Request for Applications for Two Programs for FY 2006: Prevention for HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto Rico; and HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 26523-26530 [E6-6868]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 87 / Friday, May 5, 2006 / Notices
person and not as a group of different
body parts. It includes dental, mental, as
well as physical health.
Indian Country: All land within the
limits of any Indian reservation under
the jurisdiction of the United States
Government, notwithstanding the
issuance of any patent, and including
rights-of-way running through the
reservation; all dependent Indian
communities within the borders of the
United States whether within the
original or subsequently acquired
territory thereof, and whether within or
without the limits of a State; and all
Indian allotments, the Indian titles to
which have not been extinguished,
including rights of way running through
the same (18 U.S.C. 1151).
Lifespan: Recognizes that women
have different health and psychosocial
needs as they encounter transitions
across their lives and that the positive
and negative effects of health and health
behaviors are cumulative across a
woman’s life.
Prevention education: Accurate
information to increase knowledge of
methods and behaviors to keep
individuals from becoming infected
with HIV.
Dated: April 28, 2006.
Wanda K. Jones,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health,
(Women’s Health).
[FR Doc. 06–4210 Filed 5–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150–33–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Request for Applications for Two
Programs for FY 2006: Prevention for
HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto
Rico; and HIV Prevention for Women
Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Office on Women’s Health,
Office of Public Health and Science,
Office of the Secretary, DHHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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AGENCY:
Announcement Type: Cooperative
Agreement—FY 2006 Initial
announcement.
OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance: The OMB Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number is 93.015.
DATES: Application availability: May 5,
2006.
Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on June 5, 2006.
SUMMARY: This program is authorized by
42 U.S.C. 300u–2(a).
The Office on Women’s Health
(OWH), Office of Public Health and
Science (OPHS) is the focal point for
women’s health within the Department
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of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Under the direction of the Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health,
OWH provides leadership to promote
health equity for women and girls
through gender-specific approaches. To
that end, OWH has established public/
private partnerships to address critical
women’s health issues nationwide.
These include supporting collaborative
efforts to provide prevention education
to infected women as well as women at
risk for infection living in the U.S. and
its territories. The emphasis of these
efforts is on education and prevention
counseling, including the ABC 1—
Abstinence, Being Faithful, Condoms
model, covering the full spectrum of
primary and secondary prevention
adapted to a female centered
perspective. In addition, efforts to
establish enrichment support activities
for women living with HIV are a
primary emphasis as well. This
initiative is intended to demonstrate a
collaborative partnership approach
between the grantee and local health or
social service providers, e.g.,
community health centers, rural health
centers, family planning clinics, the
Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC), tribal governments and
organizations, Indian Health Service
providers, community based
organizations, faith based organizations,
public assistance programs, and local
health departments.
As part of a continuing DHHS effort
to improve the health and well being of
those disproportionately impacted by
health disparities, the Department
announces availability of FY 2006
funding for the following two programs:
(1) Prevention for HIV Infected Women
Living in Puerto Rico; and (2) HIV
Prevention for Women Living in the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
The OWH/AIDS program began in
1999 with funding from the Minority
AIDS Fund (formerly Minority AIDS
Initiative) to address the gaps in services
provided to women who are at risk or
living with HIV. Since the inception of
the HIV/AIDS programs, the program
focus has expanded from two to seven.
The programs include: (1) HIV
Prevention for Women Living in the
Rural South, (2) Prevention and Support
for Incarcerated/Newly Released
Women, (3) Model Mentorship for
Strengthening Organizational Capacity,
1 USAID. The ‘‘ABCs’’ of HIV prevention: Report
of a USAID technical meeting on behavior change
approaches to primary prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Washington, DC: Population, Health and Nutrition
Information Project, 2003.
https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/
aids/TechAreas/prevention/abc.pdf.
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(4) HIV Prevention for Young Women
Attending Minority Institutions (e.g.
Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic Serving
Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities), (5) HIV Prevention for
Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and Women Living with HIV in
Puerto Rico, (6) HIV Prevention for
Native/American Indian/Alaska Native
Women, and (7) Intergenerational
Approaches to HIV/AIDS Prevention
Education with Women across the Life
Span. The partnership is expected to be
a viable strategy for identifying and
educating women in a culturally
appropriate manner that reduces denial,
demystifies stigma, clarifies false
information, increases knowledge for
self-protection, increases adherence to
treatment, and increases access to
counseling/testing resources, primary
care and appropriate medication. It is
expected that the prevention education
model will provide accurate, culturally,
and linguistically appropriate
information to women at risk for or
living with HIV/AIDS.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Prevention for HIV Infected Women
Living in Puerto Rico
A. Purpose: The Prevention Program
for HIV Infected Women Living in
Puerto Rico seeks to prevent secondary
transmission among women who
practice high risk behaviors, to increase
access to care for women living with
HIV, to increase knowledge of protective
behaviors of HIV infected women, and
to reduce isolation of women living
with HIV infection. It is expected that
this program will demonstrate the
effectiveness of:
• Collaborative partnership approach
between a community based
organization(s) and a local health or
social service provider(s);
• Coalitions and support groups for
HIV infected women; and
• Gender-specific and culturally
appropriate approaches.
B. Project Outcomes: Applicants
requesting support under the Prevention
for HIV Infected Women Living in
Puerto Rico must address project
outcomes that can establish and
implement activities resulting in social
networks, coalitions, and support
groups that assist HIV infected women
to access care, to remain in care, and to
increase their prevention competence.
C. Project Requirements: Each project
funded under this demonstration must:
• Develop a model plan to outreach to
HIV positive women by coordinating
with existing local providers and
recruiting women to participate in
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building social networks, support
groups, or coalitions.
• Facilitate the development of social
networks by creating safe forums for risk
reduction counseling/education,
confidential settings for discussion on
coping with living with HIV, peer and
mentoring support for families, and
isolation and stigma reduction.
• Coordinate HIV counseling and
testing for women whose HIV status is
unknown and link women who test HIV
positive to medical care and other
services.
• Conduct local evaluation of
performance activities.
The objectives of the OWH program
are to:
1. Increase access to quality care and
treatment for women living with HIV
infection.
2. Improve and increase access to
secondary HIV prevention services to
women living with HIV infection and
primary prevention for those women at
risk for infection.
3. Increase understanding of living
with HIV, disease management, and
treatment adherence.
4. Increase community support
activities for women living with HIV
and their families.
In order to achieve the objectives of
the program the grantee shall: (1)
Establish partnership(s) with local
entities after reviewing city/county/
State data on HIV incidence among
women populations, exploring
challenges and trends which enable
risks and vulnerabilities of women
living with HIV. (2) Develop and
implement a gender specific model
‘‘prevention education and counseling’’
program to provide secondary
transmission risk reduction support to
women living with HIV. Culture,
language, and gender specific issues are
considerations for appropriate program
components. (3) Develop or select use of
existing prevention education training
modules on critical HIV/AIDS primary
and secondary prevention and
education information. (4) Establish
Memoranda of Understanding with local
health care entities, social services, local
small businesses, and community and
faith based organizations as partners to
implement referral coordination for
counseling, STD/HIV testing, well
woman screenings, other social service
needs, and logistical and program
support for coalition(s), support groups
or social networks. (5) Identify and
recruit women living with HIV to serve
as mentors and peers for outreach to
other women living with HIV and
women who are at high risk for HIV
infection. In addition, the grantee shall
submit reports, outlining program
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activities (e.g., recruitment, participant
retention), which reflect how its
implementation process reflected an
understanding of the realities of
women’s lives and addressed the issues
of the participants to motivate
continued participation. Finally, the
grantee shall develop a plan to continue
the program activities and community
linkages beyond OWH funding and shall
illustrate how program performance
addressed community needs and the
needs of women living with HIV in
Puerto Rico.
