[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23246-23250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10967]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
[Announcement 803]


Public Health Conference Support Grant Program

Introduction

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency 
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announce the expected 
availability of funds in fiscal year (FY) 1998 for the Public Health 
Conference Support Grant Program.
    CDC and ATSDR are 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 all of the Healthy People 2000 
priority areas, except HIV Infection. (An announcement for HIV 
entitled, ``Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement 
Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention'' will be 
published.) (For ordering a copy of ``Healthy People 2000,'' see the 
Section ``Where To Obtain Additional Information.'')

Authority

    The CDC program is authorized under Section 301 [42 U.S.C. 241] of 
the Public Health Service Act. The ATSDR program is authorized under 
Sections 104(i)(14) and (15) of the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, 
[42 U.S.C. 9604 (i)(14) and (15)].

[[Page 23247]]

Smoke-Free Workplace

    CDC and ATSDR strongly encourage all grant recipients to provide a 
smoke-free workplace and promote the nonuse of all tobacco products, 
and Pub. L. 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

    CDC eligible applicants include public and private (e.g., 
community-based, national and regional organizations) nonprofit 
organizations and governments and their agencies. Thus, universities, 
colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public and private 
non-profit 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 non-profit businesses are eligible for these grants.
    ATSDR eligible applicants are the official public health agencies 
of the States, or their bona fide agents. This includes the District of 
Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Northern Mariana 
Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Island, the Republic of Palau, 
and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. State 
organizations, including State universities, State colleges, and State 
research institutions, must establish that they meet their respective 
State's legislature definition of a State entity or political 
subdivision to be considered an eligible applicant.

    Note: Effective January 1, 1996, Pub. L. 104-65 states than an 
organization described in section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 which engages in lobbying activities shall not be 
eligible for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an award, 
grant (cooperative agreement), contract, loan, or any other form.

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $500,000 from CDC is expected to be available in FY 
1998 to fund approximately 25-30 awards. The awards range from $1,000 
to $30,000 with the average award being approximately $15,000. The 
awards will be made for a 12-month budget and project period. The 
funding estimates may vary and are subject to change, based on the 
availability of funds.
    ATSDR expects to have approximately $50,000 available in FY 1998 to 
fund approximately six awards. It is expected that the average award 
will be $8,000, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Applications requesting 
funds in excess of $10,000 may not be fully funded, depending upon 
availability of funds. The awards will be made for a 12-month budget 
and project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to 
change.

Use of Funds

     CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for direct cost 
expenditures: salaries, speaker fees, rental of necessary equipment, 
registration fees, and transportation costs (not to exceed economy 
class fare) for non-Federal individuals.
     CDC and ATSDR funds may not be used for the purchase of 
equipment, payments of honoraria, alterations or renovations, 
organizational dues, entertainment or personal expenses, cost of travel 
and payment of a Federal employee, nor per diem or expenses other than 
local mileage for local participants.
     CDC and ATSDR funds may not be used for reimbursement of 
indirect costs.
     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.
     CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for only those parts of 
the conference specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in 
the grant award.
     CDC and ATSDR will not fund 100% of any conference 
proposed under this announcement.
     CDC and ATSDR will not fund a conference after it has 
taken place.

Background

    CDC supports local, State, academic, national and international 
health efforts to prevent unnecessary disease, disability, and 
premature death, and to improve the quality of life. This support often 
takes the form of education, and the transfer of high quality research 
findings and public health strategies and practices through symposia, 
seminars and workshops. Through the support of conferences and meetings 
of important players in the areas of public health research, education, 
and prevention application, CDC is meeting its overall goal of 
dissemination and implementation of new cost effective intervention 
strategies.
    ATSDR's systematic approaches are needed for linking applicable 
resources in public health with individuals and organizations involved 
in the practice of applying such research. Mechanisms are also needed 
to shorten the time frame between the development of disease prevention 
and health promotion techniques and their practical application. ATSDR 
believes that conferences and similar meetings that permit individuals 
engaged in health research, education, and application (related to 
actual and/or potential human exposure to toxic substances) to interact 
are critical for the development and implementation of effective 
programs to prevent adverse health effects from hazardous substances.

