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

**Health Resources and Services Administration**

**HIV/AIDS Bureau**

**Division of Community Based Programs**

**Ryan White CARE Act**

> ***Title III Capacity Development***
>
> ***New Competing Grant***
>
> ***HRSA 06-050***
>
> ***Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No. 93.918***

**PROGRAM GUIDANCE**

**Fiscal Year 2006**

**Application Due Date: May 5, 2006**

**Date of Issuance: March 6, 2006**

Sylvia Trent-Adams

> Chief, Western Region Branch
>
> Division of Community Based Programs
>
> HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA

Telephone: **301-443-1377**

> Fax: 301-443-1839

Authority: *Public Health Service Act, Section 2654(c), 42 USC
300ff-54(c).*

**Guidance Table of Contents**

[I. Funding Opportunity Description
2](#i.-funding-opportunity-description)

[Purpose 2](#purpose)

[Background 3](#background)

[II. Award Information 4](#ii.-award-information)

[Type of Award 4](#type-of-award)

[Summary of Funding 4](#__RefHeading___Toc128905271)

[III. Eligibility Information 6](#iii.-eligibility-information)

[1. Eligible Applicants 6](#eligible-applicants)

[2. Cost Sharing/Matching 6](#cost-sharingmatching)

[3. Other 6](#other)

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

[1. Address to Request Application Package
6](#__RefHeading___Toc128905277)

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

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

[3. Submission Dates and Times 23](#submission-dates-and-times)

[4. Intergovernmental Review 24](#intergovernmental-review)

[5. Funding Restrictions 24](#funding-restrictions)

[6. Other Submission Requirements 25](#other-submission-requirements)

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

[1. Review Criteria 27](#review-criteria)

[2. Review and Selection Process 34](#review-and-selection-process)

[3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
35](#anticipated-announcement-and-award-dates)

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

[1. Award Notices 35](#award-notices)

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

[3. Reporting 36](#__RefHeading___Toc128905291)

[VII. Agency Contacts 37](#vii.-agency-contacts)

[VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application
38](#viii.-tips-for-writing-a-strong-application)

*APPENDIX A - ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION
GUIDE...........................................................................42*

*APPENDIX B - REGISTERING & APPLYING THROUGH
GRANTS.GOV................................................58*

# I. Funding Opportunity Description

## Purpose

This announcement solicits applications for the Title III Capacity
Development Grant Program. The authority for this grant program is
Section 2654(c) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, (42 U.S.C.
§300ff-54(c)). The entire CARE Act can be accessed at
<http://hab.hrsa.gov/law.htm>.

> The following are excerpts from the Ryan White CARE Act of 1990, as
> amended by the Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1996 and 2000 that
> pertains to the HIV Planning/Capacity Development Grant Program:
>
> Public Health Service Act Section 2654 (42 U.S.C.§300ff-54)
>
> ASEC. 2654. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
>
> A(a)\.....
>
> A(b)\...
>
> **A(c)** **PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS**
>
> **A(1) IN GENERAL. -** The Secretary may provide planning grants to
> public and nonprofit private entities for purposes of
>
> A\) enabling such entities to provide HIV early intervention services;
> and
>
> B\) assisting the entities in expanding their capacity to provide
> HIV-related health services, including early intervention services, in
> low-income communities and affected subpopulations that are
> underserved with respect to such services (subject to the condition
> that a grant pursuant to this subparagraph may not be expended to
> purchase or improve land, or to purchase, construct, or permanently
> improve, other than minor remodeling, any building or other facility);
>
> **A(2) REQUIREMENT.-**The Secretary may only award a grant to an
> entity under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that the entity
> will use such grant to assist the entity in qualifying for a grant
> under section 2651.
>
> **A(3) PREFERENCE.-**In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the
> Secretary shall give preference to entities that provide primary care
> services in rural or underserved communities.
>
> **A(4) AMOUNT AND DURATION OF GRANTS.-**
>
> **(A) EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES -** a grant under paragraph (1)(A)
> may be made in an amount not to exceed \$50,000.
>
> **(B) CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT -**
>
> **(i)AMOUNT -** a grant under paragraph (1)(B) may be made in an
> amount not to exceed \$150,000.
>
> **(ii)DURATION -**The total duration of a grant under paragraph
> (1)(B), including any renewal, may not exceed 3 years.
>
> **(5) LIMITATION-**Not to exceed 5 percent of the amount appropriated
> for a fiscal year under section 2655 may be used to carry out this
> section.@
>
> The Capacity Development grant program is designed to assist public
> and nonprofit entities in their efforts to strengthen their
> organizational infrastructure and to enhance their capacity to
> develop, enhance, or expand access to high quality HIV primary health
> care services for people living with HIV or who are at risk of
> infection in underserved or rural communities and communities of
> color.
>
> Activities supported by this grant funding are not intended for
> long-term activities. Instead, the activities should be of a
> short-term nature and should be completed by the end of the one to
> three year grant period.

[]{.mark}

## Background

> You must propose capacity development activities that will develop,
> enhance or expand a comprehensive continuum of outpatient HIV primary
> care services in your community. For the purposes of this grant
> application, capacity development is defined as:
>
> ***Activities that promote organizational infrastructure development
> and that will lead to the delivery or improvement of HIV primary care
> services. In this context, the elements of infrastructure development
> speak to:***

-   ***Management Systems***

-   ***Service Delivery Systems***

-   ***Evaluation Systems***

-   ***Cultural Competency***

-   ***Self Management***

> **Organizations are allowed, but not limited, to use Title III HIV
> Capacity Development Grant funds for the following activities:**

-   Identifying, establishing and [strengthening clinical,
    administrative, managerial, and management information system (MIS)
    structures]{.underline} so that the applicant may become able to
    offer, enhance, or expand comprehensive HIV primary health care
    (i.e., medical record systems, QA systems, web-based systems,
    telehealth, etc.);

-   Developing a [financial management unit]{.underline} of the
    organization that is capable of managing multiple sources of funding
    for HIV primary care services;

-   Developing and implementing a [clinical continuous quality
    improvement (CQI) program]{.underline} which, at a minimum, ensures
    implementation and adherence to all Public Health Service guidelines
    for care and treatment of HIV and related illnesses, including the
    development or improvement of HIV medical record systems;

-   Gathering necessary documents and [applying for Medicaid
    certification]{.underline} and if applicable, appropriate state
    [clinic licensure]{.underline} so that the applicant may become able
    to offer, enhance or expand comprehensive HIV primary health care;

-   Increasing the capability of your organization to oversee its HIV
    service provision, including development of an organizational
    strategic plan for HIV care, education of Board members regarding
    the HIV program, and staff training and development regarding HIV
    care. These activities must be presented as a package of activities
    designed to implement, expand, or enhance comprehensive HIV primary
    care;

-   Purchasing clinical supplies and equipment for the purpose of
    developing, enhancing, or expanding HIV primary care services (i.e.,
    purchase of dental chairs and equipment to begin an HIV dental
    clinic; modification of a ventilation system to accommodate TB care,
    etc.);

-   Developing an organizational strategic plan to address managed care
    changes or changes in the HIV epidemic in your community;

-   Developing a cultural competency training program aimed at staff or
    other HIV provider partners. The cultural competency training should
    be designed to train staff in meeting the needs of consumers with
    HIV/AIDS of particular cultures and of which the organization has
    limited knowledge and experience in serving;

-   Increasing the capability of your organization to implement and/or
    manage consumer involvement. This may include staff training on the
    identification and retention of consumers; involvement of consumers
    in the development and implementation of the program, and in
    continuous quality improvement initiatives; or

-   Developing a Patient Self Management support program that emphasizes
    the patient's role in the management of their health.

> If you are interested in providing HIV primary care services you
> should refer to the Ryan White CARE Act Title III Early Intervention
> Services (EIS) Program Application Guidance (CFDA 93.918,
> HRSA-06-046). The guidance will assist you in understanding the scope
> of services that constitute the continuum of comprehensive HIV primary
> care and the eligibility criteria for the Ryan White CARE Act Title
> III EIS Program. Information about the program is available on the
> website at <http://hab.hrsa.gov/grant.htm> .

# II. Award Information

## Type of Award

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant.

## Summary of Funding

[]{.mark}

> The Capacity Development Program will provide funding during Federal
> fiscal year 2006. Approximately \$1,200,000 is expected to be
> available to fund up to 12 grantees. You may apply for a maximum of
> \$100,000 to be used in a one year project period.
>
> The following defines rural and underserved areas, statutory
> preferences under this program, and provides information on the
> Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) targeting racial/ethnic communities.

