[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18254-18261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6833]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Request for Applications for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Women 
Living in the Rural South Program

AGENCY: Office on Women's Health, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Announcement Type: Competitive Cooperative Agreement--FY 2007 
Initial announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: Not Applicable.
    OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: The OMB Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.015.

DATES: No later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 11, 2007.

ADDRESSES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by 
the Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science 
(OPHS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o WilDon 
Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, 1515 Wilson 
Blvd., Third Floor Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention Office of 
Women's Health, HIV.

SUMMARY: This program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. 300u-2(a).
    The mission of the Office on Women's Health (OWH) is to promote the 
health of women and girls through gender-specific approaches. To that 
end, OWH has established public/private partnerships to address 
critical women's health issues nationwide. These include supporting 
collaborative efforts to provide accurate prevention education to rural 
women living in the rural\1\ south\2\ rural South. The emphasis of 
these efforts is on educational and prevention counseling covering the 
full spectrum of primary and secondary prevention adapted to a female 
centered perspective. This initiative is intended to demonstrate a 
collaborative partnership approach between the grantee and local health 
or social service providers, e.g., community health centers, rural 
health centers, family planning clinics, the Special Supplemental 
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), community 
based organizations, faith based organizations, public assistance 
programs and local health departments.
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    \1\ Access: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/rural-urban.htm for 
definitions.
    \2\ Access: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/rural-urban.htm for 
visual of U.S. south.
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    The partnership is expected to be a viable strategy for identifying 
and educating rural women in a culturally appropriate manner that 
reduces denial, demystifies stigma, clarifies inaccuarate information, 
and increases knowledge for self-protection and access to counseling 
and testing resources. It is expected that the prevention education 
model will provide accurate, culturally, and linguistically appropriate 
information to women at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS in the rural 
south.
    Funding will be directed at activities designed to improve the 
delivery of services to women disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The primary purpose of this OWH HIV/AIDS program is to increase HIV 
prevention knowledge and reduce the risk of contracting HIV among 
minority women living in the rural south. The goals for this program 
are:

    Develop and sustain HIV prevention services to increase 
awareness of and receptivity to HIV prevention, including the ABC 
\3\--Abstinence, Being Faithful, Correct and Consistent use of 
Condoms model, among women living in rural communities in the south 
experiencing high rates of HIV infection within female populations.
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    \3\ USAID. The ``ABCs'' of HIV prevention: Report of a USAID 
technical meeting on behavior change approaches to primary 
prevention of HIV/AIDS. Washington, DC: Population, Health and 
Nutrition Information Project, 2003.http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/TechAreas/prevention/abc.pdf
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    Develop gender specific education and prevention training 
modules on critical HIV/AIDS primary and secondary prevention/
education information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
recommended effective interventions may be used as well as adapted 
interventions which demonstrate core elements of interventions with 
evidence of effectiveness.\4\
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    \4\ Compendium of HIV Prevention Interventions with Evidence of 
Effectiveness, CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Project, 
November 1999.
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    Implement education and prevention training modules that are 
culturally and linguistically appropriate for women living in rural 
communities in the south.

    The OWH hopes to fulfill this purpose by providing funding to 
targeted community-based organizations to enhance their prevention and 
support activities to women living in the rural south experiencing high 
rates of HIV infection. The proposed program must address false HIV 
information, stigma, denial, knowledge, self-protection behaviors and 
the importance of knowing one's seropositive status. A gender specific 
approach shall be an integral element of the selected intervention. 
Information and services provided must be culturally and linguistically 
appropriate for the individuals for whom the information and services 
are intended. Women's health issues are defined in the context of 
women's lives, including their multiple social roles and the importance 
of relationships with other people to their lives. This definition of 
women's health encompasses mental, dental, and physical health and 
spans the life course.
    The objectives of the OWH program are to:
    1. Increase knowledge of accurate HIV prevention information among 
women living in rural communities in the south.
    2. Improve and increase access to quality HIV prevention services 
to women living with or at high risk for HIV infection in rural 
communities in the south.
    3. Improve receptivity to and awareness of HIV prevention education 
necessary to reduce the stigma among women in rural south communities.
    4. Increase the number of women living in the rural south 
voluntarily receiving HIV testing.
    In order to achieve the objectives of the program the grantee 
shall: (1) Establish partnership(s) with local entities after reviewing 
city/county/State data on HIV incidence among women populations, 
exploring challenges and trends which enable risks and vulnerabilities 
of women living in rural south communities. (2) Develop and implement a 
gender specific model ``education and prevention counseling'' program 
to provide accurate prevention education to women living in the rural 
south. Culture, language, and sub-cultures of rural south populations 
are considerations for appropriate program components. (3) Develop or 
select use of existing prevention education training modules on 
critical HIV/AIDS primary and secondary prevention and education 
information. (4) Establish Memoranda of Understanding with local health 
care entities, social services, local small businesses, community and 
faith

