[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 98 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27981-27983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13516]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 98090]


Evaluation of Health-Care Worker Glove Protection During Surgery 
and Effects of Storage, Chemicals, Disinfectants on Glove Integrity; 
Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1998 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for the evaluation of health-care worker glove protection 
during surgery and the effects of storage, chemicals, and disinfectants 
on glove integrity. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2000'' 
priority area(s) area of Occupational Safety and Health.
    The purpose of the program is to evaluate gloves (non-latex polymer 
e.g., nitrile, vs natural latex rubber (NLR)) in surgery; (veterinary 
surgery is suggested as a surrogate for human surgery) and to evaluate 
the effects of storage conditions, disinfectants, detergents, other 
chemicals, and blood and body fat on vinyl, NLR, and non-latex polymer 
examination gloves and latex and non-latex polymer surgical gloves.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit and 
for-profit organizations and by governments and their agencies; that 
is, universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other 
public and private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, State and 
local governments or their bona fide agents.

    Note: Pub. L. 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages 
in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds 
constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, 
or any other form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $600,000 is available in FY 1998 to fund 
approximately three awards, preferably at least one in each category (A 
and B). It is expected that

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the average award will be $200,000, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. 
It is expected that the awards will begin on or about September 1, 
1998, and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a project 
period of up to two years. Funding estimates may change.
    Continuation awards within an approved project period will be made 
on the basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports 
and the availability of funds.
    Use of Funds: The applicant should allocate funds for at least one 
annual CDC/NIOSH directed meeting.

Programmatic Interest

    The applicant may address either or both of the components 
identified below:
    A. Evaluate the degradation characteristics of examination and 
surgical gloves.
    B. Evaluation of the similarities and differences of NLR and non-
latex gloves during surgery including protection of wearer from 
needlestick and other sharp injuries (puncture and tear resistance) and 
worker acceptance.

D. Cooperative Agreement Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for activities under A. (Recipient 
Activities), and CDC/NIOSH will be responsible for the activities 
listed under B. (CDC/NIOSH Activities).
A. Recipient Activities
    1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a study protocol.
    2. Provide statistical analysis of the data.
    3. Disseminate study results to the scientific community.
    4. Collaborate with CDC/NIOSH on these activities and the 
activities listed below.
B. CDC/NIOSH Activities
    1. Providing scientific and technical collaboration including study 
design and protocol development, and data analysis.
    2. Monitor and evaluate scientific and operational accomplishments 
of the project through site visits, telephone calls, and review of 
technical reports and interim data analysis.
    3. Collaborate with awardee(s) on data analysis, and interpretation 
of findings.
    4. Review the results of the study and collabroate, where 
appropriate, in the preparation and publication of results in peer-
reviewed journals.

E. Application Content

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the 
application content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria 
listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your program 
plan. The narrative should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced font.

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and five copies of PHS-398 (OMB Number 0925-
0001)(adhere to the instructions on the Errata Instruction Sheet for 
PHS 398). Forms are in the application kit. On or before July 23, 1998, 
submit the application to: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist, 
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 
98090, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 
East Paces Ferry Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2209.
    If your application does not arrive in time for submission to the 
independent review group, it will not be considered in the current 
competition unless you can provide proof that you mailed it on or 
before the deadline (i.e., receipt from U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier; private metered postmarks are not acceptable).

