[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 24, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63592-63602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27303]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01010]


Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2001 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for a Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 
program. 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 area of Maternal, Infant, and 
Child Health. For the conference copy of ``Healthy People 2010,'' visit 
the Internet site: www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    The purpose of the program is to assist State public health 
agencies in generating State-specific data for informing perinatal 
health programs and policies. This will be accomplished by assisting 
the State public health agencies to (1) establish or maintain State-
specific, population-based surveillance of selected maternal behaviors 
and experiences that occur around the time of pregnancy and early 
infancy, (2) enhance the basic PRAMS surveillance system in order to 
more effectively reach special or related populations which are 
typically considered hard-to-reach populations, and (3) to implement 
alternative methodologies for surveying women about selected maternal 
behaviors and experiences. This announcement includes three separate 
categories:
    Category A (Core Activities): To establish or maintain State-
specific population-based surveillance of selected maternal behaviors 
and experiences that occur around the time of pregnancy and early 
infancy.
    Category B (Enhanced Activities): To enhance regular PRAMS 
surveillance to reach special population groups, to test new data 
collection or analytic methodologies related to pregnancy or infant 
health, or to gather additional information on specific topics from 
women or others. Category B funds cannot be used for ongoing sampling 
from data sources other than vital records.
    1. Special or related population groups: Special populations may 
include teenagers, groups with low response rates, cultural groups, 
women whose first language is something other than English, low-income 
women, women from urban or rural areas, or incarcerated women. Related 
populations could include follow-up of women who have experienced a 
fetal death and women with children less than 5 years of age. Special 
or related populations to be considered for ongoing surveillance must 
be identifiable for sampling from vital records.
    2. New data collection or analytic methodologies: Methodologies 
that might enhance regular PRAMS mail/telephone data collection could 
include in-person interviews, additional mail and telephone follow-up 
with in-person interviews, Internet-administered surveys, or use of 
community health workers or an organization (e.g., church, civic, 
cultural groups) to deliver the surveys. Methodologies that might 
enhance analytic capacity could include conducting small area analysis 
or GIS (Geographic Information Science), testing the validity and 
reliability of measures, or performing linkages with other data sets 
that focus on maternal and infant health issues (e.g., Medicaid data, 
WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) data, databases with potential 
contact information for pregnant women).
    3. Specific topics: Special surveys focusing on specific topics or 
specific populations might include in-depth surveys of the PRAMS sample 
on a time-limited basis (e.g., additional detailed questions on a 
specific topic added to existing an questionnaire) or special surveys 
of other populations on topics related to PRAMS (e.g., prenatal care 
providers, hospitals, health insurance providers).
    Category C (Alternative Methodologies): To implement one time 
(point-in-time) surveys for State-specific, population-based 
surveillance of selected maternal behaviors and experiences that occur 
around the time of pregnancy and early infancy.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants may apply for core activities (Category A), either as an 
existing grantee or as a new grantee, or they may apply for alternative 
methodologies (Category C). In order to apply for enhanced activities 
(Category B), applicants must also apply for and receive Category A 
funding. A separate narrative must be provided for each category for 
which an applicant applies. Applications in each category will be 
evaluated separately.
    For Category A (Core Activities): Assistance will be provided only 
to the official State or territorial public health agencies designated 
as registration areas for vital statistics, including the District of 
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
and the Republic of Palau.
    Applicants can apply for Category A funds, either as an existing or 
new state.
    Existing PRAMS States are States that are funded under program 
announcement 96059 or 99070. These are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, 
Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, 
Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York State, New 
York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, 
Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. All other States must apply as 
a new State.
    All applicants for Category A must provide the following evidence 
of support letters:
    1. Written assurance, signed by the head of the State's Vital 
Statistics unit, that:
    a. the recipient PRAMS program will have timely (i.e., able to draw 
a sample from birth certificates within 2 to 4 months after delivery) 
access to edited birth certificate information needed for sampling and 
data collection,
    b. the recipient program will identify and commit a person from the 
Vital Statistics unit to act as a liaison to the PRAMS program to 
develop and maintain the sampling program and make any modifications 
needed throughout the life of the program,
    c. final birth tape will be available by December 1 of the 
following data year for the purpose of weighting the annual data set, 
and,
    d. any changes in the vital statistics system, such as with file 
layouts, will be communicated in writing to the recipient PRAMS program 
in a timely fashion, as it can affect the monthly sampling process.
    2. A joint letter of commitment from the State Directors of the 
Maternal and Child Health (MCH), the Vital Statistics, and the Data 
Processing units, that they will work collaboratively to support the 
PRAMS program. This letter should

[[Page 63593]]

specify evidence of past collaboration among these groups and identify 
which unit will be the lead in implementing the PRAMS program and what 
roles each unit will play.
    For Category B (Enhanced Activities): Assistance will be provided 
only to applicants funded under Category A. All applicants for Category 
B must provide:
    1. Written assurance from all potential data sources that the 
applicant's project will have access to the needed data for conducting 
the enhanced activities.
    2. A joint letter of commitment from all the units participating in 
the core PRAMS activities and the enhanced activities that they will 
work together to support the enhanced activities.
    For Category C (Alternative Methodologies): Assistance will be 
provided to the official State or territorial public health agencies. 
In addition, Federally recognized Indian tribal governments with more 
than 1,000 births per year may apply if the population to be surveyed 
does not reside in a State or territory with an existing PRAMS project. 
Tribal applications must include co-investigators from the State or 
territorial health departments providing vital statistics data. Tribes 
located within States with existing PRAMS projects should work with the 
State's health department to develop a category A or B proposal to 
sample tribal women.
    In Category C, a State, territory or tribal government may propose 
to include other States, territories, or tribes. Throughout this 
document for Category C, the term ``State'' is used to define any 
State, territory, or tribe that meets the eligibility requirements.
    Applicants that apply for Category C can not apply for Category A 
or Category B. Category C is an opportunity for States or territories 
that want to collect population-based data but not on an on-going 
basis.
    All applicants for Category C must provide the following evidence 
of support letters:
    1. Written assurance, signed by the head of the State's Vital 
Statistics unit, that:
    a. the recipient PRAMS program will have timely (i.e., able to draw 
a sample from birth certificates within 2 to 4 months after delivery) 
access to edited birth certificate information needed for sampling and 
data collection,
    b. the recipient program will identify and commit a person from the 
Vital Statistics unit to act as a liaison to the PRAMS program to 
develop and maintain the sampling program and make any modifications 
needed throughout the life of the program.
    2. A joint letter of commitment from the State Directors of the 
Maternal and Child Health (MCH), the Vital Statistics, and the Data 
Processing units, that they will work collaboratively to support the 
PRAMS program. This letter should describe past collaboration among 
these groups, specify which unit will be the lead in implementing the 
PRAMS program, and define the roles each unit will play.
    In Category C applications, projects that span more than one State 
or territory must provide letters from each State and territory 
involved.

