Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement to the California Outreach Office To Strengthen Public Health Services at the California-Baja California Border, 30928-30933 [E6-8384]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30928-30933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8384]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement 
to the California Outreach Office To Strengthen Public Health Services 
at the California-Baja California Border

AGENCY: Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, DHHS.

    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--FY 2006 Initial 
Announcement. Single Source.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 93.018.

DATES: Application Availability: May 31, 2006. Applications must be 
received by June 30, 2006.
SUMMARY: The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) announces that up 
to $335,916 in fiscal year (FY) 2006 funds is available for a 
cooperative agreement to the California Department of Health Services, 
who will work through the California Outreach Office of the U.S.-Mexico 
Border Health Commission, to strengthen the binational public health 
projects and programs along the California-Baja California border. This 
initiative addresses outreach and health promotion activities, 
evaluation and assessments, health data analysis and surveillance, 
Healthy Border/Healthy Gente activities, and programmatic and 
administrative support to the members and staff of the U.S.-Mexico 
Border Health Commission. The budget period will be one year with a 
project period of five years for a total of $335,916 (including 
indirect costs). Funding for the cooperative agreement is contingent 
upon the availability of funds.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Under the authority of section 4 of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health 
Commission Act (the Act), Public law 103-400, the Office of Global 
Health Affairs (OGHA) announces the intent to allocate fiscal year (FY) 
2006 funds for a cooperative agreement to the California Department of 
Health Services, California Outreach Office of the U.S.-Mexico Border 
Health Commission, to strengthen the binational public health projects 
and programs along the California-Baja California border. Activities to 
be addressed through the cooperative agreement will relate to the 
following topic areas: (1) Access to Care; (2) Cancer; (3) Diabetes; 
(4) Environmental Health; (5) HIV/AIDS, and (6) Immunization and 
Infectious Diseases. Funding will be provided by OGHA, through the 
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, to the awardee.
    This assistance is geared to support current, on-going and proposed 
public health initiatives in this border region that support the goals 
and objectives of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission serve to 
strengthen access to health care, disease prevention, and public health 
along the California-Baja California border.
    Background: The U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission (USMBHC), in 
collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
works toward creating awareness about the U.S.-Mexico border, its 
people, and its environment. It educates others about the unique 
challenges at the border through outreach efforts, data collection and 
analysis, and joint collaborative efforts with public and private 
partners in the border health community. The USMBHC serves as a 
rallying point for shared concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border and as 
a catalyst for action to develop plans directed toward solving specific 
health related problems.
    Outreach offices of the USMBHC work with the border states to 
address public health concerns and needs affecting the border region. 
The California Department of Health Services will work with the 
California Outreach Office and Mexican counterparts to promote and 
strengthen binational health initiatives along the California-Baja 
California border.
    Purpose: The overall objective of this cooperative agreement is to 
support and coordinate the USMBHC's objectives and the development of 
the outreach health activities along the California and Baja California 
border. Awardee activities for this program will be focused in the 
following areas:
     Outreach and health promotion activities to establish or 
strengthen linkages between public health and border activities;
     Evaluation and assessments of health services, health 
research, health care technologies, and delivery systems;
     Health data analysis and surveillance;
     Programmatic and administrative support to the members and 
staff for the USMBHC; and
     Implementation of Healthy Border/Healthy Gente projects 
and activities.
    Measurable outcomes of the cooperative agreement will be in 
alignment with one or more of the following performance goals:
     Increase access to care and improve quality of care;
     Improve disease prevention and health education;
     Improve workforce development and retention; and
     Improve public health infrastructure.
    Activities: Awardee activities for this program will be focused in 
the following areas:
    (1) Outreach and health promotion activities to establish or 
strengthen linkages between public health and border activities;
    (2) Evaluation and assessments of health services, health research, 
health care technologies, and delivery systems;
    (3) Health data analysis and surveillance;
    (4) Administrative and programmatic support to the members and 
staff for the USMBHC; and
    (5) Support and development of Healthy Border/Healthy Gente 
projects and activities.

