Support, Training and Capacity-Building for Infectious Disease Surveillance in the Republic of Panama and Other Countries in Central America, 28032-28041 [E6-7325]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 93 (Monday, May 15, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28032-28041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7325]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Support, Training and Capacity-Building for Infectious Disease 
Surveillance in the Republic of Panama and Other Countries in Central 
America

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Single-Source, Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: Not applicable.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
number is pending.

SUMMARY: This is a project to enhance the surveillance, epidemiological 
investigation, and laboratory diagnostic capabilities in Panama and 
other

[[Page 28033]]

selected countries in Latin America that are at risk for an avian 
influenza (H5N1) outbreak. Such enhancements will help establish an 
early-warning system that could prevent and contain the spread of a 
highly pathogenic avian influenza to the United States and enhance our 
nation's preparedness for a possible human influenza pandemic.

DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received no later 
than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 29, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be received by the Office of Grants 
Management, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), Department of 
Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Rockville, MD 20857.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lily O. Engstrom, Senior Policy 
Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, 
Department of Health and Human Services at 202.205.2882.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the last century, three influenza 
pandemics have struck the United States and the world, and viruses from 
birds contributed to all of them. In 1918, the first pandemic killed 
over 500,000 Americans and more than 20 million people worldwide. The 
pandemic of 1918 infected one-third of the U.S. population and reduced 
American life expectancy by 13 years. Following the 1918 outbreak, 
influenza pandemics in 1957 and 1968 killed tens of thousands of 
Americans and millions across the world. The recent limited outbreak of 
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) suggests the danger that a 
modern pandemic would present.
    The H5N1 strain of avian flu has become the most threatening 
influenza virus in the world, and any large-scale outbreak of this 
disease among humans would have grave consequences for global public 
health. Influenza experts have warned that the re-assortment of 
different H5N1 viruses over the past seven years greatly increases the 
potential for the viruses to be transmitted more easily from person to 
person. Medical practitioners have also discovered several other, new 
avian viruses that can be transmitted to humans.
    The U.S. Government is concerned that a new influenza virus could 
become efficiently transmissible among humans. Now spreading through 
bird populations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and, most 
recently, Africa, the H5N1 strain has infected domesticated birds such 
as ducks and chickens and long-range migratory birds. In 1997, the 
first recorded H5N1 outbreak in humans took place in Hong Kong. H5N1 
struck again in late 2003 and has, as of May 5, 2006, resulted in 206 
confirmed cases and 114 deaths in nine countries, a 55 percent 
mortality rate. As of now, the H5N1 avian flu is primarily an animal 
disease; H5N1 infection in humans has been the result of contact with 
sick poultry. Unless people come into direct, sustained contact with 
infected birds, it is unlikely they will contract the disease. The 
concern is that the virus will acquire the ability for sustained 
transmission among humans.
    In the fight against avian and pandemic flu, early detection is the 
first line of defense. A pandemic is like a forest fire. If caught 
early, it might be extinguished with limited damage. But if left 
undetected, it can grow into an inferno that spreads quickly. The 
President has charged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to 
ensure early warning of an avian flu outbreak among animals and humans 
anywhere in the world. It is in the interest of the U.S. Government to 
help establish early-warning surveillance systems and laboratory 
capabilities in various regions of the world that would enable early 
detection, reporting, identification and investigation of any H5N1 
outbreaks. The development of such capabilities could make a 
significant difference in preventing and containing the spread of an 
avian influenza pandemic to the United States.
    On November 1, 2005, President Bush announced the National Strategy 
for Pandemic Influenza, and the following day Secretary of Health and 
Human Services, Michael O. Leavitt, released the HHS Pandemic Influenza 
Plan. The President directed all relevant Federal Departments and 
agencies to take steps to address the threat of avian and pandemic 
influenza. Drawing on the combined efforts of Government officials, the 
public health, medical, veterinary, and law-enforcement communities, as 
well as the private sector, this strategy is designed to meet three 
critical goals: Detecting human or animal outbreaks that occur anywhere 
in the world; protecting the American people by stockpiling vaccines 
and antiviral drugs, while improving the capacity to produce new 
vaccines; and preparing to respond at the Federal, State, and local 
levels in the event an avian or pandemic influenza reaches the United 
States. The U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza is available 
at https://www.pandemicflu.gov.
    One of the primary objectives of both the National Strategy and the 
HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan is to leverage global partnerships to 
increase preparedness and response capabilities around the world (with 
the intent of stopping, slowing or otherwise limiting the spread of a 
pandemic to the United States.'' \1\ Pillars Two and Three of the 
National Strategy set out clear goals of ensuring the rapid reporting 
of outbreaks and containing such outbreaks beyond the borders of the 
United States, by taking the following actions:
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    \1\ National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, p. 2.
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     Working through the International Partnership on Avian and 
Pandemic Influenza, as well as through other political and diplomatic 
channels, to ensure transparency, scientific cooperation and rapid 
reporting of avian and human influenza cases;
     Supporting the development of the proper scientific and 
epidemiological expertise in affected regions to ensure early 
recognition of changes in the pattern of avian or human influenza 
outbreaks;
     Supporting the development and sustainment of sufficient 
host-country laboratory capacities and diagnostic reagents in affected 
regions, to provide rapid confirmation of cases of influenza in animals 
and humans;
     Working through the International Partnership to develop a 
coalition of strong partners to coordinate actions to limit the spread 
of an influenza virus with pandemic potential beyond the location where 
it is first detected; and
     Providing guidance to all levels of Government in affected 
nations on the range of options for infection-control and containment.
    We rely upon our international partnerships with the United Nations 
(UN), international organizations, foreign governments and private non-
profit organizations to amplify our efforts and will engage them on 
both a multilateral and bilateral basis. Our international effort to 
contain and mitigate the effects of an outbreak of pandemic influenza 
is a central component of our overall strategy. In many ways, the 
character and quality of the U.S. response and that of our 
international partners could play a determining role in the magnitude 
and severity of a pandemic.
    The International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, 
launched by President Bush at the UN General Assembly in September 
2005, stands in support of multinational organizations and National 
Governments. Members of the