C. Availability of Funds

    For Category A (New States): Approximately $1,500,000 is available 
in FY 2001 to fund approximately 8-12 awards. It is expected that the 
average award will be $150,000, ranging from $75,000 to $175,000. It is 
expected that the awards will begin on or about April 1, 2001, and will 
be made for a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to 5 
years. Funding estimates may change.
    For Category A (Existing States): Approximately $3,750,000 is 
available in FY 2001 to fund approximately 25 awards. It is expected 
that the average award will be $150,000, ranging from $75,000 to 
$175,000. It is expected that the awards will begin on or about April 
1, 2001, and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a project 
period of up to 5 years. Funding estimates may change.
    For Category B (New or Existing States): Approximately $2,500,000 
is available in FY 2001 to fund approximately 5 awards. It is expected 
that the average award will be $500,000, ranging from $175,000 to 
$750,000. It is expected that the awards will begin on or about April 
1, 2001, and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a project 
period of up to 3 years. Funding estimates may change.
    For Category C: Approximately $500,000 is available in FY 2001 to 
fund approximately 5 awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $100,000, ranging from $75,000 to $125,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about April 1, 2001, 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
    Funds awarded under this program may not be used to supplant 
existing program efforts funded through other Federal or non-Federal 
sources.
Recipient Financial Participation
    CDC funding covers some costs for PRAMS but it is not intended to 
fully support all aspects of the program. Current recipients contribute 
their own resources to PRAMS--mostly in the form of operational 
resources and staff support.

D. Program Requirements

    Program Requirements are described separately for each category.
    All recipients for Category B must obtain review and approval from 
an Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP)-approved Institutional 
Review Board (IRB). No data collection may begin until the provisions 
of 45 CFR 46, Protection of Human Subjects, have been met (See ``Other 
Requirements'' section below). Each project will be reviewed by CDC's 
IRB.
    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 
listed under 2, (CDC Activities).
    For Category A (Core Activities, New States):
    1. Recipient Activities:
    a. Adopt the standard PRAMS written protocol.
    b. Identify appropriate staff dedicated to overall coordination and 
operations of PRAMS. Also identify a person in Vital Records indicating 
the percentage of their time dedicated to assuring the sampling 
procedures.
    c. Form a steering committee consisting of representatives from the 
organizational units housing and collaborating on PRAMS, as well as 
other public and private health community representatives. The 
committee should provide oversight and set directions for the program 
and serve in an advocacy role promoting the use of PRAMS findings. At a 
minimum, this group will meet once per year.
    d. Assure active cooperation and collaboration among the 
participating organizational units such as MCH, Vital Records, and Data 
Processing units.
    e. Design a State-wide PRAMS program that assures access to needed 
vital record information. Timely (able to draw a sample from birth 
certificates within 2 to 4 months after delivery) access to birth 
certificates is essential.
    f. Prepare State-specific questions and their rationale and pretest 
the questionnaire, if needed. Collaborate to revise the common 
questions at agreed-upon intervals.

[[Page 63594]]

    g. Define the study population and design and maintain a 
representative PRAMS sample.
    h. Develop a cycle of sampling and data collection in accordance 
with the protocol and PRAMS software.
    i. Train interviewers to conduct telephone interviewing in 
accordance with PRAMS standards for phone interviewing and ensure that 
they follow the standard PRAMS protocol.
    j. Develop, maintain, and make available, using the standardized 
PRAMS protocol, electronic files on birth certificate information of 
the sampling frame and of sampled women, data collection activities, 
and questionnaire data on a timely basis for data management, i.e., 
sampling, cleaning, and weighting.
    k. Monitor, at least monthly, the quality of data collected and its 
management (through verification and validation efforts).
    l. Develop and implement an analysis plan, including potential 
partners and collaborators in and outside of the health departments. 
The analysis plan should be updated annually.
    m. Collaborate on multi-State analyses combining or comparing data 
across PRAMS States.
    n. Disseminate PRAMS findings through presentations and 
publications to health departments, professional societies, voluntary 
agencies, universities, other PRAMS States, and other interested 
individuals and organizations.
    o. Share program translation and dissemination material and 
products and examples of how the data have been used to affect programs 
and policy.
    p. Participate in training, workshops, meetings, and advisory 
committees at least once per year.
    q. Assure that a final birth tape is available by December 1 of the 
following data year. The birth tape is needed for weighting the annual 
data set which is returned to the State for analyses.
    2. CDC Activities:
    a. Provide model protocol and assist with development of State-
specific written protocols.
    b. Assist the recipient agencies with development and revisions of 
State-specific questions and core questions for States.
    c. Provide program software, training, and ongoing technical 
support for operations management, questionnaire data entry, and 
development of the PRAMS analysis database.
    d. Assist with the specification of variable descriptions and 
format layouts of all data files.
    e. Provide technical assistance for data editing.
    f. Assist with the development of computer programs for sampling.
    g. Provide technical assistance to resolve problems in data 
collection procedures, response rates, sampling procedures (unbiased 
sampling and estimate omissions), and database files (completeness).
    h. Assist in the development of annual weighted analysis data sets 
for recipient agencies, including developing statistical weights.
    i. Assist recipient agency staff in obtaining training in sample 
survey analysis software.
    j. Provide recipients with epidemiological and statistical 
technical assistance.
    k. Conduct multi-State and single-State analyses, in collaboration 
with the States, and facilitate dissemination and translation of 
findings.
    l. Participate with recipient agencies in workshops, training, 
meetings, and advisory committees to exchange information among States.
    m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS advisory committee comprised of 
all recipients to promote exchange of information.
    For Category A (Core Activities, Existing States):
    1. Recipient Activities:
    a. Review operational components to assure concordance with 
standard PRAMS written protocol. Adapt the State-specific portions of 
the written protocol to meet State needs.
    b. Maintain a State-wide PRAMS program that assures access to 
needed vital record information. Timely (able to draw a sample from 
birth certificates within 2 to 4 months after delivery) access to birth 
certificates is essential.
    c. Maintain a prescribed cycle of sampling and data collection in 
accordance with the PRAMS written protocol.
    d. Use the PRAMS standard software for the operational components 
of the program.
    e. Select the State-specific questions and their rationale and 
pretest the questionnaire, if needed. With other participating States, 
revise the common questions at agreed-upon intervals.
    f. Maintain and make available, using the standardized PRAMS 
protocol, electronic files on birth certificate information of the 
sampling frame, and of sampled women, data collection activities, and 
questionnaire data on a timely basis for data management, i.e., 
sampling, cleaning, and weighting.
    g. Conduct an annual sampling evaluation and adjustment of the 
sample to ensure it is representative of the study population.
    h. Maintain a Steering Committee consisting of representatives from 
organizational units housing and collaborating on PRAMS, as well as 
other public and private health community representatives. The 
committee should provide oversight and set directions for the program 
as well as serve in an advocate role promoting the use of PRAMS 
findings. At a minimum, this group will meet once per year.
    i. Assure appropriate staff dedicated to overall coordination and 
operations of PRAMS. Also specify a person in Vital Records indicating 
the percentage of their time dedicated to assuring the sampling 
procedures.
    j. Assure active cooperation and collaboration among the 
participating organizational units such as MCH, Vital Records, and Data 
Processing units.
    k. Monitor, at least monthly, the quality of data collected and its 
management (through verification and validation efforts).
    l. Train interviewers to conduct telephone interviewing in 
accordance with PRAMS standards for phone interviewing and ensure that 
they follow the standard PRAMS protocol.
    m. Develop and implement an analysis plan including potential 
partners and collaborators in and outside of the health departments. 
Update the analysis plan annually.
    n. Collaborate on multi-State analyses combining or comparing data 
across PRAMS States.
    o. Disseminate PRAMS findings through presentations and 
publications to health departments, professional societies, voluntary 
agencies, universities, other PRAMS States, and other interested 
individuals and organizations.
    p. Share examples of dissemination products and examples of how the 
data have been used to affect programs and policy.
    q. Participate with other States in training, workshops, meetings, 
and advisory committees at least once per year.
    r. Assure that a final birth tape is available by December 1 of the 
following data year. The birth tape is needed for weighting the annual 
data set for analyses.
    2. CDC Activities:
    a. Provide model PRAMS protocol and assist with development of 
State-specific written protocols.
    b. Assist the recipient agencies with development and revisions of 
State-specific questions and core questions for new States.
    c. Provide program software, training, and ongoing technical 
support for operations management, questionnaire data entry, and 
development of the PRAMS analysis database.