II. Award Information

    The administrative and funding instrument to be used for this 
program will be the cooperative agreement in which substantial OGHA/HHS 
scientific and/or programmatic involvement is anticipated during the 
performance of the project. Under the cooperative agreement, OGHA/HHS 
will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with them 
in a non-directive partnership role. Awardee will also be expected to 
work directly with and in support of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health 
Commission and its stated goals and initiatives as outlined in the 
submitted work plan.
    The administrative and funding instrument to be used for this 
program will be the cooperative agreement in which substantial HHS/OGHA 
scientific and/or programmatic involvement is anticipated during the 
performance of the project. Under the cooperative

[[Page 30929]]

agreement, HHS/OGHA will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by 
working with them in a non-directive partnership role. Awardee will 
also be expected to work directly with and in support of the U.S.-
Mexico Border Health Commission and its stated goals and initiatives as 
outlined in the submitted work plan.
    Approximately $335,916 in FY 2006 funds is available to support the 
agreement. The anticipated start date is May 31, 2006. There will only 
be one single award made from this announcement. The grant may be 
approved for a budget period of one year and a project period of up to 
five years. Funding for all approved budget periods beyond the first 
year of the grant is contingent upon the availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress of the project, and adequate stewardship of 
Federal funds.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    This is a single eligibility cooperative agreement offered to the 
California Department of Health Services. The California Department of 
Health Services, California Outreach Office (ORO) to accomplish the 
goals and objectives of the USMBHC. The ORO has extensive past 
experience working with the USMBHC and supporting its binational goals, 
objectives and initiatives. The California ORO also has an existing 
working relationship and on-going initiatives with Mexico which makes 
it unique to other organizations in carrying out the workplans as 
approved by the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission in support of 
health initiatives and activities along the border. Continuity and 
consistency in this binational effort within this region is essential 
to the productivity and success of public health efforts in this 
region. The California ORO, given it's role as a partner with the U.S.-
Mexico Border Health Commission, is uniquely qualified to maintain the 
continuity and consistency the Border Health Commission requires.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation is not a 
requirement of this agreement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

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

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    All applications must be accompanied by a Project Abstract 
submitted on 3.5 inch floppy disk. The abstract must be typed, single-
spaced, and not exceed 2 pages. Reviewers and staff will refer 
frequently to the information contained in the abstract, and therefore 
it should contain substantive information about the proposed projects 
in summary form. A list of suggested keywords and a format sheet for 
your use in preparing the abstract will be included in the application 
packet.
    All grant applications must be accompanied by a Project Narrative. 
In addition to the instructions provided in OPHS-1 (Rev 8/2004) for 
project narrative, the specific guidelines for the project narrative 
are provided in the program guidelines. Format requirements are the 
same as for the Project Abstract Section; margins should be 1 inch at 
the top and 1 inch at the bottom and both sides; and typeset must be no 
smaller than 12 cpi and not reduced. Biographical sketches should be 
either typed on the appropriate form or plain paper and should not 
exceed two pages, with publications listed being limited only to those 
that are directly relevant to this project.
Application Format Requirements
    If applying on paper, the entire application may not exceed 80 
pages in length, including the abstract, project and budget narratives, 
face page, attachments, any appendices and letters of commitment and 
support. Pages must be numbered consecutively.
    Applications submitted electronically that exceed 80 pages when 
printed will be deemed non-compliant. All non-compliant applications 
will be returned to the applicant without further consideration.
Number of Copies
    Please submit one (1) original and two (2) unbound copies of the 
application.
    Please do not bind or staple the application. Application must be 
single sided.
Font
    Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as Times Roman, 
Courier, or CG Times. The text and table portions of the application 
must be submitted in not less than 12 point and 1.0 line spacing. 
Applications not adhering to 12 point font requirements may be 
returned.
Paper Size and Margins
    For scanning purposes, please submit the application on 8\1/2\'' x 
11'' white paper. Margins must be at least one (1) inch at the top, 
bottom, left and right of the paper. Please left-align text.
Numbering
    Please number the pages of the application sequentially from page 1 
(face page) to the end of the application, including charts, figures, 
tables, and appendices.
Names
    Please include the name of the applicant on each page.
Section Headings
    Please put all section headings flush left in bold type.
Application Format
    Applications for funding must consist of the following documents in 
the following order:
Application Face Page
    Public Health Service (PHS) Application Form OPHS-1, provided with 
the application package. Prepare this page according to instructions 
provided in the form itself.
DUNS Number
    All applicant organizations are required to have a Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to apply for a grant from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a unique nine-character 
identification number provided by the commercial company, Dun and 
Bradstreet. There is no charge to obtain a DUNS number. Information 
about obtaining a DUNS number can be found at https://www.dnb.com/
product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or call 1-866-705-5711. Please 
include the DUNS number next to the OMB Approval Number on the 
application face page.
    Additionally, the applicant organization will be required to 
register with the Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR) in order to do electronic business with the Federal Government. 
Information about registering with the CCR can be found at https://
www.hrsa.gov/grants/ccr.htm.
    Finally, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov are 
required to register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. 
Information

