[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53211-53216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17675]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Improving HIV/AIDS Data Collection at the National, State and 
Municipal Levels in the Federative Republic of Brazil Through 
Strengthening HIV Surveillance Infrastructure and Building Capacity in 
the Use of Data for Program Evaluation and Assessment as Part of the 
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: AA104.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: September 29, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: This program is authorized under Sections 301(a) and 
307 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Sections 241 and 
242l], as amended, and under Public Law 108-25 (United States 
Leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2004) 
[22 U.S.C. 7601].
    Background: President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has 
called for immediate, comprehensive and evidence-based action to turn 
the tide of global HIV/AIDS, and supports programs in more than 100 
countries. The five-year strategy for the Emergency Plan is available 
at the following Internet address: http://www.state.gov/s/gac/rl/or/c11652.htm.
    In Brazil, the Emergency Plan seeks to engage both governmental and 
non-governmental institutions at all levels to bolster the already-
robust provision of care and treatment to HIV-positive people, and to 
strengthen prevention activities to avoid new cases of HIV.
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces 
the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 funds for a cooperative 
agreement to work with the National HIV/AIDS Program of Brazil 
(National Program), and Brazilian community-based and faith-based 
organizations, for the improvement and expansion of HIV/AIDS 
prevention, care and support activities in Brazil.
    Purpose: The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to provide a 
funding mechanism and management support for HHS/CDC joint activities 
with the Brazilian National AIDS Program and community-based and faith-
based organizations in the area of HIV/AIDS and associated diseases, 
including tuberculosis. Joint activities in Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 will 
focus on strengthening the capacity of the Brazilian National AIDS 
Program in two of the following areas, through cooperation between the 
award recipient and the National Program and HHS and its Brazilian and 
international partners: (1) Adapting surveillance infrastructure to 
respond to a concentrated epidemic; and (2) broadening the skill base 
of Brazilian government and non-government personnel, at the Federal, 
State, and municipal levels, in the use of data for program evaluation 
and assessment.
    These collaborative activities could have a profound impact on the 
implementation of the Brazilian National AIDS Plan, which calls for 
central-level policy formulation and decentralized implementation of 
programs. Successful implementation of a sound monitoring and 
evaluation system (that includes improved research capacity for program 
evaluation and surveillance infrastructure), and the use of this 
system, will improve collection of data to direct program design;

[[Page 53212]]

determine the effectiveness of interventions; and substantially improve 
the ability to make sound policy decisions. These activities will 
strengthen ties between the Brazilian National AIDS Program, states, 
municipalities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including 
faith-based organizations, that work with HIV/AIDS-related programs, 
and could eventually lead to significant improvements in coordination 
of HIV/AIDS prevention and care activities country-wide.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
five-year strategy for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 
and one (or more) of the following performance goal(s) for the National 
Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) of the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within HHS: By 2010, work with 
other countries, international organizations, the U.S. Department of 
State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other 
partners to achieve the United Nations General Assembly Special Session 
on HIV/AIDS goal of reducing prevalence among persons 15 to 24 years of 
age.
    This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by 
CDC. If applicants propose research, HHS/CDC will not review the 
application. For the definition of ``research,'' please see the HHS/CDC 
Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.

