Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement To Provide Technical Assistance and Support to the Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Strengthening the Management of the Women's and Children's Hospitals and Hospital Services in Kabul, 52388-52395 [05-17546]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 170 (Friday, September 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52388-52395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17546]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement 
To Provide Technical Assistance and Support to the Afghanistan Ministry 
of Public Health (MOPH) in Strengthening the Management of the Women's 
and Children's Hospitals and Hospital Services in Kabul

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the 
Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Global Health 
Affairs.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2005 Initial 
Announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: OGHA 05-025.
    OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: TBD, In Process.

    Authority: Division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2005, Public Law 108-447 (2004).

SUMMARY: The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) announces that up 
to $475,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2005 of funds is available for one (1) 
cooperative agreement to provide support to strengthen the management 
of women's and children's hospitals by the Afghan Ministry of Public 
Health (MOPH) in Kabul. This effort is an undertaking by the Department 
of Health and Human Services (HHS) in partnership with the Afghan MOPH. 
The primary goal of this project is to improve the quality of care at 
women's and children's health institutions in Afghanistan. The OGHA 
anticipates substantial HHS scientific and programmatic involvement in 
the administration of the quality improvement program. The project will 
be approved for up to a one-year period for a total of $475,000 
(including indirect costs). Funding for the cooperative agreement is 
contingent upon the availability of funds

DATES: Application Availability: September 2, 2005.
    Optional Letter of Intent due by 5 p.m. ET: September 9, 2005.
    Applications due by 5 p.m. ET: September 19, 2005.
    Award date: September 30, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Application kits may be requested from, and applications 
submitted to: Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants 
Management, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), HHS, 1101 
Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of the Agreement

    HHS, in partnership with other relevant U.S. Government agencies, 
anticipates involvement in the development, administration and 
oversight of this program to improve hospital management capacity 
within the MOPH. The program will be for a three-year period. 
Approximately $475,000 (including indirect costs) will be available in 
the first year. Funding for the cooperative agreement in subsequent 
years is contingent upon the availability of funds and the performance 
of the awardee against measurable performance targets.
    This Cooperative Agreement is intended to complement and build upon 
the work of the MOPH Hospital Management Task Force (HMTF) and its 
efforts to implement the Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS) 
and the recommendations of the Joint U.S. Government/MOPH health-
facility management planning team, as outlined above. Implementation 
and adherence to recognized evidence-based healthcare and facility-
management standards will be essential elements of successful 
proposals.
    The awardee will work in collaboration with the MOPH's HMTF based 
on the approved recommendations of the Joint USG/MOPH planning mission. 
The plans will include but are not limited to the type of governance 
structure, procurement strategies, human resources management, 
financial management, facility and environmental safety management, 
sharing of services, developing a continuum of maternal and child 
healthcare in Kabul and centers of excellence within the consortium, 
developing an integrated health records system, and quality assurance. 
The award recipient will work with HHS to review training plans 
previously developed to support improvements in healthcare 
administration and provide a phased plan for leadership and healthcare 
management training as part of their planning process.
    Activities: To assist the MOPH in carrying out the recommendations 
of the USG/MOPH team, including the development of a self-sustaining 
organizational structure within the MOPH that supports the management, 
organization and entrepreneurial growth of the healthcare hospital 
delivery sector in Kabul.
    Assist in planning and establishing an organizational structure 
that facilitates the development of a network of women's and children's 
hospitals, herein referred to as the Kabul Women's and Children's 
Hospital Consortium, or the Consortium. Specifically: Develop a plan 
and assist in establishment of a Consortium Board of Directors that 
will provide governance, strategic direction and facilitate 
communication for the Consortium. The Board and its chair will be 
appointed by the MOPH.
    Develop and implement a non-profit foundation to raise funds and 
broaden support for the Consortium. Solicit international donors' 
resource support for the foundation.
    Implement and refine Consortium management and Board of Directors 
governance process. This includes assisting MOPH in the development of 
leadership accountability and performance contracts, objective 
performance assessment and measurement systems, and a performance-based 
salary and incentive system for healthcare managers and executives.
    Summarize in a three-year plan the strategies that the Kabul 
Women's Children's Hospital Consortium will undertake in the 
restructuring of hospital service delivery. This plan will be prepared 
and submitted to the MOPH and HHS no later than three months of the 
initiation of this grant program.
    Advise the HTMF staff on the establishment of a separate city-wide 
Kabul Hospital Council that will serve as a platform for local hospital 
directors for discussion, sharing of knowledge and best practices, 
creation of a referral system for continuity and coordination of care 
with the goal of improving healthcare services and health of the city 
of Kabul. The grantee is expected to assist the HMTF with preparing for 
Council meetings.
    Provide technical assistance and logistical support to the MOPH in 
preparing, hosting and reporting the recommendations of an 
international healthcare management summit at a date to be determined 
by the MOPH. The main goal of this summit is to give the Minister a 
forum to describe the vision for the Afghan healthcare system, describe 
plans for the establishment of a hospital consortium in Kabul and gain 
support from the conference attendees for the MOPH vision to improve 
the