[[Page 63595]]

    d. Assist with the specification of variable descriptions and 
format layouts of all data files.
    e. Provide technical assistance for data editing.
    f. Assist with the development of computer programs for sampling.
    g. Provide technical assistance to resolve problems in data 
collection procedures, response rates, sampling procedures (unbiased 
sampling and estimate omissions), and database files (completeness).
    h. Assist in the development of annual weighted analysis data sets 
for recipient agencies, including developing statistical weights.
    i. Assist recipient agency staff in obtaining training in sample 
survey analysis software.
    j. Provide recipients with epidemiological and statistical 
technical assistance.
    k. Conduct multi-State and single-State analyses, in collaboration 
with the States, and facilitate dissemination and translation of 
findings.
    l. Participate with recipient agencies in workshops, training, 
meetings, and advisory committees to exchange information among States.
    m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS advisory committee comprised of 
all recipients to promote exchange of information.
    For Category B (Enhanced Activities):
    1. Recipient Activities:
    a. Develop a written protocol that includes a plan for staffing, 
sampling, design, methodology, analyses, and dissemination and 
translation of data.
    b. Identify special features that distinguish the enhanced 
activities from the core activities and describe their impact on the 
core activities, assuring that the integrity of the core PRAMS 
activities is maintained.
    c. Acquire resources and technical assistance to carry out the 
enhanced activities including staff, software, data systems, and 
analytic expertise, as needed.
    d. Assure active cooperation and collaboration among all units 
involved with the core PRAMS activities and the enhanced activities.
    e. Identify and assure access to all needed sources of data.
    f. Form a special advisory committee to advise and oversee the 
enhanced activities. This group should include representatives from the 
core PRAMS project.
    g. Define the study population and sampling design.
    h. Prepare the data collection instruments, if needed.
    i. Carry out data collection in accordance with the written 
protocol for the enhanced activities.
    j. Train interviewers and assure that they follow the written 
protocol for enhanced activities.
    k. Develop, maintain, clean, and edit electronic files with 
information on the sampling frame, sampled women, data collection 
activities, and questionnaire data.
    l. Monitor, at least monthly, the quality of data collected and its 
management (through verification and validation efforts).
    m. Develop and implement an analysis, dissemination, and 
translation plan for the enhanced activities including potential 
partners and collaborators in and outside the health department.
    n. Disseminate PRAMS findings through multiple sources such as 
presentations, publications, and special training.
    o. Provide examples of how, through the enhanced activities, the 
program has been able to translate findings in order to influence 
policy and programs for special populations.
    p. Summarize and evaluate the enhanced activities and share widely.
    q. Collaborate with other States on multi-State projects.
    2. CDC Activities:
    a. Review and provide recommendations on the protocol for the 
enhanced activities, including staffing, sample design, methodology, 
analyses, and dissemination and translation of data.
    b. Review the impact of the enhanced activities on the core PRAMS 
activities.
    c. Provide technical assistance to resolve issues that arise in 
performing the enhanced activities.
    d. Provide recipients with epidemiological and statistical 
technical assistance.
    e. Collaborate on analytic projects that summarize the multi-State 
efforts to carry out enhanced activities to reach special populations 
through alternative methodologies.
    f. Provide a forum for recipient agencies to exchange information 
from their enhanced activities.
    g. Assist in the development of a research protocol for IRB review 
by all cooperating institutions participating in the research project.
    h. The CDC IRB will review and approve the protocol initially and 
on at least an annual basis until the research project is completed.
    For Category C (Alternative Methodologies):
    1. Recipient Activities:
    a. Adopt the standard PRAMS written protocol for one time (point-
in-time) surveys.
    b. Identify appropriate staff dedicated to overall coordination and 
implementation of PRAMS, analytic staff, and support staff for the 
actual survey period. Also specify a person in Vital Records in each 
involved registration area responsible for assuring the sampling 
procedures.
    c. Form an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from 
the organizational units collaborating on PRAMS, as well as other 
public and private health community representatives. The committee 
should provide oversight and set directions for the program as well as 
serve in an advocacy role promoting the use of PRAMS findings. At a 
minimum, this group will meet once per year.
    d. Assure active cooperation and collaboration for all recipient 
areas among the participating organizational units such as MCH, Vital 
Records, and Data Processing units.
    e. Design a State-wide PRAMS survey that assures access to needed 
vital records information. Timely (able to draw a sample from birth 
certificates within 2 to 4 months after delivery) access to birth 
certificates is essential.
    f. Prepare State-specific questions and their rationale and pretest 
the questionnaire, if needed.
    g. Define the study population and design and select a 
representative PRAMS sample.
    h. Develop a cycle of sampling and data collection in accordance 
with the protocol and PRAMS software during the survey period.
    i. Train interviewers to conduct telephone interviewing in 
accordance with PRAMS standards for phone interviewing and ensure that 
they follow the standard PRAMS protocol.
    j. Develop, maintain, and make available, using the standardized 
PRAMS protocol, electronic files on birth certificate information of 
the sampling frame, and of sampled women, data collection activities, 
and questionnaire data on a timely basis for data management, i.e., 
sampling, cleaning, and weighting.
    k. Monitor the quality of data collected and its management 
(through verification and validation efforts).
    l. Develop and implement an analysis plan including potential 
partners and collaborators in and outside of the health departments.
    m. Collaborate on multi-State analyses combining or comparing data 
across PRAMS States.
    n. Disseminate PRAMS findings through presentations and 
publications to health departments, professional societies, voluntary 
agencies, universities, other PRAMS States, and other interested 
individuals and organizations.

