[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 140 (Friday, July 21, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37646-37648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18024]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[Announcement Number 539]


Cooperative Agreement for Provider-Based Emerging Infections 
Sentinel Networks

Introduction

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1995 funds to provide assistance for 
the establishment of one to three provider-based Emerging Infections 
Sentinel Networks (EISN). These networks will assess emerging 
infectious diseases, including drug-resistant, food borne and 
waterborne, and vaccine-preventable or potentially vaccine-preventable 
diseases.
    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 Immunization and Infectious Diseases. (For ordering a 
copy of Healthy People 2000, see the section Where to Obtain Additional 
Information.)

Authority

    This program is authorized under Sections 301 and 317 of the Public 
Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 241 and 247b, as amended.

Smoke-Free Workplace

    PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and to promote the non-use of all tobacco products, and 
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in 
certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education, 
library, day care, health care, and early childhood development 
services are provided to children.

Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private, nonprofit and 
for-profit organizations and governments and their agencies. Thus, 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private organizations, State and local governments or their bona 
fide agents, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian 
tribes or Indian tribal organizations, and small, minority-and/or 
women-owned businesses are eligible to apply.

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $250,000 is available in FY 1995 to fund one to three 
awards. It is expected that the average award will be $125,000, ranging 
from $75,000 to $250,000. It is expected that awards will begin on or 
about September 30, 1995, and will be made for a 12-month budget period 
within a project period of up to five years. Funding estimates may vary 
and are subject to change. Continuation awards within an approved 
project period will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress and 
availability of funds.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist recipients 
in establishing EISNs for assessing emerging infections. These networks 
will be valuable in learning about specific problems in emerging 
infectious diseases and also in serving as readily accessible 
surveillance mechanisms to address emergent public health infectious 
disease problems rapidly.
    A list of potential provider-based EISNs and possible subject areas 
for surveillance follows. This list is provided for illustration, not 
to limit the proposed range of provider-based EISNs or specific 
projects.

--Adult Infectious Diseases Practitioners (e.g., encephalitis, febrile 
deaths of unknown etiology). These could be combined with a network of 
pediatric infectious disease practitioners.
--Pediatric Infectious Disease Practitioners (e.g., encephalitis, 
otitis media refractory to antibiotics, group A streptococcal 
complications of varicella). These could be combined with a network of 
adult infectious disease practitioners.
--Emergency Departments (e.g., bloody diarrhea, first- time seizures 
possibly caused by cysticercosis, patterns of use of post-exposure 
rabies prophylaxis).
--Travel Medicine Clinics (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, other parasitic 
diseases in travelers).
--Clinical Microbiology Laboratories (e.g., drug- resistant infections, 
infections by new or unusual organisms).
--Family Practitioners (e.g., community-acquired pneumonia).
--Internists
--Pediatricians (e.g., otitis media treatment failures, rash and fever 
where no vaccine-preventable disease is identified).

[[Page 37647]]


Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient shall be responsible for the activities under A., below, 
and CDC shall be responsible for conducting activities under B., below:

A. Recipient Activities

    1. Establish an EISN by developing a new sentinel network for 
assessing emerging infectious diseases or modifying or expanding an 
existing network. Organize the EISN around a specific group of 
providers, i.e., blood banks, clinical microbiology laboratories, 
emergency rooms, family practitioners, gynecologists, internists, 
infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, medical examiners, 
travel and tropical medicine clinics, etc. EISNs must be sufficiently 
flexible to be engaged swiftly to address emergent problems in 
infectious diseases.
    2. In collaboration with CDC, conduct one or more specific emerging 
infectious disease surveillance projects focused on particular 
syndromes, diseases, conditions, events, etc.
    3. Analyze, present, and publish the results of surveillance 
projects collaboratively with CDC.
    4. In collaboration with CDC:
    a. Focus and/or redirect surveillance projects as indicated through 
critical review of data and evaluation of various surveillance 
projects; and
    b. Consider and initiate novel methods of surveillance for emerging 
infectious diseases; develop and modify as necessary methods for 
management and communication of information commensurate with 
requirements of the network.
    5. Monitor and evaluate scientific and operational accomplishments 
of the EISN and progress in achieving the purpose and overall goals of 
this program.

