Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grant Program, 35469-35477 [E7-12513]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 124 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35469-35477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12513]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grant Program

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: Bilingual/Bicultural 
Demonstration Grant Program--93.105.

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 Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grant 
Program, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2007. The 
application due date requirement in this announcement supercedes 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 e-mail the 
request to OPHSgrantinfo@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, e-mail 
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 program (entities). OMH is 
authorized to conduct the Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grant 
Program (hereafter referred to as the Bilingual/Bicultural Program) 
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 (https://
www.healthypeople.gov). This funding announcement is also made in 
support of the OMH National Partnership for Action initiative. The 
mission of the National Partnership for Action 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 
better coordinating and utilizing research and outcome evaluations.
    The Bilingual/Bicultural Program was developed in response to a 
congressional mandate to develop the capacity of health care 
professionals to address the cultural and linguistic barriers to health 
delivery and increase access to health care for limited English-
proficient (LEP) populations, particularly those who are racial ethnic 
minorities. OMH is committed to working with faith- and community-based 
organizations to improve and enhance access to quality and 
comprehensive health services for LEP, particularly racial/ethnic 
minority, populations. The OMH intends to demonstrate the merit of 
projects partnering community-based, minority-serving organizations and 
health care facilities in a collaborative effort to address cultural 
and linguistic barriers to effective health care service delivery, and 
to increase access to quality and comprehensive health care for LEP and 
racial/ethnic minority populations living in the United States.
    The Bilingual/Bicultural Program seeks to improve the health status 
of LEP populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities who face 
cultural and linguistic barriers to health services by: reducing 
barriers to care; increasing access to quality care; supporting and 
increasing national, state and local efforts to expand the pool of 
health care professionals, paraprofessionals, and students who are from 
diverse communities to provide linguistically and culturally competent 
services; conducting and disseminating research to connect cultural 
competency behaviors to specific health outcomes; and assessing the 
impact of cultural and linguistic training models.
    As cited in the National Healthcare Disparities Report, clear 
communication is an important component of effective health care 
delivery. It is vital for providers to understand patients' health care 
needs and for patients to understand providers' diagnoses and treatment 
recommendations. Communication barriers can relate to language, 
culture, and health literacy.\1\About 47 million Americans, or 18 
percent of the population, spoke a language other than English at home 
in 2000, up from 32 million in 1990.\2\ Census data convey a sense of 
the growing portion of the United States population that is likely to 
experience LEP.\3\ The 2000 Census reported that 4.4 million households 
are linguistically isolated, meaning that no person in the household 
speaks English ``very well.'' This is a significant increase from 1990, 
when 2.9 million households were

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linguistically isolated.\4\ In responding to the need to ensure that 
all people entering the health care system receive equitable and 
effective treatment in a culturally and linguistically appropriate 
manner, the OMH published the National Standards on Culturally and 
Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health Care for voluntary 
adoption by health care organizations.\5\ CLAS consists of 14 standards 
that are organized by three themes--Culturally Competent Care 
(Standards 1-3), Language Access Services (Standards 4-7), and 
Organizational Supports for Cultural Competence (Standards 8-14). The 
standards are intended to be inclusive of all cultures and not limited 
to any particular population group or sets of groups, to contribute to 
the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities, and to improve 
the health of all Americans.
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    \1\ 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\ Ibid.
    \3\ What a Difference an Interpreter Can Make. Health Care 
Experiences of Uninsured with Limited English Proficiency, April 
2002.
    \4\ U.S. Census Bureau, 2003, 9-10.
    \5\ National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically 
Appropriate Services in Health Care Final Report, U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of Minority Health, Washington, DC, March 2001.
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    Eliminating the disproportionate health care disparities is an HHS 
priority, and the second goal of Healthy People 2010. 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. Background information on health issue areas in which 
significant racial/ethnic disparities are documented may be found in 
Section VIII of this announcement.
    It is intended that the Bilingual/Bicultural Program will result 
in: increased patient knowledge on how best to access care and 
engagement in a continuum of care; increased client/patient and health 
provider knowledge on health disparities, and culturally and 
linguistically appropriate health care services; and increased 
utilization of preventive health care and treatment services.