[[Page 52389]]

overall access to and quality of healthcare services in Kabul. The 
summit is intended to:
     Highlight MOPH's efforts to improve healthcare management 
including the key role of the Hospital Management Task Force in the 
process.
     Discuss, prioritize and coordinate international donor 
support for health facility management improvement efforts.
     Describe and obtain support for the establishment of Kabul 
Women and Children.
     Hospital Consortium and the Consortium Foundation.
     Formally adopt the concept of a Kabul Women and Children's 
Hospital Consortium.
     Introduce and describe the role of the Kabul Hospital 
Council.
    In providing assistance to the MOPH for an International Healthcare 
Facility Management Summit, the award recipient will assist in 
developing a communication plan and list of invited participants, 
support MOPH interactions with appropriate stakeholders involved in 
maternal and child health (hospital directors, clinicians, non-
governmental organizations, international donors, and others), complete 
a detailed agenda for the meeting, provide speech writing support for 
the MOPH, identify meeting facilitators, develop, copy and distribute 
all meeting invitations, materials and supporting documents and reserve 
and secure an appropriate location for the Summit. The award recipient 
will also assist the MOPH in preparing a report summarizing the Summit 
deliberations, recommendations and conclusions.
    Assist in developing a set of standards to be used by the MOPH in 
evaluating the quality, performance and management of hospitals. This 
activity should build on the previous activities of other international 
donors, non-governmental groups, and multilateral organizations which 
have supported similar work. These standards should be modeled on 
standards used in other developed and developing countries and adapted 
to Afghan conditions. The standards should accommodate legal, religious 
and cultural factors found within Afghanistan. The objective is to 
develop over the course of the grant period a set of uniform, 
achievable expectations for structures, processes and outcomes for 
hospitals in Afghanistan and thus create an ``Afghan National 
Healthcare Certification Program.'' The work plan should reflect a 
schedule for developing the elements of the Certification Program over 
the course of the grant period.
    Train a cadre of Afghan nationals at the MOPH capable of performing 
the review process according to the Afghan hospital standards described 
above. The goal of this activity is to enable the MOPH to certify 
hospitals by the end of the grant period. It is anticipated that 
funding and other incentives provided to Kabul-based hospitals by the 
MOPH would be based on their performance against these standards. The 
award recipient will work with the MOPH to determine what these 
incentives will be, the schedule of inspections, and how the 
Certification Program will be implemented.
    The budget for the cooperative agreement is expected to support 
local expenses related to the summit, including meeting facilitators 
and administrative support staff. Conference attendees not affiliated 
with the grantee organization or the MOPH are expected to provide their 
own support.

Special Considerations

    Travel Support: Applicants should be aware of and take into account 
the special security considerations when working in Afghanistan. Travel 
planning includes responsibility for all logistical arrangements for 
team members and will be the responsibility of the grantee. Travel 
expenses for attendees to the Summit will be the responsibility of the 
attendee or his/her organization. Travel expenses for MOPH staff 
attendees will be the responsibility of the MOPH.
    Team Accommodation and On-site support: Accommodation and on-site 
support is not included and it is the responsibility of the award 
recipient and his/her support staff. The award recipient shall arrange 
all on-site resources for team members, including but not limited to 
food, security, emergency health care, and local transportation.
    Finally, the award recipient will monitor and report progress 
quarterly to HHS/OGHA and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all 
required elements and conditions, including outcome measures for 
effectiveness and efficiency.

