[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10153-10155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5034]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 99037]


Economic Analyses of Engineering Control Interventions for 
Drywall Sanding Construction Activities Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1999 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program to conduct an analyses of economic variables associated with 
the implementation of known engineering control interventions designed 
for drywall sanding construction activities. This program addresses the 
Healthy People 2000 priority area of Occupational Safety and Health.
    The purpose of the program is to identify and evaluate the universe 
of financial variables which are affected by implementing known drywall 
sanding engineering controls designed to reduce exposures to airborne 
particulate.

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, and federally recognized 
Indian tribal governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal 
organizations.

    Note: Public Law 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 $95,000 is available in FY 1999 to fund one award. It 
is expected that the award will begin on or about September 1, 1999, 
with a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to three 
years. The funding estimate is subject to change.
    Continuation award 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

    Recipient will allocate funds for at least one annual meeting 
directed by the CDC/NIOSH project advisor.

D. Cooperative Activities

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for activities under 1. (Recipient 
Activities), and CDC/NIOSH will be responsible for the activities 
listed under 2. (CDC/NIOSH Activities).
1. Recipient Activities
    a. Develop, implement, and evaluate a study protocol.
    b. Analyze data and interpret findings.
    c. Disseminate study results to the construction safety and health 
community.
2. CDC/NIOSH Activities
    a. Provide scientific and technical collaboration in the 
development of the study design, protocol, and data analysis.
    b. Collaborate with awardee(s) on data analysis, and interpretation 
of findings.

E. Application Content

    Use the information in the Cooperative Activities, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria

[[Page 10154]]

sections to develop the application content. Your application will be 
evaluated on the evaluation 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. The original and each copy of the 
application must be submitted unstapled and unbound. All materials must 
be typewritten, double-spaced, with unreduced type (font size 12 point) 
on 8\1/2\'' by 11'' paper, with at least 1'' margins, headers, and 
footers, and printed on one side only. Do not include any spiral or 
bound materials or pamphlets.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

    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 April 30, 
1999, submit the application to: Sheryl L. Heard, Grants Management 
Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Announcement 99037, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
2920 Brandywine Road, Mail Stop E-13, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.
    Deadline: 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 
orderly processing. (Applicants must request a legibly dated U.S. 
Postal Service postmark or obtain 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.)
    Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria in 
(a) or (b) above are considered late applications, will not be 
considered, and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.

1. Plan (15 percent)

    Applicant's understanding of the general objectives of the proposed 
cooperative agreement.

2. Background (15 percent)

    The extent to which the applicant's prior work and experience in 
evaluating occupational safety and health intervention efforts, cost 
variables, and/or experience within the construction trades affected by 
drywall finishing operations.

3. Goals and Objectives (35 percent)

    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. (20 percent)
    The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC policy 
requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial 
groups in the proposed project. This includes: (a) The proposed plan 
for the inclusion of both sexes and racial and 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; and (d) A statement as to whether the plan 
for recruitment and outreach for study participants include the process 
of establishing partnerships with community(ies) and recognition of 
mutual benefits. (15 percent)

4. Facilities and Resources (10 percent)

    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 who have already 
identified potential construction site(s) to conduct the evaluation, 
the proposal should include a commitment, as evidenced by a written 
agreement, from the building owner, general contractor, or relevant 
subcontractors with jurisdiction over the drywall finishing and budget 
management operations, when such exist at the applicant's anticipated 
study location(s).

5. Project Management and Staffing Plan (15 percent)

    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 percent)

    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.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements
    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. 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 status and performance reports, no more than 90 
days after the end of the project period.
    Send all reports to: Sheryl L. Heard, Grants Management Specialist, 
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 
99037, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 
Brandywine Road, Mail Stop E-13, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum I (included 
in the application package).

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

[[Page 10155]]

AR-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

    Please refer to CDC Announcement Number 99037 when requesting 
information and submitting an application.
    To receive additional written information call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-
888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone 
number and will need to refer to NIOSH Announcement 99037. 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.
    See also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained by 
contacting: Sheryl L. Heard, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 99037, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Mail Stop E-13, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, Email address: [email protected].
    Program technical assistance may be obtained by contacting: Kenneth 
Mead, P.E., telephone (513) 841-4319, Email [email protected], National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Physical Sciences and 
Engineering, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Mailstop R-5, Cincinnati, OH 45226.
    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 telephone 1-800-356-4674, and is available through the NIOSH Home 
Page, ``http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora.html''.

    Dated: February 23, 1999.
Diane D. Porter,
Acting Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 99-5034 Filed 3-1-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-P