Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement to the New Mexico Outreach Office To Strengthen Public Health Services at the New Mexico-Chihuahua Border, 17876-17881 [E6-5046]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 67 / Friday, April 7, 2006 / Notices
of other factors including population
density, roads, geographic features, and
political boundaries.
The Commission alleges that each of
the 66 outpatient dialysis markets
defined in the complaint is highly
concentrated. With few exceptions,
these markets have no more than one
significant dialysis provider other than
Fresenius and RCG. In each of these 66
markets, evidence that Fresenius and
RCG are actual and substantial
competitors in these markets, along with
the high post-acquisition concentration
levels, suggest that the combined firm
likely would be able to exercise
unilateral market power. The evidence
shows that health plans and other
private payors who pay dialysis
providers for dialysis services used by
their members benefit from direct
competition between Fresenius and
RCG when negotiating the rates of the
dialysis provider. As a result, the
proposed combination likely would
result in higher prices and reduced
incentives to improve service or quality
for outpatient dialysis services in the 66
outpatient dialysis markets defined in
the complaint.
In the outpatient dialysis services
markets defined by the complaint, entry
on a level sufficient to deter or
counteract the likely anticompetitive
effects of the proposed transaction is not
likely to occur in a timely manner. The
primary barrier to entry is the difficulty
associated with locating nephrologists
with established patient pools who are
willing and able to serve as medical
directors. Federal law requires each
dialysis clinic to have a physician
medical director. As a practical matter,
having a nephrologist serve as medical
director is essential to the success of a
clinic because they are the primary
source of referrals. Entry is also
inhibited where certain attributes (such
as a rapidly growing ESRD population,
a favorable regulatory environment,
average or below average nursing and
labor costs, and a low penetration of
managed care) are not present, as the
Commission alleges is the case in
particular geographic markets defined in
the Commission’s complaint.
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IV. The Consent Agreement
The Consent Agreement effectively
prevents the anticompetitive effects that
the proposed acquisition would
otherwise be likely to have in the 66
markets where both Fresenius and RCG
operate dialysis clinics, by requiring
Fresenius to divest 91 outpatient
dialysis clinics, and RCG’s joint venture
equity interests in 12 additional clinics,
to National Renal Institutes, Inc.
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(‘‘NRI’’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
DSI Holding Company, Inc.
As part of these divestitures,
Fresenius is required to obtain the
agreement of the medical directors
affiliated with the divested clinics to
continue providing physician services
after the transfer of ownership to NRI.
Similarly, the Consent Agreement
requires Fresenius to obtain the consent
of all lessors necessary to assign the
leases for the real property associated
with the divested clinics to NRI. These
provisions ensure that NRI will have the
assets necessary to operate the divested
clinics in a competitive manner.
The Consent Agreement contains
several additional provisions designed
to ensure that the divestitures will be
successful. First, the Consent Agreement
provides NRI with the opportunity to
interview and hire employees affiliated
with the divested clinics, and prevents
Fresenius from offering these employees
incentives to decline NRI’s offer of
employment. This will ensure that NRI
has access to patient care and
supervisory staff who are familiar with
the clinic’s patients and the local
physicians. Second, the Consent
Agreement prevents Fresenius from
contracting with the medical directors
(or their practice groups) affiliated with
the divested clinics for three years. This
provides NRI with sufficient time to
build goodwill and a working
relationship with its medical directors
before Fresenius can attempt to
capitalize on its prior relationships in
soliciting their services. Third, the
Consent Agreement requires Fresenius
to provide NRI with a license to
Fresenius’s policies and procedures, as
well as the option to obtain Fresenius’s
medical protocols, which will further
enhance NRI’s ability to provide
continuity of care to patients. Finally,
the Consent Agreement requires
Fresenius to provide prior notice to the
Commission of its planned acquisitions
of dialysis clinics located in the 66
markets addressed by the Consent
Agreement. This provision ensures that
subsequent acquisitions do not
adversely impact competition in the
markets at issue and undermine the
remedial goals of the proposed order.