The grantee is encouraged to attend at
least one national or regional HIV/AIDS
Conference (e.g., U.S. Conference on
AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) National HIV
Prevention Conference, etc.), and to seek
updates in HIV prevention strategies,
therapies and priority activities as
advised by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Health
Resources and Services Administration,
and other public health experts.
2. HIV Prevention for Women Living in
the U.S. Virgin Islands
A. Purpose: The HIV Prevention for
Women Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Program seeks to provide accurate and
comprehensive information on HIV/
AIDS prevention AND healthy
behaviors to maintain both mental and
physical good health for women living
in the U. S. Virgin Islands. The primary
intent is to increase knowledge on
preventing HIV among women and to
increase understanding of self protective
behaviors through a series of facilitated
discussions. It is expected that this
program will demonstrate the
effectiveness of:
• Collaborative partnership approach
between a community based
organization(s) and a local health or
social service provider(s); and
• Gender-specific and culturally
appropriate approaches.
B. Project Outcomes: Applicants
requesting support under the HIV
Prevention for Women Living in the
U.S. Virgin Islands must address project
outcomes that can establish and
implement activities resulting in
recruitment and participation of women
in a series of facilitated discussions and
related activities geared to reducing
denial, demystifying stigma, increasing
knowledge for self protection, lessons
isolation, promotes access to resources,
and encourages voluntary STD/HIV
testing.
C. Project Requirements: Each project
funded under this demonstration must:
• Develop a model plan to outreach to
women living in the U. S. Virgin Islands
and to facilitate group interventions to
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provide accurate HIV/STD prevention
information, and information and
exercises promoting healthy living. The
model should demonstrate knowledge,
understanding, and integration of the
culture, gender specific values and
roles, traditions, and language of women
living in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Identify and implement an
evidenced-based prevention
intervention which addresses
vulnerabilities and high risk behaviors
in women, e.g., negotiating skills,
assertiveness, relationship building,
isolation and loneliness, social
acceptability of concurrent partners,
depression, domestic violence, and
other gender specific risks.
• Coordinate HIV counseling and
testing for women whose HIV status is
unknown and link women who test HIV
positive to medical care and other
services.
• Conduct local evaluation of
performance activities.
The objectives of the OWH program
are to:
1. Increase understanding and
knowledge of HIV/AIDS and how to
prevent infection;
2. Increase participant recognition of
risk behaviors and increase
understanding of self protective
behaviors; and,
3. Increase voluntary STD/HIV testing
among women and increase participant
understanding of the importance of
knowing one’s status.
In order to achieve the objectives of
the program the grantee shall: (1)
Develop and implement a gender
specific model ‘‘prevention education
and healthy living’’ program to provide
STD/HIV risk reduction support to
women as well as instruction on healthy
living and wellness. Culture, language,
and gender specific issues are
considerations for appropriate program
components.2 (2) Establish Memoranda
of Understanding with local health care
entities, social services, local small
businesses, community and faith based
organizations as partners to implement
referral coordination for counseling,
STD/HIV testing, well woman
screenings, other social service needs,
and logistical and program support . (3)
Identify and recruit women to
participate in facilitated group
discussions, exercises, and activities. In
addition, the grantee shall submit
reports, outlining program activities
(e.g., recruitment, participant retention),
which reflect how its implementation
2 Compendium of HIV Prevention Interventions
with Evidence of Effectiveness, CDC’s HIV/AIDS
Prevention Research Synthesis Project, November
1999.
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process reflected an understanding of
the realities of women’s lives and
addressed the issues of the participants
to motivate continued participation.
Finally, the grantee shall develop a plan
to continue the program activities and
community linkages beyond OWH
funding and shall illustrate how
program performance addressed
community needs and the needs of
women living in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The grantee is encouraged to attend at
least one national or regional HIV/AIDS
Conference (e.g., U.S. Conference on
AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) National HIV
Prevention Conference, etc., and to seek
updates in HIV prevention strategies,
therapies, and priority activities as
advised by the CDC, Health Resources
and Services Administration, and other
public health experts.
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II. Award Information
The OWH program will be supported
through the cooperative agreement
mechanism. Using this mechanism, the
OWH anticipates making four new
awards in FY 2006. The anticipated start
date for new awards is September 1,
2006, and the anticipated period of
performance is September 1, 2006,
through August 31, 2008.
Approximately 400,000 is available to
make awards of up to 100,000 total cost
(direct and indirect) for a 12-month
period and OWH anticipates that
200,000 will be available for the 2-year
project period. However, the actual
number of awards made will depend
upon the quality of the applications
received and the amount of funds
available for the program. Noncompeting continuation awards of up to
100,000 (total cost) per year will be
made subject to satisfactory
performance and availability of funds.
The program is a collaborative effort
between the OWH and the Office of
HIV/AIDS Policy, Office of Public
Health and Science. These offices will
provide the technical assistance and
oversight necessary for the
implementation, conduct, and
assessment of program activities. The
applicant shall:
• Develop and implement the model
described in the application.
• Provide complete curricula, i.e.,
topics, content, participant workbook,
participant evaluation forms, pre/post
instruments and goals/objectives.
• Describe training, teaching methods
and strategies, e.g., interactive exercises,
facilitated discussion, lectures, video/
films, community peers, etc., proposed
to deliver modules. Describe the
intervention format: one time session,
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series of sessions occurring beyond one
day, one day session, etc.
• Conduct outreach to local entities
and community representatives. Identify
locations for prevention education sites
and identify community liaisons for
assistance in identifying prospective
women participates.
• Establish community partnerships
through Memoranda of Understanding.
• Participate in special meetings and
projects/funding opportunities
identified by the OWH.
• Adhere to all program requirements
specified in this announcement and the
Notice of Grant Award.
• Submit required quarterly progress,
annual, and financial reports by the due
dates stated in this announcement and
the Notice of Grant Award.
• Comply with the DHHS Protection
of Human Subjects regulations (which
require obtaining Institutional Review
Board approval), set out at 45 CFR part
46, if applicable. General information
about Human Subjects regulations can
be obtained through the Office for
Human Research Protections (OHRP) at
https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp,
ohrp@osophs.dhhs.gov, or toll free at
(866) 447–4777.
The Federal Government will:
1. Conduct an Orientation meeting for
the grantees within the first month of
funding.
2. Conduct at least one site visit
which includes some observation of
program progress.
3. Review and approve the prevention
education curricula and proposed
interventions.
4. Review all quarterly, annual, and
final progress reports.
5. Review timeline and
implementation plan.
6. Provide technical assistance
through referral to other DHHS
supported capacity building programs.
The DHHS is committed to achieving
the health promotion and disease
prevention Objectives of Healthy People
2010 and the HealthierUS Initiative.
Emphasis will be placed on aligning
OWH activities and programs with the
DHHS Secretary’s four priority areas—
heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/
AIDS— and with the Healthy People
2010: Goal 2—eliminating health
disparities due to age, gender, race/
ethnicity, education, income, disability,
or living in rural localities. Applicants
are encouraged to indicate the Healthy
People 2010 objectives this activity will
address. More information on the
Healthy People 2010 objectives may be
found on the Healthy People 2010 Web
site: https://www.health.gov/
healthypeople. One free copy may be
obtained from the National Center for
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26525
Health Statistics (NCHS), 6525 Belcrest
Road, Room 1064, Hyattsville, MD
20782 or telephone (301) 458–4636
[DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 99–1256].
This document may also be downloaded
from the NCHS Web site: https://
www.cdc.gov/nchs. Also, Steps to a
HealthierUS is a bold new initiative
from the Department that advances the
goal of helping Americans live longer,
better, and healthier lives. To help
implement the Healthier US initiative,
the Department launched the Steps to a
HealthierUS program. It lays out DHHS
priorities and programs for Steps to a
HealthierUS, focusing attention on the
importance of prevention and promising
approaches for promoting healthy
environments. More information on
these initiatives is available at https://
www.HealthierUS.gov.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities may include: Not for
profit community-based organizations,
national organizations, colleges and
universities, clinics and hospitals,
research institutions, State and local
government agencies, and tribal
government and tribal/urban Indian
entities, and organizations. Faith based
organizations are eligible to apply.
