Billing Code: 4163-18-P
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Strengthening HIV Counseling and Testing Services in the United Republic of Tanzania under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Announcement Type: New
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-PS08-847
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: July 7, 2008
Authority: This program is authorized under Public Law 108-25 (United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003) [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. The initiative aims to treat more than two million HIV-infected people with effective combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART) by 2008; care for ten million HIV-infected and affected persons, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS, by 2008; and prevent seven million infections by 2010, with a focus on 15 priority countries, including 12 in sub-Saharan Africa. The Five-Year Strategy for the Emergency Plan is available at the following Internet address: http://www.state.gov/s/gac/plan/c11652.htm
Over the same time period, as part of a collective national response, the Emergency Plan goals specific to Tanzania are to treat at least 150,000 HIV-infected individuals; and to care for 750,000 HIV-affected individuals, including orphans.
Purpose:
Under the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, as part of the President's Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC) works with host countries and other key partners to assess the needs of each country and design a customized program of assistance that fits within the host nation's strategic plan.
HHS/CDC focuses on two or three major program areas in each country. Goals and priorities include the following:
HIV counseling and testing (CT) is recognized as an important prevention strategy as well as the main entry for HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and support services. As a result, the Government of Tanzania is committed to increasing access to CT services for as many Tanzanians as possible and the U.S. Government (USG) is a leading partner in this effort. Recent efforts to scale up CT services, particularly among the underserved and most at risk, include introducing provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) and home-based testing (HBT), and approving a non-cold chain dependent, rapid testing algorithm. Despite the broad commitment from the Tanzanian government and its partners and recent advances, the availability and delivery of CT needs further promotion and strengthening. In Tanzania, CT services remain underutilized with only 15% of Tanzanians aged 15-49 years who have been tested. The remaining 13.7 million individuals in this age group who do not know their HIV serostatus are often deterred by the stigma surrounding accessing CT services and fears of confidentiality not being maintained.
The purpose of the program funded through this announcement is to increase the use of high quality HIV CT services in Tanzania. With appropriate prevention counseling, use of CT services is intended to lead to safer sexual behaviors, including abstinence, fidelity, and correct and consistent condom use. In addition, there may be increased use of care and support services through a strong referral network to complementary services.
Through this funding opportunity, the successful applicant will expand implementation of PITC at a collaborating medical facility (i.e., regional or referral hospital), establish a static VCT site in a high demand area, and conduct targeted mobile or community testing as outlined in the Tanzanian national policy guidelines for HIV counseling and testing and following the national rapid-testing algorithm. For PITC, clinical staff from the collaborating medical facility will receive the knowledge and skills required to support testing and counseling for clients attending outpatient departments, inpatient departments, STI clinics and TB clinics at a minimum. At the static facility, an emphasis should be placed on demand creation, enhancing the skills of counselors to conduct specialized services. The provision of mobile CT services should be guided by existing epidemiologic, behavioral and facility data to proactively reach the most at-risk and underserved populations. Strategies to achieve these goals include orienting providers and clients on the new PITC guidelines, training providers using the national PITC curriculum, creating a demand for static CT services, and coordinating with non-governmental organizations and agencies conducting outreach among high-risk groups.
The program also will ensure the following: technical assistance and mentorship for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National AIDS Control Program in improving CT service delivery and adoption of new initiatives (e.g., lay counselors); support for a training/learning center that addresses core principles of CT in addition to emerging areas such as stigma reduction, disclosure, substance use, prevention with positives and anti-burnout techniques for counselors; appropriate supportive supervision for all CT staff, which will include checking registers completed by counselors, reviewing counseling testing protocols and observing counseling sessions; organizational capacity to conduct CT-relevant public health evaluations to tailor services, as needed; strengthened delivery of couples and pediatric testing; a consistent supply chain for essential HIV-testing commodities working with a USG-funded partner; a systematic approach to monitor and evaluate CT services that will permit the use of routine program data to inform program implementation and management, identify gaps in services, and address reporting requirements; and collaboration with the Ministry of Health to integrate CT measures into a health management information system (HMIS).
In addition, the successful applicant must establish an effective referral system for all HIV-positive individuals who are identified. The program will facilitate technical assistance to ensure that comprehensive CT is readily available at nearby health facilities. The program must also develop or strengthen, as needed, community structures for HIV-prevention education, post-test clubs, and peer-support groups to assist and follow-up on HIV-positive clients and their families.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the following performance goal(s) for the Emergency Plan:
This announcement is intended for non-research activities supported by HHS’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC). If an applicant proposes research activities, 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/science/regs/hrpp/researchdefinition.htm.
