[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 123 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39410-39413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-16034]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00065]


American Indian/Alaska Native Support Centers for Tobacco 
Programs; Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of funds for fiscal year 2000 for cooperative agreements 
with American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes, tribal 
organizations, including urban, and eligible inter-tribal consortia. 
The purpose of the funds is to develop or improve tobacco-related 
resource networks and outreach to AI/AN tribes. This will enable tribal 
communities to address and impact the high rates of tobacco use in this 
population. Assistance to tribes may consist of training and technical 
assistance, networking and partnership building, and promoting 
collaboration with other tribes, national organizations (e.g., American 
Cancer Society, American Lung Association), States and the Federal 
government.
    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 quality of life. This 
announcement is related to the focus area of Tobacco Use. For the 
conference copy of ``Healthy People 2010'' visit the internet site: 
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople>.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants are AI/AN tribes, tribal organizations, 
including urban and eligible inter-tribal consortia. An individual AI/
AN tribe or urban center is eligible to apply if its tribal population 
is at least 60,000 or if it represents other regional AI/AN tribes or 
urban populations with a combined population of at least 60,000. Tribal 
organizations and inter-tribal consortia are eligible if they represent 
tribes within a region with a combined population of at least 60,000 
and if they are incorporated for the primary purpose of improving AI/AN 
health and represent such interests for the tribes or urban Indian 
communities located in its region. AI/AN tribes or urban communities 
represented may be located in one state or in multiple states. An urban 
organization is defined as a non-profit corporate body situated in an 
urban center eligible for services under Title V of the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act, PL 94-437, as amended. Applicants should submit 
with application an executive summary of not more than one page and a 
completed and signed Eligibility Certification Form (see addendum 3 in 
the application package). The Eligibility Certification Form is a 
checklist, which will define your eligibility.
    Competition is limited to those identified under ``Eligible 
Applicants'' because of the problems posed by tobacco use as evidenced 
by high prevalence, tobacco-related morbidity and mortality and the 
unique challenges faced by this population for tobacco control and 
prevention (see addendum 2 in the application package).

Pre-Application Telephone Conference

    Applicants are invited by CDC to participate in a pre-application 
technical assistance telephone conference June 30, 2000 promptly at 
2:00 p.m.(Eastern time) to discuss: programmatic issues regarding this 
program; how to apply; and questions regarding the content of the 
program announcement. This telephone conference is expected to last one 
hour. The conference name is Tobacco RFA. The telephone bridge number 
for Federal participants is 404-639-3277 for non-Federal participants 
call 1-800-311-3437. Participants will need to enter the following 
conference code when prompted to be connected #345150. All questions 
and comments will be recorded and published on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/funding as an attachment to this program announcement.

    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 $1,000,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund five to 
six awards. It is expected that the average annual award will be 
$170,000, ranging from $125,000 to $200,000. This award amount includes 
expenses for indirect costs. It is expected that the awards will begin 
September 30, 2000 and will be made for a 12-month budget period within 
a project period of up to five years.
    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.

Funding Preference

    Funding preference will be given to the geographical areas defined 
by the Indian Health Service which demonstrate need based on high 
prevalence, high tobacco-related morbidity and mortality; which lack 
tobacco control initiatives and culturally appropriate resources; and 
which show early initiation of commercial tobacco use among young 
people. CDC will fund up to six awards, only one award will be made 
within a geographical area.

D. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the goals and objectives 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) Establish a technical support center and assist tribes with 
tobacco control needs such as data collection,

[[Page 39411]]

resource identification and distribution, training and educational 
development, and surveillance and evaluation. Provide technical 
assistance to tribes in developing and conducting local tobacco control 
programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of commercial tobacco use 
through social and environmental changes.
    (b) Facilitate the development of tobacco prevention and control 
skills in represented tribes. This may be accomplished through 
training, leadership education, public education, or other approaches 
culturally appropriate for the tribes. Recipients may also provide 
fiscal assistance to tribes, schools and other AI/AN organizations for 
planning, implementing and evaluating local tobacco control activities.
    (c) Participate in a network of local tribal tobacco control 
programs, to promote and facilitate collaborative efforts among 
programs, as well as, with other AI/AN tribes and organizations 
nationwide who are involved in similar programs. Assist tribes in 
establishing formal and informal linkages where appropriate with 
national, State, and local tobacco control organizations, networks, or 
coalitions (e.g., State health departments, American Cancer Society, 
American Lung Association, Smokeless States, National Center for 
Tobacco Free Kids, etc.).
    (d) Assist tribes in planning and implementing tobacco control 
activities, which address at least two of the four CDC Office on 
Smoking and Health's priority goals:
    (1) Prevent initiation among young people;
    (2) Promote quitting among adults and youth;
    (3) Eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;
    (4) Identify and eliminate disparities among populations.