Preference will be given to:
1. Applications from entities based in
priority areas: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St.
John, and cities in Puerto Rico
experiencing high HIV prevalence
among women.
2. Organizations indicating history of
serving Black, Hispanic and Caribbean
women, rural women, poor women, and
women living with HIV/AIDS or whose
lifestyles place them at high risk for
HIV/STD infection.
2. Cost Share of Matching
Cost sharing, matching funds, and
cost participation is not a requirement
of this grant.
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
and 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 Format of Application
and Submission: All completed
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applications must be submitted to the
OPHS Office of Grants Management at
the above mailing address. In preparing
the application, it is important to follow
ALL instructions provided in the
application kit. Applications must be
submitted on the forms supplied
(OPHS–1, Revised 6/2001) and in the
manner prescribed in the application
kits provided by the OPHS. Applicants
are required to submit an application
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 program narrative should
not be longer than 25 double-spaced
pages, not including appendices and
required forms, using an easily readable,
12 point font. All pages, figures and
tables should be numbered.
A Dun and Bradstreet Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number is
required for all applications for Federal
assistance. Organizations should verify
that they have a DUNS number or take
the steps necessary to obtain one.
Instructions for obtaining a DUNS
number are included in the application
package, and may be downloaded from
the Web site https://www.dnb.com/
product/eupdate/requestOptions.html.
At a minimum, each application for a
cooperative agreement grant funded
under this OWH announcement must:
• Present a plan outlining steps to
develop and implement a gender
specific model program using an
evidenced based effective intervention
with personnel capable of providing
accurate prevention information in a
culturally and linguistically appropriate
manner to women living with HIV
infection in Puerto Rico or women
living in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Provide signed Memoranda of
Agreement(s) with partners to establish
linkages to identify women participants,
location of prevention education sites,
and for referral to available services for
the targeted population based upon
prevention, care, HIV counseling and
testing, and social service needs. Detail/
specify the roles and resources/services
that each partner organization brings to
the program, the duration and terms of
agreement as confirmed by a signed
MOU/MOA between the applicant
organization and each partner. The
partnership agreement(s) (MOU/MOA)
must name the individual who will
work with the program, describe their
function, and state their qualifications.
The documents, specific to each
organization (form letters are not
acceptable), must be signed by
individuals with the authority to
represent and bind the organization
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(e.g., president, chief executive officer,
executive director) and submitted as
part of the grant application.
• Demonstrate the ways the
organization and the prevention
education services that are coordinated
with its partners are gender and age
appropriate, women-focused, womenfriendly, women-relevant as well as
culturally and linguistically appropriate
to the target population.
• Be a sustainable organization with
an established network of partners
capable of providing and coordinating a
gender specific prevention education
model program in the targeted
communities. The partners and their
roles and responsibilities to the program
must be clearly identified in the
application.
• Demonstrate that any prevention
intervention (including prevention for
positives) contains the core elements of
interventions with evidence of
effectiveness. (See Compendium of HIV
Prevention Interventions with Evidence
of Effectiveness, from CDC’s HIV/AIDS
Prevention Research Synthesis Project,
Nov. 1999; see CDC’s HIV Prevention
Strategic Plan Through 2005).
• Provide a time line and workplan
for program implementation for Year 1
and Year 2, presented in correlation to
goals, objectives and expected outcomes
or targets.
• Describe in detail plans for the local
evaluation of the program and when and
how the evaluation will be used to
enhance the program.
Format and Limitations of
Application: Applicants are required to
submit an original ink-signed and dated
application and 2 photocopies. All
pages must be numbered clearly and
sequentially beginning with the Project
Summary. The application must be
typed double-spaced on one side of
plain 81⁄2″ x 11″ white paper, using at
least a 12 point font, and contain 1″
margins all around.
The Project Summary and Project
Narrative must not exceed a total of 25
double-spaced pages, excluding the
appendices. The original and each copy
must be stapled; the application should
be organized in accordance with the
format presented in the RFA. An outline
for the minimum information to be
included in the ‘‘Project Narrative’’
section is presented below. The content
requirements for the Project Narrative
portion of the application are divided
into five sections and described below
within each Factor. Applicants must
pay particular attention to structuring
the narrative to respond clearly and
fully to each review Factor and
associated criteria. Applications not
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adhering to these guidelines may not be
reviewed.
I. Background (Understanding of the
Problem)
A. Organization’s goals and purpose(s).
B. Demographic profile and HIV
prevalence of target community and
counties with discussion of local norms,
tradition, and culture of targeted
population.
C. Local needs assessment and gaps in
services, e.g., prevention, care, and social
services for targeted population.
D. Local program objectives:
1. Tied to program goal(s);
2. Measurable with time frame.
E. Organizational charts that include
partners and a discussion of the
proposed resources to be contributed by
the partners, personnel and their
expertise and how their involvement
will help achieve the program goals.
II. Implementation Plan (Approach)
A. Discuss gender specific program
elements.
B. Describe intervention and its
appropriateness for target population.
C. Describe local evaluation tools,
indicators of increased knowledge,
reduction in attitudes that support
stigma, and an increase number
voluntarily undergoing HIV testing.
D. Partnerships and referral system/follow
up.
III. Management Plan
A. Key project staff, their resumes, and a
staffing chart for budgeted staff.
B. To-be-hired staff and their
qualifications.
C. Staff responsibilities.
D. Management experience of the lead
agency and partners as related to their
role in the program.
E. Management oversight of staff roles and
job performance.
F. Address maintenance of confidentiality,
ethics in performance, and on-going staff
training.
G. Explain decision making hierarchy.
IV. Local Evaluation Plan
A. Purpose.
B. Describe tools and procedures for
measuring strengths and weaknesses.
C. Use of results to enhance programs.
D. Indicators that reflect goals/objectives
are being met.
V. Organizational Agency Qualifications
A. Agency history of performance in
prevention education, e.g., developing/
adapting prevention education curricula,
training skills, and expertise,
certification in specific training modules,
measuring participant learning and
satisfaction.
B. Agency relationships, past and current,
with women focused programs, local
health and social services providers, and
community based organizations and
representatives.
C. Community acceptance: staff
recognition, media, requests for agency
involvement.
D. Technical Assistance plans/strategies.
Appendices
A. Memorandums of Agreement/
Understanding/Partnership Letters.
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B. Required Forms (Assurance of
Compliance Form, etc.).
C. Key Staff Resumes.
D. Charts/Tables (Partners, services,
population demographics, program
components, etc.).
E. Other attachments.
Use of Funds: A majority of the funds
from the award must be used to support
staff and efforts aimed at implementing
the program. The Program Coordinator,
or the person responsible for the day-today management of the program, must
devote at least a 75 percent level of
effort to the program. Funds may also be
used to transfer the lessons learned/
successful strategies/gender specific
approaches from the program (technical
assistance) through activities such as
showcasing the program at conferences,
meetings and workshops; providing
direct technical assistance to other
communities; and providing technical
assistance to other U.S. territory based
or Caribbean community organizations,
or through their professional
organizations interested in working with
women living in the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Puerto Rico who are living with
HIV/AIDS or who are at high risk for
HIV/STD infection. These may include
either process-based lessons (i.e., How
to bring multiple sectors of community
partners together) or outcomes-based
lessons (i.e., How to increase the
number of women who voluntarily
undergo HIV testing).
Funds may be used for personnel,
consultants, supplies (including
screening, education, and outreach
supplies), and grant related travel.
Funds may not be used for construction,
building alterations, equipment,
medical treatment, or renovations. All
budget requests must be justified fully
in terms of the proposed goals and
objectives and include an itemized
computational explanation/breakout of
how costs were determined.
