[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8795-8801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-2828]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01020]


Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs (CLPPP); 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 new State and competing continuation State programs to 
develop and improve Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention activities 
which include building Statewide capacity to conduct surveillance of 
blood lead levels in children. CDC is committed to achieving the health 
promotion and disease prevention objectives of A Healthy People, a 
national activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the 
quality of life. This announcement is related to the focus area of 
Environmental Health. For a copy of ``Healthy People 2010,'' (Full 
Report: Stock No. 017-001-00547-9), write or call: Superintendent of 
Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, 
telephone (202) 512-1800 or visit the Internet site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/.
    The purpose of this program is to provide the impetus for the 
development, implementation, expansion, and evaluation of State and 
local childhood lead poisoning prevention program activities which 
include Statewide surveillance capacity to determine areas at high-risk 
for lead exposure. Also, this cooperative agreement is to carry out the 
core public health functions of Assessment, Policy Development, and 
Assurance in childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.
    Funding for this program will be to:
    1. Develop and/or enhance a surveillance system that monitors all 
blood lead levels (BLLs).
    2. Assure screening of children who are at high-risk of lead 
exposure and follow-up care for children who are identified with 
elevated BLLs.
    3. Assure awareness and intervention for the general public and 
affected professionals in relation to preventing childhood lead 
poisoning.
    4. Expand primary prevention of childhood lead poisoning in high-
risk areas in collaboration with appropriate government and community-
based organizations.

[[Page 8796]]

    As programs have shifted emphasis from providing direct screening 
and follow-up services to the core public health functions, cooperative 
agreement funds may be used to support and emphasize health department 
responsibilities to ensure high-risk children are screened and receive 
appropriate follow-up services. This includes developing and improving 
coalitions and partnerships; conducting better and more sophisticated 
assessments; and developing and evaluating new and existing policies, 
program performance, and effectiveness based on established goals and 
objectives.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applicant eligibility is divided into Part A (New Applicants), Part 
B (Competing Continuation), and Part C (Supplemental Studies) defined 
in the following section: In FY 2000, CDC shifted its program emphasis 
from the direct funding of local programs with jurisdictional 
populations of 500,000 to the funding of State programs. However, the 
top five metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs)/largest cities in the 
United States based on census data will be eligible for direct funding 
for childhood lead poisoning prevention activities indefinitely. They 
are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Houston.
    I. Part A: Eligible applicants are State health departments or 
other State health agencies or departments not currently funded by CDC 
and any eligible SMSA not currently receiving direct funding from CDC 
for childhood lead poisoning prevention activities. Also eligible are 
health departments or other official organizational authority (agency 
or instrumentality) of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, and all 
federally-recognized Indian tribal governments. Please note: Local 
Health Departments are not eligible to apply for cooperative agreement 
funding under Part A of this program announcement unless they are one 
of the top five SMSAs.
    Applicants encouraged to apply under Part A are: Arkansas; Chicago; 
Florida; Idaho; Kentucky; Mississippi; Nevada; North Dakota; Oregon; 
Philadelphia; South Dakota; Tennessee; Washington and Wyoming.
    2. Part B: Eligible applicants are those states currently funded by 
the CDC with a project period that expires June 30, 2001. These 
applicants are: Los Angeles; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Missouri; 
Montana; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York City; North Carolina; Ohio; 
Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; West Virginia and Vermont. In FY 2000, CDC 
shifted its program emphasis from the direct funding of local programs 
with jurisdictional populations of 500,000 to the funding of State 
programs. However, the top five metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs)/
largest cities in the United States based on census data will be 
eligible for direct funding for childhood lead poisoning prevention 
activities. This includes New York City and Los Angeles. These SMSAs 
are eligible for direct funding indefinitely under Part B.
    3. Part C: Eligible applicants are those State applicants that 
apply under Part B or non-competing State applicant programs currently 
funded under a non-expired project period. For Part B applicants, 
funding under Part C will only be considered if the Part B application 
is successful and chosen for funding. All Part C applicants must meet 
the program requirement of submitting data to CDC's national 
surveillance database. Please Note: Non-competing applicants currently 
funded with a Part C award are not eligible.
    Additional information for all State applicants: If a State agency 
applying for grant funds is other than the official State health 
department, written concurrence by the State health department must be 
provided (for example, the State Environmental Health Agency).

