Youth Empowerment Demonstration Grant Program, 28338-28344 [E6-7447]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28338-28344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7447]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Youth Empowerment Demonstration Grant Program

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

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Competitive Initial Announcement of Availability 
of Funds.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: (1) Youth Empowerment 
Demonstration Grant Program--93.910.


DATES: Application Availability Date: May 16, 2006. Application 
Deadline: June 15, 2006.

SUMMARY: This announcement is made by the United States Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS or Department), Office of Minority 
Health (OMH) located within the Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), and working in a ``One-Department'' approach collaboratively 
with participating HHS agencies and programs (entities). The mission of 
the OMH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority 
populations through the development of policies and programs that 
address disparities and gaps. OMH serves as the focal point in the HHS 
for leadership, policy development and coordination, service 
demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership 
building, and related efforts to address the health needs of racial and 
ethnic minorities.
    As part of a continuing HHS effort to improve the health and well 
being of racial and ethnic minorities, the Department announces 
availability of FY 2006 funding for the Youth Empowerment Demonstration 
Grant Program (``Youth Empowerment Program''). Violence among children 
and adolescents continues to be a public health concern. In 2002, more 
than 877,700 young people ages 10 to 24 were injured from violent 
acts.\1\ For this same age group, homicide is the second leading cause 
of death over-all: the leading cause of death for African-Americans, 
the second leading cause of death for Hispanics, and the third leading 
cause of death for American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Asian Pacific 
Islanders.\2\ Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young 
people ages 15-24, with American Indian and Alaskan Natives having the 
highest rate of suicide in this age group.\3\ During the hours 
immediately after school, teens are more likely to commit violent 
crimes and to be the victims of violence than at any other time. For 
teens ages 12 to 17, this risk peaks at 3 p.m.\4\ Other behaviors that 
contribute to placing youth at risk for unhealthy lifestyles, including 
violence, include tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual 
behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually 
transmitted diseases, including HIV infection; unhealthy dietary 
habits; and physical inactivity.\5\ Data suggest that helping young 
people to achieve their full potential is the best way to prevent them 
from engaging in risky behaviors. The Youth Empowerment Program 
provides targeted youth safe places with organized activities, 
opportunities to use their time positively, academic enrichment, 
mentoring relationships with young adult role models, career exposure, 
opportunities to engage in community service, information and guidance 
on embracing healthy choices and lifestyles, and ongoing interaction 
with the community.
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    \1\ Youth Violence: Fact Sheet, retrieved October 7, 2005 from 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for 
Injury Prevention and Control Web Site: https://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/
factsheets/yvfacts.
    \2\ Ibid.
    \3\ Suicide: Fact Sheet, retrieved October 15, 2005 from the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for 
Injury Prevention and Control Web Site: https://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/
factsheets/yvfacts.
    \4\ After School Programs, retrieved October 7, 2005 from the 
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Web site: https://
www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/after.
    \5\ Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 21, 2004, Vol. 
53, retrieved January 31, 2006 from the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention Web Site: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

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

[[Page 28339]]

    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    3. Reporting Requirements
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
    1. Healthy People 2010
    2. Definitions

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

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

    1. Purpose: The Youth Empowerment Program is designed to address 
unhealthy behaviors in at-risk minority (see definition of ``minority 
populations'') youth, and provide them opportunities to learn more 
positive life styles and enhance their capacity to make healthier life 
choices. It is intended to test community-based interventions on 
reducing risky behaviors among targeted minority youth. These 
demonstration grants require a multi-partner approach involving 
institutions of higher education, primary and secondary schools, 
community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large.
    2. OMH Expectations: Among the cohort group of at-risk minority 
youth, it is intended that the Youth Empowerment Program will result 
in:

    Reduction in high risk behaviors.
    Strengthening of protective/resiliency factors.
    Development of skills and behaviors that lead to healthier 
lifestyle choices.

