05-9149. Notice of Funding Opportunity

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

Funding Opportunity Title: Public Awareness Campaigns on Embryo Adoption.

Announcement Type: Competitive Grant—Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: OPHS-2005-EA.

CFDA Number: 93.007.

DATES:

Applications are due no later than July 8, 2005. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is requested on or before June 8, 2005.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 grant funds for embryo adoption public awareness campaigns. Approximately $950,000 in funding is available on a competitive basis for three to four new projects each in the range of $200,000 to $250,000. Grants will be made for a project period of two years. This announcement seeks applications to develop and implement public awareness campaigns regarding embryo adoption. Applicants must demonstrate experience with embryo adoption programs that conform with professionally recognized standards governing embryo adoption and other applicable Federal or State requirements. For the purposes of this announcement, embryo adoption is defined as the donation of frozen embryo(s) from one party to a recipient who wishes to bear and raise a child or children.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the availability of funds for FY 2005 and requests applications for grants for public awareness campaigns on embryo adoption.

The OPHS is under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), who serves as the Senior Advisor on public health and science issues to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Office serves as the focal point for leadership and coordination across the Department in public health and science; provides direction to program offices within OPHS; and provides advice and counsel on public health and science issues to the Secretary.

The increasing success of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has resulted in a situation in which an infertile couple typically creates several embryos through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF treatments, couples may produce many embryos in an attempt to conceive with several being cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. If a couple conceives without using all of the stored embryos, they may choose to have the remaining unused embryos donated for adoption allowing other infertile couples the experience of pregnancy and birth. Embryo adoption is a relatively new process in which individuals who have extra frozen embryos agree to release the embryos for transfer to the uterus of another woman, either known or anonymous to the donor(s) for the purpose of the recipient(s) attempting to bear a child and be that child's parent.

Program Statutes

Public Law 108-447, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, which includes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services, authorizes the Secretary to conduct a public awareness campaign to educate Americans about the existence of frozen embryos available for adoption.

The FY 2005 Senate Committee on Appropriations report (S. Rep. 108-345) contains the following statement:

“The Committee understands that there are nearly 400,000 frozen embryos in fertility clinics in the United States and only approximately 2 percent of these are donated to other couples in order to bear children. The Committee continues to believe that increasing public awareness of embryo donation and adoption remains an important goal and therefore directs the Department to continue its embryo adoption awareness campaign. The Committee has provided $1,000,000 for this purpose.”

Although the House report did not include a similar provision, the Conference report (H.R. Conf. Rep. 108-792) accompanying the FY 2005 Consolidated Appropriations bill states that “The conference agreement includes $1,000,000 to continue the embryo adoption awareness campaign, as proposed by the Senate.”

Materials Review

Grantees shall submit all materials proposed for use in the embryo adoption public awareness campaign grant program (including, but not limited to, Web sites, videos, training materials, brochures, fact sheets, press releases, promotional pieces, advertisements, PSA's, articles, mailings) to the OPHS Project Officer for review and approval prior to use in the grant-funded program. The review shall ensure that materials are consistent with the requirements of this announcement and other applicable grant requirements.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Funding: $950,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 3-4.

Expected Amounts of Individual Awards: $200,000-300,000.

Floor of Award Range: None.

Ceiling of Award Range: $300,000 for the first 12 month budget period. OPHS will not accept and review applications with budgets greater than the ceiling of the award range.

Project Periods for Awards: 24 months. The projects will be awarded for a project period of 24 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

Applications are encouraged from organizations which are currently operating programs that have the capability of expanding and enhancing embryo adoption public awareness campaigns, and that have the capability to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the funded project.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligibility to compete for this announcement is limited to particular applicant organizations. Eligibility is limited to organizations that can demonstrate previous experience with embryo adoption and are knowledgeable in all elements of the process of embryo adoption Only agencies and organizations, not individuals, are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants include public agencies, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations. One agency must be identified as the applicant organization and will have legal responsibility for the project. Additional agencies and organizations can be included as co-participants, subgrantees, subcontractors, or collaborators if they will assist in providing expertise and in helping to meet the needs of the recipients.

Any public or private nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply for a grant. However, only those organizations or agencies which demonstrate the capability of providing the proposed services and meet the requirements of this announcement are considered for grant awards. Faith-based and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply for embryo adoption public awareness grants. Please note, however, that grant funds may not be used for inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, and proselytization. If an organization engages in such activities, they must be offered separately in time or location from the grant-funded program and participation must be voluntary for program beneficiaries. An embryo adoption public awareness campaign program, in providing services and outreach related to program services, cannot discriminate against current or prospective program beneficiaries on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to actively participate in a religious practice.

