[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24191]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 30, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[Announcement Number 503]

 

Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program 
for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention

Introduction

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
anticipated availability of fiscal year (FY) 1995 funds for the Public 
Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program for Human 
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention. The Public Health Service 
(PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease 
prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national 
activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of 
life. This announcement is related to the priority area of HIV 
Infection. (To order a copy of Healthy People 2000 or CDC's Strategic 
Plan for Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection (July 
8, 1992), see the Section Where to Obtain Additional Information.)

Authority

    This program is authorized under Sections 301 [42 U.S.C. 241] and 
310 [42 U.S.C. 242n] of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

Smoke-Free Workplace

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients 
to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all 
tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect 
and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants are non-governmental, nonprofit and for-profit 
organizations. Thus, universities, colleges, research institutions, 
hospitals, other public and private (e.g., national, regional) 
organizations, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian 
tribes or Indian tribal organizations, and small, minority- or women-
owned businesses are eligible for these cooperative agreements. Current 
recipients of CDC HIV funding must provide the award number and title 
of the funded program (see the Section Program Requirements, C. Letter 
of Intent).

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $250,000 is expected to be available in FY 1995 to 
fund approximately 10 to 15 awards. The awards will average $20,000 and 
will be funded for a 12-month budget and project period. The funding 
estimate may vary and is subject to change, based on availability of 
funds. Awards will initially be made on a contingency basis as 
described in the Purpose section.
    The following are examples of the most frequently encountered costs 
that may or may not be charged to the cooperative agreement:
    1. As approved, CDC funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: 
salaries, speaker fees, rental of conference related equipment, 
registration fees, and transportation cost (not to exceed economy class 
fares) for non-Federal employees.
    2. CDC funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment, 
payments of honoraria, organizational dues, entertainment or personal 
expenses, cost of travel and payment of a full-time Federal employee, 
or per diem or expenses, other than mileage, for local participants.
    3. CDC funds may not be used for reimbursement of indirect costs.
    4. Although the practice of handing out novelty items at meetings 
is often employed in the private sector to provide participants with 
souvenirs, Federal funds cannot be used for this purpose.
    5. CDC funds may be used for only those parts of the conference 
specifically supported by CDC as documented in the Notice of 
Cooperative Agreement (award document).

Recipient Financial Participation

    CDC will not fund 100% of any conference proposed under this 
announcement.

Purpose

    The purpose of the HIV-related conference support cooperative 
agreement is to provide partial support for non-Federal conferences to 
stimulate efforts to prevent the transmission of HIV. CDC will 
collaborate on conferences that specifically focus on preventing HIV 
transmission. Because conference support by CDC creates the appearance 
of CDC co-sponsorship, there will be active participation by CDC in the 
development and approval of those portions of the agenda supported by 
CDC funds. CDC funds may not be expended for unsupported portions of 
conferences. Contingency awards will be made allowing usage of only 25% 
of the total amount to be awarded until a final full agenda is approved 
by CDC. This will provide funds for costs associated with preparation 
of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released only upon 
acceptance of the final full agenda. CDC reserves the right to 
terminate co-sponsorship if it does not approve the final agenda.

Program Requirements

    CDC will provide support for conferences that are: (1) regional 
(more than one State), national, or international in scope and target 
professionals contributing to HIV prevention efforts; and (2) focused 
on the transfer of HIV prevention research and evaluation findings to 
intervention efforts or the application of these prevention efforts to 
service providers and health professional who provide service to 
individuals whose behaviors place them at increased risk for HIV 
infection.
    Topics concerned with issues and areas other than HIV prevention 
should be directed to other public health agencies or in accordance 
with current Federal Register Notices (see Federal Register Notice 501 
published on April 19, 1994, 59 FR 18561). Current recipients of CDC 
HIV funding must provide the award number and title of the funded 
program (see the Section Program Requirements, C. Letter of Intent).
    The activities related to the development of HIV prevention 
conferences require substantial CDC collaboration and involvement. In 
conducting activities to achieve the purpose of the program, the 
recipient shall be responsible for conducting activities listed in 
section A, and CDC will be responsible for conducting activities listed 
in section B:

A. Recipient Activities

    1. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, attenders, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speakers, fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of 
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC project 
personnel.
    2. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to CDC for acceptance. Submit a copy of the final agenda and 
proposed ancillary activities to CDC for acceptance.
    3. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press). CDC must review and approve the 
use of any materials with reference to CDC involvement or support.
    4. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitees, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and hand-outs, badges, registration procedures).
    5. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    6. Develop and conduct education and training programs on HIV 
prevention.
    7. Collaborate with CDC staff in reporting and disseminating 
results and relevant HIV prevention education and training information 
to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, health-care 
providers, HIV/AIDS prevention and service organizations, and the 
general public.