II. Award Information

    The administrative and funding instrument to be used for this 
program will be the cooperative agreement in which substantial OGHA/HHS 
scientific and/or programmatic involvement is anticipated during the 
performance of the project. Under the cooperative agreement, OGHA/HHS 
will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with them 
in a non-directive partnership role. HHS staff is substantially 
involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine 
monitoring. Through this cooperative agreement, HHS will collaborate in 
an advisory capacity with the award recipient, especially during the 
development and implementation of a mutually agreed-upon work plan. HHS 
will actively participate in periodic progress reviews and a final 
evaluation of the program.
    Approximately $475,000 in FY 2005 funds is available to support the 
agreement. This level of support is dependent on the receipt of a 
sufficient number and diversity of applications of high merit.
    The anticipated start date is October 1, 2005. There will only be 
one single award made from this announcement. The program and budget 
period for this agreement is for 24 months.
    Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the 
OGHA, the award pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the 
availability of funds for this purpose.
    The award recipient must comply with all HHS management 
requirements for meeting participation and progress and financial 
reporting for this cooperative agreement. (Please see HHS Activities 
and Program Evaluation sections below.)
    HHS/OS/OGHA activities for this program are as follows:
     Organize an orientation meeting with the award recipient 
to brief them on applicable U.S. Government expectations, regulations, 
policies and key management requirements, as well as report formats and 
contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from HHS 
agencies, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and 
USAID.
     Review and approve the process used by the award recipient 
to select key personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or sub 
grantees to be involved in the activities performed under this 
agreement.
     Review and approve award recipients annual work plan and 
detailed budget.
     Review and approve award recipient's monitoring and 
evaluation plan.
     Meet on a monthly basis with award recipient to assess 
monthly expenditures in relation to approved work plan, and modify 
plans as necessary.
     Meet on a quarterly basis with award recipient to assess 
quarterly technical and financial progress reports, and modify plans as 
necessary.
     Meet on an annual basis with award recipient to review 
annual progress

[[Page 52390]]

report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for the subsequent year.
     Assure experienced HHS or other subject-matter experts 
from other relevant U.S. Government agencies will participate in the 
planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all phases of 
this project.
     Assist in establishing and maintaining U.S. Government, 
MOPH, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contracts and 
agreements necessary to carry out the program.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by non-profit entities with offices 
in the United States and partner country or incorporated and 
headquartered in the United States with offices in the United States. 
Additionally, organizations or consortiums of organizations, including 
faith-based and community based organizations, that have collective 
experience with accepting donated medical technology, upgrading drug 
formularies, training health care providers, local and international 
transportation, and other logistics are encouraged to apply for a grant 
under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation is not a 
requirement of this agreement.

3. Other--(If Applicable): N/A

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    This Cooperative Agreement project uses the Application Form OPHS-
1, Revised 8/2004, which is enclosed in your application packet. This 
generic form is used by many different programs funded through the 
Public Health Service (PHS). Some parts of it are not required; other 
sections need to be filled out in a fashion specific to the program. 
Instructions for filling out OPHS-1, Revised 8/2004 will be included in 
the application packet. These forms may also be obtained from the 
following sites by: Downloading from: https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov 
and clicking on Grant Announcements or https://www.grants.gov/ or by 
writing to Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants Management, 
OPHS, HHS Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, 
MD 20852; or contact the Office of Grants Management at (240) 453-8822. 
Please specify the OGHA program(s) for which you are requesting an 
application kit.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Materials
    A separate budget page is required for the budget year requested. A 
line item budget (SF 424A) with coinciding justification to support 
each of the budget years must be submitted with the proposal. These 
forms will represent the full project period of Federal assistance 
requested. Proposals submitted without a budget and justification for 
each budget year requested in the application may not be favorably 
considered for funding. Specific instructions for submitting a detailed 
budget for this application will be included in the application packet. 
If additional information and/or clarification are required, please 
contact the OPHS Office of Grants Management identified in Section VII 
of this announcement.
    All applications must be accompanied by a Project Abstract 
submitted on 3.5 inch floppy disk. The abstract must be typed, single-
spaced, and not exceed 2 pages. Reviewers and staff will refer 
frequently to the information contained in the abstract, and therefore 
it should contain substantive information about the proposed projects 
in summary form. A list of suggested keywords and a format sheet for 
your use in preparing the abstract will be included in the application 
packet.
    All grant applications must be accompanied by a Project Narrative. 
In addition to the instructions provided in OPHS-1 (Rev 8/2004) for 
project narrative, the specific guidelines for the project narrative 
are provided in the program guidelines. Format requirements are the 
same as for the Project Abstract Section; margins should be 1 inch at 
the top and 1 inch at the bottom and both sides; and typeset must be no 
smaller than 12 cpi and not reduced. Biographical sketches should be 
either typed on the appropriate form or plain paper and should not 
exceed two pages, with publications listed being limited only to those 
that are directly relevant to this project.
Application Format Requirements
    If applying on paper, the entire application may not exceed 80 
pages in length, including the abstract, project and budget narratives, 
face page, attachments, any appendices and letters of commitment and 
support. Pages must be numbered consecutively.
    Applications submitted electronically that exceed 80 pages when 
printed will be deemed non-compliant. All non-compliant applications 
will be returned to the applicant without further consideration.
a. Number of Copies
    Please submit one (1) original and two (2) unbound copies of the 
application. Please do not bind or staple the application. Application 
must be single sided.
b. Font
    Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as Times Roman, 
Courier, or CG Times. The text and table portions of the application 
must be submitted in not less than 12 point and 1.0 line spacing. 
Applications not adhering to 12 point font requirements may be 
returned.
c. Paper Size and Margins
    For scanning purposes, please submit the application on 8\1/2\'' x 
11'' white paper. Margins must be at least one (1) inch at the top, 
bottom, left and right of the paper. Please left-align text.
d. Numbering
    Please number the pages of the application sequentially from page 1 
(face page) to the end of the application, including charts, figures, 
tables, and appendices.
e. Names
    Please include the name of the applicant on each page.
f. Section Headings
    Please put all section headings flush left in bold type.
    Application Format: Applications for funding must consist of the 
following documents in the following order:
i. Application Face Page
    Public Health Service (PHS) Application Form OPHS-1, provided with 
the application package. Prepare this page according to instructions 
provided in the form itself.
DUNS Number
    All applicant organizations are required to have a Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to apply for a grant from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a unique nine-character 
identification number provided by the commercial company, Dun and 
Bradstreet. There is no charge to obtain a DUNS number. Information 
about obtaining a DUNS number can be found at https://www.dnb.com/
product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or call 1-866-705-5711. Please 
include the DUNS number next to the OMB

