American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities Program, 37018-37024 [E7-13080]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 129 (Friday, July 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37018-37024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13080]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities 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: The CFDA Number is 
pending.

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, American Indian/Alaska Native Health 
Disparities Program, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 6, 
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 
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 at 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). As part of a 
continuing HHS effort to improve the health and well being of racial 
and ethnic minorities, the Department announces availability of FY 2007 
funding for the American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities 
Program (hereafter referred to as the AI/AN Health Disparities 
Program). OMH is authorized to conduct this program under 42 U.S.C. 300 
u-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 in the 
HHS for leadership, policy development and coordination, service 
demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership 
building, and related efforts to address the health needs 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

[[Page 37019]]

and utilizing research and outcome evaluations.
    The AI/AN Health Disparities Program is intended to strengthen the 
capacity of Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) to collect and manage 
data more effectively and to better understand and develop the link 
between public health problems and behavior, socioeconomic conditions, 
and geography. The establishment of the TECs was authorized by Congress 
to provide support to tribes in the areas of health data acquisition, 
analysis, and interpretation. The TECs were identified for this program 
because they are uniquely positioned to be effective in disease 
surveillance and control programs, assessing the effectiveness of 
public health programs and recognizing the significance and 
complexities of tribal communities, and understand their distinct 
operating systems. TECs recognize the challenge of adapting their 
services to geographically isolated communities, whose access to 
information, technology, data, and manpower varies considerably by 
tribe. TECs must possess a breadth of knowledge about a multitude of 
health topics, housing, social and economic issues, and evidence-based 
methodologies to better inform decision-making and planning. TECs 
recognize the importance of providing services in a culturally 
sensitive manner, and understand and appreciate tribal history and 
customs.
    Health disparities continue to plague the American Indian and 
Alaska Native communities. Tribal leaders have discussed with HHS the 
numerous health issues that affect their communities and the dearth of 
American Indian and Alaska Native health professionals. According to 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
     Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death 
among American Indians and Alaska Natives;
     American Indian and Alaska Native adults are 60% more 
likely to have a stroke than white adults are;
     American Indians and Alaska Natives have a 40% higher AIDS 
rate than their non-Hispanic counterparts do;
     The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes for American 
Indians and Alaska Natives is over twice that for all U.S. adults;
     The infant mortality rate for the American Indian and 
Alaska Native populations is 1.7 times higher than the non-Hispanic 
white population; and
     The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate is the 
highest of any population group, more than double that of whites in 
1999.
    However, unlike other ethnic minority groups, American Indians and 
Alaska Natives frequently contend with issues such as: geographic 
isolation, inadequate sewage disposal, and occasional conflicts between 
western medical practices and traditional spiritual beliefs, which 
prevent them from receiving quality medical care.
    The American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities Program is 
designed to address these barriers to healthcare as well as concerns 
raised by Tribal Leaders regarding the lack of American Indian and 
Alaska Native healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and 
researchers by funding tribal epidemiology centers (TECs). TEC 
activities include:
     Data collection;
     Evaluating existing delivery systems, data systems, and 
other systems that impact the improvement of American Indian and Alaska 
Native health;
     Assisting tribes and urban American Indian and Alaska 
Native communities in identifying their highest priority health status 
objectives and the services needed to achieve such objectives, based on 
epidemiological data;
     Making recommendations for the targeting of services 
needed by tribal, urban, and other American Indian and Alaska Native 
communities; and
     Making recommendations to improve healthcare delivery 
systems for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
    However, the mission of TECs is not limited to epidemiological 
research. TECs are also responsible for the development and 
implementation of disease control and prevention programs in addition 
to the coordination of activities with other public health authorities 
in the region. Different from other potential grant applicants, TECs 
are ideally situated to work locally and be responsive to the needs and 
sensitivities of tribal communities while cultivating close 
collaborative relationships with State and Federal agencies and 
academic departments. Because of this potential to serve as a bridge 
between the American Indian and Alaska Native communities and 
institutions of higher learning, TECs are excellent vehicles for:
     Providing research internships and opportunities to 
current and future American Indian and Alaska Native health 
professionals;
     Increasing awareness within the American Indian and Alaska 
Native populations of the need for healthcare professionals;
     Disseminating information about educational opportunities 
in the healthcare field; and
     Working cooperatively with tribal providers of health and 
social services in order to avoid duplication of existing services.
    In FY 2007 the AI/AN Health Disparities Program will support 
projects that enhance the TECs' capacity to carry out disease 
surveillance, including the interpretation and dissemination of 
surveillance data; address vital statistics needs; conduct 
epidemiologic analysis; investigate disease outbreaks; develop disease 
control and prevention strategies and programs; and/or coordinate with 
other health agencies in the region. In addition, to building their 
data capacity, TECs may form collaborative partnerships and alliances 
to improve access to quality health and human services, and/or design 
programs to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives 
serving as health professionals, para-professionals, and researchers. 
OMH recognizes the importance of optimizing the use of Federal 
resources and makes this announcement with the expectation of 
coordinating its efforts under this program with other HHS agencies 
that support the TECs (e.g., AHRQ, CDC, IHS, NIH) to ensure that 
activities are complementary and not duplicative.

