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

**Health Resources and Services Administration**

*HIV/AIDS Bureau*

*Division of Training and Technical Assistance*

***National HIV Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
Agreements***

*New Competitive Announcement*

*Announcement Number: HRSA-08-087*

**Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No. 93.145**

**PROGRAM GUIDANCE**

Fiscal Year *2008*

**Application Due Date:** March 3, 2008

**Release Date: *December 4, 2007***

> *Brian Feit*
>
> *Public Health Analyst*
>
> *Division of Training and Technical Assistance*
>
> *Telephone: 301-443-3478*

*Fax: 301-594-2835*

*Bfeit@hrsa.gov*

Authority: Sections 2606, 2619, 2654(b), and 2671(2)(j) of the Public
Health Service Act, as

amended

# Overview 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), announces the
availability of funds for fiscal year (FY) 2008 for discretionary grants
to support National Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
Agreements related to the Title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act as
amended by the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (the Ryan
White HIV/AIDS Program).

Administered by the Division of Training and Technical Assistance (DTTA)
within HAB, this initiative represents one component of an overall
training and technical assistance portfolio that includes a series of
grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, collaborations and direct
services provided by internal HAB staff. As such, the activities
undertaken through this initiative are identified as priority areas for
training and technical assistance not fully met through other means, but
which may require some coordination with other existing efforts.

# Executive Summary

The authority for this grant is found in sections 2606, 2619, 2654(b)
and 2671(2)(j) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

In response to trends in the HIV epidemic, legislative mandates of
reauthorization and programmatic requirements, along with ongoing
challenges in program implementation, the National Training and
Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement initiative will focus
activities on grantees, planning bodies, funded providers, affected
communities and individuals living with HIV infection served under the
Act. This initiative will encourage a range of approaches in reaching
target populations to help address a variety of growing challenges and
priority training and technical assistance areas. Approximately
\$2,400,000 is expected to be available annually to fund at least 6
awards. The \$2,400,000 will be divided among the six focus areas
outlined in document, with a maximum award of \$400,000 awarded to any
single grantee. At least one Cooperative Agreement will be funded for
each focus area. Applicants are requested to apply for no more than
\$400,000 per focus area. Funding beyond the first year is dependent on
the availability of appropriated funds for Training and Technical
Assistance Cooperative Agreements in subsequent fiscal years, grantee
satisfactory performance, and a decision that funding is in the best
interest of the Federal government.

**Guidance Table of Contents**

[I. Funding Opportunity Description 5](#__RefHeading___Toc47265096)

[Purpose](#__RefHeading___Toc47265097) 5

[Background](#__RefHeading___Toc47265098) 6

[II. Award Information 13](#__RefHeading___Toc47265100)

1\. Type of Award 14

2\. [Summary of Funding 14](#__RefHeading___Toc47265102)

[III. Eligibility Information](#__RefHeading___Toc47265103) 15

[1. Eligible Applicants](#__RefHeading___Toc47265104) 15

[2. Cost Sharing/Matching](#__RefHeading___Toc47265106) 15

[3. Other](#__RefHeading___Toc47265108) 15

[IV. Application and Submission Information
14](#__RefHeading___Toc47265110)

[1. Address to Request Application Package 14](#Application_materials)

[*Application Materials 14*](#__RefHeading___Toc47265114)

[2. Content and Form of Application Submission
15](#__RefHeading___Toc47265115)

> [*Application Format Requirements
> 15*](#Application_formatrequirements)
>
> [*Application Format 19*](#__RefHeading___Toc47265117)

[**i.** ***Application Face Page*** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc47265118)

[**ii.** ***Table of Contents*** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc47265119)

[**iii.** ***Application Checklist*** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc47265120)

[**iv.** ***Budget*** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc47265121)

[**v.** ***Budget Justification*** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc47265122)

[**vi.** ***Staffing Plan and Personnel Requirements***
20](#__RefHeading___Toc47265123)

[**vii.** ***Assurances*** 21](#__RefHeading___Toc47265124)

[**viii.** ***Certifications*** 21](#__RefHeading___Toc47265125)

[**ix.** ***Project Abstract*** 21](#__RefHeading___Toc47265126)

[**x.** ***Program Narrative*** 21](#__RefHeading___Toc47265128)

[**xi.** ***Program Specific Forms*,** 24](#__RefHeading___Toc47265129)

[**xii. *A****TTACHMENTS* **26**](#__RefHeading___Toc47265130)

[3. Submission Dates and Times 27](#__RefHeading___Toc47265131)

[4. Intergovernmental Review 27](#Application_materials)

[5. Funding Restrictions 27](#__RefHeading___Toc47265139)

[6. Other Submission Requirements 27](#__RefHeading___Toc47265140)

[V. Application Review Information 29](#__RefHeading___Toc47265142)

[1. Review Criteria 29](#__RefHeading___Toc47265143)

[2. Review and Selection Process 30](#__RefHeading___Toc47265144)

[3. Anticipated Announcement and Award
Dates](#__RefHeading___Toc47265150) 36

[VI. Award Administration Information 31](#__RefHeading___Toc47265153)

[1. Award Notices 31](#__RefHeading___Toc47265154)

[2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
31](#__RefHeading___Toc47265156)

[3. Reporting 32](#__RefHeading___Toc47265158)

[VII. Agency Contacts 33](#__RefHeading___Toc47265160)

[VIII. Other Information 34](#__RefHeading___Toc47265164)

[ix. Tips for Writing a Strong Application
34](#__RefHeading___Toc47265165)

**APPENDIX A -- ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION
GUIDE...........................................................................*36*.**

**APPENDIX B -- REGISTERING AND APPLYING THROUGH
GRANTS.GOV............................................*51***

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265096 .anchor}**I. Funding Opportunity
Description**

**A. Purpose**

[]{.mark}

> The purpose of this National Training and Technical Assistance
> Cooperative Agreement initiative is to fund a group of organizations
> to undertake a series of activities to provide support to grantees,
> providers, and consumers served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
> These activities will support several priority areas intended to
> enhance access to and quality of HIV clinical care and support
> services for underserved persons with HIV disease.
>
> This is to be accomplished through the provision of training and
> technical assistance, which is defined as the identification of need
> for and delivery of practical program and technical support to the
> Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program community. Training and technical
> assistance is intended to maximally assist grantees, planning bodies,
> funded providers, affected communities and individuals living with HIV
> infection to design and deliver HIV care programs. This includes
> assistance designing, implementing and evaluating community-based
> primary care, treatment and critical support services that are
> supported by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
>
> Training and technical assistance is provided through a variety of
> strategic approaches and dissemination strategies including
> individualized and on-site peer and expert consultation, reverse site
> visits/preceptorships, ongoing consultative relationships, national
> and/or regional meetings, consultative meetings and conferences,
> conference calls and web-casts, development of products and training
> curricula in hard copy or web-based, email list serves and other means
> of regular communications and information dissemination.
>
> A spectrum of training and technical assistance priority areas have
> been identified by HAB through a rigorous and comprehensive assessment
> process described fully in the Background section. It is the intention
> of HAB, based on the results of this open competitive funding
> opportunity, to support at least one cooperative agreement in each of
> the following priority areas for training and technical assistance:

-   AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)

