Billing Code: 4163-18-P
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Strengthening Safe Hospitals and Clinics in HIV/AIDS Prevention Activities, Services, and Practices in the Republic of Mozambique under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Announcement Type: New
Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-PS09-905
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: October 31, 2008
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 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 Mozambique are to treat at least 110,000 HIV-infected individuals; and to care for 550,000 HIV-affected individuals, including orphans, and to prevent new infections.
Purpose:
The purpose of the program is to work 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.
This program addresses the “Healthy People 2010” focus area(s) of three major program areas in each country. Goals and priorities include the following:
The purpose of this announcement is to further develop activities began under the University Technical Assistance Program cooperative agreement to support a broad expansion of prevention, care, and treatment services and practices in hospitals and clinics in the Republic of Mozambique. This announcement is meant to target groups working in Mozambique who have a proven record of successfully implementing HIV/AIDS programs and practices with other country partners such as CDC, USAID and the Ministry of Health.
Working with the Ministry of Health and other local partners, the agreement is designed to strengthen multiple PEPFAR activity service areas, specifically counseling and testing (CT), infection prevention and control (IPC), male circumcision, cervical cancer prevention, gender issues, human capacity development, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), laboratory biosafety, and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) site infrastructure by primarily. focusing on growing infrastructure and ongoing HIV/AIDS Prevention activities in hospital and clinical settings throughout Mozambique.
There are currently an estimated 1,800,000 HIV infected Mozambicans, with over 500 new infections thought to occur every day. In 2006, approximately 140,000 deaths due to AIDS occurred in Mozambique, and life expectancy was reduced to about 46 years for women and 44 years for men.
Mozambique has an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 16.1 percent. While the HIV burden is not as high as surrounding countries such as South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, the HIV epidemic in Mozambique is still increasing, unlike in neighboring countries. Data from the 2004 antenatal sentinel survey found that provincial HIV prevalence ranged from 9.2 percent in Nampula Province to 26.5 percent in Sofala Province. It is thought that the high prevalence in the central region is partially due to the return of refugees from neighboring countries after the civil war. HIV prevalence nearing 30 percent among pregnant women has been consistently recorded during bi-annual serosurveys in some antenatal clinics in the Central Region.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the following performance goal(s) for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. At the end of the first year of the funding period, the successful applicant will have achieved the following:
1. Prevention a. Counseling and Testing (CT) (1) 200 healthcare workers trained in clinical CT (2) 100 health facilities or departments/units providing clinical CT (3) 100,000 individuals counseled and tested in clinical settings (4) 50,000 individuals referred to care and treatment as a result of clinical CT (5) 80 NGO staff and volunteers trained in integrated community CT (6) 5 NGOs providing integrated community CT (7) 60,000 individuals counseled and tested at the community level (8) 30,000 individuals referred to care and treatment as a result of integrated community CT services (9) Task analysis for the development of lay counselors conducted b. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) (1) IPC performance standards for health centers and maternities adapted and field tested (2) Specific budget line for IPC supplies, materials and equipment created/identified at the central, provincial and hospital levels (3) 20 new IPC trainers trained (4) 100 healthcare workers updated in IPC (5) At least five hospitals recognized as high performing sites in IPC (compliance with 80% or more IPC standards) (6) Simple surveillance system developed (e.g. reduction in needlestick injuries, availability of safety equipment) c. Male Circumcision (MC) (1) Three (3) trainers and supervisors trained in MC in each region (south, central, and north in a total of up to 9 trainers nationally) (2) Informed consent, post-operative care and risk reduction counseling materials developed (3) Safe MC services implemented in selected sites in each region (in a total of up to 10 sites) (4) 50 clinical providers trained in MC (5) 500 male circumcisions performed d. Cervical Cancer Prevention among HIV infected Women (1) Training package is available in Portuguese (2) National policy and service delivery guidelines reflect approach to cervical cancer prevention as informed by situational assessment (3) At least 10 new providers (physicians, nurses, midwives) are trained in laboratory and cryotherapy skills (4) Quality cervical cancer prevention services are established in 1-2 sites (5) At least 3,000 women who are living with, or at risk for HIV are screened; treatment provided as necessary e. Gender (1) National policy and service delivery guidelines reflect the appropriate protocol for support and referral of gender based violence clients (2) HIV PEP guidelines for sexually abused victims are approved and implemented in all central and provincial hospitals (3) At least 100 health care providers from up to 6 health care facilities trained in HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for sexually abused victims and other related gender based violence and sensitivity issues; and are prepared to address the needs of gender based violence clients 2. Care a. Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV (1) Guidelines for HIV/TB management in hospital settings revised and updated (2) Training materials for HIV/TB management in hospital settings developed (3) 20 TB supervisors trained as trainers in HIV/TB management (4) 50 healthcare workers updated in HIV/TB management (5) Performance standards for supervision developed and tested (6) TB respirators selected and purchased for 10 sites (also included in ART infrastructure component) b. Malaria/HIV and Pregnancy (1) Service delivery guidelines for Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Reproductive Health updated with latest evidence relating to the interaction between HIV and Malaria (2) Clinical performance standards and community performance standards developed (3) 50 supervisors trained in focused antenatal care (FANC) services (4) 100 antenatal care staff trained in FANC with integrated MIP and PMTCT services 3. Treatment a. Biosafety in Laboratories (1) IPC performance standards for HIV/AIDS laboratories adapted, field tested, and introduced to the HIV/AIDS laboratories in up to 20 sites (2) 20 laboratory supervisors trained as trainers in IPC for labs (up to 20 sites) (3) 50 lab technicians updated in IPC measures for labs (up to 20 sites) (4) All HIV/AIDS laboratories with baseline assessments and improvement process initiated (up to 20 sites) b. Infrastructure in ART Sites (1) Central instrument sterilization departments improved in up to three treatment sites (2) Appropriate, sustainable waste management programs provided for up to six treatment sites (3) Plan for isolation units for infectious TB patients developed 4. Other a. Human Capacity Development (HCD) and Training (1) Most cost effective options for nursing education identified (2) Performance standards for pre-service education for health careers developed (3) Inservice training in basic HIV care, stigma and discrimination, infection prevention, and basic bed side care for 200 ancillary workers conducted (4) Web based training information system for inservice training expanded to all provinces (5) Web based training information system for pre-service education developed and tested (6) Workplace safety and health guidelines, including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and gradually implemented in all central and provincial hospitals (7) Improved surveillance of injuries and improved access and uptake to post-exposure prophylaxisThis announcement is primarily intended for non-research activities supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within HHS. If an applicant proposes research activities, HHS 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 Mozambique. 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 Mozambique 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:
During the five year period of this award, the awardee activities for this program are as follows:
1. Prevention a. Counseling and Testing (CT) (1) Increase the number of Mozambicans who know their HIV status (1) Expand clinical CT from TB, inpatient and pediatrics wards to all hospital services, including outpatient departments, nationwide (1) Expand clinical CT from the hospital to the health center and health post levels (1) Expand the integrated community CT program in terms of numbers of implementing NGOs and numbers of clients served (1) Expand the number of counselors available by formalizing and supporting the creation of a cadre of lay counselors b. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) (1) Strengthen, expand, and institutionalize the IPC initiative in hospitals (1) Create a simple surveillance system to measure the impact of the improved IPC practices (1) Decrease the risk of medical and nosocomial transmission of HIV/AIDS and TB. c. Male Circumcision (MC) (1) Increase the number of skilled providers providing safe MC (1) Strengthen identified health care facilities to provide safe MC services (1) Increase demand for safe MC (1) Increase access to safe MC services d. Cervical Cancer Prevention among HIV infected Women (1) Increase the percentage of HIV infected women in Mozambique who have access to cervical cancer screening and treatment services (1) Increase the percentage of HIV+ women in Mozambique who are screened and treated for cervical cancer in the context of HIV/AIDS services e. Gender: (1) Provide support to the MOH to expand the concept of gender “mainstreaming” into health care service delivery, through integration of gender based violence components into existing HIV programs (1) Increase the percentage of health care providers prepared to appropriately support the needs of gender based violence clients (1) Increase the percentage of gender based violence victims accessing appropriate health care services (1) Expand HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) services to cover gender based violence victims 2. Care: a. Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV (1) Increase access to HIV Testing for TB patients (1) Improve access to HIV treatment for TB patients (1) Improve management of HIV/TB patients in hospital settings. (1) Minimize nosocomial TB infection among HIV+ patients and healthcare workers b. Malaria/HIV and Pregnancy (1) Increase the percentage of pregnant women (and the subgroup of HIV positive women who are not taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis) receiving intermittent preventive treatment under direct observation (first dose, second dose, third dose, according to the national guidelines), and sleeping under an insecticide treated bednet (1) Increase the percentage of pregnant women receiving prompt and effective combination treatment for malaria (1) Increase the percentage of HIV+ pregnant women receiving and continuing cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (1) In coordination with ANC efforts, increase the percentage of women of reproductive age receiving and continuing cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (1) Incorporate the use of bed nets and other malaria prevention measures into community based HIV/AIDS interventions 3. Treatment a. Biosafety in Laboratories (1) Expand the existing IPC initiatives to the HIV/AIDS laboratories (1) Strengthen the supportive supervision system for the HIV/AIDS laboratories b. Infrastructure in ART Sites (1) Implement instrument processing and sterilization systems in treatment sites (1) Implement waste management through provision of incinerators in treatment sites (1) Improve isolation measures to minimize nosocomial TB infection among HIV+ patients and healthcare workers 4. Other a. Human Capacity Development (HCD ) and Training: (1) Provide support to the MOH to improve the quality of pre-service education, particularly for nursing (1) Provide inservice training in basic health care, including HIV, for selected cadres of health workers, including ancillary workers (1) Develop and support the implementation of a nation-wide training information system (1) Support the implementation of workplace safety and health activities including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