Meetings: The OWH will convene
grantees once a year for orientation. The
meeting will be held in the Washington
metropolitan area or in one of the ten
(10) DHHS regional office cities. The
budget should include a request for
funds to pay for the travel, lodging, and
meals. The meeting is usually held
within the first six weeks post award.
3. Submission Date and Time:
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
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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
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 Website 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
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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 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 via
the Grants.gov Website 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 Website 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,
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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 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 handdelivered) 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 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,
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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
OWH.
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
OWH 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.
6. Other Submission Requirements:
None.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: The objective/technical
review of applications will consider the
following factors:
Factor 1: Implementation/Approach—
30%
This section must discuss:
1. Appropriateness of the existing
community resources and linkages
established to deliver accurate
prevention education to meet the
requirements of the program. Describe
other community providers that will be
affiliated with the program and their
role in service delivery.
2. Appropriateness of proposed
approach, e.g., evidence based
intervention and specific activities
described to address program objectives.
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3. Gender specific elements of
proposed process.
4. Soundness of evaluation objectives
for measuring program effectiveness,
impact of prevention education on
knowledge and behavior, understanding
the importance of knowing one’s status,
disease management/treatment
adherence.
5. Appropriate MOUs or Letters of
Intent should support assertions made
in this section.
Factor 2: Management Plan—20%
Applicant organization’s capability to
manage the project as determined by the
qualifications of the proposed staff or
requirements for ‘‘to be hired’’ staff;
proposed staff level of effort;
management experience of the lead
agency; and the experience, resources
and role of each partner organization as
it relates to the needs and
programs/activities of the program, staff
experience as it relates to meeting the
needs of the community and
populations served. Detailed position
descriptions, resumes of key staff, and a
staffing chart should be included in the
appendix.
Factor 3: Organizational/Agency
Qualifications—20%
This section should include
demonstrated knowledge of prevention
education intervention models,
relationships with the target population
of women living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands or Puerto Rico, and agency
history of services to poor women,
minority women, HIV infected
individuals, and HIV infected women.
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Factor 4: Background/Understanding of
the Problem—15%
This section must discuss:
1. Description of the current State of
affairs for: (1) women living in the U.S.
Virgin Islands or (2) HIV infected
women living in Puerto Rico regarding
HIV prevalence, socio-economic status,
access to HIV testing, stigma and
availability of HIV prevention education
in addition to the review of issues for
women living in the program target
community.
2. Relevance of organizational goals
and purpose(s) to community and local
needs.
3. Challenges women face in seeking
HIV culturally and linguistically
appropriate education and counseling
and testing in the proposed target
community and surrounding areas.
4. Outreach, logistics and stigma
issues impacting the target community.
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Factor 5: Evaluation Plan—15%
3. Reporting
Provide a clear Statement of program
goal(s), feasibility and appropriateness
of the local evaluation plan, analysis of
results, and procedures to determine if
the program goals are met. .
Review and Selection Process:
Funding decisions will be made by the
OWH, and will take into consideration
the recommendations and ratings of the
review panel, program needs,
geographic location, Stated preferences,
and the recommendations of DHHS
Regional Women’s Health Coordinators
(RWHC).
In addition to those listed above, a
successful applicant will submit
quarterly progress reports and an annual
report that includes a summary of the
local evaluation and a discussion of
steps taken to implement each
component of the program and the
impact of the program on the targeted
community/population, an annual
Financial Status Report, a final Progress
Report, a final Financial Status Report
in the format established by the OWH,
in accordance with provisions of the
general regulations which apply under
‘‘Monitoring and Reporting Program
Performance,’’ 45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
The purpose of the progress reports is to
provide accurate and timely program
information to program managers and to
respond to Congressional, Departmental,
and public requests for information
about the program. An original and two
copies of the progress report(s) must be
submitted by January 10, April 10, July
10 and August 15. If these dates fall on
a Saturday or Sunday, the report will be
due on the following Monday. The last
quarterly report will serve as the annual
progress report and must describe all
project activities for the entire year. The
annual progress report must be
submitted by August 15 of each year
and will serve as the non-competing
continuation application. This report
must include the budget request for the
next grant year, with appropriate
justification, and be submitted using
Form OPHS–1.
A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF–
269 is due 90 days after the close of each
12-month budget period.
Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a
notification letter from the Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Health (Women’s
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 OWH.
Notification will be mailed to the
Program Director identified in the
application. Unsuccessful applicants
will receive a notification letter with the
results of the review of their application
from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Health (Women’s Health).
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 (DHHS)
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 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 nongovernmental sources.
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VI. Agency Contact(s)
For application kits and information
on budget and business aspects of the
application, please contact: Mr. Eric
West, Associate Grants Management
Officer , Office of Grants Management,
Office of Public Health and Science,
DHHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite
550, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone:
240–453–8822. Fax: (240) 453–8823.
Questions regarding programmatic
information and/or requests for
technical assistance in the preparation
of the grant application should be
directed in writing to: Ms. Mary L.
Bowers, Public Health Advisor, Office
on Women’s Health, Office of Public
Health and Science, DHHS, Humphrey
Building, Room 712E, 200
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20201. Telephone:
202.260.0020. E-mail:
mbowers@osophs.dhhs.gov.
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VII. Other Information
Two (2) OWH ‘‘HIV Prevention for
Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands’’ programs and two (2)
‘‘Prevention for HIV Infected Women
Living in Puerto Rico’’ programs are
currently funded by the OWH.
Information about these programs may
be found at the following Web site:
https://www.4woman.gov/owh/fund/
index.htm.
Definitions
For the purposes of this cooperative
agreement program, the following
definitions are provided:
AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome is a disease in which the
body’s immune system breaks down and
is unable to fight off certain infections
and other illnesses that take advantage
of a weakened immune system.
Community-based: The locus of
control and decision-making powers is
located at the community level,
representing the service area of the
community or a significant segment of
the community.
Community-based organization:
Public and private, nonprofit
organizations that are representative of
communities or significant segments of
communities.
Community health center: A
community-based organization that
provides comprehensive primary care
and preventive services to medically
underserved populations. This includes
but is not limited to programs
reimbursed through the Federally
Qualified Health Centers mechanism,
Migrant Health Centers, Primary Care
Public Housing Health Centers,
Healthcare for the Homeless Centers,
and other community-based health
centers.
Comprehensive women’s health
services: Services including, but going
beyond traditional reproductive health
services to address the health needs of
underserved women in the context of
their lives, including recognition of the
importance of relationships in women’s
lives, and the fact that women play the
role of health providers and decisionmakers for the family. Services include
basic primary care services; acute,
chronic, and preventive services
including gender and age-appropriate
preventive services; mental and dental
health services; patient education and
counseling; promotion of healthy
behaviors (like nutrition, smoking
cessation, substance abuse services, and
physical activity); and enabling services.
Ancillary services are also provided
such as laboratory tests, X-ray,
environmental, social referral, and
pharmacy services.
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Culturally competent: Information
and services provided at the educational
level and in the language and cultural
context that are most appropriate for the
individuals for whom the information
and services are intended. Additional
information on cultural competency is
available at the following Web site:
https://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/May2001/
factsheets/Cultural-Competency.html.
Cultural perspective: Recognizes that
culture, language, and country of origin
have an important and significant
impact on the health perceptions and
health behaviors that produce a variety
of health outcomes.
Enabling services: Services that help
women access health care, such as
transportation, parking vouchers,
translation, child care, and case
management.
Gender-Specific: An approach which
considers the social and environmental
context in which women live and
therefore structures information,
activities, program priorities and service
delivery systems to compliment those
factors.
Healthy People 2010: A set of national
health objectives that outlines the
prevention agenda for the Nation.
Healthy People 2010 identify the most
significant preventable threats to health
and establishes national goals for the
next ten years. Individuals, groups, and
organizations are encouraged to
integrate Healthy People 2010 into
current programs, special events,
publications, and meetings. Businesses
can use the framework, for example, to
guide worksite health promotion
activities as well as community-based
initiatives. Schools, colleges, and civic
and faith-based organizations can
undertake activities to further the health
of all members of their community.
