[Federal Register: July 6, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 129)]
[Notices]
[Page 37018-37024]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy07-72]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities Program
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the
Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Minority
Health.
ACTION: Notice.
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Announcement Type: Competitive Initial Announcement of Availability
of Funds.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: The CFDA Number is
pending.
DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by the
Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science
(OPHS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c/o WilDon
Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, Attention
Office of Minority Health, American Indian/Alaska Native Health
Disparities Program, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 6,
2007. The application due date requirement in this announcement
supercedes the instructions in the OPHS-1 form.
ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained electronically by accessing
Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov or GrantSolutions at
http://www.GrantSolutions.gov. To obtain a hard copy of the application kit,
contact WilDon Solutions at 1-888-203-6161. Applicants may fax a
written request to WilDon Solutions at (703) 351-1138 or e-mail the
request to OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com. Applications must be prepared
using Form OPHS-1 ``Grant Application,'' which is included in the
application kit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: WilDon Solutions, Office of Grants
Management Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor Suite 310,
Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-203-6161, e-mail
OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com, or fax at 703-351-1138.
SUMMARY: This announcement is made by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS or Department), Office of Minority
Health (OMH) located within the Office of Public Health and Science
(OPHS), and working in a ``One-Department'' approach collaboratively
with participating HHS agencies and programs (entities). As part of a
continuing HHS effort to improve the health and well being of racial
and ethnic minorities, the Department announces availability of FY 2007
funding for the American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities
Program (hereafter referred to as the AI/AN Health Disparities
Program). OMH is authorized to conduct this program under 42 U.S.C. 300
u-6, section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. The
mission of the OMH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic
minority populations through the development of policies and programs
that address disparities and gaps. OMH serves as the focal point in the
HHS for leadership, policy development and coordination, service
demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership
building, and related efforts to address the health needs of racial and
ethnic minorities. OMH activities are implemented in an effort to
address Healthy People 2010, a comprehensive set of disease prevention
and health promotion objectives for the Nation to achieve over the
first decade of the 21st century (http://www.healthypeople.gov). This
funding announcement is also made in support of the OMH National
Partnership for Action initiative. The mission of the National
Partnership for Action is to work with individuals and organizations
across the country to create a Nation free of health disparities with
quality health outcomes for all by achieving the following five
objectives: Increasing awareness of health disparities; strengthening
leadership at all levels for addressing health disparities; enhancing
patient-provider communication; improving cultural and linguistic
competency in delivering health services; and better coordinating
[[Page 37019]]
and utilizing research and outcome evaluations.
The AI/AN Health Disparities Program is intended to strengthen the
capacity of Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) to collect and manage
data more effectively and to better understand and develop the link
between public health problems and behavior, socioeconomic conditions,
and geography. The establishment of the TECs was authorized by Congress
to provide support to tribes in the areas of health data acquisition,
analysis, and interpretation. The TECs were identified for this program
because they are uniquely positioned to be effective in disease
surveillance and control programs, assessing the effectiveness of
public health programs and recognizing the significance and
complexities of tribal communities, and understand their distinct
operating systems. TECs recognize the challenge of adapting their
services to geographically isolated communities, whose access to
information, technology, data, and manpower varies considerably by
tribe. TECs must possess a breadth of knowledge about a multitude of
health topics, housing, social and economic issues, and evidence-based
methodologies to better inform decision-making and planning. TECs
recognize the importance of providing services in a culturally
sensitive manner, and understand and appreciate tribal history and
customs.
Health disparities continue to plague the American Indian and
Alaska Native communities. Tribal leaders have discussed with HHS the
numerous health issues that affect their communities and the dearth of
American Indian and Alaska Native health professionals. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death
among American Indians and Alaska Natives;
American Indian and Alaska Native adults are 60% more
likely to have a stroke than white adults are;
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a 40% higher AIDS
rate than their non-Hispanic counterparts do;
The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes for American
Indians and Alaska Natives is over twice that for all U.S. adults;
The infant mortality rate for the American Indian and
Alaska Native populations is 1.7 times higher than the non-Hispanic
white population; and
The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate is the
highest of any population group, more than double that of whites in
1999.