    3. Applicant Project Results: Applicants must identify anticipated 
project results that are consistent with the overall Youth Empowerment 
Program purpose and OMH expectations. Project results should fall 
within the following general categories:

    Mobilizing Communities and Partnerships
    Increasing Knowledge and Awareness
    Changing Behavior

    The outcomes of these projects will be used to develop other 
national efforts to address unhealthy behaviors of minority youth.
    4. Project Requirements: Each applicant under the Youth Empowerment 
Program must:
    Involve at least three formal partnerships, one of which must be 
with a primary or secondary school. Other partners could come from the 
following: Youth organizations (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs), social 
service agencies, health/mental health agencies, faith and community-
based organizations, community groups, the business community, and 
federally supported youth programs, including those funded through the 
Administration for Children and Families, Indian Health Service, and 
Department of Justice.
    Identify the minority youth population who are at-risk of being 
involved in, committing or being the target of violent, abusive or 
other unhealthy behaviors.
    Recruit and select a minimum of 25 youth, grades 3 through 10, from 
the target population to participate in each of the 3 years of the 
project as a cohort group.
    Establish a Youth Center to provide services to the cohort. The 
Center must be established on physical site within a 10-mile radius to 
the target community to facilitate access to the program's services/
activities on a consistent basis. (The Center can be located at the 
grantee institution or at a facility of one of the partner 
organizations.) Youth Centers established on American Indian 
reservations are exempted from the mileage limitation. The Center must 
be open year round, with activities/services offered at various times 
(e.g., weekdays, evening, weekends) to accommodate the cohort.
    Conduct a comprehensive program of support and education for the 
cohort in the areas of academic enrichment, personal development and 
wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development. Activities must 
be provided for a minimum of 4 hours per week throughout the year. 
Additionally, summer activities must include a program of at least 3 
weeks duration.
    Offer opportunities for students to participate in activities or 
events on campus.
    Involve undergraduate students from the applicant organization as 
mentors, tutors, role models, etc.
    Involve parents in activities to promote their understanding of 
risk and protective factors and foster enhanced interaction with their 
children.
    Establish an Advisory Board comprised of five to nine individuals 
representative of the target community and partner organizations to 
provide advice and guidance on program implementation, design and 
direction. The membership must include a primary/secondary school 
educator or administrator, a parent, and an undergraduate student 
involved in programming. Other members could come from such areas as 
law enforcement, juvenile justice system, behavioral health, social 
services, and faith and community-based organizations.
    A signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the applicant 
organization and each partner organization must be submitted with the 
application. Each MOA must clearly detail the roles and resources 
(including in-kind) that each entity will bring to the project; state 
the duration and terms of the agreement; cover the entire project 
period; and be signed by an individual with the authority to represent 
the organization.

Section II. Award Information

    Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $5,800,000 in FY 2006.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 23-29.
    Range of Awards: $200,000 to $250,000 per year.
    Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2006.
    Period of Performance: 3 Years (September 1, 2006 to August 31, 
2009).
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Type of Award: Grant.
    Type of Application Accepted: New.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    To qualify for funding, an applicant must be:

(1) A four-year undergraduate with a documented history of working in 
minority communities; or
(2) A Tribal College.

    This is a limited competition. To qualify for funding, an applicant 
must be an institute of higher education, as described above.
    The organization submitting the application will:

Serve as the lead agency for the project, responsible for its 
implementation and management; and
Serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for the Youth Empowerment Program.

3. Other

    This limited competition is based on the need for involvement of 
post-secondary schools in educating, coordinating interventions, and 
motivating minority students from underserved areas to develop those 
skills and characteristics that will lead to positive life styles, 
reduce risk for involvement in violence and other unhealthy behaviors, 
and, potentially, pursue careers that will lead to the expansion of the 
minority healthcare work force. Institutions of higher education with a 
history of serving minority communities are best situated to access the 
target population; succeed in coordinating efforts involving the

