Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement To Provide Technical Assistance and Support to the Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Strengthening the Management of the Women's and Children's Hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan, 54821-54828 [E6-15503]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54821-54828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15503]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement 
To Provide Technical Assistance and Support to the Afghan Ministry of 
Public Health (MOPH) in Strengthening the Management of the Women's and 
Children's Hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan

AGENCY: Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, 
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Single Eligibility--FY 2006 Initial 
Announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: OGHA 06-025.
    GSA Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance: 93.017.

KEY DATES:  September 19, 2006, Application Availability. September 26, 
2006, Optional Letter of Intent due by 5 p.m. e.t. October 4, 2006, 
Applications due by 5 p.m. e.t.
SUMMARY: In partnership with the Afghan Ministry of Public Health 
(MOPH), the Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) within the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces that up to 
$1,750,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 funds is available for ONE (1) 
cooperative agreement to provide support as a single-source 
performance-based cooperative agreement to provide the Afghan MOPH with 
direct support for the development of a regional network of Maternal-
Child Care including community health centers, polyclinics and 
secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kabul for the purpose of 
coordinating planning and program development. The primary goal of this 
project is to improve the quality of care at women's and children's 
health institutions in Afghanistan. HHS/OGHA anticipates substantial 
HHS scientific and programmatic involvement in the administration of 
the quality-improvement program. The project will be for a program 
period of three (3) years, and individual budget periods of one (1) 
year, for a total of $1,750,000.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: Department of Health and Human Services 
Appropriations Act, 2006, Title II, Pub. L. No. 109-149, 119 Stat. 
2833, 2844 (2005) and section 103(a)(4)(H) of the Afghan Freedom 
Support Act , 2002, Pub. L. 107-327, 116 Stat. 2797.

Purposes of the Agreement

    HHS, in partnership with other relevant U.S. Government departments 
and agencies, anticipates involvement in the development, 
administration and oversight of this program to improve hospital-
management capacity within the Afghan MOPH. The program will be for a 
program period of three (3) years and individual budget periods of one 
(1) year. Approximately a total of $1,750,000 will be available for the 
three-year program period.
    This cooperative agreement complements and builds upon the work of 
the Afghan MOPH Hospital Management Task Force (HMTF) and its efforts 
to implement the Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS) and the 
recommendations of the Joint U. S. Government/Afghan MOPH health-
facility management planning team, as outlined above. Implementation 
and adherence to recognized evidence-based health-care and facility-
management standards will be essential elements of a successful 
proposal.
    The primary goal of this project is to organize and establish a 
seamless and sustainable integration system for the delivery of the 
full range of quality prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum care, including 
health promotion, prevention, maintenance and professional care for 
pregnant women and their neonates. While this agreement is focused on 
Kabul, the Afghan MOPH has the ultimate goal of implementing this model 
in other Provinces.
    The integration will promote a two-way referral system to originate 
and end at the community level in the Comprehensive Health Centers and 
Polyclinics, with appropriate care provided at the secondary- and 
tertiary-care hospitals in Afghanistan.
    This system will ensure the provision of the continuum of care in 
Kabul, including ambulatory care, acute care, and possibly home care 
and home visits.
    A second goal is to ensure that care at the horizontal level is 
also appropriate, and that a workable and effective linkage exists 
between the maternity, newborn and pediatric secondary- and tertiary-
care hospitals.
    A third goal is to develop an interface between public central, 
regional and local health systems and the emerging private-sector 
health sector.
    A fourth goal is to develop a mechanism whereby there is a 
rationalization method that provides for the sharing of care, the 
consolidation and coordination of clinical care and the joint planning 
for the future development of maternal, neonate and pediatric care 
within Kabul City.
    In consultation with OGHA, the Afghan MOPH will set the vision and 
direction for the health system, will outline the priorities, will 
create the

