[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 136 (Friday, July 14, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43765-43769]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17846]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

[Program Announcement 01002]


Public Health Conference Support Grant Program; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency 
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announce the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2001 funds for a grant program for 
Public Health Conference Support. This program addresses the health 
promotion and disease prevention objectives of ``Healthy People 2010''. 
This announcement is related to the focus areas of Arthritis, 
Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back Conditions, Cancer, Diabetes, Disability 
and Secondary Conditions, Educational and Community-Based Programs, 
Environmental Health, Heart Disease and Stroke, Immunization and 
Infectious Disease, Injury and Violence Prevention, Maternal, Infant 
and Child Health, Occupational Safety and Health, Oral Health, Physical 
Activity and Fitness, Public Health Infrastructure, Respiratory 
Disease, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tobacco Use. For a complete 
description see: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/Document/tableofcontents.htm.
    Conferences on Access to Quality Health Services, Family Planning, 
Food Safety, Health Communications, Medical Product Safety, Mental 
Health and Mental Disorders, Nutrition and Overweight, Substance Abuse, 
and Vision and Hearing, are not priority focus areas of CDC or ATSDR, 
and should be directed to other Federal Agencies. HIV is not included 
in this Program Announcement.
    The purpose of conference support funding is to provide partial 
support for specific non-federal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information and education programs, 
and applied research.
    Because conference support by CDC/ATSDR creates the appearance of 
CDC/ATSDR co-sponsorship, there will be active participation by CDC/
ATSDR in the development and approval of the conference agenda. CDC/
ATSDR funds will be expended only for approved portions of the 
conference.
    The mission of CDC is to promote health and improve the quality of 
life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
    CDC supports local, State, academic, national, and international 
health efforts to prevent unnecessary disease, disability, and 
premature death, and to improve the quality of life. This support often 
takes the form of education, and the transfer of high quality research 
findings and public health strategies and practices through symposia, 
seminars, and workshops. Through the support of conferences and 
meetings in the areas of public health research, education, prevention 
research in program and policy development in managed care and 
prevention application, CDC is meeting its overall goal of 
dissemination and implementation of new cost-effective intervention 
strategies.
    ATSDR focus areas are: (1) Health effects of hazardous substances 
in the environment; (2) disease and toxic substance exposure 
registries; (3) hazardous substance removal and remediation; (4) 
emergency response to toxic and environmental disasters; (5) risk 
communication; (6) environmental disease surveillance; and (7) 
investigation and research on hazardous substances in the environment.
    The mission of ATSDR is to prevent both exposure and adverse human 
health effects that diminish the quality of life associated with 
exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, 
and other sources of pollution present in the environment.
    ATSDR's systematic approaches are needed for linking applicable 
resources in public health with individuals and organizations involved 
in the practice of applying such research. Mechanisms are also needed 
to shorten the time frame between the development of disease prevention 
and health promotion techniques and their practical application. ATSDR 
believes that conferences and similar meetings that permit individuals 
to engage in hazardous substances and environmental health research, 
education, and application (related to actual and/or potential human 
exposure to toxic substances) to interact, are critical for the 
development and implementation of effective programs to prevent adverse 
health effects from hazardous substances.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit 
organizations. Public and private non-profit entities include but are 
not limited to State and local governments or their bona fide agents, 
voluntary associations, foundations, civic groups, scientific or 
professional associations, universities, and Federally-recognized 
Indian tribal governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal 
organizations.
    Only conferences planned for May 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 
are eligible to apply under this 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.

    Applications for ATSDR support may be submitted by the official 
public health agencies of the States, or their bona fide agents. This 
includes the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, 
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall 
Island, the Republic of Palau, and Federally-recognized Indian Tribal

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governments. State organizations, including State universities, State 
colleges, and State research institutions must establish that they meet 
their respective State's legislature definition of a State entity or 
political subdivision to be considered an eligible applicant. Also 
eligible are nationally recognized associations of health professionals 
and other chartered organizations generally recognized as demonstrating 
a need for information to protect the public from the health effects of 
exposure to hazardous substances.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $1,100,000 may be available from CDC in FY 2001 to 
fund approximately 45 to 55 awards. It is expected that the average 
award will be $20,000. For FY 2001 awards will be made for three cycles 
A B & C each with a 12-month budget period within a 12-month project 
period. Funding estimates may change.
    Approximately $50,000 is available from ATSDR in FY 2001 to fund 
approximately six awards. It is expected that the average award will be 
$8,000, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It is expected that the awards 
will begin on or about thirty days before the date of the conference 
and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a 12-month project 
period. Funding estimates may change.