The Commission is satisfied that NRI
is a qualified acquirer of the divested
assets. NRI’s management team has
extensive experience in all facets of
operating and developing outpatient
dialysis clinics. In addition, Fresenius
will provide transition services to NRI
for a period of 12 months to ensure
continuity of patient care and records as
NRI implements its quality care, billing,
and supply systems. Firewalls and
confidentiality agreements will ensure
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that competitively sensitive information
is not exchanged. NRI has received
substantial financial backing from
Centre Partners, a private equity firm
focused on making investments in
middle market companies.
The Commission has appointed
Richard Shermer as Monitor to oversee
the transition service agreements, and
the implementation of, and compliance
with, the Consent Agreement. Mr.
Shermer is the President of R. Shermer
& Company, a professional services firm
that specializes in providing services for
companies undergoing transitions in
ownership through divestitures,
mergers, or acquisitions. R. Shermer &
Company has served as a monitor in
connection with other Commission
actions.
The purpose of this analysis is to
facilitate public comment on the
Consent Agreement, and it is not
intended to constitute an official
interpretation of the proposed Decision
and Order or the Order to Maintain
Assets, or to modify their terms in any
way.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–5053 Filed 4–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Announcement of Availability of Funds
for Cooperative Agreement to the New
Mexico Outreach Office To Strengthen
Public Health Services at the New
Mexico-Chihuahua Border
Office of Global Health Affairs,
Office of the Secretary, HHS.
Announcement Type: Cooperative
Agreement—FY 2006 Initial
Announcement. Single Source.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance: 93.018.
Key Dates: Application Availability:
April 7, 2006. Applications are due by
5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 8, 2006.
Executive Summary: The Office of
Global Health Affairs (OGHA)
announces that up to $345,600 in fiscal
year (FY) 2006 funds is available for a
cooperative agreement to the New
Mexico Department of Health, New
Mexico Outreach Office of the U.S.Mexico Border Health Commission
(USMBHC) to strengthen the binational
public health projects and programs
along the New Mexico-Chihuahua
border. This initiative addresses
outreach and health promotion
activities, evaluation and assessments,
AGENCY:
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health data analysis and surveillance,
Healthy Border/Healthy Gente activities,
and administrative support to the
members and staff of the U.S.-Mexico
Border Health Commission. The project
will be approved for up to a one-year
period for a total of $345,600 (including
indirect costs). Funding for the
cooperative agreement is contingent
upon the availability of funds.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Under the authority of Section 4 of
the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission Act (the Act), Public Law
103–400, the Office of Global Health
Affairs (OGHA) announces the intent to
allocate fiscal year (FY) 2006 funds for
a cooperative agreement to the New
Mexico Department of Health, New
Mexico Outreach Office of the U.S.Mexico Border Health Commission to
strengthen the binational public health
projects and programs along the New
Mexico-Chihuahua border. Activities to
be addressed through the cooperative
agreement will relate to the following
topic areas, as appropriate: (1) Access to
Care; (2) Cancer; (3) Diabetes; (4) HIV/
AIDS; (5) Immunizations and Infectious
Diseases; (6) Injury Prevention; (7)
Maternal, Infant and Child Health; (8)
Tobacco Use; and (9) Substance Abuse;
and (10) Nutrition and Obesity. Funding
will be provided by OGHA, through the
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission,
to the awardee.
This assistance is geared to support
current, on-going and proposed public
health initiatives in this border region
that support the goals and objectives of
the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission serve to strengthen access
to health care, disease prevention, and
public health along this border region.
Background: The U.S.-Mexico Border
Health Commission (USMBHC), in
collaboration with the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, works
toward creating awareness about the
U.S.-Mexico border, its people, and its
environment. It educates others about
the unique challenges at the border
through outreach efforts, data collection
and analysis, and joint collaborative
efforts with public and private partners
in the border health community. The
USMBHC serves as a rallying point for
shared concerns about the U.S.-Mexico
border and as a catalyst for action to
develop plans directed toward solving
specific health related problems.
Outreach offices of the USMBHC
work with the border states to address
public health concerns and needs
affecting the border region. The New
Mexico Outreach Office works with
Mexican counterparts to promote and
strengthen binational health initiatives
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along the New Mexico-Chihuahua
border.