-   Consumer Development to Respond to Unmet Need

-   Electronic Data Collection, Storage and Retrieval

-   Fiscal Management

-   Retention of Clients in Care

-   Technical Assistance Resources Guidance, Education, and Training
    (TARGET) Center

> [In keeping with the HAB intent to fund one cooperative agreement in
> each priority area, each application must address a single area.
> Organizations, should they choose, may make multiple applications,
> each addressing a different priority area. Collaborations via
> subcontracts or memoranda of understanding to secure specific
> expertise are encouraged. All applications will be reviewed utilizing
> the same set of review criteria as described in section V.1.
> (pg.34).]{.underline}

**B. Background**

**1. Support of HRSA Strategic Goals**

HRSA is the "Access Agency" of the Department of Health and Human
Services and as such, works to increase access to high quality,
culturally-competent health care and to safeguard the health of the
Nation's most vulnerable populations. The following HRSA Strategic Goals
are supported by the National Training and Technical Assistance
Cooperative Agreement initiative:

**Goal #1 Improve Access to Health Care**

This initiative will result in enhanced access to care for HIV-positive
individuals aware of their sero-status but not yet in care through
training and technical assistance efforts focused on unmet need,
cultural competency of providers and ongoing consumer involvement.

**Goal #2 Improve Health Outcomes & Goal #3 Improve the Quality of
Health Care**

This initiative will result in improved health outcomes and quality of
health care through training and technical assistance efforts focused on
pharmaceutical assistance and ADAP services, data collection for program
planning, evaluation and Quality Management/Quality Improvement,
activities than enhance recruitment and retention of clients in care,
and overall fiscal management and organizational development leading to
better care delivery.

**Goal \# 4 Eliminate Health Disparities**

This initiative will result in enhanced access to care for HIV-positive
individuals aware of their sero-status but not yet in care and help
retain them in care through training and technical assistance efforts
focused on unmet need, cultural competency of providers, ongoing
consumer involvement and use of peer advocates.

**Goals \# 5 Improve the Public Health and Health Care Systems**

This initiative will result in better coordination of services for
people with HIV through the support for active involvement of people
living with HIV infection in program planning and implementation. This
includes but is not limited to programs supported by the Ryan White
HIV/AIDS Program and state and local HIV care service providers. The
focus on unmet need will allow recipients of such training and technical
assistance to position themselves to be knowledgeable and involved in
planning for HIV related treatment and care resources, to work with
other entities involved in health care capacity development on the
community and state level, and to help assess system gaps in HIV care
and treatment services.

**Goal #6 Enhance the Ability of the Health Care System to Respond to
Public Health Emergencies**

Overall, this initiative will contribute significantly to the above goal
by developing increased community level capacity to respond to this
growing public health burden; and shifting the primary and secondary
care treatment focus away from tertiary hospitals and academic
institutions.

**2. The Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act of 2006**

> The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the result of the Ryan White
> Treatment Modernization Act of 2006, a Federal law that addresses the
> unmet health needs of persons living with HIV (PLWH) by funding
> primary health care and support services that enhance access to and
> retention in care. First enacted by Congress in 1990 as the Ryan White
> CARE Act, it was amended and reauthorized in 1996, in 2000 and
> modernized in 2006 as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Modernization Act. The
> Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program reaches approximately 533,000 individuals
> each year, making it the Federal Government\'s largest program
> specifically for people living with HIV disease. **The goal of the Act
> is to improve the availability and quality of HIV/AIDS services for
> low income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and families.**
>
> Like many health problems, HIV disease disproportionately strikes
> people in poverty, racial/ethnic populations, and others who are
> underserved by healthcare and prevention systems. HIV often leads to
> poverty due to costly healthcare or an inability to work that is often
> accompanied by a loss of employer-related health insurance. Programs
> funded under the Act are the \"payer of last resort.\" They fill gaps
> in care not covered by other resources. Most likely users of these
> services include people with no other source of healthcare and those
> with Medicaid or private insurance whose care needs are not being met.
>
> Services funded under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program are intended to
> reduce the use of more costly inpatient care, increase access to care
> for underserved populations, and improve the quality of life for those
> affected by the epidemic. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program works toward
> these goals by funding direct service, local and State programs that
> provide primary medical care and support services; healthcare provider
> training; and technical assistance to help funded programs.
>
> The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides for significant local and
> State control of HIV/AIDS healthcare planning and service delivery.
> This has led to many innovative and practical approaches to the
> delivery of care for PLWH. Applicants are encouraged to visit
> [http://hab.hrsa.gov](http://hab.hrsa.gov/)/ for more information
> about these programs.
>
> The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program addresses the health needs of PLWH by
> funding primary health care and support services that enhance access
> to and retention in care. The following principles were crafted by HAB
> to guide programs in implementing provisions of the Act and responding
> to emerging challenges in HIV/AIDS care:
>
> **Revise care systems to meet emerging needs.** The Ryan White
> HIV/AIDS Program stresses the role of local planning and decision
> making-with broad community involvement-to determine how to best meet
> HIV/AIDS care needs. This requires assessing the shifting demographics
> of new HIV/AIDS cases and revising care systems (e.g., capacity
> development to expand available services) to meet the needs of
> emerging communities and populations. A priority focus is on meeting
> the needs of traditionally underserved populations hardest hit by the
> epidemic, particularly PLWH who know their HIV status and are not in
> care. This entails outreach, early recruitment and retention, and
> other needed services to ensure that clients receive primary health
> care and supportive services-directly or through appropriate linkages.
>
> **Ensure access to quality HIV/AIDS care.** The quality of HIV/AIDS
> medical care-including combination antiretroviral therapies and
> prophylaxis/treatment for opportunistic infections-can make a
> difference in the lives of PLWH. Programs should use quality
> management programs to ensure that available treatments are accessible
> and delivered according to established HIV-related treatment
> guidelines.
>
> **Coordinate services with other health care delivery systems.**
> Programs need to use services funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS
> Program to fill gaps in care. This requires coordination across funded
> programs and with other Federal/State/local programs. Such
> coordination can help maximize efficient use of resources, enhance
> systems of care, and ensure coverage of HIV/AIDS-related services
> within managed care plans (particularly Medicaid managed care).
>
> **Evaluate the impact of funded services and make needed
> improvements.** Federal policy and funding decisions are increasingly
> determined by outcomes. Programs need to document the impact of funded
> services on improving access to quality care/treatment along with
> areas of continued need. Programs also need to have in place quality
> management programs and evaluation mechanisms that assess the effects
> of funded resources on the health outcomes of clients.