C. Availability of Funds

Part A: New Applicants

    Up to $1,700,000 will be available in FY 2001 to fund up to six new 
applicants. CDC anticipates that awards for the first budget year will 
range from $75,000 to $800,000.

Part B: Competing Continuations

    Up to $10,000,000 will be available in FY 2001 to fund up to 14 
competing continuation applicants. CDC anticipates that awards for the 
first budget year will range from $250,000 to $1,500,000.

Part C: Supplemental Studies

    Up to $400,000 will be awarded in FY 2001 to fund up to four 
assessment/evaluation studies with a two-year project period or not to 
exceed the current established project period. These funds will be 
awarded to support the development of alternative surveillance 
assessments and/or to conduct evaluation of the impact of lead 
screening recommendations. Awards are expected to range from $70,000 to 
$100,000, with the average award being approximately $85,000. Funds 
will be awarded for assessment/evaluation studies that address one of 
the following:
    1. Alternative Surveillance Assessment--Assessment of lead exposure 
in a jurisdictional population or sub-population using an approach to 
surveillance that differs from the Statewide Childhood Blood Lead 
Surveillance (CBLS) system described in this announcement.
    2. Screening Recommendation Evaluation--Evaluation of the impact of 
lead screening recommendations on screening for high-risk children.
    Funding for State applicants: To determine the type of program 
activities and the associated level of funding for an individual State 
applicant for Part A or Part B, please refer to the table below. These 
are funding limits which should be used to determine program funding 
levels. Addendum 2 in the application package provides an explanation 
of the factors used to develop categorical funding limits.

    Funding Categories Based on Projected Level of Effort Required To
         Provide Lead Poisoning Activities to a State Population
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama.............................................................   2
Alaska..............................................................   3
Arizona.............................................................   3
Arkansas............................................................   2
California *........................................................   1
Colorado............................................................   3
Connecticut.........................................................   2
Delaware............................................................   3
Florida *...........................................................   3
Georgia.............................................................   2
Hawaii..............................................................   3
Idaho...............................................................   3
Illinois............................................................   1
Indiana *...........................................................   3
Iowa................................................................   2
Kansas..............................................................   2
Kentucky *..........................................................   3
Louisiana...........................................................   2
Maine...............................................................   3
Maryland............................................................   2
Mass................................................................   2
Michigan *..........................................................   2
Minnesota...........................................................   2
Mississippi.........................................................   2
Missouri............................................................   2
Montana.............................................................   3
Nebraska............................................................   2
Nevada..............................................................   3
N. Hampshire........................................................   3
New Jersey..........................................................   2
New Mexico..........................................................   3
New York *..........................................................   2
N. Carolina.........................................................   2
North Dakota........................................................   3
Ohio................................................................   1
Oklahoma............................................................   2
Oregon..............................................................   3
Pennsylvania........................................................   1
Rhode Island........................................................   2
S. Carolina.........................................................   2

[[Page 8797]]

 
South Dakota........................................................   2
Tennessee...........................................................   2
Texas *.............................................................   1
Utah *..............................................................   3
Vermont.............................................................   3
Virginia............................................................   2
Washington..........................................................   2
West Virginia.......................................................   2
Wisconsin...........................................................   2
Wyoming.............................................................  3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Projected level of effort adjusted to account for currently funded
  locales.


    Note: Please see section entitled ``Funding Level for SMSA 
Applicants.''