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 purpose of the Bilingual/Bicultural Program is to 
improve the health status of LEP populations, particularly racial and 
ethnic minorities (see definitions of LEP individuals and minority 
populations in Section VIII.3 of this announcement) by eliminating 
disparities. Through this FY 2007 announcement, OMH is continuing to 
build communication bridges and reduce the linguistic, cultural and 
social barriers LEP populations, particularly racial/ethnic minorities, 
encounter when accessing health services by supporting programs that 
focus on: improving and expanding the linguistic and cultural 
competence capacity and ability of health care professionals and 
paraprofessionals working in such communities, and improving the 
accessibility and utilization of health care services among the 
targeted populations.
    This program is intended to ascertain the effectiveness of 
partnerships between community-based, minority serving organizations 
and health care facilities in addressing:cultural and linguistic 
barriers to effective health care service delivery; andaccess to 
quality and comprehensive health care for LEP populations, particularly 
racial and ethnic minorities, living in the United States.
    2. OMH Expectations: It is intended that the Bilingual/Bicultural 
Program will result in:Increased patient knowledge on how best to 
access care and engagement in a continuum of care;Increased client/
patient and health provider knowledge on health disparities, and 
culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services; and/
orIncreased utilization of preventive health care and treatment 
services.
    3. Applicant Project Results: Applicants must identify 3 of the 5 
following anticipated project results that are consistent with the 
Bilingual/Bicultural Program overall and OMH expectations:

Strengthening leadership at all levels for addressing health 
disparities;
Improving patient-provider interaction;
Improving cultural and linguistic competency; and
Improving coordination and utilization of research and outcome 
evaluations.

The outcomes of these projects will be used to develop other national 
efforts to address health disparities among similar populations.
    4. Project Requirements: Each applicant under the Bilingual/
Bicultural Program must:
    Implement the project using a collaborative partnership arrangement 
between a community-based, minority-serving organization and a health 
care facility. The partnership must have the capacity to plan, 
implement, and coordinate activities that focus on reducing cultural 
and linguistic barriers to health care for LEP populations, 
particularly racial and ethnic minorities who face such barriers.
    Carry out activities to reduce barriers to care and improve access 
to health care for the LEP populations, particularly racial/ethnic 
minorities. In addition, carry out one additional activity relevant to 
one of the following:

--Supporting and increasing national, state and local efforts to expand 
the pool of health care professionals, paraprofessionals, and students 
who are from diverse communities to provide linguistically and 
culturally competent services;
--Conducting and disseminating research to connect cultural competency 
behaviors to specific health outcomes; or
--Assessing the impact of cultural and linguistic training models.

Address at least 1, but no more than 3, of the identified health areas 
(see Section 5 below).
    5. Health Areas To Be Addressed: The activities and interventions

[[Page 35471]]

implemented under the Bilingual/Bicultural Program may target 1 but no 
more than 3 of the following ten (10) priority health areas:

Adult Immunization.
Asthma.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
Heart Disease and Stoke.
Hepatitis B.
HIV.
Infant Mortality.
Mental Health.
Obesity and Overweight.

Section II. Award Information

    Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $2,300,000 in FY 2007 
(Grant awards are subject to the availability of funds.)
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 12 to 15.
    Range of Awards: $150,000 to $175,000 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, Competing Continuation.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    To qualify for funding, an applicant must be a:
    Private nonprofit, community-based, minority-serving organization 
which addresses health and human services for LEP populations, 
particularly racial and ethnic minorities who face cultural and 
linguistic barriers to health services (see definitions of LEP 
individuals and minority populations in Section VIII.3.)
    Public (local or tribal government) community-based organization 
which addresses health and human services; or
    Tribal entity which addresses health and human services.
    All applicants must have an established infrastructure with three 
years or more experience in addressing health and human services. In 
addition, all applicants must provide services to a targeted community 
and have an established partnership consisting of at least two discrete 
organizations that includes: A community-based, minority-serving 
organization (the applicant); anda health care facility (e.g., 
community health center, migrant health center, health department, or 
medical center).
    The partnership must be documented through a single, signed 
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the community-based, minority-
serving organization (the applicant) and the health care facility (the 
partner). Each member of the partnership must have a specific, 
significant role in conducting the proposed project. The MOA must 
specify in detail the roles and resources that each entity will bring 
to the project, and the terms of the agreement. The MOA must cover the 
entire project period. The MOA must be signed by individuals with the 
authority to obligate the organization (e.g., president, chief 
executive officer, executive director).
    Other entities that meet the definition of a private non-profit 
community-based, minority-serving organization and the above criteria 
that are eligible to apply are:

Faith-based organizations.
Tribal organizations.
Local affiliates of national, state-wide, or regional organizations.

