OPA Announces the Availability of Funds for the Family Planning Male Training Cooperative Agreement

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AGENCY:  Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Population Affairs

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:  Announcement of Availability of Funds for Family Planning Male Training Cooperative Agreement

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:  Initial Competitive Cooperative Agreement

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 93.260

DATES: To receive consideration, applications must be received by the Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), Office of Grants Management, no later than 60 days from the date of publication in Grants.gov [Insert DATE].  Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, c/o Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, no later than 5 P.M. Eastern Time on the application due date.  Applications that are electronically submitted through GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.Gov will be accepted until 11:00 P.M. on this date. Applications will not be accepted by fax, nor will the submission deadline be extended. The application due date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS–1. Applications which do not meet the deadline will be returned to the applicant unread. See heading ‘‘APPLICATION and SUBMISSION INFORMATION’’ for information on application submission mechanisms.

Executive Order 12372 comment due date: The State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) has 60 days from the application due date to submit any comments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:  The Office of Family Planning (OFP) within the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) announces the availability of funds for one cooperative agreement to establish a training center that will focus on family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) information, education and clinical services targeting males.  The successful applicant will be responsible for the delivery of training to enhance and support quality services for males served in Title X Family Planning services projects throughout the United States.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

AUTHORITY:  Section 1003 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act.

This announcement seeks proposals from public and nonprofit private entities to establish and operate a training center with a specific focus on FP/RH information, education and clinical services targeting males.  It is anticipated that one cooperative agreement in the amount of $400,000 - $500,000 will be awarded.  A cooperative agreement is an award instrument of financial assistance where “substantial involvement” is anticipated between the HHS awarding agency and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project or activity.  “Substantial involvement” means that the recipient can expect Federal programmatic collaboration or participation in managing the award.  The training center funded through this cooperative agreement will be required to provide training that will enhance and support quality information, education, communication and clinical services for males served in Title X-funded agencies throughout the United States.

Background:

Under the Title X family planning services program, authorized by Section 1001 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, grantees provide family planning services, including information, education, and counseling, to all persons desiring such services.  Although males have comprised only two to six percent of clients served by the Title X family planning clinical service delivery system annually, over the past several years, this number has increased significantly.

Since the mid-1990s, the Office of Family Planning in the Office of Population Affairs has focused efforts on enhancing services available to males.  This interest in male involvement in FP/RH is driven by the current epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, high rates of unintended pregnancies and the growing acceptance that males of all ages should have access to FP/RH services.  In addition, involving males in FP/RH begins to fill the gap that exists in males who seek healthcare services, and positively impacts those around him.     

Males have sexual and reproductive health needs across the life span.  Accurate information on the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence and young adulthood along with a wide range of health care services and education should be accessible to males as they mature into adulthood.  Programs serving males should provide information and education supporting preventive health behaviors, regular use of clinical and preventive health services, FP/RH services, including condoms and other forms of contraceptives, as well as information regarding avoidance of health risks such as smoking and substance use.  Within these services, information and appropriate clinical services and referrals should be available to address the screening, prevention and treatment of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and preventing unintended pregnancy.   In addition, episodic and chronic medical issues often are not isolated and may impact other areas of individual health.  As a result, programs serving males may also address, through information, education and referral, general health promotion/disease prevention issues, such as nutrition, exercise, hypertension, diabetes and cardiac health, all of which my impact reproductive health.

The family planning and reproductive health issues facing males are complicated by the different attitudes and expectations that men and women have toward health care.  Even when they visit a health care provider, males are more reluctant than females to bring issues of a reproductive or sexual nature to their clinician’s attention.  Moreover, many clinical settings are not “male-friendly,” often creating a barrier to seeking care for males.  Involving males in family planning and reproductive healthcare requires a different approach from that which has been successful with women. 

Though the OPA/OFP has targeted males in FP/RH programs for more than 10 years and research has increased in this area, male reproductive health is still an emerging field.   Current and future research on male reproductive health will add significantly to the body of knowledge and should generate evidence-based information that will enable providers to develop and provide effective male reproductive health education and clinical services.  This emerging body of knowledge should also provide the basis for training and information dissemination.  The cooperative agreement funded under this announcement is expected to incorporate current, evidence-based information as it becomes available in all phases of training design, delivery and evaluation.

