[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1385-1388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-566]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[Announcement Number 611]


Grants for Violence-Related Injury Prevention Research Notice of 
Availability of Funds for Fiscal Year 1996

Introduction

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces 
applications are being accepted for Violence-Related Injury Prevention 
Research Grants for fiscal year (FY) 1996. 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 Violent and 
Abusive Behavior (To order a copy of ``Healthy People 2000,'' see the 
Section ``Where to Obtain Additional Information.'')

Authority

    This program is authorized under Sections 301, 391, 393, and 394 of 
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241, 280b, 280b-1a and 280-b-
3). Program regulations are set forth in Title 42 CFR, Part 52.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include all non-profit and for-profit 
organizations. Thus State and local health departments, State and local 
governmental agencies, universities, colleges, research institutions, 
and other public and private organizations, including small, minority 
and/or woman-owned businesses are eligible for these research grants. 
Current holders of CDC injury control research projects are eligible to 
apply.

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, child care, health care, and early childhood development 
services are provided to children.

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $1.2 million is expected to be available for injury 
research grants in the areas of suicidal behavior, assaultive behavior 
among youth, and family and intimate violence. The specific program 
priorities for these funding opportunities are outlined with examples 
in this announcement under the section, ``Programmatic Priorities.'' It 
is expected that the awards will begin on or about September 1, 1996, 
and will be made for a 12-month budget period within the appropriate 
(see below) project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject 
to change.
    For research projects targeted at areas of suicidal behavior and 
assaultive behavior among youth, approximately $500,000 is available to 
fund 2-3 grants. Each grant will be supported for a maximum project 
period of three years at $250,000 per year (including both direct and 
indirect costs).
    For research projects targeted on family and intimate violence, 
approximately $500,000 is available to fund 2-3 grants. Each grant will 
be supported for a maximum project period of three years at $250,000 
per year (including both direct and indirect costs). In addition, 
$200,000 (including both direct and indirect costs) is available for 
one research project for population-based research to define the 
occurrence of injury and disability among women as a result of violence 
by their intimate partner. Awards will be made for a 12-month budget 
period within a project period not to exceed three years. 

[[Page 1386]]

    Grant applications that exceed the $250,000 or $200,000 per year 
caps will be returned to the investigator as non-responsive. Special 
consideration may be given to grant applicants who request smaller 
amounts of funding for project periods of one or two years duration. 
Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis 
of satisfactory progress demonstrated by investigators at work-in-
progress monitoring workshops, the achievement of workplan milestones 
reflected in the continuation application, and the availability of 
Federal funds. In addition, continuation awards will be eligible for 
increased funding to offset inflationary costs depending upon the 
availability of funds.

    Note: Grant funds will not be made available to support the 
provision of direct care services.

    Eligible applicants may enter into contracts, including consortia 
agreements (as set forth in the PHS Grants Policy Statement) as 
necessary to meet the requirements of the program and strengthen the 
overall application.

Purpose

    The purposes of this program are to:
    A. Build the scientific base for the prevention of injuries and 
deaths due to violence in the following three priority areas: suicidal 
behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and intimate partner 
violence as delineated in ``Injury Control in the 1990s: A National 
Plan for Action,'' (Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, 1993) and ``Healthy People 2000.''
    B. Identify effective strategies to prevent violence-related 
injuries.
    C. Expand the development and evaluation of current and new 
intervention methods and strategies for the primary prevention of 
violence-related injuries.
    D. Encourage professionals from a wide spectrum of disciplines such 
as medicine, health care, public health, criminal justice, and 
behavioral and social sciences, to undertake research to prevent and 
control injuries from assaultive youth behavior, family and intimate 
violence, and suicidal behavior.
    E. Encourage the training of pre-doctoral minority investigators to 
work in the area of violence research.

Program Requirements

    The following are applicant requirements:
    A. A principal investigator who has conducted research, published 
the findings, and has specific authority and responsibility to carry 
out the proposed project.
    B. Demonstrated experience in conducting, evaluating, and 
publishing injury control research on the applicant's project team.
    C. Effective and well-defined working relationships within the 
performing organization and with outside entities which will ensure 
implementation of the proposed activities.
    D. The ability to carry out injury control research projects.
    E. The overall match between the applicant's proposed theme and 
research objectives, and the program priorities as described under the 
heading, Programmatic Priorities.

Programmatic Priorities

    Grant applicants should concentrate on the need to reduce 
morbidity, mortality, and disabilities caused by suicidal behavior, 
assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate partner 
violence.
    Applicants are encouraged to propose research that (1) enhances our 
understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors that may 
affect the frequency and severity of suicidal and assaultive behavior 
among youth; and (2) evaluates policies, programs, or interventions 
that may reduce suicidal and assaultive behavior among youth via the 
modification of social, economic, and environmental factors.
    Applicants are also encouraged to propose research that (1) 
addresses and defines the needs of mothers and children in families 
where intimate partner violence occurs, and (2) utilizies population-
based research that focuses on the occurrence of injury and disability 
among women as a result of intimate partner violence.
    Examples of possible projects listed under the priority areas below 
are by no means exhaustive. Innovative alternative approaches are 
encouraged.

Injury From Suicidal and Assaultive Behavior

    (1) Enhancing our understanding of social, economic, and 
environmental factors that may affect suicidal behavior:
     Study how choice of method (firearm, overdosing, etc.) in 
planning or attempting suicidal behavior is influenced by cultural, 
social, or environmental factors.
     Conduct research to determine the nature of suicide risk 
among gay and lesbian persons in comparison to the general population.
     Evaluate policies, programs, or interventions that may 
reduce suicidal behavior via the modification of social, economic, or 
environmental circumstances.
     Assess the effectiveness of interventions that attempt to 
remove access to lethal means in reducing injury and severity of injury 
from suicidal behavior.
    (2) Enhancing our understanding of the importance of social and 
economic factors that influence assaultive behavior among youth:
     Study why many socioeconomically disadvantaged youth do 
not engage in assaultive behavior despite their socioeconomic status.
     Undertake research to increase our understanding of 
relationships between poverty and assaultive behavior among youth.
     Study how unequal access to criminal justice, health care, 
and educational systems is related to assaultive behavior.
     Evaluate policies, programs, or interventions that may 
reduce assaultive behavior among youth via the modification of social 
or economic circumstances.

Family and Intimate Violence Prevention

    (1) Address and define the needs of mothers and children in 
families where intimate violence occurs.
     Undertake research to determine effective interventions 
for mothers and children in families with ongoing violence.
     Conduct studies to determine which mothers and children 
are most likely to be helped by interventions designed for families 
with ongoing violence.
     Examine variables related to mothers, children, and 
families that may predict intervention effectiveness.
     Conduct studies related to the impact of children 
witnessing violence in their families.
    (2) Define the incidence or prevalence of functional limitations 
and disabilities among women as a result of intimate partner violence.
     Quantify injuries sustained (nature and severity) and 
subsequent short and long-term (1-year) functional limitations and 
disability.
     Quantify the use of acute care, mental health, 
rehabilitation, and social services.
     Identify risk factors for adverse outcomes.
    Also of interest is research that more accurately defines the cost 
of violent injuries and the cost effectiveness or prevention 
effectiveness of interventions. Cost analysis should be included in the 
plans, where appropriate, to evaluate an intervention(s) that addresses 
one of the three priority areas of violence-related 

[[Page 1387]]
injury research previously outlined, (i.e., suicidal behavior, 
assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate violence). A 
more complete discussion of methodologies for assessing cost analysis 
is presented in ``A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of 
Disease and Injury Prevention,'' (CDC, ``Morbidity and Mortality Weekly 
Report,'' March 27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11). (To 
receive information on these reports see the section Where to Obtain 
Additional Information.)

Evaluation Criteria

    Upon receipt, applications will be screened by CDC staff for 
completeness and responsiveness as outlined under the previous heading, 
Program Requirements (A-E). Incomplete applications and applications 
that are not responsive will be returned to the applicant without 
further consideration. Applications which are complete and responsive 
may be subjected to a preliminary evaluation by a peer review group to 
determine if the application is of sufficient technical and scientific 
merit to warrant further review (triage); the CDC will withdraw from 
further consideration applications judged to be noncompetitive and 
promptly notify the principal investigator/program director and the 
official signing for the applicant organization. Those applications 
judged to be competitive will be further evaluated by a dual review 
process. Awards will be made based on priority score ranking by the 
Injury Research Grants Review Committee (IRGRC), programmatic 
priorities and needs by the Advisory Committee for Injury Prevention 
and Control, and the availability of funds.
    A. The first review following the preliminary review will be a peer 
review to be conducted on all applications. Factors to be considered 
will include:
    1. The specific aims of the research project, i.e., the broad long-
term objectives, the intended accomplishment of the specific research 
proposal, and the hypothesis to be tested.
    2. The background of the proposal, i.e., the basis for the present 
proposal, the critical evaluation of existing knowledge, and specific 
identification of the injury control knowledge gaps which the proposal 
is intended to fill.
    3. The significance and originality from a scientific or technical 
standpoint of the specific aims of the proposed research, including the 
adequacy of the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research.
    4. For competitive renewal applications, the progress made during 
the prior project period. For new applications, (optional) the progress 
of preliminary studies pertinent to the application.
    5. The adequacy of the proposed research design, approaches, and 
methodology to carry out the research, including quality assurance 
procedures, plan for data management, statistical analysis plan, and 
plans for inclusion of minorities and both sexes.
    6. The extent to which the evaluation plan will allow for the 
measurement of progress toward the achievement of the stated 
objectives.
    7. Qualifications, adequacy, and appropriateness of personnel to 
accomplish the proposed activities, including pre-doctoral minority 
investigator(s).
    8. The degree of commitment and cooperation of other interested 
parties (as evidenced by letters detailing the nature and extent of the 
involvement).
    9. The reasonableness of the proposed budget to the proposed 
research and demonstration program.
    10. Adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources.
    11. An explanation of how the research findings will lead to 
feasible, cost-effective injury interventions.
    B. The second review will be conducted by the Advisory Committee 
for Injury Prevention and Control. The factors to be considered will 
include:
    1. The results of the peer review.
    2. The significance of the proposed activities in relation to the 
objectives outlined under the section, Programmatic Priorities.
    3. National needs.
    4. Overall distribution among:
     The three priority areas of violence-related injury 
research: suicidal behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and 
family and intimate violence;
     The major disciplines of violence-related injury 
prevention: social and behavioral science, biomechanics, and 
epidemiology;
     Populations addressed (e.g., adolescents, racial and 
ethnic minorities, the elderly, children, urban, rural).
    5. Budgetary considerations (e.g., preference may be given to 
applicants who submit proposals requesting funding for research 
projects of one to two years duration).
    6. Additional consideration will be given to those applicants who 
provide evidence of an injury research training program for pre-
doctoral minority investigators.
    C. Continued Funding: Continuation awards made after FY 1996, but 
within the project period, will be made on the basis of the 
availability of funds and the following criteria:
    1. The accomplishments reflected in the progress report of the 
continuation application indicate that the applicant is meeting 
previously stated objectives or milestones contained in the project's 
annual workplan and satisfactory progress has been demonstrated through 
monitoring presentations or work-in-progress workshops;
    2. The objectives for the new budget period are realistic, 
specific, and measurable;
    3. The methods described will clearly lead to achievement of these 
objectives;
    4. The evaluation plan will allow management to monitor whether the 
methods are effective; and
    5. The budget request is clearly explained, adequately justified, 
reasonable and consistent with the intended use of grant funds.

Executive Order 12372 Review

    Applications are not subject to the review requirements of 
Executive Order 12372 review.

Public Health System Reporting Requirement

    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 93.136.

Other Requirements

Human Subjects

    If the proposed project involves research on human subjects, the 
applicant must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services 
Regulations, 45 CFR Part 46, regarding the protection of human 
subjects. Assurance must be provided to demonstrate that the project 
will be subject to initial and continuing review by an appropriate 
institutional review committee. The applicant will be responsible for 
providing assurance in accordance with the appropriate guidelines and 
forms provided in the application kit.

Animal Subjects

    If the proposed project involves research on animal subjects, the 
applicant must comply with the ``PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of 
Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions.'' An applicant organization 
proposing to use vertebrate animals in PHS-supported activities must 
file an Animal Welfare Assurance with the 

[[Page 1388]]
Office of Protection from Research Risks at the National Institutes of 
Health.

Women and Minority Inclusion Policy

    It is the policy of the CDC to ensure that women and racial and 
ethnic groups will be included in CDC supported research projects 
involving human subjects, whenever feasible and appropriate. Racial and 
ethnic groups are those defined in OMB Directive No. 15 and include 
American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, Black and 
Hispanic. Applicants shall ensure that women, racial and ethnic 
minority populations are appropriately represented in applications for 
research involving human subjects. Where clear and compelling rationale 
exist that inclusion is inappropriate or not feasible, this situation 
must be explained as part of the application. In conducting the review 
of applications for scientific merit, review groups will evaluate 
proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and both sexes as part of 
the scientific assessment and assigned score. This policy does not 
apply to research studies when the investigator cannot control the 
race, ethnicity and/or sex of subjects. Further guidance to this policy 
is contained in the Federal Register, Vol. 60, No. 179, Friday, 
September 15, 1995, pages 47947-47951.

Application Submission and Deadlines

A. Preapplication Letter of Intent
    Although not a prerequisite of application, a non-binding letter of 
intent-to-apply is requested from potential applicants. The letter 
should be submitted to the Grants Management Specialist (whose address 
is reflected in section B, ``Applications''). It should be postmarked 
no later than one month prior to the planned submission deadline, 
(e.g., February 14 for March 14 submission). The letter should identify 
the announcement number, name the principal investigator, and specify 
the priority area of violence-related injury research (i.e., suicidal 
behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate 
violence) addressed by the proposed project. The letter of intent does 
not influence review or funding decisions, but it will enable CDC to 
plan the review more efficiently, and will ensure that each applicant 
receives timely and relevant information prior to application 
submission.
B. Applications
    Applicants should use Form PHS-398 (OMB No. 0925-0001 Revised 5/95) 
and adhere to the ERRATA Instruction Sheet for Form PHS-398 contained 
in the Grant Application Kit. Please submit an original and five 
copies, on or before March 14, 1996, to: Lisa G. Tamaroff, Grants 
Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East 
Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 321, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
C. Deadlines
    1. Applications shall be considered as meeting a deadline if they 
are either:
    A. Received at the above address on or before the deadline date, or
    B. Sent on or before the deadline date to the above address, and 
received in time for the review process. 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 shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailings.
    2. Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered 
late applications and will be returned to the applicant.

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 611. You will receive a complete program 
description, information on application procedures, and application 
forms. The announcement is also available through the CDC homepage on 
the Internet. The address for the CDC home page is [http://
www.cdc.gov]. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or 
express mail.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from Lisa Tamaroff, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Mailstop E-13, 
Atlanta, GA 30305, telephone (404) 842-6796.
    Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Ted Jones, 
Project Officer, Extramural Research Grants Branch, National Center for 
Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), Mailstop K-58, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Atlanta, GA 
30341-3724, telephone (404) 488-4824.
    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) 512-1800.
    Copies of ``Injury Control in the 1990s: A National Plan for 
Action,'' (Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1993) 
and ``A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease and Injury 
Prevention,'' (CDC, ``Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,'' March 
27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11) may be obtained by 
calling (404) 488-4265.
    Information for obtaining the suggested readings, ``Violence and 
the Public's Health,'' ``Understanding and Preventing Violence,'' and 
``Violence in America: A Public Health Approach,'' is included on a 
separate sheet with the application kit.

    Dated: January 11, 1996.
Joseph R. Carter,
Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 96-566 Filed 1-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P