The winner of this funding competition must comply with all HHS management requirements for meeting participation and progress and financial reporting for this cooperative agreement (See HHS 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 staff are substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. HHS Activities for this program are as follows:
1. Organize an orientation meeting with the grantee to brief then 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.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 the annual progress report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review annual work plans and budgets for the 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
14. Provide technical guidance, in collaboration with other technical partners, on technical guideline development and revision, revision of training materials for selected technical program areas and health care providers providing e.g. ARV treatment and support, and lab system development and training.
15. Assist in training and capacity building to ensure successful implementation of program and activities
16. Monitor progress of activities and budgetary expenses
17. Approve the selection of key personnel to be involved in the activities performed under this cooperative agreement
18. Provide technical guidance, in collaboration with other technical partners, on technical guideline development and revision, revision of training materials for selected technical program areas and health care providers providing e.g. ARV treatment and support, and lab system development and training
19. Assist in training and capacity building to ensure successful implementation of program and activities
20. Monitor progress of activities and budgetary expenses
21. Approve the selection of key personnel to be involved in the activities performed under this cooperative agreement
Please note: Either HHS staff or staff from organizations that have successfully competed for funding under a separate HHS contract, cooperative agreement or grant will provide technical assistance and training.
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement
HHS involvement in this program appears in the Activities Section above.
Award Mechanism: U2G
Fiscal Year Funds: 2008
Approximate Current Fiscal Year Funding: $10,000,000
Approximate Total Project Period Funding: $50,000,000 (This amount is an estimate, and is subject to availability of funds.)
Approximate Number of Awards: One
Approximate Average Award: $10,000,000 (This amount is for the first 12 month budget period, and includes direct costs (and indirect costs in the case of domestic grantees.))
Floor of Individual Award Range: $5,000,000
Ceiling of Individual Award Range: $10,000,000 (This ceiling is for the first 12 month budget period.)
Anticipated Award Date: December 31, 2008
Budget Period Length: 12 Months
Project Period Length: 5 Years
Throughout the project period, HHS’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 Federal 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:
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. Attach with “Other Attachment Forms” when submitting via
www.grants.gov.
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required for this program. Although matching funds are not required, preference may go to organizations that can leverage additional funds to contribute to program goals. If applicants receive funding from other sources to underwrite the same or similar activities, or anticipate receiving such funding in the next 12 months, they must detail how the disparate streams of financing complement each other.
III.3. Other
If a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award range is requested, the application will be considered non-responsive and 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. HHS/CDC will notify the applicant the application did not meet submission requirements.
IV.1. Address to Request Application Package
To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 5161-1.
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Number System
Each applicant agency or organization 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, please go to the following Internet address: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=D12B99D19654F9B26C193B1EFDE3430B. From the home page, 1) click on "Begin DUNS Search/Request Process", 2) select country and submit the applicant’s organization information. A DUNS number should be created within one day. Please direct any questions to govt@dnb.com.
For more information, see the HHS/CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm.
If the application form does not have a DUNS number field, please write the DUNS number at the top of the first page of the application, and/or include the DUNS number in the cover letter that accompanies the application.
Electronic Submission:
HHS strongly encourages the applicant to submit the application electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this announcement on www.Grants.gov, the official Federal agency wide Egrant Web site. Only applicants who apply online may forego submitting paper copies of all application forms. Registering the applicant’s 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.Please visit
www.Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing the applicant application to become familiar with the registration and submission processes. Under “Get Registered,” the one-time registration process will take three to five days to complete; however, as part of the Grants.gov registration process, registering your organization with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) annually, could take an additional one to two days to complete. We suggest submitting electronic applications prior to the closing date so if difficulties are encountered, applicants can submit a hard copy of the application prior to the deadline. For Foreign Organizations, the next step would be to obtain an NATO Commercial and Governmental Entity (NCAGE) Code http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm. While application submission through www.Grants.gov is optional, HHS/CDC strongly encourage applicants to use this online tool.Key tips for Registration on Grants.gov:
Paper Submission:
Application forms and instructions are available on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/app_and_forms.shtm
If access to the Internet is not available, or if there is difficulty accessing the forms on-line, contact the CDC Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIMS) staff at 770-488-2700 and the application forms can be mailed.