### 

> **A. Rural**
>
> Rural communities are those that are **NOT** designated a metropolitan
> statistical area (MSA). An MSA, as defined by the Office of Management
> and Budget, must include one city with 50,000 or more inhabitants.
> MSAs are also urbanized areas (defined by the Bureau of the Census)
> with at least 50,000 or more inhabitants and a total MSA population of
> at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England).
>
> **B. Underserved Areas**
>
> Underserved communities are those where gaps in the provision of HIV
> primary care services are identified. These gaps must be defined and
> [documented]{.underline} by the applicant and may include inadequate
> and/or unavailable services or services that do not target
> sufficiently particular segments of any community.
>
> **C. Minority AIDS Initiative**

In FY 1996, Congress appropriated dollars under the African-American
Populations Initiative, thereafter referred to as the Minority AIDS
Initiative (MAI). The MAI is aimed at supporting private non-profit or
public entities serving communities of color, especially those that are
indigenous to the targeted communities of color to be served. This
initiative recognizes that many racial and ethnic minority communities
carry a heavier burden of HIV and AIDS than other communities. The goal
of MAI is to help reduce this burden. It is designed to address HIV and
AIDS in racial and ethnic minority communities and to improve the
capacity of community-based organizations to serve more effectively
their communities. Under the MAI initiative, you will be expected to
propose activities designed to enhance or expand services to communities
of color.

> You may choose to target one or more racial/ethnic minority
> populations. The population(s) should be described within the content
> of your narrative and work plan. **You will also need to provide the
> percent of your clientele you project to be racial/ethnic minority
> populations.**

Throughout this guidance, specific information will be requested for
programs that serve or propose to serve racial/ethnic minority
populations. **Depending on the percentage of your clientele you project
to be communities of color, all or part of your effort will be
designated as MAI funding.**

> Racial/ethnic populations include, [but are not limited]{.underline}
> to, African Americans, Caribbeans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian/Pacific
> Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives.

# 

# III. Eligibility Information

## 1. Eligible Applicants

> You must be a public or private nonprofit entity that is or intends to
> become an HIV primary care provider agency. These may include State
> and local governments, their agencies, and Indian Tribes or tribal
> organizations with or without Federal recognition.
>
> Faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible to apply
> for these grant funds.

## 2. Cost Sharing/Matching

> This program does not require applicant agencies to cost share or
> match grant funds if awarded.

## 3. Other 

> If you have previously received Title III Capacity Development funds
> and propose to conduct the same activities in this proposal as were
> previously funded, you will not be considered for funding under this
> announcement.

For currently funded HRSA grantees, past performance will be taken into
consideration in making a funding decision. This includes circumstances
such as, but not limited to, grantees on draw down restriction or who
are not in compliance with legislative requirements for any HRSA
program.

> This grant program **does not** provide funding for service delivery,
> patient care, research or prevention. You **may not** use these
> Federal funds to supplant or duplicate existing Federal funding.
>
> You **may not** serve only as the administrative agent for this grant.
> In other words, you must perform the majority of the activities
> included in the work plan discussed in Section X -Program Narrative,
> under *Methodology*.

# IV. Application and Submission Information

## 1. Address to Request Application Package

The application and submission process has changed significantly. HRSA
is ***requiring*** applicants for this funding opportunity to apply
electronically through Grants.gov. All applicants ***must*** submit in
this manner unless the applicant is granted a written exemption from
this requirement in advance by the Director of HRSA's Division of Grants
Policy. Grantees must request an exemption in writing from
<DGPClearances@hrsa.gov>, and provide details as to why they are
technologically unable to submit electronically though the Grants.gov
portal. Make sure you specify the announcement number you are seeking
relief for. As indicated in this guidance, HRSA and its Grants
Application Center (GAC) will only accept paper applications from
applicants that received prior written approval.

Refer to Appendix A for detailed application and submission
instructions. Pay particular attention to Section 3, which provides
detailed information on the competitive application and submission
process.

A complete application kit includes this Program and Application
Guidance and the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service Grant Application (Form 5161-1). The Public Health Service Grant
Application (Form 5161-1) is available at
<http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/forms.htm>.

**Application Materials**

The entire application guidance should be reviewed thoroughly prior to
making a decision to apply. Applicants must submit applications
according to the instructions in Appendix A, using this guidance in
conjunction with appropriate form(s) in the Public Health Service (PHS)
Application Form 5161-1. These forms contain additional general
information and instructions for grant applications, proposal
narratives, and budgets.

These forms may be obtained from the following sites:

[]{.mark}

(1) Download from <http://www.hhs.gov/forms>; or

> \(2\) Contact the HRSA Grants Application Center at:
>
> The Legin Group, Inc.
>
> 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450
>
> Gaithersburg, MD 20879
>
> Telephone: 877-477-2123
>
> <HRSAGAC@hrsa.gov>.

[]{.mark}

> Instructions for preparing portions of the application that must
> accompany Application Form 5161-1 appear in the "Application Format"
> section that follows below.
>
> The Division of Community Based Programs will hold one to two
> pre-application Technical Assistance (TA) conference calls for
> agencies interested in applying for the Ryan White CARE Act Title III
> Capacity Development Grant Program to review program requirements,
> guidance, and expectations in preparing their applications. Conference
> calls are scheduled for March 2006.
>
> For information on TA calls or for general program information please
> contact the Division of Community Based Programs at 301-443-2177.
> Information or technical assistance regarding business, budget or
> financial issues should be directed to the HRSA Division of Grants
> Management Operations at (301) 443-3262.

## 2. Content and Form of Application Submission

#### Application Format Requirements

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,
appendices and letters of commitment and support. Standard forms are NOT
included in the page limit.**

**Applications that exceed the specified page 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 Requirements*

> See Appendix A, Section 4 for detailed application submission
> instructions. These instructions must be followed.

### *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 to
                                                            guidance for
                                                            detailed
                                                            instructions.
                                                            Provide a table of
                                                            contents specific to
                                                            this document only
                                                            as the first page.
                                                            This table of
                                                            contents page will
                                                            not be counted in
                                                            the page limit.

  Additional          Attachment   Can be uploaded on page  Applicable; not
  Congressional                    2 of SF 424 - Box 16     counted in the page
  District                                                  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

  Optional Project    Attachment   Can be uploaded in       Not Applicable to
  Narrative                        Project Narrative        HRSA; Do not use.
                                   Attachment form.         

  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.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attachment        **Attachment Description (Program Guidelines)**
  Number**            
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  Attachment 1        Appendix A: Position Descriptions and biographical
                      sketches for Key Personnel/Positions. Merge similar
                      documents into one attachment. Where several pages
                      are expected in the attachment, ensure that you
                      place a table of contents cover page specific to
                      the attachment. The table of contents page will not
                      be counted in the page limit.

  Attachment 2        Appendix B: Service area map.

  Attachment 3        Appendix C: Project Organizational Chart

  Attachment 4        Appendix D: Letters of commitment/Support

  Attachment 5        Appendix E Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

  Attachment 6        Appendix F:

  Attachment 7        Appendix F:

  Attachment 8        

  Attachment 9        

  Attachment 10       

  Attachment 11       

  Attachment 12       

  Attachment 13       

  Attachment 14       

  Attachment 15       
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Note the following specific information related to your submission:

i.  ***Application Face Page (SF424)***

> The application face page (SF424) can be found in the Public Health
> Service (PHS) Application Form 5161-1, provided with the application
> package. Prepare this page according to instructions provided in the
> form itself. This form identifies your organization, its location, and
> the primary contact or authorized representative who can communicate
> with HRSA on behalf of your organization.
>
> Pay close attention to the following items on the Face Sheet, which
> contain important information about your organization:
>
> **Item 8**
>
> The information here is also used for correspondence about the grant
> application. Be sure that the contact person listed is consistently
> available, and that the provided phone number, fax number, and email
> address is current.
>
> **DUNS Number**
>
> All applicant organizations will be 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 can be found at
> <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/preview/dunsccr.htm> or by calling
> 1-866-705-5711.
>
> Please include the DUNS number in Item 8c, "Organizational DUNS" on
> the application face page. **Applications will not be reviewed without
> a DUNS number.**
>
> **Item 8b**
>
> The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number
> furnished by the IRS. This information is used to establish a payment
> account.
>
> **Item 11**

Enter "93.918" as the Catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance Number.
Write "Title III Capacity Development Grant Program" as name of program.
Write the program announcement code HRSA 05-043 beside or above the CFDA
number.