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collaboration of a wide variety of organizations, including primary and 
secondary schools, community organizations and institutions, and the 
community at-large; design, carry out and evaluate evidence-based 
activities of an educational nature with the target population; and 
insure the involvement of enrolled undergraduates, who are pursuing 
careers in health and social services, as mentors and role models for 
students from targeted minority neighborhoods, a key factor in ensuring 
success of these students. At the college level, these schools have 
greater access to a wealth of resources to design and guide the 
execution of such programs than would be expected from individual 
schools and community groups. In addition, they are in the best 
position to educate advisory board members, collaborating 
organizations, and other key stakeholders as to the root causes of 
violence and other unhealthy behaviors, and to understand their 
critical roles in addressing these issues.
    If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of 
the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be entered into the review process. The application will be 
returned with notification that it did not meet the submission 
requirements.
    Applications that are not complete or that do not conform to or 
address the criteria of this announcement will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    A college/university may submit no more that one application to the 
Youth Empowerment Program. Those institutions submitting more than one 
proposal for this grant program will be deemed ineligible, and the 
proposals will be returned without comment. Colleges/universities are 
not eligible to receive funding from more than one OMH grant program to 
carry out the same project and/or activities.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Application kits may be obtained at https://www.omhrc.gov or by 
writing to the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, Tower Building, 1101 
Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; or contact the Office 
of Grants Management at (240) 453-8822. Application kits may also be 
requested by fax at (240) 453-8823. Please specify the program name, 
Youth Empowerment Program, when requesting an application kit.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Application and Submission
    Applicants must use Grant Application Form OPHS-1 and complete the 
Face Page/Cover Page (SF 424), Checklist, and Budget Information Forms 
for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A). In addition, the application 
must contain a project narrative. The project narrative (including 
summary and appendices) is limited to 75 pages double-spaced. For those 
institutions that previously received funding under the OMH-supported 
Family and Community Violence Prevention Program (``FCVP''), in 
addition to the project narrative, you must attach a report on the FCVP 
Program and its results. This report is limited to 15 pages double-
spaced, which do not count against the page limitation.
    The narrative must be printed on one side of 8\1/2\ by 11 inch 
white paper, with one inch margins, double-spaced and 12-point font. 
All pages must be numbered sequentially including any appendices. (Do 
not use decimals or letters, such as: 1.3 or 2A.) Do not staple or bind 
the application package.
    The narrative description of the project must contain the 
following, in the order presented:
    Table of Contents.
    Project Summary: Describe key aspects of the Background, 
Objectives, Program Plan, and Tracking and Evaluation Plan. The summary 
is limited to 5 pages. Background:
    Statement of Need: Describe the youth at-risk to be targeted by the 
Youth Empowerment Program project, and the magnitude of the problem of 
violence, abuse, or other unhealthy behaviors on this population. In 
describing the problem or the need for the Youth Empowerment Program 
project, each applicant should clearly describe the risk factors faced 
by targeted youth and how the proposed protective factors will guard 
against and/or impact these risk factors. Provide a rationale for the 
approach, supported with data from the local area (national, regional 
and state data may be used to put the local problem in context). 
Identify partner organizations and provide the rationale for including 
them in the project.
    Experience: Describe any similar projects implemented to work with 
issues of abuse, violence and other unhealthy behaviors, and the 
results of these efforts. (For those institutions that previously 
received funding under the OMH-supported Family and Community Violence 
Prevention Program, you must attach a report on that specific project 
and its results.) Discuss the applicant organization's experience in 
managing projects/activities, especially those targeting the population 
to be served. Indicate where the project will be located within the 
college/university structure and the reporting channel. Provide a chart 
of the proposed project's organizational structure, showing who will 
report to whom. Describe how the partner organizations will interface 
with the applicant organization.
    Objectives: Provide an objective for each of the required program 
areas (i.e., academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, 
cultural enrichment, and career development). State objectives in terms 
of proposed measurable improvement, including time frames for 
achievement for the three-year project period.
    Program Plan: Describe the target population of at-risk youth to be 
served. Describe specific activities and strategies planned to address 
the identified risk factors and achieve each objective. Include the 
role of partner organizations and undergraduate students. Describe 
recruitment and selection criteria for the cohort group, and plans for 
replacing any members who drop out over the course of the three-year 
project.
    For each activity, describe how, when, where, by whom, and for whom 
the activity will be conducted. Activities must be conducted in the 
areas of academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, 
cultural enrichment, and career development of youth.
    Academic Enrichment are those activities designed to improve 
academic skills (e.g., math, reading, science, note taking, time 
management, and test taking) which will facilitate students' 
progression through school.
    Personal Development and Wellness are activities designed to 
promote and enhance positive self concepts and healthy lifestyles, 
including physical activity, offer students safe and positive 
alternatives for use of free time, develop interpersonal skills, and 
improve family relations and stability.
    Cultural Enrichment are those activities designed to expose 
students to a variety of cultural experiences to promote understanding 
and appreciation of diverse cultures, and promote awareness of their 
heritage.
    Career Development are those activities designed to expose 
individuals to a variety of career options, including health and 
biomedical careers, and impart