[[Page 63596]]

    o. Share examples of dissemination products and examples of how the 
data have been used to affect programs and policy.
    p. Participate with other States in training, workshops, meetings, 
and advisory committees at least once per year.
    q. Provide a final birth tape covering the survey period by 
December 1 of the year following the data year. The birth tape is 
needed to check for adequate coverage of the sampling frame.
    2. CDC Activities:
    a. Provide model PRAMS protocol and assist with development of 
State-or area-specific written protocols.
    b. Assist the recipients with development of State-specific 
questions.
    c. Provide program software, training, and technical support for 
operations management, questionnaire data entry, and development of the 
PRAMS analysis database.
    d. Assist with the specification of variable descriptions and 
format layouts of all data files.
    e. Provide technical assistance for data editing.
    f. Assist with the development of computer programs for sampling.
    g. Provide technical assistance to resolve problems regarding data 
collection procedures.
    h. Assist in the development of a weighted analysis data set for 
recipient agencies, including developing statistical weights.
    i. Assist recipient agency staff in obtaining training in sample 
survey analysis software.
    j. Provide recipients with epidemiological and statistical 
technical assistance.
    k. Conduct multi-State and single-State analyses, in collaboration 
with the State, and facilitate dissemination and translation of 
findings.
    l. Participate with recipient agencies in workshops, training, 
meetings, and advisory committees to exchange information among States.
    m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS advisory committee comprised of 
all recipients to promote exchange of information.

R. 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. Provide a separate narrative for each of the Categories (A, B, 
and C). Each narrative should be no more than 30 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced (12 CPI)font.
    For Category A (Core Activities, New States):
    1. Background and Need:
    a. Describe the composition of the birth population, giving the 
numbers of overall births and births in each sub-population of 
interest. Describe the scope and severity of the problems of poor 
pregnancy outcomes, including infant mortality, low birth weight, and 
related risk factors such as inadequate prenatal care or unintended 
pregnancy. This may apply on a Statewide basis or to high risk sub-
populations in defined geographical areas and may be assessed in 
relation to relevant national rates, Maternal and Child Health Bureau 
indicators, or the ``Healthy People 2010 Objectives''.
    b. Describe the reproductive health and maternal and child health 
priorities for the State and how PRAMS data can be integrated into the 
State's activities to address those priorities.
    c. Identify gaps in needed information concerning adverse pregnancy 
and infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant risk factors, and provide a 
description of how PRAMS data may be used to fill these gaps.
    d. Describe how data from PRAMS will complement the analyses of 
vital records by increasing understanding of previously identified 
maternal and infant health problems and identifying new problems.
    2. Profile of State Birth Registration Process:
    a. Describe, in detail, the State process for registering births, 
to include each step from collection of information at the birth site, 
having an initial computerized file (the sampling frame from which the 
PRAMS sample will be drawn), and having a clean, edited file from which 
other information can be drawn. Present a time line for the cleaning of 
critical variables, such as name, address, and date of birth. Document 
that the sample could be drawn from birth certificate information 
within 2 to 4 months after the date of birth. Describe any validity and 
reliability studies that have been conducted on birth certificate data.
    b. Describe the schedule on which vital records information (frame 
files and end-of-year birth files, such as NCHS standard birth files) 
will be available.
    c. Describe the extent to which you can link birth certificate data 
to other data sources, e.g., infant deaths, Supplemental Nutrition 
Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid.
    d. Describe any State laws or policies that place restrictions on 
the release of vital records data for research purposes and indicate 
the impact of these laws or policies on PRAMS.
    e. Describe any plans for dealing with the upcoming revision of the 
birth certificate.
    3. Plan of Operation:
    a. Describe how and when the major project components, such as 
sampling, mail and telephone operations, data analysis, staffing plan, 
protocol development, steering committee, will be developed and 
implemented.
    b. Provide any available data that describe the extent to which the 
data collection approach is likely to produce adequate response rates 
among the sampled population, including high-risk sub-populations. 
Provide examples of previous surveys, including past experiences with 
PRAMS or other data collection activities, and the response rates in 
the proposed populations. Describe and provide for the inclusion of 
women, racial, and ethnic minority populations in the proposed project 
to include:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, racial, and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representations.
    (1) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (3) A statement whether the design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    (4) A statement whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for 
study participants include the process of establishing partnerships 
with communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    c. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and supervision of key 
personnel who will be contributing to the PRAMS program during the next 
budget period.
    d. Document, with curriculum vitae, the relevant expertise and 
experience of proposed personnel involved in PRAMS program direction, 
operational management, and data analysis and dissemination, and their 
placement within the organization. It is strongly recommended that a 
minimum of two full-time equivalents at the State level be committed to 
working on daily operations and coordination of PRAMS.
    e. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of 
participating organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and 
data processing units. Provide an organizational chart that shows the 
location of units that participate in PRAMS.
    f. Describe a plan for data analysis that integrates the MCH 
priorities

