Federal Register: July 8, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 129)
DOCID: fr08jy09-89 FR Doc E9-16052
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr08jy09-89
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Office of Clinical and Preventive Services: National HIV Program; Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933
DATES: Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: July 31, 2009.
Review Date: August 6, 2009.
Anticipated Start Date: August 10, 2009.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that competitive cooperative agreement applications are now being accepted by the IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services (OCPS) for the National Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/ AIDS) Program. This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13, and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1602(a)(b)(42)(43). This program is described under 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). There will be only one funding cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.
Enhancement of HIV/AIDS testing activities in American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) people is necessary to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in those communities by increasing access to HIV related services, reducing stigma, and making testing routine. This open competition seeks to expand fiscal resources to increase the number of AI/AN with awareness of his/her HIV status. The cooperative agreements will provide routine HIV screening for adults as per 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and pre and post test counseling (when appropriate).
These cooperative agreements will be used to identify best practices to enhance HIV testing, including rapid testing and/or conventional HIV antibody testing, and to provide a more focused effort to address HIV/AIDS prevention in AI/AN populations in the United States.
The nature of these projects will require collaboration to: (1) Coordinate activities with the IHS National HIV Program; and (2) submit and share nonpersonally identifiable (NPI) data surrounding HIV/AIDS testing, treatment and education.
These agreements are intended to encourage development of sustainable, routine HIV screening programs in Tribal health facilities that are aligned with 2006 CDC HIV screening guidelines (http:// www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5514a1.htm). Key features include streamlined consent and counseling procedures (verbal consent, opt out), a clear HIV screening policy, identifying and implementing any necessary staff training, community awareness, and a clear followup protocol for HIV positive results including linkages to care. Grantees may choose to bundle HIV tests with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) screening.
Proposed activities that cover large populations and/or
geographical areas that do not necessarily correspond with current IHS
administrative areas are encouraged. In conducting activities to
achieve the purpose of this program, the recipient will be responsible
for the activities under: 1. Recipient Activities, and IHS will be
responsible for conducting activities under 2. IHS Activities. 1. Recipient Activities
(b) Design and implementation of program components (including, but not limited to, program implementation methods, surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, development of programmatic evaluation, development of disease control programs, and coordination of activities); and
(c) Overall operational planning and program management. [[Page 32634]]
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
Estimated Funds Available: The total amount identified for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 is ten awards totaling $850,000. The award is for two years in duration. The individual award received is inclusive of project evaluation and administrative support. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
Anticipated Number of Awards: An estimated number of ten cooperative agreements (CA) awards will be issued under the Program.
Project Period: 2 years.
Award Amount: $85,000.
Projects will be funded for annual budget periods with project
periods of two years, dependent upon the scope of work. There will be
yearly continuation applications required. The continuation years will be pending funding and based on the following:
Awardees will be required to submit routine quarterly surveillance data as well as the Standard Form 424 and Progress Reports, annually and financial statements as required in the PHS Grants Policy Statement. Forms are available at the following Web site http:// www.grants.gov. The progress report should provide information about changes in the program and a summary report of any evaluations. These biannual and annual progress reports will be closely monitored by the IHS staff to ensure that the cooperative agreement is achieving the goals of the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy (OHAP). LimitationsOnly one CA project will be awarded per Tribe, Tribal organization, or intertribal consortium.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, as defined under 25 U.S.C.
1603(d), Tribal Organizations, as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603(e), or a
consortium of two or more of those Tribes or Tribal organizations.
Applicants other than Tribes must provide proof of nonprofit status.
Eligible consortiums must represent or propose to serve a population of
at least 20,000 AI/AN in order to be considered eligible. An
intertribal consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible to receive a
cooperative agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of
improving AI/AN health, and it is representing of the tribes or AN
villages in which it is located. Collaborations with regional IHS, CDC,
State, or organizations are encouraged and proof of such collaboration
must be included in the application. The following documentation is required:
[cir] A signed and dated resolution supportive of the HIV cooperative agreement proposal from the Indian Tribe(s) served by the project, or a copy of an existing Tribal resolution that encompasses the proposed activities and project type, must accompany the application.
[cir] Application by Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution(s) if the current blanket Tribal resolution(s) under which they operate would encompass the proposed activities and project type.
2. Cost Sharing or MatchingThis program does not require matching funds or cost sharing.
If the application budget exceeds $85,000, it will not be considered for review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Applicant package may be found in Grants.gov (http:// www.grants.gov) or at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/ gogp_funding.asp. Questions regarding the electronic application process may be directed to Michelle G. Bulls at (301) 4436290.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
Public Policy Requirements: All Federalwide public policies apply
to IHS grants with the exception of the Lobbying and Discrimination public policy.