Activities:
The recipient of these funds is responsible for activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved populations in Tanzania. Either the awardee will implement activities directly or will implement them through its subgrantees and/or subcontractors; the awardee will retain overall financial and programmatic management under the oversight of HHS/CDC and the strategic direction of the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The awardee must show a measurable progressive reinforcement of the capacity of indigenous organizations and local communities to respond to the national HIV epidemic, as well as progress towards the sustainability of activities.
Applicants should describe activities in detail that reflect the policies and goals outlined in the Five-Year Strategy for the President’s Emergency Plan.
The grantee will produce an annual operational plan, which the U.S. Government Emergency Plan team on the ground in Tanzania will review as part of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review-and-approval process, managed by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The grantee may work on some of the activities listed below in the first year and in subsequent years, and then progressively add others from the list to achieve all of the Emergency Plan performance goals, as cited in the previous section. HHS/CDC, under the guidance of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, will approve funds for activities on an annual basis, based on documented performance toward achieving Emergency Plan goals, as part of the annual Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Country Operational Plan review-and-approval process.
Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
1.
Develop a national, toll-free HIV hotline for youth in major urban regions with future expansion to national coverage. Hotline services should be coordinated in partnership with land line and mobile phone providers.2.
Develop a database/monitoring and evaluation system to track call frequency, types of questions asked, and general demographics of callers such as gender and region of residence. Data will be routinely analyzed from the monitoring system to track trends and improve program activities.3.
Promote a national HIV hotline with multimedia materials to create demand for services. The successful applicant will be responsible for a demand creation strategy, including, but not limited to, television ads, posters, billboards.4.
Establish an on-line hotline counseling center as a complementary service.5.
Develop or adapt and disseminate multimedia information, education and communication (IEC) materials in the Kiswahili language. The IEC materials may include radio talk shows, audio role model stories, performance arts (drama), print serial dramas, cartoons, and music.6.
Develop and implement behavior change communication (BCC) activities that emphasize abstinence, partner reduction, condom use and HIV counseling and testing. These activities should rely on community mobilization techniques and may be implemented in a variety of settings such as youth centers and schools.7.
Train and conduct capacity building for local non-governmental organizations and community leaders on strategies to promote HIV prevention attitude and behavior change for youth in Tanzania.8.
Establish condom distribution sites and promote consistent and correct condom use for high risk and sexually active youth. Condom distribution sites may be in locations where the general population would also benefit.9.
Provide lessons learned and best practices for working with youth to government and non-government partners, journalists and media professionals, researchers, and the general public.10.
Collect and report standardized data on all services through routine program monitoring and evaluation to assess effectiveness and impact.11.
Adhere to all reporting requirements established by HHS/CDC.12.
Programs designed to reduce HIV risk among Tanzanian youth need to take into account contextual factors contributing to sexual risk behaviors, including gender norms and roles, the transactional nature of some youth sexual relationships, and transgenerational sex between young women and older men.The Selected applicant of this funding competition must comply with all HHS/CDC management requirements for meeting participation and progress and financial reporting for this cooperative agreement (See HHS/CDC Activities and Reporting sections below for details), and comply with all policy directives established by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
In a cooperative agreement, HHS/CDC staff are substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant-monitoring.
HHS/CDC Activities for this program are as follows:
1.
Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee for a briefing on applicable U.S. Government, HHS/CDC 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.2.
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.3.
Review and approve the 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.4.
Review and approve the 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.5.
Meet on a monthly basis with the grantee to assess monthly expenditures in relation to approved work plan and modify plans, as necessary.6.
Meet on a quarterly basis with the grantee to assess quarterly technical and financial progress reports and modify plans as necessary.7.
Meet on an annual basis with the 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.8.
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.9.
Provide in-country administrative support to help grantee meet U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 0920-0428 (Public Health Service Form 5161).10.
Collaborate with the awardee on designing and implementing the activities listed above, including, but not limited to the provision of technical assistance to develop program activities, data management and analysis, quality assurance, the presentation and possibly publication of program results and findings, and the management and tracking of finances.11.
Provide consultation and scientific and technical assistance based on appropriate, HHS/CDC and Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator documents to promote the use of best practices known at the time.12.
Assist the recipient in developing and implementing quality-assurance criteria and procedures.13.