Applicants should note that section 74.81 of the DHHS grants administration regulations (45 CFR part 74) indicates that, except for awards under certain “small business” programs, no grant funds may be paid as profit to any recipient even if the recipient is a commercial organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

None.

3. Other

Applicants are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. For more information, see the OPA Web site at: http://opa.osophs.dhhs.gov/​duns.html.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Application kits may be requested from, and applications submitted to the Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, 301-594-0758. Application kits are also available online at: https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov or the Grants.gov Web site portal (http://www.grant.gov) or by fax at 301-594-9399.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

The OPHS requests that you send a Letter of Intent (LOI) if you intend to apply for this program. Although the LOI is not required, not binding, and does not enter into the review of your subsequent application, the LOI will be used to gauge the level of interest in this program, estimate the potential review workload, and allow OPHS to plan the review process. The information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate the applications. The narrative should be not more than two double-spaced pages, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and in 12-point font, unreduced. The LOI should include the following information: “Attention: Embryo Adoption Public Awareness Campaign Letter of Intent;” name and address of the applicant institution; name, address and telephone number of the contact person; and specific objectives to be addressed by the proposed project.

Applications must be prepared on the forms supplied (OPHS-1) and in the manner prescribed in the application kits provided by the OPHS. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.

To be considered for funding, applicants must submit one signed original of the application and two photocopies in one package, including all forms and attachments. Please label the application envelope: “Attention: Embryo Adoption Public Awareness Campaign.” The application should be typed and should be no more than 50 double-spaced pages (excluding attachments), printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and in 12-point font, unreduced. All pages, including appendices should be numbered sequentially and stapled, or otherwise secured, in the upper left corner.

Applications must include a one-page abstract of the proposed project. The abstract will be used to provide reviewers with an overview of the application, and will form the basis for the applications summary in grants management documents.

Applicants will be required to develop and implement programs for a public awareness campaign on embryo adoption. Applicants are required to submit a plan and time line that demonstrate that the proposed public awareness campaign: (a) Will be competency-based, (b) has experience with embryo adoption programs that conform to professionally-recognized guidelines and other relevant Federal or State requirements, (c) will be pilot tested and appropriately modified, as necessary, before use, and (d) can be reliably evaluated.

In the narrative section of the application, applicants are advised to describe the strategies and processes that they will use to design a public awareness campaign. The applicant should document its capacity to undertake a public awareness campaign focused on potential donors and/or recipients. Applicants are encouraged to present a description of approaches that may be used, as well as any supplemental materials (brochures, handouts, visual aids, and other resources). Moreover, applicants are advised to demonstrate a familiarity with and understanding of professionally recognized standards or practices (both medical and legal issues) pertaining to embryo adoption, as well as supportive services for potential donor or recipient couples. The applicant organization should clearly demonstrate its professional knowledge and experience in embryo adoption whether with potential donor or recipient populations.

Applicants must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the individuals who design and implement the public awareness campaign are knowledgeable in all elements of the embryo adoption process and are experienced in providing such information. Applicant organizations should demonstrate that they have access to frozen embryos for adoption either directly or through partnership arrangements. Applicants should include information about the number of frozen embryos to which they have access, their history in working with either potential donor or recipient couples, and the organization's capacity to facilitate an embryo adoption public awareness campaign. As part of the project narrative, applicants are advised to describe the methods they will use to recruit, select, train and evaluate individuals who will implement the public awareness campaign. In the project narrative, applicants are encouraged to present a plan that may be used for working with potential donors and/or recipients under the proposed public awareness campaign.

Applicants, in the project narrative, are encouraged to present a plan for evaluation of the public awareness campaign. The evaluation plan should be two tiered to address: (1) Process, including the planning, content and quality of the public awareness campaign materials provided and (2) participant satisfaction and campaign effectiveness. Applicants that do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an evaluation are advised to propose contracting with a third party social sciences evaluator or a university or college to conduct the evaluation.

Applicants should prepare a project description statement in accordance with the following general instructions. Use the information provided in this section and the evaluation criteria section to develop the application content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria listed, so it is important to follow them in describing your program plan. The narrative should contain the following sections in the order presented below:

1. Project Summary/Abstract: Provide a summary of the project description not to exceed one page. Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project since the abstract will be used to provide reviewers with an overview of the application, will form the basis for an application summary in official documents, and it may be posted on the OPHS Web site. It should describe the objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or benefits expected.