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policies to achieve the vision, and will play the oversight role in 
both the public and private sectors.
    The award recipient will design and implement a formal work plan. 
This three-year plan will do the following:
     Develop a model for specialized tertiary care in maternal, 
neonate, and infant care that details the clinical, diagnostic 
interventions to be provided for high-risk and low-risk maternity, 
neonate and infant patients;
     Develop a model for tertiary care for children that 
details the clinical and diagnostic interventions to be provided for 
infant and child patients and provides supportive supervision in Kabul;
     Identify the administrative and support services;
     List and justify the procurement of essential equipment, 
supplies and pharmaceuticals;
     Develop a system for equipment management and training;
     Examine the feasibility for sharing of support services, 
including blood bank, pharmacy and laboratory;
     Establish a business plan for group-purchasing activities, 
with projected cost savings;
     Assess the clinical and management training needs of 
personnel to establish and sustain high-quality care;
     Assess competency and train community health workers for 
the provision of basic care and community-awareness activities;
     Evaluate the feasibility of cooperative education planning 
within health-care institutions, and universities and the Institute for 
Health Sciences in Kabul;
     Develop vertical and horizontal referral systems, 
including protocols and procedures with all appropriate health-care 
facilities in Kabul to advance the integration of basic, secondary and 
tertiary specialized care;
     Plan the logistical system needed for rapid response, 
including transport and communication;
     Plan for development and implementation of a Regional 
Health Information System in Afghanistan for ensuring vital records and 
the data management of routine and non-routine maternal-child 
monitoring-and-evaluation information;
     Identify methods to increase community input into the 
overall oversight of the hospitals;
     Plan for the development and management of a community 
advocacy program through the media;
     Create a monitoring-and-evaluation plan for incorporating 
and implementing standards of care for best practices at all community 
health centers, polyclinics and secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals 
in Kabul;
     Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all required 
elements and conditions, including outcome measures for effectiveness 
and efficiency; and
     Create a 24-hour service for ensuring access to 
appropriate care in Kabul.
    The Afghan MOPH will be responsible for preparing any sub-recipient 
request for application (RFA), conducting the RFA announcement and 
competition process, awarding the grant(s) and monitoring the grant(s) 
performance.

II. Award Information

    The administrative and funding instrument for this program will be 
the cooperative agreement, in which HHS will have substantial 
scientific and/or programmatic involvement during the performance of 
the project. Under the cooperative agreement, HHS/OGHA will support 
and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with them in a non-
directive partnership role. HHS staff will be substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine monitoring. Through 
this cooperative agreement, HHS will collaborate in an advisory 
capacity with the award recipient, especially during the development 
and implementation of a mutually agreed-upon work plan. HHS will 
actively participate in periodic progress reviews, and in a final 
evaluation of the program.
    Approximately $1,750,000 in FY 2006 funds is available under the 
Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2006, Title 
II, Pub. L. No. 109-149, 119 Stat. 2833, 2844 (2005) to support this 
agreement.
    The anticipated start date is September 15, 2006. There will only 
be one, single award made from this announcement. The project period 
for this agreement is for three years with individual budget periods of 
12 months for a total of $1,750,000.
    The award recipient must comply with all HHS management 
requirements for meeting progress against milestones and for financial 
reporting for this cooperative agreement. (Please see HHS Activities 
and Program Evaluation Sections below.)
    HHS/OGHA activities for this program are as follows:
     Organize an orientation meeting after the award is made 
with the award recipient to discuss applicable U.S. Government 
expectations as stated in this RFA, regulations, policies and key 
management requirements, as well as report formats and contents.
     Review and approve the award recipient's work plan and 
detailed budget.
     Review and approve the award recipient's monitoring 
evaluation plan.
     Conference on a monthly basis with the award recipient to 
assess monthly expenditures in relation to approved work plan, and 
modify plans, as necessary.
     Meet on an annual basis with the award recipient to review 
the progress report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year.
     Assure experienced HHS or other subject-matter experts 
from other relevant U.S. Government departments and agencies will 
participate in the planning, development, implementation, and 
evaluation of all phases of this project.
     Assist in establishing and maintaining U.S. Government, 
the Afghan MOPH, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contracts 
and agreements necessary to carry out the program.
    Program Evaluation Criteria:
    The application must have a comprehensive evaluation plan 
consistent with the scope, stated goals and objectives and funding 
level of the project. The evaluation plan should include both a process 
evaluation to track the implementation of project activities and 
outcome evaluation criteria.
    In addition to conducting internal evaluations, successful 
applicant must be prepared to participate in external evaluations 
supported by the Afghan MOPH and HHS. In addition to routine 
communications with the Afghan MOPH and HHS within 30 days following 
the end of each quarter, the grantee will submit a written quarterly 
performance and financial status report of no more than ten pages in 
length to the Ministry and HHS. At a minimum, quarterly performance 
reports will include the following:
     A concise summary of the most significant achievements and 
problems encountered during the reporting period, e.g. a comparison of 
work progress with objectives established for the quarter against the 
award recipient's implementation schedule. Where the awardee does not 
meet objectives, the report must include a statement of cause and a 
summary of corrective actions.
     Specific action(s) HHS and/or the Afghan MOPH needs to 
undertake to alleviate obstacles to progress.
     Other pertinent information that will permit overview and 
evaluation of project operations.
    Within 90 days following the end of each project period, the 
awardee must