    Funding State Applicants--Part A or Part B: Determine your funding 
category (Category 1, 2, or 3) and associated program activities by 
category using the descriptions below. Funding levels are associated 
with category type and level of program activity to be supported by 
CDC. Regardless of category type, all programs are required to develop 
and implement screening plans and have a surveillance system designed 
to monitor all blood lead levels in children. Following are the minimum 
requirements for each category and the range and average awards for 
each category.

    Category 1: $800,000-$1,500,000, average award $1,000,000 
Applicants are to use CDC funding to: Implement and evaluate 
screening plans; submit and analyze data from a Statewide 
surveillance system; ensure screening and follow-up care; provide 
public and professional health education and health communication; 
conduct program impact evaluation; and implement primary prevention 
activities.
    Category 2: $250,000-$800,000, average award $520,000 Applicants 
are to use CDC funding to: Implement and evaluate screening plans; 
submit and analyze data from a Statewide surveillance system; assure 
screening and follow-up care; provide public and professional health 
education and health communication; and conduct program impact 
evaluation.
    Category 3: $75,000-$250,000, average award $150,000 Applicants 
are to use CDC funding to: Implement and evaluate screening plans; 
submit and analyze data from a Statewide surveillance system; assure 
screening and follow-up care; and conduct program impact evaluation.

    Funding Levels for SMSA Applicants (under Part B only): The range 
of awards for eligible SMSAs is $250,000 to $800,000.
    Additional Information on Funding for all Applicants for Part A, 
Part B, and Part C New awards are expected to begin on or about July 1, 
2001, and are made for 12-month budget periods within a project period 
not to exceed two-years for State programs. Estimates outlined above 
are subject to change based on the actual availability of funds and the 
scope and quality of applications received. Continuation awards within 
the project period will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress 
and availability of funds. Awards cannot supplant existing funding for 
CLPP or Supplemental Funding Initiatives. Funds should be used to 
enhance the level of expenditures from State, local, and other funding 
sources.

    Note:   
     Funds may not be expended for medical care and 
treatment or for environmental remediation of sources of lead 
exposure. However, the applicant must provide a plan to ensure that 
these program activities are carried out.
     Not more than 10 percent (exclusive of Direct 
Assistance) of any cooperative agreement or contract through the 
cooperative agreement may be obligated for administrative costs. 
This 10 percent limitation is in lieu of, and replaces, the indirect 
cost rate.

D. Program Requirements

    1. Special Requirement regarding Medicaid provider status of 
applicants: Pursuant to section 317A of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 247b-1), as amended by sec. 303 of the ``Preventive Health 
Amendments of 1992'' (Pub. L. 102-531), applicants AND current grantees 
must meet the following requirements: For CLPP program services which 
are Medicaid-reimbursable in the applicant's State:
     Applicants who directly provide these services must be 
enrolled with their State Medicaid agency as Medicaid providers.
     Providers who enter into agreements with the applicant to 
provide such services must be enrolled with their State Medicaid agency 
as providers. An exception to this requirement will be made for 
providers whose services are provided free of charge and who accept no 
reimbursement from any third-party payer. Such providers who accept 
voluntary donations may still be exempted from this requirement.
    In order to satisfy this program requirement, please provide a copy 
of a Medicaid provider certificate or statement as proof that you meet 
this requirement. Failure to include this information will result in 
your application being returned. Please place this information 
immediately behind the budget and budget justification pages.
    2. Assure that income earned by the CLPP program will be returned 
to the program for its use.