**3. Training and Technical Assistance**

> The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program community's greatest challenge looking
> forward is to reach people who are not receiving regular medical care
> and have nowhere else to turn. Their care needs are increasingly
> complex in an age of increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence, continued
> complexity (treatment options, drug resistance, co-morbid conditions)
> of clinical care along with rising health care costs, few new
> financial resources and a growing burden of HIV among minority,
> underserved and marginalized segments of American society. Training
> and technical assistance efforts that address these challenges have
> potential to enhance early access to care and receipt of proper
> clinical care and treatment for people living with HIV disease. This
> in turn can have a positive impact on health disparities and help
> create better health outcomes for people living with HIV in racial and
> ethnic minority populations.
>
> Within this context, and in collaboration with HAB program staff, DTTA
> designs, coordinates and administers HIV/AIDS-related planning,
> training and technical assistance activities within HAB. DTTA responds
> to the evolving need for up-to-date HIV/AIDS information and health
> care delivery and management capabilities among Ryan White HIV/AIDS
> Program grantees and funded providers, other HIV service providers,
> health care leaders and HAB staff. DTTA provides such training and
> technical assistance through a comprehensive portfolio of contracts,
> grants, cooperative agreements, collaborative efforts and internal
> direct services. They include:

-   HAB Project Officers and program administrators, along with other
    HAB and HRSA staff;

-   Consultative meetings with grantees, providers, representatives of
    professional and political organizations and advocacy groups;

-   Interagency agreements that promote Federal HIV TA collaboration;

-   TA and logistics contracts that provide and support on-site TA,
    national and program specific conference calls and web-casts,
    regional training meetings, special projects and development of TA
    Products, dissemination of information;

-   Cooperative agreements with organizations that can provide
    nationwide avenues for multifaceted information dissemination and
    direct provision of training and technical assistance.

-   Funding of special evaluation projects that have training and
    technical assistance relevance such as client-level demonstrations,
    evaluating the quality of care and Care System Assessment
    demonstrations.

-   Dissemination of lessons learned and models developed through the
    Special Projects of National Significance Program (SPNS).

> **4. Development and Conceptualization of the National Training and
> Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement Initiative**
>
> This funding opportunity seeks to build and improve upon current
> training and technical assistance activities. Much like the needs
> assessment process that a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grantee
> undertakes in identifying the need for services, HAB/DTTA engaged in a
> formal process of documenting the need for training and technical
> assistance, and the existence of current or other available resources,
> to specifically identify the focus for this initiative. Within
> HAB/DTTA, a variety of input was reviewed and analyzed in defining the
> training and technical assistance priorities for this initiative.
> Sources of input included the following:

a.  Utilization review of the current National TA contract by topical
    area;

b.  Assessment of topics, tracks and institutes that constituted the
    2006 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program All Grantee Meeting (which was
    principally a TA-focused meeting, see
    <http://www.psava.com/rwca2006/agenda.asp> );

c.  Participant technical assistance forms administered at the grantee
    meeting;

d.  TARGET Center evaluation data on most commonly requested TA topics

e.  Part A and Part B report recommendations, related to improving the
    monitoring of grantees and providers;

f.  Administrative mandates;

g.  Institute of Medicine (IOM) report recommendations from "Measuring
    What Matters: Allocation, Planning and Quality Assessment for the
    Ryan White CARE Act" and "Public Financing and Delivery of HIV Care:
    Securing the Legacy of Ryan White"
    (<http://www.iom.edu/topic.asp?id=3716>);

h.  Select non-aligned experts in the field; and

i.  New legislative language in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment
    Modernization Act.

> This analysis led to the identification of the following priority
> areas for the National Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
> Agreement initiative:

-   AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)

-   Consumer Development to Respond to Unmet Need

-   Electronic Data Collection, Storage and Retrieval

-   Fiscal Management

-   Retention of Clients in Care

-   TARGET Center

> Each of these areas is discussed in more detail in the section that
> follows on Programmatic Areas and Expectations for a National Training
> and Technical Assistance Project. Applicants are reminded that it is
> the intention of HAB, based on the results of this open competitive
> funding opportunity, to support at least one cooperative agreement in
> each of the priority areas. [In keeping with this intent, each
> application must address a single area. Organizations, should they
> choose, may make multiple applications, each addressing a different
> priority area. Collaborations via subcontracts or memoranda of
> understanding are encouraged to secure specific expertise are
> encouraged. All applications will be reviewed utilizing the same set
> of review criteria as described in section V. 1. (pg.
> 34).]{.underline}
>
> During the process which created the programmatic areas, certain
> requirements emerged as important in providing coordinated and
> comprehensive technical assistance on the national level. Every
> application must demonstrate how it will work within these
> requirements. Applicants must:

-   Coordinate with local grantees and HAB program staff;

-   Use current HAB approved curricula as appropriate;

-   Use multiple methods to deliver technical assistance to a larger
    portion of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program;

-   Include follow up evaluation that provides on how the technical
    assistance is used by the target grantee or organization as part of
    evaluation;

-   Use principles of self efficacy in work with consumers; and

-   Provide avenues for technical assistance for persons who learn best
    via self learning or in other languages.

> These requirements are also expanded in the following section.

5.  **Programmatic Areas and Expectations for a National Training and
    Technical Assistance Project --** The following section serves to
    refine the focus of the six priority areas for HAB's National
    Technical Assistance competition. Each application must address only
    one of the following six programmatic areas. If you choose to
    address more than one area, you must submit a separate application
    for each program area chosen.

> **AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)** The AIDS Drug Assistance
> Program (ADAP) provides medications for the treatment of HIV disease.
> It is funded under Part B of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. There
> are several changes in the newly reauthorized Act that will require
> technical assistance. The first area is the requirement that every
> ADAP program must include on its formulary all FDA approved classes of
> core antiretroviral therapeutics approved for use, in the United
> States Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for Use of
> Anti retroviral medications in Persons with HIV and AIDS. (See
> [http://aidsinfo.nih.gov](http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/)) Another area is
> to provide technical assistance to grantees on the accountability and
> quality of ADAPs at the provider level. The third area is to improve
> client level data collection to meet HRSA/HAB data collection
> requirements.
>
> Purpose: This technical assistance is to see that all ADAPs provide
> the best quality of care possible. To that end the successful
> applicant for this cooperative agreement should have the capacity to
> provide technical assistance to State and Territorial ADAP programs
> with regard to: 1) Program administration including the feasibility of
> using a Pharmacy Benefit manager or similar entity  to achieve greater
> program efficiency and effectiveness; 2) development of an clinical
> quality management program for ADAP services; 3) the development of
> systems to provide client level data for ADAP clients as required by
> HAB
>
> Target Group: Part B Grantees.
>
> **Consumer Involvement to Respond to Unmet Need**
>
> Context: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program continues to prioritize
> finding HIV infected persons who are not receiving primary care, but
> know their HIV+ status. It also prioritizes recruiting and retaining
> them in care. All Part A and Part B grantees have completed the HAB
> Unmet Need Framework and have developed estimates on the number and
> demographic characteristics of persons not in care. Many grantees have
> yet to develop a strong plan for the identification of subpopulations
> not in care, and reaching and retaining these clients in care. HAB has
> demonstrated the value of working with consumers to increase
> recruitment and retention in care. (See the TARGET Center TA Library
> at [http://careacttarget.org](http://careacttarget.org/) also
> [http://hab.hrsa.gov/tools/HIVoutreach](http://hab.hrsa.gov/tools/HIVoutreach/);
> also [**Organizations that CARE: A Toolkit for Employing Consumers in
> Ryan White CARE Act Programs**](http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/) (2005))
>
> Purpose: HAB is seeking a cooperative agreement to provide technical
> assistance that will help assist grantees as they work with consumers
> currently in care to reach the hardest to reach subpopulations with
> unmet need and help link them into ongoing care.
>
> Target Group: Part A and Part B grantees that have a robust model of
> unmet need and eagerness to work with consumers to meet that need.

