[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25486-25490]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10877]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00047]


Cooperative Agreement to Test, Disseminate, and Evaluate (A) 
Educational Materials and Messages, and (B) Training Programs 
Concerning Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2000 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program to test, disseminate, and evaluate educational materials and 
messages for prevention and control of viral hepatitis, and/or to 
develop, implement, and evaluate training programs for health 
professionals to address prevention and control of viral hepatitis. CDC 
is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention 
objectives of ``Healthy People 2010,'' a national activity to reduce 
morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life. This 
announcement is related to the focus areas of Immunization and 
Infectious Diseases. For the conference copy of ``Healthy People 
2010'', visit the internet site http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    The purpose of the program is to evaluate and disseminate health 
education materials and messages and develop and implement training 
programs that will lead to reduction of the incidence of viral 
hepatitis in the United States (U.S.) through an increased awareness of 
viral hepatitis among health professionals, high risk populations, and 
the general public. One goal of this program is to assist national 
health organizations in testing and disseminating accurate information 
on viral hepatitis to target audiences (i.e., at-risk populations, 
patients, and the general public). A second goal of the program is to 
aid national and regional health organizations in training and 
educating health care professionals to prevent and control the spread 
of viral hepatitis. Through testing, dissemination, and evaluation of 
accurate educational materials and messages, the following objectives 
can be met: (1) Increase the target population's awareness of risk 
factors for and ways to prevent infection with viral hepatitis, and (2) 
increase the number of persons at high risk of

[[Page 25487]]

infection who seek and obtain appropriate viral hepatitis prevention 
and control services. Through development and implementation of 
training for health professionals, the following objectives can be met: 
(1) improve health care professionals' knowledge of viral hepatitis 
prevention and control; and (2) increase the number of health 
professionals and organizations who offer appropriate viral hepatitis 
prevention and control services. Applicants may apply for one or both 
components of this announcement.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to national or regional (multi-
state) nonprofit organizations which currently devote their activities 
and resources to educating the public, patients, and health 
professionals about the prevention and control of viral hepatitis and 
viral-hepatitis-related liver disease, or who devote a major portion of 
their activities to educating the public, patients, and health care 
professionals about the prevention and control of other blood-borne 
viral infections, vaccine-preventable diseases, or sexually transmitted 
diseases, and could readily expand to cover viral hepatitis. For the 
purposes of this announcement, a national organization is one that has 
members or chapters in more than 25 states and conducts prevention 
information and/or education activities in those areas.

    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 $900,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately six awards. It is expected that the average award will be 
$150,000, ranging from $50,000 to $350,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about September 30, 2000 and will be made for a 
12-month budget period within a project period of up to 3 years. 
Approximately $400,000 will be available for Part A, with an average 
award ranging from $50,000 to $150,000; for Part B, approximately 
$200,000 will be available with average awards range being $100,000--
$200,000; and for combined A and B approximately $200,000 will be 
available for an average award of $100,000--$200,000. The 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.

D. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under Recipient 
Activities, and CDC will be responsible for the activities listed under 
CDC Activities, CDC Activities will apply to each part (A; B; and A & 
B). Applicants must indicate for which part they intend to seek funding 
under this agreement: Part A; Part B; or both ( A and B).

Part A. Testing, Integration, Dissemination, Evaluation of Materials 
and Messages