[[Page 54823]]

submit a final report that contains all required information and data 
to MOPH and HHS. At minimum, the report will contain the following:
     A summary of the major activities supported under the 
cooperative agreement, and the major accomplishments that resulted from 
activities to improve performance.
     An analysis of the project, based on the challenges 
described in the ``Background'' Section of the RFA 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 that resulted from activities during the grant agreement 
period. Awardees should place emphasis on indicators and measures of 
operational efficiency and effectiveness.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    This is a single-source, cooperative agreement with the Afghan 
Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The U.S. Government remains committed 
to supporting efforts to improve the health status of women and 
children, while assisting in the further development of Afghanistan's 
overall health-care infrastructure. This proposal builds upon the 
Afghanistan Year 1384 National Development Budget for Health and 
Nutrition (NDB), which outlines the Afghan Government's spending 
priorities for the fiscal year. This cooperative agreement will 
supplement the NDB's current funding support levels which, thereby 
continues HHS's prior commitments to improve women's and children's 
health in Afghanistan. It also builds upon the ``contracting out'' 
model currently promoted by the MOPH for future support of their 
facilities, and supports HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt's 500-Day 
Plan to support emerging democracies through health diplomacy. 
Additionally, this cooperative agreement is a contribution by OGHA to 
support much-needed efforts to rebuild Afghanistan's health care 
system, which is under the direct control and governance of the 
Ministry of Public Health. More specifically, this agreement supports 
Afghanistan's maternal health care system by improving the capacity of 
the public health services of the Afghanistan government through the 
Ministry of Public Health. For these reasons, OGHA has committed to 
working with the Afghan Minister of Health on the tasks stated in this 
agreement, which therefore makes this requirement a single-eligibility 
cooperative agreement.
    With funding from the cooperative agreement, the Afghan MOPH will 
be able to continue to develop the standards and policies for the 
tertiary-care component of the system or the acute and specialized 
hospitals that exist for obstetrical/gynecological, neonatal and sick 
newborns. This funding will permit the Reproductive Health Task Force 
within the Afghan MOPH to engage the assistance of expertise to support 
its present multiple activities in developing a sustainable health-care 
system and support the capacity-building of the Ministry. Though 
directed primarily at Kabul City, the development of a vertical 
integration system will eventually serve as a model to replicate in the 
remaining Afghan Provinces.

2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    Although cost-sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are 
not a requirement of this agreement, if the applicants receive funding 
from other sources to underwrite the same or similar activities, or 
anticipate receiving such funding in the next 12 months, they must 
detail how the disparate streams of financing complement each other.