[[Page 30930]]

about this requirement is available at https://www.grants.gov/
CredentialProvider.
    Applicants applying electronically through the OPHS E-Grants System 
are required to register with the provider. Information about this 
requirement is available at https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov.
Program Narrative
    This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of 
all aspects of the proposed program. It should be succinct, self-
explanatory and well organized so that reviewers can understand the 
proposed project.
    Use the following section headers for the Narrative:
     Executive Summary--This section should briefly describe 
the proposed project and supporting initiatives as well as summarize 
goals that the program intends to achieve through the project 
initiatives.
     Work Plan--Describe the current and proposed activities or 
steps that will be used to achieve the stated goals and objectives. 
Describe expected outcomes resulting from activities as well as any 
evaluation mechanisms that will be used to measure the success of the 
initiatives.
     Mechanism for Administration--Describe how resources and 
funds will be administered with regards to the proposed projects.
     In-Kind Support/Resources--Describe any in-kind support 
from other sources, if any, that will be used to support the proposed 
initiatives and activities.
Appendices
    Please provide the additional relevant information (including 
tables, charts, and other relevant documents) to complete the content 
of the application. Please note that these are supplementary in nature, 
and are not intended to be a continuation of the project narrative. Be 
sure each appendix is clearly labeled.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides multiple 
mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the 
following sections. Applicants will receive notification via mail from 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of 
applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications 
submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management after the deadlines 
described below will not be accepted for review. Applications which do 
not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement will not be 
accepted for review and will be returned to the applicant.
    Applications may only be submitted electronically via the 
electronic submission mechanisms specified below. Any applications 
submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including 
facsimile or electronic mail, will not be accepted for review. While 
applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the electronic 
application submission capabilities provided by the OPHS eGrants system 
or the Grants.gov Web Site Portal is encouraged.
    Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later 
than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement using one of the electronic submission 
mechanisms specified below. All required hardcopy original signatures 
and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day 
after the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the 
announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items 
are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to the 
deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not adhere 
to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be deemed 
ineligible.
    Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early 
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due 
date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with 
submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions Via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal
    The Grants.gov Web Site Portal provides organizations with the 
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, https://www.grants.gov.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may 
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is 
imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as 
well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov 
application package, to determine such requirements. Any required hard 
copy materials, or documents that require a signature, must be 
submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, 
and, if required, must contain the original signature of an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web Site 
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any 
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must received by the 
due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include 
publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal, the applicant will be provided with 
a confirmation page from Grants.gov indicating the date and time 
(Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as the 
Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and 
retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the 
entire application package.
    All applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal will 
be validated by Grants.gov. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the 
Grants.gov Web Site Portal will not be transferred to the OPHS eGrants 
system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any application that is not 
validated and transferred to OPHS from the Grants.gov Web Site Portal. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application 
validation status. Once the application is successfully validated by 
the Grants.gov Web Site Portal, applicants should immediately mail all 
required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to 
be received by the deadlines specified above. It is critical that the 
applicant clearly identify the organization name and Grants.gov 
Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
    Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be 
electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for processing. 
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web 
Site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will 
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
confirming the receipt of

[[Page 30931]]

