[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 21 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8406-8410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-2268]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01025]


Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program 
for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention; 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 Public Health Conference Support for Human Immunodeficiency 
Virus (HIV) Prevention. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 
2010'' focus area of HIV.
    Topics concerned with issues and areas other than HIV prevention 
should be directed to other public health agencies, or in accordance 
with the current Federal Register notice (see Federal Register Notice 
01002 [65 FR 43765], published on July 14, 2000).
    The purpose of conference support funding is to provide partial 
support for specific nonfederal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs. 
Because conference support by CDC creates the appearance of CDC 
cosponsorship, there will be active participation by CDC in the 
development and approval of those portions of the agenda supported by 
CDC funds. CDC funds will not be expended for nonapproved portions of 
meetings. In addition, CDC will reserve the right to approve or reject 
the content of the full agenda, press events, promotional materials 
(including press releases), speaker selection, and site selection.
    Contingency awards will be made allowing usage of only 10 percent 
of the total amount to be awarded until a final full agenda is approved 
by CDC. This will provide funds to support costs associated with 
preparation of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released only 
upon approval of the final full agenda. CDC reserves the right to 
terminate cosponsorship if it does not concur with the final agenda.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit 
organizations and by governments and their agencies; that is, 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private nonprofit organizations, local governments or their bona 
fide agents, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian 
tribes, or Indian tribal organizations. State and local health 
departments may apply for funding only under Category 2 (See E. 
Application Content). Conferences planned for July 1, 2001, through 
June 30, 2003, are eligible. Foreign organizations are not eligible to 
apply.

    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization, described 
in section 501(c)(4)of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that 
engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal 
funds constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, 
loan or any other form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $200,000 is available in FY 2001 and in FY 2002 to 
fund approximately 10 to 15 awards each fiscal year. Awards may range 
from $10,000 to $25,000. Organizations will be funded in rank order 
within each of the three categories. It is expected that the awards 
will begin on or before 30 days prior to conference dates falling 
within each funding cycle, and will be funded for a 12-month budget and 
project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to change. 
Funding estimates for each fiscal year may change based on 
congressional appropriation and the availability of funds.
    Contingency awards will be made allowing usage of only 10 percent 
of the total amount to be awarded until a final full agenda is approved 
by CDC. This will provide funds to support costs associated with 
preparation of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released only 
upon CDC approval of the final full agenda. CDC reserves the right to 
terminate cosponsorship at any time.

Use of Funds

    a. CDC funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: salaries, 
speaker fees (for services rendered), rental of conference related 
equipment, registration fees, and transportation costs (not to exceed 
economy class fares) for nonfederal individuals.
    b. CDC funds may not be used to purchase equipment, pay honoraria 
(for conferring distinction) or organizational dues, support 
entertainment, personal expenses, travel costs or payment of a Federal 
employee, or per diem and expenses, other than mileage, for local 
participants.
    c. CDC funds may not be used to reimburse indirect costs.
    d. CDC funds may not be used to purchase novelty items (e.g., bags, 
T-shirts, hats, pens) distributed at meetings.
    e. CDC will not fund 100 percent of the proposed conference. Part 
of the cost of the proposed conference must be supported with 
nonfederal funds.
    f. CDC will not fund a conference after it has taken place.
    g. CDC funds may be used for only those parts of the conference 
specifically supported by CDC as documented on the notice of award.

Funding Preferences

    Preference for funding may be given to:
    a. conferences sponsored by organizations that serve people of 
color (e.g., African-American and Hispanic women), or highly affected 
populations or geographic areas;
    b. applications consistent with the CDC national goal of assisting 
in building and maintaining State, local, and community infrastructure 
and technical capacity to carry out necessary HIV and STD prevention 
programs; and
    c. health departments collaborating with other State agencies, 
community-based organizations, or colleges and universities;
    No preference will be given to organizations that have received 
funding in past years.

D. Program Requirements

    Development of HIV prevention conferences may require substantial 
CDC collaboration and involvement. Because conference support by CDC 
creates the appearance of CDC co-sponsorship, there will be active 
participation by CDC in the development and approval of the conference 
agenda. In addition, CDC will reserve the right to approve or reject 
the content of the full agenda, press events, promotional materials 
(including press releases), speaker selection, and site selection.
    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed under 1, 
Recipient Activities, and CDC will be responsible for the activities 
listed under 2, CDC Activities.