3. Submission Dates and Times:
The application from each Tribal entity must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 12 midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
If technical challenges arise and the Tribes or Tribal entities are unable to successfully complete the electronic application process, each organization must contact Michelle G. Bulls, Grants Policy Staff (GPS) fifteen days prior to the application deadline and advise of the difficulties that they are experiencing. Each organization must obtain prior approval, in writing (emails are acceptable), from Ms. Bulls allowing the paper submission. If submission of a paper application is requested and approved, the original and two copies may be sent to the appropriate grants contact that is listed in Section IV.1 above. Applications not submitted through Grants.gov, without an approved waiver, may be returned to the organizations without review or consideration.
A late application will be returned to the organization without review or consideration.
4. Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions:
A. Preaward costs are allowable pending prior approval from the awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR Part 74, all pre award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk. The awarding office is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason any of the urban Indian organizations do not receive an award, or if the award to the recipient is less than anticipated.
B. The available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect costs.
C. Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded to each organization.
D. IHS will acknowledge receipt of the application by email.
6. Other Submission Requirements:
Electronic SubmissionEach Tribe or Tribal entity must submit
through Grants.gov. However, should any technical challenges arise
regarding the submission, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at
(800) 5184726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center hours of
operation are MondayFriday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. E.D.T. If you require
additional assistance please call (301) 4436290 and identify the need
for assistance regarding your Grants.gov application. Your call will be
transferred to the appropriate grants staff member. Each organization
must seek assistance at least fifteen days prior to the application
deadline. If each organization doesn't adhere to the timelines for
Central Contractor Registry (CCR), Grants.gov registration and request timely assistance with technical
[[Page 32635]]
issues, paper application submission may not be granted.
To submit an application electronically, please use the Grants.gov
Web site. Download a copy of the application package on the Grants.gov
Web site, complete it offline and then upload and submit the
application via the Grants.gov site. You may not email an electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.
Please be reminded of the following:
electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
Email applications will not be accepted under this announcement. DUNS Number
Applicants are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the Federal Government. The DUNS number is a ninedigit 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 (866) 7055711. Interested parties may wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the process.
Applications submitted electronically must also be registered with the CCR. A DUNS number is required before CCR registration can be completed. Many organizations may already have a DUNS number. Please use the number listed above to investigate whether or not your organization has a DUNS number. Registration with the CCR is free of charge.
Applicants may register by calling (888) 2272423. Please review and complete the CCR Registration Worksheet located on http:// www.ccr.gov.
More detailed information regarding these registration processes can be found at Grants.gov.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
The instructions for preparing the application narrative also
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses.
The narrative should include all prior years of activity; information
for multiyear projects should be included as an appendix (see E.
``Categorical Budget and Budget Justification'') at the end of this
section for more information. The narrative should be written in a
manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related
activities of the entity. It should be well organized, succinct, and
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the
project fully. Emphasis will be placed on measures to increase testing and ensure sustainability of testing.
A. Understanding of the Need and Necessary Capacity (15 Points) 1. Understanding of the Problem
a. Define the project target population, identify their unique characteristics, and describe the impact of HIV on the population.
b. Describe the gaps/barriers in HIV testing for the population.
c. Describe the unique cultural or sociological barriers of the target population to adequate access for the described services. 2. Facility Capability
a. Briefly describe your health facility and user population.
b. Describe your health facility's ability to conduct this initiative through:
B. Work Plan (40 Points)
1. Identify the proposed program activities and explain how these activities will increase and sustain HIV screening.
2. Describe Policy and Procedure changes anticipated for testing implementation that include:
a. Support of CDC 2006 Revised Testing Recommendations.
b. Community awareness of new HIV testing policy.
c. Age and sex range of persons to be tested.
d. Bundling of HIV test with STDs tests.
[[Page 32636]]
e. Type of HIV test (rapid, conventional, Western Blot) and who will perform test (inhouse, contract lab).
f. Inclusion, exclusion, or phased introduction of testing in outpatient, inpatient, acute care/emergency room, specialty clinics, communitybased testing.
3. Provide a clear timeline with quarterly milestones for project implementation.
4. Describe which group(s), if any, to which you cannot, because of State regulations, offer testing with verbal consent only, in an opt out format.
5. Describe how the program will ensure that clients receive their test results, particularly clients who test positive.
6. Describe how the program will ensure that individuals with initial HIVpositive test results will receive confirmatory tests. If you do not provide confirmatory HIV testing, you must provide a letter of intent or Memorandum of Understanding with an external laboratory documenting the process through which initial HIVpositive test results will be confirmed.
7. Describe the program strategies to linking potential seropositive patients to care.
8. Describe the program procedures for reporting seropositive patients to the appropriate State(s).
9. Describe the program quality assurance strategies.
10. Describe how the program will train, support and retain staff providing counseling and testing.
11. Describe how the program will ensure client confidentiality.
12. Describe how the program will ensure that your services are culturally sensitive and relevant.
13. Describe how the program will attempt to streamline procedures so as to reduce the overall cost per test administered.
