[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35939-35943]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14098]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00081]


Cooperative Agreements for National Organizations To Enable 
Postsecondary Institutions To Prevent HIV Infection and Other Important 
Health Problems Among Youth Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Center for Disease 
Control) announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2000 funds for 
a cooperative agreement program to enable postsecondary institutions to 
prevent HIV infection and other important health problems among youth. 
Centers for Disease Control 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 HIV 
and Sexually Transmitted 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 strengthen the capacity of 
postsecondary institutions to increase the proportion of college and 
university students who receive information from their institutions on 
each of six priority health-risk behaviors (1) sexual behaviors that 
result in HIV infection, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy; (2) 
alcohol and other drug use; (3) tobacco use; (4) dietary patterns that 
result in disease; (5) intentional and unintentional injury; and (6) 
inadequate physical activity. Applicants may apply for one of the two 
following priority areas, which are of equal importance:
    Priority 1: Institution-wide health promotion programs. To 
implement strategies for policymakers and practitioners (such as 
professors, educators, wellness coordinators, health care providers) in 
colleges and universities to institutionalize comprehensive HIV/AIDS 
prevention methods into health promotion and disease prevention 
programs for youth and young adults both on campus and in the 
community, especially for groups disproportionately affected by HIV/
AIDS, including communities of color and youth in high risk situations 
in large urban areas.
    Priority 2: Preservice education. To implement and evaluate 
strategies for

[[Page 35940]]

university, college and other systems which will result in prevention 
methods for HIV and other serious health problems of youth being 
included in professional development courses for individuals entering 
the health, education or service professions and working with groups 
disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, including communities of color 
in large urban areas.
    As additional funds become available, Centers for Disease Control 
expects to support through competitive supplemental awards other 
priorities addressing additional health-related areas.

B. Eligible Applicants

Limited Competition

    Funding will be provided only to national non-profit organizations, 
to include national minority organizations, that have postsecondary 
institutions or programs as their major focus, and that have the 
capacity to develop an ongoing program of activities to prevent HIV 
infection and other serious health problems among youth and young 
adults, especially those in high-risk situations.
    Eligible national organizations must have affiliate offices or 
local, state, or regional membership constituencies in a minimum of 10 
states and territories. Affiliate offices and local, state, or regional 
membership constituencies may not apply in lieu of, or on behalf of, 
their national office. Colleges and universities and for-profit 
organizations are not eligible to apply. To be considered a national 
minority organization, eligible applicants must meet the following 
criteria:
    At least 51 percent of the persons on the governing board must be 
members of racial or ethnic minority populations.
    The organization must possess a documented history of serving 
racial or ethnic minority populations through its offices, affiliates, 
or participating organizations at the national level for at least 12 
months before the submission of the application to Centers for Disease 
Control. Non-governmental organizations funded for similar activities 
under Centers for Disease Control's Program Announcement 99023, 
``Cooperative Agreements for National Programs to Prevent HIV Infection 
and Other Important Health Problems among Youth and Strengthen 
Coordinated School Health Programs'' are not eligible for funding under 
this program announcement.
    Competition is limited under this program announcement because of 
the need for directed and concentrated focus in the effective 
dissemination of information and implementation and evaluation of 
programs. The coordination and implementation of a national strategy 
for postsecondary institutions requires organizations that have the 
capacity and experience to influence the professional actions of their 
constituencies; have the capacity to provide professional development 
for implementation of effective programs; and can build the capacity of 
postsecondary institutions.


    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 $2.2 million will be available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately 8 awards under the two priority areas including at least 
one national minority organization. It is expected that awards will 
range from $200,000 to $300,000. 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 5 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

    Funds must be used for categorical activities to prevent behaviors 
that place young people at risk for HIV infection, other STDs, 
unintended pregnancy, and other important health problems, especially 
targeting groups disproportionately affected, including communities of 
color and youth in high-risk situations particularly in urban settings. 
(A list of young people considered to be in high-risk situations is 
included as Attachment I of this program announcement.) Funds may be 
used to integrate such categorical activities into broader coordinated 
health programs to improve the health of young people (e.g., college 
health programs, adolescent health programs, or coordinated school 
health programs).
    Activities funded under this announcement are intended to build the 
capacity of national non-governmental organizations to promote HIV, 
STD, and unintended pregnancy prevention among youth and young adults 
and should not include any formal or informal research. In addition, 
funds under this announcement are not to be used for clinical services 
or supplies.
    Applicants may apply for funding under only one of the two priority 
areas and must clearly identify the specific priority area for which 
funding is requested. As additional funds become available, Center for 
Disease Control expects to support, through competitive supplemental 
awards, expanded efforts in other health-related areas.

D. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Establish and maintain a staff position within the agency that 
has full-time responsibility and organizational authority for HIV 
prevention and other health-related activities funded under this 
announcement. The selected individual in this position should have 
specific training and experience needed for leadership and coordination 
of health promotion activities; knowledge and experience working in 
higher education; and good written and oral skills to enable them to 
serve as a liaison with partners in health, education, and the 
community.
    b. Collaborate with the organization's constituents in addition to 
state and local education, health, and social service agencies, non-
governmental organizations (especially those also funded under this 
program announcement), and Center for Disease Control to implement a 
national strategy to achieve the purposes of this program in 
postsecondary institutions.
    c. Implement specific, measurable, and feasible goals and 
objectives. Evaluate the effectiveness of the program in achieving 
goals and objectives by providing indicators of success.
    d. Participate in the Division of Adolescent and School Health 
(DASH) annual conference each budget year of the project for the 
purpose of improving health education to prevent HIV infection and 
reduce other important health risks that face youth and young adults.
    e. Disseminate project-related information and findings through a 
variety of methods.
    f. Implement an operational plan for the funded priority area that 
may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following 
activities: Possible

[[Page 35941]]

activities for Priority Area 1: (Institution-wide health promotion 
programs).
    (1) Form state coalitions of decision-makers to implement health 
promotion programs for young people in the community, including 
postsecondary students, focusing on HIV prevention among youth in high-
risk situations and within communities of color especially in urban 
settings. Assist coalitions to develop focused goals, select feasible 
strategies, obtain critical resources, implement effective 
collaborative methods, and evaluate program outcomes. The coalition 
should be state-wide, involve other campuses, and include stakeholders 
from universities and their governing boards, state or local government 
agencies, state or local health departments, local school districts, 
businesses, voluntary and religious organizations, social services 
organizations, special population groups, community-based 
organizations, other organizations that serve youth, and legislators.
    (2) Integrate comprehensive HIV prevention methods throughout the 
campus learning environment. Adopt effective, model prevention 
techniques into the credit curriculum; non-credit courses, programs and 
services; co-curricular programs; and other education reform 
initiatives. Foster educational experiences for postsecondary students 
that actively involve them in community efforts (e.g., through service 
learning) to prevent HIV and other serious health problems among youth.
    (3) Implement campus-wide policies regarding HIV/AIDS and other 
serious health problems. Include language that supports a healthy 
campus/community in the institution's mission, vision, and/or values 
statement(s). Implement policies to broaden the definition of 
scholarship in universities and colleges to include professional 
services, especially those that improve the health of children and 
youth, as criteria for tenure and promotion. Provide assistance to 
implement such policies and evaluate their effectiveness.
    (4) Identify and target youth and young adults engaging in high-
risk behaviors with health messages, education, resources, and 
services, providing particular attention to students living in 
communities of color especially in urban settings. Evaluate the effects 
of the intervention.
    Possible activities for Priority Area 2: (Preservice education)
    (1) Convene policymakers in state systems of higher education, and 
state and local education agencies to develop or modify policies 
dealing with university/college professional development courses so 
prevention of HIV and other serious health problems among youth is 
institutionalized in preservice training. Assist a designated work 
group in planning, implementing, and evaluating these changes.
    (2) Train university/college instructors and professors to use 
effective teaching resources for HIV prevention and other serious 
health problems in professional development courses for educators in 
general, health educators, counselors, social workers, nurses, 
physicians and others who will work with youth. Provide technical 
assistance for these individuals as well as follow up evaluation of 
their work.
    (3) Convene a cross-disciplinary consortium of accrediting bodies 
or professional associations whose constituencies are teachers, nurses, 
physicians, public health educators, counselors, social workers, and 
other practitioners who regularly work with youth. Devise, implement 
and evaluate a plan to prepare professionals to address HIV prevention/
health education for youth.
    (4) Form a coalition comprised of members of a pertinent 
discipline(s) to develop and adopt HIV and health education standards 
to be included in relevant credentialing guidelines for certification 
and licensing for youth-serving professionals.

