[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23258-23261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11510]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01073]


Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness and Education Project; 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 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness and Education 
Project. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus areas 
of Substance Abuse, and Maternal, Infant, and Child Health. The purpose 
of the program is to develop, implement, and evaluate materials to 
educate parents and professionals working in public health service 
agencies, social service agencies, and school systems about FAS and how 
to secure access to appropriate diagnostic and treatment services for 
affected children and their families.

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, State and local governments or 
their bona fide agents including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, the 
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
and the Republic of Palau, and federally recognized Indian tribal 
governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal organizations.

    Note: Title 2 of the United States Code, Chapter 26, Section 
1611 states that an organization described in section 501(c)(4) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages in lobbying 
activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an 
award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan or any other 
form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $500,000 is available in FY 2001 to fund 
approximately 2 to 4 awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $100,000, ranging from $75,000 to $200,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about September 30, 2001, and will be made for 
a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to three 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.

D. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Develop, implement and evaluate an educational curricula for 
training parents, public health service providers, and/or teachers in 
primary and secondary schools that includes, but is not limited to, the 
following:
    1. A description of FAS, including salient physical, 
neurodevelopmental, and behavioral characteristics of children with 
FAS.
    2. An overview of other prenatal alcohol-related conditions and 
disorders.
    3. Essential components of the care of children with FAS and other 
prenatal alcohol-related effects from the family, medical, social, and 
educational perspective including diagnosis and treatment services for 
the child and support services for the family.
    4. Instructions for parents and other client-advocates in how to 
research local and State resource providers to gain assistance in 
identifying appropriate diagnostic, treatment, and educational 
services.
    5. Descriptions of family stresses experienced, factors that 
increase the risks of family disintegration, and approaches to 
enhancing family coping and survival.

[[Page 23259]]

    6. Instructions for organizing FAS parents' support groups at the 
community level.
    b. Develop a quantitative and qualitative process to be used in 
identifying the relevant content of the training (i.e., focus groups, 
participant surveys, etc).
    c. Develop and implement evaluation of the impact of the proposed 
curricula and its components in a variety of settings including special 
targeted sessions as well as State and local conferences and/or 
workshops (i.e., through partnerships with university-based 
researchers).

2. CDC Activities

    a. Assist, if necessary, in the development of the training 
curricula through review, comment and facilitation of communications 
with other CDC grantees funded for similar projects.
    b. Review and comment, if necessary, on the training curricula and 
plans for evaluation initially and on at least an annual basis until 
the project is completed.

E. Application Content

a. General Instructions

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the 
application content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria 
listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your program 
plan. The narrative should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced font. Do not 
include any spiral or bound materials or pamphlets.

b. Specific Instructions

    Abstract: A one-page single-spaced, typed abstract must be 
submitted with the application. The heading should include the title of 
the grant program, project title, organization name and address, 
project director and telephone number. The abstract should briefly 
summarize the program for which funds are requested, the activities to 
be undertaken, and the applicant's organization and composition. The 
abstract should follow the printed forms and precede the Program 
Narrative. Program Narrative (not to exceed 25 pages). The Program 
Narrative Section should address the following:
    1. Background: Briefly describe:
    a. Understanding of the problem of FAS, the impact on the family 
and other care givers, and the challenges of accessing appropriate 
diagnostic and treatment services for the affected child as well as the 
need for support services for the families.
    b. Project purpose and long-term and short-term objectives.
    c. Designation and description of at least two primary target 
populations (i.e., parents, teachers, social workers, public health 
nurses) including geographic areas to be served.
    2. Organization: Briefly describe:
    a. How the applicant will access proposed target populations 
including institutions, agencies, and organizations to be contacted for 
participation.
    b. Existing interactions with these groups and other collaborative 
activities in which the applicant has participated with them, including 
information on any statistics available for the demographics of the 
target population and geographic region to be covered.
    c. Documentation of previous success in developing and evaluating 
curricula, as well as educating and training individuals in the area of 
FAS and other alcohol-related disorders should be included. In 
addition, the applicant should describe any previous instruction 
activities developed and conducted for parents and other client-
advocates in how to research local and State resources providers to 
gain assistance in identifying appropriate diagnostic, treatment, and 
educational services.
    d. Proposed organizational structure for implementing the project, 
including clear lines of authority and responsibility. Staff should 
include a project coordinator who oversees all activities including 
development and evaluation of the training program.
    e. Existing or planned collaborations with research or academic 
institutions for assistance in project development, implementation, and 
evaluation.
    f. A plan for inclusion of both sexes, racial, ethnic, and cultural 
considerations in selection of target populations and development of 
the training program.
    3. Capacities: Describe the capacity and experience of the 
applicant and the clinical/agency site(s) in which the project 
activities will be conducted including:
    a. Description of any previous experience in development, 
evaluation, and conducting training programs addressing FAS and other 
prenatal alcohol-related conditions.
    b. Description of the setting(s) in which the training programs 
will occur and description of the designated office and operating space 
for the project.
    c. Proposed time-line for conducting first year project activities, 
and brief overview of subsequent year's activities.
    4. Approach:
    a. Describe, in summary, the approach to be taken by the applicant 
in implementing this project including identification of appropriate 
staff to perform essential project activities, recruitment of 
participants, delivery of the training, evaluation, and follow-up 
activities with participants.
    5. Assurances: The applicant must provide the following:
    a. Assurance that project staff will be hired in a timely manner.
    b. Assurance that key staff will meet with CDC in Atlanta within 3 
months of the award to discuss initial study activities.
    6. Budget and Line-Item Justification: This section must include a 
detailed first-year budget and narrative justification with future 
annual projections. The applicant should describe in detail the program 
purpose for each budget item. For contracts contained within the 
application budget, applicants should name the contractor, if known; 
describe the services to be performed; justify the use of a third 
party; and provide a breakdown of and justification for the estimated 
costs of the contracts, the kinds of organizations or parties to be 
solicited, the period of performance, and the method of selection.
    Budget should include travel for at least 2 key study personnel to 
meet 3 times per year with CDC.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