[[Page 18255]]

based organizations as partners to implement referral coordination for 
counseling, HIV testing, well woman screenings, and other social 
service needs. (5) Visit local community assistance offices/small 
businesses, faith based organizations and other health/social service 
programs as outreach to communities and women living with HIV/AIDS and 
who are at risk of infection of HIV/AIDS/STDs. In addition, the grantee 
shall submit reports outlining program activities (e.g., recruitment, 
participant retention), which reflect how its implementation process 
reflected an understanding of the realities of women's lives and 
addressed the issues of the participants to motivate continued 
participation. Finally, the grantee shall develop a plan to continue 
the program activities and community linkages beyond OWH funding and 
shall illustrate how program performance addressed community needs and 
the needs of women living in rural south communities experiencing high 
rates of HIV infection.
    The grantee is encouraged to attend at least one national or 
regional HIV/AIDS Conference (e.g., U.S. Conference on AIDS, the CDC 
National HIV Prevention Conference, etc.), and to seek updates in HIV 
prevention strategies, therapies, and priority activities as advised by 
the CDC, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and other 
public health experts.

II. Award Information

    The OWH program will be supported through the cooperative agreement 
mechanism. Using this mechanism, the OWH anticipates making five awards 
in FY 2007. The anticipated start date for new awards is September 01, 
2007, and the anticipated period of performance is September 01, 2007, 
through August 31, 2010. Approximately $500,000 is available to make 
awards of up to $100,000 total cost (direct and indirect) for a 12-
month period. However, the actual number of awards made will depend 
upon past performance and the quality of the applications received and 
the amount of funds available for the program.
    The program is a collaborative effort between the OWH and the 
Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, OPHS. These offices will provide the 
technical assistance and oversight necessary for the implementation, 
conduct, and assessment of program activities.
    The applicant shall:
    1. Develop and implement the model described in the application.
    2. Provide complete curricula, i.e., topics, content, participant 
workbook, participant evaluation forms, pre/post instruments, and 
goals/objectives.
    3. Describe training, teaching methods and strategies, e.g., 
interactive exercises, facilitated discussion, lectures, video/films, 
community peers, etc., proposed to deliver modules. Describe the 
intervention format: one time session, series of sessions occurring 
beyond one day, one day session, etc.
    4. Conduct outreach to local entities and community 
representatives. Identify locations for prevention education sites and 
identify community liaisons for assistance in identifying prospective 
women participants.
    5. Establish community partnerships through Memoranda of 
Understanding.
    6. Participate in special meetings and projects/funding 
opportunities identified by the OWH.
    7. Adhere to all program requirements specified in this 
announcement and the Notice of Grant Award.
    8. Submit required quarterly progress, annual, and financial 
reports by the due dates stated in this announcement and the Notice of 
Grant Award.
    9. Comply with the DHHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations 
(which require obtaining Institutional Review Board approval), set out 
at 45 CFR Part 46, if applicable. General information about Human 
Subjects regulations can be obtained through the Office for Human 
Research Protections (OHRP) at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp, 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5936312b2919362a3629312a773d31312a773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="157a7d6765557a667a657d663b717d7d663b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>, or toll free at (866) 447-4777.
    The Federal Government will:
    1. Conduct an orientation meeting for the grantees within the first 
month of funding.
    2. Conduct at least one site visit which includes some observation 
of program progress.
    3. Review and approve the prevention education curricula for 
consistency with the A-B-C strategy.
    4. Review all quarterly, annual, and final progress reports.
    5. Review and concur with requested project modifications.
    6. Review timeline and implementation plan.
    7. Participate in telephone conferences and other activities 
supporting project performance improvements and evaluation
    The DHHS is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease 
prevention Objectives of Healthy People 2010 and the Healthy U.S. 
Initiative. Emphasis will be placed on aligning OWH activities and 
programs with the DHHS Secretary's four priority areas--heart disease, 
cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS and with the Healthy People 2010: Goal 
2--eliminating health disparities due to age, gender, race/ethnicity, 
education, income, disability, or living in rural localities. More 
information on the Healthy People 2010 objectives may be found on the 
Healthy People 2010 Web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. One 
free copy may be obtained from the National Center for Health 
Statistics (NCHS), 6525 Belcrest Road, Room 1064, Hyattsville, MD 20782 
or telephone (301) 458-4636 [DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 99-1256]. This 
document may also be downloaded from the NCHS Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
    1. Organizations located in rural south communities experiencing 
high HIV prevalence among women;
    2. Organizations in or adjacent to rural communities located in the 
South;4 and
    3. Organizations which indicated history of serving African 
American women, Hispanic women, rural women, poor women, women living 
with HIV/AIDS, or whose lifestyles place them at high risk for HIV/STD 
infection.
    Eligible entities may include: non profit community-based 
organizations, faith-based organizations, national organizations, 
colleges and universities, clinics and hospitals, research 
institutions, State and local government agencies, tribal government 
agencies and tribal/urban Indian organizations.

