Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement to the Fundación México-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A.C. (FUMEC) (United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to Support Mexican Outreach Offices, 33759-33764 [E6-9070]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES disease, it is imperative that we address such problems as obesity, HIV/AIDS, tobacco use, birth defects, injury and low physical activity. Eliminate Health Disparities. Having grown up facing the difficulties of health disparities, eliminating them is of great personal importance to the Surgeon General. His goal is to rid minority communities of the greater burden of death and disease from illnesses such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and others. Strengthen Public Health Preparedness. Americans count on a strong public health system capable of meeting any emergency. OSG is investing resources to prevent, mitigate and respond to all-hazards emergencies. Improve Health Literacy. Improving health literacy is important so that all Americans may access, understand and use health-related information and services to make good health decisions. (To learn more about the public health priorities of the Surgeon General, please visit https://www.surgeongeneral.gov.) 2. MRC/ESAR–VHP Integration MRC and the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR–VHP) each represent key national initiatives of HHS to improve the nation’s ability to enhance public health preparedness. The ESAR–VHP Program is housed within the HHS Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It is designed to standardize State efforts to develop programs and systems necessary to register, credential, and activate volunteer health professionals in an emergency. Volunteer health professionals in this program will primarily be expected to augment hospital and/or other medical facility staff to support a surge in anticipated health care needs for patients and victims during, and immediately following, an emergency. There are significant advantages to integrating the MRC and ESAR–VHP Programs. Generally, integration will minimize duplication of effort, address response gaps, and promote long-term savings. For example, joint recruiting and training efforts will assure a common understanding of each other’s program goals, state-level credentialing can be expanded to cover MRC volunteers, and common notification and deployment technologies will enable significant cost savings. The MRC/ESAR–VHP Integration Project’s primary goal will be to publish guidance for local MRC leaders and state ESAR–VHP coordinators. It should include a description of what is expected to occur and how the groups VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 are expected to respond, as well as the individual, MRC, and ESAR–VHP Program roles and responsibilities. Dated: June 6, 2006. Richard H. Carmona, Surgeon General. [FR Doc. E6–9035 Filed 6–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–47–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement to the ´ ´ Fundacion Mexico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A.C. (FUMEC) (United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to Support Mexican Outreach Offices Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, HHS. Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement—Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Initial Announcement. Single Source. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 93.018. DATES: Application Availability: June 12, 2006. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2006. SUMMARY: The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) announces up to $600,000 in FY 2006 funds is available for a cooperative agreement to the ´ ´ Fundacion Mexico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A. C. (FUMEC) (United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to support the implementation, management, and administration of U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission (USMBHC) programs and activities at the Mexican Outreach Offices. This initiative will support the development, administration, and evaluation of programs in specified health areas, including training for health personnel, development, and dissemination of educational materials and workshops, research, community outreach, health promotion, and improvement of information technology to enhance program support. HHS/OGHA will approve the budget period to be one year and the project period for up to a five-year period for a total of $600,000 (including indirect costs). Funding for the cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funds. AGENCY: 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 ´ ´ Fundacion Mexico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A. C. (FUMEC) (United PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33759 States—Mexico Foundation for Science), who will work through the Mexican Outreach Offices of the U.S.Mexico Border Health Commission, to strengthen the binational public health projects and programs along the U.S.Mexico border. The cooperative agreement will address activities related to the following topic areas: (1) Substance Abuse, (2) HIV/AIDS, (3) Chronic Diseases, (4) Vete Sano Regresa Sano (Go Healthy, Come Back Healthy), (5) Injury Prevention, (6) Diabetes, (7) Family Planning, (8) Domestic Violence, (9) Cancer, (10) Teen Pregnancy Prevention, (11) Oral Health, (12) Rabies, (13) Communicable Diseases, (14) Tuberculosis, and (15) Epidemiological Monitoring. 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 to strengthen access to health care, disease prevention, and public health along the Mexican side of the U.S-Mexico border. Background: More than 800,000 people crisscross legally everyday, not counting the thousands who find illegal ways to enter the United States. The economic burden on the United States and Mexico is staggering. Much of the border is poor and health resources are scarce. This rapid population growth is putting further pressure on an already inadequate medical care infrastructure, which further decreases access to health care. The border is impoverished and has a double burden of disease to bear. Like many emerging nations, it struggles with serious chronic diseases such as respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. The large and diverse migrant population increases the incidence of communicable diseases such as HIV/ AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as chronic illnesses such as diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension. In addition, the problems and concerns affecting the border region have broad repercussions for both nations. Travelers, migrants and immigrants, who are crossing the border every day, are taking their health problems with them to other parts of the United States and Mexico. Although both nations cooperate in specific health areas, until the establishment of a high-level binational commission, the border region lacked a sustainable process for addressing and improving the health of its population. 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 E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1 dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES 33760 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices 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 Mexican border states of Baja California, Norte, Sonora, Chihuahua, ´ Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamauilipas to address public-health concerns and needs affecting the border region. These offices will work with the Servicios de Salud in each State to promote and strengthen border-health initiatives and activities. An agreement between Mexico and the United States created FUMEC in 1992 as a bi-national, non-governmental body to promote and support scientific and technological collaboration between both countries. 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 Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Awardee activities for this program will focus in the following topic areas: • Substance Abuse; • HIV/AIDS; • Chronic Diseases; • Vete Sano Regresa Sano (Go Healthy, Come Back Healthy); • Injury Prevention; • Diabetes; • Family Planning; • Domestic Violence; • Cancer; • Teen Pregnancy Prevention; • Oral Health; • Rabies; • Communicable Diseases; • Tuberculosis; and • Epidemiological Monitoring. Funding will support the development, administration, and evaluation of programs in the abovestated topics and health areas, including training for health personnel, development and dissemination of educational materials and workshops, research/studies, community outreach, and health promotion, and information technology to enhance program support. Additionally, funding will support the operating expenses related to these programs, including personnel, travel, office supplies, and equipment expenses. The overall objectives of the program are to: VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 • Strengthen the binational public health projects and programs along the U.S.-Mexico border. • Train and update health ´ professionals in the U.S.