[[Page 8407]]

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Manage all activities related to conference content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, participants, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speakers, fees, agenda composition, printing). Many of these 
items may be developed in concert with CDC personnel assigned to 
support the conference.
    b. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed related 
activities to the CDC Project Officer for review and comment. Submit a 
copy of the final agenda and proposed related activities to the CDC 
Grants Management Office for acceptance/approval.
    c. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press). CDC must review and approve the 
use of any materials with reference to CDC involvement or support.
    d. Manage all registration processes with participants, invites, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and hand-outs, badges, registration procedures).
    e. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    f. Develop and conduct education and training programs on HIV 
prevention.
    g. If the proposed conference is or includes a satellite broadcast:
    (1) Provide individual, on-camera rehearsals for all presenters;
    (2) Provide at least one full dress rehearsal involving the 
moderator, all presenters, equipment, visuals, and practice telephone 
calls at least one day before the actual broadcast and as close to the 
actual broadcast time as possible;
    (3) Provide full scripting and Teleprompter use for the moderator 
and all presenters; and
    (4) Select a professional moderator.
    h. Collaborate with CDC staff in reporting and disseminating 
results, recommendations, relevant HIV prevention, education and 
training information to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, 
health-care providers, HIV/AIDS prevention and service organizations, 
and the general public.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide technical assistance through telephone calls, 
correspondence, and site visits in the areas of program agenda 
development, implementation, and priority setting related to the 
cooperative agreement.
    b. Provide scientific collaboration for appropriate aspects of the 
program, including selection of speakers, pertinent scientific 
information on risk factors for HIV infection, preventive measures, and 
program strategies for the prevention of HIV infection.
    c. Review draft agendas; the Grants Management Officer will issue 
approval or disapproval of the final agenda and proposed related 
activities prior to release of restricted funds.
    d. Assist in the reporting and dissemination of research results 
and relevant HIV prevention education and training information to 
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, health-care providers, 
the scientific community, and HIV/AIDS prevention and service 
organizations, and the general public.

E. Application Content

    Organizations should submit separate applications in any of the 
three following categories:
    Category 1--Sharing Lessons Learned From HIV Prevention Program, 
Behavioral Interventions, or Service Delivery and Networking With Other 
Organizations and Agencies: Regional, national, or international 
conferences for individuals or organizations responsible for 
implementing HIV prevention programs or providing relevant services. 
The focus will be on information exchange, including lessons learned 
from program or service delivery, and sharing information about 
successful or unsuccessful program experiences. Conferences may also 
provide opportunity for staff of different organizations and agencies, 
involved in HIV prevention programs and services, to meet and develop 
joint plans or activities or other collaborations and working 
relationships.
    Category 2--Technical Support for HIV Prevention Program Services 
for a Defined Population or Geographic Area: Local, statewide, or 
regional conferences supported by local or State health departments, 
providing information or training on HIV prevention interventions 
believed or proven to be effective for a defined population within a 
specific locality including a State, or multi-state area. The focus 
will be on technology transfer, guidelines for program implementation, 
lessons learned from program or service delivery experience, successful 
program delivery models, and development of professional skills. State 
and local health departments may apply only under Category 2; and
    Category 3--Technology Transfer Training: Regional, national, or 
international conferences for researchers to impart information or 
guidelines on how to implement theoretically based or empirically 
demonstrated behavioral science research.
    The main goal is to train health and other professionals in new, 
innovative, and enhanced behavioral interventions. Universities and 
colleges may apply under Category 3.

Topics of Special Interest

    Prevention of HIV infection related to:
    a. Populations in special settings (e.g., correctional 
institutions, shelters for runaway youth);
    b. Under served geographic areas, especially rural populations;
    c. People of color (especially African-American and Hispanic women 
of color);
    d. Support of comprehensive primary and secondary prevention 
programs for persons living with HIV;

Letter Of Intent (LOI)

    Interested applicants must submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) to CDC. 
They will be used to select potential applicants. Upon review of the 
LOIs, CDC will extend written invitations to prospective applicants to 
submit applications. CDC will accept applications by invitation only. 
Availability of funds may limit the number of applicants, regardless of 
merit, that receive an invitation to submit an application. CDC will 
notify prospective applicants within 30 days following receipt of the 
LOI.
    Applicants must submit an original and two copies of a two-page 
typewritten LOI that briefly describes:
    a. The application category (1, 2, or 3).
    b. The title of the proposed conference.
    c. The location of the proposed conference.
    d. Proposed conference dates.
    e. The purpose of the proposed conference.
    f. The intended audience of the proposed conference (number and 
description).
    g. Target population(s) (e.g., youth, women, men who have sex with 
men [MSM], injecting drug users [IDU] and persons living with HIV).
    h. The estimated total cost of the proposed conference.
    i. The percentage of the total cost (which must be less than 100 
percent) being requested from CDC.
    j. The relationship of the conference to CDC TOPICS of special 
interest above.
    Also include the name of the organization, primary contact person's 
name, mailing address, telephone number, and if available, fax number 
and e-mail address. Current recipients of CDC HIV funding must provide 
the award number and title of the funded programs. No attachments, 
booklets, or

