Minority Community Health Partnership HIV/AIDS Demonstration Grant Program, 26367-26373 [E6-6727]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 86 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26367-26373]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6727]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Minority Community Health Partnership HIV/AIDS Demonstration 
Grant Program

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of Minority Health, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Competitive Initial Announcement of Availability 
of Funds.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: Minority Community 
Health Partnership HIV/AIDS Demonstration Grant Program--93.137.

DATES: Application Availability Date: May 4, 2006. Application 
Deadline: June 19, 2006.
SUMMARY: This announcement is made by the United States Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS or Department), Office of Minority 
Health (OMH) located within the Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), and working in a ``One-Department'' approach collaboratively 
with participating HHS agencies and program (entities). The mission of 
the OMH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority 
populations through the development of policies and programs that 
address disparities and gaps. OMH serves as the focal point within the 
HHS for leadership, policy development and coordination, service 
demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership 
building, and related efforts to address the health needs of racial and 
ethnic minorities.
    As part of a continuing HHS effort to improve the health and well 
being of racial and ethnic minorities, the Department announces 
availability of FY 2006 funding for the Minority Community Health 
Partnership HIV/AIDS Demonstration Grant Program. Minority communities 
are currently at the center of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this country. 
Based on reported cases of HIV/AIDS,\1\ the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1.1 million Americans 
were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2004. From 2001 to 2004, 
African Americans accounted for 50% of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/
AIDS, despite the fact that they comprise only 13% of the U.S. 
population. Similarly, Hispanics, who comprise 14% of the U.S. 
population, accounted for nearly 20% of newly diagnosed cases. While 
federal efforts to prevent the spread of HIV focus heavily on testing 
and early diagnosis, community groups can make a difference by reaching 
out through education and awareness activities.
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    \1\ HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report; Cases of HIV Infection and 
AIDS in the United States, 2004; Volume 16.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
    1. Purpose
    2. OMH Expectations
    3. Applicant Project Results
    4. Project Requirements
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
    1. Eligible Applicants
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    3. Other
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
    1. Address To Request Application Package
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission
    3. Submission Dates and Time
    4. Intergovernmental Review
    5. Funding Restrictions
Section V. Application Review Information
    1. Criteria
    2. Review and Selection Process
    3. Anticipated Award Date
Section VI. Award Administration Information
    1. Award Notices
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    3. Reporting Requirements
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
    1. Healthy People 2010
    2. Definitions

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 300u-6, 
section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

    1. Purpose: The Minority Community Health Partnership HIV/AIDS 
Demonstration Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as the Community 
Partnership HIV/AIDS Program) seeks to improve the health status 
relative to HIV/AIDS, of targeted minority (see definition) populations 
through health promotion and education activities. This program is

[[Page 26368]]

intended to test community-based interventions on reducing HIV/AIDS 
disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations, and 
demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based partnerships involving 
non-traditional partners at the local level in:
     Developing an integrated community-based response to the 
HIV/AIDS crisis through community dialogue and interactions;
     Addressing the sociocultural, linguistic and other 
barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment to increase the number of individuals 
seeking and accepting services; and
     Developing and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention, 
interventions, and educational efforts for targeted minority 
populations.
    2. OMH Expectations: It is intended that the Community Partnership 
HIV/AIDS Program will result in:
     Increased number and capacity of community-based, 
minority-serving organizations directly involved in addressing the HIV/
AIDS epidemic.
     Increased awareness of health promoting behaviors.
    Reduction of sociocultural, linguistic and other barriers to HIV/
AIDS treatment for targeted minority populations.
     Increased linkages among organizations to facilitate an 
increase in the number of targeted individuals entering a continuum of 
health care for HIV/AIDS.
     Increased HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services.
    3. Applicant Project Results: Applicants must identify anticipated 
project results that are consistent with the overall Program purpose 
and OMH expectations. Project results should fall within the following 
general categories:
     Mobilizing Coalitions and Networks.
     Changing Behavior and Utilization.
     Increasing Access to Health Care Services.
     Increasing Knowledge and Awareness of HIV/AIDS.
    The outcomes of these projects will be used to develop other 
national efforts to eliminate the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS 
on minority populations.
    4. Project Requirements: Each applicant under the Community 
Partnership HIV/AIDS Program must propose to:
     Implement the project through a partnership of community-
based organizations that will coordinate HIV/AIDS outreach, screening 
and education efforts and provide referrals and follow-up for HIV/AIDS 
treatment.
     Conduct a replicable program using an integrated 
community-based response to the HIV/AIDS crisis through community 
dialogue and interaction designed to improve the health status of 
targeted minority populations.
     Ensure that the target population is provided with HIV/
AIDS health promotion and education outreach activities that are 
linguistically, culturally, and age appropriate.
     Engage minority communities in activities that will impact 
attitudes and perceptions about HIV/AIDS in these communities to 
increase the number of individuals seeking and accepting services.
     Include the ``A-B-C'' approach to HIV prevention--
Abstinence, Be faithful, and use Condoms as a prevention strategy to 
assist in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Section II. Award Information

    Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $2.5 million in FY 2006.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 13 to 17.
    Range of Awards: $150,000 to $200,000 per year.
    Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2006.
    Period of Performance: 3 Years (September 1, 2006 to August 31, 
2009).
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Type of Award: Grant.
    Type of Application Accepted: New.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    To qualify for funding, an applicant must be a:
    (1) Private nonprofit community-based, minority-serving 
organization (see Definition) which addresses health or human services; 
or
    (2) Public (local or tribal government) community-based 
organization which addresses health or human services;
    (3) Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Hispanic 
Serving Institution (HSI), or Tribal College or University (TCU); and
    Represent a community partnership of at least three discrete 
organizations which include:

--A community-based, minority-serving organization (applicant) with at 
least five years of documented experience in conducting HIV/AIDS 
education and health promotion activities.
--An AIDS Service Organization (ASO) with at least three years of 
documented experience to ensure that information dissemination on HIV/
AIDS and related issues is current and accurate from a medical point of 
view; and
--A minority-serving organization rooted in the community with no 
experience in HIV/AIDS activities.

    Requisite experience must be documented in the application through 
a description of the type of activities/services provided, when they 
began, and how long they were offered.
    The partnership must be documented through a single signed 
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the community-based organization 
(applicant), the ASO and the inexperienced organization. The MOA must 
specify in detail the roles and resources that each entity will bring 
to the project, and the terms of the linkage. The MOA must cover the 
entire project period. The MOA must be signed by individuals with the 
authority to represent the organization.
    Other entities that meet the definition of private non-profit 
community-based, minority-serving organization and the above criteria 
that are eligible to apply are:
     Faith-based organizations.
     Tribal organizations.
     Local affiliates of national, state-wide, or regional 
organizations.
    National, state-wide, and regional organizations may not apply for 
these grants. As the focus of the program is at the local, grassroots 
level, OMH is looking for entities that have ties to the local 
community. National, state-wide, and regional organizations operate on 
a broader scale and are not as likely to effectively access the 
targeted minority population in the specific, local neighborhood and 
communities.
    The organization submitting the application will:
     Serve as the lead agency for the project, responsible for 
its implementation and management; and
     Serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for the Community Partnership HIV/
AIDS Program.

3. Other

    Organizations applying for funds under the Community Partnership 
HIV/AIDS Program must submit documentation of nonprofit status with 
their applications. If documentation is not provided, the application 
will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the 
review process. The organization will be notified that the application 
did not meet the submission requirements.
    Any of the following serves as acceptable proof of nonprofit 
status:
     A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

[[Page 26369]]

     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney 
General, or other appropriate State official certifying that the 
applicant organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net 
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
     A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit 
status.
    For local, nonprofit affiliates of State or national organizations, 
a statement signed by the parent organization indicating that the 
applicant organization is a local nonprofit affiliate must be provided 
in addition to any one of the above acceptable proof of nonprofit 
status.
    If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of 
the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be entered into the review process. The application will be 
returned with notification that it did not meet the submission 
requirements.
    Applications that are not complete or that do not conform to or 
address the criteria of this announcement will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    An organization may submit no more than one application to the 
Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program. Organizations submitting more 
than one proposal for this grant program will be deemed ineligible. The 
multiple proposals from the same organization will be returned without 
comment.
    Organizations are not eligible to receive funding from more than 
one OMH grant program to carry out the same project and/or activities.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Application kits may be obtained:
     At https://www.omhrc.gov.
     By writing to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, Tower 
Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; or 
contact the Office of Grants Management at (240) 453-8822. Please 
specify the Minority Community Health Partnership HIV/AIDS 
Demonstration Grant Program as the program for which you are requesting 
an application kit.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Application and Submission
    Applicants must use Grant Application Form OPHS-1 and complete the 
Face Page/Cover Page (SF424), Checklist, and Budget Information Forms 
for Non-Construction Programs (SF424A). In addition, the application 
must contain a project narrative. The project narrative (including 
summary and appendices) is limited to 60 pages. Organizations funded 
under the Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration Grant 
Program, HIV/AIDS Program in FY 2002 (project periods beginning 
September 30, 2002 and ending as late as September 29, 2006) are also 
required to submit a Progress Report. This report is limited to 15 
pages double-spaced, which do not count against the page limitation.
    The narrative must be printed on one side of 8\1/2\ by 11 inch 
white paper, with one-inch margins, double-spaced and 12-point font. 
All pages must be numbered sequentially including any appendices. (Do 
not use decimals or letters, such as: 1.3 or 2A). Do not staple or bind 
the application package.
    The narrative description of the project must contain the 
following, in the order presented:
     Table of Contents.
     Project Summary: Describe key aspects of the Background, 
Objectives, Program Plan, and Evaluation Plan. The summary is limited 
to three (3) pages.
     Background and Demonstrated Capability:

--Statement of Need: Describe the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the targeted 
community. Describe and document (with data) demographic information on 
the targeted geographic area, the significance or prevalence of the 
problem or issues affecting the target minority group(s). Describe the 
target population (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, gender, educational 
level/income). Provide rationale for the approach. Support with data 
from the local area (national, regional and state data may be used to 
put the local problem in context). Identify existing services and the 
extent to which they reach the targeted community. Identify partnership 
members and provide the rationale for including them in the project.
--Experience: Describe any similar projects implemented to work with 
issues of HIV/AIDS, and the results of these efforts. (For those 
organizations funded under the Minority Community Health Coalition 
Demonstration Grant Program, HIV/AIDS in FY 2002, you must attach a 
progress report on that specific project and its results). Discuss the 
applicant organization's experience in managing projects/activities, 
especially those targeting the population to be served. Indicate where 
the project will be located within the organization's structure and the 
reporting channel. Provide a chart of the proposed project's 
organizational structure, showing who reports to whom. Describe how the 
partnership organizations will interface with the applicant 
organization.

     Objectives: State objectives in measurable terms, 
including baseline data, improvement targets and time frames for 
achievement for the three-year project period.
     Program Plan: Clearly describe how the project will bridge 
the identified gap(s) in existing services and how it will be carried 
out. Describe specific activities and strategies planned to achieve 
each objective. For each activity, describe how, when, where, by whom, 
and for whom the activity will be conducted. Describe the role of each 
partnership organization in the project.
    Provide a description of the proposed program staff, including 
resumes and job descriptions for key staff, qualifications and 
responsibilities of each staff member, and percent of time each will 
commit to the project. Provide a description of duties for any proposed 
consultants. Describe any products to be developed by the project. 
Provide a time line for each of the three years of the project.
     Evaluation Plan: Clearly delineate how program activities 
will be evaluated. The evaluation plan must be able to produce 
documented results that demonstrate whether and how the strategies and 
activities funded under the Program made a difference in improving the 
HIV/AIDS health status of the targeted minority population(s). The plan 
must identify the expected results for each objective. The description 
must include data collection and analysis methods, demographic data to 
be collected on project participants, process measures which describe 
indicators to be used to monitor and measure progress toward achieving 
projected results, outcome measures to show the project has 
accomplished planned activities, and impact measures that demonstrate 
achievement of the objectives.
    Discuss plans and describe the vehicle (e.g., manual, CD), that 
will be used to document the steps which others may follow to replicate 
the proposed project in similar

[[Page 26370]]

communities. Describe plans for disseminating project results to other 
communities.
    Appendices: Include MOAs, progress report (if required), and other 
relevant information in this section.
    In addition to the project narrative, the application must contain 
a detailed budget justification which includes a narrative explanation 
and indicates the computation of expenditures for each year for which 
grant support is requested. The budget request must include funds for 
key project staff to attend an annual OMH grantee meeting. (The budget 
justification does not count toward the page limitation.)
B. Data Universal Numbering System number (DUNS)
    Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal 
Numbering System number as the universal identifier when applying for 
Federal grants. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-
5711 or through the web site at https://www.dnb.com/us/.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: June 19, 2006.