However, unlike other ethnic minority groups, American Indians and
Alaska Natives frequently contend with issues such as: geographic
isolation, inadequate sewage disposal, and occasional conflicts between
western medical practices and traditional spiritual beliefs, which
prevent them from receiving quality medical care.
The American Indian/Alaska Native Health Disparities Program is
designed to address these barriers to healthcare as well as concerns
raised by Tribal Leaders regarding the lack of American Indian and
Alaska Native healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and
researchers by funding tribal epidemiology centers (TECs). TEC
activities include:
Data collection;
Evaluating existing delivery systems, data systems, and
other systems that impact the improvement of American Indian and Alaska
Native health;
Assisting tribes and urban American Indian and Alaska
Native communities in identifying their highest priority health status
objectives and the services needed to achieve such objectives, based on
epidemiological data;
Making recommendations for the targeting of services
needed by tribal, urban, and other American Indian and Alaska Native
communities; and
Making recommendations to improve healthcare delivery
systems for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
However, the mission of TECs is not limited to epidemiological
research. TECs are also responsible for the development and
implementation of disease control and prevention programs in addition
to the coordination of activities with other public health authorities
in the region. Different from other potential grant applicants, TECs
are ideally situated to work locally and be responsive to the needs and
sensitivities of tribal communities while cultivating close
collaborative relationships with State and Federal agencies and
academic departments. Because of this potential to serve as a bridge
between the American Indian and Alaska Native communities and
institutions of higher learning, TECs are excellent vehicles for:
Providing research internships and opportunities to
current and future American Indian and Alaska Native health
professionals;
Increasing awareness within the American Indian and Alaska
Native populations of the need for healthcare professionals;
Disseminating information about educational opportunities
in the healthcare field; and
Working cooperatively with tribal providers of health and
social services in order to avoid duplication of existing services.
In FY 2007 the AI/AN Health Disparities Program will support
projects that enhance the TECs' capacity to carry out disease
surveillance, including the interpretation and dissemination of
surveillance data; address vital statistics needs; conduct
epidemiologic analysis; investigate disease outbreaks; develop disease
control and prevention strategies and programs; and/or coordinate with
other health agencies in the region. In addition, to building their
data capacity, TECs may form collaborative partnerships and alliances
to improve access to quality health and human services, and/or design
programs to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives
serving as health professionals, para-professionals, and researchers.
OMH recognizes the importance of optimizing the use of Federal
resources and makes this announcement with the expectation of
coordinating its efforts under this program with other HHS agencies
that support the TECs (e.g., AHRQ, CDC, IHS, NIH) to ensure that
activities are complementary and not duplicative.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Purpose
2. OMH Expectations
3. Applicant Project Results
4. Project Requirements
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
3. Anticipated Award Date
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting Requirements
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
1. Healthy People 2010
[[Page 37020]]
2. Definitions
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Purpose
The purpose of the AI/AN Health Disparities Program is to improve
the effectiveness of efforts to eliminate health disparities for
American Indian and Alaska Native communities through increased access
and utilization of data and data-related activities. Through this FY
2007 announcement, the OMH is promoting utilization of epidemiological
data to identify high priority health status objectives and to make
recommendations relative to the services and/or activities required to
address those objectives. Support will also be provided to projects
that include the development of alliances and partnerships to improve
coordination of and access to quality health services, and/or the
development of programs designed to increase the representation of the
American Indians/Alaska Natives in the healthcare workforce (including
research positions).
2. OMH Expectations
It is intended that the AI/AN Health Disparities Program will
result in:
Enhanced data collection/utilization to identify highest priority
health status objectives and services needed to achieve such
objectives; and
Development of alliances and partnerships which improve
coordination/alignment of health and human services; and/or
Provision of technical training in public health practices and
prevention oriented research to create public health career pathways
for tribal members.