Purpose of the Cooperative Agreement

The purpose of the training center to be funded under this announcement is to provide training support to Title X-funded grantees so they have the knowledge and skills to effectively provide FP/RH information, education and clinical services targeting males.  The successful applicant will use evidence-based information and incorporate best practices in all aspects of training.  The successful applicant will maintain knowledge of the most current research, best practices and standards of care in order to act as a resource on male reproductive health issues for other entities involved in family planning service delivery, including other training centers funded within the Title X program.

Description of training activities to be provided

The training center will be expected to carry out several activities, some of which will be delivered on an annual basis and others will be performed on an ongoing basis over the term of the project period.  Each year, the training center is expected to organize an annual conference for all Title X-funded grantees and will also convene training for administrators and managers of Title X-funded service grantees and funded entities that have, or are interested in initiating, a male-focused component.  In addition, the successful applicant will conduct a formal assessment of the needs of the Title X community, develop resources for Title X grantees and projects, and maintain a web-based system that will be accessible to Title X providers, consisting of up-to-date and practical research, learning/training tools and other information that is relevant to male FP/RH providers and clients.  The training center is expected to convene at least one expert panel or workgroup and develop a relevant research-based report which addresses issues relevant to advancing the provision of FP/RH services to males.  Specific topics will be developed in consultation with OFP. 

Timeline of activities

In most cases, the activities listed above will occur during each of the funded budget years, with flexibility for changes based on national or emerging trends or needs, special initiatives and direction from OPA/OFP.

II.    AWARD INFORMATION

OPA intends to make available approximately $400,000-$500,000 in funding per year to support one male training center.  The training center will be responsible for training personnel providing family planning/reproductive health-related information, education, and clinical services specifically targeted to males served at Title X-funded family planning service agencies throughout the United States.  The cooperative agreement will be funded in annual increments (budget periods) and may be approved for a project period of up to three years.  Indirect costs may not exceed eight percent of the annual award.  Funding for all budget periods beyond the first year of the cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the project, and adequate stewardship of Federal funds.  

The entity that receives a Federal cooperative agreement assumes the legal and financial responsibility for the awarded funds, performance of activities approved for funding and is held to all requirements for Federal grants.  The successful applicant will have lead responsibilities in all aspects of the project, including any modifications to the project, conduct of the project and preparation of any publications.  Approval from the project officer will be required prior to the beginning of any activity or document performed under this award.  This also includes receiving approval from the project officer before any activity or document is made available to the public.  Failure to seek and receive prior approval may result in the disallowance of funds. 

The project officer will collaborate with the recipient, and provide assistance as needed with the planning, implementation and evaluation of the proposed project plan.  OFP will have substantial programmatic involvement during conduct of the project through technical assistance, advice and coordination.  (OFP will provide assistance in the preparation and review of any reports that may be disseminated as part of a funded project.)   

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Any public or nonprofit private entity located in a State (which includes one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands) is eligible to apply for a cooperative agreement under this announcement.  Faith-based organizations and American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American (AI/AN/NA) organizations are eligible to apply for this Title X Family Planning Male Training Cooperative Agreement.

Applicant organizations must demonstrate significant experience in the design, development, implementation, successful completion and evaluation of training activities.  In addition, the successful applicant must demonstrate skill and experience in providing training to diverse, community-based entities.  The successful applicant will provide evidence of familiarity with male FP/RH issues, the Title X Family Planning program and the ability to translate evidence-based information into training activities. 

The award will be made only to an organization or agency which has met all applicable requirements and which demonstrates the capability of providing the proposed services.

2. Cost Sharing: None Required

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

Letter of Intent (LOI)

Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent as early as possible but by no later than two weeks prior to the application deadline indicated in the “DATES” section of this announcement.  The LOI should include the following information:

• name and location (city and state) of the applicant organization;
• name, address, and telephone number of the Project Director; 
• names of other key personnel; and
• number and title of this funding opportunity.