Purpose

    The purpose of the CDC and ATSDR conference support grants is to 
provide PARTIAL support for specific non-Federal conferences in the 
areas of health promotion and disease prevention information/education 
programs (Except HIV Infection).
    CDC applications are being solicited for conferences on:
    (1) Chronic disease prevention; (2) infectious disease prevention; 
(3) control of injury or disease associated with environmental, home, 
and work-place hazards; (4) environmental health; (5) occupational 
safety and health; (6) control of risk factors such as poor nutrition, 
smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and physical stress; 
(7) health education and promotion; (8) laboratory practices; and (9) 
efforts that would strengthen the public health system.
    ATSDR applications are being solicited for conferences on: (1) 
Health effects of hazardous substances in the environment; (2) disease 
and toxic substance exposure registries; (3) hazardous substance 
removal and remediation; (4) emergency response to toxic and 
environmental disasters; (5) risk communication; (6) environmental 
disease surveillance; and (7) investigation and research on hazardous 
substances in the environment.
    Because conference support by CDC and ATSDR creates the appearance 
of CDC and ATSDR co-sponsorship, there will be active participation by 
CDC and ATSDR in the development and approval of those portions of the 
agenda supported by CDC and ATSDR funds. In addition, CDC and ATSDR 
will reserve the right to approve or reject the content of the full 
agenda, press events, promotional materials (including press releases), 
speaker selection, and site selection. CDC and ATSDR funds will not be 
expended for non-approved portions of meetings. Contingency awards will 
be made allowing usage of only 10% of the total amount to be awarded 
until a final full agenda is

[[Page 23248]]

approved by CDC and ATSDR. This will provide funds for costs associated 
with preparation of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released 
only upon approval of the final full agenda. CDC and ATSDR reserve the 
right to terminate co-sponsorship if they do not concur with the final 
agenda.
     Any conference sponsored by CDC or ATSDR shall be held in 
facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required by the 
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). 
Accessibility as per ADAAG also addresses accommodations for persons 
with sensory impairments.
     The conference organizer(s) may use CDC's name only in 
factual publicity for the conference, and should understand that CDC 
involvement in the conference does not necessarily indicate support for 
the organizer's general policies, activities, products or service.
    Because CDC's and ATSDR's missions and programs relate to the 
promotion of health and the prevention of disease, disability, and 
premature death, only conferences focusing on such programmatic areas 
will be considered. Those topics concerned with health-care and health-
service issues and areas other than prevention should be directed to 
other public health agencies.

Recipient Requirements

    CDC and ATSDR grantees must meet the following requirements:
    A. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, attendees, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speakers, fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of 
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC and ATSDR 
project personnel.
    B. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to CDC and ATSDR for approval. Submit copy of final full 
agenda and proposed ancillary activities to CDC and ATSDR for approval.
    C. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press, etc.). CDC and ATSDR must review 
and approve any materials with reference to CDC and ATSDR involvement 
or support.
    D. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitees, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and hand-outs, badges, registration procedures, etc.).
    E. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    F. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the 
impact on prevention. Adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, 
and behaviors of the target attendees.
    G. ATSDR grantees must develop and conduct education and training 
programs on prevention of health effects of hazardous substances.
    H. ATSDR grantees must collaborate with ATSDR staff in reporting 
and disseminating results and relevant prevention education and 
training information to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, 
and the general public.

Technical Reporting Requirements

    An original and two copies of the financial status and performance 
reports are due 90 days after the end of the budget/project period. The 
performance report should include: (1) Grant number; (2) title of the 
conference; (3) name of the principal investigator, program director, 
or coordinator; (4) name of the organization that conducted the 
conference; (5) a copy of the agenda; (6) a list of individuals who 
participated in the formally planned sessions of the meeting; and (7) a 
summarization of the results of the meeting, including a discussion of 
the accomplishments related to stated conference objectives.
    With the prior approval of CDC and ATSDR, copies of proceedings or 
publications resulting from the conference may be substituted for the 
performance report, provided they contain the information requested in 
items (1) through (7) above.

Letter of Intent

    Potential applicants must submit an original and two copies of a 
one-page typewritten Letter of Intent (LOI) that briefly describes the 
title, location, purpose, and date of the proposed conference and the 
intended audience (number and profession). The LOI must 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 and 
ATSDR.
    Requests for 100% funding will be considered non-responsive to this 
program announcement and returned to applicant without review. Current 
recipients of CDC and ATSDR funding must provide the award number and 
title of the funded programs. No attachments, booklets, or other 
documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. The one page 
limitation (inclusive of letterhead and signatures), must be observed 
or the Letter of Intent will be returned without review.
    Letters of Intent will be reviewed by program staff for consistency 
with:
     CDC's mission of health promotion and disease prevention 
goals, agency priorities, and the purpose of this program; and
     ATSDR's mission to prevent exposure and adverse human 
health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure 
to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other 
sources of pollution present in the environment.
    Following submission of a LOI, successful potential applicants will 
receive written notification to submit an application for funding. 
Applications may be accepted by CDC and ATSDR only after the LOI has 
been received by CDC and ATSDR and written invitation from CDC and 
ATSDR has been received by prospective applicant. An invitation to 
submit a final application will be made on the basis of the proposed 
conference's relationship to the CDC and ATSDR funding priorities and 
on the availability of funds.