3. Other--(If Applicable)

    N/A.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    This Cooperative Agreement project uses the Application Form HHS 
Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) OPHS-1, Revised 8/2004, 
enclosed in the application packet. Many different programs funded 
through the HHS Public Health Service (PHS) use this generic form. Some 
parts of it are not required; the applicant need to fill out other 
sections in a fashion specific to the program. Instructions for filling 
out HHS/OPHS-1, Revised 8/2004 will come in the application packet. The 
applicant may also obtain these forms by downloading from the following 
Internet addresses: https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov and clicking on 
Grant Announcements; or from https://www.grants.gov/; or by writing to 
Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants Management, Office of 
Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, 
MD 20852; or by contacting the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management, at 
1-(240) 453-8822. Please specify the HHS/OGHA program(s) for which you 
are requesting an application kit.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Materials
    A separate budget page is required for each budget year. The 
applicant must submit with their proposals a line-item budget (SF 424A) 
with coinciding justification to support each of the budget years. 
These forms will represent the full project period of Federal 
assistance requested. HHS/OGHA will reject proposals submitted without 
a budget and justification for each budget year requested in the 
application.
    The applicant must include in their application a Project Abstract, 
submitted on 3.5-inch floppy disk. The abstract must be typed, single-
spaced, and not exceed two (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 accompany the application 
packet.
    The applicant must include a Project Narrative in their grant 
applications. Format requirements are the same as for the ``Project 
Abstract'' Section; margins should be one inch at the top and one inch 
at the bottom and both sides; and typeset must be no smaller than 12 
cpi and unreduced. The applicant should type biographical sketches 
either on the appropriate form or on plain paper and they should not 
exceed two pages; list only publications directly relevant to this 
project.
Application Format Requirements
    If an applicant is 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. The applicant must number pages 
consecutively.
    HHS/OGHA will deem non-compliant applications submitted 
electronically that exceed 80 pages when printed and will return them 
to the applicant without further consideration.
    a. Number of Copies.
    If submitting in hard-copy, 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,

[[Page 54824]]

or CG Times. The applicant must submit the text and table portions of 
the application in not less than 12-point and 1.0 line spacing. HHS/
OGHA will deem non-compliant applications that do not adhere to the 12-
point font requirement.
    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 
one (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
    An application for funding must consist of the following documents 
in the following order:
i. Application Face Page
    HHS/ 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 must have a Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number 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 is available at the following Internet address: https://
www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by calling 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. HHS/OGHA will not review applications that do not have a DUNS 
number.
    Additionally, the applicant organization must register with the 
Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry (CCR) to do electronic 
business with the Federal Government. Information about registering 
with the CCR is available at the following Internet address: https://
www.hrsa.gov/grants/ccr.htm.
    Finally, the applicant that apply electronically through Grants.gov 
must register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. Information 
about this requirement is available at.the following Internet address: 
https://www.grants.gov/CredentialProvider.
    The applicant that are applying electronically through the HHS/OPHS 
E-Grants System must register with the provider. Information about this 
requirement is available at the following Internet address: https://
egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov.
ii. Table of Contents
    Provide a Table of Contents for the remainder of the application 
(including appendices), with page numbers.
iii. Application Checklist
    Application Form HHS/OPHS-1, provided with the application package.
iv. Budget
    Application Form HHS/OPHS-1, provided with the application package.
v. Budget Justification
    The applicant must enter the amount of financial support (direct 
costs) they are requesting from the Federal granting agency for the 
first year on the Face Sheet of Application Form HHS/PHS 5161-1, Line 
15a. The application should include funds for electronic-mail 
capability, unless access to the Internet is already available. The 
amount of financial support (direct costs) entered on the SF 424 is the 
amount an applicant is requesting from the Federal granting agency for 
the project year
    Personnel Costs: The applicant should explain their personnel costs 
by listing each staff member supported from Federal funds, name (if 
possible), position title, percent full-time equivalency, annual 
salary, and the exact amount requested.
    Fringe Benefits: The applicant must list the components that 
comprise the fringe benefit rate, for example, health insurance, taxes, 
unemployment insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition 
reimbursement. The fringe benefits should be directly proportional to 
that portion of personnel costs allocated for the project.
    Travel: The applicant must list travel costs according to local and 
long distance travel. For local travel the applicant should outline the 
mileage rate, number of miles, reason for the travel and the staff 
member/consumers who will be completing the travel.
    Equipment: The applicant must list equipment costs, and provide 
justification for the need of the equipment to carry out the program's 
goals. The applicant must provide an extensive justification and a 
detailed status of current equipment when they request funds for the 
purchase of computers and furniture items.
    Supplies: The applicant must list the items the project will use. 
In this category, separate office supplies from medical and educational 
purchases. ``Office supplies'' could include paper, pencils, and the 
like; ``medical supplies'' are syringes, blood tubes, plastic gloves, 
etc., and ``educational supplies'' can be pamphlets and educational 
videotapes. The applicant must list these categories separately.
    Subcontracts: To the extent possible, the applicant should 
standardize all subcontract budgets and justifications, and should 
present contract budgets by using the same object-class categories 
contained in the Standard Form 424A. The applicant must provide a clear 
explanation as to the purpose of each contract, how the organization 
estimated the costs, and the specific contract deliverables.
    Other: The applicant must put all costs that do not fit into any 
other category into this category, and provide an explanation of each 
cost in this category.
vi. Staffing Plan and Personnel Requirements
    The applicant must present a staffing plan, and provide a 
justification for the plan that includes education and experience 
qualifications and the rationale for the amount of time requested for 
each staff position. The applicant must include in Appendix B position 
descriptions that include the roles, responsibilities, and 
qualifications of proposed project staff. The applicant must include in 
Appendix C copies of biographical sketches for any key employed 
personnel assigned to work on the proposed project.
vii. Project Abstract
    The applicant must provide a summary of the application. Because 
HHS/OHGA often distributes the abstract to provide information to the 
American public and the U.S. Congress, the applicant should prepare 
this so it is clear, accurate, concise, and without reference to other 
parts of the application. It must include a brief description of the 
proposed grant project, including the needs addressed, the proposed 
work, and the population group(s) served.
    The applicant must place the following at the top of the abstract:
     Project title;
     Applicant name;
     Address;
     Contact phone numbers (voice, fax);
     E-mail address; and