Submission Mechanisms

    The Office of Public Health and Science provides multiple 
mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the 
following sections. Applicants will receive notification via mail from 
the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, confirming the receipt of 
applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications 
submitted after the deadline described below will not be accepted for 
review. Applications that do not conform to the requirements of the 
grant announcement will not be accepted for review and will be returned 
to the applicant.
    You may submit your application in either electronic or paper 
format.
    To submit an application electronically, use either the OPHS 
eGrants Web site, https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov or the Grants.gov Web 
site, https://www.Grants.gov/. OMH will not accept grant applications 
via any other means of electronic communication, including email or 
facsimile transmission.

Electronic Submission

    If you choose to submit your application electronically, please 
note the following:
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged. You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will you be 
penalized if you submit an application in paper format.
     The electronic application for this program may be 
accessed on https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov (eGrants) or on https://
www.grants.gov/ (Grants.gov). If using Grants.gov, you must search for 
the downloadable application package by the CFDA number (93.910).
     When you enter the eGrants or the Grants.gov sites, you 
will find information about submitting an application electronically, 
as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do 
not wait until the deadline date to begin the application process. 
Visit eGrants or Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your 
application to fully understand the process and requirements. 
Grants.gov requires organizations to successfully complete a 
registration process prior to submission of an application.
     The body of the application and required forms can be 
submitted electronically using either system. Electronic submissions 
must contain all forms required by the application kit, as well as the 
Program Narrative, Budget Narrative, and any appendices or exhibits. 
Applicants using eGrants are also required to submit, by mail, a hard 
copy of the face page (SF424) 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. (Applicants using Grants.gov are not 
required to submit a hard copy of the SF424, as Grants.gov uses digital 
signature technology.) If required, applicants using eGrants may also 
need to submit a hard copy of SF LLL, and/or certain program related 
forms (e.g., Program certifications) with original signatures.
     Any other hard copy materials, or documents requiring 
signature, must also be submitted via mail. Mail-in items may only 
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. (If 
applying via eGrants, the applicant must identify the mail-in items on 
the Application Checklist at the time of electronic submission.) The 
application will not be considered complete until both the electronic 
application components and any hard copy materials or original 
signatures are received. All mailed items must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, OPHS by the deadline specified below.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     We strongly encourage you to submit your electronic 
application well before the closing date and time so that if 
difficulties are encountered you can still send in a hard copy 
overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the eGrants 
Help Desk at 1-301-231-9898 x142 (egrants-help@osophs,dhhs.gov), or the 
Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 (support@grants.gov) to report 
the problem and obtain assistance with the system.
     Upon successful submission via eGrants, you will receive a 
confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the 
electronic application submission. The confirmation will also provide a 
listing of all items that constitute the final application submission 
including all electronic application components, required hard copy 
original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address 
of the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, where all required hard copy 
materials must be submitted and received by the deadline specified 
below. As items are received by that office, the application status 
will be updated to reflect their receipt. Applicants are advised to 
monitor the status of their applications in the OPHS eGrants system to 
ensure that all signatures and mail-in items are received.
     Upon successful submission via Grants.gov, you will 
receive a confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) 
of the electronic application submission, as well as the Grants.gov 
Receipt Number. It is critical that you print and retain this 
confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the entire 
application package. Applications submitted via Grants.gov also undergo 
a validation process. Once the application is successfully validated by 
Grants.gov, you will again be notified and should immediately mail all 
required hard copy materials to the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, 
to be received by the deadline specified below. It is critical that you 
clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application 
Receipt Number on all hard copy materials. Validated applications will 
be electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for 
processing. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by Grants.gov will not 
be transferred to the eGrants system. OPHS has no responsibility for 
any application that is not validated and transferred to OPHS from 
Grants.gov.
     Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted 
no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 19,

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2006. All required hard copy original signatures and mail-in items must 
be received by the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, no later than 5 
p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day after the deadline.