Cooperative Activities

Part A and Part B: New and Competing Continuations
    To achieve the purpose of this cooperative agreement 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.
1. Recipient Activities
    a. Establish, maintain, or enhance a statewide surveillance system 
in accordance with legislation. For eligible SMSAs (under Part B), 
enhance a data management system that links with the State's 
surveillance system or develop an automated data management system to 
collect and maintain laboratory data on the results of blood lead 
analyses and data on follow-up care for children with elevated BLLs. 
State recipients should ensure receipt of data from local programs. 
Local recipients should transfer relevant data to the appropriate State 
entity in a timely manner for annual submission to CDC.
    b. Manage, analyze and interpret individual State surveillance 
data, and present and disseminate trends and other important public 
health findings.
    c. Develop, implement and evaluate a statewide/jurisdiction-wide 
childhood blood lead screening plan consistent with CDC guidance 
provided in Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for 
State and Local Public Health Officials. (A copy of this document can 
be obtained at the following internet address http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/guide/guide97.htm. For eligible SMSAs, participate in the 
Statewide planning process. Make screening recommendations and 
appropriate local screening strategies available and known to health 
care providers.
    d. Assure appropriate follow-up care is provided for children 
identified with elevated BLLs.
    e. Establish effective, well-defined working relationships within 
public health agencies and with other agencies and organizations at 
national, State, and community levels (e.g., housing authorities; 
environmental agencies; maternal and child health programs; State and 
local Medicaid agencies and programs such as Early Periodic Screening, 
Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT); community and migrant health centers; 
community-based organizations providing health and

[[Page 8798]]

social services in or near public housing units, as authorized under 
Section 330(i) of the PHS Act; State and local epidemiology programs; 
State and local housing rehabilitation programs; schools of public 
health and medical schools; and environmental interest groups).
    f. Provide managerial, technical, analytical, and program 
evaluation assistance to local agencies and organizations in developing 
or strengthening CLPP program activities.
2. CDC Activities
    a. Provide technical, and scientific assistance and consultation on 
program development, implementation and operational issues.
    b. Provide technical assistance and scientific consultation 
regarding the development and implementation of all surveillance 
activities including data collection methods and analysis of data. 
Specifically assist with improving data linkages with Federally-funded 
means-tested public benefit programs (WIC, Head Start, etc.)
    c. Assist with data analysis and interpretation of individual State 
surveillance data and release of national reports. Reports will include 
analysis of national aggregate data as well as state-specific data on 
Federally-funded means-tested public benefit programs (WIC, Head Start, 
etc).
    d. Assist Part B recipients with communication and coordination 
among Federal agencies, and other public and private agencies and 
organizations.
    e. Conduct ongoing assessment of program activities to ensure the 
use of effective and efficient implementation strategies.

Part C: Supplemental Studies

    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.
1. Recipient Activities
    a. Develop and implement a study protocol to include the following: 
Methodology, sample selection, field operation, and statistical 
analysis. Applicants must provide a means of assuring that the results 
of the study will be published.
    b. Revise, refine, and carry out the proposed methodology for 
conducting Supplemental Studies.
    c. Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the assessment activities.
    d. Publish and disseminate study findings in scientific journals, 
as appropriate.
2. CDC Activities
    a. Provide technical and scientific consultation on activities 
related to overall program requirements of supplemental funding 
activities.
    b. Provide technical assistance to program manager and/or principal 
investigator regarding revision, refinement, and implementation of 
study design and proposed methodology for conducting supplemental 
funding activities.
    c. Assist program manager and/or principal investigator with data 
interpretation and analysis issues.