    National, state-wide, and regional organizations, universities and 
other institutes of higher education may not apply for these grants. As 
the focus of the program is at the local, grassroots level, OMH is 
looking for entities that have ties to local communities. National, 
state-wide, and regional organizations operate on a broader scale and 
are not as likely to effectively access the targeted population in the 
specific, local neighborhood and communities.
    The organization submitting the application will:
    Serve as the lead agency for the project, responsible for its 
implementation and management; and
    Serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

3. Other

    Organizations applying for funds under the Bilingual/Bicultural 
Program must submit documentation of nonprofit status with their 
applications. If documentation is not provided, the application will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review 
process. The organization will be notified that the application did not 
meet the submission requirements.
    Any of the following serves as acceptable proof of nonprofit 
status:
    A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
    A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation 
or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status.

For local, nonprofit affiliates of state or national organizations, a 
statement signed by the parent organization indicating that the 
applicant organization is a local nonprofit affiliate must be provided 
in addition to any one of the above acceptable proof of nonprofit 
status.
    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 that 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.
    An organization may submit no more than one application to the 
Bilingual/Bicultural Program. Organizations 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.
    Organizations 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 Package

    Application kits for the Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grant 
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 
for this grant program, contact WilDon Solutions at 1-888-203-6161. 
Applicants may also fax a written request to WilDon Solutions at (703) 
351-1138 or e-mail the request to OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com. 
Applications must be prepared using Form OPHS-1, which can be obtained 
at the Web sites noted above.

[[Page 35472]]

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 75 pages double-spaced. For those 
organizations that previously received funding under the OMH-funded 
Bilingual/Bicultural Service Demonstration Program, in addition to the 
project narrative, you must attach a report on that program and its 
results. This report is limited to 15 pages double-spaced, which do not 
count against the page limitation.
    The narrative description of the project must contain the 
following, in the order presented:
    Table of Contents
    Project Summary (Overview): Describe key aspects of the Background, 
Objectives, Program Plan, and Evaluation Plan. The summary is limited 
to 3 pages.
    Background:
    Statement of Need: Identify which of the health issue areas (up to 
3) are being addressed. Describe and document (with data) demographic 
information on the targeted local geographic area, and the significance 
or prevalence of the health problem(s) or issue(s) affecting the local 
target minority group(s). Describe the local minority group(s) targeted 
by the project (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, gender, educational level/
income).
    Experience: Describe the applicant organization's background, and 
the background/experience of the proposed partner organization(s). 
Provide a rationale for inclusion of the partner organization(s) in the 
project. Describe any similar projects implemented to work with the 
targeted population and the results of those projects. (For those 
institutions that previously received funding under the OMH-supported 
Bilingual/Bicultural Service Demonstration Program, you must attach a 
report on that specific project and its results.)
    Discuss the applicant organization's experience (over the past 
three years) in managing health and human services-related projects/
activities, especially those targeting the population to be served. 
Indicate where the project will be located within the applicant 
organization's structure and the reporting channels. Provide a chart of 
the proposed project's organizational structure, showing who will 
report to whom. Describe how the partner organization(s) will interface 
with the applicant organization.
    Objectives: Provide objectives stated in measurable terms including 
baseline data, improvement targets, and time frames for achievement for 
the three-year project period. Explain how the stated objectives relate 
to the expected results of the project.
    Program Plan: Provide a plan that clearly describes how the project 
will be carried out. Describe specific activities and strategies 
planned to achieve each objective. For each activity, describe how, 
when, where, by whom, and for whom the activity will be conducted. 
Include the role of the partner organization(s). Provide a description 
of the 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. 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: Delineate how program activities 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.