Facilitate in-country planning and review meetings for technical assistance activities
Please note: Either HHS/CDC staff or staff from organizations that have successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS/CDC contract, cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and training. Monitoring grantee performance is routine grant administration, and, as much is not substantial involvement in and of itself.
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement
HHS/CDC involvement in this program appears in the Activities Section above.
Award Mechanism: U2G - Global HIV/AIDS Non-Research Cooperative Agreements
Fiscal Year Funds: 2008
Approximate Current Fiscal Year Funding: $500,000
Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $2,500,000 (This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
Approximate Number of Awards: One
Approximate Average Award: $500,000 (This amount is for the first 12-month budget period, and includes direct costs.)
Floor of Individual Award Range: $200,000
Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $500,000 (This ceiling is for the first 12-month budget period.)
Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2008
Budget Period Length: 12 Months
Project Period Length: Five Years
Throughout the project period, HHS/CDC’s 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 U.S. Government through 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.
III.1. Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity appear below:
● Nonprofit with 501c3 IRS status (other than institution of higher education);
● Nonprofit without 501c3 IRS status (other than institution of higher education);
● Private, non-profit organizations;
● For-profit organizations;
● Small, minority, and women-owned businesses;
● Universities;
● Colleges;
● Research institutions;
● Hospitals;
● Community-based organizations;
● Faith-based organizations;
● Federally recognized Indian tribal Governments;
● Indian tribes;
● Indian tribal organizations;
● U.S. State and local Governments or their Bona Fide Agents (this includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau);
● Political subdivisions of U.S. States (in consultation with States).
A Bona Fide Agent is an agency/organization identified by a state as eligible to submit an application under the State's eligibility in lieu of a State application. If applying as a bona fide agent of a State or local Government, a letter from the State or local Government as documentation of the status is required. Place this documentation behind the first page of the application form. Attach with other forms when submitting via www.grants.gov.
Applicants must be a local indigenous Tanzanian organization fully registered in the country. An indigenous organization is one that originated and is located in the geographic area it services, serves the population located in the geographic area, and has a majority of organizational staff (senior, mid-level, and support) comprised of persons from Tanzania.
Building, strengthening and sustaining institutional capacity of indigenous Tanzanian organizations is a key strategy for achieving the prevention, care and treatment goals of the Emergency Plan and to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Emergency Plan Programs. Additionally, organizations indigenous to Tanzania are more familiar with the target population and culture. Services provided by these organizations often are more acceptable to the target population because services are more culturally and linguistically appropriate. Activities are more effective in addressing the needs of the target population and services are more cost effective.
III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required for this program.
III.3. Other
If a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award range is requested, HHS/CDC will consider the application non-responsive, and it will not be entered into the review process. The applicant will be notified that the application did not meet the submission requirements.
Special Requirements:
If the application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special requirements listed in this section, it will not enter into the review process. The applicant will be notified the application did not meet submission requirements.
IV.1. Address to Request Application Package
To apply for this funding opportunity use the application forms package posted in Grants.gov.
Electronic Submission:
HHS strongly encourages applicants to submit applications electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this announcement on
www.Grants.gov, the official Federal agency-wide E-grant Web site. Only applicants who apply on-line may forego submitting paper copies of all application forms.
Registering an organization through
www.Grants.gov is the first step in submitting applications online. Registration information is located in the “Get Registered” screen of www.Grants.gov. While application submission through www.Grants.gov is optional, HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to use this on-line tool.
Please visit
www.Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing an application to become familiar with the registration and submission processes. The one-time registration process will take three to five days to complete. Only the person who registers the organization on grants.gov can submit the application. This is important to remember if the person who originally registered an organization on grants.gov is no longer working for that particular organization. HHS/CDC suggests submitting electronic applications prior to the closing date so if difficulties are encountered, a hard copy of the application can be submitted prior to the deadline. Also, please note that as part of the Grants.gov registration process, registering an organization with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) annually could take an additional one to two days to complete in addition to the one-time registration.
Foreign organizations must include a NATO Commercial and Governmental Entity (NCAGE) Code to complete their Grants.gov registration. Instructions for obtaining an NCAGE Code may be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/NATO_Commercial_and_Governmental_Entity_12-18-06.doc.
If an applicant has technical difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service may be reached by e-mail at
support@grants.gov, or by phone 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Paper Submission:
Application forms and instructions are available on the HHS/CDC Web site, at the following Internet address:
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/app_and_forms.shtm.
If access to the Internet is not available, or if there is difficulty in accessing the forms on-line, contact the HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIM) staff at 770-488-2700, and the application forms can be mailed.