[[Page 54825]]

     Web site address, if applicable.
    The project abstract must be single-spaced and limited to two pages 
in length.
viii. 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.
    The applicant should use the following section headers for the 
Narrative:
     Introduction.
    This section should briefly describe the purpose of the proposed 
project.
     Work Plan.
    The applicant should describe the activities or steps to achieve 
each of the activities proposed in the methodology section and use a 
time line that includes each activity and identifies responsible staff.
     Resolution of Challenges.
    The applicant should discuss likely challenges designing and 
implementing the activities described in the Work Plan, and approaches 
to resolve such challenges.
     Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity.
    The applicant should describe their current, relevant experience, 
skills, and knowledge, including individuals on staff, materials 
published, and previous work of a similar nature.
     Organizational Information.
    The applicant should provide information on their current mission 
and structure, scope of current activities, and an organizational 
chart, and describe how these all contribute to the ability of the 
organization to conduct the program requirements and meet program 
expectations.
ix. Appendices
    The applicant must provide the following items to complete the 
content of their applications. Please note these are supplementary in 
nature, and are not a continuation of the project narrative. The 
applicant should label each appendix.
    (1) Appendix A: Tables, Charts, etc. To give further details about 
the proposal.
    (2) Appendix B: Job Descriptions for Key Personnel. The applicant 
should keep each to one page in length as much as possible. Item 6 in 
the ``Program Narrative'' section of the HHS/PHS 5161-1 Form provides 
some guidance on items to include in a job description.
    (3) Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel. The 
applicant should include biographical sketches for persons who are 
occupying the key positions described in Appendix B, not to exceed two 
pages in length. In the event an applicant includes a biographical 
sketch for an identified individual not yet hired, it must include a 
letter of commitment from that person with the biographical sketch.
    (4) Appendix D: Letters of Agreement and/or Description(s) of 
Proposed/Existing Contracts (project specific). The applicant must 
provide any documents that describe working relationships between the 
applicant agency and other agencies and programs cited in the proposal. 
Documents that confirm actual or pending contractual agreements should 
clearly describe the roles of the subcontractors and any deliverable. 
Letters of Agreement must be dated.
    (5) Appendix E: Organizational Chart for the Project. The applicant 
must provide a one-page figure that depicts the organizational 
structure of the project, including subcontractors and other 
significant collaborators.
    (6) Appendix F: Other Relevant Documents. Include here any other 
documents relevant to the application, including letters of support. 
Letters of support must be dated.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Application Submission
    HHS/OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of 
applications, as described in the following sections. The applicant 
will receive notification via mail from the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants 
Management to confirm the receipt of applications submitted using any 
of these mechanisms. The HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management will not 
accept for review applications submitted after the deadlines described 
below. HHS/OPHS will not accept for review applications that do not 
conform to the requirements of the grant announcement, and return them 
to the applicant.
    The applicant may only submit electronically via the electronic 
submission mechanisms specified below. HHS will not accept for review 
any applications submitted via any other means of electronic 
communication, including facsimile or electronic mail. While HHS will 
accept applications in hard-copy, we encourage the use of the 
electronic application submission capabilities provided by the HHS/OPHS 
eGrants system or the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Electronic 
Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal. The Grants.gov Web site 
Portal provides organizations with the ability to submit applications 
for HHS/OPHS grant opportunities. Organizations must successfully 
complete the necessary registration processes to submit an application. 
Information about this system is available on the Grants.gov Web site 
at the following Internet address: 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 material as required by the announcement. 
The applicant must review both the grant announcement, and the 
application guidance provided within the Grants.gov application 
package, to determine such requirements. The applicant must submit any 
required hard copy materials, or documents that require a signature, 
separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, which, 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. HHS must receive all required mail-in items by 
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-in items may only 
include publications, r[eacute]sum[eacute]s, or organizational 
documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the applicant will receive a 
confirmation page from Grants.gov to indicate the date and time 
(eastern time) of the electronic application submission, as well as a 
Grants.gov Receipt Number. The applicant must print and retain 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 Web site Portal. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal will pass on the HHS/OPHS eGrants system, 
and HHS/OPHS has no responsibility for any application not validated 
and transferred to HHS/OPHS from the Grants.gov Web site Portal. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application 
validation status. Once the Grants.gov Web site Portal has successfully 
validated an application, the applicant should immediately mail all 
required hard-copy materials to the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants

[[Page 54826]]

Management by the deadlines specified above. The applicant must clearly 
identify their organizations name and Grants.gov Application Receipt 
Number on all hard-copy materials.
    Once Grants.gov has validated an application, it will 
electronically transferred proceed to the HHS/OPHS eGrants system for 
processing. Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal, and the required hard-copy mail-in items, 
the applicant will receive notification via mail from the HHS/OPHS 
Office of Grants Management to confirm the receipt of the application 
submitted by the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
    The applicant should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or 
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through 
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
    Electronic Submissions via the HHS/OPHS eGrants System. The HHS/
OPHS electronic grants-management system, eGrants, provides for the 
electronic submission of applications. Information about this system is 
available on the HHS/OPHS eGrants Web site at the following Internet 
address: https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov; or from the HHS/OPHS Office 
of Grants Management at 1-(240) 453-8822.
    When submitting applications via the HHS/OPHS eGrants system, the 
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, 
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 HHS/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 HHS/OPHS 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 
HHS must receive them by the due date requirements specified above. 
Mail-In items may only include publications, r[eacute]sum[eacute]s, or 
organizational documentation.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, 
the HHS/OPHS eGrants system will provide the applicant with a 
confirmation page to indicate the date and time (Eastern Time) of the 
electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also 
provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application 
submission, including all electronic application components, required 
hard-copy original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the 
mailing address of the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management to which 
the applicant must submit all required hard-copy materials.
    As the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management receives items, the 
electronic application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of 
mail-in items. We recommend the applicant monitor the status of their 
applications in the HHS/OPHS eGrants system to ensure the receipt of 
all signatures and mail-in items.
    Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard-Copy Applications. The applicant who 
submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-delivered) must 
submit an original and two copies of the application. 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 must sign the original application.
    HHS will consider mailed or hand-delivered applications as having 
met the deadline if the HHS/OPHS Office of Grant Management 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 date 
requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions 
in the HHS/OPHS-1. HHS will return unread applications that do not meet 
the deadline.
    The applicant should submit their applications to the following 
address: Director, Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health 
and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootten 
Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is not subject to the review requirements of Executive 
Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and necessity of direct 
costs the applicant may charge appear 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 available on the Internet at the following Internet 
address: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb. No pre-award costs are allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    N/A.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    HHS/OGHA staff will screen the application for completeness and for 
responsiveness to the program guidance. The applicant should pay strict 
attention to addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon 
which HHS/OGHA will judge the application. HHS/OGHA will return to the 
applicant without review any application judged non-responsive or 
incomplete.
    An application that is complete and responsive to the guidance will 
undergo an evaluation for scientific and technical merit by an 
appropriate peer-review group specifically convened for this 
solicitation, and in accordance with HHS policies and procedures. The 
panel may contain both Federal and non-Federal representatives. As part 
of the initial merit review, the application will receive a written 
critique. The ad hoc peer-review group will discuss fully an 
application recommended for approval and will receive a priority score 
for funding. HHS/OGHA will assess the eligible application according to 
the following criteria:
    (1) Technical Approach (40 points):
     The applicant's presentation of a sound and practical 
technical approach for executing the requirements with adequate 
explanation, substantiation and justification of the methods for 
handling the projected needs of the Afghan Ministry of Public Health.
     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 HHS/OGHA, the Afghan 
Ministry of Public Health, the U.S. Agency for International 
Development, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other organizations, 
such as the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's 
Fund.
     The applicant must submit a strategic plan that outlines 
the schedule of activities and expected products of the Group's work 
with benchmarks at