2. Cost Share or Matching

    Cost Sharing or Matching funds are not required for this program.

IV. Application And Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Kit

    Application kits may be obtained by accessing Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov or the e-Grants system at www.grantsolutions.gov. To 
obtain a hard copy of the application kit, contact WilDon Solutions at 
1-888-203-6161. Applicants may fax a written request to WilDon 
Solutions at 703-351-1135 or e-mail the request to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1aeb1a9b28693808f9592888f878e93a19584808c96888d858e8fcf828e8c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3ecf3ebf0c4d1c2cdd7d0cacdc5ccd1e3d7c6c2ced4cacfc7cccd8dc0ccce">[email protected]</span></a>. Applicants must be prepared using Form 
OPHS-1, which can be obtained at the Web site noted above.

2. Content and Format of Application and Submission

    All completed applications must be submitted to the OPHS Office of 
Grants Management at the above mailing address. In preparing the 
application, it

[[Page 18256]]

is important to follow ALL instructions provided in the application 
kit. Applications must be submitted on the forms supplied (OPHS-1, 
Revised 3/2006) and in the manner prescribed in the application kits 
provided by the OPHS. Applicants are required to submit an application 
signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or 
organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed 
by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The program narrative 
should not be longer than 25 double spaced pages, not including 
appendices and required forms, using an easily readable, 12 point font. 
All pages, figures and tables should be numbered.
    A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is 
required for all applications for Federal assistance. Organizations 
should verify that they have a DUNS number or take the steps necessary 
to obtain one. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number are included in 
the application package, and may be downloaded from the Web site: 
http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html. At a minimum, each 
application for a cooperative agreement grant funded under this OWH 
announcement must:

    Present a plan outlining steps to develop and implement a gender 
specific model program using an evidence based effective 
intervention with trainers capable of providing accurate prevention 
information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to 
rural women in the south. Specify the screening, development and or 
selection process for the intervention model(s) and the role of 
advisory committees and/or board of directors.
    Provide signed Memoranda of Agreement(s) with partners to 
establish linkages to identify women participants, location of 
prevention education sites, and for referral to available services 
for the targeted population based upon prevention, care, counseling, 
testing and social service needs.
    Detail/specify the roles and resources/services that each 
partner organization brings to the program, and the duration and 
terms of agreement as confirmed by a signed MOU/MOA between the 
applicant organization and each partner. The partnership 
agreement(s) (MOU/MOA) must name the individual who will work with 
the program, describe their function, and state their 
qualifications. The documents, specific to each organization (form 
letters are not acceptable), must be signed by individuals with the 
authority to represent and bind the organization (e.g., president, 
chief executive officer, executive director) and submitted as part 
of the grant application. Partnership agreements must be on 
letterhead of partnering agency.
    Demonstrate the ways the organization and the prevention 
education services that are coordinated through its partners are 
gender and age appropriate, women-focused, women-friendly, women-
relevant as well as culturally and linguistically appropriate to the 
target population.
    Be a sustainable organization with an established network of 
partners capable of providing and coordinating a gender specific 
prevention education model program in the targeted community. The 
partners and their roles and responsibilities to the program must be 
clearly identified in the application. OWH prefers that applicants 
have a minimum of three years prior demonstrated experience.
    Demonstrate that any prevention intervention (including 
prevention for positives) contains the core elements of 
interventions with evidence of effectiveness. (See Compendium of HIV 
Prevention Interventions with Evidence of Effectiveness, from CDC's 
HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Project, Nov. 1999; see CDC's 
HIV Prevention Strategic Plan 2005.)
    Provide a time line and work plan for Program Implementation for 
the funding year, presented in correlation to goals, objectives, and 
expected outcomes or targets, demonstrating an understanding of the 
relationship between programmatic activities and HIV prevention 
outcomes.
    Describe in detail plans for the local evaluation of the program 
and when and how the evaluation will be used to enhance the program; 
and describe the approval process of local and state review boards 
for local evaluation surveys, focus groups, and other client 
inquiries.
    Describe the organization's skill levels in word processing and 
data management (Word, Word perfect, excel); and specify the filing, 
storage, and location of client files.