IV.2. Content and Form of Submission
Application:
No letter of Intent Required.
A Project Abstract must be submitted with the application forms. All electronic project abstracts must be uploaded in a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. The abstract must be submitted in the following format, if submitting a paper application:
The Project Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained description of the project and should contain a statement of objectives and methods to be employed. It should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields and insofar as possible understandable to a technically literate lay reader. This Abstract must not include any proprietary/confidential information.
Applicants must submit a project narrative with the application forms, and all electronic narratives must be uploaded in a PDF format when submitting via Grants.gov. The project narrative must be submitted in the following format:
● Maximum number of pages: 25 (If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first pages which are within the page limit will be reviewed.);
The narrative should address activities the applicant will conduct over the entire project period, and must include the following items, in the order listed:
Additional information may be included in the appendices. The appendices will not count toward the narrative page limit. This additional information includes:
With staffing breakdown and justification, provide a
line-item budget and a narrative with justification for all requested costs. Be sure to include, if any, in-kind support or other contributions provided by the national Government and its donors as part of the total project, but for which funds are not being requested.
Budgets must be consistent with the purpose, objectives of the Emergency Plan and the program activities listed in this announcement and must include the following:
o
Line-item breakdown and justification for all personnel, i.e., name, position title, annual salary, percentage of time and effort, and amount requested.For each contract, list the following: (1) name of proposed contractor; (2) breakdown and justification for estimated costs; (3) description and scope of activities the contractor will perform; (4) period of performance; (5) method of contractor selection (e.g., competitive solicitation); and (6) methods of accountability. Applicants should, to the greatest extent possible, employ transparent and open competitive processes to choose contractors;
The agency or organization is required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the U.S. 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 the
Dun and Bradstreet website or call 1-866-705-5711.
Additional requirements that may request submission of additional documentation with the application appear in Section “VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.”
Application Deadline Date: July 7, 2008
Explanation of Deadlines: The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office must receive applications by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
Electronic Submission:
Applications may be submitted electronically at
www.Grants.gov. Applications completed on-line through Grants.gov are considered formally submitted when the applicant organization’s Authorizing Organization Representative (AOR) electronically submits the application to www.Grants.gov. Electronic applications will be considered as having met the deadline if the application has been successfully submitted electronically by the applicant organization’s AOR to Grants.gov on or before the deadline date and time.
When submission of the application is done electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), the application will be electronically time/date stamped and a tracking number will be assigned, which will serve as receipt of submission. The AOR will receive an e-mail notice of receipt when HHS/CDC receives the application.
Paper Submission:
If submittal of an application is by the United States Postal Service or commercial delivery service, the applicant must ensure the carrier will be able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. The applicant will have the opportunity to submit documentation of the carrier’s guarantee if HHS/CDC receives the submission after the closing date due to: (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. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, HHS/CDC will consider the submission as having been received by the deadline.
If a hard-copy application is submitted, HHS/CDC will not notify the applicant upon receipt of the submission. If questions arise on the receipt of the application, the applicant should first contact the carrier. If there are still questions about delivery, contact the PGOTIMS staff at (770) 488-2700. Applicants should wait two to three days after the submission deadline before calling. This will allow time for submissions to be processed and logged.
This announcement is the definitive guide on LOI and application content, submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in the application instructions. If the application submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be eligible for review. The application face page will be returned by HHS/CDC with a written explanation of the reason for non-acceptance. The applicant will be notified the application 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 applicants must take into account while writing the budget, are as follows:
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 any United Nations agency).
The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:
·
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 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.”
The recommended guidance for completing a detailed justified budget can be found 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:
Electronic Submission:
HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to submit applications electronically at
www.Grants.gov. The application package can be downloaded from www.Grants.gov. Applicants are able to complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. If an applicant has technical difficulties in Grants.gov, customer service can be reached by e-mail at support@grants.gov, or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
HHS/CDC recommends that submittal of applications to Grants.gov should be prior to the closing date to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the deadline. Applicants may also submit a back-up paper submission of the application. Any such paper submission must be received in accordance with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. of the grant announcement. The paper submission must be clearly marked: “BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.” The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-electronic submissions. If both electronic and back-up paper submissions are received by the deadline, the electronic version will be considered as the official submission.
HHS/CDC strongly recommends applicants submit the grant application by using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.). If the applicant does not have access to Microsoft Office products, a PDF file may be submitted. Applicants must submit all attachments using a PDF file format when submitting via Grants.gov. Directions for creating PDF files are available on the Grants.gov Web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft Office or PDF may result in the file being unreadable by staff.