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information on the preparatory activities necessary for such careers.
    Provide a description of the proposed program staff, including 
resumes and job descriptions for key staff, qualifications and 
responsibilities of each staff member, and percent of time each will 
commit to the project. Provide a description of duties for any proposed 
consultants. Describe any products to be developed by the project. 
Provide a time line for each of the three years of the project.
    Tracking and Evaluation Plan: Describe the plan for tracking the 
participants through each educational milestone (e.g., middle school, 
high school, college). Clearly delineate how program activities will be 
evaluated. The evaluation plan must be able to produce documented 
results that demonstrate whether and how the strategies and activities 
funded under the Program: (1) Made a difference in positively impacting 
the incidences of violent, abusive and/or unhealthy behavior in the 
target population and (2) affected lifestyles choices. The plan must 
identify the expected results for each objective. The description must 
include data collection and analysis methods, demographic data to be 
collected on project participants, process measures which describe 
indicators to be used to monitor and measure progress toward achieving 
projected results, outcome measures to show the project has 
accomplished planned activities, and impact measures that demonstrate 
achievement of the objectives.
    Discuss plans and describe the vehicle (e.g., manual, CD), that 
will be used to document the steps which others may follow to replicate 
the proposed project in similar communities. Describe plans for 
disseminating project results to other communities and schools.
    Appendices: Include MOAs and other relevant information in this 
section.
    If applicable, attach a report on the project and outcomes 
supported under the Family and Community Violence Prevention Program 
(does not count against page limitation).
    In addition to the project narrative, the application must contain 
a detailed budget justification which includes a narrative explanation 
and indicates the computation of expenditures for each year for which 
grant support is requested. The budget request must include funds for 
key project staff to attend two annual OMH grantee meetings. (The 
budget justification does not count toward the page limitation.)
B. Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS)
    Applications must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal 
Numbering System number as the universal identifier when applying for 
Federal grants. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-
5711 or through the web site at https://www.dnb.com/us/.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: June 15, 2006.

Submission Mechanisms

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

Electronic Submission

    If you choose to submit your application electronically, please 
note the following:
    Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. You 
will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant 
application in electronic format, nor will you be penalized if you 
submit an application in paper format.
    The electronic application for this program may be accessed on 
https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov (eGrants) or on https://www.grants.gov/ 
(Grants.gov). If using Grants.gov, you must search for the downloadable 
application package by the CFDA number (93.910).
    When you enter the eGrants or the Grants.gov sites, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically, as well as 
the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait 
until the deadline date to begin the application process. Visit eGrants 
or Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to 
fully understand the process and requirements. Grants.gov requires 
organizations to successfully complete a registration process prior to 
submission of an application. The body of the application and required 
forms can be submitted electronically using either system. Electronic 
submissions must contain all forms required by the application kit, as 
well as the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative, and any appendices or 
exhibits. Applicants using eGrants are also required to submit, by 
mail, a hard copy of the face page (SF-424) with the original signature 
of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or 
organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award. (Applicants using 
Grants.gov are not required to submit a hard copy of the SF-424, as 
Grants.gov uses digital signature technology.) If required, applicants 
using eGrants may also need to submit a hard copy of SF LLL, and/or 
certain program related forms (e.g., Program certifications) with 
original signatures.
    Any other hard copy materials, or documents requiring signature, 
must also be submitted via mail. Mail-in items may only include 
publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. (If applying 
via eGrants, the applicant must identify the mail-in items on the 
Application Checklist at the time of electronic submission.) The 
application will not be considered complete until both the electronic 
application components and any hard copy materials or original 
signatures are received. All mailed items must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, OPHS by the deadline specified below.
    Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements 
described in this program announcement.
    We strongly encourage you to submit your electronic application 
well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are 
encountered you can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you 
encounter difficulties, please contact the eGrants Help Desk at 1-301-
231-9898 x142 (egrants-help@osophs,dhhs.gov), or the Grants.gov Help 
Desk at 1-800-518-4276 (support@grants.gov) to report the problem and 
obtain assistance with the system.
    Upon successful submission via eGrants, you will receive a 
confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the 
electronic application submission. The confirmation will also provide a 
listing