B. CDC Activities

    1. Provide consultation and scientific and technical assistance in 
establishing the EISN and in designing and conducting specific 
surveillance projects. Participate in the selection of EISN projects 
and collaborate as necessary to address new emerging infectious disease 
issues.
    2. Participate in analysis, publication, and dissemination of 
information and data gathered from EISN projects.
    3. Assist in monitoring and evaluating scientific and operational 
accomplishments of the EISN and progress in achieving the purpose and 
overall goals of this program.

Evaluation Criteria

    The applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the 
following criteria:
1. Understanding the Objectives of the EISN (10 points)
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear 
understanding of the objectives of this cooperative agreement program.
2. Capacity (30 points)
    a. For new networks, the extent to which the applicant demonstrates 
the capacity to establish a provider-based EISN, including description 
of the applicant's qualifications and standing to represent a group of 
providers in a national network and a description of the professional 
relationships that qualify applicant to propose an EISN representative 
of a group of providers.
    For existing networks, the extent to which the applicant describes 
how it fills the need for an EISN; the extent to which the applicant 
describes the niche that the proposed EISN will fill that is not 
currently filled by other surveillance systems. The extent to which the 
applicant comments on the long-term potential of the network to provide 
important information for public health.
    b. The extent to which the applicant describes past experience in 
conducting infectious disease surveillance and/or applied research in 
infectious diseases, particularly public health-related work. The 
extent to which the applicant describes past experience in conducting 
surveillance specifically for emerging infectious diseases, including 
drug-resistant, food borne and waterborne, and vaccine-preventable or 
potentially vaccine-preventable diseases.
    c. The extent to which the applicant provides letters of support 
from non-applicant participating agencies, institutions, organizations, 
individuals, consultants, etc., identified in applicant's operational 
plan. The extent to which the letters of support clearly indicate the 
signatory's willingness to participate in the EISN (e.g., as sources of 
surveillance information or members of the network).
3. Operational Plan (40 points)
    a. The extent to which the applicant distinguishes whether the EISN 
is an extension of an existing surveillance network or a new network. 
If it is an extension of an existing network, the extent to which the 
applicant provides a complete and detailed description of the existing 
network.
    b. The extent to which applicant provides a detailed and time-
phased plan for establishing and operating the EISN, which clearly 
describes the proposed organizational and operating structure/
procedures for accomplishing all Recipient Activities. The extent to 
which the applicant describes agreements currently in place with 
potential participants in the network, describes what new agreements 
with potential participants will be necessary, and the likelihood that 
these agreements can be implemented promptly. The extent to which the 
applicant intends and describes plans to collaborate with CDC in the 
establishment and operation of the EISN and in the planning of 
individual surveillance projects, including planning and development of 
projects, management and analysis of data, and synthesis and 
dissemination of findings. The extent to which applicant's plan is 
consistent with and adequate to accomplish the purpose and objectives 
of this program.
    c. The extent to which the applicant clearly identifies and 
describes the EISN participants/sources of surveillance information. 
The extent to which the applicant describes the structure of the EISN 
``network'', such as number, location, etc., of sites or surveillance 
information sources. The extent to which the applicant describes 
procedures and mechanisms to transfer information between EISN 
participants and the central data collection point.
    d. The extent to which the applicant's proposed specific 
surveillance projects are appropriate for the participants/sources in 
the network and address significant emerging syndromes, diseases, 
conditions, events, etc. The extent to which applicant clearly 
identifies specific diseases or conditions (e.g., notifiable diseases, 
food borne and waterborne diseases, and drug-resistant infections) 
which will be addressed. The extent to which the applicant describes 
how cases will be defined, what information will be collected for each 
case, and the likelihood that such cases will occur with sufficient 
frequency to provide useful public health information. The extent to 
which these projects appear feasible and the likelihood they can be 
successfully conducted.
    e. The extent to which the applicant clearly describes how its 
design for the EISN is flexible and able to swiftly address new public 
health challenges in infectious diseases.
    f. The extent to which the applicant describes an appropriate and 
effective process for providing necessary information to State and 
local health departments and appropriate others about findings related 
to notifiable conditions.