Health care providers can encourage
their patients to pursue healthier
lifestyles and to participate in
community-based programs. By
selecting from among the national
objectives, individuals and
organizations can build an agenda for
community health improvement and
can monitor results over time. More
information on the Healthy People 2010
objectives may be found on the Healthy
People 2010 Web site: https://
www.health.gov/healthypeople.
HIV: The human immunodeficiency
virus that causes AIDS.
Holistic: Looking at women’s health
from the perspective of the whole
person and not as a group of different
body parts. It includes dental, mental, as
well as physical health.
Lifespan: Recognizes that women
have different health and psychosocial
needs as they encounter transitions
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across their lives and that the positive
and negative effects of health and health
behaviors are cumulative across a
woman’s life.
Prevention education: Accurate
information to increase knowledge of
methods and behaviors to keep
individuals from becoming infected
with HIV.
Dated: May 2, 2006.
Frances Ashe-Goins,
Deputy Director, Office on Women Health,
Office of Public Health and Science.
[FR Doc. E6–6868 Filed 5–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150–33–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Request for Applications for the
Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Women
Living in the Rural South Program
Office on Women’s Health,
Office of Public Health and Science,
Office of the Secretary, DHHS.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Announcement Type: Competitive
Cooperative Agreement—FY 2006 Initial
announcement.
OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance: The OMB Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number is 93.015.
DATES: Application availability May 5,
2006. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on June 5, 2006.
SUMMARY: This program is authorized by
42 U.S.C. 300u–2(a).
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
is the focal point for women’s health
within the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS). Under the
direction of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Women’s Health, OWH
provides leadership to promote health
equity for women and girls through
gender-specific approaches. To that end,
OWH has established public/private
partnerships to address critical women’s
health issues nationwide. These include
supporting collaborative efforts to
provide accurate prevention education
to rural women living in the rural 1
South 2. The emphasis of these efforts is
on educational and prevention
counseling covering the full spectrum of
primary and secondary prevention
adapted to a female centered
perspective. This initiative is intended
to demonstrate a collaborative
partnership approach between the
grantee and local health or social service
1 Access: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/ruralurban.htm for definitions.
2 Access: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/ruralurban.htm for visual of U.S. south.
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 87 (Friday, May 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26523-26530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6868]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Request for Applications for Two Programs for FY 2006: Prevention
for HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto Rico; and HIV Prevention for
Women Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands
AGENCY: Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science,
Office of the Secretary, DHHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2006 Initial
announcement.
OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: The OMB Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.015.
DATES: Application availability: May 5, 2006.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 5, 2006.
SUMMARY: This program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. 300u-2(a).
The Office on Women's Health (OWH), Office of Public Health and
Science (OPHS) is the focal point for women's health within the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Under the direction of
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health, OWH provides
leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through gender-
specific approaches. To that end, OWH has established public/private
partnerships to address critical women's health issues nationwide.
These include supporting collaborative efforts to provide prevention
education to infected women as well as women at risk for infection
living in the U.S. and its territories. The emphasis of these efforts
is on education and prevention counseling, including the ABC \1\--
Abstinence, Being Faithful, Condoms model, covering the full spectrum
of primary and secondary prevention adapted to a female centered
perspective. In addition, efforts to establish enrichment support
activities for women living with HIV are a primary emphasis as well.
This initiative is intended to demonstrate a collaborative partnership
approach between the grantee and local health or social service
providers, e.g., community health centers, rural health centers, family
planning clinics, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC), tribal governments and organizations,
Indian Health Service providers, community based organizations, faith
based organizations, public assistance programs, and local health
departments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ USAID. The ``ABCs'' of HIV prevention: Report of a USAID
technical meeting on behavior change approaches to primary
prevention of HIV/AIDS. Washington, DC: Population, Health and
Nutrition Information Project, 2003.
https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/TechAreas/
prevention/abc.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As part of a continuing DHHS effort to improve the health and well
being of those disproportionately impacted by health disparities, the
Department announces availability of FY 2006 funding for the following
two programs: (1) Prevention for HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto
Rico; and (2) HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
The OWH/AIDS program began in 1999 with funding from the Minority
AIDS Fund (formerly Minority AIDS Initiative) to address the gaps in
services provided to women who are at risk or living with HIV. Since
the inception of the HIV/AIDS programs, the program focus has expanded
from two to seven. The programs include: (1) HIV Prevention for Women
Living in the Rural South, (2) Prevention and Support for Incarcerated/
Newly Released Women, (3) Model Mentorship for Strengthening
Organizational Capacity, (4) HIV Prevention for Young Women Attending
Minority Institutions (e.g. Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities), (5) HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and Women Living with HIV in Puerto Rico, (6) HIV Prevention
for Native/American Indian/Alaska Native Women, and (7)
Intergenerational Approaches to HIV/AIDS Prevention Education with
Women across the Life Span. The partnership is expected to be a viable
strategy for identifying and educating women in a culturally
appropriate manner that reduces denial, demystifies stigma, clarifies
false information, increases knowledge for self-protection, increases
adherence to treatment, and increases access to counseling/testing
resources, primary care and appropriate medication. It is expected that
the prevention education model will provide accurate, culturally, and
linguistically appropriate information to women at risk for or living
with HIV/AIDS.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Prevention for HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto Rico
A. Purpose: The Prevention Program for HIV Infected Women Living in
Puerto Rico seeks to prevent secondary transmission among women who
practice high risk behaviors, to increase access to care for women
living with HIV, to increase knowledge of protective behaviors of HIV
infected women, and to reduce isolation of women living with HIV
infection. It is expected that this program will demonstrate the
effectiveness of:
Collaborative partnership approach between a community
based organization(s) and a local health or social service provider(s);
Coalitions and support groups for HIV infected women; and
Gender-specific and culturally appropriate approaches.
B. Project Outcomes: Applicants requesting support under the
Prevention for HIV Infected Women Living in Puerto Rico must address
project outcomes that can establish and implement activities resulting
in social networks, coalitions, and support groups that assist HIV
infected women to access care, to remain in care, and to increase their
prevention competence.
C. Project Requirements: Each project funded under this
demonstration must:
Develop a model plan to outreach to HIV positive women by
coordinating with existing local providers and recruiting women to
participate in
[[Page 26524]]
building social networks, support groups, or coalitions.
Facilitate the development of social networks by creating
safe forums for risk reduction counseling/education, confidential
settings for discussion on coping with living with HIV, peer and
mentoring support for families, and isolation and stigma reduction.
Coordinate HIV counseling and testing for women whose HIV
status is unknown and link women who test HIV positive to medical care
and other services.
Conduct local evaluation of performance activities.
The objectives of the OWH program are to:
1. Increase access to quality care and treatment for women living
with HIV infection.
2. Improve and increase access to secondary HIV prevention services
to women living with HIV infection and primary prevention for those
women at risk for infection.
3. Increase understanding of living with HIV, disease management,
and treatment adherence.
4. Increase community support activities for women living with HIV
and their families.
In order to achieve the objectives of the program the grantee
shall: (1) Establish partnership(s) with local entities after reviewing
city/county/State data on HIV incidence among women populations,
exploring challenges and trends which enable risks and vulnerabilities
of women living with HIV. (2) Develop and implement a gender specific
model ``prevention education and counseling'' program to provide
secondary transmission risk reduction support to women living with HIV.