[[Page 28034]]

Partnership have agreed that the following 10 principles will guide 
their efforts:
    1. International cooperation to protect the lives and health of our 
people;
    2. Timely and sustained, high-level, global political leadership to 
combat avian and pandemic influenza;
    3. Transparency in reporting of influenza cases in humans and in 
animals caused by virus strains that have pandemic potential, to 
increase understanding and preparedness, especially to ensure rapid and 
timely response to potential outbreaks;
    4. Immediate sharing of epidemiological data and samples with the 
World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community to 
detect and characterize the nature and evolution of any outbreaks as 
quickly as possible by utilizing, where appropriate, existing networks 
and mechanisms;
    5. Rapid reaction to address the first signs of accelerated 
transmission of H5N1 and other highly pathogenic influenza strains so 
that appropriate international and national resources can be brought to 
bear;
    6. Prevention and containment of an incipient epidemic through 
capacity-building and in-country collaboration with international 
partners;
    7. Working in a manner complementary to and supportive of expanded 
cooperation with and appropriate support of key multilateral 
organizations (including the WHO, the UN Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health [OIE]);
    8. Timely coordination of bilateral and multilateral resource 
allocations; dedication of domestic resources (human and financial); 
improvements in public awareness; and development of economic and trade 
contingency plans;
    9. Increased coordination and harmonization of preparedness, 
prevention, response and containment activities among nations, 
complementing domestic and regional preparedness initiatives and 
encouraging, where appropriate, the development of strategic regional 
initiatives; and
    10. Actions taken based on the best available science.
    Through the Partnership and other bilateral and multilateral 
initiatives, we will promote these principles and support the 
development of an international capacity to prepare, detect and respond 
to an influenza pandemic.
    In support of the President's National Strategy and consistent with 
the principles of the International Partnership, the program funded by 
this cooperative agreement intends to combine the efforts and the 
resources of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and 
those of other public and private organizations to enhance outbreak 
surveillance and investigation capacity in affected or at-risk regions 
of the world. For example, HHS will be collaborating with the Institut 
Pasteur and its network of research and surveillance institutes to 
detect, identify, report and investigate any H5N1 outbreaks in S.E. 
Asia and Africa. HHS intends, with this proposed cooperative agreement, 
to collaborate similarly with the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health 
Studies (GMI) to enhance outbreak surveillance and investigation 
capacity in Panama and other countries in Central America.
    To achieve enhanced laboratory capacity at GMI in support of 
influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance, this cooperative agreement 
will fund the following:
     Costs connected with the shipment and testing of ILI 
surveillance samples from Panama and other countries in Central 
America;
     Costs for GMI to undertake surveillance for H5N1 avian 
influenza in Panama and other countries in Central America. This 
component of the agreement will include building field-investigation as 
well as laboratory capacity;
     Enhanced interoperable communications between GMI and HHS 
agencies, the WHO Secretariat and WHO Regional Office of the Americas/
the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO);
     A portion of annual maintenance costs for the Biosafety-
Level (BSL)-3 laboratory at GMI, once it is operational;
     Installation of appropriate enhancements of physical 
security at GMI to ensure that only authorized persons have access to 
the BSL-3 suite and to safeguard the equipment and collections of virus 
samples kept in the laboratory; and
     Support of a post-doctoral position for a well 
credentialed scientist in the GMI laboratory to focus exclusively on 
influenza surveillance in Panama and other countries in Central 
America.
    No funds provided under this cooperative agreement may be used to 
support any activity that duplicates another activity supported by any 
component of HHS. Funds provided under this cooperative agreement may 
not be used to supplant funding provided by other sources. All funded 
activities must be coordinated with the Office of Public Health 
Emergency Preparedness (HHS), with the respective National Ministries 
of Health and, where feasible, with the Medical Entomology Research and 
Training Unit Guatemala (MERTU/G), a research unit of the HHS Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and with the U.S. Naval 
Medical Research Unit (NAMRU-1) in Lima, Peru, a research unit of the 
U.S. Department of Defense.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: Sections 301, 307, 1701 and 2811 of the Public Health 
Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 241, 2421, 300u, 300hh-11.

