[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 99 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32107-32109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12740]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00094]


Cooperative Agreements for the Development of State-Based Birth 
Defects Surveillance Programs and the Use of the Surveillance Data for 
Public Health Programs; 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 for developing and improving birth defects surveillance and 
using surveillance data to develop birth defects prevention programs 
and activities to improve the access of children born with birth 
defects to health services and early intervention programs. 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 Substance Abuse, 
Environmental Health, and Maternal, Infant, and Child Health. For the 
conference copy of ``Healthy People 2010'', visit the internet site: 
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    The purpose of the program is to support (1) the development, 
implementation, expansion, and evaluation of State based birth defects 
surveillance systems; (2) the development and implementation of State 
based programs to prevent birth defects; and (3) the development and 
implementation of activities to improve the access of children with 
birth defects to health services and early intervention programs.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants will be limited to those not currently involved in CDC 
Program Announcement 051 (Cooperative Agreements for Enhanced State-
Based Birth Defects Surveillance and Use of Surveillance Data to Guide 
Prevention and Intervention Programs) and Program Announcement 643 
(Centers of Excellence to Provide Surveillance, Research, Services, and 
Evaluation Aimed at Prevention of Birth Defects). See Attachment 1 for 
a list of the States funded under these program announcements.
    Assistance will be provided only to the health departments of 
States or their bona fide agents, including the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, federally 
recognized Indian tribal governments, the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of 
Palau. The eligible States are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, 
Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, 
Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Applicants may apply 
under one of two categories:

Category 1--States/territories/tribes with no birth defects 
surveillance systems; or
Category 2--States/territories/tribes with newly implemented or ongoing 
surveillance systems.

    In the cover letter to the application, please state the category 
(1 or 2) for which you are applying.

    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which 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 $800,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately 3-6 awards in Category 1 and 3-6 awards in Category 2. It 
is expected that the average award will be $100,000, ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000. 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. 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

    These awards may be used for personnel services, equipment, travel, 
and other costs related to project activities. Project funds may not be 
used

[[Page 32108]]

to supplant State funds available for birth defects surveillance, 
prevention, health care services, patient care, construction, nor 
lease/purchase of facilities or space.

D. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
Category 1 recipients will be responsible for the activities under 1. 
Recipient activities for States with no birth defects surveillance 
systems; Category 2 recipients will be responsible for the activities 
under 2. Recipient activities for States with newly implemented or 
ongoing surveillance systems; and CDC will be responsible for the 
activities under 3. CDC activities.
    1. Category 1--Recipient Activities for States with no birth 
defects surveillance systems:
    a. Develop and begin implementation of a State based surveillance 
system to ascertain cases and generate timely population-based data of 
major birth defects occurring in the State.
    b. Analyze the surveillance data generated by the system in a 
timely fashion including rates and trends of major birth defects.
    c. Disseminate data and collaborate with appropriate organizations 
within the State and with other States.
    d. Develop and implement a plan to evaluate the surveillance 
methodology used.
    e. Develop a plan and begin implementation of a birth defects 
prevention program (e.g. Neural Tube Defects (NTD) occurrence 
prevention), and/or develop a plan and begin implementation of 
activities to improve the access of children with birth defects to 
comprehensive, community-based, family-centered care.
    f. Develop a plan to evaluate the intervention or prevention 
activities.
    2. Category 2--Recipient Activities for States with newly 
implemented or ongoing surveillance systems:
    a. Broaden methodologies and approaches which will improve, 
sustain, and expand the capacity of the existing State based 
surveillance system to ascertain cases and generate timely population-
based data of major birth defects occurring in the State.
    b. Analyze the surveillance data generated by the system in a 
timely fashion including rates and trends of major birth defects.
    c. Disseminate data and collaborate with appropriate organizations 
within the State and with other States.
    d. Develop and implement a plan to evaluate the surveillance 
methodology used.
    e. Develop a plan and begin implementation of a birth defects 
prevention program (e.g., Neural Tube Defects [NTD] occurrence 
prevention), and/or develop a plan and begin implementation of 
activities to improve the access of children with birth defects to 
comprehensive, community-based, family-centered care.
    f. Develop a plan to evaluate the intervention or prevention 
activities.
    3. CDC Activities.
    a. Assist, if requested, in designing, developing, and evaluating 
methodologies and approaches used for State based birth defects 
surveillance.
    b. Assist, if requested, in analyzing surveillance data related to 
birth defects.
    c. Assist, if requested, in designing plans for prevention programs 
and plans to improve the access of children with birth defects to 
health services and intervention programs.
    d. Provide, if requested, a reference point for sharing regional 
and national data and information pertinent to the surveillance and 
prevention of birth defects.