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows OPA staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent should be sent to Mr. David Johnson, at the address listed under the “Agency Contacts” section below. 

 1.  Address to Request Application Package

Application kits may be obtained electronically by accessing grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov or GrantSolutions at http://www.grantsolutions.gov.  Application kit requests may also be made through the OPHS Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; telephone 240-453-8822 or fax 240-453-8823.  Instructions for use of the GrantSolutions system can be found on the OPA web site at http://hhs.gov/opa  or requested from the OPHS Office of Grants Management.

2.  Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications must be submitted on the Form OPHS–1 and in the manner prescribed in the application kit. Applications must include an abstract of the proposed training center.  The abstract will be used to provide reviewers with an overview of the application and will form the basis for the application summary in grants management documents.   The application narrative should be limited to 30 double-spaced pages using an easily readable serif typeface such as Times Roman, Courier, or GC Times, 12 point font. The page limit does not include budget; budget justification; OPHS-1; required forms, assurances, and certifications as part of the OPHS–1; or appendices. All pages, charts, figures and tables should be numbered.

The application narrative should be numbered separately and clearly show the 30 page limit. If the application narrative exceeds 30 pages, only the first 30 pages of the application narrative will be reviewed. Appendices may provide curriculum vitae, organizational structure, examples of organizational capabilities, progress report for a continuing competitive application, or other supplemental information which supports the application. However, appendices are for supportive information only and should be limited to only that which is necessary to support the application narrative.  All information that is critical to the proposed project should be included in the narrative.  Appendices should be clearly labeled.

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 application summary in grants management documents.      

For all non-governmental applicants, documentation of non-profit status must be submitted as part of the application.   Any of the following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:

1. A reference to the applicant organization’s listing in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS tax code;
2. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
3. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; and
4. A certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status.
5. For local, nonprofit affiliates or State or national organizations, a statement signed by the parent organization indicating that the applicant organization is a local nonprofit affiliate must be provided in addition to any one of the above acceptable proof of nonprofit status. 

A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is required for all applications for Federal assistance.  Organizations should verify that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one.  Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number are included in the application package, or may be downloaded from the grants.gov website.

Program Requirements/Application Content

The Male Training center is expected to maintain a web-based resource center of current, evidence-based information and training resources regarding male FP/RH information, education, and clinical services for males and for making this information available to Title X providers.  The successful applicant should be competent in the design and development of web-based training materials.  The application should demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based learning theories and should describe how this relates to proposed activities.  The application should also demonstrate expertise in the development and implementation of program management, training materials and the evaluation of programming events related to male FP/RH.  All male training project activities, including all curricula and materials, must be consistent with Title X statute and regulations.

Scope of the Project

The Family Planning Male Training Center is intended to serve a national network of Title X family planning services providers.  In order to maximize the impact of the cooperative agreement at the national level, the successful applicant will work closely with the OFP, Regional Offices, and all Title X-funded National and Regional Training Centers.   Proposed activities should reflect the following training foci:

1)                  program planning and management;

2)                  training events;

3)                  management of information and education resources;

4)                  translation of research; and

5)                  capacity building.

The successful applicant will describe an overall project plan to successfully implement, conduct and evaluate the activities described in this announcement.  At a minimum, the application should describe how the applicant will address the following:

Program Planning and Management

•                     Present a strategy for on-going communication with the project officer.

•                     Develop a mechanism for continuous assessment of the training needs of Title X providers regarding male FP/RH issues.

•                     Incorporate Legislative Mandates into training activities as they relate to FP/RH information, education and clinical services for males.

•                     Maintain data that is incorporated into annual progress reports on all activities supported with cooperative agreement funds, which includes at minimum the following information:

            a.         title of event
            b.         location
            c.         content
            d.         presenter(s) (as applicable)
            e.         number of participants 
            f.         name and location of agencies sponsoring participants
            g.        expenditure report
            h.        evaluation of event

•Provide for an ongoing evaluation plan that assesses the total training program, as well as individual components and training events.

