Preferences in making grants

In making grants under section 300ff–51 of this title, the Secretary shall give preference to any qualified applicant experiencing an increase in the burden of providing services regarding HIV/AIDS, as indicated by the factors specified in subsection (b). In the case of the geographic area with respect to which the entity involved is applying for a grant under section 300ff–51 of this title, the factors referred to in subsection (a), as determined for the period specified in paragraph (2), are— The period referred to in paragraph (1) is the 2-year period preceding the fiscal year for which the entity involved is applying to receive a grant under section 300ff–51 of this title. In providing preferences for purposes of subsection (b), the Secretary shall equitably allocate the preferences among urban and rural areas. Of the applicants who qualify for preference under this section—