**Client Level Electronic Data Collection, Storage and Retrieval**

Context: The Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act has several new data
requirements including the increased collection of medical information
at the client level of service using a unique identifier, the collection
of data only for funded services (those provided through Ryan White
HIV/AIDS Program funding), and data transmission to HRSA/HAB
semi-annually rather than once each year.

HAB has determined that only electronic data will meet these
requirements. The first place to look for data of this type is within
other electronic data streams. This is especially the case where
resources are limited. There are systems which include much of the data
required in electronic formats. These include laboratory values, visit
dates, diagnoses, and procedures.

Purpose: The purpose of this technical assistance is to help targeted
grantee organizations to collect, store, and retrieve client level data
for program reporting, evaluation, and quality improvement.

Target Group: All grantees funded to provide care under the Act. Special
consideration may go to grantees that attend regional meetings on the
HAB data set for reporting due in 2009.

**Fiscal Management**

Context: The healthcare environment in the United States continues to
change rapidly. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program continues to refine the
focus of funding to cover care for uninsured and under insured persons.
To meet these challenges, grantees and providers must have robust fiscal
systems in place. These systems must also be responsive to the changes
in healthcare's fiscal environment. HAB is committed to insuring that
grantees and providers are able to thrive in the current environment.
Technical assistance in this area is to focus on two areas: income and
fiscal systems. Under income, the areas of TA are to include such topics
as diversifying funding; maximizing program income and third party
reimbursement; implementing client payment methods; assessing client
financial need. Under systems, topics include the recent legislative
changes in spending and carrying over unobligated funds, federally
required audits, and responding to audit findings.

Purpose: The purpose of the fiscal management technical assistance is to
assist targeted organizations to diversify and improve their income
streams and to develop and enhance operational fiscal systems in the
context noted above.

Target Group: All grantees.

**Recruitment and Retention in Care**

Context: The new Act recognizes that HIV/AIDS continues to have a
devastating impact on underserved racial/ethnic minority populations and
subpopulations in the U.S. Persons who are doubly or triply diagnosed
also make up a larger segment of persons with unmet need and are often
the most difficult to recruit and retain in primary medical care. As the
epidemic continues to spread across the nation, there are significant
challenges in bringing appropriate care to persons with HIV in rural
areas of America as well.

Purpose: This technical assistance focuses on three target groups of
persons with HIV disease. One group must be multiply diagnosed persons
with HIV, one group must be rural persons with HIV, and one group must
be chosen from among racial and ethnic minorities named in section 2693
of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act.

Target Group: The target group for this TA is grantees under the Ryan
White HIV/AIDS Program.

**TARGET Center**

Context: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Technical Assistance Resources,
Guidance, Education, and Training (TARGET) Center is the central source
for finding technical assistance and training for programs funded under
the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The TARGET Center maintains useful TA
products in a single site and helps to focus HAB's analysis of TA needs.
HAB staff from the Division of Training and Technical Assistance support
a related help desk to provide assistance using email or phone.

Purpose: This purpose of this cooperative agreement is to ensure the
TARGET Center is responsive, current and useful to programs funded under
the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and to HAB and other program staff. The
successful applicant for this cooperative agreement should be able to
support the TARGET Center in three key areas: the website, the content,
and exposure. In the website area, the applicant must insure hosting,
maintaining and continued development of the TARGET Center. In the
content area, the applicant must insure including current TA products,
updating older TA products, and revising content and links. In addition,
this part of the cooperative agreement will provide for the enhancement
of the delivery of TA information, such as creative communication tools
and techniques to facilitate information sharing and collaboration
around technical assistance for the Ryan White Grantee community and to
HAB project officers. Finally, in the area of exposure, the applicant
must insure the visibility of the TARGET Center to programs funded under
the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. This should also address web design,
review of usage statistics, and evaluation.

While not excused from all of the general expectations on page 10,
applications in this focus area are particularly expected to respond to
these expectations:

-   Use multiple and diverse methods to deliver technical assistance

-   Provide avenues for technical assistance for persons who learn best
    via self learning

Target Group: All grantees and HAB staff.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265100 .anchor}**II. Award Information**

**Type of Award**

Funding will be provided in the form of a cooperative agreement by
HRSA/HAB. Cooperative agreements are a type of grant where the level of
government involvement in funded activities is high. Grantees are
expected to collaborate with HAB and its other grantees and contractors
to achieve the expectations described in the program expectations
section. Certain activities must be planned jointly and include HAB's
input and approval. HRSA must be aware of all project activities in
sufficient time to provide input and/or assistance. Under the
cooperative agreement, HAB's primary role will include, but is not
limited to:

1)  Participating in the design, direction and evaluation of activities;

2)  Participating in the selection and review of evaluation mechanisms;

3)  Reviewing, editing and approving written documents, including
    training curriculum, publications, and other resources;

4)  Providing assistance in the management and technical performance of
    activities; and

5)  Ensuring integration into HAB programmatic and data reporting
    efforts.

Proposed activities must support the mutual goals and objectives of HAB
and the applicant. The HAB goals include the six bulleted items on page
10 as well as those noted in each focus area.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265102 .anchor}**Summary of Funding**

This program will provide funding during Federal fiscal years 2008-2011.
Approximately \$2,400,000 is expected to be available annually to fund
at least 6 awards. The \$2,400,000 will be divided among the six focus
areas outlined in the previous section, with a maximum award of
\$400,000 awarded to any single grantee. At least one Cooperative
Agreement will be funded for each focus area. Applicants are requested
to apply for no more than \$400,000 per focus area. Funding beyond the
first year is dependent on the availability of appropriated funds for
Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements 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**

[]{.mark}

National, regional, and local public and private non-profit
organizations involved in addressing HIV/AIDS related issues on a
national scope are eligible to apply. [Applicants must have a minimum
three year history of developing and disseminating informational
materials, providing training or technical assistance to HIV/AIDS
related organizations and constituencies on a national level. The scope
of work for this cooperative agreement must also be proposed for a
national level]{.underline}. Community-based and faith-based
organizations are eligible to apply for these cooperative agreement
awards.

**2. Cost Sharing/Matching**

Matching funds and cost sharing by the applicant is not a requirement of
this cooperative agreement.

**3. Other**

[]{.mark}

Applicants responding to this announcement may request funding for a
project period of three years, at no more than \$400,000 per year.
Applications that exceed this amount will be considered non-responsive
and will 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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265110 .anchor}**IV. Application and Submission
Information**

[]{#Application_materials .anchor}

1.  **Address to Request Application Package**

    []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265114 .anchor}**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
> <DGPWaivers@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 for which you
> are seeking relief. As indicated in this guidance, **HRSA and its
> Grants Application Center (GAC) will only accept paper applications
> from applicants that received prior written approval. Applicants
> technologically unable to scan the signed face sheet should also
> contact the DGPWaivers mailbox to provide information and request
> further instructions. However, the application must still be submitted
> under the deadline.**
>
> Refer to Appendix A for detailed application and submission
> instructions. Pay particular attention to Section 3, 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; Standard Form. 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:

> The Legin Group, Inc.
>
> 910 Clopper Road
>
> Suite 155 South
>
> 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; Standard Form appear in the
> "Application Format" section below.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265115 .anchor}**2. Content and Form of
Application Submission**

[]{#Application_formatrequirements .anchor}**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 page limit.
>
> **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.**
>
> **Application Format**
>
> Applications for funding must consist of the following documents in
> the following order:

# 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
                                                            guidance for
                                                            detailed
                                                            instructions.
                                                            Provide table of
                                                            contents specific to
                                                            this document only
                                                            as the first page

  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 table of
                                                            contents specific to
                                                            this document only
                                                            as the first page

  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
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-   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.