[[Page 54827]]

months six, 12. The strategic plan should specifically address the 
expected progress of the program to improve quality of care.
    (2) Personnel Qualifications and Experience (20 points):
     Project Leadership--For the technical and administrative 
leadership of the project requirements, the successful applicant must 
demonstrate documented training, expertise, relevant experiences, 
leadership/management skills, and availability of a suitable overall 
project manager and surrounding management structure to successfully 
plan and manage the project. The successful applicant will provide 
documented history of leadership in the establishment and management of 
training programs that involve the training of health-care 
professionals in countries other than the United States. Expertise in 
maternal and child health-care, including documented training, 
expertise, relevant experience, local-language skills, leadership 
skills, and medical expertise specific to maternal and child health. 
The applicant must show the managerial ability to achieve delivery or 
performance requirements, as demonstrated by the proposed use of 
management and other personnel resources and to manage the project 
successfully, including subcontractor and/or consultant efforts, if 
applicable, as evidenced by the management plan and demonstrated by 
previous relevant experience.
     Partner Institutions and other Personnel--The applicant 
should provide documented evidence of availability, training, 
qualifications, local-language skills, expertise, relevant experience, 
education and competence of the scientific, clinical, analytical, 
technical and administrative staff and any other proposed personnel 
(including partner institutions, subcontractors and consultants), to 
perform the requirements of the work activities, as evidenced by 
resumes, endorsements and explanations of previous efforts.
     Staffing Plan--The applicant should submit a staffing plan 
for the conduct of the project, including the appropriateness of the 
time commitment of all staff and partner institutions, the clarity and 
appropriateness of assigned roles, and lines of authority. The 
applicant should also provide an organizational chart for each partner 
institution named in the application to show relationships among the 
key personnel.
     Administrative and Organizational Framework--The applicant 
should demonstrate the adequacy of the administrative and 
organizational framework, with their lines of authority and 
responsibility clearly demonstrated, and the adequacy of the project 
plan, with a proposed time schedule for achieving objectives and 
maintaining quality control over the implementation and operation of 
the project. The applicant should show the adequacy of back-up staffing 
and the evidence they will be able to function as a team. The framework 
should identify the institution that will assume legal and financial 
responsibility and accountability for the use and disposition of funds 
awarded on the basis of this RFA.
    (3) Experience and Capabilities of the Organization (30 Points):
     The applicant should submit documented relevant experience 
of the organization in managing projects of similar complexity and 
scope of the activities in Afghanistan.
     The applicant should demonstrate the clarity and 
appropriateness of lines of communication and authority for 
coordination and management of the project, and the adequacy and 
feasibility of plans to ensure successful coordination of a multiple-
partner collaboration.
     The applicant should document the experience in recruiting 
qualified medical personnel for projects of similar complexity and 
scope of activities in Afghanistan.
    (4) Facilities and Resources (10 Points):
    The applicant must document the availability and adequacy of 
facilities, equipment and resources necessary to carry out the 
activities specified under the ``Program Requirements'' Section of this 
announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

    The application will be reviewed by a panel of peer reviewers. Each 
of the above criteria will be addressed and considered by the reviewers 
in assigning the overall score. The Final award will be made by the 
Deputy Director, Asia and Pacific Division of the Office of Global 
Health Affairs on the basis of score, program relevance and, 
availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    OGHA/HHS does not release information about individual applications 
during the review process until final funding decisions have been made. 
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 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. 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 https://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrv1_03.html.