> **Item 17**
>
> Enter the dates for the complete project period September 1, 2006 --
> August 31, 2007.
>
> **Item 18a**
>
> Enter the total amount of Title III Capacity Development federal funds
> you are requesting for the 12-month budget period. This amount must
> match the total from your SF-424A**.** The maximum amount that you may
> request cannot exceed \$100,000.
>
> **Item 19**
>
> Some states require that you submit a copy of your Federal grant
> applications to a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) at the state
> government level. If your state participates in the SPOC review
> process, enter the date you sent the copy of your Ryan White CARE Act
> Title III Capacity Development grant application to the SPOC office.
> For a list of states and territories that currently participate in the
> SPOC review process, please download the listing from the internet at:
> <http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html>.
>
> **Item 21**
>
> A person authorized to represent your organization must sign this
> form. Please sign it in blue ink to identify the original signature.
>
> Additionally, the applicant organization will be required to register
> with the Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry (CCR) in
> order to do business electronically with the Federal Government.
> Information about registering with the CCR can be found at
> <http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/preview/dunsccr.htm> or by calling (888)
> 227-2423.

ii. ***Table of Contents***

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

iii. ***Application Checklist***

> You must complete the Checklist found in application Form 5161-1,
> pages 25-26, provided with the application package.

iv. ***Budget***

> Use PHS Application Form 5161-1, provided with the application
> package. The Capacity Development Budget is composed of the following:
> (1) Standard Form 424A for Non-Construction Programs, provided with
> the application package; and (2) the Line-Item Budget.
>
> **1. Standard Form 424A**
>
> Please complete Sections A, B, E and F of The Standard Form 424A for
> Non-Construction Programs, included in PHS Application Form 5161-1.
> The CFDA Number should read 93.918. On the Standard Form 424A for
> Non-Construction Programs, please pay special attention to these
> items:

-   SF 424A, Section A, Budget Summary, Line 1, Column (a): "Capacity
    Development" and Column (b): 93.918. Columns (e) and (f): enter
    amount requested. Columns C, D and F should be left blank.

-   SF 424A, Section B, Budget Categories, Column 1: title "Capacity
    Development". Enter all costs associated with each object class
    category. The total amount should equal that listed in Section A,
    Cell 1g.

-   SF 424A, Section B, Budget Categories, Line 7: for the purposes of
    this budget, **leave this section blank.**

-   SF 424A, Section C, Non-Federal Resources: **leave blank**.

-   SF 424A, Section D, Forecasted Cash Needs: **leave blank.**

-   SF 424A, Section E, Budget Estimates of Federal Funds: **leave
    blank.**

-   SF 424A, Section F, Other Budget Information, Line 22: **leave
    blank**

> **2. Line-Item Budget** *(You may present the line-item budget in
> table format)*
>
> In addition to the SF424A, you must complete a line-item budget using
> the same budget categories listed in the SF424A. Your **[budget period
> is for one year]{.underline},** from 9/1/2006 -- 8/31/2007. **We
> suggest you list the budget categories (Personnel, Supplies,
> Equipment, etc.) in the left-hand column and the amount requested in
> the right hand column.**

v.  ***Budget Justification***

> Provide a narrative that explains the amounts requested for each line
> in the budget. The budget justification should specifically describe
> how each item will support the achievement of proposed objectives. The
> budget period is for ONE year. Line item information must be provided
> to explain the costs entered in the line-item budget and SF424A from
> Application Form 5161-1.
>
> **The budget justification must clearly describe each cost element,
> the calculation for the cost, and explain how each cost contributes to
> meeting the project's objectives/goals.** Be very careful about
> showing how each item in the "other" category is justified. The budget
> justification MUST be concise. Do NOT use the justification to expand
> the project narrative.
>
> Include the following in the Budget Justification narrative:
>
> **Personnel Costs:** Explain by listing each staff member who will be
> supported from funds, provide the of the person in each position,
> title, percent full time equivalency (FTE), annual salary, and the
> exact amount requested for each project year.
>
> **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.
>
> **Successful grant applicants are required to participate in the Title
> III HIV Capacity Development Grantee Orientation Conference Call to be
> held October 2006.**
>
> **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.
>
> **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.

[]{.mark}

> **Contractual:** Provide a clear explanation as to the purpose and
> activities, including deliverables, of any consultants, and if
> possible identify the consultant/contractor. Indicate the number of
> hours of services and estimated hourly or daily reimbursement rate the
> consultant/contractor will receive.
>
> **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.
>
> **Indirect Costs:** **You may include indirect costs in this
> application if you have an approved indirect cost rate**. 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 requesting
> indirect costs in your budget, you must provide a copy of your
> federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. *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.*

vi. ***Staffing Plan and Personnel Requirements***

> Applicants must present a staffing plan for key staff including those
> who have responsibility and/or oversight of all or a portion of this
> project. The plan should include: position name, education,
> experience, qualifications and rationale for the amount of time being
> requested for each staff. Present this information in the form of
> biographical sketches for those key employed personnel that will be
> assigned to work on the proposed project. Biographical sketches take
> the place of resumes so you do not have to include resumes.
>
> Also include position descriptions that include the title, duties and
> responsibilities, education, experience, and qualifications, as
> **Appendix A**.

vii. ***Assurances***

> Please include all assurances found in Application Form 5161-1
> provided with the application package.

viii. ***Certifications***

> Please include all certifications found in Application Form 5161-1
> provided with the application package.

ix. ***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]{.underline}
> include:
>
> []{.mark}

-   A brief description of the **organizational mission**, and a
    **summary of the services** currently provided by the organization.

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-   An overview of the **proposed service area.**

-   The **targeted population**(s), including unique characteristics.
    Make sure you indicate the population(s) you propose to serve, which
    may include rural, underserved or racial/ethnic minorities or any
    combination of these.

-   An **overview of the HIV epidemic** in your proposed service area,
    with highlights of the data related to the target population.

-   A brief **description of current HIV resources**, including unmet
    needs for HIV services in the service area and a brief description
    of the needs to be addressed.

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```
-   A **summary of proposed capacity development activities**, including
    the Objectives listed in your work plan.

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```
-   The **amount requested** and the **number of years requested** for
    the grant.

> []{.mark}

*Please place the following at the top of the abstract:*

-   **Project Title (FY 2006 Capacity Development Grant)**

-   **Applicant Name**

-   **City, State**

The project abstract must be single-spaced and limited to **no more than
two pages** in length.

x.  ***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.

There are seven header categories for the Program Narrative section.
They are:

1.  Introduction

2.  Needs Assessment

3.  Work Plan

4.  Methodology

5.  Resolution of Challenges

6.  Organizational Information

7.  Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity

> Use these section headers for your Narrative and pay attention to
> sub-headers for several of these sections.

**Narrative:**

1.  *Introduction*

> This section should describe briefly the purpose of the proposed
> project. You should discuss why your agency is in need of capacity
> development funds and how these funds and the activities proposed will
> lead to the development of HIV primary care services, or the
> expansion, enhancement of existing HIV primary care services.

2.  *NEEDS ASSESSMENT*

> This section outlines the needs of your community and/or organization.
> The target population(s) and its unmet health needs must be described
> and documented in this section. Demographic data should be used and
> cited whenever possible to support the information provided. Please
> discuss any relevant barriers in the service area that the project
> hopes to overcome. This section should help reviewers understand the
> community and/or organization that will be served by the proposed
> project.

[]{.mark}

> There are three components to the Needs Assessment: Epidemiologic
> Profile, Socio-Demographic Information, and HIV Service Delivery
> System.

### Epidemiological Profile 

> Describe the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the proposed service area citing the
> data presented below that is available from local and/or CDC
> officials. This includes the number of reported AIDS cases in Calendar
> Year (CY) 2002 and 2003, the number of reported sexually transmitted
> diseases and Hepatitis C (which serve as surrogate markers of HIV
> infection), in Calendar Year (CY) 2002 and 2003, in your proposed
> service area.
>
> Applications are evaluated on the extent of actual and projected AIDS
> disease burden in the proposed service area. If the epidemiological
> profile demonstrates a decrease in the number of new AIDS cases the
> applicant should discuss the increasing burden of care caused by
> persons living longer, drug regimens, etc.
>
> ***You must document the sources of all data submitted in this section
> and indicate whether the data are reported or estimated. You may want
> to use a table to present this information.***
>
> Data presented in narrative form must include the following
> information:

-   2001 population of service area

-   Number of reported cases of AIDS CY 2003

-   Number of reported cases of AIDS CY 2002

-   Percent increase or decrease in AIDS (2003 cases minus 2002 cases,
    divided by 2002 cases X 100)

-   Number of reported cases of gonorrhea in CY 2003

-   Number of reported cases of gonorrhea in CY 2002

-   Percent increase or decrease in gonorrhea (2003 cases minus 2002
    cases, divided by 2002 cases X 100)

-   Number of reported cases of syphilis in CY 2003

-   Number of reported cases of syphilis in CY 2002

-   Percent increase or decrease in syphilis (2003 cases minus 2002
    cases, divided by 2002 cases X 100)

-   Number of reported cases of Hepatitis C in CY 2003

-   Number of reported cases of Hepatitis C in CY 2002

-   Percent increase or decrease in Hepatitis C (2003 cases minus 2002
    cases, divided by 2002 cases X 100)

> **Socio-Demographic Information**
>
> You must clearly identify the HIV targeted population(s), and describe
> their socio-demographic characteristics that are pertinent to the
> provision of HIV services. You must identify whether you propose to
> serve rural, underserved, communities of color, or any combination of
> these. This description should include:

-   the population distribution by race/ethnicity, gender, age;

-   **the percent of the racial/ethnic minority population you propose
    to serve;**

-   unique characteristics for the specific targeted population(s);

-   the dominant modes of HIV transmission for the specific targeted
    population(s);

-   any barriers to care for the targeted population(s); and

-   unmet HIV-related health needs for the targeted population(s).