    Format and Limitations of Application: Applicants are required to 
submit an original ink signed and dated application and 2 photocopies. 
All pages must be numbered clearly and sequential beginning with the 
Project Summary. The application must be typed double-spaced on one 
side of plain 8 \1/2\'' x 11'' white paper, using at least a 12 point 
font, and contain 1'' margins all around.
    The Project Summary and Project Narrative must not exceed a total 
of 25 double-spaced pages, excluding the appendices. The original and 
each copy must be stapled; the application should be organized in 
accordance with the format presented in the RFA. An outline for the 
minimum information to be included in the ``Project Narrative'' section 
is presented below. The content requirements for the Project Narrative 
portion of the application are divided into five sections and described 
below within each Factor. Applicants must pay particular attention to 
structuring the narrative to respond clearly and fully to each review 
Factor and associated criteria. Applications not adhering to these 
guidelines may not be reviewed.
Background (Understanding of the Problem)
    A. Organizations' goals and purpose(s).
    B. Demographic profile and HIV prevalence of target rural community 
and counties with discussion of local norms, tradition, culture of 
targeted population.
    C. Local needs assessment and gaps in services, e.g., prevention, 
care, and social services for targeted population.
    D. Local program objectives
    1. Tied to program goal(s);
    2. Measurable with time frame.
    E. Organizational charts that include partners and a discussion of 
the proposed resources to be contributed by the partners, personnel, 
and their expertise and how their involvement will help achieve the 
program goals.
Implementation Plan (Approach)
    A. Discuss gender specific program elements.
    B. Describe curriculum and its appropriateness for target 
population.
    C. Describe local evaluation tools, indicators of increased 
knowledge, reduction in attitudes/stigma, and an increase number 
voluntarily undergoing HIV testing.
    D. Partnerships and referral system/follow up.
Management Plan
    A. Key project staff, their resumes, and a staffing chart for 
budgeted staff.
    B. To-be-hired staff and their qualifications.
    C. Staff responsibilities.
    D. Management experience of the lead agency and partners as related 
to their role in the Program.
    E. Management oversight of staff roles and job performance.
    F. Address maintenance of confidentiality, ethics in performance, 
and on-going staff training.
    G. Explain decision making hierarchy.
Local Evaluation Plan
    A. Purpose.
    B. Describe tools and procedures for measuring strengths and 
weaknesses.
    C. Use of results to enhance programs.
    D. Indicators that reflect goals/objectives are being met.
Organizational Agency Qualifications
    A. Agency history of performance in prevention education, e.g., 
developing/adapting prevention education curricula, training skills and 
expertise, certification in specific training modules, measuring 
participant learning and satisfaction.
    B. Agency relationships, past and current, with women focused 
programs,

[[Page 18257]]

local health and social services providers, and community based 
organizations and representatives.
    C. Community acceptance: staff recognition, media, requests for 
agency involvement.
    D. Technical Assistance plans/strategies.
Appendices
    A. Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding/Partnership Letters.
    B. Required Forms (Assurance of Compliance Form, etc.).
    C. Key Staff Resumes.
    D. Charts/Tables (Partners, services, population demographics, 
program components, etc.).
    E. Other attachments.
    Use of Funds: A majority of the funds from the award must be used 
to support staff and efforts aimed at implementing the program. The 
Program Coordinator, or the person responsible for the day-to-day 
management of the program, must devote at least a 75 percent level of 
effort to the program. Funds may also be used to transfer the lessons 
learned/successful strategies/gender specific approaches from the 
program (technical assistance) through activities such as showcasing 
the program at conferences, meetings, and workshops; providing direct 
technical assistance to other communities; and providing technical 
assistance to other rural south based community organizations, or 
through their professional organizations, interested in working with 
women living in the rural south who are living with HIV/AIDS or who are 
at high risk for HIV/STD infection. These may include either process-
based lessons (i.e., How to bring multiple sectors of community 
partners together) or outcomes-based lessons (i.e., How to increase the 
number of rural women living in the south who voluntarily undergo HIV 
testing).
    Funds may be used for personnel, consultants, supplies (including 
screening, education, and outreach supplies), and grant related travel. 
Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations, 
equipment, medical treatment, or renovations. All budget requests must 
be justified fully in terms of the proposed goals and objectives and 
include an itemized computational explanation/breakout of how costs 
were determined.
    Meetings: The OWH will convene grantees once a year for 
orientation. The meeting will be held in the Washington metropolitan 
area or in one of the ten (10) DHHS regional office cities. The budget 
should include a request for funds to pay for the travel, lodging, and 
meals. The meeting is usually held within the first six weeks post 
award.

