**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services**

**Health Resources and Services Administration**

*Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP)*

> ***Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program***
>
> *Announcement Type: New*
>
> *Announcement Number: HRSA-07-005*
>
> **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No. 93.912**

**PROGRAM GUIDANCE**

Fiscal Year 2007

**Application Due Date: October 18*,* 2006**

**Release Date: July 14, 2006**

**Date of Issuance: July 14, 2006**

> *Jennifer Chang, MPH Nisha Patel*
>
> *Outreach Program Coordinator Outreach Program Coordinator*
>
> *Office of Rural Health Policy Office of Rural Health Policy*
>
> *Telephone: 301/443-0736 Telephone: 301/443-6894*
>
> *JChang@hrsa.gov NPatel@hrsa.gov*
>
> *Main line: 301/443-0835*

*Fax: 301/443-2803*

Authority: Public Health Service Act, Section 330A (e) (42 U.S.C. 254c
(E))

**GUIDANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS**

[I. Funding Opportunity Description 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445247)

[[Purpose]{.smallcaps} 2](#purpose)

[[Background]{.smallcaps} 2](#background)

[II. Award Information 2](#ii.-award-information)

[1. Type of Award 2](#type-of-award)

[2. Summary of Funding 2](#summary-of-funding)

[III. Eligibility Information 2](#iii.-eligibility-information)

[1. Eligible Applicants 2](#eligible-applicants)

[2. Cost Sharing/Matching 2](#cost-sharingmatching)

[3. Other 2](#other)

[IV. Application and Submission Information
2](#iv.-application-and-submission-information)

[1. Address to Request Application Package
2](#address-to-request-application-package)

[2. Content and Form of Application Submission
2](#content-and-form-of-application-submission)

[SF 424 Non Construction -- Table of Contents
2](#sf-424-non-construction-table-of-contents)

[**Application Contents and Order** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445261)

[**i.** ***Application Face Page*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445262)

[**ii.** ***Table Of Contents*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445263)

[**iii.** ***Application Checklist*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445264)

[**iv.** ***Budget*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445265)

[**v.** ***Budget Justification*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445266)

[**vi.** ***Staffing Plan And Personnel Requirements***
2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445267)

[**vii.** ***Assurances -- Non-Construction Programs***
2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445268)

[**viii.** ***Certifications*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445269)

[**ix.** ***Project Abstract*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445270)

[**x.** ***Program Narrative*** 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445271)

[**xi.** ***Request For Funding Preference***
2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445272)

[**xii.** ***Attachments*** 2](#Format_ProgramSpecificForms)

[3. Submission Dates and Times 2](#submission-dates-and-times)

[4. Intergovernmental Review 2](#intergovernmental-review)

[5. Funding Restrictions 2](#funding-restrictions)

[6. Other Submission Requirements 2](#other-submission-requirements)

[V. Application Review Information
2](#v.-application-review-information)

[1. Review Criteria 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445279)

[2. Review and Selection Process 2](#review-and-selection-process)

[3. Projected Announcement and Award Dates
2](#projected-announcement-and-award-dates)

[VI. Award Administration Information
2](#vi.-award-administration-information)

[1. Award Notices 2](#award-notices)

[2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
2](#administrative-and-national-policy-requirements)

[3. Reporting 2](#__RefHeading___Toc137445285)

[4. Performance Review 2](#performance-review)

[VII. Agency Contacts 2](#vii.-agency-contacts)

[VIII. Technical Assistance 2](#viii.-technical-assistance)

[1. Technical Assistance Call Information
2](#technical-assistance-call-information)

[2. Useful Web Sites 2](#useful-web-sites)

[3. Definitions 2](#definitions)

[4. Pre-Application Planning Advice 2](#pre-application-planning-advice)

[ix. Tips for Writing a Strong Application
2](#ix.-tips-for-writing-a-strong-application)

[APPENDIX A: HRSA's Electronic Submission User Guide
2](#appendix-a-hrsas-electronic-submission-user-guide)

[Appendix B: Registering and Applying Through Grants.gov
2](#appendix-b-registering-and-applying-through-grants.gov)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc137445247 .anchor}**I. Funding Opportunity
Description**

# **[Purpose]{.smallcaps}** {#purpose .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

This announcement solicits applications for the Rural Health Care
Services Outreach (Outreach) Grant Program, authorized by Section
330A(e), of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c(E). The
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this grant
program is 93.912.

The Office of Rural Health Policy\'s Rural Health Care Services Outreach
Grant Program encourages the development of new and innovative health
care delivery systems in rural communities that lack essential health
care services. The emphasis of this grant program is on service delivery
through collaboration, requiring the grantee to form a consortium with
at least two additional partners. The community being served must be
involved in the development and ongoing operations of the program, to
appropriately address the needs of the population. Programs funded have
varied greatly and have brought care that would not otherwise have been
available to at least two million rural citizens across the country.
Through consortia of local providers and others, rural communities have
managed to provide services such as hospice, dental care for children,
and prenatal care in many remote areas.

To be eligible, the grant recipient\'s organizational headquarters must
be a rural public or rural nonprofit private entity and must be located
in a rural county or in a rural census tract of an urban county. All of
the proposed services must be provided in a rural county or census
tract. Exceptions to this are 330(g) Migrant Health Clinics who
exclusively provide services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in
rural areas or a Federally recognized Native American Tribal Government
providing all of the proposed services on Federally-recognized Tribal
land.

# **[Background]{.smallcaps}** {#background .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

The purpose of the Outreach program, authorized by Section 330A (e) of
the Public Health Service Act, is "to promote rural health care services
outreach by expanding the delivery of health care services to include
new and enhanced services in rural areas."

The Outreach program supports projects that demonstrate creative or
effective models of outreach and service delivery in rural communities.
Applicants may propose projects to address the needs of a wide range of
population groups including, but not limited to, low-income populations,
the elderly, pregnant women, infants, adolescents, rural minority
populations and rural populations with special health care needs. All
projects should be responsive to any unique cultural, social, religious,
and linguistic needs of the target population.

Note: Faith-based and community-based organizations are encouraged to
compete for this program.

Projects should be based on demonstrated community needs and include a
description of how the target population was involved in identifying the
need for the project. Applicants may propose to deliver many different
types of health services. These include primary health care, dental
care, mental health services, home health care, emergency care, health
promotion and education programs, outpatient day care, and other
services not requiring in-patient care.

Outreach grants are available for the delivery of health care and
related services to defined population groups in rural areas. These may
be new services being offered in the community or an expansion of
existing services. A primary objective of the program is to foster the
development of new collaborative efforts for the delivery of health
care, to encourage creative and lasting relationships among service
providers in rural areas. Consequently, a consortium of three or more
separately owned health care organizations must work together to plan
and implement the grant project activities. The participating member
organizations may be similar (e.g., all hospitals) or diverse providers.
Each organization participating in the consortium must significantly
contribute to the project and have clearly defined roles and
responsibilities. The original grant application must include a separate
Letter of Commitment (LOC) or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) from each
consortium member that includes detail on the member organization's
commitment to the project activities, specifically the roles,
responsibilities, and resources to be contributed by that organization.

# II. Award Information

# 1. Type of Award {#type-of-award .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant.

# **2. Summary of Funding** {#summary-of-funding .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> This program will provide funding during Federal fiscal years
> 2007-2009 with an anticipated budget period from May 1 -- April 30 for
> each year. Approximately \$3,750,000 is expected to be available to
> fund approximately 25 new grantees. Applicants may propose funding for
> up to three years through this announcement. The maximum award,
> including direct and indirect costs, is \$150,000 for the first year
> of the budget period, \$125,000 for the second budget year, and
> \$100,000 for the third year, for a total maximum request of \$375,000
> over three years. Applicants must request all of the years of funding
> necessary to complete the proposed project in the original
> application. Funding beyond the first year is dependent on the
> availability of appropriated funds for the Rural Health Care Services
> Outreach Grant Program in subsequent fiscal years, grantee
> satisfactory performance, and a decision that funding is in the best
> interest of the Federal government.

# III. Eligibility Information

# 1. Eligible Applicants {#eligible-applicants .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Eligible applicants are rural, nonprofit private or public entities
> that represent a consortium of three or more organizations that
> deliver health care services in rural areas. Only the applicant
> organization is required to be a rural private or public
> not-for-profit entity. Faith-based and community-based organizations
> are eligible to apply.

(A) **Consortium**

> The Outreach program requires the establishment of a consortium to
> encourage creative and lasting relationships among service providers
> in rural areas. Consortiums must be composed of at least three
> separately owned health care organizations with each of the primary
> three member organizations demonstrating substantial commitment to the
> project. Only one consortium member will serve as the applicant of
> record and that applicant organization is required to meet the
> ownership or geographic requirements for eligibility. For profit
> organizations are not eligible to be the applicant organization but
> are eligible to be consortium members. Nonprofit organizations that
> support the delivery of health care are eligible consortium members
> and are eligible applicants. Examples of eligible consortium member
> entities are hospitals, public health agencies, home health providers,
> mental health centers, primary care service providers, oral health
> service providers, substance abuse service providers, rural health
> clinics, social service agencies, health professions schools, local
> school districts, emergency services providers, community and migrant
> health centers, churches and other faith-based organizations, and
> civic organizations. The roles and responsibilities of each consortium
> member must be clearly defined and each member must contribute
> significantly to the goals of the project. The roles and
> responsibilities of each consortium member must be outlined in a
> Letter of Commitment or Memorandum of Agreement and submitted with the
> application.

(B) **Ownership and Geographic Eligibility Requirements**

> The applicant organization for the Rural Health Care Services Outreach
> Grant Program must meet at least one of the three requirements stated
> below. (Note: the Outreach grant award will be made to only one member
> of the consortium, the applicant organization, which will serve as the
> grantee of record. Only the applicant organization is required to meet
> one of the eligibility criteria stated below.)

(1) The applicant organization must be located in a rural county or in a
    rural census tract of an urban county and all services must be
    provided in a rural county or census tract.\* To ascertain rural
    eligibility, please refer to
    ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/ruralhealth/Eligibility2005.pdf. This Web site
    lists eligibility by county and census tract and includes a
    hyperlink to the Federal Financial Institutions Examining Council's
    (FFIEC) Geocoding System to determine your census tract number and
    eligibility. If the applicant is owned by or affiliated with an
    urban entity or health care system, the rural component may still
    apply as long as the rural entity has its own Employer
    Identification Number (EIN) and can directly receive and administer
    the grant funds in the rural area. The rural entity must be
    responsible for the planning, program management, financial
    management and decision making of the project and the urban parent
    organization must assure the Office of Rural Health Policy in
    writing that, for the grant, they will exert no control over or
    demand collaboration with the rural entity. The urban parent may,
    through the request of the rural entity, assist with direct service
    delivery, provide expertise or health care personnel that would not
    otherwise be available.

> *\*Organizations with headquarters located in a metropolitan county
> that serve non-metropolitan or micropolitan counties or populations or
> have branches in a non-metropolitan county are not eligible to apply
> if they are eligible solely on the area they serve.*

(2) Applicant organizations that receive Community Health Center funding
    (section 330(e) of the PHS Act) must meet the rural geographic
    requirements to be eligible to apply. However, applicant
    organizations that exclusively provide services to migrant and
    seasonal farmworkers in rural areas, solely Federally-supported
    under Migrant Health Center funding (section 330(g) of the PHS Act)
    are eligible regardless of the urban or rural location of the
    administrative headquarters.

(3) Applicant organizations that are Federally-recognized Native
    American Tribes or Tribal organizations are eligible to apply, if
    all of the proposed grant activities are to be conducted within
    Federally-recognized Tribal areas. Documentation of the
    Federally-recognized Tribal status must be included in Attachment
    10, for this consideration. A Federally-recognized Tribal government
    is an eligible applicant regardless of the urban or rural location
    of the administrative headquarters.

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(C) **Management Criteria**

> The applicant organization must have financial management systems in
> place and must have the capability to manage the project. The
> applicant organization must:

(1) Exercise administrative and programmatic direction over the grant
    project;

(2) Be responsible for hiring and managing the grant project staff;

(3) Demonstrate the administrative and accounting capabilities to manage
    the grant funds;

(4) Have permanent staff at the time the grant award is made;

(5) The applicant organization must have its own Employer Identification
    Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and

(6) The applicant organization must have proof of nonprofit status at
    the time of application. All private organizations must include
    documentation of nonprofit status through submission of a letter
    from the IRS or a letter from an appropriate State agency that
    clearly indicates the nonprofit status of the applicant
    organization. Public entities, such as State and local government
    agencies, do not need to include proof of taxing status. The letter
    documenting nonprofit status should be placed in Attachment 9 and be
    numbered appropriately within the application. In place of the
    letter documenting nonprofit status, public entities may indicate
    their type of public entity (State or local government) on a
    separate sheet of paper and include it as Attachment 9. The
    nonprofit status letter, or substitution, **will count** against the
    80-page limit. Applications will not be reviewed without the
    appropriate supporting documentation of nonprofit status.

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(D) **Proof of Nonprofit Status**

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(1) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the most
    recent IRS list of tax-exempt organizations, as described in section
    501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

(2) A copy of a current and valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

(3) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or
    other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
    organization has a nonprofit tax status and that none of the net
    earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

(4) A certified copy of the applicant organization's certificate of
    incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the
    nonprofit status of the organization.

(5) Any of the above documents from a State or national parent
    organization with a statement signed by that parent organization
    affirming that the applicant organization is a local nonprofit
    affiliate.

> Proof of organizational viability must also be included with the grant
> application. The applicant's most recent audit must be attached, as
> Attachment 10. The audit **will not count** in the 80-page maximum
> limit and should not be attached to copies, if your organization has
> been approved to submit a paper application.

(E) **Eligible Areas**

In addition to the 50 States, applicants can be located in the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Territories of the Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, the Compact Free Association Jurisdictions of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the
Federated States of Micronesia, if they meet eligibility requirements.

# 2. Cost Sharing/Matching {#cost-sharingmatching .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program does not require
> cost sharing or matching.

# 3. Other {#other .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

(A) **Notifying your State Office of Rural Health or Other State
    Entity**

> The legislation for this program states that applications should be
> prepared in consultation with the appropriate State Office of Rural
> Health (SORH) or other appropriate State entity. Each State has a SORH
> and the ORHP recommends contacting the SORH or other State entity
> early in the application process to advise them of your intent to
> apply. The SORH may be able to provide some technical assistance to
> applicants. A list of the SORHs can be found at the ORHP Web site; the
> direct link is http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/funding/50sorh. Applicants
> should include a copy of the letter, or other written proof of
> consultation, from the SORH or State entity indicating you have
> contacted them regarding your project during the planning and
> development process. In the case that you do not receive a response,
> submit a copy of your request for consultation to the SORH or State
> entity. This letter should be placed in the application as Attachment
> 8. The page for this letter should not be numbered as part of the
> application, and **will not** **count** against the 80-page limit.

(B) **Current and Former Rural Health Care Services Outreach, Rural
    Health Network Development, and Rural Health Network Development
    Planning Grantees**

> Current Outreach grantees receiving funding for Federal fiscal year
> 2006 are not eligible to apply for this grant cycle. Current Rural
> Health Network Development grantees and Rural Health Network
> Development Planning grantees are eligible to apply for this grant
> cycle. Outreach grantees receiving a no-cost extension are eligible to
> apply for additional funds through this announcement for the FY 2007
> cycle.
>
> **Former grantees** of the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program, Rural Health Network Development Grant Program, and Rural
> Health Network Development Planning Grant Program, including those in
> a current no-cost extension, who are involved in the submission of a
> new Outreach project proposal must include: (1) the dates of any prior
> award(s) received; (2) the grant number assigned to the previous
> project(s); (3) a copy of the abstract or project summary that was
> submitted with the previously awarded grant application(s); and (4)
> description of the role of the applicant and/or consortium member in
> the previous grant. To be eligible, the proposed project must differ
> from any of the previous projects, enlarge the service area of the
> project, or expand the scope of the previous grant activities. This
> information should be placed in Attachment 7. The page(s) for this
> information **will not count** against the 80-page limit.

(C) **Maintenance of Effort**

> Grant funds shall not be used to take place of current funding for
> activities described in the application. The grantee must agree to
> maintain non-Federal funding for grant activities at a level that is
> not less than expenditures for such activities during the fiscal year
> prior to receiving the grant.

(D) **Other Limitations**

> In accordance with 45 CFR Part 74.24(b)(1), all program income earned
> during the project period shall be retained by the recipient, and in
> accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, shall be added
> to funds committed to the project, and used to further eligible
> project objectives and activities.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> The applicant organization is limited to being associated with one
> application for submission under this announcement. The applicant
> organization is also limited to being associated with one application
> for submission, during a fiscal year, to the following grant programs:
> Rural Health Care Services Outreach, Rural Health Network Development,
> and Rural Health Network Development Planning.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Applications that exceed the ceiling amount (\$150,000 for the first
> budget period) may be considered non-responsive and may not be
> considered for funding under this announcement.
>
> Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
> referenced in *Section IV.3* will be considered non-responsive and
> will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

# IV. Application and Submission Information

# 1. Address to Request Application Package {#address-to-request-application-package .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

**Application Materials**

> The application and submission process has changed significantly. HRSA
> is ***requiring*** applicants for this funding opportunity to apply
> electronically through Grants.gov. All applicants ***must*** submit in
> this manner unless the applicant is granted a written exemption from
> this requirement in advance by the Director of HRSA's Division of
> Grants Policy. Grantees must request an exemption in writing from
> DGPClearances@hrsa.gov, and provide details as to why they are
> technologically unable to submit electronically though the Grants.gov
> portal. Make sure you specify the announcement number (HRSA-07-005)
> you are seeking relief for. As indicated in this guidance, HRSA and
> its Grants Application Center (GAC) will only accept paper
> applications from applicants that received prior written approval.
>
> Refer to Appendix A for detailed application and submission
> instructions. Pay particular attention to Section 3 of Appendix A,
> which provides detailed information on the competitive application and
> submission process.
>
> Applicants must submit proposals according to the instructions in
> Appendix A, using this guidance in conjunction with Public Health
> Service (PHS) Application Form 5161-1. These forms contain additional
> general information and instructions for grant applications, proposal
> narratives, and budgets. These forms may be obtained from the
> following sites by:

[]{.mark}

(1) Downloading from http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/forms.htm

> Or

\(2\) Contacting the HRSA Grants Application Center at:

> **(PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 11)\-- (ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 \--)**
>
> The Legin Group, Inc. The Legin Group, Inc.
>
> 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South
>
> Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Gaithersburg, MD 20878
>
> Telephone: 877-477-2123
>
> HRSAGAC@hrsa.gov
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Instructions for preparing portions of the application that must
> accompany Application Form 5161-1 appear in the "Application Format"
> section below.

# 2. Content and Form of Application Submission {#content-and-form-of-application-submission .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> **Application Format Requirements**
>
> See Appendix A, Section 4 for detailed application submission
> instructions. These instructions must be followed.
>
> The total size of all uploaded files **may not exceed the equivalent
> of 80 pages when printed by HRSA, approximately 10 MB.** **This
> 80-page limit includes the abstract, project and budget narratives,
> attachments, and letters of commitment and support.** Standard forms
> are NOT included in the 80-page limit; therefore forms with an "SF"
> label, i.e., the SF424, will not counted against the maximum number of
> pages or specified limits.
>
> **Applications that exceed the specified limits (approximately 10 MB,
> or that exceed 80 pages when printed by HRSA) will be deemed
> non-compliant. All non-compliant applications will be returned to the
> applicant without further consideration.**
>
> Ensure that the entire application, e.g., any maps, charts, etc., are
> easily reproducible and clear when photocopied in **black and white**.
> Reviewers will receive photocopies of applications and will not be
> able to discern colors. Please follow all instructions carefully. In
> the past, reviewers have deducted points from applications that did
> not follow instructions or the application template.