[[Page 63597]]

previously identified that can be addressed by PRAMS.
    g. Describe how findings from PRAMS analyses will be disseminated 
through various channels, including steering committee members, health 
policy makers, and health providers and translated into public health 
action. Describe existing partnerships and how findings from previous 
studies have been disseminated. Identify future partnerships for 
dissemination and translation activities.
    4. Timetable:
    Provide a general time-line of major milestones for the project 
period and a schedule of activities for the first 12 months of the 
project period.
    5. Budget:
    Provide a detailed budget and line-item justification of all 
operating expenses that are consistent with the planned activities of 
the project. The budget should also address funds requested, as well as 
in-kind or direct support. Indicate if funds are already committed to 
PRAMS and adjust the amount requested under this announcement 
accordingly.
    For Category A (Core Activities, Existing States):
    1. Background and Need:
    a. Describe the composition of the birth population giving the 
numbers of overall births and births in each sub-population of 
interest. Describe the scope and severity of the problems of poor 
pregnancy outcomes, including infant mortality, low birth weight, and 
related risk factors such as inadequate prenatal care or unintended 
pregnancy. This may apply on a Statewide basis or to high risk sub-
populations in defined geographical areas and may be assessed in 
relationship to relevant national rates, Maternal and Child Health 
Bureau indicators, or the ``Healthy People 2010 Objectives.''
     b. Describe the reproductive health and maternal and child health 
priorities for your State and how PRAMS data can be integrated into 
your State's activities to address those priorities.
    c. Identify gaps in needed information concerning adverse pregnancy 
and infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant risk factors, and describe 
how PRAMS data can be used to fill these gaps.
    d. Describe how data from PRAMS will complement the analyses of 
vital records by increasing understanding of previously identified 
maternal and infant health problems and identifying new problems.
    2. Capacity:

    Note: States that have been in PRAMS for less than 2 years may 
not be able to report on certain elements in this section. If you 
have been in PRAMS for less than 2 years, focus on process and 
implementation issues and indicate where you are not able to comment 
on a section because of lack of data.

    a. Describe progress to date in implementing PRAMS operational 
activities, including sampling, data collection, and data management; 
and any barriers that precluded complete and successful implementation 
of the project, e.g., sources of contact information or staffing 
patterns.
    b. Document the staffing pattern for the project over the last 2 
years and any impact of that pattern on the project.
    c. Identify and describe the State staff who contribute to the 
PRAMS project (project coordinator, data manager, data analyst, vital 
records contact, and other PRAMS participants), including their roles, 
the proportion of their time spent on PRAMS, and a summary of their 
activities and accomplishments during the last funding period.
    d. Document PRAMS response rates, overall and by stratification 
variables (70 percent is considered a minimum level of response) for 
the last 12 months.
    e. Document the extent to which PRAMS data are available for 
analysis and have been analyzed.
    f. Describe the extent to which PRAMS data have been used for 
program planning, policy development, and resource allocation. Provide 
specific examples of dissemination and translation of PRAMS data and 
existing partners in these efforts.
    g. Describe data linkages that have been accomplished between PRAMS 
and other data sources and identify how the linked data sets have been 
used.
    3. Profile of State Birth Registration Process:
    a. Summarize the State process for registering births. Include each 
step from collection of information at the birth site, having an 
initial computerized file (the sampling frame from which the PRAMS 
sample will be drawn), and having a clean, edited file from which other 
information can be drawn. Present a time line for the cleaning of 
critical variables, such as name, address, and date of birth. Document 
that the sample could be drawn from birth certificate information 
within 2 to 4 months after the date of birth. Describe any validity and 
reliability studies that have been conducted on birth certificate data.
    b. Describe the schedule on which vital records information (frame 
files and end-of-year birth files, such as NCHS standard birth files) 
will be available. These files are used to assist the State with 
evaluation of the sample and weighting the data.
    c. Describe the extent to which you can link birth certificate data 
to other data sources, e.g., infant deaths, Supplemental Nutrition 
Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid.
    d. Describe any State laws or policies that place restrictions on 
the release of vital records data for research purposes and indicate 
the impact of these laws or policies on PRAMS.
    e. Describe any plans for dealing with the upcoming revision of the 
birth certificate.
    4. Plan of Operation:
    a. Describe how and when major project components (sampling, mail 
and telephone operations, data analysis) are carried out and any 
proposed changes for the next budget period.
    b. Provide any available data that describe the extent to which the 
data collection approach is likely to produce adequate response rates 
among the sampled population, including high-risk sub-populations. 
Provide examples of previous surveys, especially past experiences with 
PRAMS or other data collection activities, and their response rates in 
the proposed populations. Describe and provide for the inclusion of 
women, racial, and ethnic minority populations in the proposed research 
to include:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, racial, and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representations.
    (2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (3) A statement whether the design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    (4) A statement whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for 
study participants include the process of establishing partnerships 
with communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    c. Describe the roles and responsibilities of key personnel who 
will be contributing to the PRAMS program during the next budget 
period.
    d. Document, with curriculum vitae, the relevant expertise and 
experience of key personnel involved in PRAMS program direction, 
operational management, data analysis and dissemination, and their 
placement within the organization. It is suggested that a minimum of 
two full-time equivalents at the State level be committed to working on 
daily operations and coordination of PRAMS.
    e. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of 
participating organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and 
data processing units. Provide an organizational chart that shows the 
location of units participating in PRAMS.