3. Applicant Project Results
Applicants must identify at least 3 of the 4 following anticipated
project results that are consistent with the AI/AN Health Disparities
Program overall and OMH expectations:
Increased awareness of health disparities;
Strengthening of leadership at all levels for addressing health
disparities;
Improved cultural and linguistic competency; and/or
Improved coordination and utilization of research and outcome
evaluations.
The outcomes of these projects will be used to develop other
national efforts to address health disparities among American Indian
and Alaska Native populations.
4. Project Requirements
Each applicant under the AI/AN Health Disparities Program must
implement activities designed to enhance effective data collection and
management methods to create better understanding and development of
the link between public health problems, behavior, socioeconomic
conditions, and geography. Applicants must also propose to conduct
activities related to at least one of the following:
Establishment of partnerships and development of systems to improve
coordination and continuity of access to quality health and human
services; or
Development of methods to establish career pathways for AI/AN
health care professionals, paraprofessionals, and researchers.
Section II. Award Information
Estimated Funds Available for Competition: $1,000,000 in FY 2007.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4.
Range of Awards: $175,000 to $250,000 per year.
Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2007.
Period of Performance: 5 Years (September 1, 2007 to August 31,
2012).
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Type of Award: Grant.
Type of Application Accepted: New.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
To qualify for funding, an applicant must be one of the 12
established Tribal Epidemiologic Centers currently supported by the
Indian Health Service.
The organization submitting the application will:
Serve as the lead agency for the project, responsible for its
implementation and management; and
Serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded.
OMH encourages TECs to work collaboratively on this project.
Applications from a group or consortium of TECs must identify one of
its members as the lead agency for the project.
To demonstrate coordination between the TEC and participating
Tribes, letters of support and collaboration from the participating
Tribes should be included with the application.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required for the AI/AN Health Disparities
Program.
3. Other
If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of
the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and
will not be entered into the review process. The application will be
returned with notification that it did not meet the submission
requirements.
Applications that are not complete or that do not conform to or
address the criteria of this announcement will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the
submission requirements.
An organization may submit no more than one application to the AI/
AN Health Disparities Program. Organizations submitting more than one
proposal for this grant program will be deemed ineligible. The multiple
proposals from the same organization will be returned without comment.
Organizations are not eligible to receive funding from more than
one OMH grant program to carry out the same project and/or activities.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Kit
Application kits for the AI/AN Health Disparities Program may be
obtained by accessing Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov or the GrantSolutions system at http://www.grantsolutions.gov. To obtain a
hard copy of the application kit for this grant program, contact WilDon
Solutions at 1-888-203-6161. Applicants may also fax a written request
to WilDon Solutions at (703) 351-1138 or e-mail the request to
OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com. Applications must be prepared using Form
OPHS-1, which can be obtained at the Web sites noted above.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A. Application and Submission
Applicants must use Grant Application Form OPHS-1 and complete the
Face Page/Cover Page (SF 424), Checklist, and Budget Information Forms
for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A). In addition, the application
must contain a project narrative. The project narrative (including
summary and appendices) is limited to 75 pages double-spaced. The
narrative description of the project must contain the following, in the
order presented:
Table of Contents.
Project Summary: Describe key aspects of the Background,
Objectives, Program Plan, and Evaluation Plan. The summary is limited
to 3 pages.
Background:
Statement of Need: Describe and document, with data, demographic
information of the targeted local geographic area(s) that are to be
included in the project, the significance and prevalence of health
problems or
[[Page 37021]]
issues, gaps in services affecting the local targeted communities.
Describe demographics of the local American Indian and Alaska Native
populations expected to be affected by the project.
Experience: Discuss the applicant organization's background and
experience in managing projects/activities, especially those targeting
the population to be served. Indicate where the project will be
administered within the applicant organization's structure and the
reporting channels. Provide a chart of the proposed project's
organizational structure, showing who will report to whom.
