[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32008-32011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15545]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 98071]


Demonstration of School-Based Violence Prevention

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 Demonstration of School-Based Violence Prevention. This 
program addresses the ``Healthy People 2000'' priority area of Violent 
and Abusive Behavior.
    The purpose of the program is to support quality implementation of 
violence prevention programs that will serve as demonstration sites for 
school-based violence prevention programs. Applications will be 
considered in the area of implementing proven school-based violence 
prevention programs that target youth (aged 5-19, not necessarily 
inclusive of all ages) who are in elementary, middle, and high-schools.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit 
organizations and by governments and their agencies; that is, 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private nonprofit organizations, State and local governments or 
their bona fide agents, and federally recognized Indian tribal 
governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal organizations. Public and 
private elementary, middle, and high schools, and school districts are 
also encouraged to apply.

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

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $1,100,000 is available in FY 1998 to fund up to four 
projects to implement, and monitor programs designed to prevent 
violence among school aged youth. Awards are expected to range from 
$250,000 to $300,000 with an average of $275,000 for each 12-month 
budget period.
    It is expected that the new awards will begin on or about September 
30, 1998. Awards will be made for a 12-month budget period within a 4-
year project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to 
change.
    Continuation awards within the project periods will be made on the 
basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports and the 
availability of funds.

Funding Preferences

    In making awards, priority consideration will be given to ensuring 
a geographic balance, a representative mixture of target groups, and a 
diversity of program strategies.

D. Cooperative Activities

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under 1. 
(Recipient Activities), and CDC will be responsible for the activities 
listed under 2. (CDC Activities).

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Develop and implement an intervention protocol (include a 
minimum of two different strategies).
    b. Develop and pilot test data collection instruments.
    c. Analyze data & interpret findings.
    d. Establish an advisory committee that will address issues related 
to violence to ensure community engagement.
    e. Develop collaborative relationships with voluntary, community-
based public and private organizations and agencies already involved in 
preventing violence.
    f. Compile and disseminate the results from the project.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Collaborate on the development of the intervention protocol.
    b. Provide technical assistance on the development and evaluation 
of the data collection instruments.
    c. Provide up-to-date scientific information about youth violence 
prevention.
    d. Assist in the transfer of information and methods developed in 
these projects to other prevention programs.

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 unbound and no more than 30 double-spaced 
pages, printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced font 
(no smaller than 12 cpi).

[[Page 32009]]