> Other characteristics could also include homelessness, substance
> abuse, migration, language, cultural issues, transportation resources,
> standard of living, percent insured, etc. These statistics must be
> specific to the geographic area from which the majority of the
> proposed clients will be drawn and should be used to describe the
> target area.
>
> Remember that community-specific statistics are the most important to
> cite in describing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the service area. If this
> type of data is not available please explain why.
>
> The racial/ethnic and age distribution of the **general** population
> should also be included for the purposes of comparison.
>
> **HIV Service Delivery System**
>
> Briefly describe the existing HIV service delivery system within the
> proposed service area. We recommend you use a chart format to present
> this information, and a brief narrative that explains the chart.
> Include the following:

1)  Describe the locations, type, and current way that HIV services
    (both prevention and care) are provided within the proposed service
    area.

-   Describe both public and private organizations that provide HIV
    services.

-   Indicate if there are other Ryan White CARE Act funded primary care
    programs located in, or providing services to, the target community.

-   Attach an area map in **Appendix B** of the application that shows
    the proposed service area, your location and the location of other
    HIV primary care service providers.

> 2\) Describe Federal, state, and local private funding sources for HIV
> prevention and care available in the community.

-   For each Title of the Ryan White CARE Act (Titles, I, II, III, IV or
    the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program),
    specify the amount of funding received by organizations in your
    community.

-   If other Ryan White CARE Act funds are available in the community,
    explain why those funds are not being utilized for this capacity
    development activity.

> 3\) Describe significant barriers that impact access to care. For
> example, available services may be inaccessible due to distance,
> culture, eligibility requirements, etc.
>
> 4\) Describe current gaps in HIV primary care services within the
> targeted service area.

-   Discuss the populations that are not currently being served and/or
    define what services are not available.

-   Provide a brief description to **[justify the need]{.underline}**
    for grantee support to build capacity to address the needs of the
    targeted population.

3.  *WORK PLAN*

> You must provide a work plan that outlines the range of capacity
> development activities that you propose to undertake in order to
> enable your agency and the community to develop, enhance or expand
> comprehensive HIV primary care.
>
> Describe the problem(s), goals and objectives that your agency will
> address with this capacity development grant. Also describe the
> activities or steps that will be used to achieve each of the
> objectives.
>
> **[Work Plan Components]{.underline}**
>
> Either in narrative or table format, the work plan should include:

-   A **Problem Statement** (s) (1-2 sentences);

-   A description of each **Goal** that corresponds to a problem
    statement (1-2 sentences);

-   A description of how each goal will lead to the development,
    expansion, or enhancement of HIV primary care services for the
    targeted population within your proposed service area;

-   A description of each **Objective** that corresponds to a goal (1
    sentence); and

-   A description of how each objective addresses the corresponding
    goal.

-   A listing of **Key Action Steps** for each objective (1-2
    sentences);

-   The **responsible person**(s), including consultants and
    collaborating partners, for completing each action step;

-   A targeted **completion date** (Month/Year) for each objective and
    each action step; and

> Applicants should list all activities that will be necessary to
> implement the capacity development proposal and accomplish the
> proposed objectives.
>
> The detailed work plan described above must be submitted for the
> 12-month project period of **September 1, 2006 - August 31, 2007**.
>
> See Section IX for tips on writing a work plan, including goals and
> objectives.

4.  *Methodology*

### Rationale

> You should provide a rationale for the goals and objectives in
> relation to the intent of the capacity development grant program,
> which is to ***promote organizational infrastructure development that
> leads to the delivery or improvement of HIV primary care services.***
>
> Describe how each goal will lead to the development or improvement of
> HIV primary care services for the targeted population(s) of this grant
> program. You must also describe clearly how the goals and objectives
> directly relate to the needs previously discussed in the Needs
> Assessment section of the program narrative. Describe your evaluation
> plan. It should include the processes that will be used to measure
> achievement of program objectives.
>
> **Level of Performance**
>
> You must provide information on the current and projected level of
> performance for each goal listed in your work plan section.
>
> **\
> **Applicants should include:
>
> **Goals:** Generally broad statements, which describe the long-term
> benefits your seek;
>
> **Current Level of Performance:** What the agency currently has or
> does in relation to the proposed goal; and the
>
> **Projected Level of Performance:** What the agency expects to be able
> to have in place or have accomplished at the end of the project period
> (one, two or three years) in relation to the proposed goal.
>
> Applicants may want to present this information in the following
> layout:
>
> **Sustainability**
>
> Explain how your agency will maintain or continue the efforts set
> forth in this project beyond the project period. For example, describe
> how the agency will support maintenance of systems, staff, or
> activities at the conclusion of the grant.
>
> If applicable, describe your plan for the dissemination of information
> and/or products developed as a result of this capacity development
> grant program to other providers in your community or collaborators to
> this project. This could relate to projects developing CQI programs,
> cultural competency training, telehealth programs, etc. The focus here
> is to describe how your agency will use what you developed and/or
> learned to enhance your community, specifically the HIV community and
> providers.

5.  *Resolution of Challenges*

> Discuss challenges that are likely to be encountered in designing and
> implementing the activities described in the work plan, and approaches
> that will be used to resolve such challenges.
>
> Challenges discussed should be specific to the proposed activities and
> relate to either the overall goal(s) or objective(s) proposed within
> your work plan.

6.  *Organizational Information*

> Provide information on your agency's current mission and structure,
> including involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), scope of
> current activities, and describe how these all contribute to the
> ability of your agency to fulfill the program requirements and meet
> program expectations.
>
> []{.mark}
>
> Describe the current organizational capabilities and expertise of your
> organization, e.g. staff skills, current capacity to provide services,
> cultural competence, evaluation capabilities, and experience in
> administering grants. Be specific in describing current experience
> related to the proposed activities, skills, and knowledge, including
> individuals on staff and previous work of a similar nature. You should
> also describe why your organization is the appropriate entity to
> receive these funds as opposed to other providers or agencies within
> your community.
>
> You should also include the following information:

a.  Describe the mission and structure of your organization and describe
    how the Title III HIV Capacity Development Grant fits within that
    mission.

b.  Describe the particular organizational skills or capabilities that
    will contribute to your ability to carry-out the proposed capacity
    development activities.

c.  Outline the scope and range of HIV or HIV-related services currently
    provided by your organization, the overall number of clients served
    and the geographic area served. If your organization does not
    presently provide HIV-related services, provide information on the
    types of health or social services your organization provides,
    including the number of clients served and the geographic area.

d.  Indicate if HIV primary care services are currently provided by your
    organization. If your agency does not currently provide HIV primary
    care services, you should describe how you intend to make HIV
    primary care services available to your target population.

e.  Describe how the proposed capacity development activities will
    assist the organization in making available, expanding or enhancing
    HIV primary care services to the target population in your
    community.

f.  Indicate your agency's overall annual budget amount, and the types
    and amount of funding currently received by your agency from the
    Ryan White CARE Act Titles, I, II, III, IV or from the Special
    Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program. Also, indicate the
    length of time you have had each award. If your agency has
    previously received a Title III Capacity Development grant funds,
    indicate the year of funding, amount and focus of the project.

g.  Applicants currently providing HIV primary care services are to
    describe how PLWH and/or organizations that represent them are being
    included in the decision making process for existing HIV primary
    care. Specifically, you should demonstrate the mechanism(s) by which
    PLWH are included in providing input into the development,
    expansion, or enhancement of HIV primary care services. **Note: PLWH
    involvement does not have to be related to the capacity development
    activities. Instead it should relate to their involvement in the
    improvement of the HIV program or services as a whole.**

h.  If your agency does not currently provide HIV primary care services
    describe how PLWH and/or organizations that represent them will be
    included in the decision making process for proposed HIV primary
    care services. Specifically, you should demonstrate the mechanism(s)
    to be implemented in order to gather input from PLWH into the
    development of HIV primary care services.

i.  If your agency previously received Title III capacity development
    grant funds indicate the year funding was received, amount of
    funding, and the category of the activities (e.g., MIS, CQI, staff
    training, etc.).