Recipient Activities
    1. Identify gaps in existing educational messages and materials, 
especially for persons at high risk for viral hepatitis;
    2. Conduct a needs assessment to determine what types of materials 
and messages might best reach targeted audiences (e.g., adolescents at 
high risk for infection, parents of children at risk for infection, 
high risk adults, health care providers).
    3. Identify and test existing educational health materials and 
messages that fill identified gaps through collaboration with 
organizations and groups that represent the target audiences, including 
high risk groups, health care professionals and organizations, and the 
general public. Identified health messages and materials should 
incorporate accurate information on viral hepatitis, which is 
consistent with published CDC guidelines on prevention and control of 
hepatitis A, B, and C including:
    a. CDC. Prevention of hepatitis A through active or passive 
immunization: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization 
Practices (ACIP). MMWR 1999;48(No.RR-12).
    b. CDC. Recommendations for prevention and control of hepatitis C 
virus (HCV) infection and HCV-related chronic disease. MMWR 
1998;47(No.RR-19), 1-33.
    c. CDC. Vaccine-preventable diseases: improving vaccination 
coverage in children, adolescents, and adults. A report on 
recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. 
MMWR 1999;48(No.RR-8):1-15.
    d. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating 
transmission in the United States through universal childhood 
vaccination. MMWR 1991;40(No.RR-13): 1-17.
    e. CDC. Immunization of adolescents: recommendations of the ACIP, 
the AAP, the AAFP, and the AMA. MMWR 1996;45[No.RR-13]
    f. CDC. Immunization of health-care workers: recommendations of the 
ACIP and the HICPAC. MMWR 1997;46[No.RR-18].
    4. Identify strategies to integrate educational health messages and 
materials into information and programs for target audiences which 
include individuals at risk for or infected with hepatitis A virus 
(HAV), HCV, or hepatitis B virus (HBV), health care professionals and 
advocacy groups who provide services for these persons, and the general 
public. Recipient may network with other organizations or groups 
(professional, voluntary, governmental, community-based) that work with 
minority populations with high rates of viral hepatitis or groups/
populations at high risk of specific types of viral hepatitis (e.g. 
American Social Health Association [ASHA], National Hispanic Medical 
Association [NHMA], National Council of Black Churches, Indian Health 
Service, and others).
    5. Develop and implement protocols to evaluate the success of 
health messages and materials in (1) reaching target audiences, (2) 
increasing knowledge of viral hepatitis in target populations, and (3) 
increasing behaviors for prevention and control of viral hepatitis 
among target populations. The latter should include (a) increasing the 
number of persons at risk for viral hepatitis who seek and accept 
recommended testing, vaccination, counseling, and medical evaluation, 
if appropriate, and (b) increasing the number of health professionals 
or educators who offer accurate and appropriate information and 
prevention and control services such as testing, counseling, 
vaccination, and medical referral to persons at risk for or infected 
with viral hepatitis.
    6. Routinely share results of needs assessment, materials testing, 
integration of materials, evaluation plans and other activities with 
other organizations receiving CDC funds under this cooperative 
agreement.
    7. Attend and participate in an annual meeting of project managers, 
to plan and present program activities and evaluate activities.

[[Page 25488]]