the application submitted using the Grants.gov Web Site Portal.
    Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or 
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through 
the Grants.gov Web Site Portal.
Electronic Submissions Via the OPHS eGrants System
    The OPHS electronic grants management system, eGrants, provides for 
applications to be submitted electronically. Information about this 
system is available on the OPHS eGrants Web site, https://
egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, or may be requested from the OPHS Office of 
Grants Management at (240) 453-8822.
    When submitting applications via the OPHS eGrants system, 
applicants are required to submit a hard copy of the application face 
page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations 
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required, 
applicants will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form 
LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g., Program Certifications) 
with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the 
applicant agency.
    Electronic applications submitted via the OPHS eGrants system must 
contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the 
Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits. The 
applicant may identify specific mail-in items to be sent to the Office 
of Grants Management separate from the electronic submission; however 
these mail-in items must be entered on the eGrants Application 
Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and must be received by 
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only 
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, 
the OPHS eGrants system will provide the applicant with a confirmation 
page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic 
application submission. This confirmation page will also provide a 
listing of all items that constitute the final application submission 
including all electronic application components, required hardcopy 
original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address 
of the OPHS Office of Grants Management where all required hard copy 
materials must be submitted.
    As items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, the 
electronic application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of 
mail-in items. It is recommended that the applicant monitor the status 
of their application in the OPHS eGrants system to ensure that all 
signatures and mail-in items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
    Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the 
application. The original application must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to 
assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and 
conditions of the grant award.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant 
Management on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date 
specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application 
deadline date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the 
instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the deadline 
will be returned to the applicant unread.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the Public Health Systems Reporting 
Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based non-
governmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health System 
Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicants shall submit a copy of the 
application face page (SF-424) and a one page summary of the project, 
called the Public Health System Impact Statement. The PHSIS is intended 
to provide information to State and local health officials to keep them 
apprised on proposed health services grant applications submitted by 
community-based, non-governmental organizations within their 
jurisdictions.
    Community-based, non-governmental applicants are required to 
submit, no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the 
application, the following information to the head of the appropriate 
State and local health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A 
copy of the face page of the application (SF 424), (b) a summary of the 
project (PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) A 
description of the population to be served, (2) a summary of the 
services to be provided, and (3) a description of the coordination 
planned with the appropriate State or local health agencies. Copies of 
the letters forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained 
in the application materials submitted to the OGHA/HHS.
    This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 that allows States the option of setting up a system for 
reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under 
certain Federal programs. The application kit to be made available 
under this notice will contain a listing of States that have chosen to 
set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC) in the State for review. Applicants (other than federally 
recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOCs as early as 
possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any 
necessary instructions on the State process. For proposed projects 
serving more than one State, the applicant is advised to contact the 
SPOC in each affected State. A complete list of SPOCs may be found at 
the following Web site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 
The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the 
application deadline. The OGHA/HHS does not guarantee that it will 
accommodate or explain its responses to State process recommendations 
received after that date. (See ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR part 100 for a 
description of the review process and requirements.)

5. Funding Restrictions

    Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations, 
equipment purchase, medical treatment, renovations, or to purchase 
food. Allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and necessity of 
direct and indirect costs that may be charged are outlined in the 
following documents: OMB-21 (Institutes of Higher Education); OMB 
Circular A-122 (Nonprofit Organizations) and 45 CFR part 74, Appendix E 
(Hospitals). Copies of these circulars can be found on the Internet at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb. Pre-award costs are not allowable under 
this award.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Applications will be screened by OGHA staff for completeness and 
for responsiveness to the program guidance. Applicants should pay 
strict attention addressing these criteria, as they are the

[[Page 30932]]