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. Healthy People 2010

[[Page 37020]]

    2. Definitions

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Purpose

    The purpose of the AI/AN Health Disparities Program is to improve 
the effectiveness of efforts to eliminate health disparities for 
American Indian and Alaska Native communities through increased access 
and utilization of data and data-related activities. Through this FY 
2007 announcement, the OMH is promoting utilization of epidemiological 
data to identify high priority health status objectives and to make 
recommendations relative to the services and/or activities required to 
address those objectives. Support will also be provided to projects 
that include the development of alliances and partnerships to improve 
coordination of and access to quality health services, and/or the 
development of programs designed to increase the representation of the 
American Indians/Alaska Natives in the healthcare workforce (including 
research positions).

2. OMH Expectations

    It is intended that the AI/AN Health Disparities Program will 
result in:
    Enhanced data collection/utilization to identify highest priority 
health status objectives and services needed to achieve such 
objectives; and
    Development of alliances and partnerships which improve 
coordination/alignment of health and human services; and/or
    Provision of technical training in public health practices and 
prevention oriented research to create public health career pathways 
for tribal members.

3. Applicant Project Results

    Applicants must identify at least 3 of the 4 following anticipated 
project results that are consistent with the AI/AN Health Disparities 
Program overall and OMH expectations:
    Increased awareness of health disparities;
    Strengthening of leadership at all levels for addressing health 
disparities;
    Improved cultural and linguistic competency; and/or
    Improved 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 American Indian 
and Alaska Native populations.

4. Project Requirements

    Each applicant under the AI/AN Health Disparities Program must 
implement activities designed to enhance effective data collection and 
management methods to create better understanding and development of 
the link between public health problems, behavior, socioeconomic 
conditions, and geography. Applicants must also propose to conduct 
activities related to at least one of the following:
    Establishment of partnerships and development of systems to improve 
coordination and continuity of access to quality health and human 
services; or
     Development of methods to establish career pathways for AI/AN 
health care professionals, paraprofessionals, and researchers.

Section II. Award Information

    Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $1,000,000 in FY 2007.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 4.
    Range of Awards: $175,000 to $250,000 per year.
    Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2007.
    Period of Performance: 5 Years (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 
2012).
    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 one of the 12 
established Tribal Epidemiologic Centers currently supported by the 
Indian Health Service.
    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.
    OMH encourages TECs to work collaboratively on this project. 
Applications from a group or consortium of TECs must identify one of 
its members as the lead agency for the project.
    To demonstrate coordination between the TEC and participating 
Tribes, letters of support and collaboration from the participating 
Tribes should be included with the application.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required for the AI/AN Health Disparities 
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 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 AI/
AN Health Disparities 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 Kit

    Application kits for the AI/AN Health Disparities 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.

