching hospitals and affiliated health 
facilities in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia. It will enable 
these universities to strengthen and improve the quality of care 
offered at their affiliated hospitals, and improve HIV/AIDS/STI/TB 
training provided to all cadres of health professionals trained at the 
universities, its teaching hospital and catchment facilities. It will 
strengthen the capacity of the university to support in-service 
training for the Amhara Region and adjoining regions with no 
institutions of higher education; conduct targeted monitoring and 
evaluations; assist in development and adaptation into local languages 
of technical materials for local use; and provide technical support to 
the regional and national Ethiopian HIV/AIDS/STI/TB programs. It will 
serve as a demonstration site for other training facilities in the 
region; and prepare the universities for collaboration with other 
institutions of higher education in Ethiopia, and for twinning with 
other institutions overseas, including in the United States.
    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 goal(s) for the National 
Center for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis 
Prevention (NCHSTP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC) within HHS: Increase the proportion of HIV-infected people who 
are linked to appropriate prevention, care and treatment services and 
to strengthen the capacity nationwide to monitor the epidemic, develop 
and implement effective HIV prevention interventions and evaluate 
prevention programs.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
HHS, including CDC. If applicants propose research, HHS/CDC 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/opspo111.htm.
    Activities: The recipient of these funds is responsible for 
activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved 
populations in Ethiopia. Either the awardee will 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.
    Applications 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 Haiti will review as part of an annual Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and approval process 
managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The grantee 
may work on some of the activities listed below in the first year and 
in subsequent years, and then progressively add others from the list to 
achieve all of the Emergency Plan performance goals, as cited in the 
previous section.
    HHS/CDC, under the guidance of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, 
will approve funds for activities on an annual basis, based on 
documented performance towards achieving Emergency Plan goals, as part 
of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan 
review and approval process.
    Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Conduct needs assessment among the students and faculty at 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Amhara region of Northwest 
Ethiopia to determine risk factors, target behaviors, barriers, 
facilitators, reinforcement mechanisms, communication channels, 
availability of care, etc. to inform the development of prevention, 
care and treatment programs.
    2. Organize and procure necessary equipment and supplies in a 
transparent and competitive process; and coordinate interventions, 
trainings and targeted monitoring and evaluations.
    3. Develop/adapt or organize tools, such as operations manuals, 
training manuals, and guidelines in local languages, in the areas of 
HIV/AIDS; prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT); 
confidential voluntary counseling and testing (VCT); STI; TB; 
laboratory; and other technical areas, as deemed appropriate, for 
provision of in-patient and out-patient care; in-service training; and 
targeted monitoring and evaluations.
    4. Institute the needed administrative and functional arrangements 
to coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project to guarantee 
effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability.
    5. Conduct in-service training activities in local languages 
related to HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, confidential VCT, STI, TB, laboratory, and 
other technical areas, as needed at universities and teaching hospitals 
in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia.
    6. Review, update, and institute course outlines and contents for 
pre-

[[Page 49644]]

