Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement With the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) for a Project Entitled, “From BMI to Student Body Mass Improvement: Healthy Achievement Through Awareness and Action-a Detailed Evaluation of the Arkansas School BMI Project.”, 45050-45056 [E6-12819]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 8, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45050-45056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12819]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement 
With the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) for a Project 
Entitled, ``From BMI to Student Body Mass Improvement: Healthy 
Achievement Through Awareness and Action--a Detailed Evaluation of the 
Arkansas School BMI Project.''

AGENCY: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of 
Public Health and Science, 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: August 8, 2006. Applications are due 
by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on September 7, 2006.
SUMMARY: The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP)/
Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), announces that up to 
$250,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2006 funds is available for a cooperative 
agreement with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) for a 
project entitled, ``From BMI to Student Body Mass Improvement: Healthy 
Achievement Through Awareness and Action--a Detailed Evaluation of the 
Arkansas School BMI Project.'' Working in collaboration with the ACHI, 
administratively housed unit in the University of Arkansas for Medical 
Sciences (501C3 organization) and serves as the primary health policy 
development source for the Arkansas Department of Health and Human 
Services, the initiative seeks to gain information about programs that 
have established school based-body mass index assessments of school age 
children. The goals of this evaluation project are to identify key 
elements for the translation of BMI information as a public health 
intervention for positive behavioral change among families, children 
and adolescents to improve nutrition and increase physical activity. 
The project will design and pilot test a detailed evaluation protocol 
to assess the specific benefits and effectiveness of the Arkansas 
School BMI Assessment Project, building on the findings from the ACHI 
Report--The 2005 Arkansas Assessment of Childhood and Adolescent 
Obesity; and The Year Two Evaluation of Arkansas Act 1220 conducted by 
the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' College of Public 
Health with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The

[[Page 45051]]

evaluation protocol will specially address:
     The effectiveness and acceptability of the BMI assessment 
by teachers, students, families, and physicians;
     The essential information and care systems to support 
follow-up and follow-through for prevention and interventions;
     The students, families, and schools knowledge, attitudes, 
and adoption of healthier nutrition and physical activity choices; and,
     The changes in the individual BMI and the childhood 
population overweight and obesity rates.
    The purpose of this project is to assess the principles and 
outcomes of a statewide community-based intervention program 
incorporating various scientific methods and behavioral approaches. At 
a time when overweight and obesity are dramatically increasing, 
initiatives like the Arkansas School Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment 
Project will evaluate the diverse populations that are at higher than 
average risk of developing excessive weight, especially children in 
urban/rural areas with a high prevalence of minority individuals. This 
program promotes several focus areas of the Healthy People 2010 
including: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health; Nutrition and 
Overweight; Physical Activity and Educational and Community-Based 
Programs Health Communication. The project will be approved for up to a 
one-year period for a total of $250,000 (including indirect costs). 
Funding for the cooperative agreement is contingent upon the 
availability of funds.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Under the authority of Section 301, Title III of the U.S. Public 
Health Service Act--General Powers and Duties of the Public Health 
Service, 42 U.S.C. Section 301, ODPHP/OPHS, of the Department of Health 
and Human Services (HHS), announces that up to $250,000 in fiscal year 
(FY) 2006 funds is available for a cooperative agreement with the 
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) for a project entitled, 
``From BMI to Student Body Mass Improvement: Healthy Achievement 
Through Awareness and Action--a Detailed Evaluation of the Arkansas 
School BMI Project.'' Activities to be addressed through the 
cooperative agreement will relate to the following topic areas: Access 
to Care; Diabetes; Maternal, Infant and Child Health; and, Nutrition 
and Obesity. Funding will be provided by ODPHP from evaluation 