-Mexico border. Progress in the attainment of this objective will be identified through one of the following performance goals: • Increased access to care and improve quality of care; • Improved disease prevention and health education; • Improved workforce development and retention; and • Improved public health infrastructure. Measurable outcomes include: • Number of health care workers, medical and emergency personnel, and other pertinent parties trained on various border-oriented health topics and risk areas; • Amount of educational materials designed, produced, and distributed to increase community awareness of border health concerns; • Number of health promotion and education activities/seminars/ workshops developed and implemented; • Amount of appropriate equipment, medicine, and materials purchased and distributed to meet the border health care needs identified by the States; • Degree to which epidemiology monitoring systems are established and/ or strengthened; and, • Degree to which clinic and laboratory capabilities for border health needs are established and/or strengthened. Activities: Awardee activities for this program will focus on the flowing areas: (1) Outreach and health-promotion activities to establish or strengthen links 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) 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 This program, during which HHS/ OGHA anticipates substantial scientific and/or programmatic involvement, will use the cooperative agreement as the administrative and funding instrument. Under the cooperative agreement, HHS/ OGHA will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with them in a non-directive partnership role. HHS/OGHA expects the awardee to PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 work directly with, and in support of, the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission and its stated goals and initiatives, as well as the Mexican Outreach Offices. Approximately $600,000 in FY 2006 funds is available to support the agreement. The anticipated start date is June 12, 2006. There will only be one single award made from this announcement. The project period for this agreement is five (5) years with the budget period at twelve (12) months. Although OGHA provides for this program in its financial plans, the award pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicant This is a single-eligibility cooperative agreement offered to FUMEC, which will work with the Mexican Outreach Offices (OROs) of Baja California, Norte, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo ´ Leon, and Tamauilipas to accomplish the goals and objectives of the USMBHC. FUMEC has extensive past experience working with public-health issues for both the United States and Mexico, and supporting their binational goals, objectives, and initiatives. The Mexican OROs, through whom FUMEC will coordinate activities and programs, have extensive past experience working with the USMHBC and supporting its binational goals, objectives, and initiatives. The Mexican OROs also have existing working relationships and ongoing initiatives with the United States through the U.S. Outreach Offices 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. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not requirements 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. Applicant must use form OPHS–1. Applicant 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. E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices 2. Content and Form of Application Submission Applicant must submit a Project Abstract on 3.5-inch floppy disk with the application. The abstract must be typed, single-spaced, and cannot exceed two pages. Reviewers and staff will refer frequently to the information contained in the abstract; 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. The grant application must include 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 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 characters per inch 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 limited to those directly relevant to this project. dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES 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. Applicant must number pages consecutively. Applications submitted electronically that exceed 80 pages when printed will be deemed non-compliant. HHS/OGHA will return all non-compliant applications to the applicant without further consideration. a. 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. b. Font: Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as Times Roman, Courier, or CG Times. Submit the text and table portions of the application in not less than 12 point and 1.0 line spacing. Applications not adhering to 12-point font requirements may be returned. c. 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. d. Numbering: Please number the pages of the application sequentially VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 from page 1 (face page) to the end of the application, including charts, figures, tables, and appendices. e. Names Please include the name of the applicant on each page. f. 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: i. 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. Find information about registering with the CCR at https:// www.hrsa.gov/grants/ccr.htm. Finally, applicant applying electronically through Grants.gov are required to register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. Information about this requirement is available at https://www.grants.gov/ CredentialProvider. Applicant applying electronically through the OPHS E–Grants System must register with the provider. Information about this requirement is available at https:// egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov. ii. 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 reviewers can understand the proposed project. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33761 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 the program intends to achieve through the project initiatives. • Work Plan Describe the current and proposed activities or steps you will use to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Describe expected outcomes resulting from activities as well as any evaluation mechanisms you will use to measure the success of the initiatives. • Mechanism for Administration Describe how you will administer resources and funds regarding the proposed projects. • In-Kind Support/Resources Describe any in-kind support from other sources, if any, you will use to support the proposed initiatives and activities. iii. 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 will not be a continuation of the project narrative. Be sure to clearly label each appendix. 3. Submission Dates and Times The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of the application, as described in the following sections. Applicant will receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will not accept applications after the deadlines described below. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will return the application if it does not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement to the applicant without review. Applicant may only submit the application electronically, via the electronic submission mechanisms specified below. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will not accept for review applications submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including facsimile or electronic mail. While the OPHS Office of Grants Management will accept applications in hard copy, we encourage the use of the electronic application submission capabilities provided by the E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1 33762 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES OPHS eGrants system or the Grants.gov Website Portal. Applicant must submit the electronic grant application 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. The OPHS Office of Grants Management must receive all required hardcopy original signatures and mail-in items 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. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will not consider the application valid until it receives all electronic application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mailin items according to the deadlines specified above. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will not consider application submissions that do not adhere to the due date requirements late, and they will be deemed ineligible. The OPHS Office of Grants Management encourages applicant 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 Website Portal The Grants.gov Website Portal provides organizations with the ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration processes in order to submit an application. Information about this system is available on the Grants.gov Website, https://www.grants.gov. In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicant may be required to submit hardcopy signatures for certain program related forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is imperative that the applicant reviews the grant announcement as well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov application package, to determine such requirements. The applicant must submit any required hardcopy materials, or documents that require a signature, 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 Website Portal must VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits. The OPHS Office of Grants Management must receive all required mail-in items by the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. When the applicant completes a successful electronic application submission via the Grants.gov Website Portal, Grants.gov will provide the applicant with 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 the applicant prints and retains this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package. Grants.gov will validate all applications submitted via the Grants.gov Website Portal. The Grants.gov Website Portal will transfer any applications deemed ‘‘Invalid’’ to the OPHS eGrants system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any application that the Grants.gov Website Portal does not validate and transfer to OPHS. Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application validation status. Once the Grants.gov Website Portal successfully validates the application, applicant should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management due by the deadlines specified above. The applicant must clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials. Once Grants.gov validates the application, Grants.gov will electronically transfer it to the OPHS eGrants system for processing. Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Website Portal, and the required mail-in items, applicant will receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management, confirming their receipt of the application submitted using the Grants.gov Website Portal. Applicant should contact Grants.gov with any questions or concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through the Grants.gov Website Portal. Electronic Submissions via the OPHS eGrants System The OPHS electronic grants management system, eGrants, provides for electronic submission of applications. Information about this system is available on the OPHS eGrants Website, https:// PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, or from the OPHS Office of Grants Management, which the applicant may contact by phone at (240) 453–8822. When submitting applications via the OPHS eGrants system, applicant must 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, applicant 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 send to the Office of Grants Management separate from the electronic submission; however, the applicant must enter these mail-in items on the eGrants Application Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and the Office of Grants Management must receive them by the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, the OPHS eGrants system will provide the applicant with a confirmation page, indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application submission, including all electronic application components, required hardcopy original signatures, and mailin items, as well as the mailing address of the OPHS Office of Grants Management, where applicant must submit all required hardcopy materials. As the OPHS Office of Grants Management receives items, they will update electronic application status to reflect the receipt of mail-in items. The applicant should monitor the status of their application in the OPHS eGrants system to ensure OPHS receives all signatures and mail-in items. Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hardcopy Applications Applicant who submit applications in hardcopy (via mail or hand-delivered) must submit an original and two copies of the application. An individual E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES 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 must sign the original application. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will consider as meeting the deadline mailed or hand-delivered applications if the Office receives them on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application deadline specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS–1. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will return applications that do not meet the deadline to the applicant unread. 4. Intergovernmental Review This program is subject to the Public Health Systems Reporting Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based, nongovernmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health System Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicant 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 provides information to State and local health officials to keep them informed about proposed health services grant applications submitted by community-based, non-governmental organizations within their jurisdictions. Community-based, non-governmental applicant must 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 affected: (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. Applicant must include copies of the letters forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities in the application materials submitted to the OGHA/HHS. This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, which allows States the option of setting up a system for reviewing applications from within the State for assistance under certain Federal programs. The application kit available under this notice will contain a listing of States that have set up a review system, and will include a State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in the State for review. Applicant (other than federally VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 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 should contact the SPOC in each affected State. A complete list of SPOCs may be found at the following Website: 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 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 Awardees may not use funds 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 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 are on the Internet at: https:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb. V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria OGHA staff will screen applications for completeness and for responsiveness to the program guidance. Applicant should pay strict attention addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon which OGHA staff will judge applications. OGHA will return those applications judged to be nonresponsive or incomplete to the applicant without review. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notice HHS/OGHA does not release information about individual applications during the review process. The official document notifying the applicant that an application has been approved and funded is the Notice of 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. PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33763 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. Applicant funded under this announcement must be aware of and comply with these regulations. Applicant may download the CFR volume that includes parts 74 and 92 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 nongovernmental sources. 2. 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 the successful applicant can attribute to the project. The successful applicant may use project funds to support evaluation activities. In addition to conducting their own evaluation of projects, successful applicant must be prepared to participate in an external evaluation, to be supported by HHS/OGHA 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, the successful applicant must submit a performance report no more than ten pages in length to HHS/ OGHA. HHS/OGHA will provide a sample monthly performance report 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 E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1 33764 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Notices 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 on the format of this portion of the report. Within 90 days of the end of the project period, the successful applicant must submit a final report containing information and data of interest to the Department of Health and Human Services, Congress, and other countries to HHS/OGHA. OGHA will send the specifics guidance regarding the format and content of the final report and the summary to successful applicant. 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. Successful applicant will submit quarterly performance reports and the final report to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18– 105, Rockville, MD 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. dsatterwhite on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES VII. Agency Contacts For programmatic requirements, please contact: Jeff Waggoner, Office of Global Health Affairs, HHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18–105, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443–6279. For administrative requirements, please contact: Eric West, Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 Maryland 20857. Telephone: (240) 453– 8822. VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application Include DUNS Number. You must include a Data Universal Numbering System (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 Office of Management and Budget (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 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 you do not put the information 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 you omit any required information or data, 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 receive a low 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 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’ understanding of the application. Be sure pages are numbered (including appendices) and page limits are followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each one at its first use, and periodically throughout application. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: June 6, 2006. Mary Lou Valdez, Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Global Health Affairs. [FR Doc. E6–9070 Filed 6–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–38–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the National Coordinator; American Health Information Community Meeting ACTION: Announcement of meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces the sixth meeting of the American Health Information Community in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No. 92–463, 5 U.S.C. App.) The American Health Information Community will advise the Secretary and recommend specific actions to achieve a common interoperability framework for health information technology (IT). DATES: June 13, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: Hubert H. Humphrey Building (200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201), Conference Room 800 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit https://www.hhs.gov/healthit/ahic.html. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Web cast of the Community meeting will be available on the NIH Web site at: https://www.videocast.nih.gov. If you have special needs for the meeting, please contact (202) 690–7151. Dated: June 1, 2006. Kathryn Barr, Director, American Health Information Community, Office of Programs and Coordination, Office of the National Coordinator. [FR Doc. 06–5279 Filed 6–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–24–M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics: Meeting Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the following advisory committee meeting. Name: National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS). Time and Date: June 21, 2006, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., June 22, 2006, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Place: Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 705A, Washington, DC 20201. E:\FR\FM\12JNN1.SGM 12JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 112 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33759-33764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9070]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement 
to the Fundaci[oacute]n M[eacute]xico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, 
A.C. (FUMEC) (United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to Support 
Mexican Outreach Offices

AGENCY: Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, HHS.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 
Initial Announcement. Single Source.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 93.018.

DATES: Application Availability: June 12, 2006. Applications are due by 
5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2006.
SUMMARY: The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) announces up to 
$600,000 in FY 2006 funds is available for a cooperative agreement to 
the Fundaci[oacute]n M[eacute]xico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A. 
C. (FUMEC) (United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to support the 
implementation, management, and administration of U.S.-Mexico Border 
Health Commission (USMBHC) programs and activities at the Mexican 
Outreach Offices. This initiative will support the development, 
administration, and evaluation of programs in specified health areas, 
including training for health personnel, development, and dissemination 
of educational materials and workshops, research, community outreach, 
health promotion, and improvement of information technology to enhance 
program support. HHS/OGHA will approve the budget period to be one year 
and the project period for up to a five-year period for a total of 
$600,000 (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 Fundaci[oacute]n 
M[eacute]xico-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia, A. C. (FUMEC) (United 
States--Mexico Foundation for Science), who will work through the 
Mexican Outreach Offices of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, 
to strengthen the binational public health projects and programs along 
the U.S.-Mexico border. The cooperative agreement will address 
activities related to the following topic areas: (1) Substance Abuse, 
(2) HIV/AIDS, (3) Chronic Diseases, (4) Vete Sano Regresa Sano (Go 
Healthy, Come Back Healthy), (5) Injury Prevention, (6) Diabetes, (7) 
Family Planning, (8) Domestic Violence, (9) Cancer, (10) Teen Pregnancy 
Prevention, (11) Oral Health, (12) Rabies, (13) Communicable Diseases, 
(14) Tuberculosis, and (15) Epidemiological Monitoring.
    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 to 
strengthen access to health care, disease prevention, and public health 
along the Mexican side of the U.S-Mexico border.
    Background: More than 800,000 people crisscross legally everyday, 
not counting the thousands who find illegal ways to enter the United 
States. The economic burden on the United States and Mexico is 
staggering. Much of the border is poor and health resources are scarce. 
This rapid population growth is putting further pressure on an already 
inadequate medical care infrastructure, which further decreases access 
to health care. The border is impoverished and has a double burden of 
disease to bear. Like many emerging nations, it struggles with serious 
chronic diseases such as respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. The 
large and diverse migrant population increases the incidence of 
communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as 
chronic illnesses such as diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension. 
In addition, the problems and concerns affecting the border region have 
broad repercussions for both nations. Travelers, migrants and 
immigrants, who are crossing the border every day, are taking their 
health problems with them to other parts of the United States and 
Mexico.
    Although both nations cooperate in specific health areas, until the 
establishment of a high-level binational commission, the border region 
lacked a sustainable process for addressing and improving the health of 
its population.
    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

[[Page 33760]]

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 Mexican border states of Baja California, Norte, 
Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Le[oacute]n, and Tamauilipas to 
address public-health concerns and needs affecting the border region. 
These offices will work with the Servicios de Salud in each State to 
promote and strengthen border-health initiatives and activities.
    An agreement between Mexico and the United States created FUMEC in 
1992 as a bi-national, non-governmental body to promote and support 
scientific and technological collaboration between both countries.
    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 Mexican side of the U.S.-
Mexico border. Awardee activities for this program will focus in the 
following topic areas:
     Substance Abuse;
     HIV/AIDS;
     Chronic Diseases;
     Vete Sano Regresa Sano (Go Healthy, Come Back Healthy);
     Injury Prevention;
     Diabetes;
     Family Planning;
     Domestic Violence;
     Cancer;
     Teen Pregnancy Prevention;
     Oral Health;
     Rabies;
     Communicable Diseases;
     Tuberculosis; and
     Epidemiological Monitoring.
    Funding will support the development, administration, and 
evaluation of programs in the above-stated topics and health areas, 
including training for health personnel, development and dissemination 
of educational materials and workshops, research/studies, community 
outreach, and health promotion, and information technology to enhance 
program support. Additionally, funding will support the operating 
expenses related to these programs, including personnel, travel, office 
supplies, and equipment expenses.
    The overall objectives of the program are to:
     Strengthen the binational public health projects and 
programs along the U.S.-Mexico border.
     Train and update health professionals in the U.S.-
M[eacute]xico border.
    Progress in the attainment of this objective will be identified 
through one of the following performance goals:
     Increased access to care and improve quality of care;
     Improved disease prevention and health education;
     Improved workforce development and retention; and
     Improved public health infrastructure.
    Measurable outcomes include:
     Number of health care workers, medical and emergency 
personnel, and other pertinent parties trained on various border-
oriented health topics and risk areas;
     Amount of educational materials designed, produced, and 
distributed to increase community awareness of border health concerns;
     Number of health promotion and education activities/
seminars/workshops developed and implemented;
     Amount of appropriate equipment, medicine, and materials 
purchased and distributed to meet the border health care needs 
identified by the States;
     Degree to which epidemiology monitoring systems are 
established and/or strengthened; and,
     Degree to which clinic and laboratory capabilities for 
border health needs are established and/or strengthened.
    Activities: Awardee activities for this program will focus on the 
flowing areas:
    (1) Outreach and health-promotion activities to establish or 
strengthen links 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) 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