Training Events

The male training center is expected to carry out a number of training events each year and throughout the period of the award.  As previously stated, it is expected that the successful applicant will consult with the project officer and receive prior approval for all training activities described in this announcement.  Specifically, the successful applicant will:

• Organize and provide support for one male family planning training meeting per year for all Title X-funded grantees, projects and programs.  This training meeting should address FP/RH for males, including strategies for the expansion of clinical and related services provided to males, identifying and communicating relevant research, trends and training opportunities for Title X service providers.  The training center will be responsible for all costs associated with this annual meeting including: meeting planning, dissemination of meeting information, registration of participants, hotel/meeting space rental, meeting materials, etc. for approximately 150 attendees.  The training center is not responsible for the costs of the meeting participants, including participant travel, hotel and per diem. 

•Organize and provide for an annual one-week (four to five days), on-site training meeting/institute for managers and/or administrators of Title X projects to address strategies for the establishment of male-focused programs or to strengthen existing male FP/RH programs in Title X clinics.   Each annual training institute should accommodate up to 40 persons from Title X-funded service grantees and/or projects.  The training center will be responsible for all meeting costs (meeting planning, hotel/meeting space rental, meeting materials, training faculty, etc.) including the lodging and per diem for participants that do not exceed Federal rates.  The training center is not responsible for the transportation costs of the participants, i.e., travel to and from the training location.    

• Each year, provide support for speaker participation in relevant Title X-sponsored training events with the prior approval of the project officer.  This may include support for speakers at meetings held by other Title X training grantees, Title X grantee meetings, etc.  Support may include identifying qualified individuals, paying for travel, lodging, per diem and/or consultant fees to enable speaker participation in Title X sponsored events (National, regional training meetings/conferences, etc).  The training center should provide support for up to 10 speakers per year at a total cost not to exceed $2,000 per speaker.

• Address specific issues with regard to male FP/RH by convening expert panels and developing special reports within the project period that relate to relevant male FP/RH issues, literature/interviews/etc., and provide guidance to the Title X Program.  The applicant should budget for at least one expert panel and one special report to be completed each year of the cooperative agreement.  The training center will be responsible for all costs associated with special reports and expert panels.  The financial responsibilities shall include meeting costs (meeting planning, hotel/meeting space rental, meeting materials, etc.) lodging and per diem that do not exceed Federal rates and travel-related expenses for non-Federal participants. Each panel will include up to 10 participants, not including any Federal staff.  The development of each of these tasks and the topics that will be addressed will be clarified in consultation with and upon the prior approval of the project officer. 

Management of Information and Educational Resources

The successful applicant will propose a strategy for ensuring the availability and accessibility of the most current research findings related to male FP/RH information, education and clinical services for Title X funded entities.  The training center is expected to implement this strategy in consultation with the project officer.  At a minimum, the successful applicant will address the following:

• Maintain a web-based system for the retrieval and dissemination of current, evidence-based information and research findings related to male FP/RH. 

• Identify and/or develop male-specific evidence-based training resources on FP/RH issues that are accessible by Title X projects upon request at low or no cost.

• Adapt and/or refine male health education resources for training personnel working in Title X-funded family planning projects.

All training resources developed or utilized by the male training center must be reviewed and approved by the project officer prior to dissemination.

Translation of Research

A significant component of this cooperative agreement will be focused on the translation of relevant research into practice that can be used by Title X grantees and providers.  The successful applicant will demonstrate familiarity with the literature on male FP/RH and should be able to link this research to clinical and educational service delivery.  In order to do this, the successful applicant will:

•        Stay informed of the current research on male reproductive health as well as best practices from the field. 

•        Develop strategies to translate relevant research into effective educational and clinical practice through training and dissemination activities.

•        Provide on-going support to Title X grantees, providers and other Title X-funded entities in the delivery of clinical and educational services, assessment of needs and gaps and in the development of policy and program practices related to male FP/RH. 