-   Merge similar documents into a single document. Where several pages
    are expected in the attachment, ensure that you place a table of
    content cover page specific to the attachment. Table of content page
    will not be counted in the page limit.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attachment        **Attachment Description (Program Guidelines)**
  Number**            
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  Attachment 1        Copy of Signed SF-424/5161 Face Sheet

  Attachment 2        Staffing Plan

  Attachment 3        Biographical Sketches

  Attachment 4        Organizational Chart

  Attachment 5        Developed evaluation tools (optional)

  Attachment 6        Other materials to support your Program Narrative
                      not required elsewhere
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

> Note the following specific information related to your submission.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265117 .anchor}**Application Format**

i.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265118 .anchor}***Application Face Page***

> Public Health Service (PHS) Application Form 5161-1; provided with the
> application package. Prepare this page according to instructions
> provided in the form itself. For information pertaining to the Catalog
> of Federal Domestic Assistance, the Catalog of Federal Domestic
> Assistance Number is 93.145.
>
> **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. Information about
> registering with the CCR can be found at
> <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/dunsccr.htm>.

ii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265119 .anchor}***Table of Contents***

> The application should be presented in the order of the Table of
> Contents provided earlier. 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___Toc47265120 .anchor}***Application Checklist***

> Application Form 5161-1; provided with the application package.

iv. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265121 .anchor}***Budget***

> Application Form 5161-1, provided with the application package.
>
> Please complete Sections A, B, E, and F, and then provide a line item
> budget for each grant year using the budget categories in the SF 424A.

v.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265122 .anchor}***Budget Justification*** No
    budget justification is to be included with the SF 424A. You must
    complete the project activity budget that is listed in the Program
    Narrative section. This project activity budget will require a
    budget justification as outlined in Section IV, x, 6 (pg. 26).

> **Budget for Multi-Year Grant Award**
>
> This announcement is inviting applications for project periods up to
> three years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one‑year
> budget period, 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.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Include the following in the Budget Justification 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, and annual salary.
>
> *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 DCA's 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.
>
> *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.
>
> *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 that meet the definition of equipment (a unit cost of
> \$5000 and a useful life of one or more years).
>
> *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.
>
> *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.)

vi. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265123 .anchor}**Staffing Plan and Personnel
    Requirements**

> Applicants must present a staffing plan and provide a justification
> for the plan that includes education and experience qualifications and
> rationale for the amount of time being requested for each staff
> position. Position descriptions that include the roles,
> responsibilities, and qualifications of proposed project staff must be
> included in Attachment 2. Copies of biographical sketches for any key
> employed personnel that will be assigned to work on the proposed
> project must be included in Attachment 3.

vii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265124 .anchor}***Assurances***

> Application Form 5161-1, provided with the application package.

viii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265125 .anchor}***Certifications***

> Application Form 5161-1 provided with the application package.

ix. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265126 .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. For this competitive application, please also include the
> programmatic area your application will address.

Please place the following at the top of the abstract:

-   Project Title

-   Applicant Name

-   Address

-   Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax)

-   E-Mail Address

-   Web Site Address, if applicable

The project abstract must be single-spaced and limited to one page in
length.

x.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265128 .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.

Use the following section headers for the Narrative:

-   Introduction

> This section should briefly describe the purpose of the proposed
> project. It should also describe the way in which your project will
> respond to the specific area the application addresses.

-   NEEDS ASSESSMENT

> This section should help reviewers understand the need for the
> TA/training in the relevant priority area. Describe the priority area
> as outlined by HAB. Please note any relevant challenges in responding
> to the specific focus area your application addresses.
>
> Please also note any relevant challenges in meeting the expectations
> HAB identified for all projects under this funding announcement.

-   Methodology

> Propose methods that will be used to meet each of the
> previously-described program requirements and expectations in this
> grant announcement.
>
> Please discuss why the methodology chosen is appropriate for the
> specific focus area your program will address.
>
> Please discuss how the methodology will respond to the requirements in
> the focus area your program will address.
>
> Please be sure these methods address both the requirements of the
> specific focus area and the general expectations discussed on pages
> 10 - 13
>
> As part of this section, discuss the effectiveness of methods proposed
> to monitor and evaluation the project and project results.

-   Work Plan

> Describe the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Discuss how
> these goals and objectives directly relate to the requirements of the
> specific focus area and the general expectations discussed on pages
> 10 - 13.
>
> Describe in narrative the activities you propose that will respond to
> the focus area, and how and where the activities will take place.
> Discuss how these activities will contribute to meeting the purpose of
> the technical assistance for the specific focus area.
>
> Discuss any collaboration that will take place between your agency and
> other organizations or individuals in order to accomplish these
> activities.
>
> Complete a work table that corresponds with the work plan narrative.
> Either use one of the sample work plans included in this guidance as a
> template, or be sure that your work plan table includes all
> information outlined in the samples, including each project activity
> outlined by action steps, intended target population, target end dates
> and the person(s) responsible for each step.
>
> []{.mark}

-   Resolution of Challenges

> Please discuss the challenges noted in the needs assessment section of
> your narrative.
>
> Please discuss the strength of your methodology in identifying and
> responding to these challenges.
>
> Please discuss the approaches in your work plan approaches that will
> be used to resolve such challenges.
>
> Please discuss relevant challenges encountered in implementing similar
> work plans, and how these were resolved.
>
> []{.mark}

-   Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity

> List the outcome evaluation questions you plan to answer with your
> project.
>
> Describe how you plan to monitor your goals and objectives.
>
> Describe the methods you plan to use to collect data.
>
> Show how the resources discussed in this application are appropriate
> to implement the proposed technical assistance. Include both staff and
> infrastructure.
>
> Describe the computer hardware and software you plan to use to store
> and analyze the data you collect.
>
> Discuss the expertise available to or within your organization to
> analyze collected data. If an external evaluator is to be used,
> described how your agency will coordinate evaluation activities with
> this evaluator.
>
> Discuss how you will use the findings of your evaluation activities.

[]{.mark}

-   Organizational Information

> Describe history and mission of the organization
>
> Talk about organizational capacity and specific areas of
> organizational expertise
>
> Describe past performance managing federal grants at the national
> level, including percentage of deliverables completed within each
> federal fiscal year for the past two completed fiscal years
>
> Describe the current organizational ability to manage federal funds
>
> Discuss expertise of staff as it relates to the scope of work proposed
>
> Describe collaborative efforts with other pertinent agencies that
> enhance your ability to accomplish proposed projects
>
> Include an organizational chart in the attachments section of the
> project proposal.
>
> Describe the estimated percentage of total agency budget that funding
> for this cooperative agreement would make up, and tell us about other
> sources of funding your agency receives

-   SUPPORT REQUESTED

> Prepare a detailed line-item project activity budget. The budget
> should be for one fiscal year (September 1, 2008 -- August 31, 2009).
> Total budget amounts should match the budget you prepare for the
> PHS-5161-1. The project activity budget must have separate columns for
> each of the activities you propose. Each column should reflect the
> line-item costs associated with achieving the activity. Failure to
> provide the line item budget in project activity format will result in
> loss of points for your application. (Sample of budget by project
> activity on page xx of this guidance).
>
> Prepare a budget justification for your project activity budget. The
> budget justification is a narrative that clearly describes each
> line-item in the budget. It focuses on how and why funds will be
> spent. It states how funds are used to accomplish the activities
> proposed. Your justification should discuss all costs related to each
> of the activities you plan to address.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> []{.mark}

xi. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265129 .anchor}**Program Specific Forms**

> []{.mark}

# A. Sample Work Plans

You may choose to format your work plan like the table below or the
outline format on the next page. If you use the table format, you can
prepare your budget on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper in **portrait view** (top of
page along the 8 ½-inch side) or **landscape view** (top of page along
the 11-inch side). You must use a 12-point easy to read font.