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of all items that constitute the final application submission including 
all electronic application components, required hard copy original 
signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address of the 
Office of Grants Management, OPHS, where all required hard copy 
materials must be submitted and received by the deadline specified 
below. As items are received by that office, the application status 
will be updated to reflect their receipt. Applicants are advised to 
monitor the status of their applications in the OPHS eGrants system to 
ensure that all signatures and mail-in items are received.
    Upon successful submission via Grants.gov, you will receive a 
confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the 
electronic application submission, as well as the Grants.gov Receipt 
Number. It is critical that you print and retain this confirmation for 
their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package. 
Applications submitted via Grants.gov also undergo a validation 
process. Once the application is successfully validated by Grants.gov, 
you will again be notified and should immediately mail all required 
hard copy materials to the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, to be 
received by the deadline specified below. It is critical that you 
clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application 
Receipt Number on all hard copy materials. Validated applications will 
be electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for 
processing. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by Grants.gov will not 
be transferred to the eGrants system. OPHS has no responsibility for 
any application that is not validated and transferred to OPHS from 
Grants.gov.Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted 
no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2006. All required hard 
copy original signatures and mail-in items must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, OPHS, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on 
the next business day after the deadline.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
    Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the 
complete application. The original application must be signed by an 
individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization 
and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms 
and conditions of the grant award. The original and each of the two 
copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and 
appendices.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the Office of Grants Management, 
OPHS, on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2006. The 
application deadline date requirement specified in this announcement 
supersedes the instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not 
meet the deadline will be returned to the applicant unread.
    For applications submitted in hard copy, send an original, signed 
in blue ink, and two copies of the complete application to: Ms. Karen 
Campbell, Director, OPHS Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton 
Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Required hard copy mail-in 
items should be sent to this same address.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    The Youth Empowerment Program is subject to requirements of 
Executive Order 12372 which allows States the options of setting up a 
system for reviewing applications from within their States for 
assistance under certain Federal programs. The application kits 
available under this notice will contain a list of States which have 
chosen to set up a review system and will include a State Single Point 
of Contact (SPOC) in the State for review. The SPOC list is also 
available on the Internet at the following address: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omh/grants/spoc/html. Applicants should contact 
their SPOC as early as possible to alert them to the prospective 
applications and receive any necessary instruction on the State 
process. The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days 
after the application deadlines established by the OPHS Grants 
Management Officer. TheOMH 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

    Budget Request: If funding is requested in an amount greater than 
the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    Grants funds may be used to cover costs of:

Personnel.
Consultants.
Equipment.
Supplies.
Grant-related travel (domestic only), including attendance at two OMH 
grantee meetings per year.
Other grant-related costs.

    Grants funds may not be used for:

Building alterations or renovations.
Construction.
Fund raising activities.
Job training.
Medical care, treatment or therapy.
Political education and lobbying.
Research studies involving human subjects.
Vocational rehabilitation.

    Guidance for completing the budget can be found in the Program 
Guidelines, which are included with the complete application kit.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The technical review of the Youth Empowerment Program applications 
will consider the following four generic factors listed, in descending 
order of weight.
A. Factor 1: Program Plan (40%)
    Appropriateness of proposed approach and specific activities for 
each objective. Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches as they 
relate to the statement of need and to the objectives.
    Soundness of proposed partnerships (e.g., primary and secondary 
schools, community organizations) and their roles in the program.
    Involvement of appropriate undergraduate students in carrying out 
program activities. Appropriateness of the activities for each of the 
three years for the targeted age group, and identified risk factors.
    Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project as 
determined by:
    Qualifications and appropriateness of proposed staff or 
requirements for ``to be hired'' staff and consultants.
    Proposed staff level of effort.
    Management experience of the applicant.
    The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project 
organizational structure.
    Appropriateness of defined roles including staff reporting channels 
and that of any proposed consultants.
    Clear lines of authority among the proposed staff within and 
between participating organizations.