Purpose: The project’s main goal is to
preserve and enhance the health of the
New Mexico-Chihuahua border
population. The New Mexico Outreach
Office, in coordination with their
Mexican counterparts, will support and
coordinate the USMBHC objectives and
activities within this region. Program
areas will include: (1) Outreach and
health promotion activities; (2)
evaluation and assessment activities; (3)
health data analysis and surveillance;
(4) Healthy Border/healthy Gente
activities; and (5) programmatic support
to the members of the USMBHC.
Measurable outcomes of the program
will be in alignment with one (or more)
of the following performance goals:
• Increase access to care and improve
quality of care;
• Improve disease prevention and
health education;
• Improve workforce development
and retention;
• Improve public health
infrastructure; and
• Improve outreach and health
promotion to the community.
Activities: Awardee activities for this
program will be focused in the flowing
areas and sub-areas:
(1) Outreach and health promotion
activities to establish or strengthen
linkages between public health and
border activities; including:
• Community projects supporting
Healthy Border/Healthy Gente
objectives;
• Strengthening the Border
Information and Education Network;
• Supporting the Binational Health
Councils and Border Health Council
activities; and
• Strengthening binational promotion
and communication mechanisms;
(2) Evaluation and assessments of
health services, health research, health
care technologies, and delivery systems;
(3) Health data analysis and
surveillance; and
(4) Programmatic support to the
members and staff for the USMBHC.
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 the U.S.-Mexico Border
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Health Commission and its stated goals
and initiatives as outlined in the
submitted workplan.
Approximately $345,600 in FY 2006
funds is available to support the
agreement. The anticipated start date is
May 1, 2006. 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
This is a single eligibility cooperative
agreement offered to the New Mexico
Department of Health, New Mexico
Outreach Office (ORO) of the USMBHC.
The ORO has extensive past experience
working with the USMBHC and
supporting its binational goals,
objectives and initiatives. The New
Mexico ORO also has an existing
working relationship and on-going
initiatives with Mexico through the
Chihuahua Outreach Office. Continuity
and consistency in this binational effort
within this region is essential to the
productivity and success of public
health efforts in this region.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching funds, and
cost participation is not a requirement
of this agreement.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address To Request Application
Package
Application kits may be requested by
calling (240) 453–8822 or writing to:
Office of Grants Management, Office of
Public Health Science (OPHS), 1101
Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville,
MD 20852. Applications must be
prepared using Form OPHS–1.
Applicants may fax a written request to
the OPHS Office of Grants Management
to obtain a hard copy of the application
kit at (240) 453–8823.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
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.
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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.
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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 noncompliant 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 81⁄2″ 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:
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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 ninecharacter 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.
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. 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:
• Executive Summary: This section
should briefly describe the proposed
project and supporting initiatives as
well as summarize goals that the
program intends to achieve through the
project initiatives.
• Work Plan: Describe the current and
proposed activities or steps that will be
used to achieve the stated goals and
objectives. Describe expected outcomes
resulting from activities as well as any
evaluation mechanisms that will be
used to measure the success of the
initiatives.
• Mechanism For Administration:
Describe how resources and funds will
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be administered with regards to the
proposed projects.
• In-Kind Support/Resources:
Describe any in-kind support from other
sources, if any, that will be used to
support the proposed initiatives and
activities.
iii. Appendices: Please provide the
additional relevant information
(including tables, charts, and other
relevant documents) 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.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Application Submission
Submission Mechanisms: The Office
of Public Health and Science (OPHS)
provides multiple mechanisms for the
submission of applications, as described
in the following sections. Applicants
will receive notification via mail from
the OPHS Office of Grants Management
confirming the receipt of applications
submitted using any of these
mechanisms. Applications submitted to
the OPHS Office of Grants Management
after the deadlines described below will
not be accepted for review. Applications
which do not conform to the
requirements of the grant announcement
will not be accepted for review and will
be returned to the applicant.
Applications may only be submitted
electronically via the electronic
submission mechanisms specified
below. Any applications submitted via
any other means of electronic
communication, including facsimile or
electronic mail, will not be accepted for
review. While applications are accepted
in hard copy, the use of the electronic
application submission capabilities
provided by the OPHS eGrants system
or the Grants.gov Web site Portal is
encouraged.