Activities

    Awardee Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Assist the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS Program to further build 
capacity within its surveillance, operational research, and monitoring 
and evaluation technical units.
    2. Support the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS Program and community-
based and faith-based organizations in increasing the skills and 
methodology in data use for targeted services evaluation and 
assessment, and to set subsequently the operational research agenda of 
the National Program.
    3. Provide support to the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS Program for 
the development of national protocols and the implementation of 
national training programs to instruct both government and non-
government staff in the areas of prevention and care of HIV and 
associated diseases, confidential voluntary counseling and testing 
(VCT), and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
    4. Assist the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS Program in the 
decentralization of program management to the regional, state and 
municipal levels, and in working with non-governmental organizations, 
including faith-based organizations.
    In a cooperative agreement, HHS staff is substantially involved in 
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
    HHS Activities for this program are as follows:
    1. Provide technical assistance to the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS 
Program and community-based and faith-based organizations to develop 
and implement monitoring and evaluation activities, perform analyses, 
and provide expertise for training and capacity-building.
    2. Facilitate and coordinate regional and U.S.-based international 
technical assistance to the project upon request (i.e., workshops, 
trainings and technical consultations), in the Portuguese language.
    3. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief them 
on applicable U.S. Government, HHS, and Emergency Plan expectations, 
regulations and key management requirements, as well as report formats 
and contents. The orientation could include meetings with staff from 
HHS agencies and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    4. Review and approve the process used by the grantee to select key 
personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or subgrantees to be 
involved in the activities performed under this agreement, as part of 
the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review and 
approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS 
Coordinator.
    5. Review and approve grantee's annual work plan and detailed 
budget, as part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country 
Operational Plan review and approval process, managed by the Office of 
the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    6. Review and approve grantee's monitoring and evaluation plan, 
including for compliance with the strategic information guidance 
established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    7. Meet on a monthly basis with grantee to assess monthly 
expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans as 
necessary.
    8. Meet on a quarterly basis with grantee to assess quarterly 
technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.
    9. Meet on an annual basis with grantee to review annual progress 
report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work 
plans and budgets for subsequent year, as part of the Emergency Plan 
for AIDS Relief review and approval process for Country Operational 
Plans, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
    10. Provide technical assistance, as mutually agreed upon, and 
revise annually during validation of the first and subsequent annual 
work plans. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted 
training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic 
information, project management, confidential counseling and testing, 
palliative care, treatment literacy, and adult learning techniques.
    11. Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet 
U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. HHS involvement in this 
program is listed in the Activities Section above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
    Approximate Total Funding: $250,000 (This amount is an estimate, 
and is subject to availability of funds.).
    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $83,500 (This amount is for the first 
12-month budget period, and includes direct costs).
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $150,000 (This ceiling is for the first 12-
month budget period.).
    Anticipated Award Date: October 25, 2005.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: Three years.
    Throughout the project period, HHS' commitment to continuation of 
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of 
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government, as determined by the Office of the 
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    Limited Competition: Public or private not-for-profit organizations 
within Brazil that meet the following criteria may submit applications: 
(1) Ability to demonstrate past and current experience in collaborating 
with international organizations and Brazilian faith-based and 
community-based organizations; (2) ability to

[[Page 53213]]

demonstrate past experience in collaborating with the National AIDS 
Program of Brazil (National Program); (3) ability to disburse funds to 
a Brazilian Federal governmental institution and to other non-
governmental organizations; and (4) ability to demonstrate a strong 
linkage with one or more public health and/or medical university 
institutions and with community-based and faith-based organizations.
    The National AIDS Program of the Ministry of Health of Brazil 
(National Program) is HHS/CDC Global AIDS Program's (GAP) primary 
partner in Brazil. HHS/CDC GAP Brazil's program is focused on meeting 
the needs of the National Program, and all program activities are 
planned in pursuance of this goal. HHS/CDC will provide funding to a 
management foundation that manages the money on behalf of the Ministry 
and funds its activities. HHS believes that it is in the best interest 
of the U.S. Government to establish the above criteria as minimum 
standards to ensure both the appropriate management of funds and 
selection of an organization that can immediately become engaged in the 
activities listed in this announcement; and, thus, to benefit the 
people of Brazil as quickly as possible.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds

    Matching funds are not required for this program. Although matching 
funds are not required, preference will go to organizations that can 
leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals.

III.3. Other

Special Requirements
    If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special 
requirements listed in this section, it will not enter into the review 
process. You will be notified that your application did not meet 
submission requirements.
    <bullet> HHS/CDC considers late applications non-responsive. See 
section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information on 
deadlines.
    <bullet> Applicant must document eligibility, in an appendix to 
their application, by submitting either letters of support from partner 
institutions, acknowledging cooperation, or official annual reports 
that document partnership with the aforementioned groups.

    <bullet<ls-thn-eq> Note:
    Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 states that an 
organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive 
Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

    To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 
5161-1.
    HHS strongly encourages you to submit your application 
electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this 
announcement at http://www.grants.gov.
    Application forms and instructions are available on the HHS/CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms online, you may contact the HHS/CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) staff at: 770-488-2700. We can mail application forms to you.