    This program, during which HHS/OGHA anticipates substantial 
scientific and/or programmatic involvement, will use the cooperative 
agreement as the administrative and funding instrument. Under the 
cooperative agreement, HHS/OGHA will support and/or stimulate awardee 
activities by working with them in a non-directive partnership role. 
HHS/OGHA expects the awardee to work directly with, and in support of, 
the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission and its stated goals and 
initiatives, as well as the Mexican Outreach Offices.
    Approximately $600,000 in FY 2006 funds is available to support the 
agreement. The anticipated start date is June 12, 2006. There will only 
be one single award made from this announcement. The project period for 
this agreement is five (5) years with the budget period at twelve (12) 
months.
    Although OGHA provides for this program in its financial plans, the 
award pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the availability of funds 
for this purpose.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicant

    This is a single-eligibility cooperative agreement offered to 
FUMEC, which will work with the Mexican Outreach Offices (OROs) of Baja 
California, Norte, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Le[oacute]n, and 
Tamauilipas to accomplish the goals and objectives of the USMBHC.
    FUMEC has extensive past experience working with public-health 
issues for both the United States and Mexico, and supporting their 
binational goals, objectives, and initiatives. The Mexican OROs, 
through whom FUMEC will coordinate activities and programs, have 
extensive past experience working with the USMHBC and supporting its 
binational goals, objectives, and initiatives. The Mexican OROs also 
have existing working relationships and on-going initiatives with the 
United States through the U.S. Outreach Offices 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not 
requirements 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. 
Applicant must use form OPHS-1. Applicant 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.

[[Page 33761]]

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Applicant must submit a Project Abstract on 3.5-inch floppy disk 
with the application. The abstract must be typed, single-spaced, and 
cannot exceed two pages. Reviewers and staff will refer frequently to 
the information contained in the abstract; 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.
    The grant application must include 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 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 
characters per inch 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 limited to those 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. Applicant must number pages consecutively.
    Applications submitted electronically that exceed 80 pages when 
printed will be deemed non-compliant. HHS/OGHA will return all non-
compliant applications to the applicant without further consideration.
    a. 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.
    b. Font: Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as 
Times Roman, Courier, or CG Times. Submit the text and table portions 
of the application in not less than 12 point and 1.0 line spacing. 
Applications not adhering to 12-point font requirements may be 
returned.
    c. 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.
    d. 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.
    e. Names Please include the name of the applicant on each page.
    f. 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:
i. 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. 
Find information about registering with the CCR at https://www.hrsa.gov/
grants/ccr.htm.
    Finally, applicant applying electronically through Grants.gov are 
required to register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. 
Information about this requirement is available at https://
www.grants.gov/CredentialProvider.
    Applicant applying electronically through the OPHS E-Grants System 
must register with the provider. Information about this requirement is 
available at https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov.
ii. 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 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 the program intends 
to achieve through the project initiatives.
     Work Plan
    Describe the current and proposed activities or steps you will use 
to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Describe expected outcomes 
resulting from activities as well as any evaluation mechanisms you will 
use to measure the success of the initiatives.
     Mechanism for Administration
    Describe how you will administer resources and funds regarding the 
proposed projects.
     In-Kind Support/Resources
    Describe any in-kind support from other sources, if any, you will 
use to support the proposed initiatives and activities.
iii. 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 will not be a continuation of the project narrative. Be sure to 
clearly label each appendix.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides multiple 
mechanisms for the submission of the application, as described in the 
following sections. Applicant will receive notification via mail from 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of 
applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. The OPHS Office 
of Grants Management will not accept applications after the deadlines 
described below. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will return the 
application if it does not conform to the requirements of the grant 
announcement to the applicant without review.
    Applicant may only submit the application electronically, via the 
electronic submission mechanisms specified below. The OPHS Office of 
Grants Management will not accept for review applications submitted via 
any other means of electronic communication, including facsimile or 
electronic mail. While the OPHS Office of Grants Management will accept 
applications in hard copy, we encourage the use of the electronic 
application submission capabilities provided by the

[[Page 33762]]

OPHS eGrants system or the Grants.gov Website Portal.
    Applicant must submit the electronic grant application 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. The OPHS Office of Grants Management must 
receive all required hardcopy original signatures and mail-in items 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.
    The OPHS Office of Grants Management will not consider the 
application valid until it receives all electronic application 
components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items according 
to the deadlines specified above. The OPHS Office of Grants Management 
will not consider application submissions that do not adhere to the due 
date requirements late, and they will be deemed ineligible.
    The OPHS Office of Grants Management encourages applicant 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 Website Portal
    The Grants.gov Website Portal provides organizations with the 
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the Grants.gov Website, https://www.grants.gov.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicant may be 
required to submit hardcopy signatures for certain program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is 
imperative that the applicant reviews the grant announcement as well as 
the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov application 
package, to determine such requirements. The applicant must submit any 
required hardcopy materials, or documents that require a signature, 
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 Website Portal 
must contain all completed online forms required by the application 
kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or 
exhibits. The OPHS Office of Grants Management must receive all 
required mail-in items by the due date requirements specified above. 
Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or organizational 
documentation.
    When the applicant completes a successful electronic application 
submission via the Grants.gov Website Portal, Grants.gov will provide 
the applicant with 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 the applicant prints and 
retains this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the 
entire application package.
    Grants.gov will validate all applications submitted via the 
Grants.gov Website Portal. The Grants.gov Website Portal will transfer 
any applications deemed ``Invalid'' to the OPHS eGrants system, and 
OPHS has no responsibility for any application that the Grants.gov 
Website Portal does not validate and transfer to OPHS. Grants.gov will 
notify the applicant regarding the application validation status. Once 
the Grants.gov Website Portal successfully validates the application, 
applicant should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management due by the deadlines specified 
above. The applicant must clearly identify the Organization name and 
Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
    Once Grants.gov validates the application, Grants.gov will 
electronically transfer it to the OPHS eGrants system for processing. 
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov 
Website Portal, and the required mail-in items, applicant will receive 
notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management, 
confirming their receipt of the application submitted using the 
Grants.gov Website Portal.
    Applicant should contact Grants.gov with any questions or concerns 
regarding the electronic application process conducted through the 
Grants.gov Website Portal.
Electronic Submissions via the OPHS eGrants System
    The OPHS electronic grants management system, eGrants, provides for 
electronic submission of applications. Information about this system is 
available on the OPHS eGrants Website, https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, 
or from the OPHS Office of Grants Management, which the applicant may 
contact by phone at (240) 453-8822.
    When submitting applications via the OPHS eGrants system, applicant 
must 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, applicant 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 send to the Office 
of Grants Management separate from the electronic submission; however, 
the applicant must enter these mail-in items on the eGrants Application 
Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and the Office of 
Grants Management must receive them 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 applicant must submit 
all required hardcopy materials.
    As the OPHS Office of Grants Management receives items, they will 
update electronic application status to reflect the receipt of mail-in 
items. The applicant should monitor the status of their application in 
the OPHS eGrants system to ensure OPHS receives all signatures and 
mail-in items.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hardcopy Applications
    Applicant who submit applications in hardcopy (via mail or hand-
delivered) must submit an original and two copies of the application. 
An individual