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 using one of the
electronic submission mechanisms
specified below. All required hardcopy
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, hardcopy original
signatures, and mail-in items are
received by the OPHS Office of Grants
Management according to the deadlines
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specified above. Application
submissions that do not adhere to the
due date requirements will be
considered late and will be deemed
ineligible.
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 submissions prior to the
application deadline.
Electronic Submissions via the
Grants.gov Web site Portal: The
Grants.gov Web site Portal provides
organizations with the ability to submit
applications for OPHS grant
opportunities. Organizations must
successfully complete the necessary
registration processes in order to submit
an application. Information about this
system is available on the Grants.gov
Web site, https://www.grants.gov.
In addition to electronically
submitted materials, applicants may be
required to submit hard copy signatures
for certain Program related forms, or
original materials as required by the
announcement. It is imperative that the
applicant review both the grant
announcement, as well as the
application guidance provided within
the Grants.gov application package, to
determine such requirements. Any
required hard copy materials, or
documents that require a signature,
must be submitted separately via mail to
the OPHS Office of Grants Management,
and, if required, must contain the
original signature of an individual
authorized to act for the applicant
agency and the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
Electronic applications submitted via
the Grants.gov Web site Portal must
contain all completed online forms
required by the application kit, the
Program Narrative, Budget Narrative
and any appendices or exhibits. All
required mail-in items must received by
the due date requirements specified
above. Mail-In items may only include
publications, resumes, or organizational
documentation.
Upon completion of a successful
electronic application submission via
the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the
applicant will be provided with a
confirmation page from Grants.gov
indicating the date and time (Eastern
Time) of the electronic application
submission, as well as the Grants.gov
Receipt Number. It is critical that the
applicant print and retain this
confirmation for their records, as well as
a copy of the entire application package.
All applications submitted via the
Grants.gov Web site Portal will be
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validated by Grants.gov. Any
applications deemed ‘‘Invalid’’ by the
Grants.gov Web site Portal will not be
transferred to the OPHS eGrants system,
and OPHS has no responsibility for any
application that is not validated and
transferred to OPHS from the Grants.gov
Web site Portal. Grants.gov will notify
the applicant regarding the application
validation status. Once the application
is successfully validated by the
Grants.gov Web site Portal, applicants
should immediately mail all required
hard copy materials to the OPHS Office
of Grants Management to be received by
the deadlines specified above. It is
critical that the applicant clearly
identify the Organization name and
Grants.gov Application Receipt Number
on all hard copy materials.
Once the application is validated by
Grants.gov, it will be electronically
transferred to the OPHS eGrants system
for processing. Upon receipt of both the
electronic application from the
Grants.gov Web site Portal, and the
required hardcopy mail-in items,
applicants will receive notification via
mail from the OPHS Office of Grants
Management confirming the receipt of
the application submitted using the
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Applicants should contact Grants.gov
regarding any questions or concerns
regarding the electronic application
process conducted through the
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Electronic Submissions via the OPHS
eGrants System: The OPHS electronic
grants management system, eGrants,
provides for applications to be
submitted electronically. Information
about this system is available on the
OPHS eGrants Web site, https://
egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, or may be
requested from the OPHS Office of
Grants Management at (240) 453–8822.
When submitting applications via the
OPHS eGrants system, applicants are
required to submit a hard copy of the
application face page (Standard Form
424) with the original signature of an
individual authorized to act for the
applicant agency and assume the
obligations imposed by the terms and
conditions of the grant award. If
required, applicants will also need to
submit a hard copy of the Standard
Form LLL and/or certain Program
related forms (e.g., Program
Certifications) with the original
signature of an individual authorized to
act for the applicant agency.
Electronic applications submitted via
the OPHS eGrants system must contain
all completed online forms required by
the application kit, the Program
Narrative, Budget Narrative and any
appendices or exhibits. The applicant
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may identify specific mail-in items to be
sent to the Office of Grants Management
separate from the electronic submission;
however these mail-in items must be
entered on the eGrants Application
Checklist at the time of electronic
submission, and must be received by the
due date requirements specified above.
Mail-In items may only include
publications, resumes, or organizational
documentation.