3. Submission Date and Time

    To be considered for review, applications must be received by the 
Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Grants Management, c/o 
WilDon Solutions, by 5 p.m. Eastern on June 11, 2007. Applications will 
be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received on or before 
the deadline date. The application due date requirement in this 
announcement supercedes the instructions in the OPHS-1 form.
Submission Mechanisms
    The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides multiple 
mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the 
following sections. Applicants will receive notification via mail from 
the OPHS Office of Grants Management confirming the receipt of 
applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications 
submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management after the deadlines 
described below will not be accepted for review. Applications which do 
not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement will not be 
accepted for review and will be returned to the applicant.
    While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the 
electronic application submission capabilities provided by the 
Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov systems is encouraged. Applications 
may only be submitted electronically via the electronic submission 
mechanisms specified below. Any applications submitted via any other 
means of electronic communication, including facsimile or electronic 
mail, will not be accepted for review.
    In order to apply for new funding opportunities which are open to 
the public for competition, you may access the Grants.gov Web site 
portal. All OPHS funding opportunities and application kits are made 
available on Grants.gov. If your organization has/had a grantee 
business relationship with a grant program serviced by the OPHS Office 
of Grants Management, and you are applying as part of ongoing grantee 
related activities, please access GrantSolutions.gov.
    Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later 
than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES 
section of the announcement using one of the electronic submission 
mechanisms specified below. All required hardcopy original signatures 
and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants 
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions (1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 310, 
Arlington, VA 22209) no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the next 
business day after the deadline date specified in the DATES section of 
the announcement.
    Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic 
application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items 
are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to the 
deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not adhere 
to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be deemed 
ineligible.
    Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early 
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due 
date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with 
submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions Via the Grants.gov Web Site Portal
    The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the 
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities. 
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration 
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this 
system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, http://www.grants.gov.
    In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may 
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program related 
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is 
imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as 
well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov 
application package, to determine such requirements. Any required hard 
copy materials, or documents that require a signature, must be 
submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, 
c/o WilDon Solutions, and if required, must contain the original 
signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency 
and the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant 
award. When submitting the required forms, do not send the entire 
application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the 
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
    Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site 
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the 
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative

[[Page 18258]]