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Approval Number on the application face page. Applications will not be 
reviewed without a DUNS number.
    Additionally, the applicant organization will be required to 
register with the Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR) in order to do electronic business with the Federal Government. 
Information about registering with the CCR can be found at https://
www.hrsa.gov/grants/ccr.htm.
    Finally, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov are 
required to register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. 
Information about this requirement is available at https://
www.grants.gov/CredentialProvider.
    Applicants applying electronically throughthe OPHS E-Grants System 
are required to register with the provider. Information about this 
requirement is available at. https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov.
ii. Table of Contents
    Provide a Table of Contents for the remainder of the application 
(including appendices), with page numbers.
iii. Application Checklist
    Application Form OPHS-1, provided with the application package.
iv. Budget
    Application Form OPHS-1, provided with the application package.
v. Budget Justification
    The amount of financial support (direct and indirect costs) that an 
applicant is requesting from the Federal granting agency for the first 
year is to be entered on the Face Sheet of Application Form PHS 5161-1, 
Line 15a. Each application should include funds for electronic mail 
capability unless access by Internet is already available. The amount 
of financial support (direct and indirect costs) entered on the SF 424 
is the amount an applicant is requesting from the Federal granting 
agency for the project year. Please note that if indirect costs are 
requested, the applicant must submit a copy of the latest negotiated 
rate agreement. The indirect costs rate refers to the Other Sponsored 
Program/Activities rate and to neither the research rate, nor the 
education/training program rate. Those applicants without an 
established indirect cost rate for sponsored programs will be held at 
26% of total direct costs except, in cases where there is no 
established rate, applicants may only request of 10% of salaries and 
wages. However, if an applicant's established rate for other sponsored 
programs exceeds 26%, but would be advantageous to the government, the 
OGHA/HHS may honor that indirect rate cost.
    Personnel Costs: Personnel costs should be explained by listing 
each staff member who will be supported from funds, name (if possible), 
position title, percent full time equivalency, annual salary, and the 
exact amount requested.
    Indirect Costs: Indirect costs are those costs incurred for common 
or joint objectives which cannot be readily identified but are 
necessary to the operations of the organization, e.g., the cost of 
operating and maintaining facilities, depreciation, and administrative 
salaries. For institutions subject to OMB Circular A-21, the term 
``facilities and administration'' is used to denote indirect costs. If 
the applicant does not have an indirect cost rate, you may obtain one 
by visiting the Division of Cost Allocation website: https://
rates.psc.gov.
    Fringe Benefits: List the components that comprise the fringe 
benefit rate, for example health insurance, taxes, unemployment 
insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement. The 
fringe benefits should be directly proportional to that portion of 
personnel costs that are allocated for the project.
    Travel: List travel costs according to local and long distance 
travel. For local travel, the mileage rate, number of miles, reason for 
travel and staff member/consumers completing the travel should be 
outlined. The budget should also reflect the travel expenses associated 
with participating in meetings and other proposed trainings or 
workshops.
    Equipment: List equipment costs and provide justification for the 
need of the equipment to carry out the program's goals. Extensive 
justification and a detailed status of current equipment must be 
provided when requesting funds for the purchase of computers and 
furniture items.
    Supplies: List the items that the project will use. In this 
category, separate office supplies from medical and educational 
purchases. Office supplies could include paper, pencils, and the like; 
medical supplies are syringes, blood tubes, plastic gloves, etc., and 
educational supplies may be pamphlets and educational videotapes. 
Remember, they must be listed separately.
    Subcontracts: To the extent possible, all subcontract budgets and 
justifications should be standardized, and contract budgets should be 
presented by using the same object class categories contained in the 
Standard Form 424A. Provide a clear explanation as to the purpose of 
each contract, how the costs were estimated, and the specific contract 
deliverables.
    Other: Put all costs that do not fit into any other category into 
this category and provide an explanation of each cost in this category. 
In some cases, grantee rent, utilities and insurance fall under this 
category if they are not included in an approved indirect cost rate.)
vi. Staffing Plan and Personnel Requirements
    Applicants must present a staffing plan and provide a justification 
for the plan that includes education and experience qualifications and 
rationale for the amount of time being requested for each staff 
position. Position descriptions that include the roles, 
responsibilities, and qualifications of proposed project staff must be 
included in Appendix XX. Copies of biographical sketches for any key 
employed personnel that will be assigned to work on the proposed 
project must be included in Appendix XX.
vii. Project Abstract
    Provide a summary of the application. Because the abstract is often 
distributed to provide information to the public and Congress, please 
prepare this so that it is clear, accurate, concise, and without 
reference to other parts of the application. It must include a brief 
description of the proposed grant project including the needs to be 
addressed, the proposed services, and the population group(s) to be 
served.
    Please place the following at the top of the abstract:
     Project Title
     Applicant Name
     Address
     Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax)
     E-Mail Address
     Web Site Address, if applicable
    The project abstract must be single-spaced and limited to two pages 
in length.
vii. Program Narrative
    This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of 
all aspects of the proposed program. It should be succinct, self-
explanatory and well organized so that reviewers can understand the 
proposed project.
    Use the following section headers for the Narrative:
     Introduction.
    This section should briefly describe the purpose of the proposed 
project.
     Work Plan.
    Describe the activities or steps that will be used to achieve each 
of the