### SF 424 Non Construction -- Table of Contents

It is mandatory to follow the instructions provided in this section to
ensure that your application can be printed efficiently and consistently
for review.

Failure to follow the instructions may make your application
non-compliant. Non-compliant applications will not be given any
consideration and those particular applicants will be notified.

For electronic submissions, applicants only have to number the
electronic attachment pages sequentially, resetting the numbering for
each attachment, i.e., start at page 1 for each attachment. Do not
attempt to number standard OMB approved form pages.

For electronic submissions no table of contents is required for the
entire application. HRSA will construct an electronic table of contents
in the order specified.

When providing any electronic attachment with several pages, add table
of content page specific to the attachment. Such page will not be
counted towards the page limit.

For paper submissions (when allowed), number each section sequentially,
resetting the page number for each section. i.e., start at page 1 for
each section. Do not attempt to number standard OMB approved form pages.

For paper submissions ensure that the order of the forms and attachments
is as specified below.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Application       **Form       **Instruction**          **HRSA/Program
  Section**           Type**                                Guidelines**
  ------------------- ------------ ------------------------ --------------------
  Application for     Form         Pages 1, 2 & 3 of the    Not counted in the
  Federal Assistance               SF-424 face page.        page limit
  (SF-424)                                                  

  Project             Attachment   Can be uploaded on page  Required attachment.
  Summary/Abstract                 2 of SF-424 - Box 15     Counted in the page
                                                            limit. Refer to
                                                            guidance for
                                                            detailed
                                                            instructions.

  Additional          Attachment   Can be uploaded on page  As applicable to
  Congressional                    2 of SF 424 - Box 16     HRSA; not counted in
  District                                                  the page limit

  HHS Checklist Form  Form         Pages 1 & 2 of the HHS   Not counted in the
  PHS-5161                         checklist.               page limit

  Project Narrative   Form         Supports the upload of   Not counted in the
  Attachment Form                  Project Narrative        page limit
                                   document                 

  Project Narrative   Attachment   Can be uploaded in       Required attachment.
                                   Project Narrative        Counted in the page
                                   Attachment form.         limit. Refer
                                                            guidance for
                                                            detailed
                                                            instructions.
                                                            Provide a table of
                                                            contents specific to
                                                            this document. (The
                                                            table of contents
                                                            will not count in
                                                            the page limit).

  SF-424A Budget      Form         Page 1 & 2 to supports   Not counted in the
  Information -                    structured budget for    page limit
  Non-Construction                 the request of Non       
  Programs                         construction related     
                                   funds                    

  SF-424B             Form         Supports assurances for  Not counted in the
  Assurances -                     non construction         page limit
  Non-Construction                 programs                 
  Programs                                                  

  Disclosure of       Form         Supports structured data Not counted in the
  Lobbying Activities              for lobbying activities. page limit
  (SF-LLL)                                                  

  Other Attachments   Form         Supports up to 15        Not counted in the
  Form                             numbered attachments.    page limit
                                   This form only contains  
                                   the attachment list      

  Attachment 1-15     Attachment   Can be uploaded in Other Refer to the
                                   Attachments form 1-15    attachment table
                                                            provided below for
                                                            **specific**
                                                            sequence. Counted in
                                                            the page limit.
                                                            Provide a table of
                                                            contents for each
                                                            attachment that is
                                                            more than one page
                                                            long. (The table of
                                                            contents will not
                                                            count in the page
                                                            limit).
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To ensure that attachments are organized and printed in a consistent
manner, follow the order provided below. Note that these instructions
may vary across programs.

Evidence of Non Profit status and invention related documents, if
applicable, must be provided in the other attachment form.

Additional supporting documents, if applicable, can be provided using
the available rows. Do not use the rows assigned to a specific purpose
in the program guidance.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attachment        **Attachment Description (Program Guidelines)**
  Number**            
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  Attachment 1        Population and Project Focus Sheet: identify the
                      three major topic areas the proposed project will
                      provide services/activities for, demographic
                      information of the target population, and the total
                      number of clients and total number of encounters
                      anticipated for the project, for each year of
                      funding requested.

  Attachment 2        Budget Justification -- Itemized Budget and Budget
                      Narrative: provide the two components of the budget
                      justification, the itemized budget and budget
                      narrative, for each year of funding requested. The
                      itemized budget should be depicted in columns in a
                      table or spreadsheet format to easily depict line
                      item information to explain the costs entered in
                      the PHS Application Form 5161-1. These figures must
                      match the figures requested for each line in the
                      budget presented on Form SF 424A. The budget
                      narrative should clearly describe and provide
                      justification for each budget item and how it will
                      support the achievement of proposed objectives
                      during each one-year budget period. Provide a table
                      of contents for this attachment. (The table of
                      contents will not count in the page limit).

  Attachment 3        Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions for Key
                      Personnel: provide a staffing plan for the proposed
                      project and the job descriptions for key personnel
                      listed in the application. In the staffing plan,
                      explain the staffing requirements necessary to
                      complete the project, the qualification levels for
                      the project staff, and rationale for the amount of
                      time that is requested for each staff position.
                      Provide the job descriptions for key personnel
                      listed in the application that describes the
                      specific roles, responsibilities, and
                      qualifications for each proposed project position.
                      Keep each job description to one page, if possible.
                      For the purposes of this grant application, Key
                      Personnel is defined as persons funded by this
                      grant or persons conducting activities central to
                      this grant program. Provide a table of contents for
                      this attachment. (The table of contents will not
                      count in the page limit).

  Attachment 4        Biographical Sketches for Key Personnel: include
                      biographical sketches for persons occupying the key
                      positions described in Attachment 3, not to exceed
                      two pages in length. In the event that a
                      biographical sketch is included for an identified
                      individual who is not yet hired, please include a
                      letter of commitment from that person with the
                      biographical sketch. Provide a table of contents
                      for this attachment. (The table of contents will
                      not count in the page limit).

  Attachment 5        Organizational Charts and Consortium Member List:
                      Submit a one-page organizational chart of the
                      applicant's agency, department or organization and
                      a one-page consortium organizational chart. The
                      charts should depict the organizational structure
                      of the project, including subcontractors and other
                      significant collaborators. Also, include a list of
                      the consortium member organizations including:
                      organization name, complete address, contact
                      person, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address.
                      Provide a table of contents for this attachment.
                      (The table of contents will not count in the page
                      limit).

  Attachment 6        Letters of Commitment (LOC)/Memorandum of Agreement
                      (MOA) and Non-Consortium Organization Resources
                      List: include a LOC/MOA from each consortium
                      member, which explicitly states the consortium
                      member organization's commitment to the project
                      activities to include the specific roles,
                      responsibilities, and resources (cash and in-kind)
                      to be contributed by that organization. Whenever
                      possible, please obtain an electronic signature and
                      date for the LOC for submission. A Non-Consortium
                      Organization Resources List of those non-consortium
                      organizations providing substantial support and/or
                      relevant resources to the project should be
                      attached and clearly labeled, if applicable.
                      Provide the organization name, contact person(s),
                      full address, phone number(s), fax number, e-mail
                      address, and a brief account of one to
                      two-sentence(s) of the relevant support/resource(s)
                      being provided. Do **not** include actual letters
                      from any non-consortium organizations. The LOC/MOA
                      and Non-Consortium Organization Resources List is
                      not counted in the page limit. Provide a table of
                      contents for this attachment. (The table of
                      contents will not count in the page limit).

  Attachment 7        Former Grantee Information: Former Rural Health
                      Care Services Outreach grantees, former Rural
                      Health Network Development grantees, and former
                      Rural Health Network Development Planning grantees,
                      including those in a current no-cost extension, who
                      are involved in the submission of a new Outreach
                      project proposal must include: (1) the dates of any
                      prior award(s) received; (2) the grant number
                      assigned to the previous project(s); (3) a copy of
                      the abstract or project summary that was submitted
                      with the previously awarded grant application(s);
                      and (4) description of the role of the applicant
                      and/or consortium member in the previous grant. To
                      be eligible, the proposed project must differ from
                      any of the previous projects, enlarge the service
                      area of the project, or expand the scope of the
                      previous grant activities. This attachment is not
                      counted in the page limit.

  Attachment 8        State Office of Rural Health or other State Entity
                      Letter of Support: the legislation for the Outreach
                      Program indicates that applications will be
                      submitted in consultation with the SORH or other
                      State entity. Include a copy of the letter, or
                      other written proof of consultation, from the SORH
                      or State entity indicating you have contacted them
                      regarding your project during the planning and
                      development process. In the case that you do not
                      receive a response, submit a copy of your request
                      for consultation to the SORH or State entity. This
                      letter is not counted in the page limit.

  Attachment 9        Proof of Nonprofit Status: the applicant must
                      include a letter from the IRS or eligible State
                      entity that provides documentation of profit
                      status. In place of the letter documenting
                      nonprofit status, public entities may indicate
                      their type of public entity (State or local
                      government) and include it here.

  Attachment 10       Federally-recognized Native American Tribe or
                      Organization: applicant organizations that are
                      Federally-recognized Native American Tribes or
                      Tribal organizations are eligible to apply,
                      regardless of location, if all of the proposed
                      grant activities are to be conducted within
                      Federally-recognized Tribal areas. Documentation of
                      the Federally-recognized Tribal status must be
                      included here for this consideration.

  Attachment 11       Letters of Support List and Optional Attachments
                      (Optional): include all other supplemental
                      materials here, in Attachment 11. Be sure each
                      attachment is clearly labeled and included in the
                      table of contents. A listing of the letters of
                      support received from community members that are
                      not consortium members and are not providing
                      substantial resources to the project may be
                      inserted here. Provide the organization name,
                      contact person(s), full address, phone number(s),
                      fax number, e-mail address. Do **not** include
                      actual letters from non-consortium organizations.
                      Provide a table of contents for this attachment, if
                      applicable. (The table of contents will not count
                      in the page limit).

  Attachment 12       Audit: a copy of the applicant's most recent audit
                      should be inserted here. The audit is not counted
                      in the page limit.
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc137445261 .anchor}**Application Contents and
Order**

Applications for funding must consist of the following documents in the
following order:

i.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445262 .anchor}***Application Face Page***

> This is the first page of the application, Standard Form 424,
> Application for Federal Assistance. Use Public Health Service (PHS)
> Application Form 5161-1, provided with the application package.
> Prepare this page according to instructions provided in the form
> itself. When referencing the Outreach Grant Program in the standard
> forms, use the formal name, Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for
> the Outreach Grant Program is 93.912.
>
> **DUNS Number**
>
> All applicant organizations are required to have a Data Universal
> Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to apply for a grant from the
> Federal Government. The DUNS number is a unique nine-character
> identification number provided by the commercial company, Dun and
> Bradstreet. There is no charge to obtain a DUNS number. Information
> about obtaining a DUNS number can be found at
> http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/dunsccr.htm or call 1-866-705-5711. Please
> include the DUNS number in item 8c on the application face page.
> Applications ***will not*** be reviewed without a DUNS number.
>
> Additionally, the applicant organization is required to register with
> the Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry (CCR) in order to
> do electronic business with the Federal Government. A DUNS number is
> necessary to register with the CCR. Information about registering with
> the CCR can be found at <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/dunsccr.htm>.

ii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445263 .anchor}***Table Of Contents***

> The application should be presented in the order of the Table of
> Contents provided earlier in the SF 424 Non Construction Form. Again,
> for electronic applications no table of contents is necessary as it
> will be generated by the system. (Note: the Table of Contents will not
> be counted in the page limit).

iii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445264 .anchor}***Application Checklist***

Use PHS Application Form 5161-1, pages 25-26, provided with the
application package.

iv. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445265 .anchor}***Budget***

> Use PHS Application Form 5161-1, SF 424A, pages 1 and 2, provided with
> the application package.
>
> Budget Information and Instructions for Completing the SF 424A: please
> follow the instructions found here rather than using the instructions
> found in PHS Application Form 5161-1.
>
> **[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section A -- Budget Summary]{.underline}**
>
> Line 1, Column a: Enter "Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program"
>
> Line 1, Column b: Enter 93.912

Line 1, Columns c and d: Leave blank (not applicable for new
applications.)

> Line 1, Columns e and f: Enter the Project Costs for the first year of
> the project (FY 2007) for Federal (not to exceed \$150,000) and
> non-Federal sources
>
> Line 1, Column g: Enter the total for Columns e and f.
>
> Line 2-5: Leave blank.
>
> **[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section B -- Budget
> Categories]{.underline}**

Line 6, Column 3: Enter the amount of **Federal** support requested for
each Object Class Category (rows a through h). Enter the total cost of
lines a through h into row i.\*

Line 6, Column 4: Enter the amount of **non-Federal** support requested
for each Object Class Category (rows a through h). Enter the total cost
of lines a through h into row i.\*

\*The total costs for the Budget Line Items in Section B (rows a through
h) must be broken down and totaled separately for the Federal support,
column 3, and non-Federal support (applicant contributions), column 4.

> **Note:** Funds requested for equipment must not exceed 40 percent of
> the total Federal award each year.

Line 6, Item j (Indirect Costs): Specify the amount of Indirect Charges.
Indirect costs are allowable only if a rate has been previously approved
by a Federal agency. See the Indirect Costs section of the Budget
Justification for information on applying for an indirect cost rate.

Line 6, Item k (Column 3): The amount in Column 3, Line 6 k, should be
the same as the amount in Section A, Line 1, Column e on the SF 424A,
and should also be the same as Block 15a of the Face Page, SF 424.

Line 6, Item k (Column 4): (Federal Contributions): The amount on Column
4, Line 6 k, should be the same as the amount in Section A, Line 1,
Column f above, and Block 15b of the Face Page, SF 424.

Line 6, Column 4: (Non-Federal Contributions): Distribute the amount
shown in Section A, Line 1, Column f among the Object Class Categories
(this includes both cash and in-kind contributions from all non-Federal
sources). Insert the total for this column in Column 4, Line k.

Line 6, Column 5: Enter the totals for Columns 3 and 4 (Federal and
non-Federal) for each Object Class Category. The amount on Line k,
Column 5 should be the same as the amount on Block 15g., Total, on the
Face Page, SF 424.

Line 7, Column 1: Enter the amount of estimated program income for the
first twelve-month budget period, if applicable. This is the same amount
that appears on the Face Page, SF 424, Block 15f.

> **[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section C -- Non-Federal
> Resources]{.underline}**
>
> Line 8, Column a: Enter "Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program"
>
> Line 8, Columns b, c and d: Enter the value of cash and in-kind
> contributions contributed by the applicant, State and other sources
> and insert the total(s) in Column e. These figures correspond with
> those on the Face Page, SF 424, Blocks 15 b, c, d, and e.
>
> Line 12, Column e: Enter the total of Columns b, c, and d. The amount
> should be the same as that shown in Section A, Line 1, Column f.
>
> **[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section D -- Forecasted Cash
> Needs]{.underline}**
>
> Leave this section blank. This section does not apply. Outreach monies
> are request as used and not on a quarterly schedule.

**[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section E -- Budget Estimates of Federal Funds
Needed For Balance of the Project]{.underline}**

> Line 16, Column a: Enter "Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program"
>
> Line 16, Column b: Insert the funds requested for the second budget
> period (the first future funding period). This amount should not
> exceed \$125,000, including Indirect Costs, if appropriate (May 1,
> 2008 -- April 30, 2009).
>
> Line 16, Column c: Insert the funds requested for the third budget
> period (the second future funding period). This amount should not
> exceed \$100,000, including Indirect Costs, if appropriate (May 1,
> 2009 -- April 30, 2010).
>
> Line 16, Column d and e: Leave blank.
>
> Lines 17 -- 20: Leave blank.
>
> **[SF 424A]{.underline}: [Section F -- Other Budget
> Information]{.underline}**
>
> Line 21 (Direct Charges): Leave this item blank. This information will
> be provided in your detailed budget justification in Section v.
>
> Line 22 (Indirect Charges): Specify the type of Indirect Cost Rate
> that has been negotiated with a Federal agency, if applicable.
> Indirect Costs are only allowed if a rate has been approved by a
> Federal agency.
>
> Line 23 (Remarks): Significant remarks should be included in the
> Budget Narrative.

v.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445266 .anchor}***Budget Justification***

> This announcement is inviting applications for project periods up to
> three years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for one‑year
> budget periods, although project periods may be for three years.
> Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond
> the one-year budget period but within the three-year project period
> will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis,
> subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee
> and a determination that continued funding would be in the best
> interest of the Government.
>
> The budget period is for ONE year. However, the applicant must submit
> one-year budgets for each of the subsequent project period years
> requested (up to three years for the Outreach program) at the time of
> application. There are two components to complete as part of the
> budget justification: an itemized budget and a budget narrative; these
> are to be placed in Attachment 2.
>
> The itemized budget should be depicted in columns in a table or
> spreadsheet format. Provide an itemized budget table for each year of
> funding requested (budget period is May 1 -- April 30), up to three
> years. The budget table provides line item information to explain the
> costs entered in the PHS Application Form 5161-1. These figures must
> match the figures requested for each line in the budget presented on
> Form SF 424A. Place the itemized budget in Attachment 2.
>
> The budget narrative should clearly describe and provide justification
> for each item and how it will support the achievement of proposed
> objectives during each one-year budget period. For example, for a line
> item of travel, you should indicate where the travel is to, how many
> people are involved and the length of the travel. Outreach grantees
> are required to attend an annual grantee meeting and up to two persons
> may attend using the grant funds. The total cost for travel to the
> meeting may be \$3,500, but this figure must be broken down to
> indicate that 2 persons are traveling to the annual grantee meeting,
> \$550 each for airfare, \$350 each for the registration fee, and \$900
> each for 4 days of hotel, meals, and transportation expenses. The
> budget justification should be concise. Do NOT use the budget
> narrative to expand the program narrative. Place the budget narrative
> in Attachment 2.
>
> Include the following categories in the Budget Narrative:
>
> **Personnel Costs:** Personnel costs should be explained by listing
> each staff member who will be supported from funds, name (if
> possible), position title, percent full time equivalency, annual
> salary, and the exact amount requested for each project year which
> mainly covers indirect cost.
>
> **Indirect Costs:** Indirect costs are those costs incurred for common
> or joint objectives which cannot be readily identified but are
> necessary to the operations of the organization, e.g., the cost of
> operating and maintaining facilities, depreciation, and administrative
> salaries. For institutions subject to OMB Circular A-21, the term
> "facilities and administration" is used to denote indirect costs. If
> an organization applying for an assistance award does not have an
> indirect cost rate, the applicant may wish to obtain one through HHS's
> Division of Cost Allocation (DCA).  Visit the DCA website at:
> http://rates.psc.gov/ to learn more about rate agreements, the process
> for applying for them, and the regional offices which negotiate them.
> Indirect costs will be allowed only if the grantee has a negotiated
> indirect cost rate approved by a Federal agency.
>
> **Fringe Benefits:** List the components that comprise the fringe
> benefit rate, for example health insurance, taxes, unemployment
> insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement. The
> fringe benefits should be directly proportional to that portion of
> personnel costs that are allocated for the project.
>
> **Travel:** List travel costs according to local and long distance
> travel. For local travel, the mileage rate, number of miles, reason
> for travel and staff member/consumers completing the travel should be
> outlined. The budget should also reflect the travel expenses
> associated with participating in meetings and other proposed trainings
> or workshops. \*The ORHP requires each grantee to participate in an
> annual meeting for each year of the project period as a condition of
> the award. Please allocate travel funds for up to two program staff to
> the Annual Outreach Grantee Meeting in Washington, DC, and include the
> cost here.
>
> **Equipment:** List equipment costs and provide justification for the
> need of the equipment to carry out the program's goals. Extensive
> justification and a detailed status of current equipment must be
> provided when requesting funds for the purchase of computers and
> furniture items. Applicants are required to obtain price quotations
> from at least three separate sources. Equipment expenses for the
> Outreach program may not exceed forty (40) percent of the Federal
> funds to be used by the applicant organization for each year of the
> project. \*Equipment is defined as durable items with an acquisition
> cost over \$5,000 per unit with a life expectancy of at least one
> year.
>
> **Supplies:** List the items that the project will use. In this
> category, separate office supplies from medical and educational
> purchases. Office supplies could include paper, pencils, and the like;
> medical supplies are syringes, blood tubes, plastic gloves, etc., and
> educational supplies may be pamphlets and educational videotapes.
> Remember, they must be listed separately. \*Supplies include, among
> other items, computer equipment and peripheral supplies costing less
> than \$5,000 per unit.
>
> **Subcontracts:** To the extent possible, all subcontract budgets and
> justifications should be standardized, and contract budgets should be
> presented by using the same object class categories contained in the
> Standard Form 424A. Provide a clear explanation as to the purpose of
> each contract, how the costs were estimated, and the specific contract
> deliverables.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> **Other:** Put all costs that do not fit into any other category into
> this category and provide and explanation of each cost in this
> category. In some cases, grantee rent, utilities and insurance fall
> under this category if they are not included in an approved indirect
> cost rate.
>
> **Program Income:** All program income generated as a result of
> activities supported by Outreach grant funds must be used for approved
> project-related activities.