2. Specific Aims and Objectives: Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, legal, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as well as information about frozen embryos available for adoption. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer to provide information on the total range of related projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.

Describe the specific geographic region that will be served by the organization. This section should include a justification for the selection of the region, based on, for example, geographic size or the number and types of ART centers in the area, and an estimate of the number of frozen embryos available for adoption. There are no geographic restrictions on where the prospective projects may be conducted. The OPHS will accept applications for projects of national, regional, or local scope. The rationale for the project scope must be justified in detail.

3. Approach: Outline a plan of action, which describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work, and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of program activities to be held, or appropriate measurable outcomes. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.

4. Evaluation: Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness.

5. Organizational Profiles: Provide information on the applicant organization and cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information.

6. Budget and Budget Justification: Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, and wage rates. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant. Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, and taxes, unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Include information on the costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel). For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend the grantee meeting should be detailed in the budget. For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment definition. Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information, which supports the amount requested. Include information on the costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those, which belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under this category. Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along with the required supporting information.

Budget plans should include funding for participation in two grantee meetings. Approximately four to six weeks after the award of funding, the project directors for funded projects will be required to attend a one-day grantee orientation meeting in the Washington, DC area. Toward the end of the two year project period, a second one-day grantee meeting may also be scheduled. During the orientation meeting, DHHS staff will review grantee plans regarding embryo adoption and discuss the implications for developing the public awareness campaign and related educational materials. Scheduling matters and plans for ensuring that the public awareness campaigns are appropriately focused and targeted to donors as well as potential recipients during the course of the project will be outlined and discussed.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland, 20852. Letters of Intent should also be sent to this address.

4. Intergovernmental Review

This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” as implemented by 45 CFR part 100.

5. Funding Restrictions

The allowability, allocability, reasonableness and necessity of direct and indirect costs that may be charged to OPHS grants are outlined in the following documents: OMB Circular A-21 (Institutions of Higher Education); OMB Circular A-87 (State and Local Governments); OMB Circular A-122 (Nonprofit Organizations); and 45 CFR Part 74, Appendix E (Hospitals). Copies of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars are available on the Internet at http://www.whitehouse.gov/​omb/​grants/​grants_​circulars.html.

Applicants for discretionary grants are expected to anticipate and justify their funding needs and the activities to be carried out with those funds in preparing the budget and accompanying narrative portions of their applications. If applicants are uncertain whether a particular cost is allowable, they should contact the OPHS Office of Grants Management at 301-594-0758 for further information.

Submission Mechanisms

The Office of Public Health and Science (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.

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. While applications are accepted in hard copy, the use of the electronic application submission capabilities provided by the OPHS eGrants system or the Grants.gov Web site portal is encouraged.

Electronic Submissions Via the OPHS eGrants System

The OPHS electronic grants management system, eGrants, provides for applications to be submitted electronically. Information about this system is available on the OPHS eGrants Web site, https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov, or may be requested from the OPHS Office of Grants Management at 301-594-0758.

The body of the application and required forms can be submitted using the OPHS eGrants system. In addition to electronically submitted materials, 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 or organization and to assume for the organization 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 with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization. The application will not be considered complete until both the electronic application components submitted via the OPHS eGrants system and any hard copy materials or original signatures are received.

Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted via the OPHS eGrants system no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement. All required hardcopy original signatures and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this 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. Any application submitted electronically after 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement will be considered late and will be deemed ineligible. Failure of the applicant to submit all required hardcopy original signatures and required mail-in items to the OPHS Office of Grants Management by 5 p.m. eastern time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement will result in the electronic application being deemed ineligible.

Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, the OPHS eGrants 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 OPHS eGrants system to ensure that all signatures and mail-in items are received.

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 problems with submissions prior to the application deadline.

Electronic Submissions Via the Grants.gov Web site Portal

The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides for applications to be submitted electronically. Information about this system is available on the Grants.gov Web site, http://www.grants.gov.

The body of the application and required forms can be submitted using the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov allows the applicant to download and complete the application forms at any time, however, it is required that organizations successfully complete the necessary registration processes in order to submit the application to 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, excluding the standard forms included in the Grants.gov application package [e.g., Standard Form 424 Face Page, Standard Assurances and Certifications (Standard Form 424B, and Standard Form LLL)] 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 or organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.

Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted via the Grants.gov Web site portal no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement. All required hardcopy original signatures and mail-in items must be received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this 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. Any application submitted electronically via the Grants.gov Web site portal after 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement will be considered late and will be deemed ineligible. Failure of the applicant to submit all required hardcopy original signatures or materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management by 5 p.m. eastern time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the “Dates” section of this announcement will result in the electronic application being deemed ineligible.

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 OPHS eGrants 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 OPHS eGrants 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 are encouraged to initiate electronic applications via the Grants.gov Web site portal early in the application development process, and to submit early on the due date or before. This will aid in addressing any problems with submissions prior to the application deadline.

Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through the Grants.gov Web site portal.

Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications

Applications submitted 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 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 this 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.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated individually against the following four criteria by a panel of independent reviewers appointed by the OPHS. Before the review panel convenes, each application will be screened for applicant organization eligibility, as well as to make sure the application contains all the essential elements.

Applicants that meet the requirements of this program announcement will be notified by the Office of Grants Management. A panel of at least three reviewers will use the evaluation criteria listed below to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide comments and assign numerical scores. Applicants should address each criterion in the project application. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.

Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (30 Points)

Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the legislative goals and demonstrate how their approach to the design of a public awareness campaign will contribute to achieve the legislative goals. Applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of the information and skills needed by the designated staff conducting such a public awareness campaign, as well as the information and service needs of potential donors and recipients. Applicants should provide letters of commitment or Memoranda of Understanding from organizations, agencies and consultants that will be partners or collaborators in the proposed project. These documents should describe the role of the agency, organization or consultant and detail specific tasks to be performed. Specific review criteria include:

(1) Extent to which the application reflects an understanding of the legislative goals of the public awareness campaign for embryo adoption, and shows how their approach to the design of a public awareness campaign and implementation will contribute to achieving the legislative goals;

(2) Extent to which the application clearly describes and documents an understanding of the need for assistance to support and/or enhance existing efforts regarding awareness of embryo adoption;

(3) Extent to which the application reflects a knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by donors and/or recipients;

(4) Extent to which the application reflects a knowledge and understanding of the medical and legal framework of embryo adoption and the services and resources in the geographic area in which the proposed project will be conducted;

(5) Extent to which the application explains how the proposed public awareness campaign will contribute to increased knowledge of the problems, issues, and effective strategies and best practices in the field;

(6) Extent to which the application reflects a knowledge and understanding of the challenges of developing a public awareness campaign and in providing support to donors and/or recipients; and

(7) Extent to which the application presents a vision of the campaign to be developed, and discusses broad contextual factors that will facilitate or impede the implementation of the campaign.

Criterion 2: Approach (30 Points)

In this section, applicants are expected to define goals and specific, measurable objectives for the project. Goals and objectives should not be confused. Goals are an end product of an effective project. Objectives are measurable steps for reaching goals. Applicants are advised to describe a preliminary, yet appropriate and feasible plan of action pertaining to the scope of the proposed public awareness campaign and provide details on how the proposed public awareness campaign will be accomplished. If the project involves partnerships with other agencies and organizations, then the roles of each partner should be clearly specified. Applicants are required to describe how the public awareness campaign will be evaluated to determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated goals and objectives. Applicants are expected to present a project design that includes detailed procedures for documenting project activities that is sufficient to support a sound evaluation. The evaluation design is expected to include process and outcome analyses with qualitative and quantitative components. Applicants are expected to report on their evaluation results in their final report to the OPHS upon completion of the project period. Applicants are required to describe the products that they will develop pursuant to the public awareness campaign. Applicants should discuss the intended audiences for these products (e.g., ART centers, adoption organizations, practitioners, professional organizations that work with infertile couples, potential recipients, or donors) and present a dissemination plan specifying the venues for conveying the information. This criterion consists of four broad topics: (A) design of the public awareness campaign, (B) implementation, (C) evaluation, and (D) dissemination. Specific review criteria include:

(A) Design of the Public Awareness Campaign

(1) Extent to which the application reflects a familiarity with and understanding of professionally-recognized standards and/or other relevant Federal or State requirements pertaining to embryo adoption and supportive services for donors and recipients.