[[Page 37648]]

4. Project Management and Staffing (10 points)
    The extent to which applicant identifies professional and support 
staff who have the knowledge, experience, and authority to carry out 
recipient activities as evidenced by job descriptions, curricula vitae, 
organizational charts, etc.
5. Evaluation (10 points)
    The quality of the proposed plan for monitoring progress in 
achieving the purpose and overall goals of this program.
6. Budget (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the proposed budget is reasonable, clearly 
justifiable, and consistent with the intended use of cooperative 
agreement funds.

Executive Order 12372 Review

    Applications are subject to Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs as governed by Executive Order (E.O.) 12372. E.O. 12372 sets 
up a system for State and local government review of proposed Federal 
assistance applications. Applicants (other than federally recognized 
Indian tribal governments) should contact their State Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC) as early as possible to alert them to the prospective 
applications and receive any necessary instructions on the State 
process. For proposed projects serving more than one State, the 
applicant is advised to contact the SPOC for each affected State. A 
current list of SPOCs is included in the application kit. Indian tribes 
are strongly encouraged to request tribal government review of the 
proposed application. If SPOCs or tribal governments have any process 
recommendations on applications submitted to CDC, they should forward 
them 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., Mailstop E-18, Room 
314, Atlanta, GA 30305. The due date for State process recommendations 
is 30 days after the application deadline date for new and competing 
continuation awards. (A waiver for the 60 day requirement has been 
requested). The granting agency does not guarantee to ``accommodate or 
explain'' for State process recommendations it receives after that 
date.

Public Health System Reporting Requirements

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

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.283.

Other Requirements

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Projects that involve the collection of information from ten or 
more individuals and funded by the cooperative agreement will be 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Application Submission and Deadline

    The original and two copies of the application Form PHS-5161-1 
(Revised 7/92, OMB Control Number 0937-0189) must be submitted 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 314, Mailstop E-
18, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, on or before August 21, 1995.
    1. Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the 
deadline if they are either:
    a. Received on or before the deadline date; or
    b. Sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for 
submission to the objective review group. (Applicants must request a 
legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated 
receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private 
metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
    2. Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
in 1.a. or 1.b., above, are considered late applications. Late 
applications will not be considered in the current competition and will 
be returned to the applicant.

Where To Obtain Additional Information

    A complete program description and information on application 
procedures are contained in the application package. Business 
management technical assistance may be obtained from Gordon R. Clapp, 
Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and 
Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 
East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 314, Mailstop E-18, Atlanta, Georgia 
30305, telephone (404) 842-6508.
    Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Robert W. 
Pinner, M.D., Special Assistant for Surveillance, Office of the 
Director, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), Mailstop C-12, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., 
Atlanta, Georgia 30333, telephone (404) 639-2603.
    Please refer to Announcement Number 539 when requesting information 
regarding this program.
    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) referenced in the INTRODUCTION 
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 512- 1800.
    Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Addressing Emerging 
Infectious Disease Threats: A Prevention Strategy for the United States 
through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National 
Center for Infectious Diseases, Office of Planning and Health 
Communication--EP, Mailstop C-14, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, 
Georgia 30333. Requests may also be sent by facsimile to (404) 639-
3039.

    Dated: July 17, 1995.
Joseph R. Carter,
Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
[FR Doc. 95-18024 Filed 7-20-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P