D. Use of Funds

    1. Funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: salaries; 
speaker fees (for services rendered); rental of necessary conference 
related equipment; registration fees; and transportation costs (not to 
exceed economy class fare) for non-Federal individuals.
    2. Funds may be used for only those parts of the conference 
specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in the grant 
award.
    3. Funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment; payments of 
honoraria (for conferring distinction); alterations or renovations; 
organizational dues; support entertainment or personal expenses; food 
or snack breaks; cost of travel and payment of a Federal employee; per 
diem or expenses for local participants (other than local mileage). 
Travel for federal employees will be supported by CDC/ATSDR. Travel for 
other Federal employees will be supported by the federal agency.
    4. Funds may not be used for reimbursement of indirect costs.
    5. CDC and ATSDR will not fund 100 percent of any conference 
proposed under this announcement. Part of the cost of the proposed 
conference must be supported with other than Federal funds.
    6. CDC and ATSDR will not fund a conference after it has taken 
place.
    7. Although the practice of handing out novelty items at meetings 
is often employed in the private sector to provide participants with 
souvenirs, Federal funds cannot be used for this purpose.

E. Program Requirements

    Grantees must meet the following requirements:
    1. The conference organizer(s) may use CDC's/ATSDR's name only in 
factual publicity for the conference. CDC/ATSDR involvement in the 
conference does not necessarily indicate support for the organizer's 
general policies, activities, or products or the content of speakers' 
presentations.
    2. Any conference co-sponsored under this announcement shall be 
held in facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required 
by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines 
(ADAAG). Accessibility under ADAAG addresses accommodations for persons 
with sensory impairments as well as persons with physical disabilities 
or mobility limitations.
    3. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, attendees, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speaker's fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of 
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC or ATSDR 
project personnel.
    4. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to CDC or ATSDR for approval. All but 10 percent of the 
total funds awarded for the proposed conference will be restricted 
pending approval of a full final agenda by CDC or ATSDR. The remaining 
90 percent of funds will be released by letter to the grantee upon the 
approval of the final agenda. CDC and ATSDR reserves the right to 
terminate co-sponsorship at any time.
    5. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press, etc.). CDC or ATSDR must review 
and approve any materials with reference to CDC or ATSDR involvement or 
support.
    6. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitee, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and handouts, badges, registration procedures, etc.).
    7. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    8. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the 
impact of prevention. Adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, 
and behaviors of the target audience.

F. Application Content

    A letter of intent (LOI) is required for this Program Announcement.

Letter of Intent (LOI) Instructions

    Interested applicants are required to submit an original and two 
copies of a two to three-page in-depth typewritten Letter of Intent 
(LOI). Use English only and avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. 
Upon review of the LOI's, CDC or ATSDR will extend written invitations 
to perspective applicants to submit applications. CDC or ATSDR will 
accept applications by invitation only. Availability of funds may limit 
the number of applicants, regardless of merit, that receive an 
invitation to submit applications. The LOI should specifically describe 
the following required information:
    1. Justification of the conference, including the problems it 
intends to clarify and the developments it may stimulate.
    2. Title of the proposed conference--include the term 
``Conference'', ``Symposium'',''Workshop'', or similar designation;
    3. Location of conference--city, state, and physical facilities 
required for the conduct of the meeting;
    4. Expected registration--the intended audience, approximate number 
and profession of persons expected to attend;
    5. Date(s) of conference--inclusive dates of conference (LOIs 
without date of conference will be considered non-responsive to this 
program announcement and returned to the applicant without review);
    6. Summary of conference format, projected agenda (including list 
of principal areas or topics to be addressed), including speakers or 
facilitator. In addition, information should be provided about all 
other national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or 
similar subject during the last three years; and also include on the 
first page:
    a. the name of the organization,
    b. primary contact person=s name,
    c. mailing address,
    d. telephone number,
    e. and if available, fax number and e-mail address.
    The LOI must include the estimated total cost of the conference and 
the percentage of the total cost (which must be less than 100 percent) 
being requested from CDC or ATSDR.