> If you choose to establish or to use an existing consumer advisory
> group/board, you are encouraged to involve advisory members who
> reflect the cultural, racial, gender, sexual orientation and economic
> composition of persons with, or at high risk for, HIV infection in
> your proposed service area.
>
> All applicants are to provide an organizational chart in **Appendix
> C** of the application that outlines the professional roles of the
> staff and reporting relationships.
>
> []{.mark}

7.  *Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity*

> **Collaboration and Coordination**
>
> Discuss your proposed role within the community in [developing,
> enhancing or expanding]{.underline} HIV primary care services to rural
> or underserved populations, or to racial/ethnic minorities
> (communities of color). **You should limit the discussion to the
> specific type of service to be developed, enhanced or expanded by the
> capacity development activities** (i.e. dental care, cultural
> competency, access to HIV primary care, continuity of care, etc.). You
> should indicate how and to what extent you will collaborate with the
> following entities:

a.  City/county/state health, mental health and substance abuse agencies

b.  Ryan White CARE Act Title I Planning Councils and grantees, where
    applicable;

c.  Ryan White CARE ACT Title II Consortia and grantees;

d.  Ryan White CARE Act Title III Early Intervention Services (EIS)
    funded programs and Title IV programs;

e.  Other HIV or primary care service providers;

f.  HIV prevention activities;

g.  Organizations representing the interests of people living with HIV
    disease, and/or any other relevant community organizations; and

h.  For those who provide or intend to provide services to racial/ethnic
    minorities (communities of color), describe collaboration with
    indigenous minority organizations for the target population(s) to be
    served.

> Applicants proposing to use capacity development grant funds to
> develop capacity across several agencies will need to demonstrate that
> the collaborating/coordinating agencies are committed and will work
> with the applicant agency in implementing the capacity development
> program. If your agency is collaborating and/or coordinating with
> other agencies, you **[must]{.underline}** include letters of
> commitment from those agencies in **Appendix D.** The letters of
> commitment should clearly identify what the role of the
> collaborating/coordinating agency is in the proposed capacity
> development activities.
>
> Applicants applying to serve racial/ethnic minorities (communities of
> color) should include letters of support that speak to and demonstrate
> the applicants' commitment to serving the racial/ethnic minority
> community (community of color) to be served in **Appendix D**.
>
> For the purpose of this application:

-   ***Letters of Support*** should speak to the ability of the
    applicant to succeed in the planning process, the applicant's
    history of serving and commitment to the targeted community.

-   ***Letters of Commitment*** from those agencies collaborating with
    the applicant on this capacity development grant should clearly
    identify their role and commitment in implementing the proposed
    capacity development activities.

xi. ***Appendices***

> 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 appendix is clearly labeled.

1)  **Appendix A**: Job Descriptions for Key Personnel

> Keep each to one page in length as much as is possible. Item 6 in the
> Program Narrative section of the PHS 5161-1 Form provides some
> guidance on items to include in a job description.

2)  **Appendix B**: Service Area Map

3)  **Appendix C**: Project Organizational Chart

> Provide a one-page figure that depicts the organizational structure of
> the project and that depicts the professional roles of staff and
> reporting relationships.

4)  **Appendix D:** Letters of Commitment and/or Letters of Support

> Provide letters of commitment from organizations identified in the
> application as collaborating/coordinating agencies that will work with
> the applicant agency in implementing the capacity development program.
> The letters of commitment should clearly identify what the role of the
> collaborating/coordinating agency is in the proposed capacity
> development activities.
>
> If applicable, also include letters of support that speak to and
> demonstrate the applicants' commitment to serving the racial/ethnic
> community (community of color) to be served.
>
> **All letters must be dated.**

## 3. Submission Dates and Times

### Application Due Date 

The due date for applications under this grant announcement is **May 5,
2006 at 8:00 PM 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 May 5, 2006 at 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

The Capacity Development Grant Program is a program subject to the
provisions of Executive Order 12372, as implemented by 45 CFR 100.
Executive Order 12372 allows States the option of setting up a system
for reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under
certain Federal programs. Application packages made available under this
guidance will contain a listing of States which have chosen to set up
such a review system, and will provide a State Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) for the review. Information on states affected by this program
and State Points of Contact may also be obtained from the Grants
Management Officer listed in the Agency Contact(s) section, as well as
from the following Web site:
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html>.

All applicants other than federally recognized Native American Tribal
Groups should contact their SPOC as early as possible to alert them to
the prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions on
the State process used under this Executive Order. Letters from the
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in response to Executive Order
12372 are due sixty days after the application due date.

## 5. Funding Restrictions

Applicants responding to this announcement may request funding for a
project period of one year, at no more than \$100,000. Applications
requesting funding in excess of either of these limitations will not be
considered, and will be returned to the applicant as non-responsive.

Under current OMB regulations, funds under this announcement may not be
used for the following purposes:

This grant program **[does not]{.underline}** provide funding for
ongoing service delivery, patient care, research or prevention. You
**[may not use]{.underline}** these Federal funds for construction.

You **[may not use]{.underline}** these Federal funds to supplant or
duplicate existing Federal funding within your agency. You **[may
not]{.underline}** serve only as the administrative agent for this
grant. In other words, you should perform the majority of the activities
included in the work plan.

This grant program **[will not]{.underline}** allow reimbursement of
pre-award costs.

Funding under this grant program **may** be used to **support staff
salary or consultant fees** to coordinate and implement the proposed
capacity development activities. You may request support for some
materials and equipment that are reasonably required to execute the
proposed activities. You **may** request funds for
**[minor]{.underline}** renovations as they relate to your work plan
activities.

Activities supported by this grant funding are not intended for
long-term activities. Instead, the activities should be of a short-term
nature and should be completed by the end of the one year project
period.

If you have previously received Title III Capacity Development funds and
propose to conduct the same activities in this proposal as were
previously funded, you will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.

Items requested in the budget should fall under reasonable expectations
for Federal grant support. The budget must support and relate directly
to the proposed capacity development goals, objectives and action steps
as outlined in your work plan. All budget requests will be reviewed by
Federal staff and may be revised if the proposal is approved for
funding.

## 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.

**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.**

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

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

> The HRSA Grants Application Center
>
> The Legin Group, Inc.
>
> Attn: Title III Capacity Development Program
>
> Program Announcement No. HRSA-06-050
>
> CFDA No. 93.918
>
> 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450
>
> Gaithersburg, MD 20879
>
> Telephone: 877-477-2123
>
> Applications will be considered as having met the deadline if: (1) the
> application has been successfully transmitted electronically by your
> organization's Authorizing Official through Grants.gov on or before
> the deadline date and time, and (2) the signed SF-424/5161 Face Sheet
> is received by HRSA no later than five days after the date of
> submission in Grants.gov.

It is incumbent on applicants to ensure that the AO is available to
submit the application to HRSA by the application due date. We will
[not]{.underline} accept submission or re-submission of incomplete,
rejected, or otherwise delayed applications after the deadline.

# V. Application Review Information 

## 1. 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. See Section 2,
*Review and Selection Process*, below for further information.

The Capacity Development Grant Program has 6 review criteria;

1.  **NEED (5 Points) -** Relates to the extent to which the application
    describes the problem and associated contributing factors to the
    problem.

> This corresponds to the [Introduction]{.underline} section of the
> Narrative.

-   Is the purpose of the capacity development project, including why
    the agency is in need of the funds clearly described?

-   Does the narrative clearly describe how proposed activities will
    lead to the establishment of a comprehensive system of HIV primary
    care?

-   Are activities appropriate to the intent of the capacity development
    grant program as defined in the guidance?

    1.  **[RESPONSE (45 Points)]{.underline}** - Relates to the extent
        to which the proposed project responds to the "Purpose" included
        in the program description (*enhance capacity to develop,
        enhance, or expand access to high quality HIV primary health
        care services*). The clarity of the proposed goals and
        objectives and their relationship to the identified project. The
        extent to which the activities described in the application is
        capable of addressing the problem and attaining the project
        objectives.

