[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24140-24144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11896]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01097]


Reducing the Impact of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions; 
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 Reducing the Impact of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic 
Conditions. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus 
area of Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back Conditions.
    The purpose of the program is to further implement the National 
Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy at the state level by 
building, developing, enhancing, implementing, and evaluating arthritis 
control and prevention programs. This arthritis program emphasizes 
State-based

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leadership, coordination, and establishment or enhancement of State 
Health Department capacity to lead efforts to reduce the burden of 
arthritis within the State. Programmatic efforts should focus on 
persons affected by arthritis, i.e., persons already experiencing the 
symptoms of arthritis, their families, and others treating or providing 
services for persons with arthritis. By targeting persons affected by 
arthritis, prevention strategies are secondary and tertiary, focusing 
on prevention of disability and improving quality of life. Primary 
prevention activities, while worthy, will not be supported in this 
cooperative agreement.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to the health departments of 
States or their bona fide agents, 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. The following states are not eligible to apply for 
funding under this announcement: Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, 
Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Utah. These States are currently 
funded to perform these activities and implement demonstration projects 
as State Planning Programs under Program Announcement 99074.
    Eligibility is limited to State health departments because they are 
the only organizations capable of reducing the burden of Arthritis on a 
State-wide basis.

    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 $2.4 million is available in FY 2001 to fund 
approximately 18 to 24 awards. There will be two levels of activities 
for this announcement (see below for definitions). Approximately two to 
six awards will be for the Establishment Level I Program and 
approximately 16 to 20 awards will be for the Enhanced Establishment 
Level II Program. It is expected that the average award will be 
$100,000 ranging from $90,000 to $120,000. 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. Funds will 
be provided for a Level 1 and Level 2 Program.
    Level 1--Establishment Program objective: is to assist States to 
establish the basic public health foundation to lead the development 
and the coordination of a state arthritis program among State Health 
Departments and other agencies. This includes the formulation of 
linkages and partnerships dedicated to the development and 
implementation of a State Plan for Arthritis and the implementation of 
one or more intervention activities in year two. Applicants eligible 
for Level 1 funding are those 21 States and Territories not currently 
receiving CDC funding for arthritis activities. Please refer to 
Attachment I for a listing of these States.
    Level 2--Enhanced Establishment Program: Objective is to build on 
existing capacity and resources for States currently funded by CDC at 
level 1. States will be expected to have a current State Plan for 
Arthritis. Key activities will be to expand and maintain partnerships 
as appropriate, improve surveillance activities, implement one or more 
interventions, and coordinate arthritis activities within the State.
    Eligible applicants for Level 2 funding are those 30 Establishment 
States which received CDC funding under program announcement 99074 
``Reducing the Burden of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions.''
    Applicants may apply for Level 1-Establishment Program or Level 2-
Enhanced Establishment Program, but not both.

D. Program Requirements

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

1A. Recipient Activities Level 1--Establishment Programs

    a. Staffing: Establish a full-time arthritis program manager to 
oversee arthritis program activities and to promote an arthritis 
program within the State.
    b. Partnerships: Establish an advisory group or coalition to guide, 
review, and provide direction for the State in all activities directed 
at reducing the burden of arthritis.
    The advisory group, at a minimum, should include the local 
chapter(s) of the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, the state should 
consider the following as members of the advisory board or coalition:
    (1) Individuals with expertise in arthritis;
    (2) Agencies/organizations with activities relevant to arthritis, 
resources for arthritis activities, and access to target populations 
(e.g., Area Agencies on Aging, Medicaid/Medicare, managed care 
organizations, American Association of Retired Persons, senior centers, 
and faith communities); and
    (3) Persons with arthritis or family members of persons with 
arthritis. As appropriate, States should establish internal workgroups 
with other components of State government that are directly or 
indirectly involved in some aspect of arthritis control and prevention.
    c. Surveillance: Define and monitor the burden of arthritis using 
the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and other state-
based data that contain information on arthritis. By the end of year 
two, States are encouraged to issue a State of Arthritis Report using, 
at a minimum, 2001 BRFSS arthritis data. Arthritis data will be 
collected by all states in calendar year 2001 through the BRFSS.
    d. State Plan: Develop a State Plan for Arthritis that outlines a 
proposed framework for activities to reduce the burden of arthritis. 
This document should be planned with partners and include activities to 
be implemented by the partners. The plan should not address health 
department activities only.
    e. Interventions: During year two, implement one or more strategies 
consistent with the Public Health Framework for Arthritis (Attachment 
II) with a focus on the immediate effects. Therefore, activities should 
be implemented with a focus on one or both of the following areas:
    (1) Self Management Interventions: Broaden the reach of evidence-
based self management programs, e.g., the Arthritis Self Help Course 
(ASHC), the promotion of physical activity in individuals with 
arthritis using land/water-based exercise programs such as People with 
Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) and the Arthritis Foundation 
Aquatics Program. Applicants may consider other programs for which the 
applicant determined to be beneficial and effective in reducing the 
burden of arthritis.

