State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority Health, 32116-32123 [07-2893]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 111 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32116-32123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-2893]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority Health

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the 
Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Minority 
Health.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Competitive Initial Announcement of Availability 
of Funds.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: State Partnership 
Grant Program to Improve Minority Health--93.296.

DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by the 
Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o WilDon 
Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, Attention 
Office of Minority Health State Partnership Grant Program to Improve 
Minority Health, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 11, 2007. 
The application due date requirement in this announcement supersedes 
the instructions in the OPHS-1 form.

ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained electronically by accessing 
Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov or GrantSolutions at https://www.GrantSolutions.gov. To obtain a hard copy of the application kit, 
contact WilDon Solutions at 1-888-203-6161. Applicants may fax a 
written request to WilDon Solutions at (703) 351-1138 or email the 
request to OPHS grantinfo@teamwildon.com. Applications must be prepared 
using Form OPHS-1 ``Grant Application,'' which is included in the 
application kit.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: WilDon Solutions, Office of Grants 
Management Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor Suite 310, 
Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-203-6161, email 
OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com, or fax 703-351-1138.
SUMMARY: This announcement is made by the United States Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS or Department), Office of Minority 
Health (OMH) located within the Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), and working in a ``One Department'' approach collaboratively 
with participating HHS agencies and programs (entities). OMH is 
authorized to conduct the State Partnership Grant Program to Improve 
Minority Health under 42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public 
Health Service Act, as amended. The mission of the OMH is to improve 
the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the 
development of policies and programs that address disparities and gaps. 
OMH serves as the focal point within the HHS for leadership, policy 
development and coordination, service demonstrations, information 
exchange, coalition and partnership building, and related efforts to 
address the health of racial and ethnic minorities. OMH activities are 
implemented in an effort to address Healthy People 2010, a 
comprehensive set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives 
for the Nation to achieve over the first decade of the 21st century 
(www.healthypeople.gov). This funding announcement is also made in 
support of the OMH National Partnership for Action initiative, an 
outgrowth of OMH's 2006 National

[[Page 32117]]

Leadership Summit for Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in 
Health. The mission of the National Partnership for Action (NPA) is to 
work with individuals and organizations across the country to create a 
Nation free of health disparities, with quality health outcomes for all 
by achieving the following five objectives: Increasing awareness of 
health disparities; strengthening leadership at all levels for 
addressing health disparities; enhancing patient-provider 
communication; improving cultural and linguistic competency in 
delivering health services; and improving coordination and utilization 
of research and outcome evaluations.
    OMH conducted a study to assess the minority health infrastructure 
within selected states and territories, and to examine their capacity 
to address racial and ethnic health disparities in their jurisdictions. 
A finding of the Assessment of State Minority Health Infrastructure and 
Capacity to Address Issues of Health Disparities (final report--
September 2000) was that, despite many challenges, state and/or 
territorial offices of minority health are an organized and visible 
presence at the state policymaking level and provide opportunities for 
shaping and creating initiatives that could affect the health status of 
minority populations and serve as pivotal points for federal, state, 
and local efforts to improve the health status of minority populations. 
In addition, these offices serve an important information dissemination 
function--providing information on minority health issues to 
policymakers, health professionals, community-based organizations, and 
the general public. Based, in part, on the results of this study and 
activities supported under the initial state partnership initiative, 
the Department announces the availability of FY 2007 funding for the 
State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority Health to continue 
HHS' efforts to improve the health and well being of racial and ethnic 
minorities. This program is intended to ascertain the effectiveness of 
state office of minority health-led interventions, including systems 
change, in addressing the elimination of health disparities among 
racial and ethnic minority populations.
    Although the overall health of the nation has improved, racial and 
ethnic minority groups continue to experience disparities in health 
care and are disproportionately affected by chronic disease and health 
conditions.\1\ Eliminating the disproportionate health care disparities 
is an HHS priority, and the second goal of Healthy People 2010, a 
systematic approach to health improvement on a national level.
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    \1\Health, United States, 2006, Natinal Center for Health 
Statistics (NCHS), Hyattsville, MD, November 2006.
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    The risk of many diseases and health conditions are reduced through 
preventative actions. A culture of wellness diminishes debilitating and 
costly health problems. Individual health care is built on a foundation 
of responsibility for personal wellness, which includes participating 
in regular physical activity, eating a healthful diet, taking advantage 
of medical screenings, and making healthy choices to avoid risky 
behaviors. As cited in the National Healthcare Disparities Report, 
disparities related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status still 
pervade the American health care system.\2\ The report also indicates 
that prevention and elimination of health care disparities for the 
Nation will result from coordinated actions at Federal, State, and 
local levels to extend the benefits of regional and community successes 
nationwide.
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    \2\National Healthcare Disparities Report, U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Research and 
Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD, December 2006.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
    1. Purpose
    2. OMH Expectations
    3. Applicant Project Results
    4. Project Requirements
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
    1. Eligible Applicants
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    3. Other
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
    1. Address to Request Application Package
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission
    3. Submission Dates and Times
    4. Intergovernmental Review
    5. Funding Restrictions
Section V. Application Review Information
    1. Criteria
    2. Review and Selection Process
    3. Anticipated Award Date
Section VI. Award Administration Information
    1. Award Notices
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    3. Reporting Requirements
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
    1. Background Information
    2. Healthy People 2010
    3. Definitions