Part B. Develop, Implement, and Evaluate Training of Health 
Professionals

Recipient Activities
    1. Identify training needs and gaps in existing training programs 
for health professionals who provide services for persons with, or at 
risk for, viral hepatitis, including physicians, nurses, physician 
assistants and other health professionals, as well as health 
professionals in training (e.g., medical, nursing students). This 
should include review of existing literature or survey results of 
target audiences, as well as collecting additional needs assessment 
information from targeted groups, through focus groups or surveys, as 
necessary;
    2. Develop and implement training modules, materials, mechanisms, 
and programs, especially those that can be integrated into existing or 
ongoing training programs, for health professionals and organizations 
that will fill identified needs. This may be done through collaboration 
with other organizations or groups (professional, voluntary, 
governmental, community-based) that represent health professionals that 
provide services for minority populations with high rates of viral 
hepatitis or groups/populations at high risk of specific types of viral 
hepatitis (e.g. National Hispanic Medical Association [NHMA], National 
Medical Association [NMA]); training materials should incorporate 
accurate information for viral hepatitis, which are consistent with 
published CDC guidelines on prevention and control of hepatitis A, B, 
and C (see references pp. 5-6). Develop and implement protocols to 
evaluate the success of materials, training instruments and programs in 
(1) increasing knowledge of viral hepatitis among targeted groups of 
health professionals, and (2) increasing the number of health 
professionals and organizations that offer persons at risk for viral 
hepatitis preventive services (including education, testing, 
vaccination, counseling, and medical evaluation, if appropriate).
    3. Share schedules of events and activities with CDC and other 
organizations receiving funds under this cooperative agreement.
    4. Attend and participate in an annual meeting of project managers, 
to plan, present, and evaluate program activities.
CDC Activities
    1. Upon request, provide scientific and public health consultation 
and assistance in the development of training materials and protocols 
related to the cooperative agreement;
    2. Upon request, provide consultation and technical assistance 
regarding implementation of training protocols;
    3. Upon request, provide technical assistance in developing 
evaluation plan and conducting and interpreting evaluation of training 
programs;
    4. Assist in reporting and validating relevant information 
concerning viral hepatitis made available to Federal, State, local 
health agencies, health care professionals, and volunteer 
organizations; and
    5. Assist in the development of a research protocol for 
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review by all cooperating institutions 
participating in the research project. The CDC IRB will review and 
approve the protocol initially and on at least an annual basis until 
the research project is completed.

E. Application Content

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    In order to assist CDC in planning and executing the evaluation of 
applications submitted under this announcement, all parties intending 
to submit an application are requested to inform CDC of their intention 
to do so at least thirty (30) days prior to the application due date. 
Notification should include: (1) name and address of institution, (2) 
name, address, and telephone number of contact person, and (3) which 
section (part A, B, or both) you will apply for. Notification should be 
provided by facsimile, postal mail, or E-mail, to Gladys T. 
Gissentanna, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 
30342-4146, E-mail address: [email protected], Facsimile (770) 488-2777.

Application Content

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the 
application content. The 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 20 double-spaced, numbered 
pages (including budget, excluding appendices), printed on one side, 
with one inch margins, and unreduced font. A detailed index to 
application contents, including appendices, as well as a 2-page 
executive summary should be included at the front of the application 
(included in the 20-page limit).

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    The letter of intent should be submitted on or before May 15, 2000, 
to the Grants Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain 
Additional Information'' section of this announcement.

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are available in the application kit and at the following 
Internet address: www.cdc.gov/...Forms. On or before June 15, 2000, 
submit the application to the Grants Management Specialist identified 
in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    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 prior to 
submission to the review panel 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. 
Each applicant will be evaluated only on the part of the application to 
which they are applying: part A, B, or both, with total score of 100 
for each section.

1. Background and understanding (10 points)

    Extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear understanding of 
the subject area and responds to the purpose and objectives of this 
cooperative agreement, including collaboration in all aspects of the 
agreement with CDC program staff and other cooperative agreement 
recipients.

2. Capacity (45 points)

    Extent to which the applicant provides evidence of adequate 
resources, facilities, experience (both technical and administrative), 
and access to target audiences for

[[Page 25489]]

conducting the project. This should include:
    a. documentation that professional personnel involved are qualified 
and have past successful experience and achievements related to the 
proposed activities; this can include experience of either direct or 
collaborating personnel in providing viral hepatitis or other 
communicable disease (e.g., HIV) education and/or training in 
prevention and control activities. (10 points)
    b. inclusion of original letters of support from appropriate non-
applicant organizations, individuals, institutions, academic 
institutions, public health departments, etc. needed to carry out 
proposed activities and the extent to which such letters clearly 
indicate the author's commitment to participate as described in the 
operational plan. (10 points)
    c. Evidence of past success in developing, testing, and 
disseminating health education materials, messages, or training 
programs. (10 points)
    d. Extent of demonstrated experience in areas of viral hepatitis or 
other blood-borne virus prevention and control, education, or training, 
and demonstrated success in developing, disseminating, and evaluating 
the impact of educational materials, messages, and programs in disease 
prevention/health promotion at different levels (e.g., community, high 
risk populations, minority populations, patients, health care 
professionals). Extent of demonstrated access to target populations, 
and successful collaborations with a variety of organizations, 
government, private, non-profit, academic, and evidence of existing 
quality assurance mechanisms to ensure appropriate and culturally 
sensitive health educational and training services as recommended for 
the proposed audiences (e.g., health care professionals, high risk 
groups and settings), as well as access to proposed audiences. (15 
points).