OR
Paper Submission:
Applicants should submit the original and two hard copies of the application by mail or express delivery service to:
2920 Brandywine Road, Mail Stop E-14
Atlanta, GA 30341
V.1. Criteria
Applicants are required to provides specific 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. The measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the application, and will be an element of evaluation.
The application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
Ability to Carry Out the Proposal (20 points)
Does the applicant demonstrate the local experience in Tanzania and institutional capacity (both management and technical) to achieve the goals of the project with documented good-governance practices? Does the applicant have the ability to coordinate and collaborate with existing Emergency Plan partners and other donors, including the Global Fund and other U.S. Government Departments and agencies involved in implementing the Emergency Plan, including the U.S. Agency for International Development? Is there evidence of leadership support and evidence of current or past efforts to enhance HIV prevention? Does the applicant have the capacity to reach rural and other underserved populations in Tanzania? Does the organization have the ability to target audiences that frequently fall outside the reach of the traditional media, and in local languages? To what extent does the applicant provide letters of support?
Technical and Programmatic Approach (20 points)
Does the application include an overall design strategy, including measurable time lines, clear monitoring-and-evaluation procedures, and specific activities for meeting the proposed objectives? Does the applicant display knowledge of the strategy, principles and goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and are the proposed activities consistent with and pertinent to that strategy and those principles and goals? Does the applicant describe activities that are evidence-based, realistic, achievable, measurable and culturally appropriate to achieve the goals of the Emergency Plan? Does the application propose to build on and complement the current national response in Tanzania with evidence-based strategies designed to reach underserved populations and meet the goals of the Emergency Plan? Does the application include reasonable estimates of outcome targets? (For example, the numbers of sites to be supported, number of clients the program will reach.) To what extent does the applicant propose to work with other organizations? The reviewers will assess the feasibility of the applicant's plan to meet the target goals, whether the proposed use of funds is efficient, and the extent to which the specific methods described are sensitive to the local culture.
Capacity-Building (15 points)
Does the applicant have a proven track-record of building the capacity of indigenous organizations and individuals? Does the applicant have relevant experience in using participatory methods and approaches, in project planning and implementation? Does the applicant describe an adequate and measurable plan to progressively build the capacity of local organizations and of target beneficiaries to respond to the epidemic? If not a local indigenous organization, does the applicant articulate a clear exit strategy, which will maximize the legacy of this project in the intervention communities? Does the capacity-building plan clearly describe how it will contribute to (a) improved quality and geographic coverage of service delivery to achieve the "2, 7, 10" targets of the Emergency Plan, and (b) (if not a local indigenous organization) an evolving role of the prime beneficiary with transfer of critical technical and management competence to local organizations/sites in support of a decentralized response?
Monitoring and Evaluation (15 points)
Does the applicant demonstrate the local experience and capability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the project? Does the applicant describe a system for reviewing and adjusting program activities based on monitoring information obtained by using innovative, participatory methods and standard approaches? Does the plan include indicators developed for each program milestone, and incorporated into the financial and programmatic reports? Are the indicators consistent with the Emergency Plan Indicator Guide? Is the system able to generate financial and program reports to show disbursement of funds, and progress towards achieving the numerical objectives of the President's Emergency Plan? Is the plan to measure outcomes of the intervention, and the manner in which they will be provided, adequate? Is the monitoring-and-evaluation plan consistent with the principles of the "Three Ones?" Applicants must define specific output and outcome indicators must be defined in the proposal, and must have realistic targets in line with the targets addressed in the Activities section of this announcement.
Understanding of the Problem (10 points)
Does the applicant demonstrate a clear and concise understanding of the current national HIV/AIDS response and the cultural and political context relevant to the programmatic areas targeted? Does the applicant display an understanding of the Five-Year Strategy and goals of the President's Emergency Plan? To what extent does the applicant justify the need for this program within the target community?
Personnel (10 points)
Does the organization employ staff fluent in local languages who will work on this project? Are the staff roles clearly defined? As described, will the staff be sufficient to meet the goals of the proposed project? If not an indigenous organization, does the staff plan adequately involve local individuals and organizations? Are staff involved in this project qualified to perform the tasks described? Curricula vitae provided should include information that they are qualified in the following: management of HIV/AIDS prevention activities, especially confidential, voluntary counseling and testing; and the development of capacity-building among and collaboration between Governmental and non-governmental partners.