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 300u-6, 
section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.
    1. Purpose: The State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority 
Health (hereinafter referred to as State Partnership Program) seeks to 
facilitate the improvement of minority health and elimination of health 
disparities by addressing data needs, partnership development, systems 
development, health areas (e.g., asthma, CVD/heart disease and stroke, 
adult immunization, infant mortality, mental health, and obesity/
overweight), and/or workforce diversity.
    2. OMH Expectations: It is intended that this federal OMH/OPHS 
State Partnership Program will result in:
     Improved state and territory-wide planning, coordination, 
collaboration, and linkages among public and private entities that 
specifically address minority health and health disparities;
     Improved coordination and collaboration among state and 
territorial public health offices that benefit minority health and 
contribute to eliminating health disparities;
     Dedicated state and territorial leadership and staffing 
to: support planning and coordination; promote and implement evidence-
based approaches and programs to address priority minority health 
problem(s); monitor and evaluate state and territorial efforts; and 
disseminate information focused on improving minority health and 
eliminating health disparities;
     Increased state and territory-wide efforts to improve 
minority health and eliminate health disparities through the support of 
community programs;
     Establishment or enhancement of multicultural partnerships 
to build efforts within communities of color to collaboratively address 
health issues impacting minority communities; and
     Improved diversity in the healthcare workforce.
    3. Applicant Project Results: Applicants must identify anticipated 
project results that are consistent with the overall purpose of the 
State Partnership Program and OMH expectations. Project results should 
fall within the following general categories, which relate to the NPA 
objectives relevant to this program:
     Increasing awareness of health disparities.
     Strengthening leadership at all levels for addressing 
health disparities.
     Improving coordination and utilization of research and 
outcome evaluations.

[[Page 32118]]

    4. Project Requirements: Each applicant under the State Partnership 
Program must propose to:
     Implement a project that:
    (1) Focuses on improving state and territory-wide planning, 
coordination, collaboration, and linkages among public and private 
entities that specifically address minority health and health 
disparities; and
    (2) Addresses at least one other activity from the identified OMH 
expectations list (see Section 2 above).

Section II. Award Information

    Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $900,000. (Grant awards 
are subjected to the availability of funds.)
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 7.
    Range of Awards: $75,000 to $125,000 per year.
    Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2007.
    Period of Performance: 3 Years (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 
2010).
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Type of Award: Grant.
    Type of Application Accepted: New.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    To qualify for funding, an applicant must be a currently 
established state or territorial office of minority health at the time 
of application submission for this announcement and not have an 
existing State Partnership Program grant from OMH. States that do not 
have a formally recognized office of minority health (established 
through legislation, executive order, or a directive process) may not 
apply for these OMH State Partnership Program grants. States that do 
not have formal offices of minority health are not as likely to have 
the linkages and infrastructure necessary to foster effective 
relationships with public/private entities and/or community-based 
minority-focused organizations necessary to address the health needs of 
racial and ethnic minorities, as required for this program.
    Documentation that verifies official status as an established state 
or territorial office of minority health must be submitted. Examples of 
such documentation include: a signed statement from a state/territorial 
level authorizing official (e.g., Governor or designated official, 
Commissioner of Health, or designee) verifying official status, 
including a copy of the Executive Order or statute that established the 
state or territorial office of minority health, where applicable.
    A signed letter of support and commitment for the proposed project 
from an authorizing state or territorial official (e.g., Commissioner 
of Health, state health director, or designee) is also required as part 
of the application.
    The established state or territorial office of minority health 
will:
     Serve as the lead office for the project.
     Be responsible for grant implementation, management, and 
evaluation.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for the State Partnership Program.