resources to the awardee.
    The goals of this evaluation project are to identify key elements 
for the translation of BMI information as a public health intervention 
for positive behavioral change among families, children and adolescents 
to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.
    Background: The obesity epidemic has reached alarming proportions 
in children. The number of overweight (defined as sex- and age-specific 
BMI above the 95th percentile) children has doubled in the last 2 
decades. This increase in incidence and prevalence spans across 
cultures, genders, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds.
    Although the development of overweight and obesity is multi-
factorial, excess calories and inadequate physical activity are two 
main factors that increase the risk of becoming overweight and/or 
obese. Overweight children are at risk for developing non-insulin 
dependent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor bone development, and 
hypertension; which are three major leading causes of disability and 
death in the U.S. Multiple studies confirm demographic and ethnic 
differences in physical activity levels and overweight prevalence. For 
example, African American and Latino children are at greater risk for 
becoming overweight than Caucasian children. Some studies also suggest 
higher rates of overweight and obesity among urban children. 
Furthermore, overweight children not only suffer from physical effects 
of their weight status but also suffer from low self-esteem, 
depression, and social discrimination. Therefore, preventing overweight 
and obesity is essential, especially at a time when overweight and 
obesity is dramatically increasing in the U.S. population.
    On April 11, 2003, Arkansas Act 1220 became the first law in the 
Nation to provide comprehensive, multifaceted approaches that bring 
families, schools, and communities together to combat the epidemic of 
obesity. One mandate of the act is to conduct body mass index 
assessments of the State's public school children.
    ACHI devised a method to measure students' BMI confidentially and 
uniformly and to create an annual BMI assessment for parents. ACHI 
developed a measurement protocol and worked with community health 
nurses, school nurses, and local clinical resources to obtain height/
weight assessments for school-age children across the state. BMI 
calculations were conducted, and a child health report generated for 
parents and guardians of each child assessed. The reports explain what 
the BMI is and how it is used, show the child's BMI and how it relates 
to other Arkansas children, and include suggestions for helping the 
child to lower his or her BMI if appropriate. In addition to parent 
reports, ACHI delivered a state report that provided comprehensive data 
by grade, gender, age, ethnicity, and geographic region to school 
district superintendents and state legislators.
    During the first year of the program (2003 to 2004), 93 percent of 
the state's schools reported height/weight assessments. By year two, 98 
percent of the schools participated, reaching 444,612 children. Data 
from both years revealed that roughly 39 percent of school-age children 
were overweight or at risk for becoming overweight, 8 percentage points 
higher than the national estimates.
    As a result of this program, the state of Arkansas can accurately 
detail the obesity epidemic and track long-range changes in child and 
adolescent obesity. By identifying the depth and breadth of the obesity 
epidemic among the state's children, an infrastructure is in place to 
combat this problem through health promotion and disease prevention and 
risk reduction efforts. A baseline has been established to enable the 
state to evaluate progress in combating the child obesity epidemic and 
establish an evidence-based national model.
    Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate and assess the 
effectiveness and benefits of translating science into practice and 
behavioral change among children and adolescents. This project will 
assess the principles and test the merit, feasibility and outcome of 
targeted health-messages and intervention programs that are statewide, 
using a multiplicity of methods and approaches. The evaluation of the 
effectiveness of such a program on nutrition and physical activity 
knowledge, attitudes, and behavior will help build the research base 
for health promotion and health policy that can be utilized in 
decision-making now and in the future.
    The project will design and pilot test a detailed evaluation 
protocol to assess the specific benefits and effectiveness of the 
Arkansas School BMI Assessment Project, building on the findings from 
the ACHI Report,--The 2005 Arkansas Assessment of Childhood and 
Adolescent Obesity; and The Year Two Evaluation of Arkansas Act 1220 
conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' College 
of Public Health with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 
The evaluation protocol will specially address measurable outcomes of 
the program in alignment with one (or