    Purpose: The purposes of the program are to accomplish the 
following:
     Enhance cooperation between the HHS and GMI to support and 
increase influenza outbreak investigation, surveillance, and training 
capacity in Panama and other countries in Central America;
     Enhance laboratory capacities for H5N1 diagnosis in GMI's 
Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) surveillance program;
     Enhance and expand GMI's capacity to conduct human and 
animal surveillance activities in Panama and other countries in Central 
America;
     Enhance and expand the training capacity for H5N1 avian 
influenza surveillance and epidemiology within Panama and other Central 
American countries, as well as provide and expand biosafety and 
biosecurity training for the BSL-3 facilities at GMI (once such 
facilities are completed);
     Enhance communications and interoperable connectivity 
between GMI, the WHO Secretariat, PAHO, HHS and its agencies; and
     Enhance security at the BSL-3 laboratory and related 
physical plant for GMI.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
President's National Strategy and the principles of the International 
Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, and one (or more) of the 
following performance goal(s) for the agency pursuant to the 
President's initiative on pandemic influenza preparedness:
     To detect animal and human outbreaks before they spread 
around the world;
     To take immediate steps to ensure early warning of an 
avian flu outbreak among animals or humans in affected regions; and
     To strengthen a new international partnership on avian 
influenza.

Grantee Activities

    Grantee activities for this program are as follows:
     Enhance laboratory capacities for H5N1 diagnosis in GMI, 
based on the enhancement of diagnostic test

[[Page 28035]]

sensitivity, on testing an increased number of in-country samples as 
well as samples from other countries in Central America;
     Enhance and expand training capacity for H5N1 surveillance 
and epidemiology in Panama and other countries in Central America;
     Support surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI), 
severe pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, carried out through 
and/or on behalf of the respective Ministries of Health of Panama and 
other Central American countries;
     Strengthen the capacity for early detection and early 
warning of avian influenza outbreaks in Panama and other countries in 
Central America;
     Provide support (financial and technical) to systematic, 
extensive epidemiological and viral investigations following any 
confirmed H5N1 human or animal cases in Panama and other countries in 
Central America; and
     Where appropriate, coordinate activities conducted under 
this cooperative agreement with member institutes of the Reseau 
International des Instituts Pasteur in the Americas, with MERTU/G and 
with NAMRU-1.
    GMI will share all influenza virus information obtained or 
developed as a result of the foregoing activities or other activities 
funded under this cooperative agreement with HHS, as well as within the 
WHO Global Influenza Network and WHO Collaborating Centers for 
Influenza. As part of its proposal, GMI shall submit a plan for 
ensuring the sharing of such information in a timely, accurate, 
thorough and reliable manner with HHS and the WHO. Such plan will also 
address the sharing with HHS of specimens and other viral material 
obtained by GMI as a result of activities funded under this cooperative 
agreement.
    This cooperative agreement will provide limited and specific 
funding, as detailed below, for the following activities:
     Enhanced communications and interoperable connectivity 
between GMI and HHS agencies, as well as with the WHO Secretariat and 
PAHO.
    The occurrence of A/H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks throughout S.E. 
Asia, Eastern and Western Europe and several countries on the African 
continent makes clear the swift spread of the virus to various regions 
of the world. Scientists and public health experts have predicted the 
arrival of the H5N1 virus in the Americas sometime this summer or fall. 
It is therefore essential that GMI have the capacity to communicate (by 
voice, data and video) with the WHO Secretariat, HHS (including both 
CDC and the National Institutes of Health [NIH]) and PAHO in real time 
and at high speed. This enhanced capability will enable the GMI 
laboratories to consult with scientific experts around the world and 
provide important disease surveillance data in a timely manner. Rapid 
advancements in the understanding of A/H5N1 and other emerging diseases 
are often heavily dependent on communications technology.
    Funding for this activity, in the amount of $54,000, will support 
the purchase of hardware and software and the installation required to 
develop the interoperable connectivity. GMI will provide matching funds 
in the amount of $54,000 for the upgrading of Internet capabilities and 
creating a special room for communications equipment. This cooperative 
agreement will also support maintenance costs for three years, at 
$10,000 per year. GMI will also provide $10,000 per year for three 
years for maintenance costs (total of $30,000).
     Enhancements of laboratory capacity at GMI.
    Once the BSL-3 facility is near completion, GMI will have to 
acquire various laboratory equipment to conduct the type of research 
and sample testing that require this level of biosecurity. This 
enhanced laboratory capacity will greatly facilitate the identification 
of H5N1 in humans and animals as well as other viruses responsible for 
other infectious, respiratory diseases.
    This cooperative agreement will fund laboratory equipment in the 
amount of $485,000 for the first year and $100,000 for the second year. 
GMI will provide cost-sharing in the amount of $100,000 for the first 
year only.
     Security enhancements to BSL-3 laboratory and related 
physical plant for GMI.
    A BSL-3 laboratory at GMI will substantially enhance capacity in 
Panama and Central America to isolate and work with the A/H5N1 virus 
and other emerging infectious diseases. It is essential that the 
physical security (including biosecurity and entry-control systems) for 
the BSL-3 facility be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the 
laboratory and prevent unauthorized access.
    This cooperative agreement will provide one-time funding in the 
amount of $50,000 for the first year for costs associated with 
acquiring and installing entry-control systems and other physical-
security enhancements (including vehicular barriers, cameras, monitors 
and locking devices) for the BSL-3 facility. GMI will provide matching 
funds in the amount of $50,000 for a back-up power plant.
     Support for an international biosafety/biosecurity 
technical advisor/consultant for the new BSL-3 laboratory suite at GMI.
    Since BSL-3 biosafety/biosecurity practices are complicated and 
require 100 percent compliance at all times that the laboratory is 
operational, it is essential that GMI and its employees have access to 
an international technical advisor/consultant with substantial 
biosafety/biosecurity experience. This will ensure the safe and 
efficient operation of the laboratory and provide critically important 
on-the-job training to GMI scientists and technicians who work in the 
BSL-3 facility.
    This cooperative agreement will provide funding in the amount of 
$50,000 per year for three years.
     Human and animal influenza surveillance capacity-building 
in Panama and other countries in Central America. A/H5N1 is an avian 
disease, which makes animal sampling essential to any meaningful 
surveillance program. GMI has established working relationships with 
the appropriate health and agriculture authorities in various Central 
American countries. Coupled with its resources and technical 
capabilities, GMI is, therefore, uniquely qualified to undertake animal 
and human H5N1 surveillance in these countries, especially upon 
completion of its BSL-3 laboratory.
    Funding for animal and human ILI surveillance capacity building 
will be $125,000 for the first year and $250,000 for each of the 
following two years. GMI will cost-share by paying for laboratory and 
field epidemiology technicians, reagents, supplies and transport.
     Enhancement of capacity for training personnel in 
influenza (particularly H5N1) and ILI surveillance, diagnostics and 
epidemiological investigations in Panama and other Central American 
countries.
    GMI is also an important training asset in the region and can 
leverage existing and new programs to maximize training opportunities. 
To ensure that there are sufficient numbers of trained personnel to 
carry out the surveillance, diagnosis and outbreak investigations of 
influenza, especially H5N1, and ILI illnesses, GMI must provide 
training in virology laboratory procedures and epidemiological 
investigations to include not only personnel in Panama but also 
trainees from other countries in Central America (and, if feasible, 
Colombia and other Andean countries).
    Total funding for training of Panamanian nationals will be $125,000