B. CDC Activities

    1. Provide technical assistance through telephone calls, 
correspondence, and site visits in the areas of program agenda 
development, implementation, and priority setting related to the 
cooperative agreement.
    2. Provide scientific collaboration for appropriate aspects of the 
program, including selection of speakers, pertinent scientific 
information on risk factors for HIV infection, preventive measures, and 
program strategies for the prevention of HIV infection.
    3. Review draft agendas and approve the final agenda and proposed 
ancillary activities prior to release of restricted funds.
    4. Assist in the reporting and dissemination of research results 
and relevant HIV prevention education and training information to 
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, health-care providers, 
the scientific community, and HIV/AIDS prevention and service 
organizations, and the general public.

C. Letter of Intent

    Potential applicants must submit a one-page, typewritten letter of 
intent (LOI) that briefly describes the title, location, and purpose of 
the meeting, its relationship to the CDC Funding Priorities (see the 
section Funding Priorities), the date of the proposed conference, and 
the intended audience (number and description). No attachments, 
booklets, or other documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. 
The letter should also include the estimated total cost of the 
conference and the percentage of the total cost (which must be less 
than 100%) being requested from CDC. Current recipients of CDC HIV 
funding must provide the award number and title of the funded program. 
LOIs will be reviewed by CDC program staff, and an invitation to submit 
a final application will be made based on the proposed conference's 
relationship to the CDC Funding Priorities and the availability of 
funds. An invitation to submit an application does not constitute a 
commitment by CDC to fund the applicant.

    Note: To provide for adequate time to collaborate on the meeting 
agenda and content, applicants should allow a minimum of 3 months 
from the scheduled application due date to the planned date of the 
conference. (See the section Letter of Intent and Application 
Submission and Deadline.) Meetings which are scheduled to begin 
earlier than April 1, 1995, would not be routinely considered for 
funding.

Evaluation Criteria

    LOIs will be reviewed by CDC program staff for consistency with 
CDC's HIV prevention goals and priorities and the purpose of this 
program. An invitation to submit a final application will be made on 
the basis of the proposed conference's relationship to the CDC topics 
of special interest, the timing of the meeting or conference that would 
allow for CDC input, and on the availability of funds. Applications 
will be reviewed and evaluated according to the following criteria 
(TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE IS 100):

A. Proposed Program and Technical Approach: (50 Points)

    Evaluation will be based on:
    1. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it 
relates to HIV prevention and education, including the public health 
need of the proposed conference and the degree to which the conference 
can be expected to influence public health practices, and the extent of 
the applicant's collaboration with other agencies serving the intended 
audience, including local health and education agencies concerned with 
HIV prevention.
    2. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality and specificity and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan, and the extent to which evaluation mechanisms for 
the conference will be able to adequately assess increased knowledge, 
attitudes, and behaviors of the target attenders.
    3. The quality of the proposed agenda in addressing the chosen HIV 
prevention/education topic.
    4. The degree to which conference activities proposed for CDC 
funding strictly adhere to the prevention of HIV transmission.

B. APPLICANT CAPABILITY: (25 Points)

    Evaluation will be based on:
    1. The adequacy and commitment of institutional resources to 
administer the program.
    2. The adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources 
for conducting conference activities.
    3. The degree to which the applicant has established and used 
critical linkages with health and education agencies with the mandate 
for HIV prevention (letters of support from such agencies should 
demonstrate the linkages specific to the conference).

C. Qualifications of Program Personnel: (25 Points)

    Evaluation will be based on:
    1. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and his/her ability to devote adequate time and effort to 
provide effective leadership.
    2. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
and speakers to accomplish conference objectives.
    3. The degree to which the application demonstrates an appropriate 
knowledge level of all key personnel about the transmission of HIV, as 
well as nationwide information and education efforts currently underway 
that may affect, and be affected by, the proposed conference.

D. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities: (Not Scored)

    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, consistency with the 
intended use of cooperative agreement funds, and the extent to which 
the applicant documents financial support from other sources.

Funding Priorities

    Funding priorities are established to ensure a balance of CDC HIV 
prevention funding and to address at risk populations that are 
underserved. CDC is especially interested in supporting meetings and 
conferences on the following topics:
    1. Prevention of HIV infection among: (A) underserved populations 
(e.g., women of reproductive age, racial and ethnic minorities), (B) 
high risk populations, including both in-and out-of-school youth, or 
(C) populations in special settings (e.g., racial and ethnic 
minorities, out-of-school youth, incarcerated persons, men who have sex 
with men, and migrant workers). Particular interest will be given to 
populations who may be affiliated with multiple groups (e.g., gay men 
of color).
    2. HIV prevention in health-care settings.
    3. Development of HIV prevention strategies with a broad range of 
community partners including those who have not traditionally been 
involved with public health programs (e.g., business, religious 
leaders).
    4. Development of prevention marketing strategies, including 
various behavior modification messages related to sexual practices 
(e.g., abstinence, condom use).
    Public comments are not being solicited regarding funding priority 
because time does not permit solicitation and review prior to the 
funding date.

Executive Order 12372 Review

    Applications are not subject to review as governed by Executive 
Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

Public Health System Reporting Requirements

    This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting 
Requirements.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.118, 
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) activities.

Other Requirements

HIV/AIDS Requirements
    Recipients must comply with the document entitled ``Content of HIV/
AIDS-Related Written Materials, Pictorials, Audiovisuals, 
Questionnaires, Survey Instruments, and Education Sessions in Centers 
for Disease Control Assistance Programs (June 15, 1992),'' a copy is 
included in the application kit. In complying with the Program Review 
Panel requirements contained in this document, recipients are 
encouraged to use an existing Program Review Panel such as the one 
created by the State health department's AIDS/HIV prevention program. 
If the recipient forms its own Program Review Panel, at least one 
member must also be an employee (or a designated representative) of an 
appropriate health or education agency, consistent with the revised 
Content Guidelines. The names of review panel members must be listed on 
the Assurance of Compliance form (CDC Form 0.1113) which is also 
included in the application kit.

Letter of Intent and Application Submission and Deadline

    The original and two copies of the LOI must be postmarked by the 
November 1, 1994, deadline date to be considered.
    Following submission of a LOI, applications may be submitted only 
after CDC staff have reviewed the LOI and the applicant has received a 
written invitation to submit an application for funding. An invitation 
to submit an application does not constitute a commitment to fund the 
applicant. Availability of funds may limit the number of LOIs, 
regardless of merit, that receive an invitation to submit an 
application.
    The original and two copies of the invited application must be 
submitted on PHS Form 5161-1 by January 15, 1995. The earliest possible 
award date is March 1, 1995, and the earliest possible conference date 
is April 1, 1995.
    Invited applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline 
date to Clara M. Jenkins, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 320, Atlanta, GA 
30305.

Deadline

    Invited applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if 
they are either:
    1. Received on or before the deadline date, or
    2. Postmarked on or before the deadline date and received in time 
for submission to the independent review group. (Applicants should 
request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a 
legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal 
Service. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of 
timely mailing.)

Where to Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information, call (404) 332-4561. You 
will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone number, and will 
need to refer to Announcement Number 503. You will receive a complete 
program description, a list of the relevant Healthy People 2000 HIV 
objectives, and the addresses and phone numbers for the CDC contact 
personnel.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from Mr. Kevin Moore, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 320, Atlanta, GA 
30305, telephone (404) 842-6550. Programmatic technical assistance may 
be obtained from Mr. Dave Brownell, Program Analyst, Office of the 
Associate Director for HIV AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E40, Atlanta, GA 
30333, telephone (404) 639-2918. Please refer to Announcement Number 
503 when requesting information and when submitting your application in 
response to the announcement.
    Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full 
Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or Healthy People 2000 (Summary 
Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of 
Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, 
telephone (202) 783-3238. Single copies of CDC's Strategic Plan for 
Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection (July 8, 1992) 
can be obtained by calling the CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse at 800-
458-5231.

    Dated: September 26, 1994.
Deborah L. Jones,
Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 94-24191 Filed 9-29-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P