3. Objectives and Technical Approach (45 points)

    a. Extent to which the applicant describes objectives of the 
proposed project which are (1) consistent with the purpose and goals of 
this cooperative agreement program, (2) measurable and time-phased and 
(3) consistent with published CDC guidelines on prevention and control 
of hepatitis A, B, and C (see MMWR references cited in the Part A 
Recipient Activities part of this document). (10 points)
    b. Extent and quality of detailed operational plan proposed for 
designing, implementing, and evaluating the program, which clearly and 
appropriately addresses all ``Recipient Activities'' in the 
application, and are appropriate and adequate to accomplish the 
objectives of the program. These activities will be scored in three 
categories:
    (1) Identification of gaps in existing materials and programs and 
needs assessment. (10 points)
    (2) Testing and implementation/ dissemination of materials and/or 
programs. (5 points)
    (3) Evaluation including methods and instruments for evaluating 
progress in determining needs, testing of educational materials, 
messages, and training, dissemination, implementation, and outcome 
evaluation. (5 points)
    c. Extent to which the applicant clearly identifies specific 
assigned responsibilities of all key professional personnel, and 
describes collaboration with CDC and other partners, including other 
recipients of funds under this cooperative agreement during various 
phases of the project. (5 points)
    d. The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC Policy 
requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial 
groups in the proposed program. This includes: (1) The proposed plan 
for the inclusion of both sexes and racial and ethnic minority 
populations for appropriate representation; (2) The proposed 
justification when representation is limited or absent; (3) A statement 
as to whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for participants 
include the process of establishing partnerships with community(ies) 
and recognition of mutual benefits. (5 points)

4. Budget (not scored)

    The budget will be reviewed to determine the extent to which it is 
reasonable, clearly justified, consistent with the intended use of 
funds.
    a. Submit line-item itemized budget with narrative justification 
for personnel, travel, supplies, laboratory testing, and other services 
related to the project;
    b. For contracts, include the name of the person or firm to receive 
the contract, the method of selection, the period of performance, 
method of accountability, and a description of the contracted service 
requested;
    c. Funding levels for years two and three should be estimated.
    5. Human Subjects (not scored) Does the application adequately 
address the requirements of Title 45 CFR Part 46 for the protection of 
human subjects?

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of
    1. progress reports (semiannual);
    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 the Grants 
Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional 
Information'' section of this announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the 
application kit.
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 2010
AR-12  Lobbying Restrictions
AR-15  Proof of Non-Profit Status

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under sections 301(a), 317(k)(1) and 
317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. section 241(a), 
247b(k)(1) and 247(k)(2)], as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance number is 93.283.

J. Where to Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information and to request an 
application kit, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-888-472-6874). You will be asked 
to leave your name and address and will be instructed to identify the 
Announcement number of interest, 00047.
    See also the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Internet 
Website http://www.cdc.gov and the Program and Grants Office Website 
for additional funding opportunities and electronic versions of all 
necessary forms www.cdc.gov/...forms.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Gladys T. Gissentanna, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, Room 3000, 2920 Brandywine Road,

[[Page 25490]]

Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone number (770) 488-2753, E-mail address 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Linda Moyer, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious 
Diseases, Division of Rickettsial Diseases, Hepatitis Branch, 1600 
Clifton Road, NE, M/S G-37, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: (404) 371-
5460, E-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: April 26, 2000.
Henry S. Cassell, III,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-10877 Filed 5-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-U