Application Content

    Applications may be submitted only after a Letter of Intent has 
been approved by the CDC and ATSDR and a written invitation from the 
CDC and ATSDR has been extended to the prospective applicant.
    Invitation to submit an application does not constitute a 
commitment to fund the applicant. Applicants invited to apply must use 
application Form PHS 5161-1, and the following must be included:
    A. Two-Page Overview--The overview must include the following:
    1. Title of conference--include the term ``conference,'' 
``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or similar designation to assist in the 
identification of the request;
    2. Location of conference--city, State, and facility, if known;
    3. Expected registration--target audience and number of persons 
expected to attend;
    4. Date(s) of conference; and
    5. Summary of conference objectives, format, and projected agenda, 
including a list of principal areas or topics to be addressed.
    B. Brief Background of Applicant Organization--Include the 
organizational history and purpose, and previous experience related to 
the proposed conference topic.
    C. Narrative--The narrative should cover the following:
    1. A clear statement of the need for and purpose of the conference. 
This statement should also describe any problems the conference will 
address or seek to solve, and the action items or resolutions it may 
stimulate.

[[Page 23249]]

    2. An elaboration on the conference objectives and target 
population. A proposed agenda must be included. A list of the principal 
areas or topics to be addressed, including speakers/facilitator, should 
be included. In addition, information should be provided about all 
other national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or 
similar subject during the last three years (if known).
    3. A clear description of the evaluation plan and how it will 
assess the accomplishments of the conference objectives.
    4. An operational plan or step-by-step schedule of major conference 
planning activities necessary to attain specified objectives. This 
schedule will include target dates by which the activities will be 
accomplished.
    5. A description of any support (e.g., monetary, staff) or co-
sponsorship related to this conference. (It is necessary that 
organizations seeking these grant funds be able to show additional 
support in the form of finances, services, etc., because this program 
provides Partial funding only.) For each organization contributing 
funding, a letter must be included documenting that support.
    6. Any other information that will support this request for funds.

    Note: Essential information requested in the Narrative should 
NOT be included as appendices to the application.

    D. Biographical Sketches--Biographical sketches are needed for the 
individuals responsible for planning and implementing the conference. 
Experience and training related to conference planning and 
implementation as it relates to the proposed topic should be noted.
    E. Budget Information--A total conference budget that includes the 
share requested from CDC as well as those funds from other sources 
(including income from the conference), and a justification consistent 
with the purpose, objectives, and operational plan of the conference. 
Also, identify the source(s) of the non-Federal share.
    F. Letters of Endorsement or Recommendations--Letters of 
endorsement or recommendations supporting the organization and its 
capability to perform the proposed conference activity.

Evaluation Criteria

    CDC and ATSDR applications will be reviewed and evaluated according 
to the following criteria (TOTAL 100 POINTS):

(Please note the following: Section A.1., is ATSDR specific; only ATSDR 
applications will be reviewed and evaluated using this criteria. 
Section A.2., is CDC specific. All other sections in these criteria are 
applicable to both CDC and ATSDR. Evaluation Criteria F. Budget 
Justification and Adequacy of Facilities, although not scored, contain 
a reference to funding information specific only to ATSDR 
applications.)

A. Proposed Program and Technical Approach (25 points)

    Evaluation will be based on:
    1. The public health significance of the proposed conference 
including the degree to which the conference can be expected to 
influence the prevention of exposure and adverse human health effects 
and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous 
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases and other sources of 
pollution present in the environment. (Applicable to ATSDR applications 
only.)
    2. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it 
relates to specific non-Federal conferences in the areas of heath 
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs (except 
HIV infection, mental health, and substance abuse), including the 
public health need of the proposed conference and the degree to which 
the conference can be expected to influence public health practices. 
Evaluation will be based also on the extent of the applicant's 
collaboration with other agencies serving the intended audience, 
including local health and education agencies concerned with health 
promotion and disease prevention. (Applicable to all CDC applications 
except ATSDR.)
    3. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality and specificity and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan.