IV. 2. Content and Form of Submission

    Application: You must submit a project narrative with your 
application forms. You must submit the narrative in the following 
format:
    <bullet> Maximum number of pages: 25. If your narrative exceeds the 
page limit, we will only review the first pages within the page limit.
    <bullet> Font size: 12 point unreduced.
    <bullet> Double spaced.
    <bullet> Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
    <bullet> Page margin size: One inch.
    <bullet> Printed only on one side of page.
    <bullet> Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not 
bound in any other way.
    <bullet> Your application MUST be submitted in English.
    Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the 
entire project period, and must include the following items in the 
order listed:
    <bullet> Project Description. Demonstrate a clear and concise 
understanding of the nature of the problem described in the purpose 
section of this announcement. Describe the public health importance of 
the planned activities to be undertaken.
    <bullet> Plan of Action. Present an overall design strategy, with 
proposed objectives and projects and measurable timelines. Describe how 
your organization will meet stated requirements. Describe the 
responsibilities for each of the key staff.
    <bullet> Project Contribution to the Goals and Objectives of the 
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
    <bullet> Evaluation. Provide a monitoring and evaluation plan for 
the project.
    <bullet> Itemized Budget. Budget and budget justifications will not 
count toward the stated page limit.
    You may include additional information in the application 
appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page 
limit. This additional information includes the following:
    <bullet> Curriculum Vitas/Resumes
    <bullet> Organizational Charts
    <bullet> Documentation of partnerships (letters of support, annual 
reports)
    <bullet> Job descriptions of proposed key positions to be created 
for the activity
    <bullet> Quality-Assurance, Monitoring-and-Evaluation, and 
Strategic-Information Forms
    <bullet> Applicant's Corporate Capability Statement
    <bullet> Letters of Support
    <bullet> Evidence of Legal Organizational Structure
    You must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the 
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    For more information, see the HHS/CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.htm.
    If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please 
write your DUNS number at the top of the first page of your 
application, and/or include your DUNS number in your application cover 
letter.
    Additional requirements that could require you to submit additional 
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2. 
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''

IV. 3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 29, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the HHS/
CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date.
    You may submit your application electronically at http://www.grants.gov. We consider applications completed online through 
Grants.gov as formally submitted when the applicant organization's 
Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to http://www.grants.gov. We will consider

[[Page 53214]]

electronic applications as having met the deadline if the applicant 
organization's Authorizing Official has submitted the application 
electronically to Grants.gov on or before the deadline date and time.
    If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your 
application will be electronically time/date stamped, which will serve 
as receipt of submission. You will receive an e-mail notice of receipt 
when HHS/CDC receives the application.
    If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure the carrier will be 
able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If HHS/CDC 
receives your submission after closing because of: (1) carrier error, 
when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by 
the closing date and time; or (2) significant weather delays or natural 
disasters, you will have the opportunity to submit documentation of the 
carrier's guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, 
HHS/CDC will consider the submission as received by the deadline.
    If you submit a hard copy application, HHS/CDC will not notify you 
upon receipt of your submission. If you have a question about the 
receipt of your application, first contact your courier. If you still 
have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at: 770-488-2700. Before 
calling, please wait two to three days after the submission deadline. 
This will allow time for us to process and log submissions.
    This announcement is the definitive guide on application content, 
submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in 
the application instructions. If your submission does not meet the 
deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and we will discard 
it. We will notify you that you did not meet the submission 
requirements.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Restrictions, which you must take into account while writing your 
budget, are as follows:
    <bullet> Funds may not be used for research.
    <bullet> Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
    <bullet> The purchase of antiretroviral drugs, reagents and 
laboratory equipment for antiretroviral treatment projects requires 
prior approval in writing by CDC officials.
    <bullet> No funds shall be used to distribute sterile needles or 
syringes for the hypodermic use of any illegal drug.
    <bullet> Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, 
including personnel; travel; operating costs, including supplies; fuel 
for transportation; utilities; staff training costs, including 
registration fees and purchase and rental of training related 
equipment; renovation of clinical or lab facilities; and purchase of 
HIV testing reagents, test kits and laboratory equipment for HIV 
testing and services. Equipment may be purchased if deemed necessary to 
accomplish program objectives; however, prior approval by HHS/CDC 
officials must be requested in writing.
    <bullet> All requests for funds contained in the budget shall be 
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, HHS/CDC will not 
compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through 
the issuance of supplemental awards.
    <bullet> The costs that are generally allowable in grants to 
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exception: With the 
exception of the American University, Beirut, and the World Health 
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or 
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial 
limits of the United States or to international organizations, 
regardless of their location.
    <bullet> The applicant may contract with other organizations under 
this program; however the applicant must perform a substantial portion 
of the activities (including program management and operations, and 
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required).
    <bullet> You must obtain an annual audit of these HHS/CDC funds 
(program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international 
branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance 
with International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s) 
approved in writing by HHS/CDC.
    <bullet> A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, 
prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business 
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. 
Federal funds.
Prostitution and Related Activities
    The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related 
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and 
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.
    Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document (``recipient'') cannot use such 
U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or 
practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding 
sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of 
palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical 
prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including 
test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.
    A recipient that is otherwise eligible to receive funds in 
connection with this document to prevent, treat, or monitor HIV/AIDS 
shall not be required to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to 
combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, or participate in a 
prevention method or treatment program to which the recipient has a 
religious or moral objection. Any information provided by recipients 
about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are 
funded in connection with this document shall be medically accurate and 
shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.
    In addition, any recipient must have a policy explicitly opposing 
prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not 
apply to any ``exempt organizations'' (defined as the Global Fund to 
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization and 
its six Regional Offices, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative or 
to any United Nations agency).
    The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:
    <bullet> Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, 
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of 
a commercial sex act. 22 U.S.C. 7102(9).
    All recipients must insert provisions implementing the applicable 
parts of this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' in all 
subagreements under this award. These provisions must be express terms 
and conditions of the subagreement, must acknowledge that compliance 
with this section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities,'' is a 
prerequisite to receipt and expenditure of U.S. Government funds in 
connection with this document, and must acknowledge that any violation 
of the provisions shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the 
agreement prior to the end of its term. Recipients must agree that HHS 
may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials 
maintained or prepared by the recipient in the usual course of