E. Application Content

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the 
application content. Each applicant should identify Part A, Part B or 
Part C on their application. Your application will be evaluated on the 
criteria listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your 
program plan:
     Applications must be developed in accordance with PHS Form 
5161-1.
     Part B applicants also competing for Part C funds must 
submit two separate applications.
     Application pages must be clearly numbered, and a complete 
index to the application and its appendices must be included.
     The original and two copies of the application sets must 
be submitted unstapled and unbound. All material must be typewritten, 
double spaced, printed on one side only, with un-reduced font (10 or 12 
point font only) on 8\1/2\-inch by 11-inch paper, and at least 1-inch 
margins and header and footers. All graphics, maps, overlays, etc., 
should be in black and white and meet the above criteria.
     A one-page, single-spaced, typed abstract must be 
submitted with the application. The heading should include the title of 
the program, project title, organization, name and address, project 
director, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.
     The main body of the CLPP program application (Parts A or 
B) must include the following: Budget/budget justification; Medicaid 
certification; progress report (Part B applicants only); understanding 
the problem; surveillance/data-management activities; statewide/
jurisdiction-wide planning and collaboration; core public health 
functions; goals and objectives; program management and staffing; and 
program evaluation.
     The main body of the supplemental studies application 
(Part C) must include the following: Study protocol, project personnel, 
and project management.
     Each application should not exceed 75 pages. The abstract, 
budget narrative, and budget justification pages are not included in 
the 75-page limit. Supplemental information should be placed in 
appendices and is not to exceed 25 pages.
     Part B applicants must submit a progress report in their 
competing continuation application. This report is not included in the 
75 page limit and should not exceed 10 pages. The report should be 
placed immediately after the budget and budget justification.

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and two copies of the PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 
0937-0189) on or before April 2, 2001. Forms are in the application 
kit. Submit the application to: Lisa T. Garbarino, Grants Management 
Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Program Announcement 01020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    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 
objective review. Applicants must request 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.
    Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered 
late applications. Late applications will not be considered in the 
current competition and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    The review of applications will be conducted by an objective review 
panel as they relate to the applicant's response to either Part A, Part 
B, or Part C. The applications will be evaluated according to the 
following criteria:

Part A: New Applicants

1. Understanding of the Problem (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant's description and understanding 
of the burden and distribution of childhood lead exposure or elevated 
BLLs in their jurisdiction, using available evidence of incidence and/
or prevalence and

[[Page 8799]]