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 
complete 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. The original and each of the two 
copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and 
appendices.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the Office of Grants Management, 
OPHS, on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 19, 2006. 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.
    For applications submitted in hard copy, send an original, signed 
in blue ink, and two copies of the complete application to: Ms. Karen 
Campbell, Director, OPHS Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton 
Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Required hard copy mail-in 
items should be sent to this same address.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    The Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program is subject to the 
requirements of Executive Order 12372 which allows States the options 
of setting up a system for reviewing applications from within their 
States for assistance under certain Federal programs. The application 
kits available under the notice will contain a list of States which 
have chosen to set up a review system and will include a State Single 
Point of Contact (SPOC) in the State for review. The SPOC list is also 
available on the Internet at the following address: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants (other than 
federally recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOC as early 
as possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive 
any necessary instructions on the State process. The due date for State 
process recommendation is 60 days after the application deadlines 
established by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The OMH 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.)
    The Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program is subject to Public 
Health Systems Reporting Requirements. Under these requirements, 
community-based non-governmental applicants must prepare and submit a 
Public Health System Impact Statement (PHSIS). The PHSIS is intended to 
provide information to State and local officials to keep them apprised 
of proposed health services grant applications submitted by community-
based 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 or local 
health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A copy of the face 
page of the application (SF 424), and (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 letter 
forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained in the 
application materials submitted to the OPHS.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Budget Request: If funding is requested in an amount greater than 
the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    Grant funds may be used to cover costs of:
     Personnel.
     Consultants.
     Equipment.
     Supplies (including screening and outreach supplies).
     Grant-related travel (domestic only), including attendance 
at an annual OMH grantee meeting.
     Other grant-related costs.
    Grants funds may not be used for:
     Building alterations or renovations.
     Construction.
     Fund raising activities.
     Job training.
     Medical care, treatment or therapy.
     Political education and lobbying.
     Research studies involving human subjects.
     Vocational rehabilitation.
    Guidance for completing the budget can be found in the Program 
Guidelines, which are included with the complete application kits.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The technical review of the Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program 
applications will consider the following four generic factors listed, 
in descending order of weight.
A. Factor 1: Program Plan (35%)
     Appropriateness and merit of proposed approach and 
specific activities for each objective.
     The degree to which the project design, proposed 
activities and products to be developed are culturally appropriate.
     Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches as they 
relate to the statement of need and to the objectives.
     Soundness of the established partnership and the roles of 
the partnership members in the program.
     Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project 
as determined by:

--Qualifications and appropriateness of proposed staff or requirements 
for ``to be hired'' staff and consultants.
--Proposed staff level of effort.
--Management experience of the applicant.
--The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project 
organizational structure.
--Appropriateness of defined roles including staff reporting channels 
and that of any proposed consultants.
--Clear lines of authority among the proposed staff within and between 
the partnership organizations.
B. Factor 2: Evaluation (25%)
     The degree to which expected results are appropriate for 
objectives and activities.
     Appropriateness of the proposed data collection plan 
(including demographic data to be collected on project participants), 
analysis and reporting procedures.
     Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures.
     Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document 
progress towards achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended 
outcomes.

[[Page 26372]]

     Potential for the proposed project to impact the HIV/AIDS 
health status of the target population(s).
     Soundness of the plan to document the project for 
replication in similar communities.
     Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
C. Factor 3: Background and Demonstrated Capability (20%)
     Demonstrated knowledge of the problem at the local level.
     Significance and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the proposed 
community and target population.
     Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the 
target community(ies), and whether it is well positioned and accepted 
within the community(ies) to be served.
     Extent and documented outcome of past efforts and 
activities with the target population.
     If applicable, extent and documented outcome(s) of 
activities conducted under the OMH-supported Minority Community Health 
Coalition Demonstration Grant Program, HIV/AIDS included in the 
required progress report.
D. Factor 4: Objectives (20%)
     Merit of the objectives.
     Relevance to the OMH Program purpose and expectations, and 
the stated problem to be addressed by the proposed project.
     Degree to which the objectives are stated in measurable 
terms.
     Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Accepted Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program applications will 
be reviewed for technical merit in accordance with PHS policies. 
Applications will be evaluated by an Objective Review Committee (ORC). 
Committee members are chosen for their expertise in minority health, 
health disparities, and their understanding of the unique health 
problems and related issues confronted by the racial and ethnic 
minority populations in the United States. Funding decisions will be 
determined by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health who 
will take under consideration:
     The recommendations and ratings of the ORC.
     Geographic distribution of applicants.
     Racial/ethnic distribution of targeted audience.

3. Anticipated Award Date

    September 1, 2006.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a notification letter from the 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and a Notice of Grant 
Award (NGA), signed by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The NGA 
shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient 
and the Office of Minority Health. Unsuccessful applicants will receive 
notification from OPHS.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    In accepting this award, the grantee stipulates that the award and 
any activities thereunder are subject to all provisions of 45 CFR parts 
74 and 92, currently in effect or implemented during the period of the 
grant.
    The DHHS Appropriations Act requires that, when issuing statements, 
press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other 
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part 
with Federal money, all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and 
dollar amount of the total costs 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 Requirements