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activities proposed in the methodology section. Use a time line that 
includes each activity and identifies responsible staff.
     Resolution of Challenges.
    Discuss challenges that are likely to be encountered in designing 
and implementing the activities described in the Work Plan, and 
approaches that will be used to resolve such challenges.
     Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity.
    Describe current experience, skills, and knowledge, including 
individuals on staff, materials published, and previous work of a 
similar nature.
     Organizational Information.
    Provide information on the applicant agency's current mission and 
structure, scope of current activities, and an organizational chart, 
and describe how these all contribute to the ability of the 
organization to conduct the program requirements and meet program 
expectations.
iii. Appendices
    Please provide the following items to complete the content of the 
application. Please note that these are supplementary in nature, and 
are not intended to be a continuation of the project narrative. Be sure 
each appendix is clearly labeled.
    (1) Appendix A: Tables, Charts, etc.
    To give further details about the proposal.
    (2) Appendix B: Job Descriptions for Key Personnel.
    Keep each to one page in length as much as is possible. Item 6 in 
the Program Narrative section of the PHS 5161-1 Form provides some 
guidance on items to include in a job description.
    (3) Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel.
    Include biographical sketches for persons occupying the key 
positions described in Appendix B, not to exceed two pages in length. 
In the event that a biographical sketch is included for an identified 
individual who is not yet hired, please include a letter of commitment 
from that person with the biographical sketch.
    (4) Appendix D: Letters of Agreement and/or Description(s) of 
Proposed/Existing Contracts (project specific) Provide any documents 
that describe working relationships between the applicant agency and 
other agencies and programs cited in the proposal. Documents that 
confirm actual or pending contractual agreements should clearly 
describe the roles of the subcontractors and any deliverable. Letters 
of agreements must be dated.
    (5) Appendix E: Project Organizational Chart.
    Provide a one-page figure that depicts the organizational structure 
of the project, including subcontractors and other significant 
collaborators.
    (6) Appendix F: Other Relevant Documents.
    Include here any other documents that are relevant to the 
application, including letters of supports. Letters of support must be 
dated.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Notification of Intent To Apply
    A letter of intent is not required. However, if a letter of intent 
is submitted, the letter should identify the applicant organization and 
its intent to apply, and briefly describe the proposal to be submitted. 
Receipt of Letters of Intent will not be acknowledged.
    This letter should be sent by September 9, 2005 by mail or fax to: 
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, 
Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-101, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Facsimile Number: 301-443-2820.
    Application Submission. The OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for 
submission of applications as described in the following sections.
    Electronic Submission: The OPHS electronic grants management 
system, eGrants, provides for applications to be submitted 
electronically. While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use 
of the electronic application submissions capabilities provided by the 
eGrants system is encouraged. Information about this system is 
available on the Office of Population Affairs Web site at https://
opa.osophs.dhhs.gov, or may be requested from the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management at 240-453-8822. Applications sent via any other means of 
electronic communication, including facsimile or electronic mail, 
outside of the OPHS eGrants system will not be accepted for review.
    The body of the application and required forms can be submitted 
using the e-Grants system. In addition to electronically submitted 
materials, applicants are required to provide a hard copy of the 
application face page (Standard Form 424 [Revised 07/03]) with the 
original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant 
agency or organization and to assume for the organization the 
obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The 
application is not considered complete until both the electronic 
application and the hard copy of the face page with the original 
signature are received.
    Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later 
than 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement. All required hard copy original signatures 
and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on the next business day 
after the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the 
announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hard copy original signatures, and mail-in 
items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to 
the deadlines specified above. Any application submitted electronically 
after 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement will be considered late and will be deemed 
ineligible. Failure of the applicant to submit all required hard copy 
original signatures to the OPHS Office of Grants Management by 5 p.m. 
eastern time on the next business day after the deadline date specified 
in the DATES section of the announcement will result in the electronic 
application being deemed ineligible.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, 
the eGrants system will provide the applicant with a confirmation page 
indicating the date and time (eastern time) of the electronic 
application submission. This confirmation page will also provide the 
receipt status of all indicated signatures and items to be mailed to 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management. As items are received by the OPHS 
Office of Grants Management, the electronic application status will be 
updated to reflect the receipt of mail-in items. It is recommended that 
the applicant monitor the status of their application to ensure that 
all signatures and mail-in items are received.
    Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early 
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due 
date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with 
submission prior to the application deadline.
    Mailed Hard Copy Applications: Applications submitted in hard copy 
must include an original and two copies of the application. The 
original application must be signed by an individual authorized to act 
for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the 
organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the 
grant award.
    Mailed applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if