demographic indicators; including a description of the Medicaid 
population.
2. Surveillance Activities (20 Points)
    The applicant's ability to develop a childhood blood lead 
surveillance system that includes: (a) A flow chart that describes data 
transfer, (b) a mechanism for tracking lead screening services to 
children, especially Medicaid children (as required in Addendum 5--
Children's Health Act of 2000), and (c) a mechanism for reporting data 
annually to the CDC's national surveillance database. The extent to 
which the surveillance approach is clear, feasible and scientifically 
sound. Also, the extent to which the proposed time table for 
accomplishing each activity and methods for evaluating each activity 
are appropriate and clearly defined. The following elements will be 
specifically evaluated:
    a. How laboratories report BLLs, including ability to identify and 
assure reporting from private laboratories and portable blood lead 
technology that perform lead testing.
    b. How data will be collected and managed.
    c. How quality of data and completeness of reporting will be 
assured.
    d. How and when data will be analyzed.
    e. How summary data will be reported and disseminated on a regular 
basis (i.e., newsletters, fact sheets, annual reports).
    f. Protocols for follow-up of children with elevated BLLs.
    g. Provisions to obtain denominator data (results of all laboratory 
blood lead tests, regardless of level) as required in the Children's 
Health Act of 2000.
    h. Time line and methods for evaluating the Childhood Blood Lead 
Surveillance (CBLS) approach.
    i. Plans to convert paper-based components of the surveillance 
system to electronic data manipulation.
    j. Use of data including evaluation of prevention activities, 
especially to target screening and prevention efforts.
    k. Ability to link environmental data to blood lead data.
3. Statewide Planning and Collaboration (20 Points)
    The applicant's ability to develop statewide screening 
recommendations, including appropriate local strategies. The following 
elements will be specifically evaluated:
    a. The proposed approach to developing and carrying out an 
inclusive state-wide screening plan as outlined in Screening Young 
Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Health 
Officials.
    b. The extent to which the applicant plans to utilize surveillance 
and program data to produce a statewide screening recommendation, with 
specific attention given to the Medicaid population, as required in the 
Children's Health Act of 2000.
    c. The ability of the applicant to involve collaborators in the 
development of a screening plan and implementation of strategies to 
strengthen childhood lead poisoning prevention activities.
    d. The applicant's demonstrated ability to collaborate with 
principal partners, including managed-care organizations, the State 
Medicaid agency, child health-care providers and provider groups, 
insurers, community-based organizations, housing agencies (especially 
HUD funded programs), and banking, real-estate, and property-owner 
interests, must be demonstrated by letters of support, memoranda of 
understanding, contracts, or other documented evidence of 
relationships.
4. Capacity to Carry Out Public Health Core Functions (10 Points)
    The applicant's ability to describe the approach and activities 
necessary to achieve a balance in the health department's roles in 
CLPP, including assessment, program and policy development, and 
monitoring, evaluating, and ensuring the provision of all CLPP 
activities within their respective categories (for example, Category 3 
requires screening plans, surveillance systems, assure follow-up care, 
and evaluation).
5. Goals and Objectives (15 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant's goals and objectives relate to 
the CLPP activities as described in the category under which they 
applied. Objectives must be relevant, specific, measurable, achievable, 
and time-framed and must be provided for the first budget year. There 
must be a formal work plan with a description of methods, a timetable 
for completing the proposed methods, identification of the program 
staff responsible for accomplishing each objective, and process 
evaluation measures for each proposed objective. Also include a 
tentative work plan and timetable for the remaining years of the 
proposed project.
6. Project Management and Staffing (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant has documented the skills and 
ability to develop and carry out CLPP activities within their 
respective categories. Specifically, the applicant should:
    a. Describe the proposed health department staff roles in CLPP, 
their specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. 
Include a plan to expedite filling of all positions and provide 
assurances that such positions will be authorized to be filled by the 
applicant's personnel system within reasonable time after receiving 
funding.
    b. Describe a plan to provide training and technical assistance to 
health department personnel and consultation to collaborators outside 
the health department, including proposed design of information-sharing 
systems.
7. Program Evaluation (15 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes a systematic assessment 
of the operations and outcomes of the program as a means of 
contributing to the overall improvement of the program. Specific 
criteria should include:
    a. An evaluation plan which describes useful and appropriate 
strategies and approaches to monitor and improve the quality, 
effectiveness, and efficiency of the program;
    b. Description of how evaluation findings will be used to assess 
changes in public policy and measure the program's effectiveness of 
collaborative activities; and
    c. Description of how the program will document progress made in 
childhood lead poisoning prevention which result from planned health 
department strategies.
    8. Budget justification (not scored) The extent to which the budget 
is reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use 
of funds.

Part B: Competing Continuations

    1. Understanding of the Problem (10 points) The extent to which the 
applicant's description and understanding of the burden and 
distribution of childhood lead exposure or elevated BLLs in their 
jurisdiction, using available evidence of incidence and/or prevalence 
and demographic indicators, including a description of the Medicaid 
population, as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.
    2. Surveillance activity (20 points) The applicant's ability to 
enhance its childhood blood lead surveillance system that includes: (a) 
A flow chart that describes data transfer and (b) a mechanism that 
tracks lead screening for Medicaid children (as required in the 
Children's Health Act of 2000), evaluating the existing system, and 
reporting data to the CDC's national surveillance database. Also, the 
extent to which the proposed time table for accomplishing each activity 
is

[[Page 8800]]