vi. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445267 .anchor}***Staffing Plan And
    Personnel Requirements***

> Applicants must present a staffing plan with job descriptions for key
> staff in this section, as Attachment 3. Provide the biographical
> sketches and/or resumes for the key staff in Attachment 4. In the
> staffing plan, discuss the staffing requirements necessary to complete
> the project, the qualification levels for the project staff, and
> rationale for the amount of time that is requested for each staff
> position. In addition to the staffing plan, a position description
> that describes the specific roles, responsibilities, and
> qualifications for each proposed project position must be included in
> Attachment 3. Copies of biographical sketches or resumes for any key
> employed personnel that will be assigned to work on the proposed
> project must be included in Attachment 4. In the event that a
> biographical sketch is included for an identified individual who is
> not yet employed, please include a letter of commitment from that
> person with the biographical sketch. The Project Director must be
> employed by or under contract to one of the rural consortium member
> organizations. If the Project Director is under contract to the
> applicant organization, the terms of the contract must be included.
> Biographical sketches are short overviews of past education and
> experience that suggest the qualifications necessary to perform
> assigned works. A resume may be used in place of a biographical
> sketch. Key employed personnel for the project includes the following:
> key staff of the applicant organization, key staff of the consortium
> members with a major role in implementation and success of the
> project, staff who will play a key role in the day-to-day management
> of the project, and staff deemed necessary for the implementation of
> the program requirements, such as the evaluator. It is suggested that
> the position descriptions be one page and the biographical sketches
> and resumes not be more than two pages long, each.

vii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445268 .anchor}***Assurances --
     Non-Construction Programs***

> Use PHS Application Form 5161-1, SF 424B (two pages) provided with the
> application package. Please sign the Assurances and include the entire
> document under this section of your application.

viii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445269 .anchor}***Certifications***

> Use PHS Application Form 5161-1, pages 17-19, provided with the
> application package. The certifications involve workplace
> requirements, disbarment, fraud, and other issues. Applicants are
> required to sign these Certifications and include them under this
> section of the application.

ix. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445270 .anchor}***Project Abstract***

> Provide a summary of the application. Because the abstract is often
> distributed to provide information to the public and Congress, please
> prepare this so that it is clear, accurate, concise, and without
> reference to other parts of the application. It must include a brief
> description of the proposed grant project including the needs to be
> addressed, the proposed services, and the population group(s) to be
> served.

Please place the following at the top of the abstract:

-   Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program

-   Project Title

-   Applicant Organization Name

-   Contact person

-   Address

-   Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax)

-   E-Mail Address

-   Web Site Address, if applicable

> The project abstract must be single-spaced and is limited to one page
> in length. To submit the abstract, upload it on page 2 of the SF 424,
> Box 15.

x.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445271 .anchor}***Program Narrative***

> This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of all
> aspects of the proposed program. It should be succinct,
> self-explanatory and well organized so that reviewers can understand
> the proposed project. To submit the program narrative, upload it in
> the Project Narrative Attachment form and provide a Table of Contents
> specific to the Program Narrative. The Table of Contents **will not
> count** in the 80-page limit.
>
> **Performance Measures**
>
> The Office of Rural Health Policy is in the process of identifying
> specific performance measures that Outreach grantees will be required
> to utilize in their non-competing continuation applications.
> Performance measures can be process or outcome measures that allow
> grantees to track their progress toward meeting stated objectives.
> There will be over-arching performance measures that will be
> applicable to each Outreach project. Below are a few simple examples:

1.  Percentage of the target population being served by the grant
    program.

2.  Percentage of health care providers that participate in the
    consortium.

3.  Percentage of people served who have a chronic disease.

> Once these measures are finalized by ORHP, all Outreach grantees will
> be required to use them, and to provide data on these measures
> annually in their non-competing continuation applications for
> continued funding. In anticipation of funding, applicants are highly
> encouraged to commence planning for collection of the information for
> these three measures.
>
> **Program Narrative Instructions**
>
> Use the following section headers for the Narrative as a substitute
> for the PHS Application Form 5161-1, pages 21-23, Program Narrative
> instructions:

[]{.mark}

-   NEEDS ASSESSMENT

> This section outlines the needs of your community for the proposed
> project and how the target population was involved in determining the
> need. A description of the target population to be served by the
> proposed project and their relevant barriers to health care that the
> project will address should be included. Other factors that may impact
> the project, such as a description of the geographic service area and
> the health care services available, should also be described in this
> section. Please ensure to address each of these aspects.
>
> The target population and its unmet health needs must be described and
> documented in this section. The population description may include
> information about the incidence and prevalence of specific conditions,
> such as chronic diseases or about the age or socioeconomic status of
> the target population. Demographic data should be used and cited
> whenever possible to support the information provided. Describe the
> entire population of the service area and its demographics in relation
> to the population to be served. Local data, which is particularly
> important if available, should be used to document the unmet health
> needs in the target population. This data should be compared to State
> and national data. Also, use factors that are relevant to the project,
> such as specific health status indicators, age, etc. Insurance
> information, poverty, statistics regarding crime, drug abuse and other
> social problems that may be relevant should be included.
>
> The Outreach program requires the community being served to be
> involved in the development and ongoing operations of the project and
> ensure that the project is responding to the needs of the community.
> Involving the community in the planning phase to identify needs and
> develop activities increases the likelihood of success of the project
> by creating community ownership and buy-in. A description of how the
> needs of the community were identified and what role the community
> played should be provided. Discuss the manner and degree to which
> members of the community and/or the target population were included in
> planning for the activities of the project and indicate what percent
> of the target population was included in the planning process.
> Describe the tools and methods that were used to identify the special
> needs of the community (e.g., needs assessments, town meetings, focus
> groups, health screenings, health fairs, questionnaires/surveys,
> etc.). Also, describe the involvement of representatives of local,
> regional, and/or State government that were involved in the planning
> process, as well as the involvement of local non-governmental
> organizations.

[]{.mark}

> Discuss any relevant barriers in the service area that the project
> hopes to overcome. In some instances, there is a general problem of
> access to particular health services in the community. In other cases,
> the needed services may be available in the community, but they may
> not be accessible to all who need them. In many rural communities,
> shortages of health care personnel are important access issues. Any
> pertinent geographic, socio-economic, linguistic, cultural, ethnic,
> workforce, or other barrier(s) to access to health care should be
> discussed in this section. All projects that will primarily serve
> multiple ethnic or racial groups must describe specific plans for
> ensuring the services provided address the cultural, linguistic,
> religious, and social differences of the target populations. 
>
> Every project is located in an area that is bound geographically in
> some way. There may be important physical features to the landscape
> that are important for reviewers to understand. Include in this
> section a description of geographical features of the area to be
> served. A map must be included that clearly shows the entire service
> area, to be used as a reference by reviewers. The map does not have to
> be "tailor made" for this application. It can be a copy or portion of
> an existing map that has been altered, by hand if necessary, to show
> where the project activities will be provided and where pertinent
> geographical barriers may be located (e.g., mountainous terrain).
> Ensure that the map is clearly and easily reproducible in black and
> white photocopies, as this is what the reviewers will see.
>
> Identify the health care services available in or near your service
> area. It is important for reviewers to understand the number and type
> of relevant health and social service providers that are located in
> and near the service area of the project and how they relate to the
> project. Applicants should also describe the potential impact of the
> project on existing providers (e.g., changes in referral patterns,
> practice patterns, etc.) who are not part of the project. Any
> potential adverse effect is particularly important, as well as
> estimates of how the project might augment and enhance any existing
> capabilities in the service area.
>
> **Project and Population Focus Sheet -- Attachment 1**
>
> Provide the information requested below in your response for the
> Project and Population Focus Sheet, as Attachment 1. The Project and
> Population Focus Sheet identifies the percent of time spent on the
> **top three topic areas** you will be providing services/activities
> for in the proposed project, the demographic makeup of the target
> population, and the total number of clients and total encounters
> anticipated per year.
>
> **Topic Areas** (identify top three): **Percent of Time**:
>
> Cardiovascular Health
>
> Chronic Disease
>
> Diabetes
>
> Domestic Violence
>
> Elder care
>
> EMS
>
> Health Literacy
>
> Health Professions Education
>
> HIV/AIDS
>
> Maternal & Child Health
>
> Mental Health
>
> Minority Health/Cultural Competency
>
> School-Based Programs
>
> Nutrition
>
> Obesity
>
> Oral Health
>
> Safety Net Collaboration
>
> School-Based
>
> Substance Abuse
>
> Transportation (primary or major component)
>
> Uninsured
>
> Women's Health
>
> Other (project specific, please specify):
>
> Please indicate the breakdown, by race/ethnicity, the clients that
> will receive services.
>
> **Target Population: Percent of Distribution:**
>
> African American
>
> Asian/Pacific Islander/Alaskan Native
>
> (identify which ethnic group)
>
> Caucasian
>
> Hispanic
>
> Native American
>
> Other (identify)
>
> Please indicate the breakdown, by age group, the clients that will
> receive services.
>
> **Age Group: Percent of Clients:**
>
> Children (0-12)
>
> Teens (13-17)
>
> Adults (18-64)
>
> Elderly (64 +)
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Please estimate the number of clients you will serve and the number of
> encounters you expect to make, for each year of funding requested.
>
> **Total Number of Clients:**
>
> Year 1: Year 2: Year 3:
>
> **Total Number of Encounters**
>
> Year 1: Year 2: Year 3:

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

-   RESPONSE

> In narrative format, propose goals and objectives for the project that
> will respond to the identified needs of the community that were
> presented in the Need section of this application. Explain and
> describe the strategies and activities that will be used to accomplish
> the stated goals and objectives and identify the responsible agent.
> The stated goals and objectives should be measurable, realistic, and
> achievable in a specific timeframe. Outcome and evaluative measures
> should be included to determine level of progress for each objective
> and the impact of the project.
>
> **Goals, Strategies, Activities, Responsible Agents and Completion
> Dates** are the components of a project plan. A goal is the desired
> outcome or result of the project; applicants may have a single or
> multiple goals. The goals should be consistent with the Healthy People
> 2010 initiative. Clearly describe how the goals relate with the HP
> 2010 initiative. Please refer to page 42 for specific information.
> Objectives are the strategies, or different methods and ways, that the
> goal will be achieved. Activities are the associated steps necessary
> to complete each objective. They should address the identified needs
> and directly support their associated goals and objectives. Upon
> completion, the activities should be capable of achieving the
> objectives of the project. Relevant cultural, linguistic, social and
> religious differences of the target populations should also be
> identified and addressed when planning and implementing the
> activities.  The responsible agent is the person or organization
> assigned responsibility for ensuring that the activities are
> completed. A completion date is an actual date for which goals,
> objectives, and activities are to be accomplished by.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> **Sustainability**
>
> Throughout the years, many Outreach grants have provided seed money
> that enables communities to start projects that have continued to grow
> and develop long after the receipt of the funds. Development of a
> sound sustainability strategy is essential to financial viability and
> the ability for the project to continue. The prospect of being
> financially able to continue the project is increased if strategies
> for sustainability are identified during the planning stages of the
> project.
>
> In the Response section, include a plan for sustaining the project
> that is realistic and feasible for your project. The plan should
> include sustainability strategies that do not depend solely on other
> Federal funding. It is suggested that you consider a range of possible
> options. For example, in projects targeting any kind of children\'s
> health services, applicants are encouraged to consider using grant
> funds to identify and enroll children who are eligible for Medicaid or
> the respective State Children\'s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
> Past experience with Outreach grantees has demonstrated that effective
> enrollment programs can help to reduce uncompensated or charity care
> in rural populations. This can lessen the financial burden on
> participating providers such as private practitioners, hospitals or
> clinics so that they can assume more costs for the continuation of the
> project and, in some cases, this can generate revenue.

-   Work Plan

> Provide a clear and coherent work plan that is aligned with the goals
> and objectives of the proposed project. Identify the anticipated
> outputs, evidence of progress, and the responsible agent for
> completing each step. There should be completion times for the
> associated activities and steps. This time line should encompass the
> entire length of the proposed project (three years) and have
> completion dates with deadlines that refer to actual dates by which to
> accomplish each goal, objective, and activity. The emphasis of this
> application should be on the first year; the second and third years
> may be somewhat less detailed.
>
> Please use a table of the type below when completing the Work Plan
> section:
>
> Example Table for Project Work Plan -- Use of 10 pitch font is
> acceptable in charts

+----------+---------+-----------+-------------+------------+----------+
| Goals    | Str     | A         | Responsible | Outcomes   | Co       |
|          | ategies | ctivities | Ag          | and/or     | mpletion |
|          |         |           | ency/Person | Process    | Date     |
|          |         |           |             | Measures   |          |
+----------+---------+-----------+-------------+------------+----------+
| A.       | 1\.     | a\) Hold  | 1\. County  | Numbers of | Every 3  |
| Reduce   | Educate | Pa        | Substance   | teens      | months   |
| Teen     | Teens   | rent/teen | Abuse       | involved   |          |
| Drinking | and     | meetings  |             | in drunk   |          |
| and      | Parents | on the    | 2\. School  | driving    |          |
| driving  |         | effects   | District    | arrests    |          |
| by 75%   |         | of        | Counselors  | /accidents |          |
|          |         | alcohol   |             | compared   |          |
|          |         |           | 1\. County  | with       |          |
|          |         | b\)       | Impound Lot | baseline   |          |
|          |         | Display   | and         | data       |          |
|          |         | cars that |             |            |          |
|          |         | have been | 2\.         |            |          |
|          |         | involved  | Sheriff's   |            |          |
|          |         | in        | Department  |            |          |
|          |         | drinking  |             |            |          |
|          |         | and       |             |            |          |
|          |         | driving   |             |            |          |
|          |         | accidents |             |            |          |
+----------+---------+-----------+-------------+------------+----------+
| B.       | 2\.     | a\) Class | 1\. County  | Numbers of | Every 3  |
| Reduce   | Educate | on how to | Mental      | teens      | months   |
| number   | Liquor  | Say No to | Health      | caught     |          |
| of teens | Store   | teens     | Counseling  | using fake |          |
| buying   | Owners  | carrying  | Clinic      | IDs        |          |
| alcohol  |         | fake IDs  |             |            |          |
|          |         |           | 2\.         |            |          |
|          |         |           | Sheriff's   |            |          |
|          |         |           | Department  |            |          |
+----------+---------+-----------+-------------+------------+----------+

> []{.mark}

-   Resolution of Challenges

> Discuss challenges that are likely to be encountered in achieving the
> goals and objectives described in the Work Plan. Identify potential
> issues with managing and communicating with the consortium, or other
> barriers to meeting the goals. Propose approaches to resolve the
> anticipated challenges and potential issues that arise.

-   Evaluation

> In this section, identify the strategies and measures that will be
> used to evaluate the project. The evaluation plan and salary for an
> evaluator should ideally account for between one (1) and ten (10)
> percent of the project budget. It is important, but not a requirement,
> to identify an evaluator during the project planning process. This
> will help in the development of measures to increase the effectiveness
> of the proposed project. If an evaluator has been identified, include
> the biographical sketch or resume with those of the key staff in
> Attachment 4. Experience, skills, knowledge, materials published, and
> previous work of a similar nature should be listed. Remember to
> include a position description detailing the roles and
> responsibilities of the evaluator in Attachment 3. It is recommended,
> but not a requirement, to have an external evaluator for purposes of
> external validity and objectivity.
>
> The measures for evaluation should be based on the goals and
> anticipated outcomes of the project. Use both outcome and process
> measures in the evaluation plan. Describe the process by which the
> data/information for these measures will be collected, analyzed, and
> reviewed. Also indicate the impact of the realization of the goals for
> the target population and for others in the community, for example,
> diabetic patients will improve their disease management.
>
> **Process Measures and Outcome Measures** are both important
> components for project evaluation. Process measures monitor on-going
> activities to see if they are effective. With periodic feedback,
> necessary improvements to the project can be made. For example,
> continuous review of satisfaction surveys can be used to improve the
> quality of services provided. Outcome measures help determine the
> level of success of the project. An example would be the percent of
> diabetic patients who receive an annual foot exam. The measures used
> should allow for an evaluation of the impact of the project by
> measuring change or improvement in health status. To evaluate the
> impact, the change in the percent of diabetic patients who received an
> annual foot exam from Year 1 to Year 3 could be measured.

-   IMPACT

> Identify any national programs, best practices, models, and/or other
> methods that have been proven effective in a community-based project
> that were used to develop the project activities. Describe why these
> activities were chosen for the proposed project and how they are
> tailored to the specific target population and community. If the
> proposed project is based on a particular project that succeeded in
> another community, please describe that project, how it was funded,
> and why you think it will succeed with your target population and
> community. Also indicate if that project received funding from the
> U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
>
> Explain how the project and activities are expected to benefit the
> target population and community. Also address any anticipated
> economical impact on the community and health providers from providing
> the services.
>
> Discuss the plans and methods for how the project results will be
> disseminated. Include the scope of distribution (national, regional,
> community level, etc.), methods, and what information will be
> distributed. Discuss the extent and value of the project for other
> communities. Explain how well the project, or aspect of it, could be
> replicated in other rural communities with similar needs, and if the
> project may be national in scope.