3. Other

    If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of 
the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be entered into the review process. The application will be 
returned with notification that it did not meet the submission 
requirements. Applications that are not complete or do not conform to 
or address the criteria of this announcement will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    Established state and/or territorial offices of minority health may 
submit no more than one application to the State Partnership Program. 
Eligible states and territories submitting more than one proposal for 
this grant program will be deemed ineligible. The multiple proposals 
from the same organization will be returned without comment.
    Established state and/or territorial offices of minority health are 
not eligible to receive funding from more than one OMH grant program to 
carry out the same project and/or activities.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Kit

    Application kits for the State Partnership Program may be obtained 
by accessing Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov or the GrantSolutions 
system at https://www.grantsolutions.gov. To obtain a hard copy of the 
application kit, contact WilDon Solutions at 1-888-203-6161. Applicants 
may also fax a written request to WilDon Solutions at 703-351-1138 or 
email the request to OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com. Applications must be 
prepared using Form OPHS-1, which can be obtained at the Web sites 
noted above.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Application and Submission
    Applicants must use Grant Application Form OPHS-1 and complete the 
Face Page/Cover Page (SF 424), Checklist, and Budget Information Forms 
for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A). In addition, the application 
must contain a project narrative. The project narrative (including 
summary and appendices) is limited to a total of 60 pages.
    The narrative description of the project must contain the 
following, in the order presented:
     Table of Contents.
     Project Summary: Describe key aspects of the Background, 
Objectives, Program Plan, and Evaluation Plan. The summary is limited 
to 3 pages.
     Background:

--Statement of Need: Describe and document (with data) demographic 
information on the minority health and health disparities issues in the 
state/territory, and the significance or prevalence of the health 
problem or issues affecting the target minority group(s). Describe the 
minority group(s), where applicable, targeted by the project (e.g., 
race/ethnicity, age gender, educational level/income). Provide 
rationale for the approach.
--Experience: Describe the applicant organization (state/territorial 
office of minority health), where it is located organizationally, when 
it was formally established, and past/current efforts that are being 
undertaken by the organization to address minority health and health 
disparities. Discuss the applicant organization's experience in 
managing projects/activities, especially those targeting the population 
to be served. Include a chart of the organization's structure, showing 
who reports to whom, and of the proposed project's organizational 
structure. Describe how senior state health officials will be engaged 
in this program and/or periodically informed on the activities and 
outcomes of the program. Describe the background/experience of any 
proposed linkage organization and how the organization will interface 
with the state/territorial office of minority health.

     Objectives: State objectives in measurable terms, 
including baseline data, improvement targets, and time frames for 
achievement for the three-year project period.
     Program Plan: Clearly describe how the project will be 
carried out. Describe specific activities and strategies planned

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to achieve each objective. For each activity, describe how, when, 
where, by whom, and for whom the activity will be conducted. Describe 
the role of any proposed linkage organization(s) in the project. 
Provide a description of proposed program staff, including resumes and 
job descriptions for key staff, qualifications and responsibilities of 
each staff member, and percent of time each will commit to the project. 
Provide a description of duties for any proposed consultants and/or 
collaborating public health entities. Describe any products to be 
developed by the project. Provide a time line for each of the three 
years of the project period.
     Evaluation Plan: Clearly delineate how the project will be 
evaluated. The evaluation plan must clearly articulate how the project 
will be evaluated to determine if the intended results have been 
achieved. The evaluation plan must describe, for all funded activities:

--Specific problem(s) and factors causing or contributing to the 
problem(s) that will be addressed;
--Intended results (i.e., impacts and outcomes);
--How impacts and outcomes will be measured (i.e., what indicators or 
measures will be used to monitor and measure progress toward achieving 
project results);
--Methods for collecting and analyzing data on measures;
--Evaluation methods that will be used to assess impacts and outcomes;
--Evaluation expertise that will be available for this purpose;
--How results are expected to contribute to the objectives of the 
Program as a whole, and relevant Healthy People 2010 goals and 
objectives; and
--The potential for replicating the evaluation methods for similar 
efforts by other state offices of minority health.