[[Page 52393]]

they are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management on or before 
5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section 
of the announcement. The application deadline date requirement 
specified in this announcement supercedes the instructions in the OPHS-
1. Applications that do not meet the deadline will be returned to the 
applicant unread.
    Hand-Delivered Applications: Hand-delivered applications must be 
received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootten Parkway, 
Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland 20852, no later than 5 p.m. eastern time 
on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the 
announcement. Hand-delivered applications must include an original and 
two copies of the application. The original application must be signed 
by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or 
organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    Applications will be screened upon receipt. Those that are judged 
to be incomplete or arrive after the deadline will be returned without 
review or comment. Applications that exceed the requested amount may 
also be returned without review or comment. Applicants that are judged 
to be in compliance will be notified by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management. Accepted applications will be reviewed for technical merit 
in accordance with DHHS policies.
    Applications should be submitted to: Director, Office of Grants 
Management, OPHS, HHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 
20852. Technical assistance on budget and business aspects of the 
application may be obtained from the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, 
HHS, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, telephone: 
(240) 453-8822.

4. Internal Government Review

    This program is not subject to the review requirements of Executive 
Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and necessity of direct 
and indirect costs that may be charged are outlined in the following 
documents: OMB-21 (Institutes of Higher Education); OMB Circular A-122 
(Nonprofit Organizations) and 45 CFR Part 74, Appendix E (Hospitals). 
Copies of these circulars can be found on the Internet at: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb.