[[Page 28036]]

for three years ($25,000 in the first year; $50,000 for each of the 
following two years). Training of nationals from other Central American 
countries will be $200,000 per year for the second and third year of 
the project.
     In order to ensure that the GMI Laboratory will adequately 
support a number of the activities undertaken pursuant to this 
cooperative agreement, some additional research capacity is required to 
increase the laboratory's capability to respond in a timely manner to 
developments in the field. In this regard, GMI will recruit and fill a 
post-doctoral position with a scientist who will have responsibilities 
in influenza research.
    Funding for this activity will be $30,000 per year for the second 
and third year of the project. GMI will be providing $30,000 in 
matching funds and seeking $30,000 in matching funds from the 
Panamanian Science and Technology Secretariat.
    HHS, particularly the Office of Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness, will be substantially involved with the design and 
implementation of the described grantee activities. HHS staff 
activities for this program are as follows:
     Provide expert assistance in the design, implementation 
and delivery of instruction to individuals selected for epidemiology 
training and laboratory-support training;
     Provide liaison through HHS employees at U.S. Embassies in 
host countries with local Ministries of Health and Agriculture and 
other host-nation organizations, as appropriate, and as relevant to the 
achievement of the purposes of this cooperative agreement; and
     Provide oversight of activities supported by funds awarded 
through this cooperative agreement.

II. Award Information

    This project will be supported through the cooperative agreement 
mechanism. OPHEP anticipates making only one award. The anticipated 
start date is approximately August 1, 2006, and the anticipated period 
of performance is approximately August 1, 2006, through July 31, 2009.
    OPHEP anticipates that approximately $775,000 will be available for 
the first 12-month budget period. The total amount that the Gorgas 
Memorial Institute for Health Studies may request is $2,079,000 for 
three years. The funds in this cooperative agreement will not support 
indirect costs.
    Approximate Current Fiscal Year Funding: $775,000.00.
    Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $2,079,000.00.
    Funds under this cooperative agreement shall not apply to indirect 
costs.
    Funding Breakdown:

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                                                   Current year                                    Total funding
                    Activity                          funding     Year 2 funding  Year 3 funding   per activity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enhanced communications (matching funds)........         $30,000         $12,000         $12,000         $54,000
Maintenance of communications systems (matching           10,000          10,000          10,000          30,000
 funds).........................................
Surveillance of H5N1 avian influenza, ILI, and           125,000         250,000         250,000         625,000
 severe pneumonia in humans and animals (cost-
 sharing with HHS)..............................
Enhancement of laboratory capacity at GMI (cost-         485,000         100,000  ..............         585,000
 sharing with HHS in Year 1 only)...............
Virology laboratory and outbreak investigation            25,000         250,000         250,000         525,000
 training.......................................
Security and biosecurity enhancements (matching           50,000  ..............  ..............          50,000
 funds).........................................
International biosafety/biosecurity technical             50,000          50,000          50,000         150,000
 advisor/consultant.............................
Post-doctoral position (matching funds).........  ..............          30,000          30,000          60,000
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Grand Total.................................         775,000         702,000         602,000       2,079,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Ceiling of Individual Award Range: Maximum dollar amount for the 
first 12-month budget period is $775,000, and will not include payment 
of any indirect costs.
    Throughout the project period, the commitment of HHS to the 
continuation of funding will depend on the availability of funds, 
evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in 
required reports), demonstrated commitment of the recipient to the 
principles of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic 
Influenza, and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government and continues to meet the goals of 
the U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    The only eligible applicant that can apply for this funding 
opportunity is the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies of 
Panama. The Republic of Panama has legacy of biomedical triumphs that 
began with the building of the Panama Canal. Recognizing the 
outstanding achievements of William Crawford Gorgas in eliminating 
Yellow Fever and controlling other tropical infections that made 
possible the construction of the Panama Canal, Panamanian President 
Belisario Porras proposed in 1920, the creation of the Gorgas Memorial 
Institute and Laboratories (GMI). GMI opened its doors in 1928, and 
since then has produced groundbreaking and internationally recognized 
work in the field of tropical medicine, emerging and re-emerging 
diseases.
    As a public health organization and a research institution, GMI 
offers strengths in several areas that are essential to early 
detection, reporting, identification and investigation of human and 
animal influenzas, including H5N1.
     Laboratory: It has well-established laboratories of 
virology, parasitology, immunology, genomics, entomology and food and 
water chemistry. GMI is the national reference laboratory for malaria, 
tuberculosis and all viral and bacterial diseases. GMI also has 
departments of epidemiology and biostatistics, chronic disease studies, 
health policy, and health and human reproduction studies. In addition 
to all these areas of expertise, GMI is also the locus of the national 
human subjects committee (National Institutional Review Board). A BLS-3 
laboratory currently under construction is part of a modernization plan 
that will significantly enhance the capability of GMI laboratories to 
work with highly pathogenic organisms, such as the more virulent 
strains of the H5N1 virus.
     Scientific and technical expertise: GMI is the national 
reference for influenza, dengue and other pathogenic viruses. It is the 
reference laboratory for Central America and Panama for HIV/

