[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 131 (Friday, July 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42004-42006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17178]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00142]


Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Related Applied Research; 
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 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related applied research 
for the control and prevention of HIV. The purpose of this program is 
to encourage new and innovative methods to further the prevention of 
HIV infection. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' 
priority area of HIV Infection. For the conference copy of ``Healthy 
People 2010'' visit the internet site:http://www.health.gov/healthypeople>.
    Projects that will be considered for funding are applied research 
for the control and prevention of HIV that address only the following 
Program Priority Areas:
    1. Prevent development of opportunistic infections and prevent or 
delay progression to AIDS and death among HIV-infected persons 
receiving medical care.
    2. Develop, pilot, evaluate, and/or transfer technology of HIV 
rapid testing and counseling strategies.
    3. Identify and characterize recently HIV-infected persons in 
specific populations or geographic areas; or assess HIV incidence in 
selected high-risk populations or social networks in geographically-
defined communities where HIV incidence is known or expected to be 
high; or use of HIV incidence data to evaluate prevention 
interventions.
    4. Develop and implement methods to improve access to care of HIV-
infected person and to reduce HIV associated morbidity and mortality 
among persons in medical care.
    5. Describe the prevalence and identify demographic and drug use 
correlates of antibody to HIV, HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis 
B Virus) and other bloodborne pathogens among entrants to a 
correctional facility (CF) and estimate the incidence of transmission 
of such bloodborne pathogens among recidivists reentering the 
correctional facility.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by universities, colleges, research 
institutions, hospitals, public and private non-profit organizations, 
community-based, national, and regional organizations, State and local 
governments or their bona fide agents or instrumentalities, federally 
recognized Indian Tribal governments, Indian tribes or organizations.
    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages in 
lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds 
constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, or 
any other form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $500,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately four new and/or competing continuation awards. It is 
expected that the average award will be $125,000, ranging from 
$100,000--$300,000. Funding estimates are subject to change. It is 
expected that awards will begin September 30, 2000, and will be made 
for a 12 month budget period within a project period of up to four 
years. Funding estimates are subject to change.
    Continued support in future years will be based on the availability 
of funds and success in demonstrating progress toward achievement of 
objectives.

Funding Preference

    Preference will be given to competing continuation applications to 
ensure continuity of support for currently funded projects.

D. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under 1. 
(Recipient Activities), and CDC will be responsible for the activities 
under 2. (CDC Activities). Recipient activities to achieve the purposes 
of this program will vary by project.

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Complete the development of the research protocol.
    b. Carry out the activities according to the approved protocol.
    c. Ensure that appropriate approvals are secured for the protection 
of human subjects, Office of Management and Budget and Paperwork 
Reduction Act, privacy, confidentiality, and data security.
    d. Compile and disseminate findings.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Monitor and evaluate scientific and operational accomplishments 
of the project through periodic site visits, frequent telephone calls, 
and review of technical reports and interim data analysis.

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    b. Assist in facilitating the planning and implementation of the 
necessary linkages with local or State health departments and assist 
with the developmental strategies for applied clinical or prevention 
oriented research programs, for recipients whose projects involve 
collaboration with a State or local health department.
    c. Facilitate the technological and methodological dissemination of 
successful prevention and intervention models among appropriate target 
groups, such as, State and local health departments, community based 
organizations, and other health professionals.
    d. Provide technical assistance in planning and evaluating 
strategies and protocols, as requested.

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. The narrative, excluding the budget, should be no more than 11 
doubled-spaced pages, printed on one side, with one inch margins, and 
unreduced font.
    The application narrative should consist of:
    1. Abstract (Not to exceed 1 page): An executive summary of your 
program covered under this announcement.
    2. Program Plan (Not to exceed 10 pages): In developing the 
application under this announcement, please review the recipient 
activities and, in particular, evaluation criteria and respond 
concisely and completely.
    3. Budget: Submit an itemized budget and supporting justification 
that is consistent with your proposed program plan.

F. Submission and Deadlines

Application

    Submit the original and five copies of PHS-398 (OMB Number 0925-
0001) (adhere to the instructions on the Errata Instruction Sheet for 
PHS 398). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
www.cdc.gov/ . . . Forms, or in the application kit. On or before 
August 18, 2000, submit your application to the Grants Management 
Specialist listed 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

Applications

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
    1. The inclusion of a brief review of the scientific literature 
pertinent to the study being proposed and specific research questions 
or hypotheses that will guide the research. The originality and need 
for the proposed research, the extent to which it does not replicate 
past or present research efforts, and how findings will be used to 
guide prevention and control efforts. (25 points)
    2. The quality of the plans to develop and implement the study, 
including 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:
    (a) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial 
and ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
    (b) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (c) A statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate 
to measure differences when warranted.
    (d) A statement as to whether the plans for recruitment and 
outreach for study participants include the process of establishing 
partnerships with communities and recognition of mutual benefits. (25 
points)
    3. Extent to which proposed activities, if well executed, support 
attaining project objectives. (25 points)
    4. Extent to which personnel involved in this project are 
qualified, including evidence of past achievements appropriate to the 
project, and realistic and sufficient time commitments. Evidence of 
adequacy of facilities and other resources supported to carry out the 
project. (25 points)
    5. Other (not scored)
    (a) Budget: Will be reviewed to determine the extent to which it is 
reasonable, clearly justified, consistent with the intended use of the 
funds, and allowable. All budget categories should be itemized.
    (b) Human Subjects: 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. an annual progress report;
    2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    3. final financial status report and performance report, 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 1 in the 
application kit.

AR-1--Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2--Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Research 
Requirements
AR-4--HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions
AR-5--HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
AR-6--Patient Care Prohibitions
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 the Public Health Service Act, 
Section 317(k)(2) [42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(2)], as amended. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number 93.943, Epidemiologic Research 
Studies of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human 
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection in Selected Population Groups.

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.''
    To receive additional written information and to request an

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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 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Julia L. Valentine, Grants Management Specialist Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 3000, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, 
GA 30341-4146, telephone (770) 488-2732 or facsimile at (770) 488-2847 
or INTERNET address: HTTP://[email protected].
    You may obtain programmatic technical assistance from: Peggy Bloom, 
National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, 
Telephone (404) 639-0927, INTERNET address: HTTP:\\[email protected]

    Dated: June 30, 2000.
Henry S. Cassell III,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-17178 Filed 7-6-00; 8:45 am]
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