    1. Applications must be organized as follows:
    a. Abstract and Table of Contents: A one page summary of the 
application outlining the (1) student population characteristics and, 
(2) the proposed violence prevention program. A table of contents that 
provides page numbers for each of the following sections (all pages 
must be numbered).
    b. Student population: Describe the population to which the program 
will be directed. Describe the impact of behaviors, injuries and deaths 
resulting from violence on persons who would be directly or indirectly 
affected by the program. Demonstrate that persons who would be affected 
by the interventions have a high incidence or risk of violence and 
injury from such violence. Demonstrate that participation by the target 
group in the program will be adequate; describe the method by which 
persons are selected to participate. Women, Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities. A description of the proposed plan for the inclusion of 
both sexes and racial and ethnic minority populations for appropriate 
representation.
    c. Proposed Goals and Objectives: Describe project goals and 
include process and outcome objectives for pertinent health, 
behavioral, psycho social, and structural/environmental activities. 
Specify both short term (within 1 year) and long term (after one year) 
objectives.
    d. Program Description: Provide a detailed description of the 
violence prevention program to be implemented. All proposed programs 
must incorporate at least two different specific intervention 
strategies. Proposed programmatic strategies must include those that 
have been previously implemented and demonstrated to reduce violent 
and/or aggressive behavior in school-aged populations. Applicants 
should consider proposing curriculum-based (social-cognitive), parental 
engagement, and mentoring among other intervention strategies. The 
frequency, intensity, and duration of programmatic activities of each 
proposed strategy should be specified. All necessary programmatic and 
training materials must be described in detail and copies of existing 
materials must be included in the appendix. If any strategy or training 
material is not extant, provide a justification for not having the 
materials and describe methods and time frames for their development. 
Necessary collaborating parties should be identified and evidence of 
their ability and intention to participate should be supplied.
    e. Program Monitoring Plans: Provide a detailed description of the 
proposed plan to monitor program implementation and effectiveness. List 
the major steps needed to implement the proposed plan for program 
monitoring and provide a concise timetable for those steps.
    f. Data Collection and Analysis: Provide a description of plans for 
collecting information consistent with efforts to assess program 
delivery. An information reduction plan should be described with 
particular attention to how process information will be collected, 
processed, and maintained for analysis. An appropriate analytical plan 
should be presented and defended.
    g. Project Management and Staffing Plan: Provide a demonstration of 
the availability of staff and facilities to carry out the described 
program and monitoring plan. Demonstrate the organization's experience 
or capacity in the area of youth violence prevention, management of 
school-based violence prevention programs, experience or the experience 
of a full working partner in evaluation methods, and ability or the 
ability of a full working partner to collect, manage, and analyze both 
quantitative and qualitative data. Describe in detail each existing or 
proposed position for this project by job title, function, general 
duties, and activities for which that position will be involved. 
Include the level of effort and allocation of time for each project 
activity by staff position. If the identity of any key individual who 
will fill a position is known, his/her name and curriculum vitae should 
be attached. Experience and training related to the proposed project 
should be noted. Management operation principles, structure, and 
organization should be described.
    h. Collaboration: Describe current and proposed collaborations with 
appropriate government, health, youth agencies, community-based 
organizations, minority organizations, and other persons working with 
the specified target population. Include letters of support and 
memoranda of understanding which specify precisely the nature of past, 
present, and proposed collaborations, and the products/services or 
other activities that will be provided by and to the applicant through 
the collaboration on the proposal. Demonstrate an ability to work with 
the designated populations and provide letters of recommendation or 
support from government or non-government agencies or leaders with whom 
they have worked. Describe current or past funding that has been 
received for similar projects and the outcomes of these projects. 
Provide evidence that these funds do not duplicate already funded 
components of ongoing projects.
    i. Project Budget: Provide a detailed budget for each priority 
activity to be undertaken, with accompanying justification of all 
operating expenses that is consistent with the stated objectives and 
planned activities of the project. CDC may not approve or fund all 
proposed activities. Applicant should be precise about the program 
purpose of each budget item and should itemize calculations wherever 
appropriate. Budgets should include costs for travel for two project 
staff to attend two meetings per year in Atlanta with CDC staff.
    j. Human Subjects: Describe the degree to which human subjects may 
be at risk and the assurance that the project will be subject to 
initial and continuing review by the appropriate institutional review 
committees.

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are in the application kit.
    On or before August 11, 1998, submit to Joanne Wojcik, Grants 
Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Announcement 98071, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Mailstop E-13, 
Atlanta, GA 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. 
Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria 
(Maximum of 100 total points):

1. Program Plan (40 Points)

a. Target Groups
    The extent to which the target group(s) is (are) described and 
access to the target population is demonstrated. The extent to which 
the target group has a high incidence or prevalence of the risk factors 
to be influenced by the proposed intervention and the extent to which 
appropriate demographic and morbidity data are described. The extent to 
which youth, who are the direct or indirect target group, have a high

[[Page 32010]]

incidence of interpersonal violence and violence-related injuries, 
disabilities, and deaths. The extent to which the applicant 
demonstrates a capability to achieve a sufficient level of 
participation by the target group.
    In addition, the degree to which the applicant has met the CDC/
ATSDR policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and 
racial groups in the proposed project. This includes:
    i. The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
    ii. The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    iii. A statement as to whether the plans for recruitment and 
outreach for study participants include the process of establishing 
partnerships with the community(ies) and recognition of mutual 
benefits.
b. Program Description
    The extent to which the potential effectiveness of the selected 
program is theoretically justified and supported by epidemiologic, or 
social and behavioral research. The extent to which the program is 
feasible and can be expected to produce the expected results in the 
target group of interest. The extent to which the program, its 
implementation, the development of all necessary materials, and all 
necessary training are clearly described. The status of all necessary 
measurement instruments or training materials must be described; if any 
of this material is not extant, methods and time frames for their 
development must be described. Necessary collaborators must be 
identified, and evidence of their ability and intention to participate 
must be supplied. The extent to which the proposed goals and objectives 
are clearly stated, time-phased, and measurable.