Culture, language, and gender specific issues are considerations for
appropriate program components. (3) Develop or select use of existing
prevention education training modules on critical HIV/AIDS primary and
secondary prevention and education information. (4) Establish Memoranda
of Understanding with local health care entities, social services,
local small businesses, and community and faith based organizations as
partners to implement referral coordination for counseling, STD/HIV
testing, well woman screenings, other social service needs, and
logistical and program support for coalition(s), support groups or
social networks. (5) Identify and recruit women living with HIV to
serve as mentors and peers for outreach to other women living with HIV
and women who are at high risk for HIV infection. In addition, the
grantee shall submit reports, outlining program activities (e.g.,
recruitment, participant retention), which reflect how its
implementation process reflected an understanding of the realities of
women's lives and addressed the issues of the participants to motivate
continued participation. Finally, the grantee shall develop a plan to
continue the program activities and community linkages beyond OWH
funding and shall illustrate how program performance addressed
community needs and the needs of women living with HIV in Puerto Rico.
The grantee is encouraged to attend at least one national or
regional HIV/AIDS Conference (e.g., U.S. Conference on AIDS, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National HIV
Prevention Conference, etc.), and to seek updates in HIV prevention
strategies, therapies and priority activities as advised by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services
Administration, and other public health experts.
2. HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands
A. Purpose: The HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands Program seeks to provide accurate and comprehensive information
on HIV/AIDS prevention AND healthy behaviors to maintain both mental
and physical good health for women living in the U. S. Virgin Islands.
The primary intent is to increase knowledge on preventing HIV among
women and to increase understanding of self protective behaviors
through a series of facilitated discussions. It is expected that this
program will demonstrate the effectiveness of:
Collaborative partnership approach between a community
based organization(s) and a local health or social service provider(s);
and
Gender-specific and culturally appropriate approaches.
B. Project Outcomes: Applicants requesting support under the HIV
Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands must address
project outcomes that can establish and implement activities resulting
in recruitment and participation of women in a series of facilitated
discussions and related activities geared to reducing denial,
demystifying stigma, increasing knowledge for self protection, lessons
isolation, promotes access to resources, and encourages voluntary STD/
HIV testing.
C. Project Requirements: Each project funded under this
demonstration must:
Develop a model plan to outreach to women living in the U.
S. Virgin Islands and to facilitate group interventions to provide
accurate HIV/STD prevention information, and information and exercises
promoting healthy living. The model should demonstrate knowledge,
understanding, and integration of the culture, gender specific values
and roles, traditions, and language of women living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Identify and implement an evidenced-based prevention
intervention which addresses vulnerabilities and high risk behaviors in
women, e.g., negotiating skills, assertiveness, relationship building,
isolation and loneliness, social acceptability of concurrent partners,
depression, domestic violence, and other gender specific risks.
Coordinate HIV counseling and testing for women whose HIV
status is unknown and link women who test HIV positive to medical care
and other services.
Conduct local evaluation of performance activities.
The objectives of the OWH program are to:
1. Increase understanding and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and how to
prevent infection;
2. Increase participant recognition of risk behaviors and increase
understanding of self protective behaviors; and,
3. Increase voluntary STD/HIV testing among women and increase
participant understanding of the importance of knowing one's status.
In order to achieve the objectives of the program the grantee
shall: (1) Develop and implement a gender specific model ``prevention
education and healthy living'' program to provide STD/HIV risk
reduction support to women as well as instruction on healthy living and
wellness. Culture, language, and gender specific issues are
considerations for appropriate program components.\2\ (2) Establish
Memoranda of Understanding with local health care entities, social
services, local small businesses, community and faith based
organizations as partners to implement referral coordination for
counseling, STD/HIV testing, well woman screenings, other social
service needs, and logistical and program support . (3) Identify and
recruit women to participate in facilitated group discussions,
exercises, and activities. In addition, the grantee shall submit
reports, outlining program activities (e.g., recruitment, participant
retention), which reflect how its implementation
[[Page 26525]]
process reflected an understanding of the realities of women's lives
and addressed the issues of the participants to motivate continued
participation. Finally, the grantee shall develop a plan to continue
the program activities and community linkages beyond OWH funding and
shall illustrate how program performance addressed community needs and
the needs of women living in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Compendium of HIV Prevention Interventions with Evidence of
Effectiveness, CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Project,
November 1999.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The grantee is encouraged to attend at least one national or
regional HIV/AIDS Conference (e.g., U.S. Conference on AIDS, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National HIV
Prevention Conference, etc., and to seek updates in HIV prevention
strategies, therapies, and priority activities as advised by the CDC,
Health Resources and Services Administration, and other public health
experts.
II. Award Information
The OWH program will be supported through the cooperative agreement
mechanism. Using this mechanism, the OWH anticipates making four new
awards in FY 2006. The anticipated start date for new awards is
September 1, 2006, and the anticipated period of performance is
September 1, 2006, through August 31, 2008. Approximately 400,000 is
available to make awards of up to 100,000 total cost (direct and
indirect) for a 12-month period and OWH anticipates that 200,000 will
be available for the 2-year project period. However, the actual number
of awards made will depend upon the quality of the applications
received and the amount of funds available for the program. Non-
competing continuation awards of up to 100,000 (total cost) per year
will be made subject to satisfactory performance and availability of
funds.
The program is a collaborative effort between the OWH and the
Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, Office of Public Health and Science. These
offices will provide the technical assistance and oversight necessary
for the implementation, conduct, and assessment of program activities.
The applicant shall:
Develop and implement the model described in the
application.
Provide complete curricula, i.e., topics, content,
participant workbook, participant evaluation forms, pre/post
instruments and goals/objectives.
Describe training, teaching methods and strategies, e.g.,
interactive exercises, facilitated discussion, lectures, video/films,
community peers, etc., proposed to deliver modules. Describe the
intervention format: one time session, series of sessions occurring
beyond one day, one day session, etc.
Conduct outreach to local entities and community
representatives. Identify locations for prevention education sites and
identify community liaisons for assistance in identifying prospective
women participates.
Establish community partnerships through Memoranda of
Understanding.
Participate in special meetings and projects/funding
opportunities identified by the OWH.
Adhere to all program requirements specified in this
announcement and the Notice of Grant Award.
Submit required quarterly progress, annual, and financial
reports by the due dates stated in this announcement and the Notice of
Grant Award.
Comply with the DHHS Protection of Human Subjects
regulations (which require obtaining Institutional Review Board
approval), set out at 45 CFR part 46, if applicable. General
information about Human Subjects regulations can be obtained through
the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) at https://www.hhs.gov/
ohrp, ohrp@osophs.dhhs.gov, or toll free at (866) 447-4777.
The Federal Government will:
1. Conduct an Orientation meeting for the grantees within the first
month of funding.
2. Conduct at least one site visit which includes some observation
of program progress.
3. Review and approve the prevention education curricula and
proposed interventions.
4. Review all quarterly, annual, and final progress reports.
5. Review timeline and implementation plan.
6. Provide technical assistance through referral to other DHHS
supported capacity building programs.
The DHHS is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease
prevention Objectives of Healthy People 2010 and the HealthierUS
Initiative. Emphasis will be placed on aligning OWH activities and
programs with the DHHS Secretary's four priority areas--heart disease,
cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS-- and with the Healthy People 2010: Goal
2--eliminating health disparities due to age, gender, race/ethnicity,
education, income, disability, or living in rural localities.
Applicants are encouraged to indicate the Healthy People 2010
objectives this activity will address. More information on the Healthy
People 2010 objectives may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web
site: https://www.health.gov/healthypeople. One free copy may be
obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), 6525
Belcrest Road, Room 1064, Hyattsville, MD 20782 or telephone (301) 458-
4636 [DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 99-1256]. This document may also be
downloaded from the NCHS Web site: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs. Also, Steps
to a HealthierUS is a bold new initiative from the Department that
advances the goal of helping Americans live longer, better, and
healthier lives. To help implement the Healthier US initiative, the
Department launched the Steps to a HealthierUS program. It lays out
DHHS priorities and programs for Steps to a HealthierUS, focusing
attention on the importance of prevention and promising approaches for
promoting healthy environments. More information on these initiatives
is available at https://www.HealthierUS.gov.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities may include: Not for profit community-based
organizations, national organizations, colleges and universities,
clinics and hospitals, research institutions, State and local
government agencies, and tribal government and tribal/urban Indian
entities, and organizations. Faith based organizations are eligible to
apply.