> This corresponds to the [Needs Assessment]{.underline} section of the
> Narrative (includes the *Epidemiologic Profile, Socio-Demographic
> Profile and HIV Service Delivery System*), the [Work Plan]{.underline}
> section and the [Resolution of Challenges]{.underline} section.
>
> **Needs Assessment (10 Points)**

-   **Epidemiological Profile**

    -   Are data sources documented and provided from reliable sources?

    -   Is data specific to the two calendar years (CY 2001 and CY
        2002)?

    -   Is the data provided specific to the proposed service area?

    -   Does the data document an increasing level of HIV care need
        within the proposed service area?

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    -   **Socio-demographic Profile**

```{=html}
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```
-   Is the target population(s) clearly identified?

-   Has the socio-demographic characteristics of the target population
    in the proposed service area (at a minimum, by race, age, sex, risk
    category) been sufficiently described?

-   Has information on the percent of racial/ethnic minority
    population(s) to be served been provided?

-   Was a comparison between the general population and target
    population(s) provided?

-   Are barriers to care for the target population clearly described?

-   Are the unmet HIV-related health needs for the target population(s)
    clearly described?

    -   **HIV Service Delivery System**

        -   Is a clear description of the type, location, and current
            way that HIV services are delivered within the proposed
            service area provided?

        -   Is data provided on the amount and type of funding received
            from Ryan White CARE Act Titles I, II, III, IV or the
            Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program by
            both the community and any collaborating agencies?

        -   If other CARE Act funds are available in the community, was
            an adequate explanation provided as to why these resources
            are not being used for the proposed activities?

        -   Have relevant geographic, social, economic, and cultural
            barriers to care been addressed?

        -   Have service gaps in HIV early intervention/primary care
            services within the proposed service area been sufficiently
            described?

        -   Does the applicant document a need for these capacity
            development funds to address the needs of the target
            population(s)?

        -   Has an area map that indicates the proposed service area,
            the location of the applicant organization, and the location
            of other HIV primary care providers been included in
            **Appendix B** of the application?

> **Work Plan (30 Points)**

-   Does the work plan include clearly written Problem Statements,
    Goals, and Objectives and Key Action Steps?

-   Are all objectives and key action steps specific and time framed
    (completion date)?

-   Does the work plan clearly identify all responsible staff, including
    partners and consultants, for each step in the work plan?

-   As written, do the key action steps lead directly to the
    accomplishment of objectives?

-   Do proposed activities relate specifically to capacity development
    to enhance your organizational infrastructure rather than to the
    provision of care?

[]{.mark}

> **Resolution of Challenges (5 Points)**
>
> []{.mark}

-   Have the challenges that are likely to be encountered in designing
    and implementing the activities been clearly described?

-   Are the challenges discussed specific to the proposed activities?

-   Do the challenges relate to either the overall goal(s) or
    objective(s) proposed within your work plan?

-   Have approaches to be used to resolve such challenges been
    described?

    1.  **[EVALUATIVE MEASURES (10 Points)]{.underline}** - Relates to
        the effectiveness of the method proposed to monitor and evaluate
        the project results. Evaluative measures must be able to
        assess 1) to what extent the program objectives have been met,
        and 2) to what extent these can be attributed to the project.

> This corresponds to the [Methodology]{.underline} section,
> specifically *Rationale and Level of Performance.*

-   Have you described sufficiently how each goal and corresponding
    objectives will contribute to an overall plan by your organization
    to develop, enhance or expand HIV primary care services?

-   Do the goals and objectives relate directly to the needs you
    identified in the Project Narrative section of your application?

-   Does the evaluation plan clearly describe the processes to be used
    to measure achievement of program objectives?

-   Have you provided level of performance information for each goal?

-   Does the level of performance information clearly illustrate the
    current level of performance (what the agency currently has or does
    in relation to the proposed goal) and the targeted level of
    performance (what the agency expects to be able to have in place or
    have accomplished at the end of the project period) for each goal?

    1.  **[IMPACT (5 Points)]{.underline}** - Relates to the extent and
        effectiveness of plans for dissemination of project results
        and/or the extent to which project results may be national in
        scope and/or degree to which the project activities are
        replicable, and/or the sustainability of the program beyond the
        Federal funding.

> This corresponds to the [Methodology]{.underline} section,
> specifically the *Sustainabilit*y.

-   Have you clearly described how your agency will support the
    maintenance of systems, staff, or activities listed in your work
    plan at the conclusion of the grant?

-   If applicable, have you described a plan for the dissemination of
    information and/or products developed as a result of this capacity
    development grant program to other providers in your community or
    collaborators to this project?

    1.  **[RESOURCES/CAPABILITIES (20 Points)]{.underline}** - Relates
        to the extent to which project personnel are qualified by
        training and/or experience to implement and carry out the
        projects. The capabilities of the applicant organization, and
        quality and availability of facilities and personnel to fulfill
        the needs and requirements of the proposed project.

> This corresponds to the [Organizational Information]{.underline} and
> [Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity]{.underline} sections.
>
> **Organizational Information (15 Points)**

-   Have you clearly described your agency's mission, the services you
    provide, and your agency's ability to conduct capacity development
    grant activities?

-   Have you demonstrated that your agency has the resources and
    commitment to undertake this capacity development grant program?

-   Did you clearly describe skills and capacity of your organization
    that make it qualified to carry out the proposed activities.

```{=html}
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```
-   Did you clearly describe other organizational capabilities related
    to cultural competence, evaluation capabilities, and experience in
    administering grants?

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Have you clearly described the type of HIV, HIV-related, and/or
    health or social services currently provided by your agency,
    including information on the number of clients and geographic
    area(s) served?

-   Have you described the types and amounts for funding your agency
    receives from the Ryan White CARE Act?

-   If your agency has received Title III Capacity Development funds in
    the past, did you include the year funded, amount, and the focus of
    the activities?

-   If you are [not]{.underline} a current primary care service
    provider, have you demonstrated sufficiently how proposed capacity
    development activities will lead to the development, expansion or
    enhancement of HIV primary care services?

-   Is there a sufficient description of the structure of the
    organization and is an organizational chart provided in **Appendix
    C**?

-   Did you describe the mechanism by which PLWH and/or organizations
    that represent them are being included in the decision making
    process for existing and/or proposed HIV primary care services?

-   If a mechanism is not currently in place, did you describe the
    mechanism to be developed and implemented to gather input from PLWH
    and/or organizations that represent them into the development of HIV
    primary care services?

-   If the organization previously received Title III capacity
    development grant funds is the year funding was received, amount of
    funding, and the category of the activities (e.g., MIS, CQI, staff
    training, etc.) indicated.

> **Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity (5 Points)**

-   **Collaboration and Coordination**

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Have you clearly described your proposed role within the community
    in [developing, enhancing or expanding]{.underline} HIV primary care
    services for rural or underserved populations, or racial/ethnic
    minorities as related to the specific type of activities proposed in
    this application?

-   Have you justified sufficiently that you are the appropriate
    organization in the community to receive this grant and conduct HIV
    capacity development activities (staff skills, cultural competency,
    experience in grants, etc.) ?

-   Have you clearly indicated the extent to which you will collaborate
    with other key stakeholders in your community (e.g., other Ryan
    White CARE Act funded programs, other HIV or primary care service
    providers, city/county/state health agencies, etc.)?

-   For applicants proposing to use capacity development grant funds to
    develop capacity across several agencies, have you included letters
    of commitment in **Appendix D** from those agencies demonstrating
    their role and commitment in implementing the proposed capacity
    development activities?

-   For applicants who provide or intend to provide services to
    racial/ethnic minorities (communities of color), have you described
    the type and extent of collaboration, with indigenous minority
    organizations for the target population(s) to be served?

-   For applicants who provide or intend to provide services to
    racial/ethnic minorities (communities of color), have you included
    letters of support in **Appendix D** that speak to and demonstrate
    your commitment to serving the racial/ethnic minority community?

    1.  **[SUPPORT REQUESTED (15 Points)]{.underline}**- Relates to the
        reasonableness of the proposed [budget and staffing
        plan]{.underline} in relation to the objectives, the complexity
        of the activities, and the anticipated results.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Has the SF 424A form been included?

-   Have a line-item budget and budget justification been included?

-   Does the budget justification clearly demonstrate calculations for
    all categories?

-   Does the budget justification clearly explain each line item in
    relation to the proposed activities?

-   Is the budget appropriate for the proposed activities?

-   Is a staffing plan included?

-   Does the staffing plan have biographical sketches that list the
    staff position, education experience, qualifications and rationale
    for the amount of time being requested?

-   Does the staffing plan demonstrate that appropriate staff are
    involved in the project as it relates to the proposed activities?