[[Page 8408]]

other documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. The two-page 
limitation (inclusive of letterhead and signatures), must be observed 
or the letter of intent will be returned without review.
    CDC will review the LOIs based on the following criteria:
    a. Documented need for the proposed conference;
    b. Potential contribution to the prevention of HIV/AIDS;
    c. National HIV prevention priorities based on emerging trends in 
the epidemic:
    (1) Prevention of HIV transmission through behavior change.
    (2) Providing comprehensive prevention services to persons living 
with HIV.
    (3) Building capacity and enhancing HIV prevention programs for 
populations at higher risk for infection (e.g., MSM, IDU, and their sex 
and needle-sharing partners), especially in communities of color.
    d. The proposed conference's relationship to the CDC determined 
topics of special interest;
    e. Timing of the conference that will allow for CDC input; and
    f. Availability of funds.

Completing Applications

    Use the information in sections D. Program Requirements, G. 
Evaluation Criteria, and H. Other Requirements to develop your 
application content. (Do not use the instructions in PHS 5161 package 
to complete your narrative.) Your application will be evaluated on the 
criteria listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your 
program plan.
    The narrative should be no more than 12 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and 12-point font. Please 
write your narrative in English only and do not use jargon and 
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.
    Include the following information:
    a. A project summary cover sheet that includes:
    (1) Application category (1, 2, or 3).
    (2) Name of organization.
    (3) Name of conference.
    (4) Location of conference.
    (5) Date(s) of conference.
    (6) Target population(s) (e.g., youth, women, MSM, IDU).
    (7) Intended audience and number.
    (8) Dollar amount requested.
    (9) Total conference budget.
    b. Biographical sketches and job descriptions of the individuals 
responsible for planning and coordinating the conference.
    c. A Budget Narrative separately identifying and justifying line 
items to which the requested Federal funds would be applied.
    d. A draft agenda for the proposed conference.
    e. Award number and title of funded programs for current recipients 
of CDC HIV funding. Applicants must not have submitted the same 
proposal for review for funding to other parts of CDC.

F. Submission and Deadlines

    If your conference dates fall between July 1 and December 31, 2001, 
you can apply under Cycle I.
    If your conference dates fall between January 1 and June 30, 2002, 
you can apply under Cycle II.
    If your conference dates fall between July 1 and December 31, 2002, 
you can apply under Cycle III.
    If your conference dates fall between January 1 and June 30, 2003, 
you can apply under Cycle IV.
    Letter of Intent Due Dates:
    Cycle I: February 16, 2001: For conferences July 1-December 31, 
2001.
    Cycle II: July 13, 2001: For conferences January 1-June 30, 2002.
    Cycle III: January 18, 2002: For conferences July 1-December 31, 
2002.
    Cycle IV: July 19, 2002: For conferences January 1-June 30, 2003.
    On or before the above dates. Submit the original and two signed 
copies of the LOI to: Edna Green, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 01025, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, M/S 
K-75, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    If your LOI does not arrive in time for submission to the review 
group, it will not be considered in the current competition unless you 
can provide proof that you mailed it on or before the deadline (e.g., 
receipt from U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier; private 
metered postmarks are not acceptable).

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are available at the following Internet address: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/phs/ps5161-1.pdf or in the application kit.

    Note: Please use the criteria listed in section G of this 
announcement as the format for the narrative of your application.

Application Due Dates and Earliest Possible Award Dates

Cycle I: March 30, 2001--June 1, 2001
Cycle II: September 14, 2001--November 2, 2001
Cycle III: March 15, 2002--May 15, 2002
Cycle III: September 13, 2002--November 1, 2002

    On or before the above dates, submit the application to the Grants 
Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional 
Information'' section of this announcement.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline 
if they are either:
    (a) Received on or before the deadline date; or
    (b) Sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for 
submission to the independent review group. (Applicants must request a 
legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated 
receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private 
metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
    Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria in 
(a) or (b) above are considered late applications, will not be 
considered, and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

Letter of Intent

    LOIs will be reviewed by CDC and an invitation to submit a full 
application will be made based on the following criteria:
    1. Documented need for the proposed conference;
    2. Potential contribution to the prevention of HIV/AIDS;
    3. National HIV prevention priorities based on emerging trends in 
the epidemic:
    a. Prevention of HIV transmission through behavior change.
    b. Providing comprehensive prevention services to persons living 
with HIV.
    c. Building capacity and enhancing HIV prevention programs for 
populations at higher risk for infection (e.g., MSM, IDU, and their sex 
and needle-sharing partners), especially in communities of color.
    4. The proposed conference's relationship to the CDC determined 
topics of special interest;
    5. Timing of the conference that will allow for CDC input; and
    6. Availability of funds.