-   RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES

> The abilities and contributions of the applicant organization and the
> consortium member organizations should be described in this section.
> Provide a brief overview of the applicant organization that includes
> information such as their mission, structure, and current activities.
> Demonstrate that the applicant organization is capable of managing the
> project, the consortium, the administrating the grant funds, and
> implementing the proposed project activities. The applicant's level of
> experience and history in providing and managing relevant activities
> should be discussed. Evidence of success with similar projects,
> particularly collaborative endeavors, should be provided, if
> applicable.
>
> All consortium members must provide a significant contribution to the
> project; they each must have an identifiable role, specific
> responsibilities, and a realistic reason for being a consortium
> member. The applicant organization is encouraged to carefully consider
> the selection of participants for the consortium to ensure that the
> consortium positively contributes to the success of common project
> goals. The purpose of the consortium is to: 1) encourage creative and
> lasting collaborative relationships among health providers in rural
> areas; 2) ensure that the applicant organization receives regular
> input from relevant and concerned entities within the health sector;
> and 3) to ensure that the grant-funded project addresses the health
> needs of the identified community.
>
> Discuss the strategies employed for creating and defining the
> consortium. The applicant should identify when each of the consortium
> members became involved in the project and detail the nature and
> extent of each consortium member's responsibilities and contributions
> to the project. The roles and responsibilities for each of the
> organizations in the consortium must be clearly defined in the
> application. Provide evidence of the ability for each organization
> participating in the consortium to deliver the services, contribute to
> the consortium, and otherwise meet the needs of the project. Remember
> that each participating consortium member must have a substantive and
> vital role to the achievement of the project goals.
>
> Provide detail on how and when the consortium will meet and explain
> the proposed process for soliciting and incorporating input from the
> consortium for decision making, problem solving, and urgent or
> emergency situations. Provide a plan for communication and discuss how
> coordination will work with the consortium members. Indicators should
> be included to assess the effectiveness of the communication and
> coordination of the consortium and its timely implementation. Discuss
> potential challenges with the consortium (consortium disagreements,
> personnel actions, expenditure activities) and identify approaches
> that can be used to resolve the challenges.
>
> Address how communication and coordination will occur between the
> project director and the consortium members and how often
> communication is expected. Discuss how frequently project updates will
> be given to the consortium members and the extent to which the project
> director will be accountable to the consortium. In an emergency
> situation when the consortium is not in agreement or there is not full
> consortium participation, describe the level of authority of the
> project director or steps to be taken. The applicant should identify a
> process for periodic feedback and program modification as necessary.
>
> There are three items to include for Attachment 5: a consortium member
> list, an organizational chart for the applicant organization, and an
> organizational chart for the consortium. The consortium member list
> should include the following for each consortium member: the
> organization name, contact person(s), full address, phone number(s),
> fax number, and e-mail address. The first organizational chart should
> depict the application organization's structure. The second
> organizational chart should depict the structure of the consortium for
> the project and should describe how the authority will flow from the
> applicant organization receiving the Federal grant funds to the
> consortium members. The list and charts are to be placed in Attachment
> 5 and **will count** against the 80-page limit.
>
> Each consortium member must submit either a Letter of Commitment (LOC)
> or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the original application;
> these should be placed in Attachment 6. In the LOC/MOA, explicitly
> state the consortium member organization's commitment to the project
> activities to include the specific roles, responsibilities, and
> resources (cash and in-kind) to be contributed by that organization.
> The LOC/MOA must be signed and dated in blue ink by an individual
> representing the consortium member organization who has the legal
> authority to obligate that member organization both financially and
> programmatically. **The original LOC/MOA, signed and dated in blue
> ink, are to be kept by the applicant organization. They will be
> required for submission to ORHP if the project is funded, within 30
> days of award.** A LOC or a MOA represents a promise to provide the
> specified organizational resources for the good of the project. The
> applicant organization does not need to include a LOC/MOA. Whenever
> possible, please obtain an electronic signature and date for the LOC
> for submission. Each LOC/MOA must be placed in Attachment 6 and **will
> NOT count** against the 80-page limit.
>
> Letters of Commitment are not the same thing as a Letter of Support. A
> letter of support is from a **non-consortium** organization and
> indicates awareness and acceptance of the proposed project. The
> LOC/MOA are from **consortium** member organizations providing
> substantial support to the project. Do NOT include the actual letters
> of support in the application. In the case that non-consortium
> organizations are providing substantial relevant resources to the
> project, a list of those non-consortium organizations with the
> resources being provided may be included in Attachment 6 and must be
> clearly labeled as a Non-Consortium Organization Resources List.
> Provide the organization name, contact person(s), full address, phone
> number(s), fax number, e-mail address, and a brief account of one to
> two-sentence(s) of the relevant resource(s) being provided. The
> Non-Consortium Member Resource List is placed in Attachment 6 and
> **will not count** against the 80-page limit.
>
> An optional listing of the letters of support received from community
> members that do not have an active role in the consortium and are not
> providing substantial resources to the project may be inserted in
> Attachment 11. Provide the organization name, contact person(s), full
> address, phone number(s), fax number, e-mail address. This list
> **will** **count** against the 80-page limit. 

xi. []{#__RefHeading___Toc137445272 .anchor}***Request For Funding
    Preference***

> This section is used to request and qualify a funding preference. A
> funding preference is defined as the funding of a specific category or
> group of approved applications ahead of other categories or groups of
> applications. A preference will place the applicant in a more
> competitive position among applications that can be funded.
> Applications that do not receive a Funding Preference will be given
> full and equitable consideration during the review process. Please
> refer to Application Review Information, Section 2, Funding
> Preference, (pages 40-41) for complete definitions of these options,
> and to see if you qualify. To request a funding preference, eligible
> applicants must:

1.  Explicitly state that a funding preference is requested;

2.  Specify which funding preference(s) is requested; and

3.  Provide appropriate supporting information and/or documentation for
    the specific preference requested.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
xii. []{#Format_ProgramSpecificForms .anchor}***Attachments***

> Provide the following items to complete the content of the
> application. Please note that the attachments are meant to be
> supplementary in nature, and are not intended to be a continuation of
> the project narrative. Be sure each attachment is clearly labeled.
> Note: All attachment pages count in the 80-page limit, except for
> **Attachments 6, 7, 8 and 12.**

[]{.mark}

1)  Attachment 1: Population and Project Focus Sheet

> The applicant must identify the percent of time spent on the **top
> three topic areas** that the proposed project will be providing
> services/activities for, the demographic makeup of the target
> population, and the total number of clients and total encounters
> anticipated, for each year. This **will** **count** against the
> 80-page limit. See page 23-24 for further information.

2)  Attachment 2: Budget Justification -- Itemized Budget and Budget
    Narrative

> Provide the two components of the budget justification, the itemized
> budget and budget narrative, for each year of funding requested. The
> itemized budget should be depicted in columns in a table or
> spreadsheet format to easily depict line item information to explain
> the costs entered in the PHS Application Form 5161-1. These figures
> must match the figures requested for each line in the budget presented
> on Form SF 424A. The budget narrative should clearly describe and
> provide justification for each budget item and how it will support the
> achievement of proposed objectives during each one-year budget period.
> This **will** **count** against the 80-page limit.

3)  Attachment 3: Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions for Key Personnel

> Provide a staffing plan explaining the staffing requirements necessary
> to complete the project, the qualification levels for the project
> staff, and rationale for the amount of time that is requested for each
> staff position. Provide the job descriptions for key personnel listed
> in the application that describes the specific roles,
> responsibilities, and qualifications for each proposed project
> position. Keep each to one page if possible. For the purposes of this
> grant application, Key Personnel is defined as persons funded by this
> grant or persons conducting activities central to this grant program.
> Item 6 in the Program Narrative section of the PHS 5161-1 Form (page
> 22) provides guidance on items to include in a job description. This
> **will** **count** against the 80-page limit.
>
> []{.mark}

4)  Attachment 4: Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel

> Include biographical sketches for persons occupying the key positions
> described in Attachment 3, not to exceed two pages in length. In the
> event that a biographical sketch is included for an identified
> individual who is not yet hired, please include a letter of commitment
> from that person with the biographical sketch. This **will** **count**
> against the 80-page limit.
>
> []{.mark}

5)  Attachment 5: Organizational Charts and Consortium Member List

> Submit a one-page organizational chart of the applicant's agency,
> department or organization and a one-page consortium organizational
> chart. The charts should depict the organizational structure of the
> project, including subcontractors and other significant collaborators.
> Also, include a list of the consortium member organizations including:
> organization name, complete address, contact person, phone and fax
> numbers, and e-mail address. The organizational charts and consortium
> member information list should be numbered as part of the application
> and **will count** against the 80 page limit.

6)  Attachment 6: Letters of Commitment (LOC) and/or Memorandum of
    Agreement (MOA) and Non-Consortium Resources List

> Include a LOC/MOA from each Consortium Member, which explicitly states
> the consortium member organization's commitment to the project
> activities to include the specific roles, responsibilities, and
> resources (cash and in-kind) to be contributed by that organization.
> The original LOC/MOA, **signed and dated in blue ink** by an
> individual representing the consortium member organization who has the
> legal authority to obligate that member organization both financially
> and programmatically, are to be kept by the applicant organization,
> **required for submission to ORHP if the project is funded, within 30
> days of award**. Whenever possible, please obtain an electronic
> signature and date for the LOC for submission. A Non-Consortium
> Organization Resources List of those non-consortium organizations
> providing substantial support and/or relevant resources to the project
> should be attached and clearly labeled, if applicable. Provide the
> organization name, contact person(s), full address, phone number(s),
> fax number, e-mail address, and a brief account of one to
> two-sentence(s) of the relevant support/resource(s) being provided. Do
> **not** include actual letters from any non-consortium organizations.
> The LOC/MOA and Non-Consortium Member Resource List **will not count**
> against the 80-page limit.

7)  Attachment 7: Former Grantee Information

> Former Rural Health Care Services Outreach, Rural Health Network
> Development, and Rural Health Network Development Planning grantees,
> including those in a current no-cost extension, who are involved in
> the submission of a new Outreach project proposal must include: (1)
> the dates of any prior award(s) received; (2) the grant number
> assigned to the previous project(s); (3) a copy of the abstract or
> project summary that was submitted with the previously awarded grant
> application(s); and (4) description of the role of the applicant
> and/or consortium member in the previous grant. To be eligible, the
> proposed project must differ from any of the previous projects,
> enlarge the service area of the project, or expand the scope of the
> previous grant activities. The page(s) for Former Grantee Information
> **will not count** against the 80-page limit.
>
> []{.mark}

8)  Attachment 8: State Office of Rural Health or other State Entity
    Letter of Support

> The legislation for the Outreach Program indicates that applications
> will be submitted in consultation with the SORH or other State entity.
> Include a copy of the letter, or other written proof of consultation,
> from the SORH or State entity indicating you have contacted them
> regarding your project during the planning and development process. In
> the case that you do not receive a response, submit a copy of your
> request for consultation to the SORH or State entity. The page for
> this letter should not be numbered as part of the application, and
> **will not** **count** against the 80-page limit.

9)  Attachment 9: Proof of Nonprofit Status

> The applicant must include a letter from the IRS or eligible State
> entity that provides documentation profit status. In place of the
> letter documenting nonprofit status, public entities may indicate
> their type of public entity (State or local government) and include it
> here. The nonprofit status letter, or substitution, **will count**
> against the 80-page limit.
>
> []{.mark}

10) Attachment 10: Federally recognized Native American Tribe or
    Organization

> Applicant organizations that are Federally-recognized Native American
> Tribes or Tribal organizations are eligible to apply, regardless of
> location, if all of the proposed grant activities are to be conducted
> within Federally-recognized Tribal areas. Documentation of the
> Federally-recognized Tribal status must be included for this
> consideration. The documentation **will count** against the 80-page
> limit.

11) Attachment 11: Letters of Support List and Optional Attachments

> Please include all other supplemental materials you choose to submit
> in Attachment 11. Be sure each attachment is clearly labeled and
> included in the table of contents. An optional listing of the letters
> of support received from community members that are not consortium
> members and are not providing substantial resources to the project may
> be inserted here. Provide the organization name, contact person(s),
> full address, phone number(s), fax number, e-mail address. Do not
> include actual letters from non-consortium organizations. The Letters
> of Support List and any other optional attachments **will count**
> against the 80-page limit. 

12) Attachment 12: Audit

> A copy of the applicant's most recent audit should be inserted here.
> The audit **will not count** against the 80-page limit.

# 3. Submission Dates and Times {#submission-dates-and-times .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> **Application Due Date**

The due date for applications under this grant announcement is *October
18, 2006 at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time*. Applications will be considered as
meeting the deadline if they are E marked on or before the due date.
Please consult Appendix A, Section 3 for detailed instructions on
submission requirements.

> The Chief Grants Management Officer (CGMO) or a higher level designee
> may authorize an extension of published deadlines when justified by
> circumstances such as acts of God (e.g. floods or hurricanes),
> widespread disruptions of mail service, or other disruptions of
> services, such as a prolonged blackout. The authorizing official will
> determine the affected geographical area(s).
>
> Applications must be submitted by 8:00 P.M. ET. **To ensure that you
> have adequate time to follow procedures and successfully submit the
> application, we recommend you register immediately in Grants.gov (see
> Appendix B) and complete the forms as soon as possible, as this is a
> new process and may take some time.**
>
> **Please refer to Appendix B for important specific information on
> registering, and Appendix A, Section 3 for important information on
> applying through Grants.gov.**
>
> **Late applications:**
>
> Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered late
> applications. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
> shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be
> considered in the current competition.

# 4. Intergovernmental Review {#intergovernmental-review .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program is a program
> subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, as implemented by
> 45 CFR 100. Executive Order 12372 allows States the option of setting
> up a system for reviewing applications from within their States for
> assistance under certain Federal programs. Application packages made
> available under this guidance will contain a listing of States that
> have chosen to set up such a review system, and will provide a State
> Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for the review. Information on the
> States affected by this program and the State Points of Contact may
> also be obtained from the Grants Management Officer listed in the
> AGENCY Contact(s) section, as well as from the following Web site:
> [http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html](http://www.dhhs.gov/progorg/grantsnet/laws-reg/spoc399.htm).
>
> All applicants other than Federally-recognized Native American Tribal
> Groups should contact their SPOC as early as possible to alert them to
> the prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions on
> the State process used under this Executive Order.
>
> Letters from the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), in response to
> Executive Order 12372, are due sixty days after the application due
> date.

# 5. Funding Restrictions {#funding-restrictions .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Applicants responding to this announcement may request funding for a
> project period of up to three (3) years, at no more than \$150,000 for
> the first year, \$125,000 for the second year, and \$100,000 for the
> third year. Awards to support projects beyond the first budget year
> will be contingent upon Congressional appropriation, satisfactory
> progress in meeting the project's objectives, and a determination that
> continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Outreach program funds under this announcement may not be used for the
> following purposes:

(1) To purchase or acquire real property or for construction or
    renovation of any space;

(2) To purchase equipment above 40 percent of the Federal share of
    funding for each budget period; or

(3) To provide inpatient care.

> Requests for funds that duplicate, supplant, or replace funding
> currently received from other sources, including other ORHP funds will
> not be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to
> demonstrate that requested funds are not duplicative and will not be
> used to supplant or replace other funding sources in their project
> narrative. Applicants must provide assurance that all revenue
> generated from the funding of this grant program will be used to
> offset the costs of approved project-related activities supported
> through this grant.

# 6. Other Submission Requirements  {#other-submission-requirements .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> **Public Health System Impact Statement**
>
> The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant program is subject to
> Public Health System Reporting Requirements approved by the Office of
> Management and Budget. Under these requirements, community-based,
> non-government applicants (that is, where no local government or State
> run health organization is the applicant), must prepare and submit a
> Public Health Impact Statement (PHIS). The statement is intended to
> provide timely information to State and local health officials on
> possible services to be offered through the proposed project.
> Community-based and non-government applicants must submit the
> following information to the head of your State and local health
> agencies in the areas affected by the project no later than the
> Federal application receipt deadline date.
>
> 1\) A copy of the face page of the application (Standard Form 424);
> and
>
> 2\) A summary of the project, should be a maximum of 2 pages, which
> provides:

a.  A description of the project;

b.  A summary of the services to be provided; and

c.  A description of the coordination planned with appropriate State and
    local health agencies.

> It is suggested that you use the abstract submitted as part of your
> original application, with any needed updates, to satisfy this
> requirement.
>
> NOTE: Even if the local health department is a member of the
> consortium, unless they are the grantee, the Public Health Impact
> Statement must be submitted to State and/ local health officials.
>
> **Electronic Submission Requirement**
>
> As stated in Section IV.1, except in rare cases, HRSA will no longer
> accept applications for grant opportunities in paper form. Applicants
> submitting for this funding opportunity are ***required*** to submit
> ***electronically*** through Grants.gov. To submit an application
> electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov application site.
> When using Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the
> application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit
> the application via the Grants.gov site.
>
> Applicants may request an exemption for electronic submission through
> a written justification to DGPClearances@hrsa.gov, and provide details
> as to why they are technologically unable to submit electronically
> though the Grants.gov portal. Make sure the announcement number
> (HRSA-07-005) you are seeking relief for is specified. The applicant
> must obtain a written exemption from the electronic submission
> requirement, in advance, by the Director of HRSA's Division of Grants
> Policy. HRSA and its Grants Application Center (GAC) will only accept
> paper applications from applicants that received prior written
> approval.
>
> As soon as you read this, whether you plan on applying for a HRSA
> grant later this month, later this year, or anticipate an exception
> from the electronic submission requirements, it is incumbent that your
> organization ***immediately register*** in Grants.gov and become
> familiar with the Grants.gov site application process. If you do not
> complete the registration process you will be unable to submit an
> application. The registration process can take up to one month, so you
> need to begin immediately.
>
> To be able to successfully register in Grants.gov, it is necessary
> that you complete all of the following required actions:
>
> • Obtain an organizational Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number
>
> • Register the organization with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
>
> • Identify the organization's E-Business POC (Point of Contact)
>
> • Confirm the organization's CCR "Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN)"
> password
>
> • Register an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
>
> • Obtain a username and password from the Grants.gov Credential
> Provider
>
> Instructions on how to register, tutorials and FAQs are available on
> the Grants.gov web site at www.grants.gov. Assistance is also
> available from the Grants.gov help desk at support@grants.gov or by
> phone at 1-800-518-4726.
>
> More specific information, including step-by-step instructions on
> registering and applying, can be found in Appendix B of this guidance.
>
> **Formal submission of the electronic application:** Applications
> completed online are considered formally submitted when the
> Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to HRSA.
> However, to complete the submission requirements, a hard-copy of the
> SF-424/5161 Face Sheet must be printed, signed, and submitted to the
> HRSA Grants Application Center. The SF-424/5161 must be printed from
> Grants.gov.
>
> For an application submitted electronically, the signed SF-424/5161
> must be sent to the HRSA GRANTS APPLICATION CENTER at the following
> address and received by HRSA by no later than five days after the date
> of submission in Grants.gov:
>
> The HRSA Grants Application Center
>
> The Legin Group, Inc.
>
> Attn: Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program
>
> Program Announcement No. HRSA-07-005
>
> CFDA No. 93.912
>
> **(PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 11)\-- (ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 \--)**
>
> 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South
>
> Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Gaithersburg, MD 20878
>
> Telephone: 877-477-2123
>
> Applications will be considered as having met the deadline if: (1) the
> application has been successfully transmitted electronically by your
> organization's Authorizing Official through Grants.gov on or before
> the deadline date and time, and (2) the signed SF-424/5161 Face Sheet
> is received by HRSA no later than five days after the date of
> submission in Grants.gov.
>
> It is incumbent on applicants to ensure that the AO is available to
> submit the application to HRSA by the application due date. We will
> [not]{.underline} accept submission or re-submission of incomplete,
> rejected, or otherwise delayed applications after the deadline.
>
> Again, please understand that we will not consider additional
> information and/or materials submitted after your initial application.
> You must therefore ensure that all materials are submitted together.

# V. Application Review Information

# 1. Review Criteria {#review-criteria .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Procedures for assessing the technical merit of grant applications
> have been instituted to provide for an objective review of
> applications and to assist the applicant in understanding the
> standards against which each application will be judged. Critical
> indicators have been developed for each review criterion to assist the
> applicant in presenting pertinent information related to that
> criterion and to provide the reviewer with a standard for evaluation.
> Review criteria are outlined below with specific detail and scoring
> points.
>
> Review Criteria are used to review and rank applications. The Rural
> Health Services Outreach Grant Program has **SIX** review criteria:

**Criterion 1: NEED (25 points)**

> The extent to which the applicant describes the problem(s) and
> associated contributing factors to the problem, as follows:

a.  The applicant clearly identifies and establishes the unmet health
    care needs of the target population

    i.  The need is documented well and data is provided regarding the
        incidence in the target population through demographic
        information, the demographics, and specific health status
        indicators relevant to the project

    ii. Supporting local data is provided for the community and the
        target population

    iii. Supporting State and national level data is provided

    iv. A comparison is provided on the local data versus State and
        national data.

    v.  Other methods, such as relevant social problems to the health
        status

    vi. The entire population of the service area and its demographics
        are described in relation to the target population to be served

b.  The applicant identifies the level of involvement the target
    community has held in\
    identifying the needs of the population and in planning the project
    activities

    i.  The applicant discusses how the needs of the community were
        identified and what role the community played in establishing
        the need

    ii. The applicant discusses the strategies used to involve the
        community in the planning process and the manner and degree to
        which members of the community and/or the target population were
        included in planning the activities

    iii. The applicant describes the tools and methods employed to
         identify the special needs of the community (e.g., needs
         assessments, town meetings, focus groups, health screenings,
         health fairs, questionnaires/surveys, etc.)

c.  The applicant discusses the relevant barriers that they hope to
    overcome

    i.  The applicant includes any pertinent geographic, socio-economic,
        linguistic, cultural, ethnic, workforce, or other barrier(s) to
        access to health care in the target community

    ii. The applicant identifies relevant strategies to address any
        anticipated linguistic, social or religious barriers to health
        care of the target population

    iii. The applicant provides a map of the service area that clearly
         identifies the target communities and demonstrates how they are
         geographically bound

d.  The application describes the relevant health services currently
    available in the targeted service area

    i.  The applicant describes the probable impact of the project on
        current providers (especially those that are not included in the
        proposed project).

[]{.mark}

**Criterion 2: RESPONSE (25 points)**

The extent to which the proposed project responds to the "Purpose"
included in the program description. The extent to which the activities
described in the application are capable of addressing the identified
needs and attaining the project objectives, as follows:

a.  The applicant clearly and thoroughly presents the proposed goals and
    objectives of the project

    i.  The applicant proposes goals and objectives that are measurable,
        realistic, and achievable in a specific timeframe

    ii. The applicant proposes goals and objectives that have a clear
        correlation to addressing the identified need

b.  The applicant develops activities that directly relate to the
    project goals that are realistic and appropriate in addressing the
    identified needs and relevant barriers.

    i.  The applicant demonstrates that the proposed activities will
        lead to the attainment of the project objectives

    ii. The applicant includes activities to ensure that possible
        cultural, linguistic, social and religious differences of the
        target populations are identified and addressed

c.  The applicant includes a work plan is logical and easy to follow,
    clearly depicting the timeline of the proposed activities and the
    steps that must be taken to achieve each of the project goals

    i.  The applicant addresses each of the activities in the work plan
        in the narrative section

    ii. The application identifies the organization(s) and person(s)
        responsible for carrying out each project strategy and activity

    iii. The applicant includes the anticipated timeframe for the
         project activities

d.  The applicant identifies anticipated outputs

e.  The applicant discusses a reasonable plan for project sustainability
    after the receipt of Federal funds

    i.  The applicant identifies sources of funding that do not include
        Federal grants

    ii. The applicant identifies sustainability strategies that are
        attainable

f.  The applicant identifies potential issues and barriers to the
    management and implementation of the project

    i.  The applicant identifies potential and realistic solutions to
        the potential challenges.

**Criterion 3: EVALUATIVE MEASURES** **(15 points)**

The effectiveness of the method proposed to monitor and evaluate the
project results. Evaluative measures must be able to assess 1) to what
extent the program objectives have been met and 2) to what extent these
can be attributed to the project.

a.  The applicant identifies an evaluator or includes a plan for hiring
    an evaluator (internal or external)

    i.  The applicant includes an appropriate and realistic description
        of the roles and responsibilities of the evaluator

    ii. The applicant includes the qualifications of the evaluator, if
        identified, which are satisfactory for designing and
        implementing a project evaluation

    iii. If the evaluator is identified, the applicant indicates the
         extent the evaluator was involved in planning for the project

b.  The applicant clearly defines an evaluation plan with appropriate
    measures identified for the nature of the project

    i.  The applicant includes appropriate outcome measures

    ii. The applicant includes appropriate process measures

    iii. The applicant states the expected impact of the project and how
         attainment of the goals will affect the target population and
         community

    iv. The applicant identifies baseline information for on-going
        project evaluation

    v.  The applicant identifies how data will be gathered and analyzed
        for the measures

    vi. The applicant identifies on-going quality improvement strategies
        that will assist in the early identification and modification of
        ineffective project activities

c.  The applicant identifies qualitative and quantitative indicators
    that will measure the success of the project at its completion.

**Criterion 4: IMPACT (5 Points)**

The extent to which the applicant describes the expected impact on the
target population, and the extent and value that the project is shown to
be replicable in other communities with similar needs.

a.  The applicant identifies the models (National, local, best
    practices, etc) that were used in the design and development of the
    project

    i.  The applicant explains the how the models and/or specific
        activities pertinent to the proposed project were tailored to
        the specific target population and community

b.  The extent to which the applicant describes the expected impact from
    the project on the target population and the community

c.  The applicant describes the extent and effectiveness of the value of
    the project to other communities with similar needs

    i.  The applicant describes the plans and methods for dissemination
        of project results

    ii. The applicant describes the extent to which project results may
        be national in scope

    iii. The applicant describes the degree to which the project
         activities are replicable in other rural communities with
         similar needs.

**Criterion 5: RESOURCES/CAPABILITIES** **(25 Points)**

The applicant describes the resources and the abilities of the applicant
organization and the consortium members. The capability of the applicant
to implement and fulfill the requirements of the proposed project based
on the resources available and the qualifications of the project staff.

a.  The applicant demonstrates evidence of success with other similar
    projects, particularly collaborative endeavors. If the applicant has
    not had experience with similar projects, the applicant is able to
    demonstrate their ability to manage such a project through similar
    capabilities

b.  The applicant organization demonstrates its ability to manage the
    consortium, address day-day problems of the consortium, to
    administer grant funds and deliver the services proposed for the
    project

    i.  The applicant sufficiently describes their history in managing
        and providing the relevant services for the project, similar
        experience, or sufficiently demonstrates the capability to do so

    ii. The applicant includes a clear organizational chart for the
        applicant organization

c.  The applicant provides a listing with each consortium members
    including full address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail, and contact
    person

    i.  The applicant includes a description of how the proposed
        consortium developed, and provides information on the prior
        collaborative experience of the consortium members, if relevant

    ii. The applicant has shown that each consortium member has a
        substantial and realistic role for being a member of the
        consortium, and that the support provided is necessary for the
        achievement of the project goals

    iii. The application contains information about the ability of each
         consortium member organization and their ability to deliver
         services and otherwise meet the needs of the project

    iv. The applicant provides a letter of commitment or memorandum of
        agreement from each of the consortium members that explicitly
        states each organization's commitment to the project, indicates
        the support and resources they will bring to the project, and
        the activities they will oversee

d.  The applicant describes a staffing plan, provides job descriptions,
    and resumes that corresponds to and reflects the necessary time,
    qualifications, and abilities to provide the proposed services and
    activities of the project (refer to Attachment 3 and 4 for
    additional information)

    i.  The applicant identifies the paid staff that will be available
        at the time of award and will be able to initiate the activities
        described in the Project Narrative

e.  The applicant describes any other project resources

f.  The applicant provides information on the project management
    strategies

g.  The applicant describes the process for communication and
    coordination with the consortium

    i.  The applicant describes the decision making process within the
        consortium.

    ii. The applicant provides information on how authority will flow
        from the applicant that receives the Federal grant funds and
        their staff to lines of authority within the consortium

    iii. The applicant describes how frequently the consortium will meet
         and how the meetings will be conducted

    iv. The applicant describes how frequently the consortium will be
        given updates on the project and to what extent the project
        director will be accountable to the consortium

    v.  The applicant includes a clear organizational chart for the
        consortium members.

**Criterion 6: SUPPORT REQUESTED (5 points)**

The budget forms 424A, along with the Budget Justification components of
the itemized budget and budget narrative, are to be used in the review
of this section. Together, they will provide reviewers with the
information to determine the reasonableness of the requested support.

a.  The applicant's itemized budget table or spreadsheet is clearly
    presented for each year of requested funding

b.  The budget justification logically documents how and why each line
    item request (such as personnel, travel, equipment, supplies,
    information technology, and contractual services) supports the goals
    and activities of the proposed grant-funded activities

c.  The estimated cost to the government of proposed grant-funded
    activities appear reasonable

d.  The support requested is not more than the maximum amount allowable
    (\$150,000 for year 1).

[]{.mark}

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **REVIEW CRITERION**                **Number of Points**

  1\. Need                            25

  2\. Response                        25

  3\. Evaluative Measures             15

  4\. Impact                          5

  5\. Resources/Capabilities          25

  6\. Support Requested               5

                                      

  TOTAL POINTS                        100
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

# 2. Review and Selection Process {#review-and-selection-process .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> The Division of Independent Review is responsible for managing
> objective reviews within HRSA. Applications competing for Federal
> funds receive an objective and independent review performed by a
> committee of experts qualified by training and experience in
> particular fields or disciplines related to the program being
> reviewed. In selecting review committee members, other factors in
> addition to training and experience may be considered to improve the
> balance of the committee, e.g., geographic distribution. Each reviewer
> is screened to avoid conflicts of interest and is responsible for
> providing an objective, unbiased evaluation based on the review
> criteria noted above. The committee provides expert advice on the
> merits of each application to program officials responsible for final
> selections for award.
>
> Applications that pass the initial HRSA eligibility screening will be
> reviewed and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review
> criteria presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
> The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to assess
> the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its
> success.  The criteria are closely related to each other and are
> considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an
> application.

[]{.mark}

**Funding Preferences**

> The authorizing legislation provides a funding preference for some
> applicants. Applicants receiving the preference will be placed in a
> more competitive position among applications that can be funded. **It
> is imperative that you request and verify your consortium's
> eligibility for a funding preference. A preference will not be awarded
> to eligible applicants unless it is requested.** Applications that do
> not receive a funding preference will be given full and equitable
> consideration during the review process. The law provides that a
> funding preference be granted to any qualified applicant that
> specifically requests the preference and demonstrates that they meet
> the criteria for either of the two preferences. **To receive a funding
> preference, applicants must clearly identify and demonstrate *which*
> preference they are requesting in Section xi, Request for Funding
> Preference, after the Program Narrative, as instructed in the program
> guidance application instructions.**

**PREFERENCE 1: HPSA, MUC, MUP**

> Applicants are eligible if their service area is located in an
> officially designated health professional shortage area (HPSA), is a
> medically underserved community (MUC), and/or serves medically
> underserved populations (MUPs).

[]{.mark}

> To ascertain HPSA and MUP designation status, please refer to the
> following Web site: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/index.htm.
>
> To qualify as a Medically Underserved Community (MUC), the project
> must include facilities that are Federally-designated as one of the
> following:

i.  Community Health Centers

ii. Migrant Health Centers

iii. Health Care for the Homeless Grantees

iv. Public Housing Primary Care Grantees

v.  Rural Health Clinics

vi. National Health Service Corps Sites

vii. Indian Health Service Sites

viii. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

ix. Primary Medical Care Health Professional Shortage Areas

x.  Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas

xi. Nurse Shortage Areas

xii. State or Local Health Departments

xiii. Ambulatory practice sites designated by State Governors as serving
      medically underserved communities.

**PREFERENCE 2: Project Focus -- Primary Care or Wellness & Disease
Prevention**

> Applicants whose projects focus on primary care and/or wellness and
> disease prevention strategies are eligible for this funding
> preference. Briefly summarize how the project focus is in primary care
> and/or wellness and disease prevention by listing the appropriate
> services/activities proposed. Primary care strategies may include
> services provided as routine medical care to include diagnosis,
> treatment, and health education, and referrals. Wellness and disease
> prevention strategies promote healthy living and the prevention of
> disease. Such strategies may include health education, screenings for
> preventable diseases, and disease management services.

[]{.mark}

# 3. Projected Announcement and Award Dates  {#projected-announcement-and-award-dates .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> The FY07 Outreach Grant Program applications are scheduled to be
> reviewed early in February, 2007. Applicants will be mailed a summary
> assessment of their proposal, with the application score, in early
> March. It is expected that the Notice of Grant Award (NGA) will be
> sent electronically to successful applicants, from Grants Management,
> in mid-April. All applicants, whether successful or not, should
> receive written notification of the funding decision from the Office
> of Rural Health Policy, by May 7, 2007.

# VI. Award Administration Information

# 1. Award Notices {#award-notices .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Each applicant will receive written notification of the outcome of the
> objective review process, including a summary of the expert
> committee's assessment of the application's merits and weaknesses, and
> whether the application was selected for funding. Applicants who are
> selected for funding may be required to respond in a satisfactory
> manner to Conditions placed on their application (found in the NGA)
> before funding can proceed. Letters of notification do not provide
> authorization to begin performance.
>
> The Notice of Grant Award sets forth the amount of funds granted, the
> terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant,
> the budget period for which initial support will be given, the
> non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total
> project period for which support is contemplated. Signed by the Grants
> Management Officer, it is sent to the applicant agency's Authorized
> Representative, and reflects the only authorizing document. It will be
> sent prior to the start date of May 1, 2007.

# 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements {#administrative-and-national-policy-requirements .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Successful applicants must comply with the administrative requirements
> outlined in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92
> (governmental), as appropriate.

**PUBLIC POLICY ISSUANCE**

[]{.mark}

**HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010**

> Healthy People 2010 is a national initiative led by HHS that sets
> priorities for all HRSA programs. The initiative has two major goals:
> (1) To increase the quality and years of a healthy life; and (2)
> Eliminate our country's health disparities. The program consists of 28
> focus areas and 467 objectives. HRSA has actively participated in the
> work groups of all the focus areas, and is committed to the
> achievement of the Healthy People 2010 goals.
>
> Applicants must summarize the relationship of their projects and
> identify which of their programs objectives and/or sub-objectives
> relate to the goals of the Healthy People 2010 initiative.
>
> Copies of Healthy People 2010 may be obtained from the Superintendent
> of Documents or at the Healthy People 2010 Web site:
> http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/document/.
>
> In addition, the Rural Healthy People 2010 Companion Document may be a
> helpful resource as you develop project goals that further the goals
> of HP2010. Copies of this companion document are available at:
> http://www.srph.tamushsc.edu/rhp2010/publications.htm or through
> HRSA's Information Center by calling 1-888-ASK-HRSA.

**ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE REQUIREMENTS**

> The Public Health Service strongly encourages all award recipients to
> provide a smoke-free workplace and to promote the non-use of all
> tobacco products. Further, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of
> 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any
> portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library,
> day care, health care or early childhood development services are
> provided to children.

# 3. Reporting {#reporting .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

The successful applicant under this guidance must:

a.  Within 30 days of receipt of award, the applicant organization is
    required to submit, to the Office of Rural Health Policy, the
    original Letters of Commitment/Memorandum of Agreement, signed and
    dated in blue ink, by each consortium member.

> Submit the original LOC/MOA to:
>
> Attn.: Rural Health Services Outreach Grant Program
>
> Re: Letters of Commitment/Memorandum of Agreement
>
> HRSA, Office of Rural Health Policy
>
> Parklawn Building, Room 9 A-55
>
> 5600 Fishers Lane
>
> Rockville, MD 20857

b.  Comply with **audit** requirements of Office of Management and
    Budget (OMB) Circular A-133. Information on the scope, frequency,
    and other aspects of the audits can be found on the Internet at
    www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars;

c.  Submit a quarterly electronic PSC-272 via the **Payment Management
    System**. The report identifies cash expenditures against the
    authorized funds for the grant. Failure to submit the report may
    result in the inability to access grant funds. The PSC-272
    Certification page should be faxed to the PMS contact at the fax
    number listed on the 272 form, or it may be submitted to the:

> Division of Payment Management
>
> HHS/ASAM/PSC/FMS/DPM
>
> PO Box 6021
>
> Rockville, MD 20852
>
> Telephone: (877) 614-5533;

d.  Submit a **Financial Status Report** (FSR). A financial status
    report is required within 90 days of the end of each grant year,
    which is August 1 for the Outreach program. The report is an
    accounting of expenditures under the project that year;

e.  Submit an **Annual Performance Report**. A non-competing
    continuation application is required for receiving continued grant
    support in year two and year three. The application will require you
    to document of progress achieved with grant funds during the past
    year, as well as outline plans for the upcoming year. ORHP will also
    identify certain performance measures to use for the Outreach Grant
    Program. The report will include required data elements based on the
    performance measures that will help aggregate outcome information
    from similar projects. Instructions for preparing and submitting
    this report will be automatically sent to grantees in the
    non-competing, continuation application kit.

f.  Submit a **Final Program Performance Report**. The final report is
    required within 90 days of the end of the original grant project
    period. The Office of Rural Health Policy will notify grantees, in
    writing, concerning the substance, format, and exact delivery date
    of this report during the final year of the grant project period.

# 4. Performance Review {#performance-review .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> HRSA's Office of Performance Review (OPR) serves as the agency's focal
> point for reviewing and enhancing the performance of HRSA funded
> programs within communities and States. On a regularly scheduled
> basis, HRSA grantees are required to participate in a performance
> review of their HRSA funded program(s) by a review team from one of
> the ten OPR regional divisions. Grantees should expect to participate
> in a performance review at some point during their project period.
> When a grantee receives more than one HRSA grant, each of the
> grantee's HRSA funded programs will be reviewed during the same
> performance review.
>
> The purpose of performance review is to improve the performance of
> HRSA funded programs. Through systematic pre-site and on-site
> analysis, OPR works collaboratively with grantees and HRSA
> Bureaus/Offices to measure program performance, analyze the factors
> impacting performance, and identify effective strategies and
> partnerships to improve program performance, with a particular focus
> on outcomes. Upon completion of the performance review, grantees are
> expected to prepare an Action Plan that identifies key actions to
> improve program performance as well as addresses any identified
> program requirement issues. Performance reviews also provide direct
> feedback to the agency about the impact of HRSA policies on program
> implementation and performance within communities and States.
>
> For additional information on performance reviews, please visit:
> http://www.hrsa.gov/performancereview.