+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
| *         |             |                     |         |          |
| *National |             |                     |         |          |
| Training  |             |                     |         |          |
| and TA    |             |                     |         |          |
| Co        |             |                     |         |          |
| operative |             |                     |         |          |
| Ag        |             |                     |         |          |
| reement** |             |                     |         |          |
|           |             |                     |         |          |
| **\<\<Org |             |                     |         |          |
| anization |             |                     |         |          |
| Name\>\>  |             |                     |         |          |
| Work Plan |             |                     |         |          |
| Table**   |             |                     |         |          |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
| *         |             |                     |         |          |
| *Priority |             |                     |         |          |
| Area:**   |             |                     |         |          |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
| **Project | **Target    | **Action Steps**    | **T     | **P      |
| A         | P           |                     | arget** | erson(s) |
| ctivity** | opulation** |                     |         | Respo    |
|           |             |                     | **End   | nsible** |
|           |             |                     | Date**  |          |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
| Activity  |             | Action Step 1       | Date    | Name     |
| 1         |             |                     |         |          |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
|           |             | Action Step 2       | Date... | Name...  |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
|           |             | Action Step 3       | Date... | Name...  |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
| Activity  |             | Action Step 1       | Date... | Name...  |
| 2         |             |                     |         |          |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
|           |             | Action Step 2       | Date... | Name...  |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+
|           |             | Action Step 3       | Date... | Name...  |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+----------+

**National Training and TA Cooperative Agreement**

**\<\<Organization Name\>\> Work Plan Outline**

**Priority Area:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Project Activity \# 1:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Target Population:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

> **Action Step \# 1.1:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **Action Step \# 1.2:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Project Activity \# 2:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Target Population:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

> **Action Step \# 2.1:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **Action Step \# 2.2:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Project Activity \# 3:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Target Population:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

> **Action Step \# 3.1:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **Action Step \# 3.2:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **Action Step \# 3.3:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> Target End Date:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Person(s) Responsible:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**B. Project Activity Budget**

**Although not required, you may choose to use this format to provide
the budget** information required for the Project Proposal. Whatever
format you use, you can prepare your budget on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper in
**portrait view** (top of page along the 8 ½-inch side) or **landscape
view** (top of page along the 11-inch side). You may use a 12-point or
10-point easy to read font.

+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| *         |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| *National |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Training  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| and TA    |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Co        |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| operative |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Ag        |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| reement** |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| **\<\<Org |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| anization |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Name\>\>  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Budget**  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **        | **A   | *  | **Act | **Act | **Act | **Act | **      |
| Personnel | nnual | *T | ivity | ivity | ivity | ivity | TOTAL** |
| Name &    | Sal   | ot | #1**  | #2**  | #3**  | #4**  |         |
| Title**   | ary** | al |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       | Pr |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       | og |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       | F  |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       | TE |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       | ** |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
|           |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
|           |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
|           |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **Fringe  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| B         |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| enefits** |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **Total   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Pe        |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| rsonnel** |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **C       |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| onsultant |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Costs**   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| (1 line   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| per       |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| person)   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **S       |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| upplies** |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **Staff   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Travel**  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **Other   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| E         |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| xpenses** |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
|           |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| (1 line   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| per       |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| expense)  |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **Total   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Direct    |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Costs**   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| *         |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| *Indirect |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| Costs**   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+
| **TOTAL   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
| COSTS**   |       |    |       |       |       |       |         |
+-----------+-------+----+-------+-------+-------+-------+---------+

xii. []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265130 .anchor}**Attachments**

> Please provide the following items to complete the content of the
> application. Please note that these are supplementary in nature, and
> are not intended to be a continuation of the project narrative. Be
> sure each attachment is clearly labeled.
>
> 1\) Copy of Signed SF-424/5161 Face Sheet
>
> 2\) Staffing Plan
>
> 3\) Biographical Sketches
>
> 4\) Organizational charts for the applicant organization
>
> 5\) Developed evaluation tools (optional)
>
> 6\) Other materials to support your Program Narrative (optional)
>
> **Include only letters of support which specifically indicate a
> commitment to the project/program (in-kind services, dollars, staff,
> space, equipment, etc.) Letters of agreements and support must be
> dated. List all other support letters on one page.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265131 .anchor}**3. Submission Dates and Times**

**Application Due Date**

The due date for applications under this grant announcement is *March 3,
2008 at 8:00 P.M. ET*. 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**

> **National HIV Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
> Agreements** is not a program subject to the provisions of Executive
> Order 12372, as implemented by 45 CFR 100. []{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265139 .anchor}**5. Funding Restrictions**

> []{.mark}
>
> Applicants responding to this announcement may request funding for a
> project period of up to three (3) years, at no more than \$400,000 per
> 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}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265140 .anchor}**6. Other Submission
Requirements**

> 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](http://www.Grants.gov/) apply 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.
>
> As soon as you read this, whether you plan on applying for a HRSA
> grant later this month or later this year, 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](http://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
> through Grants.gov. You must, however, ensure that a copy of the
> SF-424/5161 Face Sheet is printed from Grants.gov,
> [signed]{.underline}, scanned, and included with your electronic
> application as Attachment 1
>
> 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 included in the electronic application submission.
>
> **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.
> Further information on the HRSA electronic submission policy can be
> obtained at <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/electronicsubmission.htm>.**
>
> []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265142 .anchor}**V. Application Review
> Information**

**1.** []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265143 .anchor}**Review Criteria**

> 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
> ***National HIV Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
> Agreements Program*** has 6 review criteria:
>
> []{.mark}

**Criterion 1: Need (5 points)**

> This section should help reviewers understand the need for the
> TA/training in the relevant priority area. Describe the priority area
> as outlined by HAB.

-   Please note any relevant challenges in responding to the specific
    focus area your application addresses.

-   Please also note any relevant challenges in meeting the expectations
    HAB identified for all projects under this funding announcement.

**Criterion 2: Response (45 points)**

This includes the methodology, the work plan and the resolution of
challenges.

> Methodology (15):

-   Does the applicant demonstrate the appropriateness of the
    methodology?

-   Does the applicant show how the methodology will respond to both the
    specific requirements for the focus area and to the general
    expectations? Will it reasonably create a response to the priority
    area as defined by HAB?

-   Does the applicant propose effective methods to monitor and evaluate
    the progress of the program, and the results of the program?

> Work Plan (15):

-   Does the work plan propose goals and objectives that will meet the
    requirements of the focus area and correspond to the described
    methodology?