2. CDC Activities

    (a) In collaboration with the Indian Health Service, as needed, 
provide appropriate training on tobacco control and prevention 
strategies (e.g., building partnerships, implementing guidelines and 
model programs on clean indoor air protection and reducing the sale of 
tobacco products to minors) which prepare tribes to mobilize and engage 
in tobacco control initiatives.
    (b) Provide technical assistance through conference calls, resource 
material, training, and updated information, as needed. Facilitate 
communications locally, regionally, and nationally regarding resources 
and other opportunities involving tobacco control.
    (c) Participate in the evaluation of activities and initiatives, 
including annual site visits.

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. Submit an original and two copies of the application, unstapled, 
and unbound. The narrative should be no more than 30 double-spaced 
pages, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced font. 
The thirty pages do not include budget, appended pages or items placed 
within appended pages such as resumes, letters of support, etc.
    The application should include the following:

1. Program Description

    (a) Describe the applicant's tribe, organization or consortia, 
including purpose or mission, years of existence, and experience in 
representing the health-related interests of the represented tribes.
    (b) Describe the represented tribes, including:
    (1) The population size of the total tribes represented as well as 
that of individual tribes.
    (2) The represented tribes' geographical locations, their proximity 
to you and how you plan to reach the tribes.

2. Need To Address Tobacco Control

    (a) Describe the needs for developing tobacco control programs 
among the represented tribes and how the applicant will assist tribes 
in addressing identified needs. The information provided should 
describe the following:
    (1) Applicants should discuss the extent of the tobacco use problem 
in their represented tribes, including discussion of prevalence rates 
and any variations in prevalence among represented tribes, morbidity 
and/or mortality associated with tobacco use, early initiation of 
tobacco use among young people, and other evidence of the problem.
    (2) Applicants should describe the need for tobacco control 
strategies that are appropriate for their populations, including 
discussion of the challenges, limitations and/or opportunities for 
implementing tobacco control.
    (3) Applicants should describe the need to develop a comprehensive 
and sustainable tobacco control program, among the represented tribes.

3. Goals and Objectives

    (a) Goals: List realistic goals that will be achievable over the 
five-year project period.
    (b) Objectives: List objectives for each of the recipient 
activities for the budget period (one-year). Objectives should be 
specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-phased.

4. Annual Action Plan

    (a) Submit a plan that identifies specific activities for each 
objective during the budget period. This plan must describe how the 
applicant will achieve the activities, and who will be targeted with 
each activity.
    (b) Identify staff responsible for completing each activity, 
timelines, and evaluation.
    (c) Applicants are encouraged to use the annual action plan form, 
included as addendum 5, to address key components of their plan. A 
sample annual action plan is included as (addendum 4 in the application 
package).

5. Capacity

    (a) Submit a letter of commitment from the represented tribes' 
leadership, which indicates the tribe's willingness to participate in 
the program.
    (b) Describe the purpose and goals and how the applicant 
communicates and disseminates information and guidance to the 
represented tribes and their membership (e.g., newsletters, 
conferences, and meeting minutes).
    (c) Submit a copy of the applicant's organizational chart and 
describe the existing structure and how it supports the development of 
a tobacco control agenda and programs.
    (d) Describe how applicant will manage the project to accomplish 
recipient activities.
    (e) Describe the proposed project staffing. Provide job 
descriptions and indicate if they are for existing or proposed 
positions. Staffing should include the commitment of at least one full-
time staff member to provide direction for the proposed activities. 
Demonstrate that the staff member(s) have the professional background, 
experience, and organizational support needed to fulfill the proposed 
responsibilities. Include a curriculum vitae for each staff member.
    (f) Applicants should describe experience in community development, 
including, but not limited to:
    (1) Current and past experience in providing leadership in the 
development of health-related programs, training programs or health 
promotion campaigns.

[[Page 39412]]

    (2) Current and past experience in the area of tobacco prevention 
and control, including descriptions of activities and initiatives 
implemented.
    (3) Current and past experience in networking and in building 
partnerships and alliances with other organizations.
    (4) Ability to provide support, outreach, and technical assistance 
on health-related matters to the represented tribes.

6. Evaluation

    (a) Provide a plan for monitoring progress in meeting the program 
requirements.
    (1) Describe how the applicant will determine effectiveness of the 
technical support center, especially in building capacity for tobacco 
control among the represented tribes (e.g., the number and 
comprehensiveness of the tribal tobacco control program development, 
the sustainability of such programs, the frequency and nature of 
services to support and sustain such programs).
    (2) Describe how the applicant will document tobacco control skill 
development among tribes (e.g., number of trainings conducted, level of 
difficulty of the training and their rationale, evidence of acquired 
skills through application, and the impact on program objectives).
    (3) Describe how the applicant will assess the quantity and quality 
of networking efforts (e.g., number of planning meetings or meeting 
with leadership and the degree of collaboration with leadership and 
other tobacco control programs and organizations).
    (4) Describe how the applicant will assess performance toward 
addressing two of the four Office on Smoking and Health priority goals.
    (b) Evaluation of program performance should include:
    (1) Process evaluation: Applicants should describe how they plan to 
measure the implementation and progression of various activities in 
achieving the objectives during each twelve-month budget period. 
Description should include any current available sources of data, 
instruments to be used for new data collection, as well as specifics of 
data collection (e.g., sample sizes, selection, and analyses).
    (2) Outcome evaluation: Applicants should describe how they plan to 
measure the outcome of their goals and objectives.