Upon completion of a successful
electronic application submission, the
OPHS 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 a listing of all items that
constitute the final application
submission including all electronic
application components, required
hardcopy original signatures, and mailin items, as well as the mailing address
of the OPHS Office of Grants
Management where all required hard
copy materials must be submitted.
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 in the OPHS eGrants system
to ensure that all signatures and mail-in
items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy
Applications: Applicants who submit
applications in hard copy (via mail or
hand-delivered) are required to submit
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 or hand-delivered applications
will be considered as meeting the
deadline if they are received by the
OPHS Office of Grant 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
supersedes the instructions in the
OPHS–1. Applications that do not meet
the deadline will be returned to the
applicant unread.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to the Public
Health Systems Reporting
Requirements. Under these
requirements, a community-based nongovernmental applicant must prepare
and submit a Public Health System
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Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicants
shall submit a copy of the application
face page (SF–424) and a one page
summary of the project, called the
Public Health System Impact Statement.
The PHSIS is intended to provide
information to State and local health
officials to keep them apprised on
proposed health services grant
applications submitted by communitybased, non-governmental organizations
within their jurisdictions.
Community-based, non-governmental
applicants are required to submit, no
later than the Federal due date for
receipt of the application, the following
information to the head of the
appropriate State and local health
agencies in the area(s) to be impacted:
(a) A copy of the face page of the
application (SF 424), (b) a summary of
the project (PHSIS), not to exceed one
page, which provides: (1) A description
of the population to be served, (2) a
summary of the services to be provided,
and (3) a description of the coordination
planned with the appropriate State or
local health agencies. Copies of the
letters forwarding the PHSIS to these
authorities must be contained in the
application materials submitted to the
OGHA/HHS.
This program is also subject to the
requirements of Executive Order 12372
that allows States the option of setting
up a system for reviewing applications
from within their States for assistance
under certain Federal programs. The
application kit to be made available
under this notice will contain a listing
of States that have chosen to set up a
review system and will include a State
Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in the
State for review. Applicants (other than
federally recognized Indian tribes)
should contact their SPOCs as early as
possible to alert them to the prospective
applications and receive any necessary
instructions on the State process. For
proposed projects serving more than one
State, the applicant is advised to contact
the SPOC in each affected State. A
complete list of SPOCs may be found at
the following Web site: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/
spoc.html. The due date for State
process recommendations is 60 days
after the application deadline. The
OGHA/HHS does not guarantee that it
will accommodate or explain its
responses to State process
recommendations received after that
date. (See ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of
Federal Programs,’’ Executive Order
12372, and 45 CFR part 100 for a
description of the review process and
requirements.)
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5. Funding Restrictions
Funds may not be used for
construction, building alterations,
equipment purchase, medical treatment,
renovations, or to purchase food.
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.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Applications will be screened by
OGHA staff for completeness and for
responsiveness to the program guidance.
Applicant should pay strict attention
addressing these criteria, as they are the
basis upon which applications will be
judged.
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 (45 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
USMBHC.
• 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 appropriate state
offices and resources, and the USMBHC
New Mexico and Chihuahua Delegation
Offices.
(2) Experience and Capabilities of the
Organization: (45 Points):
• Applicants should submit
documented relevant experience of the
organization in managing projects of
similar complexity and scope of the
activities.
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• 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.
(3) Facilities and Resources (10
Points):
• Documented availability and
adequacy of facilities, equipment and
resources necessary to carry out the
activities.
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 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.
The HHS Appropriations Act requires
that when issuing statements, press
releases, requests for proposals, bid
solicitation, and other documents
describing projects or programs funded
in whole or in part with Federal money,
grantees shall clearly state the
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percentage and dollar amount of the
total cost of the program or project
which will be financed with Federal
money and the percentage and dollar
amount of the total costs of the project
or program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources.
3. Reporting
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
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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: U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services, Office of the Secretary, Office
of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Suite 18–105, Rockville, Maryland
20857.
A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF–
269 is due 90 days after the close of each
12-month budget period and submitted
to the OPHS—Office of Grants
Management.
VII. Agency Contacts
For programmatic requirements,
please contact: Jeff Waggoner, DHHS,
Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600
Fishers Lane, Suite 18–105, Rockville
MD, 20857, 301–443–4560.