IV.2. Content and Form of Submission
Application: Applicants must submit a project narrative with the application forms, in the following format:
Maximum number of pages: 25 (If the applicant’s narrative exceeds the page limit, HHS/CDC will only review the first pages that are within the page limit.);
Applicants may include additional information in appendices. The appendices and budget information will not count toward the narrative page limit. This additional information includes the following:
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 applicants are not requesting funding.
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;
Additional requirements that could require submission of additional documentation with the application appear in Section “VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.”
Application Deadline Date: October 31, 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 must 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 an applicant submits an application 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. If HHS/CDC receives the submission after the closing date 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, the applicant 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 having been received by the deadline.
If an applicant submits a hard copy application, 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 the applicant still has questions, it should contact the HHS/CDC staff at (770) 488-2700. The applicant should wait two to three days after the submission deadline before calling. This will allow time for HHS/CDC 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 the application submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and HHS/CDC will discard it. HHS/CDC will notify the applicant 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.”
Guidance for completing the budget appears 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 is available at www.Grants.gov. Applicants are able to complete it offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. HHS/CDC will not accept email submissions. If the applicant has technical difficulties in Grants.gov, it can reach customer service by email 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 applicants submit their applications to Grants.gov early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the deadline. Applicants may also
submit a back-up paper submission of the application. HHS/CDC must receive any such paper submission in accordance with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. of the grant announcement. The applicant must clearly mark the paper submission: “BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.” The paper submission must conform to all requirements for non-electronic submissions. If HHS/CDC receives both electronic and back-up paper submissions by the deadline, HHS/CDC will consider the electronic version 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, it may submit a PDF file. Directions for creating PDF files are available on the Grants.gov Web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft Office or PDF could make the file unreadable for HHS/CDC 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
Atlanta, GA 30341
V.1. Criteria
Applicants are required to provide 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. Applicants must submit the measures of effectiveness with the application, and they will be an element of evaluation.
HHS/CDC will evaluate the application against the following criteria:
Ability to Carry Out the Proposal (20 points)
Does the applicant demonstrate the local experience Mozambique 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 Mozambique? 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 Mozambique 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
The HHS/CDC Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff will review applications for completeness, and the 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 in Mozambique. 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 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
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:
and
Additional information on the requirements can be found on the CDC Web site at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/Addtl_Reqmnts.htm.
CDC Assurances and Certifications can be found on the CDC Web site at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grants/foamain.shtm
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
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. Financial Progress for the Current Budget Period; c. Proposed Activity and Objectives for the New Budget Period Program; d. Budget; e. Measures of Effectiveness, including progress against the numerical goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief for Mozambique; and f. 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 Mozambique; 3. Financial status report, due no more than 90 days after the end of the budget period; and 4. Final financial performance reports, due no more than 90 days after the end of the project period.Recipients must mail the reports to the Grants Management or Contract Specialist listed
in the "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
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 770-488-2700
For program technical assistance, contact:
Cate McKinney, Project Officer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
JAT Complex 4
Ave. Zedequias Manganhela 267
Maputo
Mozambique
Telephone: 258-21-314 747
Email: Mckinneyc@mz.cdc.gov
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Anella Higgins, 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: 770-488-2608
Email: aoh2@cdc.gov
VIII. Other Information
Other CDC funding opportunity announcements can be found on the CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm.
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.
[1] AUDIT REQUIREMENT: Foreign recipients are subject to audit requirements specified in 45 CFR 74.26(d). A non-Federal audit is required, if during the recipients fiscal year, the recipient expended a total of $500,000 or more under one or more HHS awards (as a direct recipient and/or as a sub-recipent). The recipient either may have (1) A financial related audit (as defined in the Government Auditing Standards, GPO stock #020-000-00-265-4) of a particular award in accordance with Government Auditing Standards, in those cases where the recipient received awards under only one HHS program; or, if awards are received under multiple HHS programs, a financial related audit of all HHS awards in accordance with Government Auditing Standards; or (2) An audit that meets the requirements contained in OMB Circular A-133.
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