-   Have Position Descriptions (**Appendix A**) been included?

> You may use the following table to cross reference the review criteria
> with the sections listed in the program narrative.

[]{.mark}

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Cross Reference Tool**          |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| You may use the information in    |                                   |
| this box as a "cross-walk"        |                                   |
| between the program narrative     |                                   |
| sections and the review criteria. |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Narrative                      | **[Review Criteria]{.underline}** |
| Section]{.underline}**            |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Introduction                      | \(1\) Need                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Needs Assessment                  | \(2\) Response                    |
|                                   |                                   |
| > *Epidemiologic Profile*         |                                   |
| >                                 |                                   |
| > *Socio-Demographic Profile*     |                                   |
| >                                 |                                   |
| > *HIV Service Delivery System*   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Work Plan                         | \(2\) Response                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Methodology                       | \(3\) Evaluative Measures =       |
|                                   | *Rationale, Level of Performance* |
| > *Rationale*                     |                                   |
| >                                 | \(4\) Impact = *Sustainability*   |
| > *Level of Performance*          |                                   |
| >                                 |                                   |
| > *Sustainability*                |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Resolution of Challenges          | \(2\) Response                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Organizational Information        | \(5\) Resources/Capabilities      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Evaluation and Technical Support  | \(5\) Resources/Capabilities      |
| Capacity                          |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| > *Collaboration and              |                                   |
| > Coordination*                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Budget and                     | **[Review Criteria]{.underline}** |
| Staff]{.underline}**              |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Line- Item Budget                 | \(6\) Support Requested           |
|                                   |                                   |
| Budget Justification              |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| SF 424A                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Staffing Plan                     | \(6\) Support Requested           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

## 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 submitted for funding under each Ryan White CARE Act Title
are reviewed separately. If you are applying for separate programs
within Title III, separate Objective Review Committee's (ORC) will
review each application.

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.

**Funding Priorities** *-*

There are no funding priorities for this program.

**Funding Preferences** *-*

The authorizing legislation provides a funding preference for some
applicants. Applicants receiving the preference will be placed in a more
competitive position among applications that can be funded. Applications
that do not receive a funding preference will be given full and
equitable consideration during the review process. The law provides that
a funding preference be granted to any qualified applicant that meets
the criteria for the preference as follows:

Statutory preference will be given to applicants that provide services
in rural or underserved communities.

In addition, appropriations language supports a preference for
applicants seeking funds under the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) that
are located in or near the community(ies) of color they intend to serve
with these funds.

This preference is consistent with Congressional direction in MAI funds
to maximize participation of community-based organizations that have a
history of serving communities of color. Depending on the percentage of
your clientele you project to be communities of color, all or part of
your effort will be designated as MAI funding.

[]{.mark}

**Funding Special Considerations** --

Special consideration will be given to Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA)
programs that have been funded for less than six consecutive years.
Newly funded RWCA programs are in the process of developing their
programs and therefore may require assistance to build their
organizational infrastructure and enhance their HIV primary care
programs. This does not preclude RWCA programs funded for over six
consecutive years from applying for these funds.

Special consideration will also be given to agencies
**[not]{.underline}** located in a Title I EMA where resources for
capacity development are not available through the Title I program.

## 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

We expect to fund successful applicants by September 1, 2006.

# VI. Award Administration Information

## 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. Successful applicants will receive
a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) issued by the HRSA Division of Grants
Management Operations, notifying them of their award. Applicants who are
selected for funding may be required to respond in a satisfactory manner
to Conditions of Awards 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 the authorizing document. It will be sent prior to the
start date.

## 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Successful applicant must comply with the administrative requirements
outlined in 45 CFR Part 74 or 45 CFR Part 92, as appropriate.

[]{.mark}

**PUBLIC POLICY ISSUANCE**

**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.

[]{.mark}

## 3. Reporting

The successful applicant under this guidance must:

a.  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.  Submit a Payment Management System Quarterly Report. The reports
    identify cash expenditures against the authorized funds for the
    grant. Failure to submit the report may result in the inability to
    access grant funds. Submit report to the:

> Division of Payment Management
>
> DPM/FMS/PSC/ASAM/HHS
>
> PO Box 6021
>
> Rockville, MD 20852
>
> Telephone: (301) 443-1660;

c.  Submit a Financial Status Report. A financial status report is
    required within 90 days of the end of each grant year. The report is
    an accounting of expenditures under the project that year; and

d.  Submit Progress Reports. Applicants must also submit a Final
    Progress Report at the end of their one project period. The dates
    and location for submission of quarterly and final reports will be
    listed in the Notice of Grant Award the applicant receives.

**4. 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. On a regularly scheduled basis,
HRSA grantees are required to participate in a performance review of
their HRSA funded program(s) by a review team from one of the ten OPR
regional divisions. Grantees should expect to participate in a
performance review at some point during their project period. When a
grantee receives more than one HRSA grant, each of the grantee's HRSA
funded programs will be reviewed during the same performance review.

The purpose of performance review is to improve the performance of HRSA
funded programs. Through systematic pre-site and on-site analysis, OPR
works collaboratively with grantees and HRSA Bureaus/Offices to measure
program performance, analyze the factors impacting performance, and
identify effective strategies and partnerships to improve program
performance, with a particular focus on outcomes. Upon completion of the
performance review, grantees are expected to prepare an Action Plan that
identifies key actions to improve program performance as well as
addresses any identified program requirement issues. Performance reviews
also provide direct feedback to the agency about the impact of HRSA
policies on program implementation and performance within communities
and States.

For additional information on performance reviews, please visit:
<http://www.hrsa.gov/performancereview>.

# VII. Agency Contacts

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

[]{.mark}

Helen Harpold, Lead Grants Management Specialist

Attn.: Capacity Development Grant Program

Division of Grants Management Operations, OFAM

5600 Fishers Lane, Rm. 11A-16

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301-443-3262

Fax: 301-594-6096

hharpold@hrsa.gov

[]{.mark}

*Additional information related to the overall program issues by
contacting:*

[]{.mark}

Sylvia Trent-Adams

Chief, Western Region Branch,

Division of Community Based Programs

Attn: Capacity Development Grant Program

HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA

5600 Fishers Lane, Rm. 7A-30

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: 301-443- 1377

Fax: 301-443-1839

Strent-adams@hrsa.gov

# VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application

**General Tips:**

> **Include DUNS Number.** You must include DUNS Number to have your
> application reviewed. Applications ***will not*** be reviewed without
> a DUNS number. Please include DUNS number in space provided on the
> application face page.
>
> **Keep your audience in mind.** Reviewers will use only the
> information contained in the application to assess the application.
> Therefore, the applicant should be sure the application and responses
> to the program requirements and expectations are complete and clearly
> written. Do not assume that reviewers are familiar with the applicant
> organization. Keep the review criteria in mind when writing the
> application.
>
> **Start preparing the application early.** Allow plenty of time to
> gather required information from various sources.
>
> **Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully.** The
> instructions call for a particular organization of the materials, and
> reviewers are accustomed to finding information in specific places.
> Don't have reviewers hunting 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.
>
> **Be organized and logical.** Many applications fail because the
> reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the applicant or
> because parts of the application do not fit together.
>
> **Be careful in the use of appendices.** Do not use the appendices for
> information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure
> to cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the
> appendices to the appropriate text in the application.
>
> **Carefully proofread the application.** Misspellings and grammatical
> errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure
> pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are
> followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each
> one at its first use and periodically throughout application. Make
> sure you submit your application in final form, without markups.
>
> Ensure that all information is submitted at the same time. We will not
> consider additional information and/or materials submitted after your
> initial submission, nor will we accept e-mailed applications or
> supplemental materials once your application has been accepted.

**[Work Plan Tips]{.underline}**

> The Work Plan explains your steps to put into place and evaluate your
> capacity development project. The Work Plan must be written for your
> entire project. Your Work Plan should be used as a tool that will help
> you actively manage your program by measuring progress, identifying
> necessary changes, and measuring your accomplishments.
>
> The Work Plan must be written in the required format, which includes
> problem statements, goals, objectives, action steps, and evaluation
> methods.
>
> **Making Your Work Plan Time-Framed, Measurable and Useful**
>
> Your Work Plan objectives must be **time-framed** and **measurable**.
> Information is provided below about how to write a Problem Statement,
> Goal, Objective, Action Step, and Evaluation Method that may assist
> you in writing your Work Plan.

-   The **Problem Statement** (also called the Statement of Need) helps
    you design your Goals and Objectives. Relate these to the mission of
    your organization and to the goals of the Title III Program.