[[Page 43767]]

Requests for 100 percent funding will be considered non-responsive to 
this program announcement and will be returned to the applicant without 
review. No Appendices, booklets, or other documents accompanying the 
LOI will be considered.
    An invitation to submit an application will be made on the basis of 
the proposed conference's relationship, as outlined in the LOI, to the 
CDC or ATSDR funding priorities and availability of funds. LOIs should 
be provided by over night mail service, or U.S. postal service.
    The three page limitation (inclusive of letterhead and signatures), 
must be observed or the letter of intent will be returned without 
review.

Application

    Applicants may apply to CDC or ATSDR for conference support only 
after their LOI has been reviewed by CDC and ATSDR and a written 
invitation, including an application form, has been received by the 
prospective applicant.
    An invitation to submit an application does not constitute a 
commitment on the part of CDC or ATSDR to fund the application.
    In addition to the following required information, use the 
information in the Program Requirements and Evaluation Criteria 
sections to develop the application content:
    1. A project summary cover sheet that includes:
    (a) name of organization
    (b) name of conference
    (c) location of conference
    (d) date(s) of conference
    (e) intended audience and number
    (f) dollar amount requested
    (g) total conference budget amount
    2. A brief background of the organization--include the 
organizational history, purpose, and previous experience related to the 
proposed conference topic.
    3. A clear statement of the need for and purpose of the conference. 
This statement should also describe any problems the conference will 
address or seek to solve, and the action items or resolutions it may 
stimulate.
    4. An elaboration on the conference objectives and target audience. 
A list should be included of the principal areas or topics to be 
addressed. A proposed or final agenda must be included.
    5. A clear description of the evaluation plan and how it will 
assess the accomplishments of the conference objectives. A sample of 
the evaluation instrument that will be used must be included and a 
step-by-step schedule and detailed operation plan of major conference 
planning activities necessary to attain specified objectives.
    6. Biographical sketches are required for the individuals 
responsible for planning and implementing the conference. Experience 
and training related to conference planning and implementation as it 
relates to the proposed topic should be noted.
    7. Letters of endorsement or support--Letters of endorsement or 
support for the sponsoring organization and its capability to perform 
the proposed conference activity.
    8. Budget plan and justification--A clearly justified budget 
narrative that is consistent with the purpose, objectives, and 
operation plan of the conference. This will consist of a budget that 
includes the share requested from this grant as well as those funds 
from other sources, including organizations, institutions, conference 
income and/or registration fees.

General Instructions

    The narrative should be no more than 12 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and 12-point font. Use 
English only and avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. Pages must be 
clearly numbered, and a complete index to the application and its 
appendices must be included. The original and two required copies of 
the application must be submitted unstapled and unbound. Materials 
which should be part of the basic plan should not be in the appendices.
    Send LOIs and Applications to: Edna M. Green, Grants Management 
Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Koger Center, Colgate 
Bldg., 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

G. Submission and Deadline for All Applicants

Letter of Intent (LOI)
Letter of Intent Due Dates:
Cycle A: October 2, 2000
For conferences May 1, 2001-April 30, 2002
Cycle B: January 2, 2001
For Conferences August 1, 2001-July 31, 2002
Cycle C: April 2, 2001
For Conferences November 1, 2001-September 30, 2002

    The letter of intent (LOI) must be submitted on or before October 
2, 2000, January 2, 2001 and April 2, 2001. The applicant must submit 
an original and two signed copies of the LOI to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the Where to Obtain Additional Information 
section of this announcement.

Application

    Applicants invited to apply should also submit the original and two 
copies of PHS form 5161-1, (OMB Number 0937-0189). Forms are in the 
application kit. Forms are also available at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/phs/ps5161-1.pdf

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Earliest possible award
           Application due dates                        dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cycle A: December 11, 2000................  April 1, 2001.
Cycle B: March 09, 2001...................  July 1, 2001.
Cycle C: June 15, 2001....................  September 30, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Deadline: Filing deadlines have now been imposed for all conference 
support grants and dates should be strictly followed by applicants to 
ensure that their LOI's are received in a timely manner.
    There will be three Conference Support reviews per year and awards 
will be made in the months of April 2001, July 2001, and September 
2001.
    If your conference dates fall between Oct 1, 2000 to April 30, 2001 
you should have applied under the previous program Announcement 00017 
otherwise your LOI will be considered unresponsive to Cycle A under the 
2001 Announcement.
    If your Conference dates fall between May 1, 2001 to April 30, 2002 
you can apply under Cycle A 2001.
    If your Conference dates fall between August 1, 2001 to July 31, 
2002 you can apply in Cycle B 2001.
    If your Conference dates fall between November 1, 2001 to September 
31, 2002 you can apply under Cycle C 2001. Letters of Intent and 
Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they are 
either:
    (a.) Received on or before the date, or
    (b.) Postmarked on or before the deadline date and received in time 
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 the 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.