basis upon which applications will be judged. Those applications judged 
to be non-responsive or incomplete will be returned to the applicant 
without review.
    Applications that are complete and responsive to the guidance will 
be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer 
review group specifically convened for this solicitation and in 
accordance with HHS policies and procedures. As part of the initial 
merit review, all applications will receive a written critique. All 
applications recommended for approval will be discussed fully by the ad 
hoc peer review group and assigned a priority score for funding. 
Eligible applications will be assessed according the following 
criteria:
(1) Technical Approach (45 Points)
     The applicant's presentation of a sound and practical 
technical approach for executing the requirements with adequate 
explanation, substantiation and justification for methods for handling 
the projected needs of the USMBHC.
     The successful applicant must demonstrate a clear 
understanding of the scope and objectives of the cooperative agreement, 
recognition of potential difficulties that may arise in performing the 
work required, presentation of adequate solutions, and understanding of 
the close coordination necessary between the California Department of 
Health Service's Office of Border Health.
 (2) Experience and Capabilities of the Organization (45 Points)
     Applicants should submit documented relevant experience of 
the organization in managing projects of similar complexity and scope 
of the activities.
     Clarity and appropriateness of lines of communication and 
authority for coordination and management of the project. Adequacy and 
feasibility of plans to ensure successful coordination of a multiple-
partner collaboration.
(3) Facilities and Resources (10 Points)
     Documented availability and adequacy of facilities, 
equipment,and resources necessary to carry out the activities.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed in competition with other submitted 
applications, by a panel of peer reviewers. Each of the above criteria 
will be addressed and considered by the reviewers in assigning the 
overall score. Final award will be made on the basis of score, program 
relevance and, availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    OGHA/HHS does not release information about individual applications 
during the review process until final funding decisions have been made. 
The official document notifying the applicant of approval and 
availability of funding is the Notice of Grant Award, which specifies 
to the awardee the amount of money awarded, the purpose of the 
agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement, and the amount of 
funding, if any, to be contributed by the awardee to the project costs.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The regulations set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules and requirements 
that govern the administration of grants. Part 74 is applicable to all 
recipients except those covered by part 92, which governs awards to 
state and local governments. Applicants funded under this announcement 
must be aware of and comply with these regulations. The CFR volume that 
includes parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from: https://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrv1_03.html.
    The HHS Appropriations Act requires that when issuing statements, 
press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitation, and other 
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part 
with Federal money, grantees shall clearly state the percentage and 
dollar amount of the total cost of the program or project which will be 
financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of the 
total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-
governmental sources.
Reporting
    All projects are required to have an evaluation plan, consistent 
with the scope of the proposed project and funding level that conforms 
to the project's stated goals and objectives. The evaluation plan 
should include both a process evaluation to track the implementation of 
project activities and an outcome evaluation to measure changes in 
knowledge and skills that can be attributed to the project. Project 
funds may be used to support evaluation activities.
    In addition to conducting their own evaluation of projects, 
successful applicants must be prepared to participate in an external 
evaluation, to be supported by OGHA/HHS and conducted by an independent 
entity, to assess efficiency and effectiveness for the project funded 
under this announcement.
    Within 30 days following the end of each of quarter, a performance 
report no more than ten pages in length must be submitted to OGHA/HHS. 
A sample monthly performance report will be provided at the time of 
notification of award. At a minimum, monthly performance reports should 
include:
    Concise summary of the most significant achievements and problems 
encountered during the reporting period, e.g. number of training 
courses held and number of trainees.
    A comparison of work progress with objectives established for the 
quarter using the grantee's implementation schedule, and where such 
objectives were not met, a statement of why they were not met.
    Specific action(s) that the grantee would like the OGHA/HHS to 
undertake to alleviate a problem.
    Other pertinent information that will permit monitoring and 
overview of project operations.
    A quarterly financial report describing the current financial 
status of the funds used under this award. The awardee and OGHA will 
agree at the time of award for the format of this portion of the 
report.
    Within 90 days following the end of the project period a final 
report containing information and data of interest to the Department of 
Health and Human Services, Congress, and other countries must be 
submitted to OGHA/HHS. The specifics as to the format and content of 
the final report and the summary will be sent to successful applicants. 
At minimum, the report should contain:
    A summary of the major activities supported under the agreement and 
the major accomplishments resulting from activities to improve 
mortality in partner country.
    An analysis of the project based on the problem(s) described in the 
application and needs assessments, performed prior to or during the 
project period, including a description of the specific objectives 
stated in the grant application and the accomplishments and failures 
resulting from activities during the grant period.
    Quarterly performance reports and the final report may be submitted 
to: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, 
Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers

[[Page 30933]]

Lane, Suite 18-105, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
    A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the 
close of each 12-month budget period and submitted to OPHS-Office of 
Grants Management.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For programmatic requirements, please contact: Jeff Waggoner, 
Office of Global Health Affairs, DHHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-105, 
Rockville, MD, 20857. Phone: (301) 443-6279.
    For administrative requirements, please contact: Eric West, Office 
of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, DHHS, 1101 
Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland 20857. Telephone: (240) 
453-8822.

VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application

    Include DUNS Number. You must include a DUNS Number to have your 
application reviewed. To obtain a DUNS number, access https://
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Please include the 
DUNS number next to the OMB Approval Number on the application face 
page.
    Keep your audience in mind. Reviewers will use only the information 
contained in the application to assess the application. Be sure the 
application and responses to the program requirements and expectations 
are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that reviewers are 
familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the review criteria in 
mind when writing the application.
    Start preparing the application early. Allow plenty of time to 
gather required information from various sources.
    Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully. Place all 
information in the order requested in the guidance. If the information 
is not placed in the requested order, you may receive a lower score.
    Be brief, concise, and clear. Make your points understandable. 
Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of 
problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required 
information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information 
provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the 
proposal narrative and information in other tables.
    Be organized and logical. Many applications fail to receive a high 
score because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the 
applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together.
    Be careful in the use of appendices. Do not use the appendices for 
information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure to 
cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the appendices to 
the appropriate text in the application.
    Carefully proofread the application. Misspellings and grammatical 
errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure 
pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are 
followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each 
one at its first use and periodically throughout application.

    Dated: May 24, 2006.
Sandra R. Manning,
Deputy Director for Operations, Office of Global Health Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6-8384 Filed 5-30-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P