For administrative requirements,
please contact: DHHS, Office of Public
Health and Science, Office of Grants
Management, 1101 Wootton Parkway,
Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland 20857,
Telephone: (240) 453–8822.
VIII. Other Information
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
Include DUNS Number. You must
include a DUNS Number to have your
application reviewed. 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.
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17881
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 crossreference 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: March 31, 2006.
Mary Lou Valdez,
Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Global
Health Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6–5046 Filed 4–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150–38–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Announcement of Availability of Funds
for Cooperative Agreement to the
Texas Outreach Office To Strengthen
Public Health Services at the TexasMexico Border
Office of Global Health Affairs,
Office of the Secretary, HHS.
Announcement Type: Cooperative
Agreement—FY 2006 Initial
Announcement. Single Source.
AGENCY:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:
93.018.
Key Dates: Application Availability:
April 7, 2006.
Applications are due by 5 p.m.
eastern time on May 8, 2006.
Executive Summary: The Office of
Global Health Affairs (OGHA)
E:\FR\FM\07APN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 67 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17876-17881]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5046]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement
to the New Mexico Outreach Office To Strengthen Public Health Services
at the New Mexico-Chihuahua Border
AGENCY: Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, HHS.
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2006 Initial
Announcement. Single Source.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 93.018.
Key Dates: Application Availability: April 7, 2006. Applications
are due by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 8, 2006.
Executive Summary: The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA)
announces that up to $345,600 in fiscal year (FY) 2006 funds is
available for a cooperative agreement to the New Mexico Department of
Health, New Mexico Outreach Office of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission (USMBHC) to strengthen the binational public health projects
and programs along the New Mexico-Chihuahua border. This initiative
addresses outreach and health promotion activities, evaluation and
assessments,
[[Page 17877]]
health data analysis and surveillance, Healthy Border/Healthy Gente
activities, and administrative support to the members and staff of the
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission. The project will be approved for
up to a one-year period for a total of $345,600 (including indirect
costs). Funding for the cooperative agreement is contingent upon the
availability of funds.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Under the authority of Section 4 of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission Act (the Act), Public Law 103-400, the Office of Global
Health Affairs (OGHA) announces the intent to allocate fiscal year (FY)
2006 funds for a cooperative agreement to the New Mexico Department of
Health, New Mexico Outreach Office of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission to strengthen the binational public health projects and
programs along the New Mexico-Chihuahua border. Activities to be
addressed through the cooperative agreement will relate to the
following topic areas, as appropriate: (1) Access to Care; (2) Cancer;
(3) Diabetes; (4) HIV/AIDS; (5) Immunizations and Infectious Diseases;
(6) Injury Prevention; (7) Maternal, Infant and Child Health; (8)
Tobacco Use; and (9) Substance Abuse; and (10) Nutrition and Obesity.
Funding will be provided by OGHA, through the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission, to the awardee.
This assistance is geared to support current, on-going and proposed
public health initiatives in this border region that support the goals
and objectives of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission serve to
strengthen access to health care, disease prevention, and public health
along this border region.
Background: The U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission (USMBHC), in
collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
works toward creating awareness about the U.S.-Mexico border, its
people, and its environment. It educates others about the unique
challenges at the border through outreach efforts, data collection and
analysis, and joint collaborative efforts with public and private
partners in the border health community. The USMBHC serves as a
rallying point for shared concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border and as
a catalyst for action to develop plans directed toward solving specific
health related problems.
Outreach offices of the USMBHC work with the border states to
address public health concerns and needs affecting the border region.
The New Mexico Outreach Office works with Mexican counterparts to
promote and strengthen binational health initiatives along the New
Mexico-Chihuahua border.
Purpose: The project's main goal is to preserve and enhance the
health of the New Mexico-Chihuahua border population. The New Mexico
Outreach Office, in coordination with their Mexican counterparts, will
support and coordinate the USMBHC objectives and activities within this
region. Program areas will include: (1) Outreach and health promotion
activities; (2) evaluation and assessment activities; (3) health data
analysis and surveillance; (4) Healthy Border/healthy Gente activities;
and (5) programmatic support to the members of the USMBHC.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one
(or more) of the following performance goals:
Increase access to care and improve quality of care;
Improve disease prevention and health education;
Improve workforce development and retention;
Improve public health infrastructure; and
Improve outreach and health promotion to the community.