Administration and Management (10 points)
Does the applicant provide a clear plan for the administration and management of the proposed activities, and to manage the resources of the program, prepare reports, monitor and evaluate activities, audit expenditures and produce collect and analyze performance data? Is the management structure for the project sufficient to ensure speedy implementation of the project? If appropriate, does the applicant have a proven track record in managing large laboratory budgets; running transparent and competitive procurement processes; supervising consultants and contractors; using subgrants or other systems of sharing resources with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations or smaller non-governmental organizations; and providing technical assistance in laboratory or pharmacy management? The grantee must demonstrate an ability to submit quarterly reports in a timely manner to the HHS/CDC office.
Budget (Reviewed, but not scored)
Is the itemized budget for conducting the project, along with justification, reasonable and consistent with stated objectives and planned program activities? Is the budget itemized, well-justified and consistent with the Five-Year Strategy (2003-2008) and goals of the President's Emergency Plan and Emergency Plan activities? If applicable, are there reasonable costs per client reached for both year one and later years of the project?
V.2. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff, and for responsiveness jointly by HHS/CDC Global AIDS Program and PGO. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through the review process. Applicants will be notified the 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 in Tanzania. The panel may include both Federal and non-Federal participants.
In addition, the following factors could affect the funding decision:
HHS/CDC will fund applications in order by the score and rank determined by the review panel. HHS/CDC will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank order.
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 CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized Grants Management Officer and emailed to the program director, and a hard copy mailed 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
Successful applicants must comply with the administrative requirements outlined in 45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92 as Appropriate. The following additional requirements apply to this project:
Additional information on the requirements is available on the HHS/CDC Web site, at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/Addtl_Reqmnts.htm.
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
CDC Assurances and Certifications can be found on the CDC website at the following Internet address:
http://cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/foamain.shtm.
Applicants must include an additional Certifications form from the PHS5161-1 application in the Grants.gov electronic submission only. Applicants should refer to the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1-Certificates.pdf. Once the applicant has filled out the form, it should be attached to the Grants.gov submission as an Other Attachments Form.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
The applicant 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 the non-competing continuation application, and must contain the following elements: a. Activities and Objectives for the Current Budget Period; b. Standard Form (SF) 424S; c. Financial Progress for the Current Budget Period; d. Proposed Activity and Objectives for the New Budget Period Program; e. Budget; f. SF-424a Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs; g. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for Tanzania; and h. Additional Requested Information; 2. Annual progress report, due 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 Tanzania; 3. Financial status report, due no more than 90 days after the end of the budget period [Standard Form (SF) 424S]; and 4. Final financial performance reports, due no more than 90 days after the end of the project period.These reports must be submitted to the attention of the Grants Management Specialist listed in the “VII. Agency Contacts” section of this announcement.
HHS/CDC encourages inquiries concerning this announcement.
For general questions, contact:
Procurement and Grants Office
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2920 Brandywine Road, Mail Stop E-14
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-2700
For program technical assistance, contact:
Beverley Cummings, Project Officer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
CDC-Tanzania, 2140 Dar es Salaam Place, Washington, DC 20189
Telephone: 255-22-2121440
E-mail: cummingsb@tz.cdc.gov
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Tamika Murray, Grants Management Specialist
Procurement and Grants Office
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2920 Brandywine Road, Mail Stop K-75
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: (770)488-2662
E-mail:
gvy7@cdc.gov
CDC telecommunications for the hearing impaired or disabled is available at
TTY 770-488-2783.
VIII. Other Information
Other HHS/CDC funding opportunity announcements are available on the HHS/CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm, and on the web site of the HHS Office of Global Health Affairs, Internet address: www.globalhealth.gov.
Applicants may access the application process and other awarding documents using the Electronic Research Administration System (eRA Commons). A one-time registration is required for interested institutions/organizations at
http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htmProgram Directors/Principal Investigators (PD/PIs) should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the eRA Commons.
1. Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
2. Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
Note that if a PD/PI is also an HHS peer-reviewer with an Individual DUNS and CCR registration, that particular DUNS number and CCR registration are for the individual reviewer only. These are different than any DUNS number and CCR registration used by an applicant organization. Individual DUNS and CCR registration should be used only for the purposes of personal reimbursement and should not be used on any grant applications submitted to the Federal Government.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, applicants should check with their business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in the eRA Commons. HHS/CDC strongly encourages applicants to register to utilize these helpful on-line tools when applying for funding opportunities.
CDC Home Page: http://www.cdc.gov
CDC Funding Web Page: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm
CDC Forms Web Page:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/app_and_forms.shtm