-   Are the activities of the work plan measurable and achievable?

-   Is the time line of the work plan measurable and achievable? Does it
    include action steps, target population, end dates, and responsible
    persons?

> Resolution of Challenges (15):

-   Does the applicant show how challenges noted in the Need section
    will be resolved?

-   Are the resolutions proposed feasible?

-   Does the applicant show how these challenges have been resolved in
    similar situations?

[]{.mark}

**Criterion 3: Evaluative Measures (15 points)**

> This includes the effectiveness of the method proposed to monitor and
> evaluate the project. These must be able to show if the project has
> met its objectives, and if these objectives can be attributed to the
> project.

-   Is the proposed plan for evaluation adequate? Will it show if the
    project has met its objectives?

-   Is the method to collect data appropriate to the program?

-   Does the applicant show it has appropriate resources to implement
    the technical assistance?

-   Does the applicant show expertise available to analyze the collected
    data?

    []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265144 .anchor}

**Criterion 4: Impact (15 points)**

> This includes the extent and effectiveness of plans to disseminate
> project results and the degree to which project activities are
> replicable.

-   How will the applicant make the findings of the project available?

-   How does the applicant propose to meet the expectation to use
    multiple methods of providing technical assistance? Will this
    deliver technical assistance to a larger portion of the Ryan White
    HIV/AIDS Program Community?

-   How does the applicant propose to provide information on how the
    technical assistance is used by the target grantee or organization
    as part of evaluation?

-   How does the applicant propose avenues for technical assistance for
    persons who learn best in other languages?

-   Does the applicant discuss how it will use the findings of the
    evaluation activities to improve the impact of the technical
    assistance?

**Criterion 5: Resources/Capabilities (15 points)**

> This includes the training and experience of staff to implement and
> carry out the project. It also includes the capability of the
> applicant organization and its facilities to fulfill the terms of the
> grant. This should also include the attributes of any contracted
> organizations.

-   How does the organizational capacity and specific areas of
    organizational expertise relate to the proposed project?

-   How has the applicant performed in prior national level activities?

-   How has the applicant managed federal funds?

-   How well does the expertise of the staff match the needs of the
    project?

-   Does the applicant describe how collaborative efforts with other
    agencies will enhance the proposed project? Are they feasible as
    described?

-   Is and organizational chart included?

**Criterion 6: Support Requested (5 points)**

> This includes the reasonableness of the proposed budget in relation to
> the objectives, the complexity of the activities, and the anticipated
> results. This should also include the attributes of any contracted
> organizations.

-   Does the staffing plan demonstrate the needed expertise for this
    project? Are these available in the staff currently proposed?

-   Does the budget clearly justify proposed staff, contracts, and other
    resources?

> **2. Review and Selection Process**
>
> 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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265153 .anchor}

**VI. Award Administration Information**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265154 .anchor}**1. Award Notices**

> 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 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 September 1, 2008.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265156 .anchor}**2. Administrative and National
Policy Requirements**

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

> HRSA grant awards are subject to the requirements of the HHS Grants
> Policy Statement (HHS GPS) that are applicable to the grant based on
> recipient type and purpose of award. This includes, as applicable, any
> requirements in Parts I and II of the HHS GPS that apply to the award,
> as well as any requirements of Part IV. The HHS GPS is available at
> <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/>. The general terms and conditions in the
> HHS GPS will apply as indicated unless there are statutory,
> regulatory, or award-specific requirements to the contrary (as
> specified in the Notice of Award).

**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 the Healthy People 2010 may be obtained from the
> Superintendent of Documents or downloaded at the Healthy People 2010
> website: [http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/document]{.underline}/.

[]{.mark}

> 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.

[[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265158 .anchor}]{.mark}

**3. Reporting**

The successful applicant under this guidance must comply with the
following reporting and review activities:

a.  **Audit Requirements**

> 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](http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars);

b.  **Payment Management Requirements**

> 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;

c.  **Status Reports**

> 1\. Submit a **Financial Status Report**. A financial status report is
> required within 90 days of the end of each budget period. The report
> is an accounting of expenditures under the project that year. More
> specific information will be included in the award notice;
>
> 2\. Submit a **Progress Report**(s). Further information will be
> provided in the award notice.
>
> *3.* Submit quarterly progress reports summarizing activities in all
> project areas. A report format will be provided. One annual report
> will be required ninety days after the end of the budget year. The
> annual report must include detailed information on project outcomes.
>
> d\. **Performance Review**
>
> 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. As part of this agency-wide
> effort, HRSA grantees will be required to participate, where
> appropriate, in an on-site 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 will
> be required to prepare an Action Plan that identifies key actions to
> improve program performance as well as addresses any identified
> program requirement issues. In addition, performance reviews also
> provide an opportunity for grantees to offer 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>.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265160 .anchor}**VII. Agency Contacts**

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

Stephannie Young, Grants Management Specialist

HRSA Division of Grants Management Operations, OFAM

Parklawn Building, Room 11A-02

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301-594-1246

Fax: 301.443.6686

Email: <SYoung1@hrsa.gov>

Additional information related to the overall program issues may be
obtained by contacting:

Brian Feit

Public Health Analyst, DTTA

HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA

Parklawn Building, Room 7-29

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301-443-3478

Fax: 301-594-XXXX

Email: <bfeit@hrsa.gov>

Technical assistance regarding this funding announcement may be obtained
by contacting:

Brian Feit

Public Health Analyst, DTTA

HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA

Parklawn Building, Room 7-29

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301-443-3478

Fax: 301-594-XXXX

Email: <bfeit@hrsa.gov>

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc47265164 .anchor}

**VIII.** []{#__RefHeading___Toc47265165 .anchor}**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](http://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, service area,
> barriers to health care, or health care needs in your community. 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. Avoid the risk of
> having reviewers hunt through your application for information.
>
> **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. Your budget
> should reflect back to the proposed activities, and all forms should
> be filled in accurately and completely.
>
> **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 attachments.** Do not use the attachments
> for information that is required in the body of the application. Be
> sure to cross-reference all tables and attachments to the appropriate
> text in the application. Be sure to upload the attachments in the
> order indicated in the forms.
>
> **Carefully proofread the application.** Misspellings and grammatical
> errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure
> 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.
>
> **Print out and carefully review an electronic application to ensure
> accuracy and completion.** When submitting electronically, print out
> the application before submitting it to ensure appropriate formatting
> and adherence to page limit requirements. **Check to ensure that all
> attachments are included before sending the application forward.**
>
> **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 received.**