3. Reporting

    The project is required to have an evaluation plan, consistent with 
the scope of the proposed project and funding level that conforms to 
the project's stated goals and objectives. The evaluation plan should 
include both a process evaluation to track the implementation of 
project activities and an outcome evaluation to measure changes in 
knowledge and skills that can be attributed to the project. Project 
funds may be used to support evaluation activities. In addition to 
conducting their own evaluation of projects, the successful applicant 
must be prepared to participate in an external evaluation, to be 
supported by OGHA/HHS and conducted by an independent entity, to assess 
efficiency and effectiveness for the project funded under this 
announcement.
    Within 30 days following the end of each quarter, submit a 
performance report no more than ten pages in length and must be 
submitted to OGHA/HHS. A sample monthly performance report will be 
provided at the time of notification of award. At a minimum, monthly 
performance reports should include:
     Concise summary of the most significant achievements and 
problems encountered during the reporting period, e.g. number of 
training courses held and number of trainees.
     A comparison of work progress with objectives established 
for the quarter using the grantee's implementation schedule, and where

[[Page 54828]]

such objectives were not met, a statement of why they were not met.
     Specific action(s) that the grantee would like the OGHA/
HHS to undertake to alleviate a problem.
     Other pertinent information that will permit monitoring 
and overview of project operations.
     A quarterly financial report describing the current 
financial status of the funds used under this award. The awardee and 
OGHA will agree at the time of award for the format of this portion of 
the report.
    Within 90 days following the end of the project period a final 
report containing information and data of interest to the Department of 
Health and Human Services, Congress, and other countries must be 
submitted to OGHA/HHS. The specifics as to the format and content of 
the final report and the summary will be sent to 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 to 
improve mortality in partner country.
     An analysis of the project based on the problem(s) 
described in the application and needs assessments, performed prior to 
or during the project period, including a description of the specific 
objectives stated in the grant application and the accomplishments and 
failures resulting from activities during the grant period.
    Quarterly performance reports and annual reports may be submitted 
to: Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants 
Management, OPHS, HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 
20852, phone (240) 453-8822.
    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 assistance on administrative and budgetary requirements, please 
contact: Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, Office of 
Grants Management, OPHS, HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, 
Rockville, MD 20852, phone (240) 453-8822.
    For assistance with questions regarding program requirements, 
please contact: Dr. Amar Bhat, Office of Global Health Affairs, Asia-
Pacific Division, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and 
Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-101, Rockville, MD 20857, 
phone: (301) 443-1410.

VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application

    Include DUNS Number. You must include a DUNS Number to have your 
application reviewed. An application will not be reviewed without a 
DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, access https://
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Please include the 
DUNS number next to the OMB Approval Number on the application face 
page.
    Keep your audience in mind. Reviewers will use only the information 
contained in the application to assess the application. Be sure the 
application and responses to the program requirements and expectations 
are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that reviewers are 
familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the review criteria in 
mind when writing the application.
    Start preparing the application early. Allow plenty of time to 
gather required information from various sources.
    Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully. Place all 
information in the order requested in the guidance. If the information 
is not placed in the requested order, you may receive a lower score.
    Be brief, concise, and clear. Make your points understandable. 
Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of 
problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required 
information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information 
provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the 
proposal narrative and information in other tables.
    Be organized and logical. Many applications fail to receive a high 
score because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the 
applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together.
    Be careful in the use of appendices. Do not use the appendices for 
information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure to 
cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the appendices to 
the appropriate text in the application.
    Carefully proofread the application. Misspellings and grammatical 
errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure 
pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are 
followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each 
one at its first use and periodically throughout application.

    Dated: September 12, 2006.
Sandra R. Manning,
Deputy Director for Operations and Management, Office of Global Health 
Affairs.
 [FR Doc. E6-15503 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-38-P