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
1. Understanding of the Problem (15%)
    Responsiveness to the objective of the cooperative agreement 
including: (a) Applicant's understanding of the general objectives of 
the proposed cooperative agreement, and (b) evidence of ability to 
design an effective evaluation study.
2. Experience (15%)
    The extent to which the applicant's prior work and experience in 
developing and performing laboratory assay (Part A) and/or surgical 
assays (Part B).
3. Goals, Objectives and Methods (35%)
    The extent to which the proposed goals and objectives are clearly 
stated, time-phased, and measurable. The extent to which the methods 
are sufficiently detailed to allow assessment of whether the objectives 
can be achieved for the budget period. Clearly state the evaluation 
method for evaluating the accomplishments. The extent to which a 
qualified plan is proposed that will help achieve the goals stated in 
the proposal.
4. Facilities and Resources (10%)
    The adequacy of the applicant's facilities, equipment, and other 
resources available for performance of this project. The proposal 
should include a commitment from the participating institution, as 
evidenced by a written agreement. For applicants applying to conduct 
the evaluation of glove performance in surgery, the proposal should 
include a commitment, as evidenced by a written agreement, from the 
chief of surgery, head of operating room nursing, and other directors 
with jurisdiction over the surgical suite, when such exist at the 
applicant's institution.
5. Project Management and Staffing Plan (15%)
    The extent to which the management staff and their working partners 
are clearly described, appropriately assigned, and have pertinent 
skills and experiences. The extent to which the applicant proposes to 
involve appropriate personnel who have the needed qualifications to 
implement the proposed plan. The extent to which the applicant has the 
capacity to design, implement, and evaluate the proposed intervention 
program.
6. Collaboration (10%)
    The extent to which all partners are clearly described and their 
qualifications and the extent to which their intentions to participate 
are explicitly stated. The extent to which the applicant provides proof 
of support (e.g., letters of support and/or memoranda of understanding) 
for proposed activities. Evidence or a statement should be provided 
that these funds do not duplicate already funded components of ongoing 
projects.
7. Budget Justification (Not Scored)
    The budget will be evaluated to the extent that it is reasonable, 
clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of funds.
8. Human Subjects (Not Scored)
    If human subjects will be involved, how will they be protected, 
i.e., describe the review process which will govern their 
participation. The applicant must demonstrate that they have met the 
CDC Policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and 
racial groups in the proposed research. This includes: (a) The proposed 
plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial and

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ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation; (b) The 
proposed justification when representation is limited or absent; (c) A 
statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to measure 
differences when warranted; (d) A statement as to whether the plans for 
recruitment and outreach for study participants include the process of 
establishing partnerships with community(ies) and recognition of mutual 
benefits.
9. Animal Subjects (Not Scored)
    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 Office of Protection from 
Research Risks at the National Institutes of Health.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements
    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Semi-annual progress reports including a brief program 
description and a listing of program goals and objectives accompanied 
by a comparison of the actual accomplishments related to the goals and 
objectives established for the period;
    2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    3. final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    Send all reports to: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist, 
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry 
Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum I (included 
in the application package).

AR98-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR98-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR98-3  Animal Subjects Requirements
AR98-9  Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR98-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR98-11  Healthy People 2000
AR98-12  Lobbying Restrictions

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under Sections 20(a) and 22(e)(7) of the 
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 669(a) and 
671(e)(7)). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.262 
for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information call 1-888-GRANTS4. You 
will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone number and will 
need to refer to NIOSH Announcement 98090. You will receive a complete 
program description, information on application procedures, and 
application forms. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or 
express mail. PLEASE REFER TO NIOSH ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER 98090 WHEN 
REQUESTING INFORMATION AND SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained by 
contacting: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 98090, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East 
Paces Ferry Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209, telephone 
(404) 842-6804, Email address: [email protected].
    See also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
    For program technical assistance contact:

Scott Deitchman, M.D., telephone (404) 639-1534, Email [email protected]

      or

Robert Mullan, M.D., telephone (404) 639-1533, Email [email protected], 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV Activity, 1600 Clifton Rd., 
NE., Mailstop D-40, Atlanta, GA 30333.

    National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA): CDC, NIOSH is 
committed to the program priorities developed by NORA. Copies of the 
publication, ``The National Occupational Research Agenda'' may be 
obtained from The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 
Publications Office, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998 
or phone 1-800-356-4674, and is available through the NIOSH Home Page, 
``http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora.html'' .

    Dated: May 14, 1998.
Diane D. Porter,
Acting Director, National Institute
For Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 98-13516 Filed 5-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-P