appropriate and clearly defined. The following elements will be 
specifically evaluated:
    a. How laboratories report BLLs, including ability to identify and 
assure reporting from private laboratories and portable blood lead 
technology that perform lead testing.
    b. How data are collected and managed.
    c. How quality of data and completeness of reporting are assured.
    d. How and when data are analyzed.
    e. How summary data are reported and disseminated on a regular 
basis (i.e., newsletters, fact sheets, annual reports).
    f. Protocols for follow-up of individuals with elevated BLLs.
    g. Provisions to obtain denominator data (results of all laboratory 
blood lead tests, regardless of level) as required in the Children's 
Health Act of 2000.
    h. Time line and methods for evaluating the Childhood Blood Lead 
Surveillance (CBLS) approach.
    i. Process used to convert paper-based components of the system to 
electronic data.
    j. Use of data including evaluation of prevention activities, 
especially to target screening and prevention efforts.
    k. Ability to link environmental data to blood lead data.
    For eligible SMSAs (Part B only): The applicant's ability to expand 
their data management system, including the approach to participating 
in the State CBLS. The clarity, feasibility, and scientific soundness 
of the approach to data management. Also, the extent to which the 
proposed schedule for accomplishing each activity and method for 
evaluating each activity are clearly defined and appropriate. Please 
note: The elements (a-k) detailed under No. 2 Surveillance Activities 
in the section immediately preceding this one all apply to eligible 
SMSAs.
3. Statewide/Jurisdiction-Wide Planning and Collaboration (20 Points)
    The applicant's demonstrated ability to implement and evaluate 
statewide/jurisdiction-wide screening recommendations with appropriate 
local strategies. The following elements will be specifically 
evaluated:
    a. The approach used to develop, carry out, and evaluate an 
inclusive State- or jurisdiction-wide screening plan as outlined in 
Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and 
Local Health Officials.
    b. The extent to which the applicant utilized surveillance and 
program data to produce statewide/jurisdiction-wide screening 
recommendations and target the Medicaid population, as required in the 
Children's Health Act of 2000.
    c. Description of how collaborations facilitated the development of 
a screening plan and strengthened childhood lead poisoning prevention 
strategies.
    d. Evidence of collaboration with principal partners, including 
managed-care organizations, State Medicaid agency, child health-care 
providers and provider groups, insurers, community-based organizations, 
housing agencies, and banking, real-estate, and property-owner 
interests. These collaborations must be demonstrated by letters of 
support, memoranda of understanding, contracts, or other documented 
evidence of relationships.

    Note: For applicants under Part B, describe progress in 
implementing the screening plan based upon each of the elements 
listed above.

4. Capacity To Carry Out Public-Health Core Functions (10 points)
    The ability to describe the approach and activities taken to 
achieve a balance in the health department's roles in CLPP, including 
assessment, program and policy development, and monitoring, evaluating, 
and ensuring the provision of all CLPP activities within their 
respective categories (for example, Category 3 requires screening 
plans, surveillance systems, assure follow-up care, and evaluation).
5. Goals and Objectives (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant's goals and objectives relate to 
the CLPP activities as described in the category under which they 
applied. Objectives must be relevant, specific, measurable, achievable, 
and time-framed and must be provided for the first budget year. There 
must be a formal work plan with a description of methods, a timetable 
for completing the proposed methods, identification of the program 
staff responsible for accomplishing each objective, and process 
evaluation measures for each proposed objective. Also include a 
tentative work plan and timetable for the remaining years of the 
proposed project.
6. Project Management and Staffing (10 Points)
    Specifically the applicant should:
    a. Describe the proposed health department staff roles in the 
extent to which the applicant has the skills and ability to develop and 
carry out CLPP activities within their respective category/ies. CLPP, 
their specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. 
Describe a plan to provide training and technical assistance to health 
department personnel and consultation to collaborators outside the 
health department, including proposed design of information-sharing 
systems.
7. Program Evaluation (15 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes a systematic assessment 
of the operations and outcomes of the program as a means of 
contributing to the overall improvement of the program. Specific 
criteria should include:
    a. An evaluation plan which describes useful and appropriate 
strategies and approaches to monitor and improve the quality, 
effectiveness, and efficiency of the program;
    b. Description of how evaluation findings will be used to assess 
changes in public policy and measure the program's effectiveness of 
collaborative activities; and
    c. Description of how the program will document progress made in 
childhood lead poisoning prevention which result from planned health 
department strategies.
8. Budget Justification (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the budget is reasonable, clearly justified, 
and consistent with the intended use of funds.