    It is expected that evaluation activities will be implemented at 
the beginning of the program in order to capture and document actions 
contributing to program outcomes. The evaluation plan must be able to 
produce documented results that demonstrate whether and how the 
strategies and activities funded under the State Partnership Program 
made a difference in the improvement of minority health and the 
elimination of health disparities. The plan must identify the expected 
results for each objective. The description must include data 
collection and analysis methods and demographic data to be collected on 
project participants, where applicable. Discuss plans and describe the 
vehicle (e.g., manual) that will be used to document the steps which 
others may follow to replicate the proposed project. Describe plans for 
disseminating project results.
     Appendices: Include required eligibility documentation and 
other relevant information in this section.
    In addition to the project narrative, the application must contain 
a detailed budget justification which includes a narrative explanation 
and indicates the computation of expenditures for each year for which 
grant support is requested. The budget request must include funds for 
key project staff to attend an annual OMH grantee meeting. (The budget 
justification does not count toward the page limitation.)
B. Data Universal Numbering System number (DUNS)
    Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal 
Numbering System number as the universal identifier when applying for 
Federal grants. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-
5711 or through the Web site at https://www.dnb.com/us/.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    To be considered for review, applications must be received by the 
Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Grants Management, c/o 
WilDon Solutions, by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 11, 2007. Applications 
will be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received on or 
before the deadline date. The application due date requirement in this 
announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS-1 form.

Submission Mechanisms

    The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides multiple 
mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the 
following sections. Applicants will receive notification via mail from 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of 
applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications 
submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management after the deadlines 
described below will not be accepted for review. Applications which do 
not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement will not be 
accepted for review and will be returned to the applicant.
    While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the 
electronic application submission capabilities provided by the 
Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov systems is encouraged. 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.
    In order to apply for new funding opportunities which are open to 
the public for competition, you may access the Grants.gov Web site 
portal. All OPHS funding opportunities and application kits are made 
available on Grants.gov. If your organization has/had a grantee 
business relationship with a grant program serviced by the OPHS Office 
of Grants Management, and you are applying as part of ongoing grantee 
related activities, please access GrantSolutions.gov.
    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, c/o WilDon Solutions no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on 
the next business day after the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items 
are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to the 
deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not adhere 
to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be deemed 
ineligible.
    Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early 
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due 
date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with 
submissions prior to the application deadline.

Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal

    The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the 
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, https://www.grants.gov.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may 
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the

[[Page 32120]]

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, c/o WilDon Solutions, 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. When submitting the required forms, do not send the entire 
application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the 
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
    Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site 
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any 
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must received by the 
due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include 
publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. When submitting 
the required forms, do not send the entire application. Complete hard 
copy applications submitted after the electronic submission will not be 
considered for review.
    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 
GrantSolutions system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any 
application that is not validated and transferred to OPHS from the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov will notify the applicant 
regarding the application validation status. Once the application is 
successfully validated by the Grants.gov Web site Portal, applicants 
should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to the OPHS 
Office of Grants Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, 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 GrantSolutions system for processing. 
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web 
site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will 
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
confirming the receipt of the application submitted using the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
    Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or 
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through 
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.

Electronic Submissions via the GrantSolutions System

    OPHS is a managing partner of the GrantSolutions.gov system. 
GrantSolutions is a full life-cycle grants management system managed by 
the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), and is designated by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) as one of the three Government-wide grants management 
systems under the Grants Management Line of Business initiative 
(GMLoB). OPHS uses GrantSolutions for the electronic processing of all 
grant applications, as well as the electronic management of its entire 
Grant portfolio.
    When submitting applications via the GrantSolutions system, 
applicants are required to submit a hard copy of the application face 
page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations 
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required, 
applicants will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form 
LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g., Program Certifications) 
with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the 
applicant agency. When submitting the required forms, do not send the 
entire application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the 
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
    Electronic applications submitted via the GrantSolutions 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 
GrantSolutions 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. When submitting the required forms, do 
not send the entire application. Complete hard copy applications 
submitted after the electronic submission will not be considered for 
review.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, 
the GrantSolutions 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 GrantSolutions system to ensure that all 
signatures and mail-in items are received.

Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications

    Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the 
application. The original application must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to 
assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and 
conditions of the grant award.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant 
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, 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.