Objectives: Provide objectives stated in measurable terms including
baseline data, improvement targets, and time frames for achievement for
the five-year project period.
Program Plan: Provide a plan which clearly describes how the
project will be carried out. Describe specific activities and
strategies planned to achieve each objective. For each activity,
describe how, when, where, by whom, and for whom the activity will be
conducted. Describe methods to be employed to enhance data access,
collection and utilization. Describe any special studies to be
conducted that will inform and enhance the ability of the TECs to
collect and manage data more effectively, to better understand and
develop the link between public health problems and behavior, and to
help guide health policy and action for prioritizing health status
objectives and monitor progress toward meeting those objectives.
Describe the role of each participating Tribe, tribal organization,
and/or other partner involved in project activities. Provide a
description of the proposed program staff, including
r[eacute]sum[eacute]s and job descriptions for key staff,
qualifications and responsibilities of each staff member, and percent
of time each will commit to the project. Provide a description of
duties for any proposed consultants. Describe any products to be
developed by the project. Provide a time line for each of the five
years of the project.
Evaluation Plan: Delineate how program activities will be
evaluated. The evaluation plan must clearly articulate how the project
will be evaluated to determine if the intended results have been
achieved. The evaluation plan must describe, for all funded activities:
Intended results (i.e., impacts and outcomes);
How impacts and outcomes will be measured (i.e., what indicators or
measures will be used to monitor and measure progress toward achieving
project results);
Methods for collecting and analyzing data on measures;
Evaluation methods that will be used to assess impacts and
outcomes;
Evaluation expertise that will be available for this purpose;
How results are expected to contribute to the objectives of the
Program as a whole, and Healthy People 2010 goals and objectives; and
The potential for replicating the evaluation methods for similar
efforts.
Discuss plans and describe the vehicle (e.g., manual, CD) that will
be used to document the steps which others may follow to replicate the
proposed project in similar communities.
Describe plans for disseminating project results.
Appendices:
--Submit letters of support from collaborating tribal partners and
other collaborating organizations (if applicable).
--Include other relevant information in this section.
In addition to the project narrative, the application must contain
a detailed budget justification which includes a narrative explanation
and indicates the computation of expenditures for each year for which
grant support is requested. The budget request must include funds for
key project staff to attend an annual OMH grantee meeting. (The budget
justification does not count toward the page limitation.)
B. Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS)
Applications must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System number as the universal identifier when applying for
Federal grants. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-
5711 or through the Web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/.
3. Submission Dates and Times
To be considered for review, applications must be received by the
Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), Office of Grants
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 6,
2007. Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they
are received on or before the deadline date. The application due date
requirement in this announcement supercedes the instructions in the
OPHS-1 form.
Submission Mechanisms
OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of
applications, as described in the following sections. Applicants will
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management
confirming the receipt of applications submitted using any of these
mechanisms. Applications submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants
Management after the deadlines described below will not be accepted for
review. Applications which do not conform to the requirements of the
grant announcement will not be accepted for review and will be returned
to the applicant.
While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the
electronic application submission capabilities provided by the
Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov systems is strongly encouraged.
Applications may only be submitted electronically via the electronic
submission mechanisms specified below. Any applications submitted via
any other means of electronic communication, including facsimile or
electronic mail, will not be accepted for review.
In order to apply for new funding opportunities which are open to
the public for competition, you may access the Grants.gov Web site
portal. All OPHS funding opportunities and application kits are made
available on Grants.gov. If your organization has/had a grantee
business relationship with a grant program serviced by the OPHS Office
of Grants Management, and you are applying as part of ongoing grantee
related activities, please access GrantSolutions.gov.
Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later
than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES
section of the announcement using one of the electronic submission
mechanisms specified below. All required hardcopy original signatures
and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants
Management, c/o WilDon Solutions, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on
the next business day after the deadline date specified in the DATES
section of the announcement.