[[Page 53215]]

its operations that relate to the organization's compliance with this 
section, ``Prostitution and Related Activities.''
    All prime recipients that receive U.S. Government funds (``prime 
recipients'') in connection with this document must certify compliance 
prior to actual receipt of such funds in a written statement that makes 
reference to this document (e.g., ``[Prime recipient's name] certifies 
compliance with the section, `Prostitution and Related Activities.' '') 
addressed to the agency's grants officer. Such certifications by prime 
recipients are prerequisites to the payment of any U.S. Government 
funds in connection with this document.
    Recipients' compliance with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities,'' is an express term and condition of receiving 
U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and any 
violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination by HHS of 
the agreement with HHS in connection with this document prior to the 
end of its term. The recipient shall refund to HHS the entire amount 
furnished in connection with this document in the event HHS determines 
the recipient has not complied with this section, ``Prostitution and 
Related Activities.''
    You may find guidance for completing your budget on the HHS/CDC Web 
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

    Application Submission Address: HHS/CDC strongly encourages 
applicants to submit electronically at: http://www.grants.gov. You will 
be able to download a copy of the application package from http://www.grants.gov, complete it offline, and then upload and submit the 
application via the Grants.gov site. We will not accept e-mail 
submissions. If you are having technical difficulties in Grants.gov, 
you may reach them by e-mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c1f191c1c031e182c0b1e0d02181f420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e3909693938c9197a38491828d9790cd848c95">[email protected]</span></a>, or by phone at 1-
800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open 
from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday.
    HHS/CDC recommends that you submit your application to Grants.gov 
early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the 
deadline. You may also submit a back-up paper submission of your 
application. We must receive any such paper submission in accordance 
with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. 
of the grant announcement. You must clearly mark the paper submission: 
``BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.''
    The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-
electronic submissions. If we receive both electronic and back-up paper 
submissions by the deadline, we will consider the electronic version 
the official submission.
    We strongly recommended that you submit your grant application by 
using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 
etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may 
submit a PDF file. You may find directions for creating PDF files on 
the Grants.gov web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft 
Office or PDF could make your file unreadable for our staff.
 or
    Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail 
or express delivery service to the following address: Technical 
Information Management-AA104 CDC Procurement and Grants Office U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, 
GA 30341