[[Page 28037]]

AIDS, measles, Hanta virus and viral encephalitides. Its 
parasitologists have worked continue to work in malaria, leishmania and 
Chagas' disease. GMI has a long and solid reputation in virology, 
easily confirmed by many distinguished virologists in the United 
States. The Gorgas Department of Virology has been extremely productive 
through its collaborations with the Yale University Arbovirus Research 
Unit, the University of Texas at Galveston and the CDC. GMI began 
working with influenza in 1976 and has contributed influenza isolates 
to the WHO, one of which is used in the current influenza vaccines.
     Staffing: GMI has 178 workers that include scientists, 
physicians, technical staff and administrative staff. GMI scientific 
and technical expertise resides in its excellent group of 
professionals, six of whom are Ph.D.s and eleven of whom are M.D.s. One 
of the physicians is a former Minister of Health. GMI has two 
veterinary physicians, and many technicians with master degrees in 
science. GMI has a specialist in georeference and a group trained in 
field isolation of dangerous organisms from animal tissues (developed 
during the Hanta virus epidemics). There is also an excellent 
administrative, medical library and informatics staff.
    In addition to the factors described above, there are several 
others that make GMI such a choice partner in Central America for 
collaboration on H5N1 surveillance.
1. Human Travel Through Panama
    The unique geographic characteristics of Panama and its 
transportation (air, sea and land) infrastructure make it an obligatory 
pass-through point for millions of travelers. Panama serves as the hub 
of the Americas for air travel, cargo transport and ship transits 
through the Panama Canal. It is also the land bridge for truck and bus 
transport of merchandise and travelers between South, Central and North 
America. Ten flights depart daily from Panama to different destinations 
in the United States, and many more to Mexico and countries in Central 
and South America. Every day, 40 ships cross the Panama Canal, and many 
more unload passengers and containers in Panamanian ports. Every day 
more than one hundred trucks and cars cross the Panama-Costa Rica 
border to transport passengers and cargo to destinations in Central and 
North America. These activities place Panama in a unique and important 
position to conduct surveillance of infectious diseases brought in by 
travelers and cargo, and to carry out epidemiological investigations of 
cases that emerge.
2. Bird and Animal Travel Through Panama
    For the last three million years, Panama has served as a land 
bridge for migratory birds and a point for the exchange of land species 
between North and South America. Out of more than the approximately 
600+ bird species in the Americas, more than 200 use Panama as a bridge 
for transit to South America and back to North America as part of their 
yearly migratory flights. Panama is the narrowest point of land in 
migratory flight patterns, which also make it a strategic point for the 
study of avian influenza and its movement in the Americas.
3. Strategic Partnerships
    GMI has developed very close relations with the Smithsonian 
Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. STRI is the premiere 
research institution in the world dedicated to the investigation of the 
biology of the tropics. Scientists at GMI and STRI work on 
collaborative projects, and their respective directors meet regularly 
to discuss matters of common scientific interest. STRI has expressed 
significant interest in studying avian influenza in migratory birds and 
its impact on other resident and migratory species. GMI recently had 
conversations that led to the development of formal relations with the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Panama. As a first step in 
this relationship, USDA requested and GMI agreed to train technicians 
in viral culture and isolation. The USDA will open a BLS-3 facility in 
Panama dedicated to the testing of commercial animals in the region, 
and GMI will collaborate in this effort. Gorgas, as a regional 
reference laboratory for HIV/AIDS, is in the process of developing a 
formal relationship with HHS/CDC-MERTU in Guatemala, and plans to 
explore the potential for developing a joint regional influenza 
surveillance program.
4. Historical Medical Collaboration Between the United States and 
Panama via GMI
    American and Panamanian physicians and scientist have produced 
significant contributions since 1928, and those relationships continue 
up to present. This new relation will strengthen the concept of 
``forward sentinel laboratories'' to detect pandemic and emerging 
diseases. It will also strengthen the positive image of the United 
States in the region.