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B. Factor 2: Tracking and Evaluation Plan (25%)
    The degree to which expected results are appropriate for objectives 
and activities.
    Appropriateness of the proposed data collection plan (including 
demographic data to be collected on project participants), analysis and 
reporting procedures.
    Soundness of the plan to track program participants.
    Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures.
    Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document progress 
towards achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended 
outcomes.
    Potential for the proposed project to impact violent, abusive and/
or unhealthy behaviors of the target population.
    Soundness of the plan to document the project for replicability in 
similar communities.
    Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
C. Factor 3: Background (20%)
    Demonstrated knowledge of the problem, including factors that place 
youth at risk, at the local level.
    Significance and prevalence of violence, abuse and other unhealthy 
behaviors in the proposed community and target population.
    Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the target 
community(ies), and whether it is well positioned and accepted within 
the community(ies) to be served.
    Extent and documented outcome of past efforts and activities with 
the target population.
    Extent and documented outcome(s) of activities conducted under the 
OMH-supported Family and Community Violence Program, if applicable.
D. Factor 4: Objectives (15%)
    Merit of the objectives for each of the four required program areas 
(i.e., academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural 
enrichment, and career development).
    Relevance to the OMH Program, purpose and expectations, and to the 
applicant's stated problem.
    Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames.

2. Review and Selection Process

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

3. Anticipated Award Date

    September 1, 2006.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

3. Reporting Requirements

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

Section VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions on budget and business aspects for the application, 
contact the Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, OPHS Office 
of Grants Management, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, 
Rockville, MD 20852. Mr. Wynn can be reached by telephone at (240) 453-
8822; or by e-mail at dwynn@osophs.dhh.gov.
    For questions related to the Youth Empowerment Program or 
assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Cynthia Amis, 
Director, Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority Health, 
Tower Building, Suite 600, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852. 
Ms. Amis can be reached by telephone at (240) 453-8444; or by e-mail at 
camis@osophs.dhhs.gov.
    For additional technical assistance, contact the OMH Regional 
Minority Health Consultant for your region listed in your grant 
application kit.
    For health information, call the OMH Resource Center (OMHRC) at 1-
800-444-6472.

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Healthy People 2010

    The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the 
health promoting and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 
2010, a PHS-led national activity announced in January 2000 to 
eliminate health disparities and improve years and quality of life. 
More information may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web site: 
https://www.healthypeople.gov and copies of the documents may be

[[Page 28344]]

downloaded. Copies of the Healthy People 2010: Volumes I and II can be 
purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70.00 for printed version; 
$20.00 for CD-ROM). Another reference is the Healthy People 2010 Final 
Review-2001.
    For one free copy of the Healthy People 2010, contact: The National 
Center for Health Statistics, Division of Data Services, 3311 Toledo 
Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or by telephone at (301) 458-4636. Ask for 
HHS Publication No. (PHS) 99-1256. This document may also be downloaded 
from: https://www.healthypeople.gov.

2. Definitions

    For purposes of this announcement, the following definitions apply:
    Minority Populations--American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, 
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or 
Other Pacific Islander (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public 
Service Act, as amended).
    Protective Factors--Those factors that potentially decrease the 
likelihood of engaging in a risk behavior. (Risk and Protective Factors 
for Youth Violence Fact Sheet, retrieved November 15, 2005 from the 
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Web Site: https://
www.safeyouth.org)
    Risk Factors--scientifically established factors or determinants 
for which there is strong objective evidence of a causal relationship 
to a problem. (Risk and Protective Factors for Youth Violence Fact 
Sheet, retrieved November 15, 2005 from the National Youth Violence 
Prevention Resource Center Web Site: https://www.safeyouth.org)
    Tribal College or University (TCU)--One of the institutions cited 
in section 532 of the Equity in Education Land-Grants Status Acts of 
1994 (U.S.C. 301 note) or that qualify for funding under the Tribally 
Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.), and Navajo Community College, authorized in the Navajo Community 
College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. 
640a note).

    Dated: May 9, 2006.
Mirtha R. Beadle,
Deputy Director, Office of Minority Health.
[FR Doc. E6-7447 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P