[[Page 63598]]

    f. Describe a plan for data analysis that integrates the MCH 
priorities previously identified that can be addressed by PRAMS.
    g. Describe how findings from PRAMS analyses will be disseminated 
through various channels, including steering committee members, health 
policy makers, and health providers and translated into public health 
action. Identify future partnerships for dissemination and translation 
activities.
    5. Timetable:
    Submit a general time-line of major milestones for the project 
period and a schedule of activities for the first 12 months of the 
project period.
    6. Budget:
    Provide a detailed budget and line-item justification of all 
operating expenses that is consistent with the planned activities of 
the project. Address funds requested, as well as in-kind or direct 
support.
    For Category B (Enhanced Activities):
    1. Background and Need:
    a. Describe the rationale for conducting the enhanced activities.
    b. Describe the maternal and child health priorities for your State 
indicating how the enhanced activities can be integrated into your 
State's efforts to address those priorities.
    c. Describe how the information gained by the enhanced activities 
may be used for health program planning, policy development, and 
resource allocation.
    2. Plan of Operation:
    a. Describe how the major program components of the enhanced 
activities (such as staffing, sample design, methodology, data 
analysis, data dissemination and translation, and advisory committee) 
will be developed and implemented.
    b. Describe special features that distinguish the enhanced 
activities from the core activities and describe their impact on the 
core activities, assuring that the integrity of the core PRAMS is 
maintained.
    c. Describe how resources and technical assistance (including 
staff, software, data systems, and analytic expertise) needed to carry 
out the enhanced activities will be obtained.
    d. Describe the study population and provide for the inclusion of 
women, racial, and ethnic minority populations in the proposed research 
to include:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, racial, and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representations.
    (2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (3) A statement whether the design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    (4) A statement whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for 
study participants include the process of establishing partnerships 
with communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    e. Describe all phases of the data collection process, identifying 
the data collection instruments, data sources, persons responsible for 
collecting data, and the steps involved.
    f. Describe the plan for obtaining resources and expertise to carry 
out the enhanced activities.
    g. Describe how all units involved with the core PRAMS activities 
and the enhanced activities will cooperate and collaborate.
    h. Describe the composition and function of the advisory committee 
that will advise and oversee the enhanced activities.
    i. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and supervision of key 
personnel who will be contributing to the enhanced activities during 
the duration of the project. Document the relevant expertise and 
experience of proposed personnel involved in enhanced activities, and 
their placement within the organization.
    j. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of any 
additional participating organizational units or groups.
    k. Describe a plan for data analysis that integrates the MCH 
priorities for the targeted special populations.
    l. Describe how findings from PRAMS analyses will be disseminated 
through various channels and translated into public health actions.
    3. Applicability of the Proposed Enhanced Activities to MCH 
Surveillance:
    Describe the merit of the enhanced activities in terms of reaching 
special populations, using alternative methodologies, or expanding 
knowledge about MCH issues.
    4. Timetable:
    Provide a general time-line of major milestones for the project 
period and a schedule of activities for the first 12 months of the 
project period.
    5. Budget:
    Provide a detailed budget and line-item justification of all 
operating expenses that is consistent with the planned activities of 
the project. Address funds requested, as well as in-kind or direct 
support.
    For Category C (Alternative Methodologies):
    1. Background and Need:
    a. Describe the composition of the birth population, giving the 
numbers of overall births and births in each sub-population of 
interest. Describe the scope and severity of the problems of poor 
pregnancy outcomes, including infant mortality, low birth weight, and 
related risk factors such as inadequate prenatal care or unintended 
pregnancy. This may apply on a State-wide basis or to high risk sub-
populations in defined geographical areas and may be assessed in 
relationship to relevant national rates, Maternal and Child Health 
Bureau indicators, or the ``Healthy People 2010 Objectives.''
    b. Describe the reproductive health and maternal and child health 
priorities for the State and how PRAMS data can be integrated into the 
State's activities to address those priorities.
    c. Identify gaps in needed information concerning adverse pregnancy 
and infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant health risk factors, and 
provide a description of how PRAMS data may be used to fill these gaps.
    d. Describe how data from PRAMS will complement the analyses of 
vital records by increasing understanding of previously identified 
maternal and infant health problems and identifying new problems.
    e. Describe how a point-in-time survey would meet your needs (e.g., 
a small birth population, lack of electronic birth records, inadequate 
resources to maintain ongoing surveillance).
    2. Profile of State Birth Registration Process (if more than one 
State is involved, provide the following information for each State):
    a. Describe, in detail, the State process for registering births. 
Include each step from collection of information at the birth site to 
availability of a clean, edited file from which other information can 
be drawn. Present a time line for the cleaning of critical variables, 
such as name, address, and date of birth. Document that the sample 
could be drawn from birth certificate information within 2 to 4 months 
after the date of birth. Describe any validity and reliability studies 
that have been conducted on birth certificate data.
    b. Describe any State laws or policies that place restrictions on 
the release of vital records data for research purposes and indicate 
the impact of these laws or policies on PRAMS.
    3. Plan of Operation:
     a. Describe how and when the major project components, such as 
sampling, mail and telephone data collection procedures, data analysis, 
staffing plan, protocol development, advisory committee, will be 
developed and implemented. Include details of proposed sample size and 
sampling scheme.
    b. Provide any available data that describe the extent to which the 
data

[[Page 63599]]

collection approach is likely to produce adequate response rates among 
the sampled population, including high-risk sub-populations. Provide 
examples of previous surveys, including past experiences with PRAMS or 
other data collection activities, and their response rates in the 
proposed populations.
    c. Describe and provide for the inclusion of women, racial, and 
ethnic minority populations in the proposed project to include:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, racial, and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
    (2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (3) A statement whether the design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    (4) A statement whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for 
study participants include the process of establishing partnerships 
with communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    d. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and supervision of key 
personnel who will be contributing to the PRAMS program. Document the 
relevant expertise and experience of proposed personnel involved in 
PRAMS program direction, operational management, and data analysis and 
dissemination, and their placement within the organization.
    e. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of 
participating organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and 
data processing units. Provide an organizational chart that shows the 
proposed location of units that participate in PRAMS.
    f. Describe a plan for data analysis that integrates the MCH 
priorities previously identified that can be addressed by PRAMS.
    g. Describe how findings from PRAMS analyses will be disseminated 
through various channels, including advisory committee members, health 
policy makers, and health providers and translated into public health 
action. Provide a description of existing partnerships and how findings 
from previous studies have been disseminated. Identify future 
partnerships for dissemination and translation activities.
    4. Timetable:
    Provide a general time-line of major milestones for the project 
period and a schedule of activities for the entire three years of the 
project period.
    5. Budget:
    Provide a detailed budget and line-item justification of all 
operating expenses that is consistent with the planned activities of 
the project. Address funds requested, as well as in-kind or direct 
support. Indicate if funds are already committed to PRAMS and adjust 
the amount requested under this announcement accordingly.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of CDC 0.1246. Forms are 
available at the following Internet address: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm. On or before January 12, 2001, 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 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 that 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