7. Budget and Accompanying Justification

    (a) Provide a detailed budget and line item justification that is 
consistent with the stated objectives and planned activities. To the 
extent possible, applicants are encouraged to include budget items for 
the following:
    (1) Travel for 1-2 persons to attend and participate in the week-
long Training Institute or the 3-day National Tobacco Control 
Conference held annually.
    (2) One trip to Atlanta, GA, for 1-2 persons, to attend a training 
and technical assistance workshop.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189) and the signed Eligibility Certification Form (see addendum 3 in 
the application package). The Eligibility Certification Form is a 
checklist, which will define your eligibility. Forms are available at 
the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm, 
or the application kit. On or before July 24, 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 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 (100 Points)

    An independent review group appointed by CDC will evaluate each 
application individually according to the following criteria.

1. Program Description (5 Points)

    The extent to which the applicant clearly defines itself and its 
relationship to the represented tribes, including its past experiences 
and future plans to reach and work with the target populations.

2. Need To Address Tobacco Control (25 Points)

    The extent of the need for tobacco control program development for 
both the applicant and the represented tribes.

3. Goals and Objectives (15 Points)

    The extent to which the goals and objectives are consistent with 
the purpose of the announcement and are achievable. The extent to which 
the objectives in the annual plan are specific, measurable, achievable, 
relevant and time-phased and likely to be accomplished during the first 
12-month budget period.

4. Annual Action Plan (20 Points)

    The feasibility, appropriateness, and extent to which the Plan 
describes:
    (a) Organizational involvement in program activities;
    (b) Activities likely to achieve objectives during the one-year 
budget period;
    (c) Roles and responsibilities of staff person(s) in addressing the 
recipient activities;
    (d) Timelines for completing proposed activities;
    (e) Proposed linkages with other tobacco control networks (e.g., 
tribal, other public or private organizations) in carrying out the 
action plan.

5. Capacity (25 Points)

    The extent of the applicant's capacity and ability to conduct the 
activities as evidenced by:
    (a) Statement of commitment by tribes and communication of purpose 
and goals between the applicant and represented tribes;
    (b) The organizational chart, structure, and support for tobacco 
program development;
    (c) Management plan to accomplish recipient activities;
    (d) Current and/or proposed project staff and job descriptions;
    (e) Professional background and experience of current or proposed 
staff;
    (f) Past experiences in providing leadership in the development of 
health-related programs, in building partnerships and alliances and in 
networking with public and private agencies.

6. Evaluation (10 Points)

    The extent and appropriateness of the evaluation plan in measuring 
progress toward achieving objectives as well as in determining the 
degree to which program requirements are being met.

7. Budget and Accompanying Justification (Not Scored)

    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed and clear 
budget consistent with the stated objectives and work plan.

[[Page 39413]]

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with an original plus two copies of a progress report 
on a semi-annual basis. Progress reports are required no later than 30 
days after the end of the first six months of the budget period, and 30 
days after the end of the twelve-month budget period. The progress 
reports must include the following for each goal and objective:
    1. Comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives 
established for the period;
    2. Reasons for not meeting any established objectives;
    3. Other pertinent information, including explanations of any 
unexpected events or costs.
    A Financial Status Report (FSR) is required no later than 90 days 
after the end of each budget period. The final FSR and progress report 
is required no later 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. All reports must be submitted to the Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, CDC.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum I in the 
application package.

AR-7  Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9  Paperwork Reduction Act
AR-10  Smokefree 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) and 317(k)(2) [42 
U.S.C., section, 241(a), and 247b(k)(2)]of the Public Health Service 
Act, as amended. The catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 
93.283.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page 
Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov, click on ``funding'' then 
``Grants and Cooperative Agreements.''
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from:

Kimberly Pope, Grants Management Specialist, Grant Management Branch, 
Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, 
Telephone: (770) 488-2767, FAX: (770) 488-2777, Email address: 
[email protected]

    Program technical assistance may be obtained from:

Lorene Reano, CDC-Indian Health Service Tobacco Control Program, 5300 
Homestead Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Telephone: (505) 248-4134, E-
mail address: [email protected]
    or
Victor Medrano, CDC Office on Smoking and Health, 4770 Buford Highway, 
NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, Telephone: (770) 488-1125, E-mail address: 
[email protected].

    Dated: June 19, 2000.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 00-16034 Filed 6-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P