Part C: Supplemental Studies--Factors To Be Considered

1. Study Protocol (45 Points)
    The applicant's ability to develop a scientifically sound protocol 
(including adequate sample size with power calculations), quality, 
feasibility, consistency with project goals, and soundness of the 
evaluation plan (which should provide sufficient detail regarding the 
way the protocol will be implemented). The degree to which the 
applicant has met the CDC policy requirements regarding the inclusion 
of women, ethnic, and/or racial groups in the proposed project. This 
includes: (a) The proposed plan to include of both sexes and racial and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation; (b) the 
proposed justification when representation is limited or absent; (c) a 
statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to measure 
differences when warranted; and (d) a statement as to whether the plan 
for recruitment and outreach for study participants includes 
establishing partnerships with community-based agencies and 
organizations. Benefits of the partnerships should be described.
2. Project Personnel (20 Points)
    The extent to which personnel involved in this project are 
qualified, including experience in conducting relevant studies. In 
addition, the

[[Page 8801]]

applicant's ability to commit appropriate staff time needed to carry 
out the study.
3. Project Management (35 Points)
    The applicant's ability to implement and monitor the proposed study 
to include specific, attainable, and realistic goals and objectives, 
and an evaluation plan.
4. Budget Justification (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the budget is reasonable, clearly justified, 
and consistent with the intended use of cooperative agreement funds.
5. Human Subjects (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the applicant complies with the Department of 
Health and Human Services regulations (45 CFR part 46) on the 
protection of human subjects.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with the original plus two copies of:
    1. Quarterly progress reports, which are required of all grantees. 
The quarterly report narrative should not exceed 15 pages. Time lines 
for the quarterly reports will be established at the time of award, but 
are typically due 30 days after the end of each quarter.
    2. Calendar-year surveillance data must be submitted annually to 
CDC in the approved OMB format between March-June. In addition to CDC, 
a written surveillance summary must be disseminated to State and local 
public health officials, policy makers, and others.
    3. Financial Status Reports are due within 90 days of the end of 
the budget period.
    4. Final financial reports and performance reports are due within 
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.

    Note: Data collection initiated under this cooperative agreement 
program has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
under OMB number (0920-0337), ``National Childhood Blood Lead 
Surveillance System'', Expiration Date: March 31, 2001.

    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum 1 in the 
application package.

AR-1  Human Subjects Requirement
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), 317A and 317B of 
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241(a), 247b-1, and 247b-3), 
as amended by the Children's Health Act of 2000. Program regulations 
are set forth in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 51b to 
State and local health departments. The Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance number is 93.197.

J. Pre-Application Workshop for New and Competing Continuation 
Applicants

    For interested applicants, a telephone conference call for pre-
application technical assistance will be held on Wednesday, February 
14, 2001, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The bridge 
number for the conference call is 1-800-311-3437, and the pass code is 
907844. For further information about all workshops, please contact 
Claudette Grant-Joseph at 404-639-2510.

K. Where to Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements may be downloaded through the CDC 
homepage on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Please refer to program 
announcement number 01020 when requesting information. To receive 
additional written information and to request an application kit, call 
1-888-GRANTS4 (1-888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name, 
address, and phone number and will need to refer to Announcement 01020. 
You will receive a complete program description, information on 
application procedures, and application forms. CDC will not send 
application kits by facsimile or express mail. If you have questions 
after reviewing the contents of all documents, business management 
technical assistance may be obtained from: Lisa T. Garbarino, Grants 
Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 
Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, telephone (770) 
488-2710.
    For programmatic technical assistance, contact: Claudette A. Grant-
Joseph, Chief, Program Services Section, Lead Poisoning Prevention 
Branch, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National 
Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mailstop E-25, Atlanta, GA 
30333, telephone (404) 639-2510, Internet address [email protected].

    Dated: January 29, 2001.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 01-2828 Filed 2-1-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P