2. Center for Disease Control Activities

    a. Provide and periodically update information related to the 
purposes or activities of this program announcement.
    b. Coordinate with national, state, and local education, health and 
social service agencies, as well as other relevant organizations, in 
planning and conducting national strategies designed to strengthen 
programs for preventing HIV infection, other STDs, unintended 
pregnancy, and other important health risks and health problems among 
young people.
    c. Provide programmatic consultation and guidance related to 
program planning, implementation, and evaluation; assessment of program 
objectives; use of indicators; and dissemination of successful 
strategies, experiences, and evaluation reports.
    d. Plan and conduct meetings of national, state, and local 
education agencies and other appropriate organizations and individuals 
to address issues and program activities related to improving 
coordinated school health programs and strengthening the capacity of 
postsecondary institutions and agencies that serve young people to 
prevent HIV infection, other STDs, unintended pregnancies and other 
important health problems among young people.
    e. Assist in the evaluation of program activities.

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 these in laying out your program 
plan.
    The narrative should be no more than 42 double-spaced pages printed 
on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced font. Pages must be 
numbered clearly, and a complete table of contents of the application 
and its appendixes must be included. Begin each separate section on a 
new page.
    Provide a concise, one page Executive Summary that clearly states 
the priority area being addressed and describes your organization's 
eligibility, including: (a) its status as a national organization, (b) 
number and membership of affiliate offices, and (c) experience and 
capacity of the organization to work with postsecondary institutions 
and other relevant agencies. The summary should also include the major 
proposed goals, objectives, and activities for implementation of the 
project.
    Divide the body of the application into the following sections:
    1. Background and Need (not more than 4 pages): Identify the 
priority area for which support is being requested and describe:
    a. The needs associated with the priority area.
    b. Your organization's background and experience in addressing the 
needs related to the priority area.
    c. The need for the specific activities proposed in your plan.
    2. Capacity (not more than 8 pages):
    a. Describe your organization's constituents and affiliates as 
follows:
    --Type of constituency.
    --Number of constituents and affiliates.
    --Location of constituents and affiliates.
    --How the constituency can influence and work with the population 
identified in the priority area.
    b. Describe your organization's experience in supporting the 
priority area for which you are applying, including such factors as:
    --Current and previous experience related to the proposed program 
activities.
    --Current and previous coordination with other national 
organizations and

[[Page 35942]]

health, education, and social service agencies.
    --Activities related to building alliances, networks, or 
coalitions.
    c. Describe your organization's structure and how it supports 
health promotion and education activities. Attach a copy of your 
organizational chart.
    3. Operational Plan (not more than 15 pages):
    a. Goals. List goals that specifically relate to program 
requirements that indicate where the program will be at the end of the 
projected 5 year project period.
    b. Objectives. List objectives that are specific, measurable, and 
feasible to be accomplished during the first 12-month budget period. 
The objectives should relate directly to the project goals and 
recipient activities.
    c. Describe in narrative form and display on a timetable, specific 
activities that are related to each first-year objective. Indicate when 
each activity will occur as well as when preparations for activities 
will occur. Indicate who will be responsible for each activity.
    d. List major milestones that will be accomplished during years two 
through five.
    4. Project Management and Staffing Plan (not more than 8 pages):
    a. Describe the proposed staffing for the project and provide job 
descriptions for existing and proposed positions.
    b. Attach curriculum vitae (limited to 2 pages per person) for each 
professional staff member named in the proposal.
    c. Submit job descriptions illustrating the level of organizational 
responsibility for professional staff who will be assigned to the 
project.
    d. If a state(s) has been identified where the proposed activities 
will occur, provide the name of this state(s) and the name(s) of the 
contact person who will coordinate the activity.
    5. Sharing experiences (not more than 1 page):
    Describe how project materials and accomplishments will be shared 
with others. Identify appropriate audiences for this information.
    6. Collaboration (not more than 2 pages): Describe the purposes of 
proposed collaboration and the agencies and organizations with which 
collaboration will be conducted. If other organizations will 
participate in proposed activities, provide the name(s) of the 
organization(s), and state who in your organization will coordinate the 
activity. For each organization listed, provide a letter from them that 
acknowledges their specific role and describes their capacity to 
fulfill it. Do not include letters of support from organizations that 
will not have specific roles in the project.
    7. Evaluation (not more than 4 pages): Describe a plan to evaluate 
the project's effectiveness in meeting its objectives and goals. For 
each of the types of evaluation listed below, specify the evaluation 
question(s) to be answered, data to be obtained, the type of analyses 
that will be performed, to whom it will be reported, and how data will 
be used to improve the program. The plan should indicate the major 
steps in the evaluation, who will be responsible for each one, and when 
each will be accomplished.
    a. Process evaluation. Describe how you will evaluate the project's 
progress in meeting objectives and conducting activities during the 
budget period.
    b. Outcome evaluation. Describe how you will assess the project's 
effectiveness in attaining goals at the completion of each project year 
and at the end of the 5 year project period. Specific, measurable 
indicators of project success should be developed.
    8. Budget and Accompanying Justification: Provide a detailed budget 
narrative and line-item justification of all operating expenses. The 
budget should be consistent with the stated objectives and planned 
activities of the project. Budget requests should include the cost for 
two people for a 2 day trip to Atlanta, Georgia for a planning meeting 
and a 4 day trip to Atlanta, Georgia for the Division of Adolescent and 
School Health annual conference.