APPENDIX A: HRSA's Electronic Submission User Guide

User Guide Table of Contents

> 1\. INTRODUCTION
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 1.1. DOCUMENT PURPOSE AND
> SCOPE\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 1.2. DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION AND VERSION
> CONTROL\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 2\. NONCOMPETING CONTINUATION
> APPLICATION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.1. PROCESS
> OVERVIEW\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.2. GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH
> [[GRANTS.GOV]{.underline}](http://GRANTS.GOV/) (IF NOT ALREADY
> REGISTERED)...................................................................................................\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.3. PROJECT DIRECTOR AND AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEED TO REGISTER WITH
> HRSA EHBS
>
> (IF NOT ALREADY REGISTERED)
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.4. APPLY THROUGH [[GRANTS.GOV]{.underline}](http://GRANTS.GOV/)
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.4.1 Find Funding
> Opportunity\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.4.2 Download Application Package
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 2.4.3 Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.4.4 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.4.5 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.5. VERIFY IN HRSA ELECTRONIC HANDBOOKS
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.5.1 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 2.5.2 Manage Access to Your Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.5.3 Check Validation
> Errors\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.5.4 Fix Errors and Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 2.5.5 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 3\. COMPETING
> APPLICATION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 3.1. PROCESS
> OVERVIEW\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 3.2. GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH
> [[GRANTS.GOV]{.underline}](http://GRANTS.GOV/) NOT ALREADY
> REGISTERED)\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 3.3. APPLY THROUGH
> [[GRANTS.GOV]{.underline}](http://GRANTS.GOV/)\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 3.3.1 Find Funding
> Opportunity\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 3.3.2 Download Application
> Package\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 3.3.3 Complete
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 3.3.4 Submit
> Application\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 3.3.5 Verify Status of Application
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 4\. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION
> SUBMISSION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 4.1. NARRATIVE ATTACHMENT
> GUIDELINES\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 4.1.1
> Font\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 4.1.2 Paper Size and
> Margins\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 4.1.3
> Names\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 4.1.4 Section Headings
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 4.1.5 Page
> Numbering\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 4.1.6 Allowable Attachment or Document
> Types\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 4.2. APPLICATION CONTENT ORDER (TABLE OF
> CONTENTS)\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 4.3. PAGE
> LIMIT\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 5.0 CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 5.1.1 Grants.gov Customer
> Support\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 5.1.2 HRSA Call
> Center\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 5.1.3 HRSA Program
> Support\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 6.0
> FAQs\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 6.1.
> SOFTWARE\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 6.1.1 What are the software requirements for using
> Grants.gov?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 6.1.2 Why can\'t I download PureEdge Viewer onto my
> machine?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 6.1.3 I have heard that Grants.gov is not Macintosh compatible. What
> do I do if I use only a
> Macintosh?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 6.1.4 What are the software requirements for HRSA
> EHBs?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 6.1.5 What are the system requirements for using HRSA EHBs on a
> Macintosh computer?\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 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?
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 6.2.2 When do I need to submit my application?
> \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 6.2.3 What emails can I expect once I submit my application? Is email
> reliable? \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
>
> 6.2.4 If a resubmission is required because of Grants.gov system
> problems, will these be
>
> considered
> \"late\"?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
>
> 6.3. APPLICATION
> SUBMISSION\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....

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

> objective
> review?\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
>
> 6.4 GRANT.GOV
> HELP\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....

# 1. Introduction

## 1.1 Document Purpose and Scope {#document-purpose-and-scope .unnumbered}

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 {#document-organization-and-version-control .unnumbered}

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 {#process-overview .unnumbered}

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)

## 2.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not already registered) -- See Appendix B {#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered-see-appendix-b .unnumbered}

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}
<!-- -->
```
-   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) {#project-director-and-authorizing-official-need-to-register-with-hrsa-ehbs-if-not-already-registered .unnumbered}

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 {#apply-through-grants.gov .unnumbered}

### 2.4.1 Find Funding Opportunity {#find-funding-opportunity .unnumbered}

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: 5-S45-06-001)

-   Noncompeting announcements are not available in Grants.gov FIND!

### 2.4.2 Download Application Package {#download-application-package .unnumbered}

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-application .unnumbered}

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 {#submit-application .unnumbered}

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 {#verify-status-of-application .unnumbered}

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 {#verify-in-hrsa-electronic-handbooks .unnumbered}

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 {#verify-status-of-application-1 .unnumbered}

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 {#manage-access-to-your-application .unnumbered}

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.

### 2.5.3 Check Validation Errors {#check-validation-errors .unnumbered}

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 {#fix-errors-and-complete-application .unnumbered}

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 {#submit-application-1 .unnumbered}

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.

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

# 3. Competing Application

## 3.1 Process Overview {#process-overview-1 .unnumbered}

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.

## 3.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not already registered) -- See Appendix B {#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered-see-appendix-b-1 .unnumbered}

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}
<!-- -->
```
-   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 {#apply-through-grants.gov-1 .unnumbered}

### 3.3.1 Find Funding Opportunity {#find-funding-opportunity-1 .unnumbered}

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-application-package-1 .unnumbered}

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-application-1 .unnumbered}

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 {#submit-application-2 .unnumbered}

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 {#verify-status-of-application-2 .unnumbered}

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 <DGPWaivers@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".

.

# 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 {#narrative-attachment-guidelines .unnumbered}

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

### 4.1.1 Font  {#font .unnumbered}

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 {#paper-size-and-margins .unnumbered}

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 {#names .unnumbered}

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 {#section-headings .unnumbered}

Please put all section headings flush left in bold type.

### 4.1.5 Page Numbering {#page-numbering .unnumbered}

**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 {#allowable-attachment-or-document-types .unnumbered}

**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

## 4.2 Application Content Order (Table of Contents) {#application-content-order-table-of-contents .unnumbered}

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 {#page-limit .unnumbered}

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 {#grants.gov-customer-support .unnumbered}

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 {#hrsa-call-center .unnumbered}

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 {#hrsa-program-support .unnumbered}

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 {#software .unnumbered}

### 6.1.1 What are the software requirements for using Grants.gov? {#what-are-the-software-requirements-for-using-grants.gov .unnumbered}

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? {#why-cant-i-download-pureedge-viewer-onto-my-machine .unnumbered}

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? {#i-have-heard-that-grants.gov-is-not-macintosh-compatible.-what-do-i-do-if-i-use-only-a-macintosh .unnumbered}

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? {#what-are-the-software-requirements-for-hrsa-ehbs .unnumbered}

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?  {#what-are-the-system-requirements-for-using-hrsa-ehbs-on-a-macintosh-computer .unnumbered}

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 {#application-receipt .unnumbered}

### 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? {#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 .unnumbered}

**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? {#when-do-i-need-to-submit-my-application .unnumbered}

**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 .unnumbered}

### 6.2.3 What emails can I expect once I submit my application? Is email reliable? {#what-emails-can-i-expect-once-i-submit-my-application-is-email-reliable .unnumbered}

**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.

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.

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\"? {#if-a-resubmission-is-required-because-of-grants.gov-system-problems-will-these-be-considered-late .unnumbered}

**Competing Submissions:**

No. But you must **contact the Director of the Division of Grants
Policy** via email at <DGPWaivers@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.

## 6.3 Application Submission {#application-submission .unnumbered}

### 6.3.1 How can I make sure that my electronic application is presented in the right order for objective review? {#how-can-i-make-sure-that-my-electronic-application-is-presented-in-the-right-order-for-objective-review .unnumbered}

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 {#grants.gov .unnumbered}

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
[DGPWaivers@hrsa.gov](http://intranet.hrsa.gov/../../../GLipton.000/My Documents/Grants/guidance/FY06/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](../www.grants.gov). Individual assistance is available
at [http://www.grants.gov/Support](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.

**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. You must, however, ensure that a copy of the
SF-424/5161 Face Sheet is printed from Grants.gov, [signed,]{.underline}
scanned, and included with your electronic application as Attachment 1.

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 included in the electronic application submission.

**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.