    A successful applicant under this notice will submit: (1) Semi-
annual progress reports; (2) an annual Financial Status Report; and (3) 
a final progress report and Financial Status Report in the format 
established by the OMH, in accordance with provisions of the general 
regulations which apply under ``Monitoring and Reporting Program 
Performance,'' 45 CFR 74.51-74.52, with the exception of State and 
local governments to which 45 CFR part 92, subpart C reporting 
requirements apply.
    Uniform Data Set: The Uniform Data Set (UDS) is a web-based system 
used by OMH grantees to electronically report progress data to OMH. It 
allows OMH to more clearly and systematically link grant activities to 
OMH-wide goals and objectives, and document programming impacts and 
results. All OMH grantees are required to report program information 
via the UDS (https://www.dsgonline.com/omh/uds). Training will be 
provided to all new grantees on the use of the UDS system during the 
annual grantee meeting.
    Grantees will be informed of the progress report due dates and 
means of submission. Instructions and report format will be provided 
prior to the required due date. The Annual Financial Status Report is 
due no later than 90 days after the close of each budget period. The 
final progress report and Financial State Report are due 90 days after 
the end of the project period. Instructions and due dates will be 
provided prior to required submission.

Section VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions on budget and business aspects of the application, 
contact Ms. Margaret Griffiths, Grants Management Specialist, OPHS 
Office of Grants Management, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, 
Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Ms. Griffiths can be reached by 
telephone at (240) 453-8822; or by e-mail at 
mgriffiths@osophs.dhhs.gov.
    For questions related to the Community Partnership HIV/AIDS Program 
or assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Mimi Chafin, 
Grants Coordinator, Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority 
Health, Tower Building, Suite 600, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 
20852. Ms. Chafin can be reached by telephone at (240) 453-8444; or by 
e-mail at mchafin@osophs.dhhs.gov.
    For additional technical assistance, contact the OMH Regional 
Minority Health Consultant for your region listed in your grant 
application kit.
    For health information, call the OMH Resource Center (OMHRC) at 1-
800-444-6472.

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Healthy People 2010

    The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the 
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 
2010, a PHS-lead national activity announced in January 2000 to 
eliminate health disparities and improve years and quality of life. 
More information may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web site: 
https://www.healthypeople.gov and copies of the document may be 
downloaded. Copies of the Healthy People 2010: Volumes I and II can be 
purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70.00 for printed version; 
$20.00 for CD-ROM). Another reference is the Healthy People 2010 Final 
Report--2001.
    For one (1) free copy of the Healthy People 2010, contact: The 
National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Data Services, 3311 
Toledo Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or by telephone at (301) 458-4636. 
Ask for HHS Publication No. (PHS) 99.1256. This document may also be 
downloaded from: https://www.healthypeople.gov.

[[Page 26373]]

2. Definitions

    For purposes of this announcement, the following definitions apply:
    AIDS Service Organization (ASO)--A health association, support 
agency, or other service activity involved in the prevention and 
treatment of AIDS (HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Services Glossary of 
HIV/AIDS-Related Terms, March 1997).
    Community-Based Organizations--Private, nonprofit organizations and 
public organizations (local and tribal governments) that are 
representative of communities or significant segments of communities 
where the control and decision making powers are located at the 
community level.
    Community-Based, Minority-Serving Organization--A community-based 
organization that has a history of service to racial/ethnic minority 
populations. (See Definition of Minority Populations below.)
    Community Partnership--At least three discrete organizations/
institutions in a community which collaborate on specific community 
concerns, and seek resolution of those concerns through a formalized 
relationship documented by written memoranda of agreement signed by 
individuals with the authority to represent the organizations.
    Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)--A single document signed by 
authorized representatives of each community partnership member 
organization which details the roles and resources each entity will 
provide for the project and the terms of the agreement (must cover the 
entire project period).
    Minority Populations--American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; 
Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native Hawaiian or other 
Pacific Islander (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public Health 
Service Act, as amended).
    Nonprofit Organizations--Corporations or associations, no part of 
whose net earnings may lawfully inure to the benefit of any private 
shareholder or individual. Proof of nonprofit status must be submitted 
by private nonprofit organizations with the application or, if 
previously filed with PHS, the applicant must state where and when the 
proof was submitted. (See III, 3 Other, for acceptable evidence of 
nonprofit status.)
    Sociocultural Barriers--Policies, practices, behaviors and beliefs 
that create obstacles to health care access and service delivery.

    Dated: April 19, 2006.
Garth N. Graham,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. E6-6727 Filed 5-3-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P