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent

    The application must be preceded by an original and two copies of a 
letter of intent to apply. The letter of intent must be submitted on or 
before June 8, 2000, to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    Your letter of intent should include the name, address, telephone 
and facsimile numbers of the organization's primary contact for writing 
and submitting the application. The letter of intent should be limited 
to a simple statement of your organization's intention to apply and may 
not exceed one page. The letter of intent will be used to anticipate 
the number of applications.

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS Form 5161-1 (OMB Number 
0937-0189). Forms are available in the application kit. On or before 
June 30, 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:
    1. Received on or before the deadline date; or
    2. Sent on or before the deadline date. 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 
(1) or (2) above are considered late applications, will not be 
considered, and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria (100 points)

    Each application will be evaluated individually according to the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
1. Background and Need (10 points)
    The extent to which the applicant justifies need for the program 
under the priority area, the organization's experience in addressing 
the priority area, and the need for proposed activities.
2. Capacity (30 points)
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity and 
ability of the organization and its constituency to address the 
identified needs and develop, implement, and evaluate program 
activities.
3. Operational Plan (25 points)
    The extent to which the applicant:
    a. Identifies goals that are specific and feasible for the 
projected 5 year project period and are consistent with program 
requirements.
    b. Identifies objectives for the first year budget period that are 
specific, measurable, and feasible and are related directly to project 
goals.
    c. Proposes activities that are likely to achieve each objective 
for the first budget period.
    d. Proposes activities that focus on youth in high-risk situations 
and communities of color especially those in urban settings.
    e. Provides a reasonable time line for conducting activities.
    f. Outlines major milestones that will be accomplished during years 
two through five of the project.

[[Page 35943]]

4. Project Management and Staffing (15 points)
    The extent to which the applicant identifies staff that have the 
responsibility, capability, and authority to carry out each activity, 
as evidenced by job descriptions, curriculum vitae, and organizational 
charts.
5. Sharing Experiences and Resources (5 points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes plans to share 
effective materials and activities with appropriate audiences.
6. Collaboration (5 points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes plans to collaborate 
with agencies such as state and local health and education departments, 
postsecondary institutions, and other national organizations and 
provides letters of specific intentions from collaborating agencies.
7. Evaluation (10 points)
    The quality of the plans for both process and outcome evaluations, 
to include specification of indicators of program success, methods of 
obtaining data, ways of reporting results, use of results for 
programmatic decisions, and timing and staff responsibility.
8. Budget (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed and clear 
budget narrative consistent with the stated objectives, planned 
activities, and goals of the project.

H. Other Requirements

1. Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide Center for Disease Control with original plus two copies 
of:
    a. Annual progress reports, no more than 90 days after the end of 
each budget period;
    b. Financial status reports, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    c. 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 
section J, ``Where to Obtain Additional Information''.

2. Research Activities Restricted

    Activities funded under this program announcement are intended to 
build the capacity of postsecondary institutions to promote HIV, other 
STDs, and unintended pregnancy prevention and to prevent other serious 
health problems among youth and young adults as described in the two 
priority areas. Research activities will not be supported under this 
announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment III in the 
application kit.

AR-5--HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
AR-7--Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-8--Public Health System Reporting Requirements
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)(2) and 
1706 [42 U.S.C. 241(a), 247b(k)(2) and 300u-5] of the Public Health 
Service Act, as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
number is 93.938.

J. Where to Obtain Additional Information

    This and other Center for Disease Control announcements can be 
found on the Center for Disease Control home page www.cdc.gov>. Click 
on Funding then click on Grants and Cooperative Agreements. To receive 
additional written information and to request an application kit, call 
(1-888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name and address and 
will be instructed to identify the announcement of interest.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all 
documents, business management assistance may be obtained from: Van A. 
King, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, 
Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 00081, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 
30341-4146; Telephone Number (770) 488-2751; Email address 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Mary Vernon-Smiley, 
Chief, Special Populations Program Section, Division of Adolescent and 
School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and 
Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 
Buford Highway, MS K-31, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4146; Telephone Number 
(770) 488-325-8004; Email address [email protected].

    Dated: May 31, 2000.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-14098 Filed 6-5-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P