and any appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must 
received by the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items 
may only include publications, resumes, or organizational 
documentation. When submitting the required forms, do not send the 
entire application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the 
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission 
via the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the applicant will be provided with 
a confirmation page from Grants.gov indicating the date and time 
(Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as the 
Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and 
retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the 
entire application package.
    All applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal will 
be validated by Grants.gov. Any applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal will not be transferred to the 
GrantSolutions system, and OPHS has no responsibility for any 
application that is not validated and transferred to OPHS from the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov will notify the applicant 
regarding the application validation status. Once the application is 
successfully validated by the Grants.gov Web site Portal, applicants 
should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to the OPHS 
Office of Grants Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, to be received by 
the deadlines specified above. It is critical that the applicant 
clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application 
Receipt Number on all hard copy materials.
    Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be 
electronically transferred to the GrantSolutions system for processing. 
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web 
site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will 
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management 
confirming the receipt of the application submitted using the 
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
    Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or 
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through 
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Electronic Submissions Via the GrantSolutions System
    OPHS is a managing partner of the GrantSolutions.gov system. 
GrantSolutions is a full life-cycle grants management system managed by 
the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), and is designated by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) as one of the three Government-wide grants management 
systems under the Grants Management Line of Business initiative 
(GMLoB). OPHS uses GrantSolutions for the electronic processing of all 
grant applications, as well as the electronic management of its entire 
Grant portfolio.
    When submitting applications via the GrantSolutions system, 
applicants are required to submit a hard copy of the application face 
page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations 
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required, 
applicants will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form 
LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g., Program Certifications) 
with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the 
applicant agency. When submitting the required forms, do not send the 
entire application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the 
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
    Electronic applications submitted via the GrantSolutions system 
must contain all completed online forms required by the application 
kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or 
exhibits. The applicant may identify specific mail-in items to be sent 
to the Office of Grants Management separate from the electronic 
submission; however these mail-in items must be entered on the 
GrantSolutions Application Checklist at the time of electronic 
submission, and must be received by the due date requirements specified 
above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or 
organizational documentation. When submitting the required forms, do 
not send the entire application. Complete hard copy applications 
submitted after the electronic submission will not be considered for 
review.
    Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, 
the GrantSolutions system will provide the applicant with a 
confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the 
electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also 
provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application 
submission including all electronic application components, required 
hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing 
address of the OPHS Office of Grants Management where all required hard 
copy materials must be submitted.
    As items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, the 
electronic application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of 
mail-in items. It is recommended that the applicant monitor the status 
of their application in the GrantSolutions system to ensure that all 
signatures and mail-in items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
    Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the 
application. The original application must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to 
assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and 
conditions of the grant award.
    Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant 
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on 
the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement. 
The application deadline date requirement specified in this 
announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications 
that do not meet the deadline will be returned to the applicant unread.
    Applications will be screened upon receipt. Those that are judged 
to be incomplete or arrive after the deadline will not be reviewed. 
Applications that exceed the specified amount for a twelve-month budget 
period may also not be reviewed. Applications that are judged to be in 
compliance will be reviewed for technical merit in accordance with DHHS 
policies. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review panel 
composed of experts with experience with sex and gender programs, 
program management, service delivery, outreach, health education, 
Healthy People 2000 and/or Healthy People 2010, leadership development 
and program assessment. Consideration for award will be given to 
applicants that best demonstrate progress and/or plausible strategies 
for eliminating health disparities through sex and gender targeted HP 
2010 objectives. Applicants are also advised to pay close attention to 
the specific program guidelines and general instructions in the 
application kit.

[[Page 18259]]

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the Public Health Systems Reporting 
Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based non-
governmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health System 
Impact Statement (PHSIS). Applicants shall submit a copy of the 
application face page (SF-424) and a one page summary of the project, 
called the Public Health System Impact Statement. The PHSIS is intended 
to provide information to State and local health officials to keep them 
apprised on proposed health services grant applications submitted by 
community-based, non-governmental organizations within their 
jurisdictions.
    Community-based, non-governmental applicants are required to 
submit, no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the 
application, the following information to the head of the appropriate 
State and local health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) A 
copy of the face page of the application (SF 424), (b) a summary of the 
project (PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) A 
description of the population to be served, (2) a summary of the 
services to be provided, and (3) a description of the coordination 
planned with the appropriate state or local health agencies. Copies of 
the letters forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained 
in the application materials submitted to the OWH.
    This program is also subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 that allows States the option of setting up a system for 
reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under 
certain Federal programs. The application kit to be made available 
under this notice will contain a listing of States that have chosen to 
set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC) in the State for review. Applicants (other than federally 
recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOCs as early as 
possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any 
necessary instructions on the State process. For proposed projects 
serving more than one State, the applicant is advised to contact the 
SPOC in each affected State. A complete list of SPOCs may be found at 
the following web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html 
The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the 
application deadline. The OWH does not guarantee that it will 
accommodate or explain its responses to State process recommendations 
received after that date. (See Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs, Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR Part 100 for a description 
of the review process and requirements.)