    Submit an original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm or in the application kit.
    On or before June 29, 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 which 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.

[[Page 23260]]

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
1. Applicant's Understanding of the Problem (25 Percent)
    a. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding 
of the problem of FAS and other prenatal alcohol-related developmental 
disorders, maternal risk factors contributing to harmful alcohol use 
during pregnancy, and basic and unique physical, neurodevelopmental, 
and behavioral needs of affected children and their families.
    b. A demonstrated understanding of the care and parenting issues 
related to rearing children with FAS and other prenatal alcohol-related 
disorders including the perspective of the family, medical 
professionals, social and educational service providers.
    c. A demonstrated understanding of family stressors and risk 
factors for family disintegration and development of secondary 
conditions among affected individuals.
    d. A demonstrated understanding of related, community-based family 
and children's services (physical and mental health, social services, 
and special education services) as well as needed services which may 
not always be addressed by community-based agencies (e.g., diagnostic/
referral resources hotline and family support groups).
2. Description of the Target Populations and Outline of Approach (45 
Percent)
    a. The extent to which the applicant has provided a full and 
comprehensive description of the project they propose to undertake and 
a plan for how it will be accomplished.
    b. The extent to which the applicant outlines the proposed content 
of the curricula to be developed (e.g., instructing parents or other 
client-advocates in researching and accessing resources and/or 
services) as well as the quantitative and qualitative process for 
development of curricula (e.g., focus groups, participant surveys, or 
other).
    c. The extent to which the applicant adequately describes methods 
for evaluation of the effectiveness of the curricula (e.g., focus 
groups, changes in knowledge or attitudes, or other), and dissemination 
of curricula materials (e.g., through parent organization or public 
health departments, or other).
    d. The extent to which the applicant describes at least two target 
populations (i.e., parents, teachers, social workers, public health 
professionals) for which curricula will be developed, implemented, and 
evaluated. Consideration of multiple approaches for reaching targeted 
groups depending on their needs and constraints (i.e., time, 
transportation, tuition funding for conferences) must be described.
    e. The degree to which the applicant has provided consideration of 
the needs for diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups in terms of 
inclusion in the targeted populations, and development of appropriate 
curriculum content.
    f. Demonstration of how the project will establish partnerships 
with public health and social services agencies, schools, and other 
appropriate agencies, institutions, and organizations.
3. Capacity To Conduct Project Activities (30 Percent)
    a. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to 
conduct the activities of the cooperative agreement.
    b. Demonstrated ability to assist families and service providers in 
identifying needed FAS resources locally and regionally, including 
efforts to instruct parents in organizing support groups at the 
community level, or in accessing services at the community level.
    c. Demonstrated ability to access targeted groups to successfully 
organize and evaluate workshops and conferences in the area of FAS and 
other prenatal alcohol-related disorders, as well as outline a 
dissemination plan for developed materials.
    d. Demonstrated ability to identify qualified personnel to fill key 
positions on the project, identify adequate office space for the 
project as well as facilities for conducting training or educational 
sessions.
    e. Extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to begin 
activities in a timely fashion and to present a feasible time-line for 
conducting first year project activities, and presenting a brief 
overview of activities for subsequent years.
4. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities (Not Scored)
    The budget will be evaluated for the extent to which it is 
reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of 
the cooperative agreement funds.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. semiannual progress reports;
    2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    3. final financial and performance report, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I of 
application kit.

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
AR-14--Accounting System Requirements
AR-15--Proof of Non-Profit Status

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under sections 301 and 317 of the Public 
Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 241 and 247b, 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 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 and address and will be instructed to identify the 
Announcement number of interest.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Virginia Hall-Broadnax, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Suite 3000, (E-13), 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone number: (770) 488-2710, Email 
address: [email protected]
    For program technical assistance, contact: Dr. Louise Floyd, (770) 
488-7372; Email address: [email protected],
      or
    Connie Granoff, (770) 488-7513; Email address: [email protected], 
Division of Birth Defects, Child Development, and Disability and 
Health, National Center for Environmental Health.

[[Page 23261]]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, (F-
49), Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724.

    Dated: May 2, 2001.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 01-11510 Filed 5-7-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P