service (undergraduate and post-graduate medical students, nursing 
students and other paramedical students) training programs in local 
languages to strengthen the training in HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, confidential 
VCT, STI, TB, laboratory, and other related technical areas at 
universities and teaching hospitals in the Amhara region of Northwest 
Ethiopia.
    7. Conduct pre-service training in HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, VCT, STI, TB, 
laboratory, and other related technical areas in all health 
professional training programs at universities and teaching hospitals 
in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia.
    8. Conduct targeted monitoring and evaluations of the project in 
identified priority areas that require evidence for implementation and 
in-service and pre-service training in collaboration with international 
partners.
    9. Conduct reviews and analysis of data and prepare, and 
disseminate reports and information.
    10. Conduct cultural appropriate workshops, seminars and 
popularization events in local languages related to HIV/AIDS 
prevention, control, and treatment in the region; and undertake 
monitoring and evaluation and planning of the project at universities 
and teaching hospitals in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia. 
Grantee many not implement condom social marketing without also 
implementing abstinence and behavior change interventions.
    11. Conduct HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention following the ABC model \3\, 
as well as control, and treatment activities among students and faculty 
at universities and teaching hospitals in the Amhara region of 
Northwest Ethiopia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Prevention interventions directed toward behavior change 
should promote the ABC model. Methods and strategies should 
emphasize abstinence for youth and other unmarried persons, mutual 
faithfulness and partner reduction for sexually active adults, and 
correct and consistent use of condoms by populations engaged in 
high-risk behaviors. Behaviors that increase risk for HIV 
transmission include engaging in casual sexual encounters, engaging 
in sex in exchange for money or favors, having sex with an HIV-
positive partner or one whose status is unknown, using drugs or 
abusing alcohol in the context of sexual interactions, and using 
intravenous drugs. Women, even if faithful themselves, can still be 
at risk of becoming infected by their spouse, regular male partner, 
or someone using force against them. Other high-risk persons or 
groups include men who have sex with men and workers who are 
employed away from home. Awardees may not implement condom social 
marketing without also implementing the abstinence and faithfulness 
behavior-change interventions outlined above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    12. Institute comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services 
supported by information systems and laboratories at teaching hospitals 
in the Amhara region of Northwest Ethiopia.
    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 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/CDC activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Provide scientific and technical assistance in developing the 
awardee's operational plan.
    2. Provide ongoing technical assistance in program implementation.
    3. Assist the awardee in assessments of the program's operations to 
determine the overall effectiveness of the program, including 
developing a monitoring and evaluation tool for the activities in the 
program.
    4. Participate in training of health staff.
    5. Provide technical assistance from HHS-headquarters and the in-
country HHS office in Ethiopia to assure other related U.S. Government 
activities are well-coordinated with the national program.
    6. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief it on 
applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    9. 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.
    10. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    11. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    12. 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.
    13. 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.
    14. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet 
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.
    15. Make available manuals, guidelines or other related materials 
already developed by HHS-Ethiopia for other similar projects.
    Technical assistance and training may be provided directly by HHS/
CDC staff or through organizations that have successfully competed for 
funding under a separate HHS/CDC contract.

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: $500,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $100,000. (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes direct costs.)
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $100,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 23, 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

[[Page 49645]]

the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the 
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

    Assistance will be provided only to universities and teaching 
hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Applicants must demonstrate a strong 
commitment to community based, multi-disciplinary team training program 
that also integrates training, service and research.
    Applicants must have a documented track record of working closely 
with Amhara Regional Health Bureau and the adjoining regions as well as 
with a number of regional and international institutions of higher 
education, professional associations and non-governmental organizations 
(NGOs) and faith based organizations (FBOs). Applicants must have 
demonstrated capacity to provide training for all cadres of health care 
professionals deployed to this region of Ethiopia.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

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

III.3. Other

    If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the 
award range, 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. 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

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161-1.
    Electronic Submission: HHS strongly encourages you to submit your 
application electronically by using the forms and instructions posted 
for this announcement at www.grants.gov.
    Paper Submission: Application forms and instructions are available 
on the HHS/CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: https://
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, 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: 20. If your narrative exceeds the 
page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page limit.
     Font size: 12-point unreduced
     Double spaced
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
     Page margin size: One inch
     Printed only on one side of page.
     Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
     All pages should be numbered.
     A complete index to the application and any appendices 
must be included.
     Your application MUST be submitted in English.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
     Background--What are the underlying issues related to 
undertaking this project?
     Objectives--What objectives will be achieved by 
undertaking this project?
     Methods--What methods will be used to achieve stated 
objectives?
     Timeline--What is the timeframe for completing the stated 
objectives?
     Staff--What staff will be employed to carry out the 
project?
     Understanding--Demonstrate knowledge of the elements 
involved in implementing this project.
     Performance Measures--What measures will be used to 
determine if the objectives of the project are being met?
     Budget Justification--How are the costs related to 
implementing the project justified?
     Budget--What are the costs associated with implementing 
the project?
    We need the budget and budget justification only for year one of 
the project period. The budget and budget justification will not count 
toward the page limit stated above.
    Additional information may be included in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative 
page limit. Additional information could include, but is not limited 
to:
     Resumes and/or curriculum vitae
     Letters of Support
     Job descriptions of proposed key positions to be created 
for the activity
     Quality-Assurance, Monitoring-and-Evaluation, and 
Strategic-Information Forms
     Applicant's Corporate Capability Statement
     Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
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 19, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date.
    You may submit your application electronically at www.grants.gov. 
We consider applications completed online through Grants.gov as 
formally submitted when the applicant organization's Authorizing 
Official electronically submits the application to www.grants.gov. We 
will consider