Activities: Awardee activities for this program will be focused in
the flowing areas and sub-areas:
(1) Outreach and health promotion activities to establish or
strengthen linkages between public health and border activities;
including:
Community projects supporting Healthy Border/Healthy Gente
objectives;
Strengthening the Border Information and Education
Network;
Supporting the Binational Health Councils and Border
Health Council activities; and
Strengthening binational promotion and communication
mechanisms;
(2) Evaluation and assessments of health services, health research,
health care technologies, and delivery systems;
(3) Health data analysis and surveillance; and
(4) Programmatic support to the members and staff for the USMBHC.
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 the U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Commission and its stated goals and initiatives as outlined in the
submitted workplan.
Approximately $345,600 in FY 2006 funds is available to support the
agreement. The anticipated start date is May 1, 2006. 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
This is a single eligibility cooperative agreement offered to the
New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Outreach Office (ORO) of
the USMBHC. The ORO has extensive past experience working with the
USMBHC and supporting its binational goals, objectives and initiatives.
The New Mexico ORO also has an existing working relationship and on-
going initiatives with Mexico through the Chihuahua Outreach Office.
Continuity and consistency in this binational effort within this region
is essential to the productivity and success of public health efforts
in this region.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation is not a
requirement of this agreement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Application kits may be requested by calling (240) 453-8822 or
writing to: Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health
Science (OPHS), 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852.
Applications must be prepared using Form OPHS-1. Applicants may fax a
written request to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to obtain a
hard copy of the application kit at (240) 453-8823.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
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.
[[Page 17878]]
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.
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. 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:
Executive Summary: This section should briefly describe
the proposed project and supporting initiatives as well as summarize
goals that the program intends to achieve through the project
initiatives.
Work Plan: Describe the current and proposed activities or
steps that will be used to achieve the stated goals and objectives.
Describe expected outcomes resulting from activities as well as any
evaluation mechanisms that will be used to measure the success of the
initiatives.
Mechanism For Administration: Describe how resources and
funds will be administered with regards to the proposed projects.
In-Kind Support/Resources: Describe any in-kind support
from other sources, if any, that will be used to support the proposed
initiatives and activities.
iii. Appendices: Please provide the additional relevant information
(including tables, charts, and other relevant documents) 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.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Application Submission
Submission Mechanisms: The Office of Public Health and Science
(OPHS) provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of applications,
as described in the following sections. Applicants will receive
notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management
confirming the receipt of applications submitted using any of these
mechanisms. Applications submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants
Management after the deadlines described below will not be accepted for
review. Applications which do not conform to the requirements of the
grant announcement will not be accepted for review and will be returned
to the applicant.
Applications may only be submitted electronically via the
electronic submission mechanisms specified below. Any applications
submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including
facsimile or electronic mail, will not be accepted for review. While
applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the electronic
application submission capabilities provided by the OPHS eGrants system
or the Grants.gov Web site Portal is encouraged.
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 using one of the electronic submission
mechanisms specified below. All required hardcopy 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, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items
are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to the
deadlines
[[Page 17879]]
specified above. Application submissions that do not adhere to the due
date requirements will be considered late and will be deemed
ineligible.
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
submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal: The
Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the ability to
submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. Organizations must
successfully complete the necessary registration processes in order to
submit an application. Information about this system is available on
the Grants.gov Web site, https://www.grants.gov.
In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program related
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is
imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as
well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov
application package, to determine such requirements. Any required hard
copy materials, or documents that require a signature, must be
submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management,
and, if required, must contain the original signature of an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed
by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must received by the
due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include
publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission
via the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the applicant will be provided with
a confirmation page from Grants.gov indicating the date and time
(Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as the
Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and
retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the
entire application package.
All applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal will
be validated by Grants.gov. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the
Grants.gov Web site Portal will not be transferred to the OPHS eGrants
system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any application that is not
validated and transferred to OPHS from the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application
validation status. Once the application is successfully validated by
the Grants.gov Web site Portal, applicants should immediately mail all
required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to
be received by the deadlines specified above. It is critical that the
applicant clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov
Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be
electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for processing.