5. Funding Restrictions

    Funds may not be used for construction, building alterations, 
equipment purchase, medical treatment, renovations, or to purchase 
food.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants are required to obtain a 
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as preparation for doing 
business electronically with the Federal Government. The DUNS number 
must be obtained prior to applying for OWH funds. The DUNS number is a 
nine-character identification code provided by the commercial company 
Dun & Bradstreet, and serves as a unique identifier of business 
entities. There is no charge for requesting a DUNS number, and you may 
register and obtain a DUNS number by either of the following methods: 
Telephone, 1-866-705-5711. Web site: http://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html. Be sure to click on the link that reads, 
``DUNS Number Only'' at the right hand, bottom corner of the screen to 
access the free registration page. Please note that registration via 
the web site may take up to 30 business days to complete.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: The objective technical review of applications will 
consider the following factors:

Factor 1: Implementation/Approach * 30%

    This section must discuss:
    1. Appropriateness of the existing community resources and linkages 
established to deliver accurate prevention education to meet the 
requirements of the program. Describe other community providers that 
will be affiliated with the program and their role in service delivery.
    2. Appropriateness of proposed approach, e.g. evidence based 
intervention and specific activities described to address program 
objectives.
    3. Gender specific elements of proposed process.
    4. Soundness of evaluation objectives for measuring program 
effectiveness, impact of prevention education on knowledge and 
behavior, and understanding the importance of knowing one's status.
    5. Appropriate MOU's or Letters of Intent should support assertions 
made in this section.

Factor 2: Management Plan--20%

    This section must discuss:
    1. Applicant's organization capability to manage the project as 
determined by the qualifications of the proposed staff or requirements 
for ``to be hired'' staff;
    2. Proposed staff level of effort; management experience of the 
lead agency; and the experience, resources and role of each partner 
organization as it relates to the needs and programs/activities of the 
program;
    3. Staff experience as it relates to meeting the needs of the 
community and populations served.
    4. Detailed position descriptions, resumes of key staff, and a 
staffing chart should be included in the appendix.

Factor 3: Organizational/Agency Qualifications--20%

    This section should include demonstrated knowledge of prevention 
education intervention models, relationships with rural women living in 
rural communities in the south, and agency history of services to poor 
women, minority women, HIV infected individuals, and HIV infected 
women.

Factor 4: Background/Understanding of the Problem--15%

    This section must discuss:
    1. Description of the current state of affairs for women living in 
rural communities in the south regarding HIV prevalence, socioeconomic 
status, access to HIV testing, stigma and availability of HIV 
prevention education in addition to the review of issues for women 
living in the program target rural community.
    2. Relevance of organizational goals and purpose(s) to community 
and local needs.
    3. Challenges women face in seeking HIV culturally and 
linguistically appropriate education and counseling and testing in the 
target rural community and surrounding areas.
    4. Outreach, logistics, and stigma issues impacting the target 
rural community.

Factor 5: Evaluation Plan--15%

    Provide a clear statement of program goal(s), feasibility and 
appropriateness of the local evaluation plan, analysis of results, and 
procedures to determine if the program goals are met. Provide a clear 
statement of willingness to participate actively in the national OWH 
evaluation.
    Review and Selection Process: Funding decisions will be made by the

[[Page 18260]]

OWH, and will take into consideration the recommendations and ratings 
of the review panel, program needs, geographic location, stated 
preferences, and the recommendations of DHHS Regional Women's Health 
Coordinators (RWHC).

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a notification letter from the 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's Health) and a Notice of 
Grant Award (NGA), signed by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The 
NGA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the 
recipient and the OWH. Notification will be mailed to the Program 
Director identified in the application. Unsuccessful applicants will 
receive a notification letter with the results of the review of their 
application from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's 
Health).

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The regulations set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the 
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) rules and requirements 
that govern the administration of grants. Part 74 is applicable to all 
recipients except those covered by part 92, which governs awards to 
State and local governments. Applicants funded under this announcement 
must be aware of and comply with these regulations. The CFR volume that 
include parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrvl_03.html.
    The DHHS Appropriations Act requires that, when issuing statements, 
press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other 
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part 
with Federal money, all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and 
dollar amount of the total costs of the program or project which will 
be financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of 
the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-
government sources.

3. Reporting Requirements

    In addition to those listed above, a successful applicant will 
submit a progress report and a final report. This report shall provide 
a detailed summary of major achievements, problems encountered, and 
actions taken to overcome them. Progress reports require data 
collection into the matrix provided by the national evaluator. The 
final report shall summarize the goals achieved and lessons learned in 
the course of the contract, and how the program will be sustained. The 
report shall be format established by the OWH, in accordance with 
provisions of the general regulations which apply under ``Monitoring 
and Reporting Program Performance,'' 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. The 
purpose of the quarterly and annual progress reports is to provide 
accurate and timely program information to program managers and to 
respond to Congressional, Departmental, and public requests for 
information about the program. An original and one copy of the 
quarterly progress report must be submitted by, December 10, March 10, 
June 10 and final report by August 25. If these dates fall on a 
Saturday or Sunday, the report will be due on Monday.
    A financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 is due 90 days after the 
close of each 12-month budget period.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    For application kits, information on budget and business aspects, 
and programmatic questions of the application, please contact: WilDon 
Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, 1515 Wilson 
Blvd., Third Floor, Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-203-6161, 
e-mail <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f8b7a8b0ab9f8a99968c91969e97b88c9d99958f91949c9796d69b9795"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91dec1d9c2f6e3f0ffe5f8fff7fed1e5f4f0fce6f8fdf5feffbff2fefc">[email protected]</span></a>, or fax 703-351-1135.