Preference will be given to:
1. Applications from entities based in priority areas: St. Croix,
St. Thomas, St. John, and cities in Puerto Rico experiencing high HIV
prevalence among women.
2. Organizations indicating history of serving Black, Hispanic and
Caribbean women, rural women, poor women, and women living with HIV/
AIDS or whose lifestyles place them at high risk for HIV/STD infection.
2. Cost Share of Matching
Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation is not a
requirement of this grant.
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 and 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 Format of Application and Submission: All completed
[[Page 26526]]
applications must be submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management
at the above mailing address. In preparing the application, it is
important to follow ALL instructions provided in the application kit.
Applications must be submitted on the forms supplied (OPHS-1, Revised
6/2001) and in the manner prescribed in the application kits provided
by the OPHS. Applicants are required to submit an application 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 program narrative
should not be longer than 25 double-spaced pages, not including
appendices and required forms, using an easily readable, 12 point font.
All pages, figures and tables should be numbered.
A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is
required for all applications for Federal assistance. Organizations
should verify that they have a DUNS number or take the steps necessary
to obtain one. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number are included in
the application package, and may be downloaded from the Web site
https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html.
At a minimum, each application for a cooperative agreement grant
funded under this OWH announcement must:
Present a plan outlining steps to develop and implement a
gender specific model program using an evidenced based effective
intervention with personnel capable of providing accurate prevention
information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to
women living with HIV infection in Puerto Rico or women living in the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
Provide signed Memoranda of Agreement(s) with partners to
establish linkages to identify women participants, location of
prevention education sites, and for referral to available services for
the targeted population based upon prevention, care, HIV counseling and
testing, and social service needs. Detail/specify the roles and
resources/services that each partner organization brings to the
program, the duration and terms of agreement as confirmed by a signed
MOU/MOA between the applicant organization and each partner. The
partnership agreement(s) (MOU/MOA) must name the individual who will
work with the program, describe their function, and state their
qualifications. The documents, specific to each organization (form
letters are not acceptable), must be signed by individuals with the
authority to represent and bind the organization (e.g., president,
chief executive officer, executive director) and submitted as part of
the grant application.
Demonstrate the ways the organization and the prevention
education services that are coordinated with its partners are gender
and age appropriate, women-focused, women-friendly, women-relevant as
well as culturally and linguistically appropriate to the target
population.
Be a sustainable organization with an established network
of partners capable of providing and coordinating a gender specific
prevention education model program in the targeted communities. The
partners and their roles and responsibilities to the program must be
clearly identified in the application.
Demonstrate that any prevention intervention (including
prevention for positives) contains the core elements of interventions
with evidence of effectiveness. (See Compendium of HIV Prevention
Interventions with Evidence of Effectiveness, from CDC's HIV/AIDS
Prevention Research Synthesis Project, Nov. 1999; see CDC's HIV
Prevention Strategic Plan Through 2005).
Provide a time line and workplan for program
implementation for Year 1 and Year 2, presented in correlation to
goals, objectives and expected outcomes or targets.
Describe in detail plans for the local evaluation of the
program and when and how the evaluation will be used to enhance the
program.
Format and Limitations of Application: Applicants are required to
submit an original ink-signed and dated application and 2 photocopies.
All pages must be numbered clearly and sequentially beginning with the
Project Summary. The application must be typed double-spaced on one
side of plain 8\1/2\ x 11 white paper, using at
least a 12 point font, and contain 1 margins all around.
The Project Summary and Project Narrative must not exceed a total
of 25 double-spaced pages, excluding the appendices. The original and
each copy must be stapled; the application should be organized in
accordance with the format presented in the RFA. An outline for the
minimum information to be included in the ``Project Narrative'' section
is presented below. The content requirements for the Project Narrative
portion of the application are divided into five sections and described
below within each Factor. Applicants must pay particular attention to
structuring the narrative to respond clearly and fully to each review
Factor and associated criteria. Applications not adhering to these
guidelines may not be reviewed.
I. Background (Understanding of the Problem)
A. Organization's goals and purpose(s).
B. Demographic profile and HIV prevalence of target community
and counties with discussion of local norms, tradition, and culture
of targeted population.
C. Local needs assessment and gaps in services, e.g.,
prevention, care, and social services for targeted population.
D. Local program objectives:
1. Tied to program goal(s);
2. Measurable with time frame.
E. Organizational charts that include partners and a discussion
of the proposed resources to be contributed by the partners,
personnel and their expertise and how their involvement will help
achieve the program goals.
II. Implementation Plan (Approach)
A. Discuss gender specific program elements.
B. Describe intervention and its appropriateness for target
population.
C. Describe local evaluation tools, indicators of increased
knowledge, reduction in attitudes that support stigma, and an
increase number voluntarily undergoing HIV testing.
D. Partnerships and referral system/follow up.
III. Management Plan
A. Key project staff, their resumes, and a staffing chart for
budgeted staff.
B. To-be-hired staff and their qualifications.
C. Staff responsibilities.
D. Management experience of the lead agency and partners as
related to their role in the program.
E. Management oversight of staff roles and job performance.
F. Address maintenance of confidentiality, ethics in
performance, and on-going staff training.
G. Explain decision making hierarchy.
IV. Local Evaluation Plan
A. Purpose.
B. Describe tools and procedures for measuring strengths and
weaknesses.
C. Use of results to enhance programs.
D. Indicators that reflect goals/objectives are being met.
V. Organizational Agency Qualifications
A. Agency history of performance in prevention education, e.g.,
developing/adapting prevention education curricula, training skills,
and expertise, certification in specific training modules, measuring
participant learning and satisfaction.
B. Agency relationships, past and current, with women focused
programs, local health and social services providers, and community
based organizations and representatives.
C. Community acceptance: staff recognition, media, requests for
agency involvement.
D. Technical Assistance plans/strategies.
Appendices
A. Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding/Partnership Letters.
[[Page 26527]]
B. Required Forms (Assurance of Compliance Form, etc.).
C. Key Staff Resumes.
D. Charts/Tables (Partners, services, population demographics,
program components, etc.).
E. Other attachments.
Use of Funds: A majority of the funds from the award must be used
to support staff and efforts aimed at implementing the program. The
Program Coordinator, or the person responsible for the day-to-day
management of the program, must devote at least a 75 percent level of
effort to the program. Funds may also be used to transfer the lessons
learned/successful strategies/gender specific approaches from the
program (technical assistance) through activities such as showcasing
the program at conferences, meetings and workshops; providing direct
technical assistance to other communities; and providing technical
assistance to other U.S. territory based or Caribbean community
organizations, or through their professional organizations interested
in working with women living in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
who are living with HIV/AIDS or who are at high risk for HIV/STD
infection. These may include either process-based lessons (i.e., How to
bring multiple sectors of community partners together) or outcomes-
based lessons (i.e., How to increase the number of women who
voluntarily undergo HIV testing).
Funds may be used for personnel, consultants, supplies (including
screening, education, and outreach supplies), and grant related travel.
Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations,
equipment, medical treatment, or renovations. All budget requests must
be justified fully in terms of the proposed goals and objectives and
include an itemized computational explanation/breakout of how costs
were determined.
Meetings: The OWH will convene grantees once a year for
orientation. The meeting will be held in the Washington metropolitan
area or in one of the ten (10) DHHS regional office cities. The budget
should include a request for funds to pay for the travel, lodging, and
meals. The meeting is usually held within the first six weeks post
award.
3. Submission Date and Time:
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 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 Website 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 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
via the Grants.gov Website 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 Website 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,
[[Page 26528]]
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 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 OWH.
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 OWH 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.