Applications will not be considered valid until all electronic
application components, hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items
are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management according to the
deadlines specified above. Application submissions that do not adhere
to the due date requirements will be considered late and will be deemed
ineligible.
Applicants are encouraged to initiate electronic applications early
in the application development process, and to submit early on the due
date or before. This will aid in addressing any
[[Page 37022]]
problems with submissions prior to the application deadline.
Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal
The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the
ability to submit applications for OPHS grant opportunities.
Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration
processes in order to submit an application. Information about this
system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, http://www.grants.gov.
In addition to electronically submitted materials, applicants may
be required to submit hard copy signatures for certain Program related
forms, or original materials as required by the announcement. It is
imperative that the applicant review both the grant announcement, as
well as the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov
application package, to determine such requirements. Any required hard
copy materials, or documents that require a signature, must be
submitted separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management,
and, if required, must contain the original signature of an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed
by the terms and conditions of the grant award. When submitting the
required forms, do not send the entire application. Complete hard copy
applications submitted after the electronic submission will not be
considered for review.
Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site
Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the
application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative, and any
appendices or exhibits. All required mail-in items must be received by
the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only
include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. When
submitting the required forms, do not send the entire application.
Complete hard copy applications submitted after the electronic
submission will not be considered for review.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission
via the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the applicant will be provided with
a confirmation page from Grants.gov indicating the date and time
(Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as the
Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that the applicant print and
retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the
entire application package. All applications submitted via the
Grants.gov Web site Portal will be validated by Grants.gov. Any
applications deemed ``Invalid'' by the Grants.gov Web site Portal will
not be transferred to the GrantSolutions system, and OPHS has no
responsibility for any application that is not validated and
transferred to OPHS from the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov
will notify the applicant regarding the application validation status.
Once the application is successfully validated by the Grants.gov Web
site Portal, applicants should immediately mail all required hard copy
materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management to be received by the
deadlines specified above. It is critical that the applicant clearly
identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application Receipt
Number on all hard copy materials.
Once the application is validated by Grants.gov, it will be
electronically transferred to the GrantSolutions system for processing.
Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web
site Portal, and the required hardcopy mail-in items, applicants will
receive notification via mail from the OPHS Office of Grants Management
confirming the receipt of the application submitted using the
Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or
concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through
the Grants.gov Web site Portal.
Electronic Submissions via the GrantSolutions System
OPHS is a managing partner of the GrantSolutions.gov system.
GrantSolutions is a full life-cycle grants management system managed by
the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), and is designated by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) as one of the three Government-wide grants management
systems under the Grants Management Line of Business initiative
(GMLoB). OPHS uses GrantSolutions for the electronic processing of all
grant applications, as well as the electronic management of its entire
Grant portfolio.
When submitting applications via the GrantSolutions system,
applicants are required to submit a hard copy of the application face
page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required,
applicants will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form
LLL and/or certain Program related forms (e.g., Program Certifications)
with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the
applicant agency. When submitting the required forms, do not send the
entire application. Complete hard copy applications submitted after the
electronic submission will not be considered for review.
Electronic applications submitted via the GrantSolutions system
must contain all completed online forms required by the application
kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative, and any appendices or
exhibits. The applicant may identify specific mail-in items to be sent
to the Office of Grants Management separate from the electronic
submission; however these mail-in items must be entered on the
GrantSolutions Application Checklist at the time of electronic
submission, and must be received by the due date requirements specified
above. Mail-In items may only include publications, resumes, or
organizational documentation. When submitting the required forms, do
not send the entire application. Complete hard copy applications
submitted after the electronic submission will not be considered for
review.
Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission,
the GrantSolutions system will provide the applicant with a
confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the
electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also
provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application
submission including all electronic application components, required
hardcopy original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing
address of the OPHS Office of Grants Management where all required hard
copy materials must be submitted.