2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds

    Matching funds are required for this project. HHS will pay 
$2,079,000 or 88 percent of the total costs of $2,373,000 while GMI 
will provide $294,000 or 12 percent of total costs. Furthermore, GMI 
will also cost-share in expenses related to the surveillance of H5N1 
virus, ILI and severe pneumonia in humans and animals by paying for 
laboratory and field epidemiology technicians, reagents, supplies and 
transport.

3. Other

    If an applicant requests a funding amount greater than the ceiling 
of the award range, HHS will consider the application non-responsive, 
and the application will not enter into the review process. HHS will 
notify the applicant that the application did not meet the submission 
requirements.
Special Requirements
    If the application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special 
requirements listed in this section, the application will not enter 
into the review process. HHS will notify the applicant that the 
application did not meet submission requirements.
     HHS will consider late applications non-responsive. Please 
see section on ``Submission Dates and Times.''
     Title 2 of the United States Code section 1611 states that 
``an organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal 
Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to 
receive Federal funds constituting a grant, loan, or an award.''

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Application kits may be requested by calling (240) 453-8822 or 
writing to the Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and 
Science, Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootten Parkway, 
Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Applicants may also fax a written 
request to the OPHS Office of Grants Management at (240) 453-8823 to 
obtain a hard copy of the application kit. Applications must be 
prepared usingForm OPHS-1.

2. Content and Form of Submission

    Application: Applicants must submit a project narrative in English, 
along with the application forms, in the following format:
     If possible, the length of the proposal should not exceed 
50 pages;
     Font size: 12-point, unreduced;
     Single-spaced;
     Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches;
     Page-margin size: One inch;
     Number all pages of the application sequentially from page 
one (Application

[[Page 28038]]

Face Page) to the end of the application, including charts, figures, 
tables, and appendices;
     Print only on one side of page; and
     Hold application together only by rubber bands or metal 
clips, and do not bind it in any way.
    The narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period and must include the following items in the order 
listed:
     Understanding of the requirements. The application shall 
include a discussion of your organization's understanding of the need, 
purpose and requirements of this cooperative agreement, as well as the 
President's National Strategy and the principles of the International 
Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. The discussion shall be 
sufficiently specific, detailed and complete to clearly and fully 
demonstrate that the applicant has a thorough understanding of all the 
technical requirements of this announcement.
     A Project Plan. The project plan must demonstrate that the 
organization has the technical expertise to carry out the work/task 
requirements of this announcement. The plan must contain sufficient 
detail to clearly describe the proposed means for conducting the 
``Grantee Activities'' described in Section I, and shall include a 
complete explanation of the methods and procedures the applicant will 
use. The project plan shall include discussions of the following 
elements:
    [ctrcir] Objectives;
    [ctrcir] Methods to accomplish the purposes of the cooperative 
agreement and the ``Grantee Activities'';
    [ctrcir] Detailed time line for accomplishment of each activity;
    [ctrcir] Ability to respond to emergencies;
    [ctrcir] Ability to respond to situations on weekends and after 
hours; and
    [ctrcir] Coordination with HHS, the WHO Secretariat, PAHO, the FAO, 
and the OIE.
     Staffing and Management Plan. The applicant must provide a 
project staffing and management plan, which must include time lines and 
sufficient detail to ensure that it can meet the Federal Government's 
requirements in a timely and efficient manner.
    [ctrcir] The applicant must provide resumes that identify the 
educational and experience level of any individual(s) who will perform 
in a key position and other qualifications to show the key individuals' 
ability to comply with the minimum requirements of this announcement;
    [ctrcir] The applicant must provide a summary of the qualifications 
of non-key personnel. Resumes must be limited to three pages per 
person; and
    [ctrcir] The proposed staffing plan must demonstrate the 
applicant's ability to recruit/retain/replace personnel who have the 
knowledge, experience, local-language skills, training and technical 
expertise commensurate with the requirements of this announcement. The 
plan must demonstrate the applicant's ability to provide bi-lingual 
personnel to train and mentor host-country participants.
     Performance Measures. The applicant must provide measures 
of effectiveness that will demonstrate accomplishment of the objectives 
of this cooperative agreement and progress toward the goals of the 
President's National Strategy. Measures of effectiveness must relate to 
the performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must 
measure the intended outcomes. The applicant must submit a section on 
measures of effectiveness with its application, and they will be an 
element for evaluation. In addition, the applicant shall insert the 
following as measures of applicant's performance:
    [ctrcir] Number of new epidemiologists actually trained and 
employed from each designated country;
    [ctrcir] Number of new laboratorians actually trained in virologic 
techniques and employed in each designated country;
    [ctrcir] Whether GMI establishes formal and reliable communication 
links with the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), 
the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network, and the equivalent 
animal-disease surveillance networks at the FAO and OIE;
    [ctrcir] The number, accuracy, thoroughness and timeliness of 
reports to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network from GMI;
    [ctrcir] The number, accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness of 
other notifications submitted to the WHO Secretariat and HHS regarding 
potential or actual outbreaks of ILI or other respiratory diseases in 
other countries in Central America; and
    [ctrcir] The timely and successful appointment of a candidate for 
the post-doctoral position funded under this agreement.
     Budget Justification. The budget justification must comply 
with the criteria for applications. The applicant must submit, at a 
minimum, a cost proposal fully supported by information adequate to 
establish the reasonableness of the proposed amount.
    The applicant may include additional information in the application 
appendices, which will not count toward the narrative page limit. This 
additional information includes the following:
     Curricula Vitae, Resumes, Organizational Charts, Letters 
of Support, etc.
    An agency or organization is required to have a Dun and Bradstreet 
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or 
cooperative agreement from the Federal government. The DUNS number is a 
nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business 
entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. To 
obtain a DUNS number, access https://www.dunandbradstreet.com, or call 
1-866-705-5711.
    Additional requirements that could require submission of additional 
documentation with the application appear in section VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    To be considered for review, applications must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Department of Health and Human Services by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 
29, 2006. Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if 
they are received on or before the deadline date. The application due 
date in this announcement supercedes the instructions in the OPHS-1.
Submission Mechanisms
    The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), which is serving as 
the awarding agency for the Office of Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness, 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 identified below will not be accepted 
for review. Applications which do not conform to the requirements of 
the cooperative agreement announcement will not be accepted for review 
and will be returned to the applicant.
    Applications may be submitted electronically only via the 
electronic submission mechanisms specified below. Any applications 
submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including 
facsimile or

