Announcement of Availability of Funds, 52381-52388 [05-17547]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 170 (Friday, September 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52381-52388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17547]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the 
Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Global Health 
Affairs.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Announcement of Availability of Funds 
for Cooperative Agreement to Provide Medical Equipment, 
Pharmaceuticals, and Technology-Related Training to Physicians and 
Other Staff of the Indira Ghandi Children's Hospital.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2005 Initial 
Announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: OGHA 05-019.
    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 $200,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds is available for a 
cooperative agreement to provide support for a quality of care 
improvement project based in a partner healthcare institution in 
Afghanistan. This effort is an undertaking by the Department of Health 
and Human Services (HHS). The primary goal of this project is to 
improve the quality of care at health institutions in Afghanistan 
through the acceptance and delivery of

[[Page 52382]]

donated medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and technology-related 
training for physicians, nurses, midwives, and other health care 
workers at Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. 
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 
$200,000 (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 pm ET: September 9, 2005.
    Application due by 5 pm 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), Department of 
Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, 
MD 20852.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Under the authority of Section 103(a)(1); Section 103(a)(7) of 
public law 107-327; Public Health Service Act, Section 307, the Office 
of Global Health affairs (OGHA) announces the intent to allocate fiscal 
year (FY) 2005 funds for a cooperative agreement for activities that 
will provide essential biomedical technology, pharmaceuticals, and 
technology-related training to physicians, midwives, nurses, and 
ancillary staff. These technologies include but are not limited to 
monitoring, diagnostic and critical care equipment, and life saving 
technology to a partner health care institution.
    This assistance is geared to support the provision of state of the 
art quality care to patients of Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in 
Kabul, Afghanistan. Awardee is expected to arrange for the acceptance 
of donated medical equipment and supplies for use at this hospital. 
Funding is provided by OGHA in order to prepare donated medical 
equipment and supplies and prepare these materials for shipment and 
delivery in Afghanistan. The overall goal of OGHA is to reduce the 
maternal and infant mortality rates in Afghanistan by upgrading the 
level of medical equipment and services provided by select healthcare 
institutions.
    A complete list of items required by Indira Gandhi Children's 
Hospital is included in the application kit.

Purposes of the Agreement

    The project's main objectives include: (1) To accept and deliver 
donated supplies, equipment, parts and accessories for the clinical 
care of patients at Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital; (2) To provide 
and install the donated technology appropriate for the monitoring and 
diagnosis of medical and surgical conditions; (3) To accept, deliver 
and install life-support technology; (4) To develop detailed training 
programs in Dari, one of the primary languages of Afghanistan, on the 
use and application of the donated biomedical technology for 
physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other allied health 
professionals; (5) To ensure that the training method or module 
includes essential content regarding the proper procedures for 
adherence to infection control principles; (6) To provide supporting 
manuals for the proper use, care, and repair of biomedical equipment 
which is in the primary language, at the grade-school reading level, 
and with illustrations; (7) To ensure that all training is closely 
coordinated with the delivery of the goods and materials; (8) To 
provide for the proper shipping, storage, testing, evaluation and 
trouble-shooting of shipped high technology; (9) To provide 
pharmaceuticals as requested and listed in the Afghanistan Ministry of 
Public Health Formulary and approved by the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA); and, (10) ensure no sophisticated equipment will 
be sent overseas unless the target institution has the capacity 
(people, electrical supply and ministry support) to use and continue to 
maintain it.

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. Awardee will also be expected to 
work directly with and in support of HHS' Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources Services Administration 
(HRSA), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).
    Approximately $200,000 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 September 30, 2005. There will only 
be one single award made from this announcement. The program and budget 
period for this agreement is for 12 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.

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 the 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, 
Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; 
or contact the Office of Grants Management, OPHS,

[[Page 52383]]

HHS, 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 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 through the 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

[[Page 52384]]

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 Web site: http:/
/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 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 support. 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.

[[Page 52385]]

    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 
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 OPHS Office of Grants Management, 
1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, telephone: (240) 
453-8822.

4. Intergovernmental 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 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

[[Page 52386]]

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, and 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):
     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 (or 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;

[[Page 52387]]

    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;
    b. Identify the funds or transportation necessary for the shipping 
of goods to partner country; and,
    c. Provide Guidelines on Medical Equipment Donation for 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 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, 
HHS1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, phone (240) 
453-8822.

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 https://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

[[Page 52388]]

define each one at its first use and periodically throughout 
application.

    Dated: August 25, 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. 05-17547 Filed 9-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P