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. 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 of the targeted local geographic area(s) that are to be 
included in the project, the significance and prevalence of health 
problems or

[[Page 37021]]

issues, gaps in services affecting the local targeted communities. 
Describe demographics of the local American Indian and Alaska Native 
populations expected to be affected by the project.
    Experience: Discuss the applicant organization's background and 
experience in managing projects/activities, especially those targeting 
the population to be served. Indicate where the project will be 
administered 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.
    Objectives: Provide objectives stated in measurable terms including 
baseline data, improvement targets, and time frames for achievement for 
the five-year project period.
    Program Plan: Provide a plan which 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. Describe methods to be employed to enhance data access, 
collection and utilization. Describe any special studies to be 
conducted that will inform and enhance the ability of the TECs to 
collect and manage data more effectively, to better understand and 
develop the link between public health problems and behavior, and to 
help guide health policy and action for prioritizing health status 
objectives and monitor progress toward meeting those objectives. 
Describe the role of each participating Tribe, tribal organization, 
and/or other partner involved in project activities. Provide a 
description of the proposed program staff, including 
r[eacute]sum[eacute]s 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 five 
years of the project.
    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:
    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 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.
    Appendices:

--Submit letters of support from collaborating tribal partners and 
other collaborating organizations (if applicable).
--Include 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)
    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 (OPHS), Office of Grants 
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 6, 
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
    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 strongly 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

[[Page 37022]]

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, 
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 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 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

[[Page 37023]]

imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant 
Management on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date 
specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application 
deadline date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the 
instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the deadline 
will be returned to the applicant unread.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    The Executive Order 12372 ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs'' does not apply to this program. The Public Health System 
Impact Statement (PHSIS) does not apply to this program.

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 kit.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The technical review of the AI/AN Health Disparities 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.
     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 intended results are appropriate for the 
objectives of the AI/AN Health Disparities Program overall, stated 
objectives of the proposed project and proposed activities.
    Appropriateness of the proposed methods for data collection 
(including demographic data to be collected on project participants), 
analysis, and reporting.
    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 impact the health status of 
the target population(s) relative to the health areas addressed.
    Soundness of the plan to document the project for replicability in 
similar communities.
    Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
    Potential for replicating the evaluation methods for similar 
efforts by this or other applications.
C. Factor 3: Background (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 
population(s), 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.
    Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project as 
determined by:
    The applicant organization's experience in managing project/
activities involving evidence-based data and data-related activities 
(including special studies that informs decision-making applying 
evidence-based methods).
    The applicant organization's experience in managing project 
activities involving the target population.
    The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project 
organizational structure.
    Demonstrate clear lines of authority of the applicant and partner 
organizations.
D. Factor 4: Objectives (15%)
    Merit of the objectives.
    Relevance to Healthy People 2010 and National Partnership for 
Action objectives.
    Relevance to the AI/AN Health Disparities 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 AI/AN Health Disparities Program applications will be 
reviewed for technical merit in accordance with Public Health Service 
(PHS) policies. Applications will be evaluated by an Objective Review 
Committee (ORC). Committee members are chosen for their expertise in 
minority health and 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; and
    Geographic distribution.

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,

[[Page 37024]]

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 Blvd., 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 AI/AN Health Disparities Grant Program 
or assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Sonsiere Cobb-
Souza, 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 information, call the Office of Minority Health Resource 
Center (OMHRC) at 1-800-444-6472.

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Healthy People 2010

    The 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 documents may be downloaded. Copies of the Healthy People 2010: 
Volumes I and II can be purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70 
for a printed version; $20 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.

2. 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).
    Tribal Epidemiology Centers--Entities whose mission includes 
enhancing the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native 
communities; the implementation and enhancement of data systems; 
disease surveillance, bioterrorism and disease outbreak protocols; 
guidance of public health policy; and facilitation of disease control 
and prevention programs.
    Tribal Organizations--Tribal organizations that may partner with 
TECs include Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Tribally sanctioned 
non-profit tribal organizations or eligible consortium of Tribes.

    Dated: June 20, 2007.
Garth N. Graham,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. E7-13080 Filed 7-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P