(2) Extent to which the proposed project goals, objectives and outcomes are clearly specified and measurable, and reflect an understanding of the characteristics of the donors and recipients and the context in which embryo adoption operates; and

(3) Extent to which the application presents an approach to the design of a public awareness campaign is: (a) competency based, (b) linked to embryo adoption programs which are consistent with the nationally recognized guidelines, (c) pilot tested and appropriately modified, as necessary, before use, and (d) can be readily evaluated.

(B) Implementation

(1) Extent to which the application clearly describes and provides a justification for the selection of the geographic region that will be served by the project;

(2) Extent to which the application presents an appropriate, feasible and realistic plan for scheduling and conducting the public awareness campaign;

(3) Extent to which the application presents an appropriate, feasible and realistic plan for recruiting, selecting, and training individuals to provide information under the public awareness campaign;

(4) Extent to which the application provides an appropriate, feasible and realistic plan for documenting project activities and results, that can be used to describe and evaluate the public awareness campaign, and participant satisfaction with the campaign; and

(5) Extent to which the proposed project will establish and coordinate linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations serving the target population.

(C) Evaluation

(1) Extent to which the methods of evaluation are feasible, comprehensive and appropriate to the goals, objectives and context of a public awareness campaign;

(2) Extent to which the applicant provides an appropriate, feasible and realistic plan for evaluating the public awareness campaign, including performance feedback and assessment of program progress that can be used as a basis for program adjustments;

(3) Extent to which the methods of evaluation include process and outcome analyses for assessing the effectiveness of program strategies and the implementation process; and

(4) Extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the program and will produce quantitative and qualitative results.

(D) Dissemination

(1) Extent to which the application provides an appropriate, feasible and realistic plan for dissemination of information in a public awareness campaign and related educational materials;

(2) Extent to which the intended audience is clearly identified and defined and is appropriate to the goals of the proposed program;

(3) Extent to which the program's products will be useful to the respective audiences;

(4) Extent to which the application presents a realistic schedule for developing these products, and provides a dissemination plan that is appropriate in scope and budget to each of the audiences; and

(5) Extent to which the products to be developed during the program are described clearly and will address the goal of dissemination of information and are designed to support evidence-based improvements of practices in the field.

Criterion 3: Organizational Profile (20 Points)

Applicants need to demonstrate that they have the capacity to implement the proposed program. Capacity includes: (1) Previous experience with similar projects; (2) experience with the target population; (3) qualifications and experience of the project leadership; (4) experience and commitment of any consultants and subcontractors; and, (5) appropriateness of the organizational structure. This criterion consists of three broad topics: (A) management plan, (B) staff qualifications, and (C) organizational capacity and resources.

Applicants are expected to present a sound and feasible management plan for implementing the proposed program. This section should detail how the program will be structured and managed, how the timeliness of activities will be ensured, how quality control will be maintained, and how costs will be controlled. The role and responsibilities of the lead agency should be clearly defined and, if appropriate, applicants should discuss the management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants. Applicants should include a list of organizations and consultants who will work with the project, along with a short description of the nature of their contribution or effort. Applicants are also expected to produce a time line that presents a reasonable schedule of target dates, and accomplishments. The time line should include the sequence and timing of the major tasks and subtasks, important milestones, reports, and completion dates. The application should also discuss factors that may affect project implementation or the outcomes and present realistic strategies for the resolution of these difficulties.

Applicants must provide evidence that project staff have the requisite experience, and expertise to carry out the proposed public awareness campaign on time, within budget, and with a high degree of quality. Include information on staff knowledge of the medical and legal issues concerning embryo adoption, and experience working in this area. Brief resumes of current and proposed staff, as well as job descriptions, should be included. Resumes must indicate the position that the individual will fill, and each position description must specifically describe the job as it relates to the proposed project.

Applicants must show that they have the organizational capacity and resources to successfully carry out the project on time and to a high standard of quality, including the capacity to resolve a variety of technical and management problems that may occur. If the proposed project involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other agencies/organizations, then the application should include an organizational capability statement for each participating organization documenting the ability of the partners and/or subcontractors to fulfill their assigned roles and functions. Specific review criteria include:

(A) Management Plan

(1) Extent to which the management plan presents a realistic approach to achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, time lines and milestones for accomplishing project tasks;

(2) Extent to which the role and responsibilities of the lead agency are clearly defined and the time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel (including consultants) are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project; and

(3) Extent to which the application discusses factors that may affect the development and implementation of the public awareness campaign and presents realistic strategies for the resolution of these difficulties.