[[Page 49646]]

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

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
     Funds may not be used for research.
     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, training, travel, supplies and services. Equipment 
may be purchased and renovations completed if deemed necessary to 
accomplish program objectives; however, prior approval by HHS/CDC 
officials must be requested in writing.
     All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not 
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through 
the issuance of supplemental awards.
     The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations, are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United States or to international organizations, 
regardless of their location.
     The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities, (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention and care 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.''

[[Page 49647]]

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

OR

    Paper Submission: Submit the original and two hard copies of your 
application by mail or express delivery service to: Technical 
Information Management Section--AA135, 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 will be an element of 
evaluation.
    An objective review panel appointed by HHS will evaluate each 
application against the following criteria:
1. Plans for Administration and Management of the Project (25 Points)
    Do the plan, objectives, and methods described meet the objectives 
of the President's Emergency Plan? Does the adequacy of described 
evaluation methodology meet the plans of the project? Does the 
application include an overall design strategy, including measurable 
time lines, clear monitoring and evaluation procedures, and specific 
activities for meeting the proposed objectives? Does the applicant 
describe a plan to progressively build the capacity of local 
organizations and of target beneficiaries and communities to respond to 
the epidemic?
2. Technical and Programmatic Approach (20 Points)
    Does the applicant's proposal demonstrate an understanding of how 
to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate activities listed 
above?
3. Ability to Carry Out the Project (20 Points)
    Does the applicant provide a clear plan for the administration and 
management of the proposed activities, to manage the resources of the 
program, prepare reports, monitor and evaluate activities and audit 
expenditures?
4. Personnel (20 Points)
    Are the professional personnel involved in this project qualified? 
Do they have experience working with HIV/AIDS/STI/TB? Are they able to 
communicate effectively in the local languages?
5. Understanding the Problem (15 Points)
    Does the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the national 
cultural and political context and the technical and programmatic areas 
covered by the project? Does the applicant display knowledge of the 
five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan, such 
that it can build on these to develop a comprehensive, collaborative 
project to reach underserved populations in Ethiopia and meet the goals 
of the Emergency Plan? Does the applicant's proposal demonstrate a 
clear and concise understanding of the general AIDS epidemic situation, 
the policy environment and current training and research needs in 
Ethiopia?
6. Budget (Not Scored, But Evaluated)
    Is the itemized budget for conducting the project reasonable and 
well justified?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review 
applications for completeness, and HHS Global AIDS program will review 
them for responsiveness. Incomplete applications and applications that 
are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through 
the review process. Applicants will receive notification that their 
application did not meet submission requirements.
    An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive 
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria'' 
section above. All persons who serve on the panel will be external to 
the U.S. Government Country Program Office. The panel may include both 
Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision:

[[Page 49648]]

    While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will give 
preference to existing national/Ethiopian 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 23, 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-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
     AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
     AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
     AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
    Applicants can find additional information on these requirements on 
the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: https://
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.
    You need to include an additional Certifications form from the 
PHS5161-1 application in the Grants.gov electronic submission only. 
Please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-
Certificates.pdf. Once you have filled out the form, attach it to the 
Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of 
the following reports:
    1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end 
of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-
competing continuation application, and must contain the following 
elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Budget.
    e. Measures of Effectiveness.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Annual progress report, due 90 days after the end of the budget 
period.
    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.
    These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management 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, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-2700.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Tadesse Wuhib, MD, MPH, 
Country Director, CDC-Ethiopia, PO Box 1014, Entoto Road, Addis Ababa, 
Telephone: (Office) 251-1-66-95-33; (Cell) 251-9-228543, E-mail 
address: wuhibt@etcdc.com.
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Shirley Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants 
Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-
1515, E-mail: SWynn@cdc.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    This and other CDC funding opportunity announcements can be found 
on the CDC Web site, Internet address: www.cdc.gov. Click on 
``Funding'', then ``Grants and Cooperative Agreements.''

    Dated: August 17, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 05-16832 Filed 8-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P