VIII. Other Information

    Three (3) OWH Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Women Living in the Rural 
South programs are currently funded by the OWH. Information about these 
programs may be found at the following Web site: http://www.womenshealth.gov/owh/fund/index.htm.
Definitions
    For the purposes of this cooperative agreement program, the 
following definitions are provided:
    AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease in which the 
body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain 
infections and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune 
system.
    Age-appropriate: Provision of prevention education that adapts the 
assessment and overall counseling education to the developmental level 
of the individual(s)
    Community-based: The locus of control and decision-making powers is 
located at the community level, representing the service area of the 
community or a significant segment of the community.
    Community-based organization: Public and private, nonprofit 
organizations that are representative of communities or significant 
segments of communities.
    Community health center: A community-based organization that 
provides comprehensive primary care and preventive services to 
medically underserved populations. This includes but is not limited to 
programs reimbursed through the Federally Qualified Health Centers 
mechanism, Migrant Health Centers, Primary Care Public Housing Health 
Centers, Healthcare for the Homeless Centers, and other community-based 
health centers.
    Comprehensive women's health services: Services including, but 
going beyond traditional reproductive health services to address the 
health needs of underserved women in the context of their lives, 
including recognition of the importance of family relationships and 
responsibilities. Services include basic primary care services; acute, 
chronic, and preventive services including gender and age-appropriate 
preventive services; mental and dental health services; patient 
education and counseling; promotion of healthy behaviors (like 
nutrition, smoking cessation, substance abuse services, and physical 
activity); and enabling services. Ancillary services are also provided 
such as laboratory tests, X-ray, environmental, social referral, and 
pharmacy services.
    Culturally competent: Information and services provided at the 
educational level and in the language and cultural context that are 
most appropriate for the individuals for whom the information and 
services are intended. Additional information on cultural competency is 
available at the following Web site: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/May2001/factsheets/Cultural-Competency.html.
    Cultural perspective: Recognizes that culture, language, and 
country of origin have an important and significant impact on the 
health perceptions and health behaviors that produce a variety of 
health outcomes.
    Enabling services: Services that help women access health care, 
such as transportation, parking vouchers, translation, child care, and 
case management.
    Gender-Specific: An approach which considers the social and 
environmental context in which women live and therefore structures 
information, activities, program priorities and service delivery 
systems to compliment those factors.
    Healthy People 2010: A set of national health objectives that 
outlines the

[[Page 18261]]

prevention agenda for the Nation. Healthy People 2010 identify the most 
significant preventable threats to health and establishes national 
goals for the next ten years. Individuals, groups, and organizations 
are encouraged to integrate Healthy People 2010 into current programs, 
special events, publications, and meetings. Businesses can use the 
framework, for example, to guide worksite health promotion activities 
as well as community-based initiatives. Schools, colleges, and civic 
and faith-based organizations can undertake activities to further the 
health of all members of their community. Health care providers can 
encourage their patients to pursue healthier lifestyles and to 
participate in community-based programs. By selecting from among the 
national objectives, individuals and organizations can build an agenda 
for community health improvement and can monitor results over time. 
More information on the Healthy People 2010 objectives may be found on 
the Healthy People 2010 web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.
    Holistic: Looking at women's health from the perspective of the 
whole person and not as a group of different body parts. It includes 
dental, mental, as well as physical health.
    Lifespan: Recognizes that women have different health and psycho 
social needs as they encounter transitions across their lives and that 
the positive and negative effects of health and health behaviors are 
cumulative across a woman's life.
    Prevention education: Accurate information to increase knowledge of 
methods and behaviors to keep individuals from becoming infected with 
HIV.

    Dated: April 3, 2007.
Wanda K. Jones,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, (Women's Health)
 [FR Doc. E7-6833 Filed 4-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-33-P


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