Discuss plans and describe the vehicle (e.g., manual, CD) that will be 
used to document the steps which others may follow to replicate the 
proposed project in similar communities. Describe plans for 
disseminating project results to other communities.
    Appendices: Include MOAs and other relevant information in this 
section. If required, attach a report on the project and outcomes 
supported under the Bilingual/Bicultural Service Demonstration Program 
(does not count against page limitation).
    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)
    Applications 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 30, 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 supercedes 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

[[Page 35473]]

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 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 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 
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 applicants 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 hard copy 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;

[[Page 35474]]

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 
hard copy 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.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    The Bilingual/Bicultural Service Demonstration 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 the 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: http:/
/www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants (other than 
federally recognized Indian tribes) 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.)
    The Bilingual/Bicultural Program is subject to Public Health 
Systems Reporting Requirements. Under these requirements, community-
based non-governmental applicants must prepare and submit a Public 
Health System Impact Statement (PHSIS). The PHSIS is intended to 
provide information to State and local officials to keep them apprised 
of proposed health services grant applications submitted by community-
based organizations within their jurisdictions.
    Community-based non-governmental applicants are required to submit, 
no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the application, the 
following information to the head of the appropriate State or local 
health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A copy of the face 
page of the application (SF 424), and (b) a summary of the project 
(PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) A description of 
the population to be served, (2) a summary of the services to be 
provided, and (3) a description of the coordination planned with the 
appropriate State or local health agencies. Copies of the letter 
forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained in the 
application materials submitted to the OPHS.

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:
    Personnel.
    Consultants.
    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.
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 Bilingual/Bicultural 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 and to the objectives.
    The degree to which the project design, proposed activities and 
products to be developed are culturally/linguistically appropriate.
    Soundness of the established partnership and the role of the 
partnership member in the program.
    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.
B. Factor 2: Evaluation Plan (25%)
    The degree to which expected results are appropriate for the 
objectives of the

[[Page 35475]]

Bilingual/Bicultural Program overall, stated objectives of the proposed 
project and proposed activities.
    Appropriateness of the proposed data collection plan (including 
demographic data to be collected on project participants), analysis and 
reporting procedures.
    Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures.
    Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document progress 
towards achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended 
outcomes.
    Potential for the proposed project to impact the health status of 
the target population(s) relative to the health area(s) addressed.
    Soundness of the plan to document the project for replication in 
similar communities.
    Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
C. Factor 3: Background and Demonstrated Capability (20%)
    Demonstrated knowledge of the problem at the local level.
    Significance and prevalence of targeted health issues in the 
proposed community and target population(s).
    Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the target 
community(ies), and whether it is well positioned and accepted within 
the community(ies) to be served.
    Extent and documented outcome of past efforts and activities with 
the target population(s).
    Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project as 
determined by:
    The applicant organization's experience in managing project/
activities involving the target population.
    The applicant's organizational structure, proposed project 
organizational structure, and the manifestation of an established 
infrastructure with three years or more experience.
    Clear lines of authority among the proposed staff within and 
between the partner organization(s).
    If applicable, the extent and documented outcome(s) of activities 
conducted under the OMH-supported Bilingual/Bicultural Service 
Demonstration Grant Program included in the required progress report.
D. Factor 4: Objectives (15%)
    Merit of the objectives.
    Relevance to Healthy People 2010 and National Partnership for 
Action objectives.
    Relevance to the Bilingual/Bicultural Program purpose and 
expectations, and to 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.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Accepted Bilingual/Bicultural 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.
    Geographic distribution of applicants.
    A balanced distribution of populations to be served.
    The health areas to be addressed.

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 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 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 AnnualFinancial Status Report is 
due no later than 90 days after the close of each budget period. The 
final progress report and Financial State 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, e-mail OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com, or fax 703-351-1138.
    For questions related to the Bicultural/Bilingual 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.

[[Page 35476]]

    For health information, call the OMH Resource Center (OMHRC) at 1-
800-444-6472.