2. Program Monitoring (25 Points)

    The extent to which the design to monitor program implementation 
(including a data analysis plan) are clearly described and are 
appropriate for the target group, program, data collection 
opportunities, and proposed project period. The extent to which data 
collection, data processing, and management activities are clearly 
described. The extent to which the proposed goals and objectives are 
clearly stated, time-phased, and measurable.

3. Project Management and Staffing Plan (25 Points)

    The extent to which project management staff and their working 
partners are clearly described, appropriately assigned, and possess 
pertinent skills and experiences to conduct the project successfully to 
completion. The extent to which the applicant has arranged to involve 
appropriate researchers and other personnel who reflect the racial/
ethnic composition of the target group. The extent to which the 
applicant or a full working partner demonstrates the capacity and 
facilities to design, implement, and monitor the proposed program.

4. Collaboration (10 Points)

    The extent to which the necessary partners are clearly described 
and their qualifications and intentions to participate 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 must be provided that these funds do not 
duplicate already funded components of ongoing projects.

5. Proposed Budget (Not Scored)

    The extent to which the budget request is clearly explained, 
adequately justified, reasonable, sufficient for the proposed project 
activities, and consistent with the intended use of the cooperative 
agreement funds.

6. Human Subjects: (Not Scored)

    The extent to which the applicant complies with the Department of 
Health and Human Services Regulations (45 CFR Part 46).

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements
    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Semiannual progress reports;
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    3. Final financial status and performance reports, no more than 90 
days after the end of the project period.
    Send all reports to: Joanne Wojcik, 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, M/S E-13, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209.

Confidentiality of Records

    All identifying information obtained in connection with the 
provision of services to any person in any program that is being 
carried out with a cooperative agreement made under this announcement 
shall not be disclosed unless required by a law of a State or political 
subdivision or unless written, voluntary informed consent is provided 
by persons who received services.
    1. Nonpersonal identifying, unlinked information, which preserves 
the individual's anonymity, derived from any such program may be 
disclosed without consent:
    a. In summary, statistical, or other similar form, or
    b. For clinical or research purposes.
    2. Personal identifying information: Recipients of CDC funds who 
must obtain and retain personal identifying information as part of 
their CDC-approved work plan must:
    a. Maintain the physical security of such records and information 
at all times;
    b. Have procedures in place and staff trained to prevent 
unauthorized disclosure of client-identifying information;
    c. Obtain informed client consent by explaining the risks of 
disclosure and the recipient's policies and procedures for preventing 
unauthorized disclosure;
    d. Provide written assurance to this effect including copies of 
relevant policies; and
    e. Obtain assurances of confidentiality by agencies to which 
referrals are made.
    Assurance of compliance with these and other processes to protect 
the confidentiality of information will be required of all recipients. 
A Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) certificate of 
confidentiality may be required for some projects.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum I (included 
in the application kit).

AR98-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR98-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR98-7  Executive Order 12372 Review
AR98-8  Public Health System Reporting Requirements
AR98-9  Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR98-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR98-11  Healthy People 2000
AR98-12  Lobbying Restrictions
AR98-13  Prohibition on Use of CDC Funds for Certain Gun Control 
Activities

[[Page 32011]]

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program announcement is authorized under Sections 391, 392, 
393, and 394 [42 U.S.C. 280b, 280b-1, 280b-1a, and 280b-2] of the 
Public Health Service Act, as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance number is 93.136.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    The program announcement and application forms may be downloaded 
from the Internet: www.cdc.gov (look under funding). You may also 
receive a complete application kit by calling 1-888-GRANTS4. You will 
be asked to identify the program announcement number and provide your 
name and mailing address. A complete announcement kit will be mailed to 
you.
    Please refer to Program Announcement 98071 when you request 
information.
    If you have questions after reviewing the forms, for business 
management technical assistance, contact: Joanne Wojcik, Grants 
Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Announcement 98071, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Mailstop E-13, 
Atlanta, GA 30305-2209, telephone (404) 842-6535, E-mail address 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact Wendy Watkins, Division 
of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and 
Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford 
Highway, NE., Mailstop K-60, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, telephone 
(770) 488-4646, E-mail address [email protected].

    Dated: June 5, 1998.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 98-15545 Filed 6-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P