Capacity Building

 The training center is expected to contribute to the development of capacity of the Title X grantees, providers and other training centers funded within the Title X program in areas related to male FP/RH.  This includes, but is not limited to the provision of information and education materials and resources, the provision of on-site or web-based trainings, as well as supporting technical assistance activities.   The successful applicant will describe a strategy to assess and respond to gaps in capacity among Title X-funded agencies that will:

•        Build the capacity of the regional and national training centers funded within the Title X program to provide male-focused training for personnel working in Title X service projects.

•        Provide tools and resources for Title X-funded projects to address gaps in serving males and expand their capacity to provide quality services consistently.

•        Assist other regional and national Title X funded Training Centers in developing content around male issues for training events.

The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with administering and managing training activities and other components (e.g., educational materials, classroom and training sites, etc.) described in this announcement. The successful applicant will be responsible for maintaining budget flexibility in order to accommodate unanticipated or emerging training needs and costs throughout the entire award period. 

The male training center will be required to work closely with the project officer to accomplish the objectives of this cooperative agreement.  The successful applicant will be required to participate in up to two meetings per year with the project officer and other OPA staff at the OPA Office in Rockville, MD or at an alternate location as specified.  In addition, the successful applicant will be required to participate in at least one conference call per month with the project officer and others as necessary.  The budget should also include projected costs for conference calls and travel to meetings with the project officer. 

In responding to this announcement, applicants should familiarize themselves with:

•  Department of Health and Human Services Departmental Priorities;

•  Title X Priorities, Legislative Mandates, and Key Issues;

•  Healthy People 2010 – Chapter 9, “Family Planning;” Chapter 11, “Health Communication;” Chapter 13, “Sexually Transmitted Diseases;” Chapter 25, “HIV;” the document “Guidelines for Male Sexual and Reproductive Health Services,”  and “Components that Work in Male Reproductive Health and Education Programs.” 

3.  Submission Dates and Times

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 cooperative agreement 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 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, applicants may access the Grants.gov website portal at http://www.grants.gov.  All OPHS funding opportunities and application kits are made available on Grants.gov.  If an applicant organization has/had a grantee business relationship with a grant program serviced by the OPHS Office of Grants Management, and is applying as part of ongoing grantee related activities, please access http://www.GrantSolutions.gov.

Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later than 11:00 P.M. Eastern Time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement using one of the electronic submission mechanisms specified.  All required hardcopy original signatures and mail-in items 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 Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day after the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement.  Hard copy applications must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on the deadline 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.  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 problems with submissions prior to the application deadline.

Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Website Portal

The Grants.gov Website 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 website, 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 cooperative agreement 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 Office of Grants Management at the address specified above, 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 cooperative agreement 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 Website Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits.  Any files uploaded or attached to the Grants.gov application must be of the following file formats – Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint, Corel WordPerfect, ASCII Text, Adobe PDF, or image formats (JPG, GIF, TIFF, or BMP only).   Even though Grants.gov allows applicants to attach any file format as part of their application, OPHS restricts this practice and only accepts the file formats identified above.  Any file submitted as part of the Grants.gov application that is not in a file format identified above will not be accepted for processing and will be excluded from the application during the review process. 

All required mail-in items must received by the due date requirements specified above.  Mail-in items may include only 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 Website 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 Website Portal will be validated by Grants.gov. Any applications deemed “Invalid” by the Grants.gov Website 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 Website Portal.   Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application validation status.  Once the application is successfully validated by the Grants.gov Website Portal, applicants should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, c/o Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, 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 Website 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 Website Portal. Applicants should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through the Grants.gov Website 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 (ACF), 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 still 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 cooperative agreement 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 hardcopy forms, do not send the entire application.  Complete hard-copy applications submitted after the electronic submission will not be considered for review.  Hard-copy materials should be submitted to the OPHS Office of Grants Management at the address specified above.

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 (see mailing address above) 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 include only publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. 

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 hard-copy original signatures, and mail-in items.  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 imposed by the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement award. 

Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received by the Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), c/o Grant Application Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, on or before 5:00 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 

Review Under Executive Order 12372: Applicants under this announcement are subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' as implemented by 45 CFR part 100, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.'' As soon as possible, the applicant should discuss the project with the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for the state in which the applicant is located. The application kit contains the currently available listing of the SPOCs that have elected to be informed of the submission of applications.  For those states not represented on the listing, further inquiries should be made by the applicant regarding the submission to the relevant SPOC. The SPOC should forward any comments to the OPHS Grants Management Office; 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550; Rockville, Maryland 20852.  The SPOC has 60 days from the closing date of this announcement to submit any comments.  For further information, contact the OPHS Grants Management Office at 240-453-8822.

5. Funding Restrictions

Legislative Mandates

The following legislative mandates have been part of the Title X appropriations for each of the last several years.  In developing a proposal, each applicant should describe how the proposed project will address each of these legislative mandates in training related to male FP/RH.

• None of the funds appropriated in this Act may be made available to any entity under title X of the Public Health Service Act unless the applicant for the award certifies to the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and that it provides counseling to minors on how to resist attempts to coerce minors into engaging in sexual activities; and

• Not withstanding any other provision of law, no provider of services under title X of the Public Health Service Act shall be exempt from any State law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest.

Title X of the PHS Act, 42 U.S.C. 300, et seq., authorizes funding for projects to provide family planning services to persons from low-income families and others.  Section 1001 of the Act, as amended, authorizes grants “to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning projects which shall offer a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services (including natural family planning methods, infertility services, and services for adolescents).”  Section 1003 of the Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to entities to provide training for personnel to carry out family planning services programs.  Section 1008 of the Act, as amended, stipulates that “none of the funds appropriated under this title shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.”

            The regulations set out at 42 CFR part 59, subpart C, govern grants to provide training for family planning service personnel.  Prospective applicants should refer to the regulations in their entirety.  Training provided must be in accordance with the requirements regarding the provision of family planning services under Title X.  These requirements can be found in the Title X statute and the implementing regulations which govern project grants for family planning services (42 CFR part 59, subpart A).  Copies of the Title X statute, regulations and “Program Guidelines for Project Grants for Family Planning Services” (January 2001) can be obtained by contacting the OPHS Grants Management Office or may be downloaded from the OPA web site at http://www.hhs.gov/opa.

            A copy of the legislation and regulations governing this program will be included as part of the application kit package.  Applicants should use the legislation, regulations, and other information included in this announcement to guide them in developing their applications.

V.APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel of independent reviewers and will be assessed using the following criteria:

A) The degree to which the project plan adequately provides for the requirements set forth in 42 CFR 59.205, including the applicant's presentation of the project's objectives, the methods for achieving project objectives, the ability to involve providers and the results or benefits expected (15 points).

B) The extent to which the proposed male training program fulfills the Title X family planning services delivery needs of the area to be served, as evidenced by the applicant's ability to address (45 points total):

i) requirements set out under ``Program Requirements /Application Content''  of this announcement (40 points); and      

ii) development of capability within family planning services projects to provide pre- and in-service training relevant to male services to Title X staff (5 points).

C)    The competence of the project staff in relation to the services to be provided, including the applicant's history of training on male reproductive health, research, and/or services to males, as well as the ability to document relevant previous experience and formal linkages with public and private entities that have a specific focus on males (15 points).

D)    The administrative and management capability and competence of the applicant (8 points).

E)     The extent to which the proposed training approach will increase the ability of family planning services projects to deliver services, primarily to males, with an unmet need for family planning services (12 points).

F)     The capacity of the applicant to make rapid and effective use of the training cooperative agreement (5 points).

2.  Review and Selection Process

Final award decisions will be made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs (DASPA).  In making these decisions, the DASPA will fund one project which will, in his or her judgment, best promote the purposes of section 1003 of the Act, within the limits of funds available for such project, and will consider:

1) recommendations of the review panel;

2) reviews for programmatic and grants management compliance;

3) the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government considering the available funding and anticipated results; and

4) the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the benefits expected.