B. Applicant Capability (10 points)

    Evaluation will be based on the adequacy of applicant's resources 
(additional sources of funding, organization's strengths, staff time, 
proposed facilities, etc.) available for conducting conference 
activities.

C. The Qualification of Program Personnel (20 points)

    Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the application has 
described:
    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, 
speakers, and presenters to accomplish conference objectives.
    3. The degree to which the application demonstrates knowledge of 
nationwide and education efforts currently underway which may affect, 
and be affected by, the proposed conference.

D. Conference Objectives (25 points)

    Evaluation will be based on:
    1. The overall quality, reasonableness, feasibility, and logic of 
the designed conference objectives, including the overall work plan and 
timetable for accomplishment.
    2. The likelihood of accomplishing conference objectives as they 
relate to disease prevention and health promotion goals, and the 
feasibility of the project in terms of the operational plan.

E. Evaluation Methods (20 points)

    Evaluation will be based on the extent to which evaluation 
mechanisms for the conference will enable adequate assessment of 
increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target attendees.

F. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities (not scored)

    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, and consistency with 
the intended use of grant funds. The application will also be reviewed 
as to the adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources 
for conducting conference activities.
    The following is applicable for ATSDR applications only: 
Applications requesting funds in excess of $10,000 may not be fully 
funded, depending upon availability of funds.

Executive Order 12372 Review

    Applications are not subject to review as governed by Executive 
Order 12372.

Public Health System Reporting Requirements

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

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The CDC Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.283. 
ATSDR's Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.161.

Other Requirements

Americans with Disabilities Act Accessability Guidelines (ADAAG)

    All conferences sponsored by CDC or ATSDR shall be held in 
facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required by 
ADAAG. Accessibility under ADAAG addresses accommodations for persons 
with sensory impairments, as well as persons

[[Page 23250]]

with physical disabilities or mobility limitations. Prior to receiving 
an award, the applicant organization must assure compliance with the 
ADAAG.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Letter of Intent (LOI)

    1. One Original and Two Copies of the LOI must be postmarked by the 
following deadline dates in order to be considered in the application 
cycles. (FACSIMILES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.)
    2. Letter of Intent Due Dates:

      October 6, 1997
      April 6, 1998

B. Application

    1. One Original and Two Copies of the invited application must be 
submitted on PHS Form 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-0189) and must be 
postmarked by the following deadline dates in order to be considered in 
the application cycles.
    2. Application Due Dates:

    Earliest Possible Award Date:
      January 12, 1998
      June 8, 1998
      March 1, 1998
      July 30, 1998

    Applications may be accepted by CDC and ATSDR ONLY after the LOI 
has been reviewed by CDC and ATSDR and written invitation from CDC and 
ATSDR has been received by prospective applicant. An invitation to 
submit an application does not constitute a commitment to fund. 
Availability of funds may limit the number of Letters of Intent, 
regardless of merit, that receive an invitation to submit an 
application.

C. Addresses for Submission of Letters of Intent and Invited 
Applications

    One original and two copies of the Letters of Intent and invited 
applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline date and 
mailed to: Henry S. Cassell, III, Grants Management Officer, Attention: 
Karen Reeves, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry 
Road, NE., Mailstop E-09, Atlanta, GA 30305.

D. Deadline

    Letters of Intent and 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 must 
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.)

E. Late Applications

    Applications that do not meet the criteria in D.1. or D.2. above 
are considered late applications and will be returned to the applicant 
without review.

Where To Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information, call (404) 332-4561. You 
will be asked to leave your name, address, telephone number and refer 
to Announcement Number 803. You will receive a complete program 
description, application form, and information on application 
procedures. CDC/ATSDR will not send applications by facsimile or 
express mail.
    This and other CDC/ATSDR announcements are also available through 
the CDC homepage on the Internet. The address for the CDC homepage is 
http://www.cdc.gov.
    If you have any questions after reviewing the contents of all 
documents, you may contact: Karen Reeves, 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-09, Atlanta, GA 30305, Telephone (404) 842-6596, E-Mail 
Address: [email protected].
    Please refer to Announcement Number 803 when requesting 
information, submitting your Letter of Intent and submitting the 
invited 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) referenced in the 
``Introduction'' through the Superintendent of Documents, Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 512-1800.

    Dated: April 23, 1997.
Claire Broome,
Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 
Deputy Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 
(ATSDR).
[FR Doc. 97-10967 Filed 4-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P