As items are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, the
electronic application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of
mail-in items. It is recommended that the applicant monitor the status
of their application in the GrantSolutions system to ensure that all
signatures and mail-in items are received.
Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications
Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-
delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the
application. The original application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to
assume for the organization the obligations
[[Page 37023]]
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting
the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grant
Management on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date
specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application
deadline date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the
instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the deadline
will be returned to the applicant unread.
4. Intergovernmental Review
The Executive Order 12372 ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs'' does not apply to this program. The Public Health System
Impact Statement (PHSIS) does not apply to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Budget Request If funding is requested in an amount greater than
the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The
application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the
submission requirements.
Grant funds may be used to cover costs of:
Personnel
Consultants
Equipment
Supplies (including screening and outreach supplies)
Grant-related travel (domestic only), including attendance at an annual
OMH grantee meeting
Other grant-related costs
Grant funds may not be used for:
Building alterations or renovations
Construction
Fund-raising activities
Job training
Medical care, treatment or therapy
Political education and lobbying
Research studies involving human subjects
Vocational rehabilitation.
Guidance for completing the budget can be found in the Program
Guidelines, which are included with the complete application kit.
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
The technical review of the AI/AN Health Disparities Program
applications will consider the following four generic factors listed,
in descending order of weight.
A. Factor 1: Program Plan (40%)
Appropriateness and merit of proposed approach and specific
activities for each objective.
Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches as they relate to
the statement of need and to the objectives.
Qualifications and appropriateness of proposed staff or
requirements for ``to be hired'' staff and consultants.
Proposed staff level of effort.
Appropriateness of defined roles including staff reporting channels
and that of any proposed consultants.
B. Factor 2: Evaluation Plan (25%)
The degree to which intended results are appropriate for the
objectives of the AI/AN Health Disparities Program overall, stated
objectives of the proposed project and proposed activities.
Appropriateness of the proposed methods for data collection
(including demographic data to be collected on project participants),
analysis, and reporting.
Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures.
Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document progress
toward achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended outcomes.
Potential for the proposed project to impact the health status of
the target population(s) relative to the health areas addressed.
Soundness of the plan to document the project for replicability in
similar communities.
Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results.
Potential for replicating the evaluation methods for similar
efforts by this or other applications.
C. Factor 3: Background (20%)
Demonstrated knowledge of the problem at the local level.
Significance and prevalence of targeted health issues in the
proposed community and target population(s).
Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the target
population(s), and whether it is well positioned and accepted within
the community(ies) to be served.
Extent and documented outcome of past efforts and activities with
the target population.
Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project as
determined by:
The applicant organization's experience in managing project/
activities involving evidence-based data and data-related activities
(including special studies that informs decision-making applying
evidence-based methods).
The applicant organization's experience in managing project
activities involving the target population.
The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project
organizational structure.
Demonstrate clear lines of authority of the applicant and partner
organizations.
D. Factor 4: Objectives (15%)
Merit of the objectives.
Relevance to Healthy People 2010 and National Partnership for
Action objectives.
Relevance to the AI/AN Health Disparities Program purpose and
expectations, and to the stated problem to be addressed by the proposed
project.
Degree to which the objectives are stated in measurable terms.
Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames.
2. Review and Selection Process
Accepted AI/AN Health Disparities Program applications will be
reviewed for technical merit in accordance with Public Health Service
(PHS) policies. Applications will be evaluated by an Objective Review
Committee (ORC). Committee members are chosen for their expertise in
minority health and health disparities, and their understanding of the
unique health problems and related issues confronted by the racial and
ethnic minority populations in the United States. Funding decisions
will be determined by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority
Health who will take under consideration:
The recommendations and ratings of the ORC; and
Geographic distribution.
3. Anticipated Award Date
September 1, 2007.
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a notification letter from the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and a Notice of Grant
Award (NGA), signed by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The NGA
shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient
and the Office of Minority Health. Unsuccessful applicants will receive
notification from OPHS.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
In accepting this award, the grantee stipulates that the award and
any activities thereunder are subject to all provisions of 45 CFR parts
74 and 92,
[[Page 37024]]
currently in effect or implemented during the period of the grant.