[[Page 32121]]

4. Intergovernmental Review

    The State Partnership Program is subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 12372 which allows States the options of setting up a 
system for reviewing applications from within their States for 
assistance under certain Federal programs. The application kits 
available under this notice will contain a list of States which have 
chosen to set up a review system and will include a State Single Point 
of Contact (SPOC) in the State for review. The SPOC list is also 
available on the Internet at the following address: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants should contact 
their SPOC as early as possible to alert them to the prospective 
applications and receive any necessary instructions on the State 
process. The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days 
after the application deadlines established by the OPHS Grants 
Management Officer. The OMH does not guarantee that it will accommodate 
or explain its responses to State process recommendations received 
after that date. (See ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' 
Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR Part 100 for a description of the 
review process and requirements.)

5. Funding Restrictions

    Budget Request: If funding is requested in an amount greater than 
the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The 
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the 
submission requirements.
    Grant funds may be used to cover costs of:
     Consultants.
     Personnel.
     Equipment.
     Supplies (including screening and outreach supplies).
     Grant-related travel (domestic only), including attendance 
at an annual OMH grantee meeting.
     Other grant-related costs.

    Grant funds may not be used for:
     Building alterations or renovations.
     Construction.
     Fund raising activities.
     Job training.
     Medical care, treatment or therapy.
     Political education and lobbying.
     Research studies involving human subjects.
     Vocational rehabilitation.
     Vehicle purchases.

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

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The technical review of the State Partnership Program applications 
will consider the following four generic factors listed, in descending 
order of weight.
A. Factor 1: Program Plan (40%)
     Appropriateness and merit of proposed approach and 
specific activities for each objective.
     Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches as they 
relate to the statement of need, objectives and program evaluation.
     Soundness of any proposed partnerships (e.g., coalitions), 
as applicable.
     Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project 
as determined by:

--Qualifications and appropriateness of proposed staff or requirements 
for ``to be hired'' staff and consultants.
--Proposed staff level of effort.
--Appropriateness of defined roles including staff reporting channels 
and that of any proposed consultants or other collaborating department 
of health entities.
--Clear lines of authority among the proposed staff within and between 
participating organizations, as applicable.
--Inclusion and/or plan for communicating program activities and 
outcomes with senior state health officials.
B. Factor 2: Evaluation (25%)
     The degree to which expected results are appropriate for 
objectives and activities.
     Appropriateness of the proposed data collection (including 
any demographic data to be collected), analysis and reporting 
procedures.
     Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures.
     Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document 
progress toward achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended 
outcomes.
     Potential for the proposed project to contribute toward 
improving the health status of, and/or reducing barriers to, health 
care experienced by the targeted minority populations.
     Soundness of the plan to document the project for 
replication by other state/local and territorial offices of minority 
health.
     Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
C. Factor 3: Objectives (20%)
     Merit of the objectives.
     Relevance to the OMH Program purpose and expectations, and 
the stated problem to be addressed by the proposed project.
     Degree to which the objectives are stated in measurable 
terms.
     Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames.
D. Factor 4: Background (15%)
     Demonstrated knowledge of the stated problem at the state 
and/or local level, as applicable.
     Significance and prevalence of any identified health 
problem(s) or health disparities issue(s) in the state/territory.
     Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the 
target population/community, and whether it is well positioned and 
accepted within the population/community to be served, as applicable.
     Extent and documented outcome of past/current efforts and 
activities with the target population, as applicable.
     Applicant's ability to manage and evaluate the project as 
determined by:
    [cir] The applicant organization's experience in managing project/
activities involving the target population.
    [cir] The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project 
organizational structure.

2. Review and Selection Process

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

3. Anticipated Award Date

    September 1, 2007.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

[[Page 32122]]

Health. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification from OPHS.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

3. Reporting Requirements

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

Section VII. Agency Contacts

    For application kits, submission of applications, and information 
on budget and business aspects of the application, please contact: 
WilDon Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, 1515 
Wilson Boulevard, Third Floor Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-
203-6161, email OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com, or fax 703-351-1138.
    For questions related to the State Partnership Program or 
assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Sonsiere Cobb-
Souza, Acting Director, Division of Program Operations, Office of 
Minority Health, Tower Building, Suite 600, 1101 Wootton Parkway, 
Rockville, MD 20852. Ms. Cobb-Souza can be reached by telephone at 
(240) 453-8444; or by e-mail at sonsiere.cobb-souza@hhs.gov.
    For additional technical assistance, contact the OMH Regional 
Minority Health Consultant for your region listed in your grant 
application kit.
    For health-related information, call the OMH Resource Center 
(OMHRC) at 1-800-444-6472.