[[Page 33763]]

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 must sign the original application.
    The OPHS Office of Grants Management will consider as meeting the 
deadline mailed or hand-delivered applications if the Office receives 
them on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in 
the DATES section of the announcement. The application deadline 
specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS-
1. The OPHS Office of Grants Management will return applications that 
do not meet the deadline 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). Applicant 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 provides 
information to State and local health officials to keep them informed 
about proposed health services grant applications submitted by 
community-based, non-governmental organizations within their 
jurisdictions.
    Community-based, non-governmental applicant must 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 affected: (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. Applicant must include copies of the letters 
forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities in the application materials 
submitted to the OGHA/HHS.
    This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372, which allows States the option of setting up a system for 
reviewing applications from within the State for assistance under 
certain Federal programs. The application kit available under this 
notice will contain a listing of States that have set up a review 
system, and will include a State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in the 
State for review. Applicant (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 should contact the SPOC in each affected State. A 
complete list of SPOCs may be found at the following Website: 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 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

    Awardees may not use funds 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 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 are on the Internet at: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    OGHA staff will screen applications for completeness and for 
responsiveness to the program guidance. Applicant should pay strict 
attention addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon which 
OGHA staff will judge applications. OGHA will return those applications 
judged to be non-responsive or incomplete to the applicant without 
review.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notice

    HHS/OGHA does not release information about individual applications 
during the review process. The official document notifying the 
applicant that an application has been approved and funded is the 
Notice of 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. Applicant funded under this announcement 
must be aware of and comply with these regulations. Applicant may 
download the CFR volume that includes parts 74 and 92 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.

2. 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 the successful applicant can attribute to the 
project. The successful applicant may use project funds to support 
evaluation activities.
    In addition to conducting their own evaluation of projects, 
successful applicant must be prepared to participate in an external 
evaluation, to be supported by HHS/OGHA 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, the successful 
applicant must submit a performance report no more than ten pages in 
length to HHS/OGHA. HHS/OGHA will provide a sample monthly performance 
report 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

[[Page 33764]]

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 on the format of this portion of 
the report.
    Within 90 days of the end of the project period, the successful 
applicant must submit a final report containing information and data of 
interest to the Department of Health and Human Services, Congress, and 
other countries to HHS/OGHA. OGHA will send the specifics guidance 
regarding the format and content of the final report and the summary to 
successful applicant. 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.
    Successful applicant will submit quarterly performance reports and 
the final report to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Office of the Secretary, Office of Global Health Affairs, 5600 Fishers 
Lane, Suite 18-105, Rockville, MD 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, HHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-105, 
Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-6279.
    For administrative requirements, please contact: Eric West, Office 
of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, HHS, 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 Data Universal Numbering 
System (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 Office of Management 
and Budget (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 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 you do not put 
the information 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 you omit any required 
information or data, 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 receive a low 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 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' understanding of the application. Be sure 
pages are numbered (including appendices) and page limits are followed. 
Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each one at its 
first use, and periodically throughout application.

    Dated: June 6, 2006.
Mary Lou Valdez,
Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Global Health Affairs.
 [FR Doc. E6-9070 Filed 6-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P
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