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 describing the program 
plan.
    The applicant should provide a detailed description of first-year 
activities and briefly describe future-year objectives and activities. 
The application must contain the following:
    1. Cover Letter: A one page cover letter should indicate whether 
the applicant is applying for Category 1 or Category 2.
    2. A one-page, single-spaced, typed abstract in 12 point font must 
be submitted with the application. The heading should include the title 
of the grant program, project title, organization, name and address, 
project director and telephone number. The abstract should clearly 
state which option the applicant is applying for: Category 1 or 
Category 2. The abstract should briefly summarize the program for which 
funds are requested, the activities to be undertaken, and the 
applicant's organization structure. The abstract should precede the 
Program Narrative. A table of contents that provides page numbers for 
each of the following sections should be included. All pages must be 
numbered.
    3. Narrative: The narrative should be no more than 20 double-spaced 
pages printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced font 
(12 pitch). The required detailed budget and detailed budget 
justification are not considered to be part of the Program Narrative. 
The narrative must contain the following sections:
    a. Understanding the Problem and Current Status;
    b. Impact on State based Birth Defects Surveillance;
    c. Use of Surveillance Data for Prevention and Intervention;
    d. Organizational and Program Personnel Capability;
    e. Human Subjects Review;
    4. Budget and Budget Justification--Provide a detailed budget which 
indicates the anticipated costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, 
supplies, contractual, consultants, equipment, indirect, and other 
items.

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). On or before July 20, 2000, submit the application to the Grants 
Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional 
Information'' section of this announcement. Forms are available at the 
following Internet address: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm or in the 
application kit.
    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 
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 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. Applicant's understanding of the problem (10 percent):
    The extent to which the applicant has a clear, concise 
understanding of the requirements, objectives, and purpose of the 
cooperative agreement. The extent to which the application reflects an 
understanding of the purpose and complexities of birth defects 
surveillance as it relates to their State.

[[Page 32109]]

    2. Impact on State based birth defects surveillance (35 percent):
    The extent to which the applicant describes the anticipated level 
of impact this cooperative agreement will have on birth defects 
surveillance activities in the State. The current and proposed 
activities evaluated in this element are specific for Category 1 and 
Category 2.
    a. Evaluation criteria for category 1 (States with no birth defects 
surveillance systems):
    (1) Plans for developing State based birth defects surveillance;
    (2) Methods of case ascertainment;
    (3) Timeliness of case ascertainment;
    (4) Level of coverage of the population;
    (5) Specific birth defects ascertained; and
    (6) Plans for analyzing and reporting surveillance data to 
appropriate State, local, and federal health officials.
    b. Evaluation criteria for category 2 (States with newly 
implemented or ongoing birth defects surveillance systems):
    (1) Plans for improving/expanding State based birth defects 
surveillance;
    (2) Methods of case ascertainment;
    (3) Timeliness of case ascertainment;
    (4) Level of coverage of the population;
    (5) Specific birth defects ascertained;
    (6) Plans for analyzing and reporting surveillance data to 
appropriate State, local, and federal health officials.
    Also included in this criteria is the degree to which the applicant 
has met the CDC Policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, 
ethnic, and racial groups in the proposed research. 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 design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    4. 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.
    3. Use of the surveillance data for prevention and intervention (35 
percent):
    The extent to which the applicant describes the plans for using 
surveillance data to develop and implement programs to prevent birth 
defects and/or activities to improve the access of children with birth 
defects to health services and early interventions.
    a. Develop a plan for working with appropriate partners in the 
State to develop prevention or intervention programs.
    b. Describe methods or a plan for sharing surveillance data with 
programs or agencies that will use the data for prevention or 
intervention.
    4. Organizational and program personnel capability (20 percent):
    The extent to which the applicant has the experience, skills, and 
ability to develop and improve birth defects surveillance and use 
surveillance data to develop prevention or intervention programs. The 
adequacy of the present staff and capability to assemble competent 
staff to implement a birth defects surveillance system and develop 
programs for prevention or intervention. To the extent possible, the 
applicant shall identify all current and potential personnel who will 
work on this cooperative agreement including qualifications and 
specific experience as it relates to the requirements set forth in this 
announcement.
    5. Human Subjects Review (not scored):
    Does the application adequately address the requirements of Title 
45 CFR Part 46 for the protection of human subjects?
    6. Budget justification and adequacy of facilities (not scored):
    The budget will be evaluated for the extent to which it is 
reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of 
the cooperative agreement funds. The applicant shall describe and 
indicate the availability of facilities and equipment necessary to 
carry out this project.

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 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 2 in the 
application kit.

AR-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR-7  Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9  Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11  Healthy People 2010
AR-12  Lobbying Restrictions

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under sections 301(a), 311 and 317 (c) 
of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241(a), 243, and 247 (b-
4)], as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 
93.283.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    For this and other CDC funding opportunities, refer to the CDC home 
page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. 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.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: William A. Paradies, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-
4146, Telephone: (770) 488-2721, E-mail address: [email protected]
    Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from: Larry D. 
Edmonds, State Services, Birth Defects and Pediatric Genetics Branch, 
Division of Birth Defects, Child Development, Disability and Health, 
National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway NE., Mailstop F-45, Atlanta, 
GA 30341-3724, Telephone: (770) 488-7170, E-mail address: 
[email protected]

    Dated: May 16, 2000.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-12740 Filed 5-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P