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Background Information

    Many aspects of health in the U.S. have improved; however, 
significant racial and ethnic disparities remain. The prevalence of 
overweight in 2003-04 was significantly higher among Hispanic and Black 
children than white children, and approximately 45 percent of black and 
37 percent of Hispanic adults were obese compared to 30 percent of 
whites.\3\ In 2005, 18.1 percent of Native American/Alaska Natives 
reported frequent mental distress (14 or more mentally unhealthy days) 
compared to 9.6 percent of whites.\4\ Higher percentages of Blacks 
(11.8) and Hispanics (10.2) also reported frequent mental distress than 
whites. American Indians/Alaska Natives also had the highest prevalence 
of asthma in 2002, when 11.6 percent of that population reported having 
asthma compared to 7.6 percent of whites.\5\ Heart disease is the 
leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.; the 2002 age-
adjusted death rates for diseases of the heart were 30 percent higher 
among Blacks than whites. The mortality rates for infants in Black 
(13.6), American Indian/Alaska Native (8.7), and Puerto Rican (8.2) 
mothers all exceeded the rate for infants of white mothers (5.7) in 
2003. Annual influenza vaccination can lessen the risk of 
hospitalization and death among persons 65 years of age and over and 
also prevent influenza-related complications for persons 18-64 years of 
age with medical conditions. Influenza vaccination coverage among 
adults 50-64 years of age was about 30 percent lower for non-Hispanic 
Blacks and Hispanic persons than non-Hispanic white persons. Similarly, 
influenza vaccination rate among adults 65 years of age and over were 
about 30 percent lower for non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic persons 
than for non-Hispanic whites.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 2004 Fact Sheet--Obesity Still a Major Problem, New Data 
Show, NCHS, Hyattsville, MD, 2006.
    \4\ Health Related Quality of Life Survey, CDC, National Center 
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2006.
    \5\ Asthma Prevalence and Control Characteristics by Race/
Ethnicity--United States, 2002, MMWR Weekly, CDC, Fedruary 27, 2004.
    \6\ Health, United States, National Center for Health Statistics 
(NCHS), Hyattsville, MD, November 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Health care workforce diversity is considered to be important in 
health care research, education, administration, and policy to provide 
both role models and to shape a health care system that meets the needs 
of all individuals. Diversity not only increases the opportunities for 
race- and language-concordant physician visits but also has the 
potential to improve cultural competence at the system, organizational, 
and provider levels through appropriate program design and policies, 
organizational commitment to culturally competent care, and cross-
cultural education of colleagues. Research has shown that Blacks and 
Hispanics often see care from physicians of their own race or ethnicity 
because of personal preference and language, not just because of 
geographic convenience. Racial and ethnic concordance leads to 
increases in participatory visits, patient satisfaction, and reports of 
receipt of preventive care. It is also noted that minority physicians 
are more likely than their white colleagues to practice in underserved 
minority communities.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ National Healthcare Disparities Report, U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Research and 
Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD, December 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Healthy People 2010

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

[[Page 32123]]

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

3. Definitions

    For purposes of this announcement, the following definitions apply:
    Minority Populations--American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; 
Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; and Native Hawaiian or 
Other Pacific Islander (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public 
Health Service Act, as amended.)
    Multicultural Partnerships--Multicultural, multi-racial, and multi-
ethnic entities comprising organizations and individuals that have come 
together for a common purpose and that function independently on behalf 
of the partnership's members to address health disparities within 
communities of color.
    State and Territorial Office of Minority Health--An entity formally 
established by Executive Order, statute, or a state health officer to 
improve the health of racial and ethnic populations.
    Systems Change--An effort to ensure that the resources and 
infrastructure necessary are available and accessible to address 
minority health and health disparities as well as the public health and 
health care needs of the American population in general. Structural and 
functional components of the system must also be present--components 
such as information, data, and evaluation capabilities; trained, 
motivated, and culturally/linguistically appropriate staff; and 
facilities, equipment, and technologies appropriate for the needs of 
public health/health care professionals and the people they serve.

    Dated: June 5, 2007.
Garth N. Graham,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 07-2893 Filed 6-8-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P