[[Page 45052]]

more) of the following performance goals:
     Improve health and reduce disparities;
     Improve disease prevention and health education;
     Improve public health infrastructure; and
     Improve outreach to the community.
    Activities: Awardee activities for this program include:
     State supported efforts targeted toward prevention and 
reduction of pediatric overweight and obesity.
     Community collaboration and input regarding the approaches 
to preventing and reducing pediatric overweight and obesity.
     Key community stakeholders including schools, parents, 
teachers, providers, students/children, and youth organizations.
     Detailed BMI assessment of school-age and/or adolescent 
children within schools, including Medicaid recipients or eligible 
children, and minorities.
     Data collection, linkage, analysis, and evaluation 
integral to the program objectives.
     Detailed subgroup analysis including, small area 
variations, economic gradients, and subgroup analyses by race and 
ethnicity.
     Parental education regarding the use of BMI, nutrition, 
and physical activity.
     Effective interventions and follow-up for children who are 
found to have a high BMI.

II. Award Information

    The administrative and funding instrument to be used for this 
program will be the cooperative agreement in which substantial ODPHP/
HHS scientific and/or programmatic involvement is anticipated during 
the performance of the project. Under the cooperative agreement, ODPHP/
HHS will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with 
them in a non-directive partnership role. This will include: review of 
existing information; formulation of workplan; participating in 
community stakeholders meetings; data analysis; evaluation design; 
protocol development; and communications with the community.
    Approximately $250,000 in FY 2006 funds is available to support the 
agreement. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2006. There will 
only be one single award made from this announcement. The program and 
budget period for this agreement is for 12 months, with extensions 
possible up to approximately three years.
    Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the 
ODPHP, 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 ACHI 
as the recognized health policy development unit for the State of 
Arkansas. ACHI has established a unique opportunity to study, evaluate, 
and make recommendations to prevent and remediate the childhood 
overweight and obesity epidemic.
    Founded in 1997, ACHI is an administratively housed unit in the 
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (a 501c3 organization) that 
serves as the primary source for executive and legislative branch 
support of health policy development. In addition to UAMS, ACHI is 
supported by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services.
    ACHI has established a unique ability to contribute to the State 
and national policy dialogue on childhood obesity because of two 
critical pieces of Arkansas statute:
    Arkansas Health Data Initiative: passed by the 84th Arkansas 
General Assembly in 2003 as Act 1035--authorizes ACHI to have access to 
any data the State owns or contracts for to advance health policy 
initiatives within the State.
    Arkansas Childhood Obesity Initiative: passed by the 84th Arkansas 
General Assembly in 2003 as Act 1220--establishes a comprehensive 
statewide strategy to combat childhood obesity including annual 
assessment of body mass indices.
    From these two legislative initiatives, ACHI has established a 
population-based longitudinal dataset (currently 3 years) of all 
Arkansas public school children. Using the authority under the Health 
Data Initiative, ACHI has linked data from the Arkansas Department of 
Education, over 300 independent school districts, and the Arkansas 
Medicaid program to establish a longitudinal dataset tracking over 
450,000 school children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The 
dataset includes demographic information, family income, clinical 
information, as well as height, weight, and body mass information. The 
longitudinal nature of the dataset will enable evaluation of existing 
growth curves, sub-analyses for racial and ethnic subgroups unavailable 
from existing datasets, quantification of the educational and clinical 
impact of obesity on children and adolescents, and evaluation of policy 
and healthcare financing strategies in combating the epidemic of child 
and adolescent obesity. Currently with 3 years of data incorporated, 
incorporation of future year's data will rapidly enhance the power of 
this dataset to inform and guide policy development for the nation.
    Establishment of a cooperative agreement between ACHI (UAMS) and 
HHS is warranted because of the unique empirical information available 
through the Health Data Initiative of the State of Arkansas.

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. The 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.

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.

[[Page 45053]]

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.
    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. 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.
    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. 
Information about registering with the CCR can be found at https://
www.hrsa.gov/grants/dunsccr.html.
    Finally, if the applicant applies electronically through Grants.gov 
the applicant is required to register with the Credential Provider for 
Grants.gov. Information about this requirement is available at https://
www.grants.gov/CredentialProvider.
    Similarly, if the applicant applies electronically through the OPHS 
E-Grants System the applicant is required to 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 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.
    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 are not intended to be a continuation of 
the project narrative. Be sure each appendix is clearly labeled.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Submission Mechanisms: OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for the 
submission of applications, as described in the following sections. The 
applicant 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.
    The applicant is 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

[[Page 45054]]

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, the applicant 
may be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program 
related forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. 
It is imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, 
as well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov 
application package, to determine such requirements. Any required hard 
copy materials, or documents that require a signature, must be 
submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
and, if required, must contain the original signature of an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site 
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any 
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must be received by 
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-in items may only 
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the Grants.gov 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, the applicant 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, the applicant 
will receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management confirming the receipt of the application submitted using 
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
    The applicant should contact Grants.gov with 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, the 
applicant is 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, 
the 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 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: The applicant who 
submits an application 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). The 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 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

[[Page 45055]]

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 ODPHP/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: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. The 
due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the 
application deadline. The ODPHP/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.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Applications will be screened by ODPHP staff for completeness and 
for responsiveness to the program guidance. The Applicant should pay 
strict attention addressing these criteria, as they are the 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 to 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 project.
     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 essential parties in 
Arkansas, including the health department, payors, schools, 
practitioners, families, and students.
(2) Experience and Capabilities of the Organization (45 Points)
     The Applicant 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 by September 15, 2006, on the 
basis of score, program relevance and, availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    ODPHP/HHS does not release information about individual 
applications during the review process until final funding decisions 
have been made. When these decisions have been made, the applicant will 
be notified by letter regarding the outcome of their applications. The 
official document notifying an applicant that an application has been 
approved and funded is the Notice of Grant Award signed by the Grants 
Management Officer, 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. The applicant 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: http:/
/www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/45cfrv1_05.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.

3. Reporting

    All projects are required to have an evaluation plan, consistent 
with the

[[Page 45056]]

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, the successful applicant 
must be prepared to participate in an external evaluation, to be 
supported by ODPHP/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 ODPHP/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 ODPHP/
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 
ODPHP 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 HHS must be 
submitted to ODPHP/HHS. The specifics as to the format and content of 
the final report and the summary will be sent to the 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 with 
the potential for improving the health of children in Arkansas and its 
potential for generalizability to other States and communities.
     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: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of Public 
Health and Science, Office of the Secretary Department of Health and 
Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite LL100, Rockville, Maryland 
20852.
    A Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the 
close of each 12-month budget period and submitted to the OPHS-Office 
of Grants Management.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For programmatic requirements, please contact: Woodie Kessel, MD, 
MPH; Cecilia Penn, MD, MPH; Kathryn McMurry, MS, Office of Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion, Department of Health and Human 
Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite LL100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, 
telephone: (240) 453-8256.
    For administrative requirements, please contact: Office of Grants 
Management, Office of Public Health and Science, Department of Health 
and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852, 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 
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: July 31, 2006.
Woodie Kessel,
Deputy Director for Medicine and Health Science, Office of Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion.
 [FR Doc. E6-12819 Filed 8-7-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-32-P