C. Project Evaluation (20 Points)
1. Evaluation Plan
The grantee shall provide a plan for monitoring and evaluating implementation of the HIV rapid test and/or standard HIV antibody test, and to identify best practices.
2. Reporting Requirements
The following quantitative and qualitative measures shall be addressed:
1. Number of tests performed and number of test refusals.
2. Number of clients learning of their serostatus for the first time via this testing initiative (unique patients, nonrepeated tests). Number of clients tested for the first time in five years and meeting the programmatic definition of ``previously untested.''
3. Number of reactive tests and confirmed seropositive (actual and proportion).
4. Number of clients linked to care/treatment or referrals for prevention counseling.
5. Number of individuals receiving their confirmatory test results.
1. Measures in place to protect confidentiality.
2. Identify barriers to implementation as well as lessons learned for best practices to share with other Tribes or Tribal organizations.
3. Sustainability plan and measures of ongoing testing in future years, after grant money has been spent.
1. Number of clients who refused due to prior knowledge of status.
2. Number of rapid versus standard antibody test.
3. Number of false negatives and/or positives after confirmatory test.
D. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (10 Points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the project outlined in the work plan.
1. Describe the organizational structure.
2. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects successfully completed.
3. Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use during the proposed project. Include information about any equipment not currently available that will be purchased throughout the agreement.
4. List key personnel who will work on the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)
Provide a clear estimate of the project program costs and justification for expenses for the entire grant period. The budget and budget justification should be consistent with the tasks identified in the work plan. The budget focus should be on routinizing and sustaining HIV testing services as well as reducing the cost per person tested.
1. Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
2. Narrative justification for all costs, explaining why each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of allowable costs.
3. Budget justification should include a brief program narrative for the second year.
4. If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in the appendix.
2. Review and Selection Process
In addition to the above criteria/requirements, the application will be considered according to the following:
A. The submission deadline: July 31, 2009.
Applications submitted in advance of or by the deadline and verified by the
[[Page 32637]]
postmark will undergo a preliminary review to determine that:
B. The Objective Review date is August 6, 2009.
The applications that are complete, responsive, and conform to this
program announcement will be reviewed for merit by the Ad Hoc Objective
Review Committee (ORC) appointed by the IHS to review and make
recommendations on this application. Prior to ORC review, the
application will be screened to determine that programs proposed are
those which the IHS has the authority to provide, either directly or
through funding agreement, and that those programs are designed for the
benefit of IHS beneficiaries. If an eligible entity does not meet these
requirements, the application will not be reviewed. The ORC review will
be conducted in accordance with the IHS Objective Review Guidelines.
The application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the
evaluation criteria listed in section V. 1. The criteria are used to
evaluate the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of success.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Anticipated Award Date of August 10, 2009.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices.
The Notice of Award (NOA) will be initiated by the DGO and will be mailed via postal mail to the Tribe or Tribal entity. The NOA will be signed by the Grants Management Officer and this is the authorizing document under which funds are dispersed. The NOA is the legally binding document and will serve as the official notification of the grant award and will reflect the amount of Federal funds awarded for the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project period.
2. Administrative Requirements.
Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
3. Indirect Costs.
This section applies to indirect costs in accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II27. The IHS requires applicants to have a current indirect cost rate agreement in place prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the cognoscente agency or office. A current rate means the rate covering the applicable activities and the award budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the awarding office, the award shall include funds for reimbursement of indirect costs. However, the indirect costs portion will remain restricted until the current rate is provided to the DGO.
4. Reporting.
A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required quarterly by the National HIV Program in order to satisfy quarterly reports due to the funding source at Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). These reports (due midNovember, February, May, August) will include quantitative data as well as a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period per the implementation plan, reasons for delays or milestones not attained (if applicable), and other pertinent information as required. An Assessment and Evaluation Report must be submitted within 30 days of the end of each funded year.
B. Financial Status Report. Semiannual financial status reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the half year. Final financial status reports are due within 90 days of expiration of the budget period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for financial reporting.
C. Participation in a minimum of two teleconferences. Teleconferences will be required semiannually (unless further follow up is needed) for Technical Assistance to be provided and progress to be shared.
D. Site visits. Tribal sites using MAI resources should be amenable to the possibility of site visits by IHS staff administering MAI funds.
Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active agreement, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the nonfunding or nonaward of other eligible projects or activities. This applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the organization or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports.
Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY (301) 4436394.
VII. Agency Contacts
For programrelated and general information regarding this announcement: CAPT Scott Giberson, IHS National HIV Principal Consultant, 801 Thompson Ave., Reyes Building, Suite 306, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 4432449 or scott.giberson@ihs.gov.
For specific grantrelated and business management information:
Denise Clark, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 4435204 or
denise.clark@ihs.gov.
Dated: June 26, 2009.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. E916052 Filed 7709; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416516P
SUMMARY:
National HIV Program; Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity