[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 6, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 57439-57442] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-28484] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES [Announcement 702] Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Introduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announce the availability of fiscal year (FY) 1997 funds for the Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention. CDC is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a national activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life. This announcement is related to the priority area of HIV infection. (For ordering 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 Section 317(k)(2) [42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(2)] of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. Smoke-Free Workplace CDC strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and 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 Eligible applicants are non-governmental nonprofit organizations. Thus, universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public and private (e.g., national, regional) organizations and federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian tribes or Indian tribal organizations 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 Program Announcement included in the application kit for additional information). Availability of Funds Approximately $250,000 is available in FY 1997 to fund approximately 10 to 15 awards. It is expected that the average award will be $20,000, ranging from $17,000 to $25,000 and will be funded for a 12-month budget and project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to change. 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 be used for only those parts of the conference specifically supported by CDC as documented in the Notice of Cooperative Agreement (award document). 3. 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. 4. CDC funds may not be used for reimbursement of indirect costs. 5. Although the practice of handing out novelty items at meetings is often employed in the private sector to provide participants with souvenirs, Federal funds may not be used for this purpose. Recipient Financial Participation Part of the cost of the proposed conference must be supported with other than Federal funds. CDC will not fund 100% of the proposed conference. Purpose The purpose of the HIV Prevention Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program is to provide partial support for conferences that stimulate efforts to prevent the transmission of HIV. Because conference support by CDC creates the appearance of CDC co- sponsorship, CDC will actively participate in the development and approval of those portions of the agenda supported by CDC funds. In addition, CDC will reserve the right to approve or reject the content of the full agenda, press events, promotional material (including press releases), speaker selection, and site selection. CDC funds may not be expended for portions of the conference not supported by CDC. 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; 2. Targeted to individuals or organizations involved in HIV prevention efforts; and 3. 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 professionals 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 the current Federal Register notice (see Federal Register Notice 703, (61 FR 19296) published on May 1, 1996). 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, participants, 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 the CDC program office for review and comment. Submit a copy of the final agenda and proposed ancillary activities to the CDC Grants Management Office for acceptance. [[Page 57440]] 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 (LOI) Respondents must submit a two page, typewritten LOI that gives the title, location, date and purpose of the conference, its relationship to the following CDC Topics of Special Interest, 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 programs. LOIs will be reviewed by CDC program staff, and an invitation to submit an application will be made based on the proposed conference's relationship to the CDC topics of special interest and the availability of funds. An invitation to submit an application does not constitute a commitment by CDC to fund the applicant. D. Topics of Special Interest Funding preferences 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 innovative meetings and conferences for individuals and organizations involved in HIV prevention efforts 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- school and out-of- school youth. c. Populations in special settings (e.g., racial and ethnic minorities; out-of-school, high- risk youth; incarcerated persons; men who have sex with men; high-risk drug users; migrant workers). Particular attention will be given to supporting organizations that serve multiple high-risk populations. d. Underserved geographic areas. 2. Development of HIV prevention strategies with a broad range of community partners. Funding preferences are established to include National priorities, to ensure a balance of CDC HIV prevention funding, and to address at-risk populations and geographic areas that are underserved. No preference will be given to organizations that have received funding in past years. National HIV Prevention Goals 1. Increase public understanding of, involvement in, and support for HIV prevention. 2. Prevent or reduce behaviors or practices that place persons at risk for HIV infection or, if already infected, place others at risk. 3. Increase individual knowledge of HIV serostatus and improve referral systems to appropriate prevention and treatment services. Final Application Respondents who are invited by CDC to apply must use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), PHS Grant Application, Form PHS-5161-1 (7/92), OMB Number 0937-0189. Use the evaluation criteria to develop your application. The body of the application MUST BE LIMITED TO 12 PAGES. Any excess pages will not be considered. The following additional information must be included: 1. A Project Summary cover sheet stating the following: A. Name of organization B. Name of conference C. Location of conference D. Date of conference E. Target audience and number F. Dollar amount requested G. Total conference budget 2. Biographical sketches and job descriptions of the individuals responsible for planning and coordinating the conference. 3. A Budget Narrative separately identifying and justifying line items to which the requested Federal funds would be applied. 4. A draft agenda for the proposed conference. 5. Award number and title(s) of funded program(s) for current recipients of CDC HIV funding. Evaluation Criteria Applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the following criteria (Total points available is 100). 1. Proposed Program and Technical Approach: (50 Points) A. 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. B. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the conference based on the operational plan, and the extent to which evaluation mechanisms for the conference adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target participants. C. The relevance and effectiveness of the proposed agenda in addressing the chosen HIV prevention/education topic. D. The degree to which conference activities proposed for CDC funding strictly adhere to the prevention of HIV transmission. [[Page 57441]] 2. Applicant Capability: (25 Points) A. The adequacy and commitment of institutional resources to administer the program. B. The adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources for conducting conference activities. C. 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 (limit of 5) from such agencies addressing related capability and experience should be obtained to demonstrate the linkages specific to the conference. Letters that do not pertain directly to the proposed conference will not be considered. 3. Qualifications of Program Personnel: (25 Points) A. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal staff person, and his/her ability to devote adequate time and effort to provide effective leadership. B. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, and speakers to accomplish conference objectives. C. The degree to which the application demonstrates that all key personnel have knowledge 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. 4. 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. Executive Order 12372 Review This program is not subject to the Executive Order 12372 review. 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. Program Review Panel Recipients must comply with the document entitled Content of HIV/ AIDS-Related Written Materials, Pictorials, Audiovisuals, Questionnaires, Survey Instruments, and Educational Sessions in Centers for Disease Control Assistance Programs (June 1992) (a copy is in the application kit). To meet the requirements for a Program Review Panel, recipients are encouraged to use an existing Program Review Panel such as the one created by the State health department's HIV/AIDS 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 educational agency, consistent with the 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 Deadlines The original and two copies of the LOI must be postmarked by December 6, 1996, to be considered. Successful respondents will receive a written request to submit an application for funding; unsuccessful respondents will be also notified in writing. A request to submit an application does not constitute a commitment to fund the applicant. The original and two copies of the invited application must be submitted on PHS Form 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-0189) by February 14, 1997. The earliest possible award date is March 24, 1997, and the earliest possible conference date is April 30, 1997. Invited applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline date and sent to Van Malone, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office (Ann. #702), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS E-15, 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Atlanta, GA 30305. 1. Deadline: Letters of Intent and invited 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 receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.) 2. LOIs and Applications that do not meet the criteria in 1.(a) or 1.(b) above are considered late applications and late LOIs. Late applications and late LOIs will not be considered in the current competition 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 telephone number, and will need to refer to Announcement Number 702. You will receive a copy of the program announcement, a list of the relevant Healthy People 2000 HIV objectives, and the addresses and telephone numbers for CDC contact personnel. The announcement is also available through the CDC homepage on the Internet. The address for the CDC homepage is http:// www.cdc.gov. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or express mail unless the cost for the latter is paid by the addressee. If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained from Ms. Susie Ingram, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Atlanta, GA 30305, telephone (404) 842-6777. Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Ms. Linda LaChanse, Program Analyst, Training and Technical Support Systems Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/STD/TB Prevention, 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 702 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) 512-1800. 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. [[Page 57442]] Dated: October 31, 1996. Joseph R. Carter, Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [FR Doc. 96-28484 Filed 11-5-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P