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    (2) Health Communications Campaigns: Develop or utilize health 
communications interventions that will increase/enhance knowledge and 
beliefs necessary for appropriate management of arthritis. 
Communications strategies should be designed to increase self 
management beliefs and behaviors and to increase the belief that self 
management is an important part of arthritis management. The 
communications activity can be targeted to people with arthritis and 
their families, the general public, or health professionals. CDC 
developed health communication material promoting physical activity may 
be used. A summary of this material will be posted at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/arthritis/index.htm. Physician education efforts, while worthy, 
will not be considered as part of this activity.

1B. Recipient Activities Level 2--Enhanced Establishment Programs

    a. Staffing: Establish a full time arthritis program manager to 
oversee arthritis program activities and to promote an arthritis 
program within the State.
    b. Interventions: Implement one or more strategies from the State 
Plan that is consistent with the Public Health Framework for Arthritis 
(Attachment II) with a focus on the immediate effects as outlined in 
this framework. Therefore, activities should be implemented with a 
focus on one or both of the following areas:
    (1) Self Management Interventions: Broaden the reach of evidence-
based self management programs, e.g., the ASHC; the promotion of 
physical activity in individuals with arthritis using land/water-based 
exercise programs such as People with Arthritis Can Exercise'' (PACE) 
and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program. Applicant may consider 
other programs for which the applicant determined to be beneficial and 
effective in reducing the burden of arthritis.
    (2) Health Communications Campaigns: Develop or utilize health 
communications interventions that will increase/enhance knowledge and 
beliefs necessary for appropriate management of arthritis. 
Communications strategies should be designed to increase self 
management beliefs and behaviors and to increase the belief that self-
management is an important part of arthritis management. The 
communications activity can be targeted to people with arthritis and 
their families, the general public, and health professionals. CDC 
developed health communication material promoting physical activity may 
be used. A summary of this material will be posted at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/arthritis/index.htm. Physician education efforts, while worthy, 
will not be considered as part of this activity.
    c. Partnerships: Strengthen alliances among current partners. 
Coordinate or ensure the coordination of activities in the State Plan 
with other relevant programs, organizations, and groups. Coordinate and 
collaborate with other entities to maximize the effectiveness, impact, 
and support for these activities and reduce the potential for 
unnecessary duplication of effort. States are encouraged to creatively 
explore other linkage mechanisms and partnership opportunities.
    d. Surveillance: Manage, analyze, interpret and disseminate State-
based arthritis surveillance data and findings. By the end of year, two 
states are encouraged to issue a State of Arthritis Report using at a 
minimum, 2001 BRFSS data. Arthritis data was collected by all states in 
2001 through the BRFSS. As appropriate, States should expand the 
existing arthritis surveillance system by examining the availability 
and/or use of other state-based data sources to supplement the BRFSS. 
Other data sources may include but are not limited to data from 
outpatient/ambulatory care settings, managed care organizations, and 
follow back surveys of BRFSS respondents. Pharmacy data may also prove 
useful to better define the burden of arthritis within the State.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide consultation and technical assistance to plan, 
implement, and evaluate each component of the program.
    b. Provide current information on the status of national efforts as 
they relate to the implementation of recipient activities.
    c. As needed, provide technical assistance in the coordination of 
surveillance efforts and the use of other data systems to measure and 
characterize the burden of arthritis; provide standard analyses of 
BRFSS data for states; and provide data for national level comparisons.
    d. Facilitate communication among arthritis programs, other 
government agencies and others involved in arthritis control and 
prevention efforts.