[[Page 28039]]

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 
https://www.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 
``Submission Dates and Times'' section of this announcement using one 
of the electronic submission mechanisms specified below. All required 
hard copy original signatures and mail-in items must be received by the 
OPHS Office of Grants Management no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on 
the next business day after the deadline date specified in the 
``Submission Dates and Times'' section of this announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hard copy original signatures, and mail-in 
items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to 
the deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not 
adhere to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be 
deemed ineligible.
    The applicant is encouraged to initiate electronic applications 
early in the application development process, and to submit prior to or 
early on the due date. This will allow sufficient time to address any 
problems with electronic submissions prior to the application deadline.
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 hard copy 
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 its application in the OPHS eGrants system to ensure that all 
signatures and mail-in items are received.

Electronic Submissions via the www.Grants.gov Web Site Portal

    The Grants.gov Web Site Portal provides organizations with the 
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, https://www.grants.gov.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may 
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is 
imperative that the applicant review both the cooperative agreement 
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 to assume the 
obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the cooperative 
agreement award.
    Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web Site 
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any 
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must received by the 
due date specified above. Mail-In items may only include publications, 
resumes or organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal, the applicant will be provided with 
a confirmation page from Grants.gov indicating the date and time 
(Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission as well as the 
Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and 
retain this confirmation as well as a copy of the entire application 
package for its records.
    All applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal will 
be validated by Grants.gov. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the 
Grants.gov Web Site Portal will not be transferred to the OPHS eGrants 
system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any application that is not 
validated and transferred to OPHS from the Grants.gov Web Site Portal. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application 
validation status. Once the application is successfully validated by 
the Grants.gov Web Site Portal, applicants should immediately mail all 
required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to 
be received by the deadlines specified above. It is critical that the 
applicant clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov 
Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
    Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be 
electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for processing. 
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web 
Site Portal, and the required hard copy mail-in items, applicants will 
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
confirming the receipt of the application submitted using the 
Grants.gov Web Site Portal.
    Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or 
concerns about the electronic application process used by the 
Grants.gov Web Site Portal.

[[Page 28040]]

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 ``Submission Dates and Times'' section of this 
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 of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which applicants must take into account while 
preparing the budget, are as follows:
     Alterations and renovations (A&R) are prohibited under 
grants/cooperative agreements to foreign recipients. ``Alterations and 
renovations'' are defined as work that changes the interior 
arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility 
or of installed equipment so that it can be used more effectively for 
its currently designated purpose or adapted to an alternative use to 
meet a programmatic requirement. Recipients may not use funds for A&R 
(including modernization, remodeling, or improvement) of an existing 
building.
     Recipients may not use funds for planning, organizing or 
convening conferences.
     Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
     Recipients may spend funds for reasonable program 
purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. 
Recipients may purchase equipment if deemed necessary to accomplish 
program objectives; however, they must request prior approval in 
writing from HHS/OPHEP officials for any equipment whose purchase price 
exceeds $10,000 USD.
     The costs generally allowable in grants/cooperative 
agreements to domestic organizations are allowable to foreign 
institutions and international organizations, with the following 
exception: With the exception of the American University, Beirut and 
the WHO Secretariat, HHS will not pay indirect costs (either directly 
or through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United States, or to international organizations, 
regardless of their location.
     Recipients may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however, the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the project activities (including program management and operations) 
for which it is requesting funds. Contracts will require prior approval 
in writing from HHS/OPHEP.
     Recipients may not use funds awarded under this 
cooperative agreement to support any activity that duplicates another 
activity supported by any component of HHS.
     Applicants shall state all requests for funds in the 
budget in U.S. dollars. Once HHS makes an award, HHS will not 
compensate foreign recipients for currency-exchange fluctuations 
through the issuance of supplemental awards.
     The funding recipient must obtain annual audits of these 
funds (program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with 
international branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and 
in accordance with International Accounting Standards or equivalent 
standard(s) approved in writing by HHS.
     A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, 
prior to or post award, to review the applicant(s business management 
and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. Federal funds.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    None.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    HHS will evaluate applications against the following factors:
Factor 1: Project Plan (35 Points)
    HHS will evaluate the extent to which the proposal demonstrates 
that the organization has the technical expertise to carry out the 
work/task requirements described in this announcement. HHS will 
evaluate the applicant's project plan to determine the extent to which 
it provides a clear, logical and feasible technical approach to meeting 
the goals of this announcement in terms of workflow, resources, 
communications and reporting requirements for accomplishing work in 
each of the operational task areas, which HHS will evaluate as equally 
weighted sub-factors, as follows:
     Design and implementation of a recruitment program that 
identifies potential participants for training in epidemiology and 
laboratory procedures with specific focus on influenza and other acute 
respiratory infections;
     Work with HHS to design and implement a process that 
identifies local individuals who have experience, training or education 
relevant to conducting epidemiological surveys or laboratory 
procedures, recruits those individuals to participate in training, and 
creates a pool of highly qualified candidates for positions within the 
host-country Ministries of Health or Agriculture;
     Design and implement a training program that assigns 
selected participants to work under the tutelage of senior GMI 
scientists in support of ILI research, disease surveillance and public 
health activities;
     Train a minimum of one local person in epidemiology each 
year in Panama and three in other Central American countries (a minimum 
of four), and a minimum of one local person as a laboratorian skilled 
in influenza diagnostics each year in Panama and three in other Central 
American countries (a minimum of four); and
     Provide real-time notification of possible outbreaks of 
influenza and ILI in humans or animals, and submit notification to HHS, 
the WHO Secretariat, PAHO, the FAO, and the OIE.
Factor 2: Staffing and Management Plan (30 Points)
    (a) Personnel. HHS will evaluate the relevant educational, work 
experience and local-language qualifications of key personnel, senior 
project staff, and subject-matter specialists to determine the extent 
to which they meet the requirements listed in this announcement.
    (b) Staffing Plan. HHS will evaluate the staffing plan to determine 
the extent to which the applicants proposed organizational chart 
reflects proper staffing to accomplish the work described in this 
announcement, and the extent of the applicants ability to recruit/
retain/replace personnel who have the knowledge, experience, local-
language skills, training and technical expertise to meet requirements 
of the positions.