[[Page 43768]]

H. Evaluation Criteria

Letter of Intent

    A conference is a symposium, seminar, workshop, or any other 
organized and formal meeting lasting portions of one or more days, 
where persons assemble to exchange information and views or explore or 
clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge, whether or 
not a published report results from such meeting. The conference should 
support CDC or ATSDR's public health principles in furtherance of CDC's 
mission or ATSDR's mission. CDC will review the LOIs and compare 
conference objectives with our respective missions and funding 
priorities to determine if a full application will be invited. Less 
than thirty-three percent of LOI applicants are invited to submit full 
applications.

Application

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
    Section 1.a., is ATSDR specific
    Section 1.b., is CDC specific
    Section 1.c., and all other sections in these criteria are 
applicable to both CDC and ATSDR,
    1. Proposed Program and Technical Approach (25 points)
    a. The public health significance of the proposed conference 
including the degree to which the conference can be expected to 
influence the prevention of exposure and adverse human health effects 
and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous 
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases and other sources of 
pollution present in the environment. (Applicable to ATSDR applications 
only).
    b. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it 
relates to specific non-Federal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs (except 
mental health, and substance abuse), including the public health need 
of the proposed conference and the degree to which the conference can 
be expected to influence public health practices. Evaluation will be 
based also on the extent of the applicant's collaboration with other 
organizations serving the intended audience. (Applicable to all CDC 
applications except ATSDR)
    c. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan.
    2. Applicant's Capability (10 points) Adequacy of applicant's 
resources (additional sources of funding, organization's strengths, 
staff time, proposed physical facilities, etc.) available for 
conducting conference activities.
    3. The Qualification of Program Personnel (20 points).
    Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the application has 
described:
    a. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and his/her ability to devote adequate time and effort to 
provide effective leadership.
    b. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
speakers, and presenters to accomplish conference objectives.
    c. The degree to which the applicant demonstrates the knowledge of 
nationwide and educational efforts currently underway which may affect, 
and be affected by, the proposed conference.
    4. Conference Objectives (25 points)
    a. The overall quality, reasonableness, feasibility, and logic of 
the designed conference objectives, including the overall work plan and 
timetable for accomplishment.
    b. The likelihood of accomplishing conference objectives as they 
relate to disease prevention and health promotion goals, and the 
feasibility of the project in terms of the operational plan.
    5. Evaluation Methods (20 points)
    Evaluation instrument(s) for the conference should adequately 
assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target 
audience.
    6. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities (not scored)
    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness; concise and clear justification; and consistency with 
the intended use of grant funds. The application will also be reviewed 
as to the adequacy of existing or proposed facilities and resources for 
conducting conference activities.

I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide the Grants Management Office with original plus two copies 
of:
    1. A Performance Report, or in lieu of a performance report, 
proceedings of the conference, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. (See appendix 1)
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
AR-20  Conference Support

J. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    The CDC program is authorized under Section 301 of the Public 
Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241] as amended. The Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
    The ATSDR program is authorized under Sections 104(i)(14) and (15) 
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments 
and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), [42 U.S.C. 9604(i)(14) and 
(15)]. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.161 for 
ATSDR.

K. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information, 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: Edna M. Green, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), Koger Center, Colgate Bldg., 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, Telephone (770) 488-2743, Email 
address [email protected],
    See also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/01002.htm
    For program technical assistance, contact: C.E. Criss Crissman, 
Resource Analysis Specialist, Office of the Director Extramural 
Services Activity, Public Health Practice Program Office (PHPPO), 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, 
NE, MS K-38, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3714, Telephone (770) 488-2513, 
Email address [email protected]


[[Page 43769]]


    Dated: July 7, 2000.
Mary Anne Bryant,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 
Registry.
[FR Doc. 00-17846 Filed 7-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P