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

    Applicants must provide measures of effectiveness that will 
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of 
the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the 
performance goals stated in the ``Purpose'' section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must 
measure the intended outcome. Applicants must submit these measures of 
effectiveness with the application and will be an element of 
evaluation.
    We will evaluate your application against the following criteria:
    1. Technical Approach (25 points). Does the applicant's proposal 
include an overall design strategy, with measurable time lines, that is 
realistic, achievable, time-framed and appropriate? Does the 
application appropriately address regular monitoring and evaluation, 
and the potential effectiveness of the proposed activities in meeting 
objectives? Does the applicant have a commitment to train both public 
and private health care workers in local languages?
    2. Understanding of the Problem (20 points). Does the applicant 
demonstrate a clear and concise understanding of the nature of the 
problem described in the Purpose section of this announcement? This 
specifically includes description of the public health importance of 
the planned activities to be undertaken and realistic presentation of 
proposed objectives and projects. Does the applicant display knowledge 
of the five-year strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan, 
such that it can build on these to develop a comprehensive project and 
meet the goals of the Emergency Plan?
    3. Ability to Carry Out the Project (20 points). Does the applicant 
document demonstrate capability to achieve the purpose of the project 
and provide training in the Portuguese language?
    4. Personnel (20 points). Are the professional personnel involved 
in this project qualified (i.e., is there evidence included of 
experience in working with HIV/AIDS and associated diseases and HIV 
surveillance and Portuguese-language fluency)?
    5. Plans for Administration and Management of Projects (15 points). 
Are there adequate plans for administering the project and adequate 
financial controls to account for the finances covered under this 
cooperative agreement? Does the applicant have transparent and 
competitive procedures for performing and procurement necessary under 
this project?
    6. Budget (not scored). Is the itemized budget for conducting the 
project, and its justification, reasonable and consistent with stated 
objectives and planned program activities, and with the five-year 
strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and Emergency Plan 
activities in Brazil?

V.2. Review and Selection Process

    The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review 
applications for completeness, and HHS Global AIDS program will review 
them for responsiveness. Incomplete applications and applications that 
are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through 
the review process. Applicants will receive notification that their 
application did not meet submission requirements.
    An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive 
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria'' 
section above. All persons who serve on the panel will be external to 
the U.S. Government Country Program Office. The panel may include both 
Federal and non-Federal participants.
    In addition, the following factors could affect the funding 
decision:
    While U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, we will give 
preference to existing national/Brazilian organizations. It is possible 
for one organization to apply as lead grantee with a plan that includes 
partnering with other organizations, preferably

[[Page 53216]]

local. Although matching funds are not required, preference will go to 
organizations that can leverage additional funds to contribute to 
program goals.
    Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined 
by the review panel. HHS/CDC will provide justification for any 
decision to fund out of rank order.

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    October 25, 2005.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the 
HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only 
binding, authorizing document between the recipient and HHS/CDC. An 
authorized Grants Management Officer will sign the NoA, and mail it to 
the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review by mail.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92.
    For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the 
National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet 
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
    The following additional requirements apply to this project:
    <bullet> AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions
    <bullet> AR-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
    <bullet> AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
    <bullet> AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
    Applicants can find additional information on these requirements on 
the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.
    You need to include an additional Certifications form from the PHS 
5161-1 application in your Grants.gov electronic submission only. 
Please refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS51611Certificates.pdf. Once you have filled out the form, attach it 
to your Grants.gov submission as Other Attachment Forms.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    You must provide HHS/CDC with an original, plus two hard copies, of 
the following reports:
    1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end 
of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-
competing continuation application, and must contain the following 
elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Budget.
    e. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Brazil.
    f. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period.
    3. Final financial and performance reports, due no later than 90 
days after the end of the project period.
    4. Annual progress report, due no later than 90 days after the end 
of the budget period. Reports should include progress against the 
numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for 
Brazil.
    Recipients must mail these reports to the Grants Management or 
Contract Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this 
announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.
    For general questions, contact:
    Technical Information Management Section, CDC Procurement and 
Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-2700
    For program technical assistance, contact:
    Brazil Contact.
    William Brady, Co-Project Officer, HHS/CDC, Global AIDS Program 
(GAP), Brazil, Unit 3500, APO AA 34030, Telephone: 55 (61) 273-4851, E-
mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7205171042321116115c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="790e1c1b49391a1d1a571e160f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Atlanta Contact.
    Eddas Bennett, Co-Project Officer, 1600 Clifton Rd., MS E-04, 
Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 404-639-6305, E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#731611161d1d160707331017105d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f6a6d6a61616a7b7b4f6c6b6c21686079">[email protected]</span></a>.
    For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
    Vivian Walker, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and 
Grants Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770-488-2724, E-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#611716000d0a0413210205024f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="037574626f686671436067602d646c75">[email protected]</span></a>.

VIII. Other Information

    Applicants can find this and other HHS/CDC funding opportunity 
announcements on the HHS/CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov (click on ``Funding'' then ``Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements''), and on the Web site of the HHS Office of Global Health 
Affairs, Internet address: http://www.globalhealth.gov.

    Dated: August 31, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 05-17675 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>