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web
site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management
confirming the receipt of the application submitted using the
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Electronic Submissions via the OPHS eGrants System: The OPHS
electronic grants management system, eGrants, provides for applications
to be submitted electronically. Information about this system is
available on the OPHS eGrants Web site, https://
egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, or may be requested from the OPHS Office of
Grants Management at (240) 453-8822.
When submitting applications via the OPHS eGrants system,
applicants are required to submit a hard copy of the application face
page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required,
applicants will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form
LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g., Program Certifications)
with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the
applicant agency.
Electronic applications submitted via the OPHS eGrants system must
contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the
Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits. The
applicant may identify specific mail-in items to be sent to the Office
of Grants Management separate from the electronic submission; however
these mail-in items must be entered on the eGrants Application
Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and must be received by
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission,
the OPHS 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 a
listing of all items that constitute the final application submission
including all electronic application components, required hardcopy
original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address
of the OPHS Office of Grants Management where all required hard copy
materials must be submitted.
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 in the OPHS eGrants system to ensure that all
signatures and mail-in items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications: Applicants who
submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-delivered) are
required to submit 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 or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant
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 supersedes the
instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the deadline
will be returned to the applicant unread.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to the Public Health Systems Reporting
Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based non-
governmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health System
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Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicants shall submit a copy of the
application face page (SF-424) and a one page summary of the project,
called the Public Health System Impact Statement. The PHSIS is intended
to provide information to State and local health officials to keep them
apprised on proposed health services grant applications submitted by
community-based, non-governmental organizations within their
jurisdictions.
Community-based, non-governmental applicants are required to
submit, no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the
application, the following information to the head of the appropriate
State and local health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A
copy of the face page of the application (SF 424), (b) a summary of the
project (PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) A
description of the population to be served, (2) a summary of the
services to be provided, and (3) a description of the coordination
planned with the appropriate State or local health agencies. Copies of
the letters forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained
in the application materials submitted to the OGHA/HHS.
This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372 that allows States the option of setting up a system for
reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under
certain Federal programs. The application kit to be made available
under this notice will contain a listing of States that have chosen to
set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) in the State for review. Applicants (other than federally
recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOCs as early as
possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any
necessary instructions on the State process. For proposed projects
serving more than one State, the applicant is advised to contact the
SPOC in each affected State. A complete list of SPOCs may be found at
the following Web site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the
application deadline. The OGHA/HHS does not guarantee that it will
accommodate or explain its responses to State process recommendations
received after that date. (See ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,'' Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR part 100 for a
description of the review process and requirements.)
5. Funding Restrictions
Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations,
equipment purchase, medical treatment, renovations, or to purchase
food. 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.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Applications will be screened by OGHA staff for completeness and
for responsiveness to the program guidance. Applicant should pay strict
attention addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon which
applications will be judged.
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 (45 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 USMBHC.
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 appropriate state offices and
resources, and the USMBHC New Mexico and Chihuahua Delegation Offices.
(2) Experience and Capabilities of the Organization: (45 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.
(3) Facilities and Resources (10 Points):
Documented availability and adequacy of facilities,
equipment and resources necessary to carry out the activities.
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 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.
The HHS Appropriations Act requires that when issuing statements,
press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitation, and other
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part
with Federal money, grantees shall clearly state the
[[Page 17881]]
percentage and dollar amount of the total cost of the program or
project which will be financed with Federal money and the percentage
and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that
will be financed by non-governmental sources.
3. Reporting
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: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the
Secretary, Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite
18-105, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the
close of each 12-month budget period and submitted to the OPHS--Office
of Grants Management.
VII. Agency Contacts
For programmatic requirements, please contact: Jeff Waggoner, DHHS,
Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-105,
Rockville MD, 20857, 301-443-4560.
For administrative requirements, please contact: DHHS, Office of
Public Health and Science, Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton
Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone: (240) 453-
8822.
VIII. Other Information
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
Include DUNS Number. You must include a DUNS Number to have your
application reviewed. 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: March 31, 2006.
Mary Lou Valdez,
Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Global Health Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6-5046 Filed 4-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P