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC. 
Application for each category will be evaluated separately against the 
criteria as listed below.
    For Category A (Core activities, New States) (Total 100 points):
    1. Background and Need (25 points):
    a. The extent to which problems of poor pregnancy outcome exist, 
their severity, and whether they exist on a Statewide basis, within 
high-risk sub-populations, or defined geographical areas, and may be 
assessed in relation to relevant national rates, the Maternal and Child 
Health Bureau indicators, and the ``Healthy People 2010 Objectives'' (5 
points).
    b. The programmatic relevance of PRAMS data to the reproductive 
health and maternal and child health program priorities (8 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant describes the surveillance 
information needed and how it may be used for health program planning, 
policy development, and resource allocation (7 points).
    d. The extent to which the applicant has used vital records data or 
other data sources, (e.g., infant deaths, WIC, Medicaid, or PRAMS) to 
identify and analyze maternal and infant health problems (5 points).
    2. Profile of State Birth Registration Process (30 points):
    a. The extent to which the process is thorough; birth certificate 
information is computerized, edited, and available for sampling within 
2 to 4 months after date of birth (10 points).
    b. The extent to which vital records information schedule provides 
timely access for sample evaluation and weighting (7 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant can link to other data sources 
(e.g., infant deaths, WIC, Medicaid) (3 points).
    d. The extent to which State laws and policies support the release 
of vital records data for surveillance purposes (5 points).
    e. The extent to which the Vital Records Unit has a plan for 
dealing with the upcoming revision of the birth certificate (5 points).
    3. Plan of Operation (40 points):
    a. The adequacy of the plan to carry out major project components 
(i.e., sampling, mail and telephone operations, data analysis, staffing 
plan, protocol development, steering committee) (10 points).
    b. The extent to which the sampling method appears appropriate and 
likely to produce adequate response rates among the sampled 
populations. Applicants have provided evidence of previous experience, 
including PRAMS, with the sample populations. (10 points).
    c. The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC Policy 
requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial 
groups (4 points). This includes:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, 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 communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    d. The extent to which the roles and responsibilities for 
organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and data processing 
units; and key personnel and their expertise and experience, are

[[Page 63600]]

documented and appear reasonable and appropriate; and whether two full-
time equivalents are committed to working on PRAMS (8 points).
    e. The extent to which the plan for data analysis assures attention 
to reproductive health and MCH priorities, dissemination of findings 
through multiple channels, to include steering committee members, 
health policy makers, and health providers and formation of 
partnerships for dissemination and translation activities (8 points).
    4. Timetable (5 Points):
    The extent to which the timetable incorporates major PRAMS 
activities and milestones and is specific, measurable, and realistic.
    5. Budget (Not Scored):
    The extent to which the budget is detailed, clear, justified, 
provides in-kind or direct project support, and is consistent with the 
proposed program activities.
    For Category A (Core activities, Existing States) (Total 100 
points):
    1. Background and Need (5 points):
    a. The extent to which problems of poor pregnancy outcome exist, 
their severity, and whether they exist on a Statewide basis, within 
high-risk sub-populations, or defined geographical areas, and may be 
assessed in relationship to relevant national rates, Maternal and Child 
Health Bureau indicators, or ``Healthy People 2010 Objectives''.
    b. The programmatic relevance of PRAMS data to reproductive health 
and maternal and child health program priorities.
    c. The extent to which the applicant describes the surveillance 
information needed and how it may be used for health program planning, 
policy development, and resource allocation.
    d. The extent to which the applicant has used vital records data, 
PRAMS, or other data sources, (e.g., infant deaths, WIC, and Medicaid) 
to identify and analyze maternal and infant health problems.
    2. Capacity (30 points):

    Note: States that entered PRAMS under the program announcement 
99070 and do not yet have their first year's analytic data set will 
only be scored on criteria a through d. The scores for these States 
will be: a (20 points); b (5 points); and c (5 points).

    a. The extent to which the applicant describes the progress to date 
in carrying out PRAMS operational activities including a discussion of 
any barriers that precluded complete and successful implementation of 
the project (8 points).
    b. The extent to which the program has remained fully staffed with 
vacancies minimized and the extent to which staff contributions, roles, 
time, and accomplishments in support of the PRAMS program appear 
reasonable and appropriate (3 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant has maintained minimal levels 
of response (70 percent) overall and strata-specific (5 points).
    d. The extent to which the available PRAMS data have been analyzed 
and linkages have been made with other data sources (6 points).
    e. The extent to which PRAMS data have been used for program 
planning, policy development, and resource allocation. Specific 
examples of dissemination and translation have been shared and partners 
in these activities identified (8 points).
    3. Profile of State Birth Registration Process (20 points):
    a. The extent to which the process is thorough; birth certificate 
information is computerized, edited, and available for sampling within 
2 to 4 months after date of birth (6 points).
    b. The extent to which the vital records information schedule 
provides timely access for sample evaluation and weighting (6 points).
    c. The extent to which applicant can link to other data sources 
(e.g., infant deaths, WIC, Medicaid) (2 points).
    d. The extent to which State laws and policies support the release 
of vital records data for surveillance purposes (3 points).
    e. The extent to which the Vital Records Unit has a plan for 
dealing with the upcoming revision of the birth certificate (3 points).
    4. Plan of Operation (40 points):
    a. The adequacy of the plan to carry out major project components 
(i.e., sampling, mail and telephone operations, data analysis, staffing 
plan, protocol development, steering committee) (8 points).
    b. The extent to which the sampling method appears appropriate and 
likely to produce adequate response rates among the sampled 
populations. Applicant has provided evidence of previous experiences, 
including PRAMS, with the sampled populations (8 points).
    c. The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC Policy 
requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial 
groups (4 points). This includes:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, 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 communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    d. The extent to which the roles and responsibilities for 
organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and data processing 
units; and key personnel and their expertise and experience, are 
documented and appear reasonable and appropriate; and whether two full-
time equivalents are committed to working on PRAMS (10 points).
    e. The extent to which the plan for data analysis assures the 
attention to reproductive health and MCH priorities, dissemination of 
findings through multiple channels, to include steering committee 
members, health policy makers, and health providers and formation of 
partnerships for dissemination and translation activities (10 points).
    5. Timetable (5 Points):
    The extent to which the timetable incorporates major PRAMS 
activities and milestones and is specific, measurable, and realistic.
    6. Budget (Not Scored):
    The extent to which the budget is detailed, clear, justified, 
provides in-kind or direct project support, and is consistent with the 
proposed program activities.
    For Category B (Enhanced Activities, New or Existing States) (Total 
100 points):
    1. Background and Need (20 points):
    a. The extent to which the rationale for conducting the enhanced 
activities is appropriate (8 points).
    b. The programmatic relevance of the enhanced activities in terms 
of the State's maternal and infant health program priorities is evident 
(6 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant describes how the information 
gained from the enhanced activities may be used for health program 
planning, policy development, and resource allocation (6 points).
    2. Plan of Operation (60 points):
    a. The adequacy of the plan to carry out major project components 
(i.e., staffing, sampling, design, methodology, data analysis, data 
dissemination and translation, and advisory committee) (10 points).
    b. The extent to which special features of the enhanced activities 
are described and enhanced activities interface smoothly with the core 
PRAMS activities (10 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant has adequately described the 
study