The DHHS Appropriations Act requires that, when issuing statements,
press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part
with Federal money, all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and
dollar amount of the total costs of the program or project which will
be financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of
the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-
governmental sources.
3. Reporting Requirements
A successful applicant under this notice will submit: (1) Semi-
annual progress reports; (2) an annual Financial Status Report; and (3)
a final progress report and Financial Status Report in the format
established by the OMH, in accordance with provisions of the general
regulations which apply under ``Monitoring and Reporting Program
Performance,'' 45 CFR Part 74.51-74.52, with the exception of State and
local governments to which 45 CFR part 92, Subpart C reporting
requirements apply.
Uniform Data Set: The Uniform Data Set (UDS) is a Web-based system
used by OMH grantees to electronically report progress data to OMH. It
allows OMH to more clearly and systematically link grant activities to
OMH-wide goals and objectives, and document programming impacts and
results. All OMH grantees are required to report program information
via the UDS (http://www.dsgonline.com/omh/uds). Training will be
provided to all new grantees on the use of the UDS system during the
annual grantee meeting.
Grantees will be informed of the progress report due dates and
means of submission. Instructions and report format will be provided
prior to the required due date. The Annual Financial Status Report is
due no later than 90 days after the close of each budget period. The
final progress report and Financial Status Report are due 90 days after
the end of the project period. Instructions and due dates will be
provided prior to required submission.
Section VII. Agency Contacts
For application kits, submission of applications, and information
on budget and business aspects of the application, please contact:
WilDon Solutions, Office of Grants Management Operations Center, 1515
Wilson Blvd., Third Floor Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209 at 1-888-203-
6161, e-mail OPHSgrantinfo@teamwildon.com, or fax 703-351-1138.
For questions related to the AI/AN Health Disparities Grant Program
or assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Sonsiere Cobb-
Souza, Director, Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority
Health, Tower Building, Suite 600, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD
20852. Ms. Cobb-Souza can be reached by telephone at (240) 453-8444 or
by e-mail at sonsiere.cobb-souza@hhs.gov.
For additional technical assistance, contact the OMH Regional
Minority Health Consultant for your region listed in your grant
application kit.
For health information, call the Office of Minority Health Resource
Center (OMHRC) at 1-800-444-6472.
Section VIII. Other Information
1. Healthy People 2010
The PHS is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease
prevention objectives of Healthy People 2010, a PHS-led national
activity announced in January 2000 to eliminate health disparities and
improve years and quality of life. More information may be found on the
Healthy People 2010 Web site: http://www.healthypeople.gov/ and copies
of the documents may be downloaded. Copies of the Healthy People 2010:
Volumes I and II can be purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70
for a printed version; $20 for CD-ROM). Another reference is the
Healthy People 2010 Final Review--2001.
For one free copy of the Healthy People 2010, contact: The National
Center for Health Statistics, Division of Data Services, 3311 Toledo
Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or by telephone at (301) 458-4636. Ask for
HHS Publication No. (PHS) 99-1256. This document may also be downloaded
from: http://www.healthypeople.gov.
2. Definitions
For purposes of this announcement, the following definitions apply:
Minority Populations--American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian,
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific Islander. (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public
Health Service Act, as amended).
Tribal Epidemiology Centers--Entities whose mission includes
enhancing the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native
communities; the implementation and enhancement of data systems;
disease surveillance, bioterrorism and disease outbreak protocols;
guidance of public health policy; and facilitation of disease control
and prevention programs.
Tribal Organizations--Tribal organizations that may partner with
TECs include Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Tribally sanctioned
non-profit tribal organizations or eligible consortium of Tribes.
Dated: June 20, 2007.
Garth N. Graham,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. E7-13080 Filed 7-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-29-P