6. Other Submission Requirements: N/A

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Applications will be screened by OGHA staff for completeness and 
for responsiveness to the program guidance. Applicants should pay 
strict attention addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon 
which their applications will be judged. Those applications judged to 
be non-responsive or incomplete will be returned to the applicant 
without review.
    Applications that are complete and responsive to the guidance will 
be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer 
review group specifically convened for this solicitation and in 
accordance with HHS policies and procedures. As part of the initial 
merit review, all applications will receive a written critique. All 
applications recommended for approval will be discussed fully by the ad 
hoc peer review group and assigned a priority score for funding. 
Eligible applications will be assessed according the following 
criteria:
    (1) Technical Approach (40 points):
     The applicant's presentation of a sound and practical 
technical approach for executing the requirements with adequate 
explanation, substantiation and justification for methods for handling 
the projected needs of the partner institution.
     The successful applicant must demonstrate a clear 
understanding of the scope and objectives of the cooperative agreement, 
recognition of potential difficulties that may arise in performing the 
work required, presentation of adequate solutions, and understanding of 
the close coordination necessary between the OGHA/HHS, Afghanistan 
Ministry of Public Health, U.S. Agency for International Development, 
and other organizations, such as the World Health Organization and 
United Nations Children's Fund.
     Applicants must submit a strategic plan that outlines the 
schedule of activities and expected products of the Group's work with 
benchmarks at months six, 12. The strategic plan should specifically 
address the expected progress of the Quality of Care program.
    (4) Personnel Qualifications and Experience (20 points):
     Project Leadership--For the technical and administrative 
leadership of the project requirements, successful applicants must 
demonstrate documented training, expertise, relevant experiences, 
leadership/management skills, and availability of a suitable overall 
project manager and surrounding management structure to successfully 
plan and manage the project. Successful applicant will provide 
documented history of leadership in the establishment and management of 
training programs that involve training of health care professionals in 
countries other than the United States. Expertise in maternal and child 
health care and services including documented training, expertise, 
relevant experience, leadership skills, and maternal and child health 
specific medical expertise. Documented managerial ability to achieve 
delivery or performance requirements as demonstrated by the proposed 
use of management and other personnel resources and to successfully 
manage the project, including subcontractor and/or consultant efforts, 
if applicable, as evidence by the management plan and demonstrated by 
previous relevant experience.
     Partner Institutions and other Personnel--Applicants 
should provide documented evidence of availability, training, 
qualifications, expertise, relevant experience, education and 
competence of the scientific, clinical, analytical, technical and 
administrative staff and any other proposed personnel (including 
partner institutions, subcontractors and consultants), to perform the 
requirements of the work activities as evidenced by resumes, 
endorsements and explanations of previous efforts.
     Staffing Plan--Applicants should submit a staffing plan 
for the conduct of the project, including the appropriateness of the 
time commitment of all staff and partner institutions, the clarity and 
appropriateness of assigned roles, lines of authority. Applicants 
should also provide an organizational chart for each partner 
institution named in the application showing relationships among the 
key personnel.
     Administrative and Organizational Framework--Adequacy of 
the administrative and organizational framework, with lines of 
authority and responsibility clearly demonstrated, and adequacy of the 
project plan, with proposed time schedule for achieving objectives and 
maintaining quality control over the implementation and operation of 
the project. Adequacy of back-up staffing and the evidence that they 
will be able to function as a team. The framework should identify the 
institution that will assume legal and financial responsibility and 
accountability for the use and disposition of funds awarded on the 
basis of this RFA.
    (5) Experience and Capabilities of the Organization (30 Points):

[[Page 52394]]

     Applicants should submit documented relevant experience of 
the organization in managing projects of similar complexity and scope 
of the activities.
     Clarity and appropriateness of lines of communication and 
authority for coordination and management of the project. Adequacy and 
feasibility of plans to ensure successful coordination of a multiple-
partner collaboration.
     Documented experience recruiting qualified medical 
personnel for projects of similar complexity and scope of activities.
    (4) Facilities and Resources (10 Points):
    Documented availability and adequacy of facilities, equipment and 
resources necessary to carry out the activities specified under Program 
Requirements.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed in competition with other submitted 
applications, by a panel of peer reviewers. Each of the above criteria 
will be addressed and considered by the reviewers in assigning the 
overall score. Final award will be made by the Deputy Director, Asia 
and Pacific Division of the Office Global Health Affairs on the basis 
of score, program relevance and, availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    OGHA/HHS does not release information about individual applications 
during the review process until final funding decisions have been made. 
When these decisions have been made, applicants will be notified by 
letter regarding the outcome of their applications. The official 
document notifying an applicant that an application has been approved 
and funded is the Notice of Award, which specifies to the awardee the 
amount of money awarded, the purpose of the agreement, the terms and 
conditions of the agreement, and the amount of funding, if any, to be 
contributed by the awardee to the project costs.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The regulations set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules and requirements 
that govern the administration of grants. Part 74 is applicable to all 
recipients except those covered by part 92, which governs awards to 
state and local governments. Applicants funded under this announcement 
must be aware of and comply with these regulations. The CFR volume that 
includes parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from https://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrv1_03.html.