[[Page 63601]]

population and 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 (4 points). This includes:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, 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 communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    d. The extent to which the data collection process has been 
adequately described including the data collection instruments, data 
sources, persons responsible for collecting data, and steps involved (8 
points).
    e. The extent to which the plan for obtaining resources and 
expertise to carry out the enhanced activities is detailed and 
appropriate (8 points).
    f. The extent to which the composition of the advisory committee 
and the roles, responsibilities, and supervision of key personnel 
contributing to the enhanced activities and their expertise and 
experience are documented and appear reasonable and appropriate (5 
points).
    g. The extent to which specific roles and responsibilities of any 
additional participating organizational units or groups are documented 
and appropriate (5 points).
    h. The extent to which the plan for data analysis integrates the 
MCH priorities for the targeted special populations (5 points).
    i. The extent to which findings from analyses will be disseminated 
through multiple channels and translated into public health action (5 
points).
    3. Applicability (15 points):
    The extent to which the enhanced activities will add to MCH 
surveillance in terms of reaching special populations, utilizing 
alternative methodologies, or expanding knowledge about MCH issues.
    4. Timetable (5 points):
    The extent to which the timetable incorporates major PRAMS 
activities and milestones and is specific, measurable, and realistic.
    5. Budget (not scored):
    The extent to which the budget is detailed, clear, justified, 
provides in-kind or direct project support, and is consistent with the 
proposed program activities.
    6. Human Subjects: (not scored):
    Does the application include a plan to adequately address the 
requirements of Title 45 CFR Part 46 for the protection of human 
subjects (see AR-1 below)?
    For Category C (Alternative Methodologies) (Total 100 points):
    1. Background and Need (35 points):
    a. The extent to which problems of poor pregnancy outcome exist, 
their severity, and whether they exist on a State-wide basis, within 
high-risk sub-populations, or defined geographical areas, and may be 
assessed in relationship to relevant national rates, the Maternal and 
Child Health Bureau indicators, and the ``Healthy People 2010 
Objectives'' (5 points).
    b. The programmatic relevance of PRAMS data to the reproductive 
health and maternal and child health program priorities (8 points).
    c. The extent to which the applicant describes the surveillance 
information needed and how it may be used for health program planning, 
policy development, and resource allocation (7 points).
    d. The extent to which the applicant has used vital records data or 
other data sources, (e.g., infant deaths, WIC, Medicaid, or PRAMS) to 
identify and analyze maternal and infant health problems (5 points).
    e. The extent to which a point-in-time survey methodology is 
justified and appropriate, such as a small birth population, lack of 
electronic birth records, or inadequate resources to maintain ongoing 
surveillance. (10 points)
    2. Profile of State Birth Registration Process (20 points):
    a. The extent to which the process is thoroughly documented; birth 
certificate information is cleaned, edited, and available for sampling 
within 2 to 4 months after date of birth (15 points).
    b. The extent to which the State laws and policies support the 
release of vital records data for surveillance purposes (5 points).
    3. Plan of Operation (40 points):
    a. The adequacy of the plan to carry out major project components 
(i.e., sampling, mail and telephone operations, data analysis, staffing 
plan, protocol development, steering committee) (10 points).
    b. The extent to which the sampling method appears appropriate and 
likely to produce adequate response rates among the sampled 
populations. Applicant has provided evidence of previous experiences 
with the sampled populations (10 points).
    c. The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC Policy 
requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial 
groups (4 points). This includes:
    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of women, 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 communities and recognition of mutual benefits.
    d. The extent to which the roles and responsibilities for 
organizational units, such as MCH, vital records, and data processing 
units; and key personnel and their expertise and experience, are 
documented and appear reasonable and appropriate; and whether 
sufficient staff are committed to working on PRAMS (8 points).
    e. The extent to which the plan for data analysis assures attention 
to reproductive health and MCH priorities, dissemination of findings 
through multiple channels, to include steering committee members, 
health policy makers, and health providers and formation of 
partnerships for dissemination and translation activities (8 points).
    4. Timetable (5 Points):
    The extent to which the timetable incorporates major PRAMS 
activities and milestones and is specific, measurable, and realistic.
    5. Budget (Not Scored):
    The extent to which the budget is detailed, clear, justified, 
provides in-kind or direct project support, and is consistent with the 
proposed program activities.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. progress report, no more than 90 days after the end of the 
budget period;
    2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    3. 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 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of

[[Page 63602]]

each, see Attachment I 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) and 317(k) of the 
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. sections 241(a) and 247b(k)], as 
amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 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.''
    To obtain additional information, contact:

Van A. King, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, 
Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 01010, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 
3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: (770) 488-2751, Email 
Address: [email protected]

    For program technical assistance, contact:

Mary M. Rogers, Dr. P.H., Project Officer, PRAMS, Division of 
Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention 
and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-22, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30341, Telephone: (770) 488-5220, E-Mail Address: 
[email protected]

    Dated: October 16, 2000.
Sandra Manning,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-27303 Filed 10-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P