Application Narrative

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following

[[Page 8409]]

criteria (TOTALING 100 POINTS) by an independent review group appointed 
by CDC. Use these headings in preparing your application.
    1. Category-Specific Criterion (20 points):
    a. If Applying Under Category 1--Sharing Lessons Learned From HIV 
Prevention Program, Behavioral Interventions, or Service Delivery and 
Networking With Other Organizations and Agencies: Extent to which the 
applicant provides evidence that participants and presenters will have 
the opportunity to interact during the conference, share information on 
successful and unsuccessful program experiences, and develop 
collaborative working relationships.
    b. If Applying Under Category 2--Technical Support for HIV 
Prevention Program Services for a Defined Population or Geographic 
Area: Extent to which the applicant specifically relates the content of 
the conference to HIV prevention community planning priorities for a 
defined population, or within a specific geographic area, and the 
extent to which the Applicant justifies the need for the proposed 
conference.
    c. If Applying Under Category 3--Technology Transfer Training: 
Extent to which the applicant demonstrates the scientific soundness of 
the technology to be transferred, as evidenced by its inclusion in HIV 
prevention research publications, peer reviewed journals, or scientific 
consensus panel review, and the extent of the need for applying the new 
technology or knowledge by HIV prevention programs.
    The following criteria apply to all applications:
    2. Proposed Program and Technical Approach (30 points):
    a. The extent to which the proposed conference description 
demonstrates a relationship to HIV prevention and education, responds 
to a specific public health need, influences public health practices, 
and indicates collaboration with other agencies serving the intended 
audience, including local health and education agencies concerned with 
HIV prevention.
    b. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan, and the extent to which evaluation mechanisms for 
the conference adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and 
behaviors of the target participants.
    c. The relevance and effectiveness of the proposed agenda in 
addressing the chosen HIV prevention and education topic(s).
    d. The degree to which conference activities proposed for CDC 
funding strictly adhere to the prevention of HIV transmission. For 
conferences dealing with people living with HIV/AIDS; the degree to 
which conference activities focus on primary and secondary prevention 
goals.
    3. Applicant Capability and Experience (25 points):
    a. The adequacy and commitment of institutional resources to 
administer the program for the proposed conference.
    b. The adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources 
for conducting conference activities.
    c. The degree to which the applicant has established and used 
critical linkages with health and education departments, and community 
planning groups with the mandate for HIV prevention. Letters of support 
(limit of five) from such agencies which address related capability and 
experience should be included. They must explain how the agency will 
work with the applicant to plan the proposed conference. Letters that 
do not pertain directly to the proposed conference will not be 
considered.
    4. Qualifications of Program Personnel (25 points):
    a. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and his or her ability to devote adequate time and effort 
to provide effective leadership.
    b. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
and speakers to accomplish conference objectives.
    c. The degree to which the application demonstrates that all key 
personnel have education and expertise relative to the conference 
objectives, are informed about the transmission of HIV, and understand 
nationwide information and education efforts currently underway that 
may affect, and be affected by, the proposed conference.
    5. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities (not scored): 
The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, consistency with the 
intended use of cooperative agreement funds, and the extent to which 
the applicant documents financial support from other sources.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with the original plus two copies of the final 
financial status report (reporting actual expenses) and performance 
report, no more than 90 days after the end of the budget/project 
period. The performance report should include:
    1. The cooperative agreement number;
    2. Title of the conference;
    3. Name of the principal investigator, program director or 
coordinator;
    4. Name of the organization that conducted the conference;
    5. A copy of the agenda;
    6. A list of individuals who participated in the formally planned 
sessions of the meeting;
    7. A summarization of the meeting results, including a discussion 
of its achievement of the stated conference objectives; and
    8. The Program Review Panel's report that all written materials 
have been reviewed as required.
    With the prior approval of CDC, copies of proceedings or 
publications resulting from the conference may be substituted for the 
final performance report, provided they contain the information 
requested in items 1 through 8 above.
    Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the 
application kit.

AR-5HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
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-1  Proof of Non-Profit Status
AR-20  Conference Support

    See Attachment II for Background Statement

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act, 
Section 301(a), 42 U.S.C. 241(a), as amended and Section 317(a), 42 
U.S.C. 247b(a), as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
number is 93.941.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page 
Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov. Click on ``Funding'' then 
``Grants and Cooperative Agreements.''
    To receive additional written information and to request an 
application kit, call 1-888-GRANTS4

[[Page 8410]]

(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 
(Announcement 01025).
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Edna Green, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 01025, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone (404) 488-2743, E-mail address 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Sheila Isoke, 
Supervisory Public Health Advisor, Training and Technical Support 
Systems Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention--Intervention Research 
and Support, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, 1600 
Clifton Road, NE., M/S E40, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: (404) 639-
0962, E-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: January 19, 2001.
Sandra R. Manning,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 01-2268 Filed 1-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P