[[Page 28041]]

Factor 3: Performance Measures (20 Points)
    HHS will evaluate the applicant's description of performance 
measures, including measures of effectiveness, to determine the extent 
to which the applicant proposes objective and quantitative measures 
that relate to the performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section 
of this announcement, including the goals of the President's National 
Strategy, and whether the proposed measures will accurately measure the 
intended outcomes.
Factor 4: Understanding of the Requirements (15 Points)
    HHS will evaluate the extent of the applicant's understanding of 
the operational tasks identified in this announcement to ensure 
successful performance of the work in this project. Because the focus 
of the work will be on countries in Central America, the applicant must 
demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, ethnic, political and 
economic factors that could affect successful implementation of this 
cooperative agreement.
    The applicant's proposal must also demonstrate understanding of the 
functions, capabilities and operating procedures of host-country 
Ministries of Health and Agriculture and international organizations 
such as the WHO and FAO, and describe the applicant's ability to work 
with and within those organizations. The applicant must also 
demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic 
Influenza and a commitment to the principles of the International 
Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza.

2. Review and Selection Process

    HHS/OPHEP will review applications for completeness. An incomplete 
application or an application that is non-responsive to the eligibility 
criteria will not advance through the review process. HHS will notify 
applicants if their applications did not meet submission requirements.
    An objective review panel, which could include both Federal 
employees and non-Federal members, will evaluate complete and 
responsive applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. 
Criteria'' section above.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicant will receive a Notice of Award (NoA). The 
NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the 
recipient and HHS. An authorized Grants Management Officer will sign 
the NoA, and mail it to the recipient fiscal officer identified in the 
application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review by mail.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    A successful applicant must comply with the administrative 
requirements outlined in 45 CFR part 74 and part 92 as appropriate. The 
Fiscal Year 2006 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, the issuance shall clearly state the 
percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the program or 
project to be financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar 
amount of the total costs of the project or program to be financed by 
non-governmental sources.

3. Reporting Requirements

    The applicant must provide HHS with an original, plus two hard 
copies, as well as an electronic copy of the following reports in 
English:
    1. A quarterly progress report, due no less than 30 days after the 
end of each quarter of the budget period. The progress report for the 
third quarter of the year will serve as the non-competing continuation 
application. The quarterly progress report must contain the following 
elements:
    a. Activities and Objectives for the Current Budget Period;
    b. Financial Progress for the Current Budget Period;
    c. Proposed Activity Objectives for the New Budget Period;
    d. Budget;
    e. Measures of Effectiveness; and
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. An annual progress report, due 90 days after the end of the 
budget period, which must contain a detailed summary of the elements 
required in the quarterly progress report;
    3. Final performance reports, due no more than 90 days after the 
end of the project period; and
    4. A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the 
close of each 12-month budget period.
    Recipients must mail the reports to the Grants Management 
Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this 
announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For program technical assistance, contact: Lily O. Engstrom, Senior 
Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, 
Department of Health and Human Services. Telephone: 202.205.4727. E-
mail: lily.engstrom@hhs.gov.
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: 
Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, Office of 
Public Health and Science, Department of Health and Human Services, 
1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (240) 
453-8822. E-Mail Address: kcampbell@osophs.dhhs.gov.

    Dated: May 9, 2006.
Stewart Simonson,
Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness, 
Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. E6-7325 Filed 5-12-06; 8:45 am