6. Other Submission Requirements: None.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: The objective/technical review of applications will
consider the following factors:
Factor 1: Implementation/Approach--30%
This section must discuss:
1. Appropriateness of the existing community resources and linkages
established to deliver accurate prevention education to meet the
requirements of the program. Describe other community providers that
will be affiliated with the program and their role in service delivery.
2. Appropriateness of proposed approach, e.g., evidence based
intervention and specific activities described to address program
objectives.
[[Page 26529]]
3. Gender specific elements of proposed process.
4. Soundness of evaluation objectives for measuring program
effectiveness, impact of prevention education on knowledge and
behavior, understanding the importance of knowing one's status, disease
management/treatment adherence.
5. Appropriate MOUs or Letters of Intent should support assertions
made in this section.
Factor 2: Management Plan--20%
Applicant organization's capability to manage the project as
determined by the qualifications of the proposed staff or requirements
for ``to be hired'' staff; proposed staff level of effort; management
experience of the lead agency; and the experience, resources and role
of each partner organization as it relates to the needs and programs/
activities of the program, staff experience as it relates to meeting
the needs of the community and populations served. Detailed position
descriptions, resumes of key staff, and a staffing chart should be
included in the appendix.
Factor 3: Organizational/Agency Qualifications--20%
This section should include demonstrated knowledge of prevention
education intervention models, relationships with the target population
of women living in the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, and agency
history of services to poor women, minority women, HIV infected
individuals, and HIV infected women.
Factor 4: Background/Understanding of the Problem--15%
This section must discuss:
1. Description of the current State of affairs for: (1) women
living in the U.S. Virgin Islands or (2) HIV infected women living in
Puerto Rico regarding HIV prevalence, socio-economic status, access to
HIV testing, stigma and availability of HIV prevention education in
addition to the review of issues for women living in the program target
community.
2. Relevance of organizational goals and purpose(s) to community
and local needs.
3. Challenges women face in seeking HIV culturally and
linguistically appropriate education and counseling and testing in the
proposed target community and surrounding areas.
4. Outreach, logistics and stigma issues impacting the target
community.
Factor 5: Evaluation Plan--15%
Provide a clear Statement of program goal(s), feasibility and
appropriateness of the local evaluation plan, analysis of results, and
procedures to determine if the program goals are met. .
Review and Selection Process: Funding decisions will be made by the
OWH, and will take into consideration the recommendations and ratings
of the review panel, program needs, geographic location, Stated
preferences, and the recommendations of DHHS Regional Women's Health
Coordinators (RWHC).
Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a notification letter from the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's 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 OWH. Notification will be mailed to the Program
Director identified in the application. Unsuccessful applicants will
receive a notification letter with the results of the review of their
application from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's
Health).
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 (DHHS) 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 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
In addition to those listed above, a successful applicant will
submit quarterly progress reports and an annual report that includes a
summary of the local evaluation and a discussion of steps taken to
implement each component of the program and the impact of the program
on the targeted community/population, an annual Financial Status
Report, a final Progress Report, a final Financial Status Report in the
format established by the OWH, in accordance with provisions of the
general regulations which apply under ``Monitoring and Reporting
Program Performance,'' 45 CFR parts 74 and 92. The purpose of the
progress reports is to provide accurate and timely program information
to program managers and to respond to Congressional, Departmental, and
public requests for information about the program. An original and two
copies of the progress report(s) must be submitted by January 10, April
10, July 10 and August 15. If these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday,
the report will be due on the following Monday. The last quarterly
report will serve as the annual progress report and must describe all
project activities for the entire year. The annual progress report must
be submitted by August 15 of each year and will serve as the non-
competing continuation application. This report must include the budget
request for the next grant year, with appropriate justification, and be
submitted using Form OPHS-1.
A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the
close of each 12-month budget period.
VI. Agency Contact(s)
For application kits and information on budget and business aspects
of the application, please contact: Mr. Eric West, Associate Grants
Management Officer , Office of Grants Management, Office of Public
Health and Science, DHHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville,
MD 20857. Telephone: 240-453-8822. Fax: (240) 453-8823.
Questions regarding programmatic information and/or requests for
technical assistance in the preparation of the grant application should
be directed in writing to: Ms. Mary L. Bowers, Public Health Advisor,
Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science, DHHS,
Humphrey Building, Room 712E, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20201. Telephone: 202.260.0020. E-mail: mbowers@osophs.dhhs.gov.
[[Page 26530]]
VII. Other Information
Two (2) OWH ``HIV Prevention for Women Living in the U.S. Virgin
Islands'' programs and two (2) ``Prevention for HIV Infected Women
Living in Puerto Rico'' programs are currently funded by the OWH.
Information about these programs may be found at the following Web
site: https://www.4woman.gov/owh/fund/index.htm.
Definitions
For the purposes of this cooperative agreement program, the
following definitions are provided:
AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease in which the
body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain
infections and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune
system.
Community-based: The locus of control and decision-making powers is
located at the community level, representing the service area of the
community or a significant segment of the community.
Community-based organization: Public and private, nonprofit
organizations that are representative of communities or significant
segments of communities.
Community health center: A community-based organization that
provides comprehensive primary care and preventive services to
medically underserved populations. This includes but is not limited to
programs reimbursed through the Federally Qualified Health Centers
mechanism, Migrant Health Centers, Primary Care Public Housing Health
Centers, Healthcare for the Homeless Centers, and other community-based
health centers.
Comprehensive women's health services: Services including, but
going beyond traditional reproductive health services to address the
health needs of underserved women in the context of their lives,
including recognition of the importance of relationships in women's
lives, and the fact that women play the role of health providers and
decision-makers for the family. Services include basic primary care
services; acute, chronic, and preventive services including gender and
age-appropriate preventive services; mental and dental health services;
patient education and counseling; promotion of healthy behaviors (like
nutrition, smoking cessation, substance abuse services, and physical
activity); and enabling services. Ancillary services are also provided
such as laboratory tests, X-ray, environmental, social referral, and
pharmacy services.
Culturally competent: Information and services provided at the
educational level and in the language and cultural context that are
most appropriate for the individuals for whom the information and
services are intended. Additional information on cultural competency is
available at the following Web site: https://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/May2001/
factsheets/Cultural-Competency.html.
Cultural perspective: Recognizes that culture, language, and
country of origin have an important and significant impact on the
health perceptions and health behaviors that produce a variety of
health outcomes.
Enabling services: Services that help women access health care,
such as transportation, parking vouchers, translation, child care, and
case management.
Gender-Specific: An approach which considers the social and
environmental context in which women live and therefore structures
information, activities, program priorities and service delivery
systems to compliment those factors.
Healthy People 2010: A set of national health objectives that
outlines the prevention agenda for the Nation. Healthy People 2010
identify the most significant preventable threats to health and
establishes national goals for the next ten years. Individuals, groups,
and organizations are encouraged to integrate Healthy People 2010 into
current programs, special events, publications, and meetings.
Businesses can use the framework, for example, to guide worksite health
promotion activities as well as community-based initiatives. Schools,
colleges, and civic and faith-based organizations can undertake
activities to further the health of all members of their community.
Health care providers can encourage their patients to pursue healthier
lifestyles and to participate in community-based programs. By selecting
from among the national objectives, individuals and organizations can
build an agenda for community health improvement and can monitor
results over time. More information on the Healthy People 2010
objectives may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web site: https://
www.health.gov/healthypeople.
HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.
Holistic: Looking at women's health from the perspective of the
whole person and not as a group of different body parts. It includes
dental, mental, as well as physical health.
Lifespan: Recognizes that women have different health and
psychosocial needs as they encounter transitions across their lives and
that the positive and negative effects of health and health behaviors
are cumulative across a woman's life.
Prevention education: Accurate information to increase knowledge of
methods and behaviors to keep individuals from becoming infected with
HIV.
Dated: May 2, 2006.
Frances Ashe-Goins,
Deputy Director, Office on Women Health, Office of Public Health and
Science.
[FR Doc. E6-6868 Filed 5-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-33-P