(B) Staff Qualifications

(1) Extent to which the proposed project director, key project staff and consultants have the necessary technical skill, knowledge and experience to successfully carry out their responsibilities; and

(2) Extent to which staffing is adequate for the proposed project, including administration, program services, data processing and analysis, evaluation, reporting and implementation of the public awareness campaign, including related educational materials.

(C) Organizational Capacity and Resources

(1) Extent to which the applicant and partnering organizations collectively have experience in embryo adoption consistent with professionally recognized guidelines;

(2) Extent to which the applicant has experience in developing and implementing similar information or public awareness campaigns; and

(3) Extent to which the applicant has adequate organizational resources for the proposed project, including administration, program operations, data processing and analysis, and evaluation.

Criterion 4: Budget and Budget Justification (20 Points)

Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project costs, appropriately allocated across component areas and sufficient to accomplish the objectives. Consideration shall be given to project delays due to start-up when preparing the budget. Applicants are expected to allocate sufficient funds in the budget to provide for the project director to attend two grantee meetings in the Washington, DC area. Specific review criteria include:

(1) Extent to which applicant demonstrates that the project costs and budget information submitted for the proposed program are reasonable and justified in terms of the proposed tasks and the anticipated results and benefits; and,

(2) Extent to which the fiscal control and accounting procedures are adequate to ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement and an accurate accounting of funds received under this announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

Each application submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time.

The results of a competitive review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff will conduct administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the ASH. The ASH may also solicit and consider comments from Public Health Service Regional Office staff and others within DHHS in making funding decisions. Final grant awards decisions will be made by the ASH. The ASH will fund those projects which will, in his/her judgement, best promote the purposes of this program, within he limits of funds available for such projects.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

The OPHS does not release information about individual applications during the review process. When final decisions have been made, successful applicants will be notified by letter of the outcome of the final funding decisions. The official document notifying an applicant that a project has been approved for funding is the Notice of Grant Award (NGA), signed by the OPHS Grants Management Officer, which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the award, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The ASH will notify an organization in writing when its application will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions are made.

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 in 45 CFR parts 74 (non-governmental) and 92 (governmental) currently in effect or implemented during the period of the grant.

A Notice providing information and guidance regarding the “Government-wide Implementation of the President's Welfare-to-Work Initiative for Federal Grant Programs” was published in the Federal Register on May 16, 1997. This initiative was designated to facilitate and encourage grantees and their subrecipients to hire welfare recipients and to provide additional needed training and/or mentoring as needed. The text of the Notice is available electronically on the OMB homepage at http://www.whitehouse.gov/​omb.

The HHS 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, 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: (a) Progress reports; (b) annual Financial Status Reports; and (c) a final performance report, including an evaluation report, and Financial Status Report. Reporting formats are established in accordance with provisions of the general regulations which apply under 45 CFR parts 74 and 92. Applicants must submit all required reports in a timely manner, in recommended formats and submit a final report on the project, including any information on evaluation results, at the completion of the project period.

The final performance report should contain an overview of the program from start to finish, including information on: (a) Summary of the project, (b) state of the major goals and objectives of the project, (c) list of significant accomplishments, (d) description of innovative features, (e) statement of significant problems encountered and solutions developed, (f) a complete written disclosure of any invention, curriculum, publication, video, pamphlet conceived or produced as part of the grant funded project, (g) a copy of any products (e.g., videos, pamphlets, journal articles, presentations, survey instruments, focus groups projects, pilot test reports, etc) developed in association with the project. The final evaluation report should reflect an assessment of the program. It should describe factors contributing to both program success and problem areas. The report should include a description of the project's objectives, interventions, evaluation model and hypotheses, findings and conclusions. The report should include a summary of the program statistics and findings. It should discuss the implications of project findings as they relate to the project objectives, as well as a set of recommendations based on the findings (where appropriate). The appendices to the evaluation report should include any data collection instruments and relevant references. Copies of any published articles, based on the project or project evaluation findings are also requested.

Agencies receiving $500,000 or more in total Federal funds are required to undergo an annual audit as described in OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”

VII. Agency Contacts

Office of Grants Management Contact: Robin Fuller Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health and Science, OPHS Grants Management Office, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, Maryland 20852. E-mail: [e-mail]; telephone: [phone].

Program Office Contact: Evelyn Kappeler, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Population Affairs, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 750, Rockville, Maryland 20852. E-mail: [e-mail]; telephone: [phone].

Dated: May 3, 2005.

Cristina V. Beato,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Public Health and Science.