-   **Goals** are generally broad statements which describe the
    long-term benefits you seek or the desired impact of the project on
    persons, the community, or other target populations. The goal should
    be measurable in the long-term but not necessarily during the
    project period.

-   **Objectives** are statements of measurable results that you plan to
    accomplish, with a time deadline attached. Objectives should not
    restate the problem.

> As part of your objective you should

-   identify your target population(s),

-   state what will change,

-   how much change will occur and

-   by when.

> The objective should lead to measurable outcomes that will make it
> easy for you to report on progress made. If you use either numbers or
> percentages in your objectives, be clear about where you are starting
> from (the baseline number).
>
> Are your Objectives realistic? Give yourself a target you can reach.
> Do not commit to an objective that is out of reach. Remember that
> objectives should contain "action verbs" such as the following
> phrases: "to establish," "to prepare\", \"to reduce\...".
>
> Good Objectives are **SMART** Objectives
>
> **S**pecific
>
> **M**easurable
>
> **A**chievable
>
> **R**ealistic
>
> **T**ime measured

-   **Action Steps** describe the specific activities undertaken to
    accomplish your Objectives. Action Steps should state the person(s)
    responsible for achieving what activity by what date. Action Steps
    should flow logically from your Problem Statement, Goal and
    Objectives. They should clearly describe your program activities as
    well as the sequence of activities, and they should be reasonable.
    Remember to build in start-up time for new initiatives. How long
    does it really take to recruit and hire someone in your system?

.

APPENDIX A: HRSA's Electronic Submission User Guide

Table of Contents

[1. **Introduction** 41](#introduction)

[*1.1.* *DOCUMENT PURPOSE AND
SCOPE...........................................................................................................*
43](#document-purpose-and-scope)

[*1.2.* *DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION AND VERSION
CONTROL..............................................................................*
43](#document-organization-and-version-control)

[2. **Noncompeting Continuation Application**
43](#noncompeting-continuation-application)

[*2.1.* *PROCESS OVERVIEW* 43](#process-overview)

[*2.2.GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV ([IF NOT
ALREADY REGISTERED]{.smallcaps})*
44](#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered)

[*2.3.PROJECT DIRECTOR AND AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEED TO REGISTER WITH
HRSA EHBS*
45](#project-director-and-authorizing-official-need-to-register-with-hrsa-ehbs-if-not-already-registered)

[*2.4.*APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV 46](#apply-through-grants.gov)

[2.4.1 Find Funding Opportunity 46](#find-funding-opportunity)

[2.4.2 Download Application Package 46](#download-application-package)

[2.4.3 Complete Application 46](#complete-application)

[2.4.4 Submit Application 46](#submit-application)

[2.4.5 Verify Status of Application 47](#verify-status-of-application)

[2.5.*VERIFY IN HRSA ELECTRONIC HANDBOOKS*
47](#verify-in-hrsa-electronic-handbooks)

[2.5.1 Verify Status of Application 47](#verify-status-of-application-1)

[2.5.2 Manage Access to Your Application
47](#manage-access-to-your-application)

[2.5.3 Check Validation Errors 48](#check-validation-errors)

[2.5.4 Fix Errors and Complete Application
48](#fix-errors-and-complete-application)

[2.5.5 Submit Application 48](#submit-application-1)

[2.6.SUBMIT SIGNED FACE PAGE 48](#submit-signed-face-page)

[3.**Competing Application** 48](#competing-application)

[3.1.PROCESS OVERVIEW 48](#process-overview-1)

[3.2.GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV
49](#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered-1)

[3.3.APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV 50](#apply-through-grants.gov-1)

[3.3.1 Find Funding Opportunity 50](#find-funding-opportunity-1)

[3.3.2 Download Application Package 50](#download-application-package-1)

[3.3.3 Complete Application 50](#complete-application-1)

[3.3.4 Submit Application 50](#submit-application-2)

[3.3.5 Verify Status of Application 51](#verify-status-of-application-2)

[3.4.SUBMIT SIGNED FACE PAGE 51](#submit-signed-face-page-1)

[4. **GEneral Instructions for Application Submission**
52](#general-instructions-for-application-submission)

[4.1.NARRATIVE ATTACHMENT GUIDELINES
52](#narrative-attachment-guidelines)

[4.1.1 Font 52](#font)

[4.1.2 Paper Size and Margins 52](#paper-size-and-margins)

[4.1.3 Names 52](#names)

[4.1.4 Section Headings 52](#section-headings)

[4.1.5 Page Numbering 52](#page-numbering)

[4.1.6 Allowable Attachment or Document Types
52](#allowable-attachment-or-document-types)

[4.2.APPLICATION CONTENT ORDER (TABLE OF CONTENTS)
53](#application-content-order-table-of-contents)

[4.3.PAGE LIMIT 53](#page-limit)

[5. **Customer Support Information** 54](#customer-support-information)

[5.1.1 Grants.gov Customer Support 54](#grants.gov-customer-support)

[5.1.2 HRSA Call Center 54](#hrsa-call-center)

[5.1.3 HRSA Program Support 54](#hrsa-program-support)

[6. **FAQs** 54](#faqs)

[6.1.SOFTWARE 54](#software)

[6.1.1 What are the software requirements for using Grants.gov?
54](#what-are-the-software-requirements-for-using-grants.gov)

[6.1.2 Why can't I download PureEdge Viewer onto my machine?
54](#why-cant-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?
55](#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?
55](#what-are-the-software-requirements-for-hrsa-ehbs)

[6.1.5 What are the system requirements for using HRSA EHBs on a
Macintosh computer?
55](#what-are-the-system-requirements-for-using-hrsa-ehbs-on-a-macintosh-computer)

[6.2.APPLICATION RECEIPT 56](#application-receipt)

[6.2.1 What will be the receipt date\--the date the application is
stamped as received by Grants.govRSA?
56](#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)

or the date the data is received by HRSA?
[56](#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?
56](#when-do-i-need-to-submit-my-application)

[6.2.3 What emails can I expect once I submit my application? Is email
reliable?
56](#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\"?
57](#if-a-resubmission-is-required-because-of-grants.gov-system-problems-will-these-be-considered-late)

[6.3.APPLICATION SUBMISSION 57](#application-submission)

[6.3.1 How can I make sure that my electronic application is presented
in the right order for objective
review?57](#how-can-i-make-sure-that-my-electronic-application-is-presented-in-the-right-order-for-objective-review)

[6.4.Grants.Gov 57](#grants.gov)

# 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)

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

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

## 2.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not already registered) {#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered .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.

-   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.

##  {#section-2 .unnumbered}

## 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.

##  {#section-3 .unnumbered}

## 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.

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.

-   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.

## 2.6 Submit Signed Face Page {#submit-signed-face-page .unnumbered}

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

HRSA Grants Application Center

Reference: Announcement Number: *\<Provide HRSA Announcement Number\>*

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

901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

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

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

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

# 3. Competing Application

## 3.1 Process Overview {#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.

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

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

## 3.2 Grantee Organization Needs to Register With Grants.gov (if not already registered) {#grantee-organization-needs-to-register-with-grants.gov-if-not-already-registered-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.

-   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.

##  {#section-4 .unnumbered}

## 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.

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.

-   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 <DGPClearances@hrsa.gov> and thoroughly explain the
situation; include a copy of the "Rejected with Errors" notification.

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

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

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

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

## 3.4 Submit Signed Face Page {#submit-signed-face-page-1 .unnumbered}

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

HRSA Grants Application Center

Reference: Announcement Number: *\<Provide HRSA Announcement Number\>*

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

901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

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

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

# 

# 4. General Instructions for Application Submission

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

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

## 4.1 Narrative Attachment Guidelines {#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

.XFD -- PureEdge Form

## 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.

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.

###  {#section-6 .unnumbered}

### 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.

##  {#section-7 .unnumbered}

## 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.

### 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.

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

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

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

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

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

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

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

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

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

### 6.2.4 If a resubmission is required because of Grants.gov system problems, will these be considered \"late\"? {#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 <DGPClearances@hrsa.gov> and thoroughly explain
the situation. Include a copy of the "Rejected with Errors" notification
you received from Grants.gov.

**Noncompeting Submissions:**

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

## 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 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
[DGPClearances@hrsa.gov](../DGPClearances@hrsa.gov%20) 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
1-800-447-8477. 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 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on the due date
established for each program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The HRSA Grants Application Center

The Legin Group, Inc.

Attn: Ryan White Title IV-CSWICY

> Program Announcement No. HRSA-06-049
>
> CFDA No. 93.*153*

901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Telephone: 877-477-2123

Formal Submission of the Electronic Application

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

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

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

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.