# VII. Agency Contacts

> Applicants may obtain additional information regarding business,
> administrative, or fiscal issues related to this grant announcement by
> contacting:

Inge Cooper, Grants Management Specialist

Attn.: Rural Health Services Outreach Grant Program

HRSA Division of Grants Management Operations, OFAM

Parklawn Building, Room 11 A-16

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301/594-4236

Fax: 301/594-4073

Email: ICooper@hrsa.gov

> Additional information related to the overall program issues and
> technical assistance may be obtained by contacting:

Jennifer L. Chang, MPH Nisha Patel

Outreach Program Coordinator Outreach Program Coordinator

Attn: Outreach Grant Program Attn: Outreach Grant Program

HRSA, Office of Rural Health Policy HRSA, Office of Rural Health Policy

Parklawn Building, Room 9 A-55 Parklawn Building, Room 9 A-55

5600 Fishers Lane 5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857 Rockville, MD 20857

> Telephone direct: 301/443-0736 Telephone direct: 301/443-6894

Email: JChang@hrsa.gov Email: NPatel@hrsa.gov

Telephone main: 301/443-0835

Fax: 301/443-2803

# VIII. Technical Assistance 

# 1. Technical Assistance Call Information {#technical-assistance-call-information .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

The Office of Rural Health Policy will hold a Technical Assistance Call
for the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program application,
to begin on **August 30, 2006 at 3:00 PM, Eastern Time**. The toll-free
number to call-in **1-800-593-0731**, the Passcode is **Outreach**, and
the Leader name is Nisha Patel.

For your reference, the Technical Assistance Call will be recorded and
available to play-back until October 31, 2006, at 8:59 PM Eastern Time.
It should be available approximately one hour after the end of the call
and can be heard by calling the toll-free number 1-866-501-5103.

The Technical Assistance Call is a call that is open to the general
public. The purpose of the call is to provide any additional or
clarifying information that may be necessary regarding the application
procedure, and to answer questions received. Anyone who is interested in
applying for the Outreach Grant Program should plan to listen to the
call. This call is not required, but it is highly advised that
applicants call-in or listen to the recording. It is most useful to
applicants when the guidance is easily accessible during the call and if
questions are written down ahead of time, for easy reference.

# 2. Useful Web Sites {#useful-web-sites .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

**Rural Eligibility List -**
ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/ruralhealth/eligibility2005.pdf

**State Office of Rural Health (SORH) List** -
http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/funding/50sorh.htm

**Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List -**
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

**Office of Rural Health Policy Home Page** -
http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov

**Rural Assistance Center** -- http://www.raconline.org

#  {#section .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

# 3. Definitions  {#definitions .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> Provided are definitions for some of the terms commonly used in
> conjunction with the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant
> Program:
>
> **Applicant Organization** - The applicant organization is the
> organization that serves as the applicant to the grant program, on
> behalf of the consortium. The applicant organization is the applicant
> of record and will receive and disburse the grant funds. Also referred
> to as the lead applicant or organization, this organization must meet
> the eligibility requirements set forth in the guidance.
>
> **Budget Period** - An interval of time into which the project period
> is divided for budgetary and reporting purposes, normally one year in
> length.
>
> **Community Population** - The community population is the total
> number of persons in the service area including those who will receive
> services.
>
> **Equipment** - Durable items that cost at least \$5,000 per unit and
> have a life expectancy of over one year.
>
> **Funding** **Preference** - A funding preference is defined as the
> funding of a specific category or group of approved applications ahead
> of other categories or groups of applications. The authorizing
> legislation provides a funding preference for some applicants.
> Applicants receiving the preference will be placed in a more
> competitive position among applications that can be funded. To be
> eligible for the funding preference, the applicant must request the
> one they are eligible for and provide support of their eligibility.
>
> **Grantee** - A nonprofit or public entity to which a grant is awarded
> and which is responsible and accountable for the use of the funds
> provided for the project.
>
> **Health Care** **Provider** - Health care providers are defined as:
> hospitals, public health agencies, home health providers, mental
> health centers, substance abuse service providers, rural health
> clinics, primary care providers, oral health providers, social service
> agencies, health profession schools, local school districts, emergency
> services providers, community and migrant health centers, churches,
> and civic organizations.
>
> **In-Kind** - The amount of financial contribution donated by a member
> of the Consortium or other organization to help support project
> activities. In-kind contributions can be cash or the monetary
> equivalent of services, staff, space, equipment, expertise, etc.
>
> **Nonprofit** - Any entity that is a corporation or association of
> which no part of the net earnings may benefit private shareholders or
> individuals and is identified as nonprofit by the IRS.
>
> **Notice of Grant Award (NGA)** - A legally binding document, that
> serves as the official notice to the recipient and others that the
> grant has been awarded. Contains or references all terms of the award
> and documents the obligation of Federal funds in the Health and Human
> Services accounting system.
>
> **Project** - All proposed services and activities specified in a
> grant application, as approved for funding.
>
> **Project Director** - An individual designated by the grantee
> institution to direct the project or program being supported by the
> grant. The Project Director is responsible and accountable to the
> recipient organization officials for the proper conduct of the project
> or program. The entity (organization) is, in turn, legally responsible
> and accountable to the Office of Rural Health Policy and the
> Department of Health and Human Services for the performance and
> financial aspects of the grant-supported activity. The Project
> Director must be employed by or under contract to either the applicant
> organization or a rural organization that is a member of the
> consortium.
>
> **Project Period** - The total time for which support of a
> discretionary project has been approved, usually three years for the
> Outreach program. A project period may consist of one or more budget
> periods. The total project period comprises the original project
> period and any extension periods.
>
> **State** - Includes, in addition to the 50 States, the District of
> Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the
> Northern Mariana Islands, the Territories of the Virgin Islands, Guam,
> American Samoa, the Compact of Free Association Jurisdictions of the
> Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the
> Federated States of Micronesia.
>
> **Target Population** - The number of persons who may directly receive
> the services provided.
>
> **Telehealth** - The use of electronic information and
> telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical
> health care, patient and professional health-related education, public
> health and health administration.

# 4. Pre-Application Planning Advice  {#pre-application-planning-advice .Style-Heading-1-+-12-pt-Left}

> **Each year, applications have been received in which the instructions
> or application template directions were not followed. These
> applications have received less favorable reviews from the Peer
> Reviewers. Read the entire application guidance and follow ALL
> instructions carefully.**

(A) Experience has shown that successful applicants have engaged in an
    effective pre-application planning process involving all parties
    having a stake in the project. The Office urges significant
    community involvement in the project from the very beginning.
    Applicant organizations should work closely with community
    representatives and organizations that will be affected by the
    projects or involved with its implementation. Community involvement
    can be accomplished through the use of town meetings, focus groups,
    surveys and other appropriate techniques. A primary objective is to
    identify and reach consensus on community needs that will be
    addressed by the project. Community representatives and
    participating organizations should also be involved in setting the
    specific goals for the grant program and in decisions on the
    allocation of grant resources. Some applicants have conducted a
    formal needs assessment in their communities or can rely on
    assessments conducted by others. If a formal needs assessment has
    not been conducted, applicants can demonstrate community needs
    through the use of demographic data for their community or region,
    State and national data, and other appropriate information. The data
    sources shown in item #18 above may be helpful in completing your
    application.

(B) Projects that bring together multiple sources of support are
    encouraged. If other funding sources are available or anticipated
    (e.g. Federal, State, philanthropic, etc), it will strengthen the
    grant application. The Office is interested in developing strategies
    to address the health care needs of underserved populations that can
    be adapted to other rural communities around the country. Therefore,
    applicants should note in the application materials if the project
    being proposed is modeled after a program that was successful in
    another community.

(C) Outreach grants require substantive participation in the consortium
    by at least three different organizations, including the applicant
    organization. However, some applicants include more member
    organizations than they can coordinate and hence fail to establish a
    meaningful and substantive role for each member of the project
    consortium, which results in the application receiving an
    unacceptable rating. All consortium members must be fully involved
    in the proposed project and all must work together to achieve the
    project goals.

(D) Applicants that put off planning, consensus building, and sign-off
    by appropriate consortium members until the application deadline is
    near may risk the appearance, in the final application, that the
    project does not have sufficient commitment by all consortium
    members. This weakness could jeopardize a positive review of the
    application. Please make sure the community and the consortium
    members are involved from the start and that final signatures are
    secured well before the application deadline. Letters of
    Commitment/Memorandum of Agreement must be signed and dated in blue
    ink and the applicant organization is to collect and hold the
    originals for required submission to ORHP within 30 days of receipt
    of award. Any copied or mechanically reproduced signatures or
    Letters of Commitment signed by someone other than the senior
    executive are not acceptable, as not containing sufficient evidence
    of consortium commitment. When possible, attach the LOCs with an
    electronic signature and date, to the application.

(E) Prepare a budget for the full duration of your grant proposal --
    usually three years. The required budget forms (Standard Form 424A)
    are specifically designed to capture data for three budget years or
    less. Your budget narrative should explain how the funds will be
    spent by line item. The line items should be broken down to indicate
    exactly what the amount requested is going to be used for. The
    budget narrative must directly support and relate to the activities
    of the proposed project.

(F) Clearly respond to each of the review criteria listed. The Outreach
    program is highly competitive and each applicant is evaluated using
    the same review criteria. If there is information lacking on any of
    the review criteria, this is likely to have an adverse affect on the
    final score of the application. In the case that a review criterion
    is not applicable to the applicant, an explanation of the reason may
    be valuable to the reviewers in understanding the scope of the
    project, however, this does not ensure that the score will not be
    affected.

[]{.mark}

(G) Clearly request a funding preference in the proper section and
    provide the appropriate evidence required to meet that preference.
    Receipt of a funding preference can be critical in being a
    successful applicant. All applications that receive a funding
    preference will be ranked in a more competitive position for funding
    than any application that does not receive a funding preference.

[]{.mark}

# ix. Tips for Writing a Strong Application

> **Include DUNS Number.** You must include a DUNS Number to have your
> application reviewed. Applications ***will not*** be reviewed without
> a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, access
> www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Please include the
> DUNS number in item 8c on the application face page.
>
> **Keep your audience in mind.** Reviewers will use only the
> information contained in the application to assess the application. Be
> sure the application and responses to the program requirements and
> expectations are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that
> reviewers are familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the
> review criteria in mind when writing the application.
>
> **Start preparing the application early.** Allow plenty of time to
> gather required information from various sources.
>
> **Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully.** Place all
> information in the order requested in the guidance. If the information
> is not placed in the requested order, you may receive a lower score.
>
> **Be brief, concise, and clear.** Make your points understandable.
> Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of
> problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required
> information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information
> provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with
> the proposal narrative and information in other tables.
>
> **Be organized and logical.** Many applications fail to receive a high
> score because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the
> applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together.
>
> **Be careful in the use of appendices.** Do not use the appendices for
> information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure
> to cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the
> appendices to the appropriate text in the application.
>
> **Carefully proofread the application.** Misspellings and grammatical
> errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure
> pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are
> followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each
> one at its first use and periodically throughout application. Make
> sure you submit your application in final form, without markups.
>
> **Ensure that all information is submitted at the same time.** We will
> not consider additional information and/or materials submitted after
> your initial submission, nor will we accept e-mailed applications or
> supplemental materials once your application has been accepted.

# APPENDIX A: HRSA's Electronic Submission User Guide

> User Guide Table of Contents
>
> 1\. INTRODUCTION
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....52
>
> 1.1. DOCUMENT PURPOSE AND
> SCOPE\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....52
>
> 1.2. DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION AND VERSION
> CONTROL\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....52
>
> 2\. NONCOMPETING CONTINUATION
> APPLICATION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....52
>
> 2.1. PROCESS
> OVERVIEW\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....52
>
> 2.2. GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV (IF NOT
> ALREADY
> REGISTERED)...................................................................................................\...\...\...\....53
>
> 2.3. PROJECT DIRECTOR AND AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEED TO REGISTER WITH
> HRSA EHBS
>
> (IF NOT ALREADY REGISTERED)
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....54
>
> 2.4. APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....54
>
> 2.4.1 Find Funding
> Opportunity\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....54
>
> 2.4.2 Download Application Package
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....55
>
> 2.4.3 Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....55
>
> 2.4.4 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...55
>
> 2.4.5 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...55
>
> 2.5. VERIFY IN HRSA ELECTRONIC HANDBOOKS
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...56
>
> 2.5.1 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...56
>
> 2.5.2 Manage Access to Your Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....56
>
> 2.5.3 Check Validation
> Errors\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....57
>
> 2.5.4 Fix Errors and Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....57
>
> 2.5.5 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...57
>
> 2.6. SUBMIT SIGNED FACE
> PAGE\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....57
>
> 3\. COMPETING
> APPLICATION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....57
>
> 3.1. PROCESS
> OVERVIEW\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...57
>
> 3.2. GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV NOT
> ALREADY
> REGISTERED)\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....58
>
> 3.3. APPLY THROUGH
> GRANTS.GOV\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...58
>
> 3.3.1 Find Funding
> Opportunity\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...59
>
> 3.3.2 Download Application
> Package\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...59
>
> 3.3.3 Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...59
>
> 3.3.4 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....59
>
> 3.3.5 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....60
>
> 3.4. SUBMIT SIGNED FACE PAGE
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....60
>
> 4\. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION
> SUBMISSION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...60
>
> 4.1. NARRATIVE ATTACHMENT
> GUIDELINES\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...61
>
> 4.1.1
> Font\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...61
>
> 4.1.2 Paper Size and
> Margins\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....61
>
> 4.1.3
> Names\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....61
>
> 4.1.4 Section Headings
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....61
>
> 4.1.5 Page
> Numbering\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....61
>
> 4.1.6 Allowable Attachment or Document
> Types\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....61
>
> 4.2. APPLICATION CONTENT ORDER (TABLE OF
> CONTENTS)\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...62
>
> 4.3. PAGE
> LIMIT\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....62
>
> 5.0 CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....62
>
> 5.1.1 Grants.gov Customer
> Support\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 5.1.2 HRSA Call
> Center\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 5.1.3 HRSA Program
> Support\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 6.0
> FAQs\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 6.1.
> SOFTWARE\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...63
>
> 6.1.1 What are the software requirements for using
> Grants.gov?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....63
>
> 6.1.2 Why can\'t I download PureEdge Viewer onto my
> machine?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 6.1.3 I have heard that Grants.gov is not Macintosh compatible. What
> do I do if I use only a
> Macintosh?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\.....63
>
> 6.1.4 What are the software requirements for HRSA
> EHBs?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....64
>
> 6.1.5 What are the system requirements for using HRSA EHBs on a
> Macintosh computer?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...64
>
> 6.2. APPLICATION RECEIPT
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...64
>
> 6.2.1 What will be the receipt date\--the date the application is
> stamped as received by Grants.gov
>
> or the date the data is received by HRSA?
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....64
>
> 6.2.2 When do I need to submit my application?
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....65
>
> 6.2.3 What emails can I expect once I submit my application? Is email
> reliable? \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...65
>
> 6.2.4 If a resubmission is required because of Grants.gov system
> problems, will these be
>
> considered
> \"late\"?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...66
>
> 6.3. APPLICATION
> SUBMISSION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...66
>
> 6.3.1 How can I make sure that my electronic application is presented
> in the right order for
>
> objective
> review?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...66
>
> 6.4 GRANT.GOV
> HELP\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...66

# 

1\. Introduction

***1.1 Document Purpose and Scope***

Major changes are coming to HRSA's Grant Application Process. For
guidances released/posted on or after January 1, 2006, HRSA will no
longer accept applications for grant opportunities on paper. Applicants
submitting new and competing continuations and a selected number of
noncompeting continuation applications will be required to submit
electronically through Grants.gov. All applicants must submit in this
manner unless the applicant is granted a written exemption from this
requirement in advance by the Director of HRSA's Division of Grants
Policy.

The purpose of this document is to provide detailed instructions to help
applicants and grantees submit applications electronically to HRSA
through Grants.gov. The document is intended to be the comprehensive
source of all information related to the new processes that HRSA and its
customers have to adopt and will be updated periodically. This document
is not meant to replace program guidance documents for funding
announcements.

***1.2 Document Organization and Version Control***

This document contains 5 sections apart from the Introduction. Following
is the summary:

  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
  **Section**                    **Description**

  Noncompeting Continuation      Provides detailed instructions to
  Application                    existing HRSA grantees for applying
                                 electronically using Grants.gov for all
                                 noncompeting announcements

  Competing Application          Provides detailed instructions to
                                 applicant organizations for applying
                                 electronically using Grants.gov for all
                                 competing announcements

  General Instructions for       Provides instructions and important
  Application Submission         policy guidance on application format
                                 requirements

  Customer Support Information   Provides contact information to address
                                 technical and programmatic questions

  Frequently Asked Questions     Provides answers to frequently asked
  (FAQs)                         questions by various categories
  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------

This document is under version control. Please visit
http://www.hrsa.gov/grants to retrieve the latest published version.

***2. Noncompeting Continuation Application***

***2.1 Process Overview***

Following is the process for submitting a noncompeting continuation
application through Grants.gov:

1.  HRSA will communicate noncompeting announcement number to the
    project director (PD) and authorizing official (AO) via email. The
    announcement number will be required to search for the announcement
    in Grants.gov.

2.  Search for the announcement in Grants.gov Apply
    (http://www.grants.gov/Apply).

3.  Download the application package and instructions from Grants.gov.
    The program guidance is also part of the instructions that must be
    downloaded.

4.  Save a local copy of the application package on your computer and
    complete all the forms based on the instructions provided in the
    program guidance.

5.  Submit the application package through Grants.gov. (Requires
    registration)

6.  Track the status of your submitted application at Grants.gov until
    you receive a notification from Grants.gov that your application has
    been received by HRSA.

7.  HRSA Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) software pulls the application
    information into EHBs and validates the data against HRSA's business
    rules.

8.  HRSA notifies the project director, authorizing official, business
    official (BO) and application point of contact (POC) by email to
    check HRSA EHBs for results of HRSA validations and enter additional
    information, including in some cases performance measures, necessary
    to process the noncompeting continuation.

9.  AO verifies the application in HRSA EHBs, fixes any validation
    errors, makes necessary corrections and submits the application to
    HRSA. (Requires registration)

10. AO prints the application face page from HRSA EHBs (not Grants.gov),
    signs it and mails it to HRSA's Grant Application Center (GAC).

11. HRSA receives the signed face page and scans it into the system
    saving it with the electronic application.

***2.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not
already registered) -- See Appendix B***

Grants.gov requires a **one-time** registration by the applicant
organization. This is a three step process and should be completed by
any organization wishing to apply for grant. If you do not complete this
registration process you will not be able to submit an application. The
registration process will require some time (anywhere from 5 business
days to a month). Therefore, applicants or those considering applying at
some point in the future should register immediately. Registration with
Grants.gov provides the individuals from the organization the required
credentials in order to apply.

If an applicant organization has already completed Grants.gov
registration for another Federal agency, this section can be skipped.

For those applicant organizations still needing to register with
Grants.gov, registration information can be found on the Grants.gov Get
Started website (http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted). To be able to
successfully register in Grants.gov, it is necessary that you complete
all of the following required actions:

-   Obtain an organizational Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number

-   Register the organization with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)

-   Identify the organization's E-Business POC (Point of Contact)

-   Confirm the organization's CCR "Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN)"
    password

-   Register an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)

```{=html}
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```
-   Obtain a username and password from the Grants.gov Credential
    Provider

-   Register the username and password with Grants.gov

-   Get authorized as an AOR by your organization

In addition, if an applicant does not have a Taxpayer Identification
Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN), allow for extra
time. Beginning Oct. 30, 2005, the CCR also validates the EIN against
Internal Revenue Service records, a step that will take one to two
business days.

Please direct questions regarding Grants.gov registration to the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

It is recommended that this registration process be completed at least
two weeks prior to the submittal date of your organization's first
Grants.gov submission.

***2.3 Project Director and Authorizing Official Need to Register with
HRSA EHBs (if not already registered)***

In order to access your noncompeting continuation application in HRSA
EHBs, existing grantee organizations must register within the EHBs. The
purpose of the registration process is to collect consistent information
from all users, avoid collection of redundant information and allow for
the unique identification of each system user. Note that registration
within HRSA EHBs is required only **once for each user for each
organization they represent.**

Registration within HRSA EHBs is a two-step process. In the first step,
individual users from an organization who participate in the grants
process such as applying for noncompeting continuations must create
**individual** system accounts. In the second step, the users must
associate themselves with the appropriate grantee organization. **To
find your organization record use the 10-digit grant number from the
Notice of Grant Award (NGA) belonging to your grant.** Note that since
all existing grantee organization records already exist within EHBs,
there is no need to create a new one.

To complete the registration quickly and efficiently we recommend that
you have the following information handy:

1.  Identify your role in the grants management process. HRSA EHBs offer
    the following three functional roles for individuals from
    applicant/grantee organizations:

-   Authorizing Official (AO),

-   Business Official (BO), and

-   Other Employee (for project directors, assistant staff, AO designees
    and others).

For more information on functional responsibilities refer to the HRSA
EHBs online help.

2.  10-digit grant number from the latest NGA belonging to your grant
    (Box 4b on NGA). You must use the grant number to find your
    organization during registration. All individuals from the
    organization working on the grant must use the same grant number to
    ensure correct registration.

In order to access the noncompeting application, the project director
and other participants have to register the specific grant and add it to
their respective portfolios. This step is required to ensure that only
the authorized individuals from the organization have access to grant
data. **Project directors will need the last released NGA in order to
complete this additional step**. Again, note that this is a one time
requirement.

The project director must give the necessary privileges to the
authorizing official and other individuals who will assist in the
noncompeting continuation application submission using the administer
feature in the grant handbook. The project director should also delegate
the "Administer Grant Users" privilege to the authorizing official.

Once you have access to your grant handbook, use the "Noncompeting
Continuations" link under the deliverables section to access your
noncompeting application.

Note that registration with HRSA EHBs is independent of Grants.gov
registration.

For assistance in registering with HRSA EHBs, call 877-GO4-HRSA
(877-464-4772) between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET or email
callcenter@hrsa.gov.

You must use your 10-digit grant number (box 4b from NGA) to identify
your organization.

**2.4 Apply through Grants.gov**

**2.4.1 Find Funding Opportunity**

Search for the announcement in Grants.gov **Apply**
(http://www.grants.gov/Apply).

Enter the announcement number communicated to you in the field *Funding
Opportunity Number*. (Example announcement number: HRSA-07-005)

Noncompeting announcements are not available in Grants.gov FIND!

**2.4.2 Download Application Package**

Download the application package and instructions. In order to view
application package and instructions, you will also need to download and
install the PureEdge Viewer (http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer). This
small, free program will allow you to access, complete, and submit
applications electronically and securely.

Please review the system requirements for PureEdge Viewer on the
Grants.gov website.

**2.4.3 Complete Application**

Complete the application using both the built-in instructions and the
instructions provided in the program guidance. Ensure that you save a
copy of the application on your local computer.

Ensure that you provide your 10-digit grant number (box 4b from NGA) in
the Federal Award Identifier field (box 5b in SF424 or box 4 in SF424
R&R)

Please direct questions regarding PureEdge to Grants.gov. Contact the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

For assistance with program guidance related questions, please contact
the program contact listed on the program guidance.

You can complete the application offline -- you do not have to be
connected to the Internet.

**2.4.4 Submit Application**

The \"Submit\" button on the application package cover page will become
active after you have downloaded the application package, completed all
required forms, attached all required documents, and saved your
application package. Click on the \"Submit\" button once you have done
all these things and you are ready to send your completed application to
Grants.gov.

Review the provided application summary to confirm that the application
will be submitted to the program you wish to apply for. To submit, you
will be asked to Log into Grants.gov. Once you have logged in, your
application package will automatically be uploaded to Grants.gov. A
confirmation screen will appear once the upload is complete. Note that a
Grants.gov Tracking number will be provided on this screen. Please
record this number so that you may refer to it for all subsequent help.

Please direct questions regarding application submission to the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

You must be connected to the Internet and must have a Grants.gov
username and password to submit the application package.

**2.4.5 Verify Status of Application**

Once Grants.gov has received your submission, Grants.gov will send email
messages to advise you of the progress of your application through the
system. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, you should receive two emails. The
first will confirm receipt of your application by the Grants.gov system
("Received"), and the second will indicate that the application has
either been successfully validated ("Validated") by the system prior to
transmission to the grantor agency or has been rejected due to errors
("Rejected with Errors").

In case of any errors, you must correct the application and resubmit it
to Grants.gov. If you are unable to resubmit because the opportunity has
since closed, **contact the HRSA Call Center** at 877-GO4-HRSA
(877-464-4772)

between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET or email callcenter@hrsa.gov. You may be
asked to provide a copy of the "Rejected with Errors" notification you
received from Grants.gov.

You can check the status of your application(s) anytime after
submission, by logging into Grants.gov using the black \'Applicants\'
link at the top of any page, and clicking on the \'Check Application
Status\' link.

If there are no errors, the application will be downloaded by HRSA. On
successful download at HRSA, the status of the application will change
to "Received by Agency" and you will receive an additional email from
Grants.gov. Subsequently within two to three business days the status
will change to "Agency Tracking Number Assigned."

It is recommended that you check the status of your application in
Grants.gov until the status is changed to "Agency Tracking Number
Assigned".

**2.5 Verify in HRSA Electronic Handbooks**

For assistance in registering with or using HRSA EHBs, call 877-GO4-HRSA
(877-464-4772) between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET or email
callcenter@hrsa.gov.

Grant Project Director must be registered in HRSA EHBs and have access
to the specific grant for which the noncompeting application is being
submitted for further actions.

**2.5.1 Verify Status of Application**

Once your application is received by HRSA, it will be processed to
ensure that the application is submitted for the correct funding
announcement, with the correct grant number and grantee organization.
Upon this processing, which is expected to take up to two to three
business days, HRSA will assign a unique tracking number to your
application. This tracking number will be posted to Grants.gov and the
status of your application will be changed to "Agency Tracking Number
Assigned". Note the HRSA tracking number and use it for all
correspondence with HRSA. At this point, your application is ready for
review and submission in HRSA EHBs.

You should also receive an email from HRSA EHBs confirming the
successful receipt of your application at HRSA. The email is sent to the
project director, authorizing official, point of contact for the
application and the business official -- all from the submitted
application. The email is also sent to the current project director
listed on the NGA. Because email is not always reliable, please check
the HRSA EHBs or Grants.gov to see if the application is available for
review in HRSA EHBs.

Because email is not reliable, check HRSA EHBs within two to three
business days from submission within Grants.gov for availability of your
application.

**2.5.2 Manage Access to Your Application**

You must be registered in HRSA EHBs to get access to your application.
To ensure that only the right individuals from the organization get
access to the application, you must follow the process described
earlier.

The project director, using the Administer feature in the grant
handbook, must give the necessary privileges to the authorizing official
and other individuals who will assist in the submission of the
noncompeting continuation application. Project directors must also
delegate the "Administer Grant Users" privilege to the authorizing
official so that future administration can be managed by the authorizing
official.

Once you have access to your grant handbook, use the "Noncompeting
Continuations" link under the deliverables section to access your
noncompeting application.

###  {#section-2 .unnumbered}

**2.5.3 Check Validation Errors**

HRSA EHBs will apply HRSA's business rules to the application received
through Grants.gov. All validation errors are recorded and displayed to
the applicant. To view the validation errors use the 'Grants.gov Data
Validation Comments' link on the application status page in HRSA EHBs.

**2.5.4 Fix Errors and Complete Application**

Applicants must review the errors in HRSA EHBs and make necessary
changes. Applicants must also complete the detailed budget and other
required forms in HRSA EHBs and assign an AO registered in HRSA EHBs to
the application. HRSA EHBs will show the status of each form in the
application package and all forms must be complete before submission.

**2.5.5 Submit Application**

To submit an application, you must have the 'Submit Noncompeting
Continuation' privilege. This privilege must be given by the project
director to the authorizing official or a designee. Once all forms are
complete, the application can be submitted to HRSA.

You will have two weeks from the date the application was due in
Grants.gov for submission of the remaining information in HRSA EHBs. The
new due date will be listed in HRSA EHBs.

**2.6 Submit Signed Face Page**

After successful submission, the AO must print the face page of the
application from the HRSA EHBs, sign it and mail it to HRSA at the
address listed below:

HRSA Grants Application Center

Reference: Announcement Number: *HRSA-07-005*

Reference: Grants.gov Tracking Number: *\<Provide Your Grants.gov
Tracking Number\>*

**(PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 11)\-- (ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 \--)**

The Legin Group, Inc. The Legin Group, Inc.

901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South

Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Gaithersburg, MD 20878

The face page must be received by HRSA within **5** business days from
the date of submission in HRSA EHBs.

Once your signed face page is received by HRSA and saved with the
application, you will receive an email receipt of application from HRSA.

Face page must be printed from HRSA EHBs and not from Grants.gov
application.

3\. Competing Application

**3.1 Process Overview**

Following is the process for submitting a competing application through
Grants.gov:

1\. HRSA will post all competing announcements on Grants.gov FIND
(http://grants.gov/search/). Announcements are typically posted at the
beginning of the fiscal year when HRSA releases its annual Preview,
although program guidances are generally not available until later. For
more information visit http://www.hrsa.gov/grants.

2\. When program guidance is available, search for the announcement in
Grants.gov Apply (http://www.grants.gov/Apply).

3\. Download the application package and instructions from Grants.gov.
The program guidance is also part of the instructions that must be
downloaded.

4\. Save a local copy of the application package on your computer and
complete all the forms based on the instructions provided in the program
guidance.

5\. Submit the application package through Grants.gov. (Requires
registration)

6\. Track the status of your submitted application at Grants.gov until
you receive a notification from Grants.gov that your application has
been received by HRSA.

7\. AO prints the application face page from the local copy, signs it
and mails it to HRSA's Grant Application Center (GAC).

8\. HRSA receives the signed face page and scans it into the system
saving it with the electronic application.

**3.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not
already registered) -- See Appendix B**

Grants.gov requires a **one-time** registration by the applicant
organization. This is a three step process and should be completed by
any organization wishing to apply for grant. If you do not complete this
registration process you will not be able to submit an application. The
registration process will require some time (anywhere from 5 business
days to a month). Therefore, applicants or those considering applying at
some point in the future should register immediately. Registration with
Grants.gov provides the individuals from the organization the required
credentials in order to apply.

If an applicant organization has already completed Grants.gov
registration for another Federal agency, this section can be skipped.

For those applicant organizations still needing to register with
Grants.gov, registration information can be found on the Grants.gov Get
Started website (http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted). To be able to
successfully register in Grants.gov, it is necessary that you complete
all of the following required actions:

-   Obtain an organizational Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number

-   Register the organization with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)

-   Identify the organization's E-Business POC (Point of Contact)

-   Confirm the organization's CCR "Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN)"
    password

-   Register an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)

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-   Obtain a username and password from the Grants.gov Credential
    Provider

-   Register the username and password with Grants.gov

-   Get authorized as an AOR by your organization

In addition, if an applicant does not have a Taxpayer Identification
Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN), allow for extra
time. Beginning Oct. 30, 2005, the CCR also validates the EIN against
Internal Revenue Service records, a step that will take one to two
business days.

Please direct questions regarding Grants.gov registration to the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

It is recommended that this registration process be completed at least
two weeks prior to the submittal date of your organization's first
Grants.gov submission.

*3.3 Apply through Grants.gov*

**3.3.1 Find Funding Opportunity**

Search for announcements in Grants.gov **FIND**
(http://grants.gov/search/) and select the announcement that you wish to
apply for. Refer to the program guidance for eligibility criteria.

Please visit http://www.hrsa.gov/grants to read annual HRSA Preview.

All competing announcements should be available in Grants.gov FIND! When
program guidance is release, announcements are made available in
Grants.gov APPLY.

**3.3.2 Download Application Package**

Download the application package and instructions. In order to view
application package and instructions, you will also need to download and
install the PureEdge Viewer (http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer). This
small, free program will allow you to access, complete, and submit
applications electronically and securely.

Please review the system requirements for PureEdge Viewer on the
Grants.gov website.

**3.3.3 Complete Application**

Complete the application using both the built-in instructions and the
instructions provided in the program guidance. Ensure that you save a
copy of the application on your local computer.

If you are applying for a competing continuation or a supplemental
grant, ensure that you provide your 10-digit grant number (box 4b from
NGA) in the Federal Award Identifier field (box 5b in SF424 or box 4 in
SF424 R&R)

Please direct questions regarding PureEdge to Grants.gov. Contact the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

For assistance with program guidance related questions, please contact
the program contact listed on the program guidance.

You can complete the application offline -- you do not have to be
connected to the Internet.

**3.3.4 Submit Application**

The \"Submit\" button on the application package cover page will become
active after you have downloaded the application package, completed all
required forms, attached all required documents, and saved your
application package. Click on the \"Submit\" button once you have done
all these things and you are ready to send your completed application to
Grants.gov.

Review the provided application summary to confirm that the application
will be submitted to the program you wish to apply for. To submit, you
will be asked to Log into Grants.gov. Once you have logged in, your
application package will automatically be uploaded to Grants.gov. A
confirmation screen will appear once the upload is complete. Note that a
Grants.gov Tracking number will be provided on this screen. Please
record this number so that you may refer to it for all subsequent help.

Please direct questions regarding application submission to the
Grants.gov Contact Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours
of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
excluding Federal holidays.

You must be connected to the Internet and must have a Grants.gov
username and password to submit the application package.

**3.3.5 Verify Status of Application**

Once Grants.gov has received your submission, Grants.gov will send email
messages to advise you of the progress of your application through the
system. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, you should receive two emails. The
first will confirm receipt of your application by the Grants.gov system
("Received"), and the second will indicate that the application has
either been successfully validated ("Validated") by the system prior to
transmission to the grantor agency or has been rejected due to errors
("Rejected with Errors").

In case of any errors, you must correct the application and resubmit it
to Grants.gov. If you are unable to resubmit because the opportunity has
since closed, **contact the Director of the Division of Grants Policy**
via email at DGPClearances@hrsa.gov and thoroughly explain the
situation; include a copy of the "Rejected with Errors" notification.

You can check the status of your application(s) anytime after
submission, by logging into Grants.gov using the black \'Applicants\'
link at the top of any page, and clicking on the \'Check Application
Status\' link.

If there are no errors, the application will be downloaded by HRSA. On
successful download at HRSA, the status of the application will change
to "Received by Agency" and you will receive an additional email from
Grants.gov.

Once your application is received by HRSA, it will be processed to
ensure that the application is submitted for the correct funding
announcement, with the correct grant number (if applicable), and
applicant/grantee organization. Upon this processing, which is expected
to take up to two to three business days, HRSA will assign a unique
tracking number to your application. This tracking number will be posted
to the Grants.gov and the status of your application will be changed to
"Agency Tracking Number Assigned". Note the HRSA tracking number and use
it for all correspondence with HRSA.

It is recommended that you check the status of your application in
Grants.gov until the status is changed to "Agency Tracking Number
Assigned".

**3.4 Submit Signed Face Page**

After successful submission in Grants.gov, the AO must print the face
page of the application from Grants.gov, write the Grants.gov Tracking
Number in Federal Award Identifier field (box 5b in SF424 or box 4 in
SF424 R&R), sign it and mail it to HRSA at the address listed below:

HRSA Grants Application Center

Reference: Announcement Number: *HRSA-07-005*

Reference: Grants.gov Tracking Number: *\<Provide Your Grants.gov
Tracking Number\>*

**(PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 11)\-- (ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 \--)**

The Legin Group, Inc. The Legin Group, Inc.

901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South

Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Gaithersburg, MD 20878

The face page must be received by HRSA within **5** business days from
the date of submission in Grants.gov.

Once your signed face page is received by HRSA and saved with the
application, you will receive an email receipt of application from HRSA.

**4. General Instructions for Application Submission**

It is mandatory to follow the instructions provided in this section to
ensure that your application can be printed efficiently and consistently
for review.

Failure to follow the instructions may make your application
non-compliant. Non-compliant applications will not be given any
consideration and the particular applicants will be notified.

**4.1 Narrative Attachment Guidelines**

The following guidelines are applicable to both electronic and paper
submissions (when allowed) unless otherwise noted.

**4.1.1 Font**

Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as Times Roman,
Courier, or CG Times. The text and table portions of the application
must be submitted in not less than 12 point and 1.0 line spacing.
Applications not adhering to 12 point font requirements may be returned.
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. For charts, graphs,
footnotes, and budget tables, applicants may use a different pitch or
size font, not less than 10 pitch or size font. However, it is vital
that when scanned and/or reproduced, the charts are still clear and
readable.

Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional
materials, slides, films, clips, etc. 

**4.1.2 Paper Size and Margins**

For duplication and scanning purposes, please ensure that the
application can be printed on 8 ½" x 11" white paper. Margins must be at
least one (1) inch at the top, bottom, left and right of the paper.
Please left-align text.

**4.1.3 Names**

Please include the name of the applicant and 10-digit grant number (if
competing continuation, supplemental or noncompeting continuation) on
each page.

**4.1.4 Section Headings**

Please put all section headings flush left in bold type.

**4.1.5 Page Numbering**

**Electronic Submissions**

For electronic submissions, applicants only have to number the
electronic attachment pages sequentially, resetting the numbering for
each attachment, i.e., start at page 1 for each attachment.

Do not number the standard OMB approved form pages.

**Paper Submissions (When allowed)**

Do not number the standard OMB approved forms. Please number each
attachment page sequentially. Reset the numbering for each attachment.
(Treat each attachment/document as a separate section.)

**4.1.6 Allowable Attachment or Document Types**

**Electronic Submissions**

The following attachment types are supported in HRSA EHBs. Even though
grants.gov may allow you to upload any type of attachment, it is
important to note that HRSA only accepts the following types of
attachments:

.DOC - Microsoft Word

.RTF - Rich Text Format

.TXT - Text

.WPD - Word Perfect Document

.PDF - Adobe Portable Document Format

.XLS - Microsoft Excel

.XFD -- PureEdge Form

**4.2 Application Content Order (Table of Contents)**

When applications were submitted in paper, it was easy to direct the
applicants to prepare a table of contents and make it as a part of the
application. Applicants did not have any problem in preparing the
package that included standard forms as well as attachments. All the
pages were numbered sequentially. Preparation instructions were given in
the program guidance. With the transition to electronic application
receipt, this process has changed significantly. HRSA is using an
approach that will ensure that regardless of the mode of submission
(electronic or paper when exemptions are granted), all applications will
look the same when printed for objective review.

HRSA uses two standard packages from Grants.gov.

SF 424 (otherwise known as 5161) -- For service delivery programs

SF 424 R&R -- For research and training programs (programs previously
using the 398 or the 6025 and 2590 application packages)

For each package HRSA has defined a standard order of forms and that
order is available within the program guidance. The program guidance may
also provide applicants with explicit instructions on where to upload
specific documents.

If you are applying on paper (when allowed), you must use the program
guidance for the order of the forms and all other applicable guidelines.

**4.3 Page Limit**

HRSA prints your application for review regardless of whether it is
submitted electronically or by paper (when allowed).

When your application is printed, the narrative documents may not exceed
80 pages in length unless otherwise stated in the program guidance.
These narrative documents include the abstract, project and budget
narratives, and any other attachments such as appendices, letters of
support required as a part of the guidance. This 80 page limit does not
include the OMB approved forms. Note that some program guidances may
require submission of OMB approved program specific forms as
attachments. These attachments will not be included in the 80 page
limit.

Applicants must follow the instructions provided in this section and
ensure that they print out all attachments on paper and count the number
of pages before submission.

Applications, whether submitted electronically or on paper, that exceed
the specified limits will be deemed non-compliant. Non-compliant
competing applications will not be given any consideration and the
particular applicants will be notified. Non-compliant noncompeting
applications will have to be resubmitted to comply with the page limits.

***5. Customer Support Information***

**5.1.1 Grants.gov Customer Support**

Please direct ALL questions regarding Grants.gov to Grants.gov Contact
Center at Tel.: 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours of operation are
Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding
Federal holidays.

Please visit the following support URL for additional material on
Grants.gov website.

http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport

**5.1.2 HRSA Call Center**

For assistance with or using HRSA EHBs, call 877-GO4-HRSA (877-464-4772)
between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET or email callcenter@hrsa.gov.

Please visit HRSA EHBs for online help. Go to:

https://grants.hrsa.gov/webexternal/home.asp and click on 'Help'

**5.1.3 HRSA** **Program** **Support**

For assistance with program guidance related questions, please contact
the program contact listed on the program guidance. Do not call the
program contact for technical questions related to either Grants.gov or
HRSA EHBs.

***6. FAQs***

**6.1 Software**

**6.1.1 What are the software requirements for using Grants.gov?**

Applicants will need to download the PureEdge viewer. Grants.gov website
provides the following information:

**System Requirements:**

For PureEdge Viewer to function properly, your computer must meet the
following system requirements:

Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP\
500 Mhz processor\
128 MB of RAM\
40 MB disk space\
Web browser: Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher, Netscape Communicator
4.5 - 4.8, Netscape 6.1, 6.2, or 7

If you do not have a Windows operating system, you will need to use a
Windows Emulation program.

Please visit http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer for all details and
any updates.

**6.1.2 Why can't I download PureEdge Viewer onto my machine?**

Depending on your organization's computer network and security protocols
you may not have the necessary permissions to download software onto
your workstation. Contact your IT department or system administrator to
download the software for you or give you access to this function.

**6.1.3 I have heard that Grants.gov is not Macintosh compatible. What
do I do if I use only a Macintosh?**

Grants.gov is aware of the issues facing Macintosh users who apply for
Federal grants electronically. Grants.gov has provided the following
response regarding this issue on its website at
http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport:

> *Grants.gov recognizes that support to users of Non-Windows operating
> systems and the PureEdge Viewer is often required across a distinct
> segment of the grant applicant community. Although at this time, the
> PureEdge Viewer is only available for Windows based installs,
> Grants.gov offers support for Non-Windows platforms.*
>
> *Grants.gov is working with PureEdge in the development of a
> Non-Windows compatible viewer. PureEdge has committed to providing a
> platform independent viewer by November 2006. Information related to
> the Non-Windows compatible viewer will be posted to this webpage
> (http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport). Please bookmark this page and
> return at your convenience for more details.*

Grants.gov and NIH have partnered to provide free access to Citrix
servers for Macintosh Users who are looking for an alternative to using
PC emulation software with the PureEdge forms. A Citrix server
connection allows Macintosh users to remotely launch a Windows session
on their own machines by using the free Citrix client application.
Applicants will need to download and install the free Citrix client
application in order to work. This service is now available for use.

Grants.gov website states:

> *Beginning December 20, 2005, non-Windows users will be able to
> download and complete the PureEdge forms by taking advantage of the
> free Citrix server. Non-Windows users are also able to submit
> completed grant applications via the Citrix environment.*

For details, please visit http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport

**6.1.4 What are the software requirements for HRSA EHBs?**

**HRSA**

EHBs can be accessed over the Internet using Internet Explorer (IE) v5.0
and above and Netscape 4.72 and above. HRSA EHBs are 508 compliant.

IE 6.0 and above is the recommended browser.

HRSA EHBs use pop-up screens to allow users to view or work on multiple
screens. Ensure that your browser settings allow for pop-ups.

In addition, to view attachments such as Word and PDF, you will need
appropriate viewers.

**6.1.5 What are the system requirements for using HRSA EHBs on a
Macintosh computer?**

Mac users are requested to download the latest version of Netscape for
their OS version. It is recommended that Safari v1.2.4 and above or
Netscape v7.2 and above be used.

Note that Internet Explorer (IE) for Mac has known issues with SSL and
Microsoft is no longer supporting IE for Mac. HRSA EHBs do not work on
IE for Mac.

In addition, to view attachments such as Word and PDF, you will need
appropriate viewers.

**6.2 Application Receipt**

**6.2.1 What will be the receipt date\--the date the application is
stamped as received by Grants.gov or the date the data is received by
HRSA?**

**Competing Submissions:**

The submission/receipt date will be the date the application is received
by Grants.gov.

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

The submission/receipt date will be the date the application is
submitted in HRSA EHBs.

**6.2.2 When do I need to submit my application?**

**Competing Submissions:**

Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by 8 PM ET on the due date.

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by 8 PM ET on the due date.

Applications must be verified and submitted in HRSA EHBs by 5:00 PM ET
on the due date. (2 weeks after the due date in Grants.gov) Refer to the
program guidance for specific dates.

###  {#section-3 .unnumbered}

**6.2.3 What emails can I expect once I submit my application? Is email
reliable?**

**Competing Submissions:**

When you submit your noncompeting application in Grants.gov, it is first
received and validated by Grants.gov. Typically, this takes a few hours
but it may take up to 48 hours during peak volumes. You should receive
two emails from Grants.gov.

The first will confirm receipt of your application by the Grants.gov
system ("Received"), and the second will indicate that the application
has either been successfully validated ("Validated") by the system prior
to transmission to the grantor agency or has been rejected due to errors
("Rejected with Errors").

Subsequently, the application will be downloaded by HRSA. This happens
within minutes of when your application is successfully validated by
Grants.gov and made available for HRSA to download. On successful
download at HRSA, the status of the application will change to "Received
by Agency" and you will receive another email from Grants.gov.

You will receive an additional email from HRSA once your signed face
page is received and processed. This email serves as the official
receipt for your application.

Because email is not reliable, you must check the respective systems if
you do not receive any emails within the specified timeframes.

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

When you submit your noncompeting application in Grants.gov, it is first
received and validated by Grants.gov. Typically, this takes a few hours
but it may take up to 48 hours during peak volumes. You should receive
two emails from Grants.gov.

Subsequently, the application will be downloaded by HRSA. This happens
within minutes of when your application is successfully validated by
Grants.gov and made available for HRSA to download. On successful
download at HRSA, the status of the application will change to "Received
by Agency" and you will receive another email from Grants.gov.

Subsequently, it is processed by HRSA to ensure that the application is
submitted for the correct funding announcement, with the correct grant
number and grantee organization. This may take up to 3 business days. At
this point you will receive an email from HRSA confirming the successful
receipt of your application and asking the PD and AO to review and
resubmit the application in HRSA EHBs.

You will receive an additional email from HRSA once your signed face
page is received and processed. This email serves as the official
receipt for your application.

Because email is not reliable, you must check the respective systems if
you do not receive any emails within the specified timeframes.

For more information refer to sections 2.4 and 2.5 in this guide

**6.2.4 If a resubmission is required because of Grants.gov system
problems, will these be considered \"late\"?**

**Competing Submissions:**

No. But you must **contact the Director of the Division of Grants
Policy** via email at DGPClearances@hrsa.gov and thoroughly explain the
situation. Include a copy of the "Rejected with Errors" notification you
received from Grants.gov.

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

No. But you must **contact the HRSA Call Center** at 877-GO4-HRSA
(877-464-4772) between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET or email
callcenter@hrsa.gov. You may be asked to provide a copy of the "Rejected
with Errors" notification you received from Grants.gov.

3.  **Application Submission**

**6.3.1 How can I make sure that my electronic application is presented
in the right order for objective review?**

Follow the instructions provided in section 4.2 to ensure that your
application is presented in the right order and is compliant with all
the requirements.

**6.4 Grants.gov**

For a list of frequently asked questions and answers maintained by
Grants.gov please visit the following URL:

http://www.grants.gov/GrantsGov_UST_Grantee/!SSL!/WebHelp/GrantsGov_UST_Grantee.htm#index.html

# Appendix B: Registering and Applying Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply through Grants.gov:**

HRSA, in providing the grant community a single site to Find and Apply
for grant funding opportunities, is [requiring]{.underline} applicants
for this funding opportunity to apply electronically through Grants.gov.
By using Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the
application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit
the application via the Grants.gov site. You may [not]{.underline}
e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.

Please understand that we will not consider additional information
and/or materials submitted after your initial application. You must
therefore ensure that all materials are submitted together.

Note: Except in rare cases, paper applications will NOT be accepted for
this grant opportunity. If you believe you are technologically unable to
submit an on-line application you MUST contact the Director of the
Division of Grants Policy, at DGPClearances@hrsa.gov and explain why you
are technologically unable to submit on-line. Make sure you specify the
announcement number you are requesting relief for. HRSA and its Grants
Application Center (GAC) will only accept paper applications from
applicants that received prior written approval.

In order to apply through Grants.gov the Applicant must register with
Grants.gov. This is a three step process that must be completed by any
organization wishing to apply for a grant opportunity. The registration
process will require some time. Therefore, applicants or those
considering applying at some point in the future should register
**[immediately]{.underline}**. Registration in Grants.gov does not
require the organization to apply for a grant; it simply provides the
organization the required credentials so that the organization may apply
for a grant in the future. Registration is required only once.

**[REGISTRATION:]{.underline}**

GET STARTED NOW AND COMPLETE THE ONE-TIME REGISTRATION PROCESS TO BEGIN
SUBMITTING GRANT APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS YOU READ THIS.

You don't need to be registered to search or to begin selecting,
downloading and completing grant applications. Registration is required
to submit applications. Therefore, it is essential that your
organization be registered prior to attempting to submit a grant
application or your organization will not be able to do so. **Be sure to
complete the process early as the registration process may take some
time (anywhere from 5 days to 1 month).**

**There are three steps to the registration process:**

Step 1: Register your organization

Step 2: Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative

Step 3: Get authorized by your organization to submit grants

These instructions will walk you through the three basic registration
steps. Additional assistance is available at Grants.gov at
www.grants.gov. Individual assistance is available at
http://www.grants.gov/Support or 1-800-518-4726. Grants.gov also
provides a variety of support options through online Help including
Context-Sensitive Help, Online Tutorials, FAQs, Training Demonstration,
User Guide, and Quick Reference Guides.

Follow this checklist to complete your registration---

1\. Register Your Organization

\- Obtain your organization's Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number

\- Register your organization with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)

\- Identify your organization's E-Business POC (Point of Contact)

\- Confirm your organization's CCR "Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN)"
password

2\. Register Yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)

\- Obtain your username and password

\- Register your username and password with Grants.gov

3\. Get Yourself Authorized as an AOR

\- Contact your E-Business POC to ensure your AOR status

\- Log in to Grants.gov to check your AOR status

The Grants.gov/Apply feature includes a simple, unified application
process to enable applicants to apply for grants online. The information
applicants need to understand and execute the steps is at
http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. Applicants should read the Get Started
steps carefully. The site also contains registration checklists to help
you walk through the process. HRSA recommends that you download the
checklists and prepare the information requested before beginning the
registration process. Reviewing information required and assembling it
before beginning the registration process will save you time and make
the process faster and smoother.

**REGISTER YOUR ORGANIZATION**

Before you can apply for a grant via Grants.gov, your organization must
obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and register early
with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).

**Obtain your organization's DUNS number**

A DUNS number is a unique number that identifies an organization. It has
been adopted by the Federal government to help track how Federal grant
money is distributed. Ask your grant administrator or chief financial
officer to provide your organization's DUNS number.

\-**How do you do it**? If your organization does not have a DUNS
number, call the special Dun & Bradstreet hotline at 1-866-705-5711 to
receive one free of charge.

\- **How long will this take?** You will receive a DUNS number at the
conclusion of the phone call.

**Register your organization with CCR**

The CCR is the central government repository for organizations working
with the Federal government. Check to see if your organization is
already registered at the CCR website. If your organization is not
already registered, identify the primary contact who should register
your organization.

When your organization registers with CCR, it will be required to
designate an E-Business Point of Contact (E-Business POC). The designee
authorizes individuals to submit grant applications on behalf of the
organization and creates a special password called a Marketing Partner
ID Number (M-PIN) to verify individuals authorized to submit grant
applications for the organization.

\-**How do you do it?** Visit the CCR website at http://www.ccr.gov.
Check whether your organization is already registered or register your
organization right online. Be certain to enter an MPIN number during
this process as this is an optional field for the CCR registration but
mandatory for Grants.gov.

\- **How long will this take?** It may take a few days for you to
collect the information needed for your organization's registration, but
once you finish the registration process, you can move on to Step 2 the
very next business day. Note it will take up to a month for the total
registration- therefore this should be done as soon as possible.

**GET AUTHORIZED as an AOR by Your Organization**

The registration process is almost complete. All that remains is the
final step ---getting authorized. Even though you have registered, your
E-Business POC must authorize you so Grants.gov will know that you are
verified to submit applications.

\- **Obtain your E-Business POC authorization**

After your Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) profile is
completed, your organization's E-Business POC will receive an email
regarding your requested AOR registration, with links and instructions
to authorize you as an AOR.

\- **How do you do it?** Instruct your E-Business POC to login to
Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/ForEbiz and enter your
organization's DUNS number and M-PIN. They will select you as an AOR
they wish to authorize and you will be verified to submit grant
applications.

\- **How long will this take?** It depends on how long it takes your
E-Business POC to log in and authorize your AOR status. You can check
your AOR status by logging in to Grants.gov at
http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants.

**REGISTER YOURSELF as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)**

Once the CCR Registration is complete, your organization is finished
registering. You must now register yourself with Grants.gov and
establish yourself as an AOR, an individual authorized to submit grant
applications on behalf of your organization. There are two elements
required to complete this step --- both must be completed to move onto
Step 3.

1\. **Obtain your username and password**

In order to safeguard the security of your electronic information, and
to submit a Federal grant application via Grants.gov, you must first
obtain a username and password from the Grants.gov Credential Provider.

\- **How do you do it**? Just register with Grants.gov's Credential
Provider at http://www.grants.gov/Register1. You will need to enter your
organization's DUNS number to access the registration form. Once you
complete the registration form you will be given your username and you
will create your own password.

\- **How long will this take?** Same day. When you submit your
information you will receive your username and be able to create your
password.

**2. Register with Grants.gov**

Now that you have your username and password, allow about 30 minutes for
your data to transfer from the Credential Provider, then you must
register with Grants.gov to set up a short profile.

\> **How do you do it?** Simply visit http://www.grants.gov/Register2 to
register your username and password and set up your profile. Remember,
you will only be authorized for the DUNS number which you register in
your Grants.gov profile.

\> **How long will this take?** Same day. Your AOR profile will be
complete after you finish filling in the profile information and save
the information at Grants.gov.

You have now completed the registration process for Grants.gov. If you
are applying for a [new or competing continuation]{.underline} you may
find the application package through Grants.gov FIND. If you are filling
out a [non-competing continuation]{.underline} application you must
obtain the announcement number through your program office, and enter
this announcement number in the search field to pull up the application
form and related program guidance. Download the required forms and enter
your current grant number in the

appropriate field to begin the non-competing continuation application
which you will then upload for electronic submittal through Grants.gov.
For continuation applications which require submittal of performance
measures electronically, instructions are provided in the program
guidance on how to enter the HRSA electronic handbooks to provide this
information.

**How to submit an electronic application to HRSA via Grants.gov/Apply**

a\. [Applying using Grants.gov.]{.underline} Grants.gov has a full set
of instructions on how to apply for funds on its website at
http://www.grants.gov/CompleteApplication. The following provides simple
guidance on what you will find on the Grants.gov/Apply site. Applicants
are encouraged to read through the page entitled, "Complete Application
Package" before getting started. See Appendix A for specific
information.

b\. [Customer Support]{.underline}. The grants.gov website provides
customer support via (800) 518-GRANTS (this is a toll-free number) or
through e-mail at support@grants.gov. The customer support center is
open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays, to address grants.gov technology issues. For
technical assistance to program related questions, contact the number
listed in the Program Section of the program you are applying for.

**Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission**

a\. Electronic Submission. All applications must be received by
www.grants.gov/Apply by 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time on the due date
established for each program.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An
electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the
application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant will
receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from
Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application.
Applicants should print this receipt and save it, along with facsimile
receipts for information provided by facsimile, as proof of timely
submission. When HRSA successfully retrieves the application from
Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of
receipt to the e-mail address of the AOR. Proof of timely submission
shall be the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

Applications received by grants.gov, after the established due date and
time for the program, will be considered late and will not be considered
for funding by HRSA. HRSA suggests that applicants submit their
applications during the operating hours of the Grants.gov Support Desk,
so that if there are questions concerning transmission, operators will
be available to walk you through the process. Submitting your
application during the Support Desk hours will also ensure that you have
sufficient time for the application to complete its transmission prior
to the application deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should
be aware that transmission should take some time before Grants.gov
receives it. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully
received transmission message. The Grants.gov Support desk reports that
some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing
is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give
the system time to process the application. Uploading and transmitting
many files, particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas,
will take some time to be processed.

Note the following additional information regarding submission of all
HRSA applications through Grants.gov:

• You must submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances
and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements
described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an
automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
tracking number. HRSA will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

Online applications are required to submit ONLY one form in signed hard
copy: the SF-424/5161 Face Sheet, since all other elements of the
application have been captured and transmitted electronically. This face
page should be sent to HRSA's Grants Application Center at:

The HRSA Grants Application Center

The Legin Group, Inc.

Attn: \[provide Grants.gov Tracking Number\]

> Program Announcement No. \[provide HRSA announcement number\]
>
> CFDA No. \[provide the CFDA number\]
>
> **(PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 11)\-- (ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 \--)**
>
> 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South
>
> Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Telephone: 877-477-2123

**Formal Submission of the Electronic Application**

Applications completed online are considered formally submitted when the
Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to HRSA
through Grants.gov. However, to complete the submission requirements, a
hard-copy of the SF-424/5161 Face Sheet must be printed, signed, and
submitted to the HRSA Grants Application Center. For competitive
applications, the SF-424/5161 must be printed from Grants.gov.

For an online application, the signed SF-424/5161 must be sent to the
HRSA GRANTS APPLICATION CENTER at the above address and received by HRSA
by no later than five days after the date of submission in Grants.gov.

Competitive applications will be considered as having met the deadline
if: (1) the application has been successfully transmitted electronically
by your organization's Authorizing Official through Grants.gov on or
before the deadline date and time, and (2) the signed SF-424/5161 Face
Sheet is received by HRSA no later than five days after submission in
Grants.gov.

**Performance Measures for Competitive Applications**

Many HRSA guidances include specific data forms and require performance
measure reporting. If the completion of performance measure information
is indicated in this guidance, successful applicants receiving grant
funds will be required, within 30 days of the Notice of Grant Award
(NGA), to register in HRSA's Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) and
electronically complete the program specific data forms that appear in
this guidance. This requires the provision of budget breakdowns in the
financial forms based on the grant award amount, the project abstract
and other grant summary data, and objectives for the performance
measures.

**Performance Measures for Non-Competing Continuation Applications**

For applications which require submittal of performance measures
electronically through the completion of program specific data forms,
instructions will be provided both in the program guidance and through
an e-mail, notifying grantees of their responsibility to provide this
information, and providing instructions on how to do so.