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Background Information

    Limited English proficiency is a barrier to quality health care for 
many Americans. As reported in the National Healthcare Disparities 
Report, 47 percent of individuals with limited English proficiency do 
not have a usual source of care. Quality health care requires that 
patients and providers communicate effectively. The ability of 
providers and patients to communicate clearly with one another can be 
compromised if they do not speak the same language. It is vital for 
providers to understand patients' health care needs and for patients to 
understand providers' diagnosis and treatment recommendations.\6\ 
According to the Commonwealth Fund's 2001 Health Quality Survey, 33 
percent of all Hispanics, 27 percent of all Asian Americans, and 23 
percent of all African Americans report having difficulty communicating 
with their doctors, as compared with only 16 percent of white 
Americans.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ National Healthcare Disparities Report, U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Research and 
Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD, December 2006.
    \7\ Collins, Karen Scott, & others. Diverse Communities, Common 
Concerns: Assessing Health Care Quality for Minority Americans, The 
Commonwealth Fund, March 2002.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although many aspects of health in the U.S. have improved, 
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.\8\ American Indians/Alaska Natives are 2.2 times as likely to 
have diabetes than whites, and Blacks are 1.8 times as likely to have 
the disease.\9\ The rates of hepatitis B have declined among all racial 
ethnic groups; however, rates were highest among non-Hispanic Blacks in 
2004.\10\ According to data from the CDC, 50 percent of adults and 
adolescents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2004 were Black (13 percent of 
population), 18 percent were Hispanic (12.5 percent of population), and 
1 percent were American Indian/Alaska Native (.7 percent of 
population). 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.\11\ 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.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 2004 Fact Sheet--Obesity Still a Major Problem, New Data 
Show, NCHS, Hyattsville, MD, 2006.
    \9\ American Diabetes Association, Web site, November 27, 2006 
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics/prevalence.jsp.
    \10\ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis 
Surveillance Report No. 61. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
2006.
    \11\ Health Related Quality of Life Survey, CDC, National Center 
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2006.
    \12\ Asthma Prevalence and Control Characteristics by Race/
Ethnicity--United States, 2002, MMWR Weekly, February 27, 2004, CDC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2002, American Indian/Alaska Native women had the lowest cancer 
incidence rate, yet the third highest cancer death rate. Breast cancer 
was the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. Black men 
and women had the highest cancer death rates for all cancers among all 
races.\13\ 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 of 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.\14\ 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.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ United States Cancer Statistics: 1999-2002 Incidence and 
Mortality Web-based Report, U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 
CDC and National Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, 2005.
    \14\ Health United States, 2006.
    \15\ Health, United States, National Center for Health 
Statistics (NCHS), Hyattsville, MD, November 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-lead 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 People 2010: Volumes I and II can be 
purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70 for printed version; $20 
for CD-ROM). Another reference is the Healthy People 2010 Final 
Report--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:
    Community-Based Organizations--Private, nonprofit organizations and 
public organizations (local and tribal governments) that are 
representative of communities or significant segments of communities 
where the control and decision-making powers are located at the 
community level.
    Community-Based, Minority-Serving Organization--A community-based 
organization that has a demonstrated expertise and experience in 
serving racial/ethnic minority populations. (See definition of Minority 
Populations below.)
    Cultural Competency--Having the capacity to function effectively as 
an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural 
beliefs, behaviors and needs presented by consumers and their 
communities.
    Health Care Facility--A private non-profit or public facility that 
has an established record for providing comprehensive health care 
services to a targeted, racial/ethnic minority community. A health care 
facility may be a hospital, outpatient medical facility, community 
health center, migrant health center, or a mental health center. 
Facilities providing only screening and referral activities are not 
included in this definition.
    Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) Individuals--Individuals 
(particularly Minority Populations as defined below) who do not speak 
English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to 
read, write, speak, or understand English. These individuals must 
communicate in their primary language in order to participate 
effectively in and benefit from any aid, service or benefit provided by 
the health provider.
    Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)--A single document signed by 
authorized representatives of each community partnership member 
organization which details the roles and resources each

[[Page 35477]]

entity will provide for the project and the terms of the agreement 
(must cover the entire project period).
    Minority Populations--American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, 
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other 
Pacific Islander (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public Health 
Service Act, as amended).
    Nonprofit Organizations--Corporations or associations, no part of 
whose net earnings may lawfully inure to the benefit of any private 
shareholder or individual. Proof of nonprofit status must be submitted 
by private nonprofit organizations with the application or, if 
previously filed with PHS, the applicant must state where and when the 
proof was submitted. (See III, 3. Other, for acceptable evidence of 
nonprofit status.)
    Partnership--At least two discrete organizations and/or 
institutions that have a history of service to LEP racial/ethnic 
minority populations (see definition of LEP and Minority Populations 
above).
    Sociocultural Barriers--Policies, practices, behaviors and beliefs 
that create obstacles to health care access and service delivery. 
Examples of sociocultural barriers include:

Cultural differences between individuals and institutions
Cultural differences of beliefs about health and illness
Customs and lifestyles
Cultural differences in languages or nonverbal communication styles

    Dated: June 13, 2007.
Garth N. Graham,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
 [FR Doc. E7-12513 Filed 6-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P