3. Reporting

    Each party to this Cooperative Agreement has agreed to undertake 
the following obligations:
    The applicant (recipient) agrees to:
    a. Provide a budget for the acquisition and installation of the 
necessary equipment to complete the HHS Project, using the provided HHS 
Guidelines on Medical Equipment Donation;
    b. Facilitate the acquisition, refurbishment and calibration of the 
necessary equipment at a reduced cost;
    c. Prepare the necessary items for shipping including preparation 
of shipping documents for entry into partner country;
    d. Provide manuals for the donated equipment which can be 
translated into the primary language, at a sixth grade reading level 
and contain illustrations. Manuals must include content on the proper 
storage, cleaning and care and repair of the equipment;
    e. Ensure that the training method or module includes essential 
content regarding the adherence to established infection control 
principles;
    f. Provide technical training and examination of proficiency by the 
user on agreed upon technologies and supplied equipment;
    g. Ensure that training is provided by a certified trainer at a 
time closely coordinated with the delivery of the equipment or 
materials; and,
    h. Accompany the equipment and supplies for the purpose of 
overseeing the distribution, installation, and training in partner 
institution.
    HHS agrees to:
    a. Identify the funds necessary for the acceptance of the necessary 
equipment in keeping with the approved budget; and,
    b. Identify the funds or transportation necessary for the shipping 
of goods to partner country.
    All projects are required to have an evaluation plan, consistent 
with the scope of the proposed project and funding level that conforms 
to the project's stated goals and objectives. The evaluation plan 
should include both a process evaluation to track the implementation of 
project activities and an outcome evaluation to measure changes in 
knowledge and skills that can be attributed to the project. Project 
funds may be used to support evaluation activities.
    In addition to conducting their own evaluation of their projects, 
successful applicants must be prepared to participate in an external 
evaluation, to be supported by OGHA/HHS and conducted by an independent 
entity, to assess efficiency and effectiveness for the project funded 
under this announcement.
    Within 30 days following the end of each of quarter, submit a 
performance report no more than ten pages in length must be submitted 
to OGHA/HHS. A sample monthly performance report will be provided at 
the time of notification of award. At a minimum, monthly performance 
reports should include:
     Concise summary of the most significant achievements and 
problems encountered during the reporting period, e.g. number of 
training courses held and number of trainees.
     A comparison of work progress with objectives established 
for the quarter using the grantee's implementation schedule, and where 
such objectives were not met, a statement of why they were not met.
     Specific action(s) that the grantee would like the OGHA/
HHS to undertake to alleviate a problem.
     Other pertinent information that will permit monitoring 
and overview of project operations.
     A quarterly financial report describing the current 
financial status of the funds used under this award. The awardee and 
OGHA will agree at the time of award for the format of this portion of 
the report.
    Within 90 days following the end of the project period a final 
report containing information and data of interest to the Department of 
Health and Human Services, Congress, and other countries must be 
submitted to OGHA/HHS. The specifics as to the format and content of 
the final report and the summary will be sent to successful applicants. 
At minimum, the report should contain:
     A summary of the major activities supported under the 
agreement and the major accomplishments resulting from activities to 
improve mortality in partner country.
     An analysis of the project based on the problem(s) 
described in the application and needs assessments, performed prior to 
or during the project period, including a description of the specific 
objectives stated in the grant application and the accomplishments and 
failures resulting from activities during the grant period.
    Quarterly performance reports and the final report may be submitted 
to: Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants Management, OPHS, 
HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, phone (240) 
453-8822.

[[Page 52395]]

VII. Agency Contacts

    For assistance on administrative and budgetary requirements, please 
contact: Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants Management, 
OPHS, HHS 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, phone 
(240) 453-8822.
    For assistance with questions regarding program requirements, 
please contact: Dr. Amar Bhat, Asia-Pacific Division, Office of Global 
Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human 
Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-101, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone 
Number: 301-443-1410.

VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application

    Include DUNS Number. You must include a DUNS Number to have your 
application reviewed. Applications will not be reviewed without a DUNS 
number. To obtain a DUNS number, access www.dunandbradstreet.com or 
call 1-866-705-5711. Please include the DUNS number next to the OMB 
Approval Number on the application face page.
    Keep your audience in mind. Reviewers will use only the information 
contained in the application to assess the application. Be sure the 
application and responses to the program requirements and expectations 
are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that reviewers are 
familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the review criteria in 
mind when writing the application.
    Start preparing the application early. Allow plenty of time to 
gather required information from various sources.
    Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully. Place all 
information in the order requested in the guidance. If the information 
is not placed in the requested order, you may receive a lower score.
    Be brief, concise, and clear. Make your points understandable. 
Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of 
problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required 
information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information 
provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the 
proposal narrative and information in other tables.
    Be organized and logical. Many applications fail to receive a high 
score because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the 
applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together.
    Be careful in the use of appendices. Do not use the appendices for 
information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure to 
cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the appendices to 
the appropriate text in the application.
    Carefully proofread the application. Misspellings and grammatical 
errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure 
pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are 
followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each 
one at its first use and periodically throughout application.

    Dated: August 26, 2005.
Mary Lou Valdez,
Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Global Health Affairs.
Cristina V. Beato,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Public Health and 
Science.
[FR Doc. 05-17546 Filed 9-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P