E. Content (All Applicants)

    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 main body (narrative) of the application should be no more 
than 25 pages. The total number of pages should not exceed 60 pages 
including appendices. The abstract, budget narrative, and federal forms 
are not included in the page limits. The narrative must be typewritten, 
double spaced, printed on one side, with 12 point Times New Roman font 
on 8.5 by 11 inch paper, and with one inch margins. All graphics, maps, 
overlays, etc., should be in black and white and meet the above 
criteria. Your application must be submitted UNSTAPLED and UNBOUND.

Abstract

    A one-page, single-spaced, typed abstract must be submitted with 
the application. The heading should include the title of the program, 
organization, name and address of the project director, telephone 
number, facsimile number, and e-mail address. The abstract should 
clearly state which level of activities the applicant is applying for: 
Level 1--Establishment Program or Level 2--Enhanced Establishment 
Program. The abstract should briefly list major program elements and 
activities. A table of contents that provides page numbers for each 
section should follow the abstract.

Budget

    The budget should be reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent 
with the intended use of the cooperative agreement funds. The applicant 
must include a detailed budget justification. Budgets should include 
travel for one Arthritis Program staff to attend a two day meeting in 
Atlanta. Proposed sub-contracts should identify the name of the 
contractor, if known; describe the services to be performed; provide an 
itemized budget and justification for the estimated costs of the 
contract; specify the period of performance; and describe the method of 
selection. If indirect costs are requested, a copy of the current 
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement should be included.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

    Submit an original and two copies of CDC 0.1246. Forms are 
available in the application kit and at the following Internet address: 
http://forms.psc.gov/. On or before July 1, 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:

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    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 will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria (100 Points for Each Level)

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.

Level 1--Establishment Programs

1. Need/Current Status (15 Points)

    The extent to which the applicant describes the burden of arthritis 
in the state, identifies what data sources are being used, the barriers 
the State currently faces in developing and implementing a program for 
arthritis, and identifies specific needs and resources available for 
arthritis activities.

2. Work Plan (Total 85 Points)

    The extent to which the work plan includes objectives for each of 
the following areas: Staffing, partnership, surveillance, state plan, 
and interventions. For each proposed objective, the extent to which 
there is a description of methods, a time-line for completion, 
identification of program staff responsible for its achievement, and 
process evaluation measures. The extent to which all activities are 
realistic and feasible.
a. Staffing (25 Points)
    The degree to which the proposed staff have the relevant 
background, qualifications, and experience. Specifically, the applicant 
should:
    (1) (15 points) Describe the proposed or existing health department 
staff's role in promoting an arthritis program within the State, their 
specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. The 
degree of staff coordination between relevant programs within the state 
health department; the degree to which the organizational structure 
supports staff's ability to conduct proposed activities. An 
organizational chart, job descriptions, and resumes if available, 
should be included.
    (2) (10 points) 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 a reasonable time 
after receiving funding. If all positions are filled, this criterion 
will be considered met.
b. Partnerships (20 Points)
    (1) (10 points) The extent to which the applicant has included 
plans for partnerships with the local chapter(s) of the Arthritis 
Foundation, state and local agencies, federal agencies, and others with 
an interest in arthritis.If partnerships have been developed, the 
extent to which the applicant describes the process of development, 
provides evidence of a viable, ongoing partnership by including copies 
of agendas for all partnership meetings held for calender years 1999 
and 2000.
    (2) (10 points) The extent to which letters of support describe the 
nature and extent of involvement by outside partners.
c. Surveillance (20 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes plans to monitor the 
burden of arthritis within the State using BRFSS data as a minimum. The 
extent to which the applicant describes future surveillance plans 
including data to be collected and its programmatic application. The 
extent to which the applicant provides a plan for the development and 
dissemination of a State of Arthritis Report.
d. State Plan (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes the process of engaging 
relevant partners and developing a state arthritis plan. If a state 
plan has been developed, the extent to which the applicant describes 
the process of development and provides agendas for planning meetings 
and the executive summary of the state plan.
e. Interventions (10 Points)
    The extent to which the process for selecting the intervention to 
be implemented in Year two is clearly described and justified. If an 
existing state plan or partnership has already provided guidance for 
choice of intervention, the extent to which the applicant describes the 
target population(s), rationale, and evaluation strategy.

3. Budget (Not Scored)

    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed budget and 
narrative justification consistent with stated objectives and planned 
program activities.

Level 2--Enhanced Establishment Program

1. Background/Current Status (15 Points)

    The extent to which the applicant adequately describes the burden 
of arthritis within the State including the definition and data sources 
used. The extent to which the applicant describes barriers the State 
currently faces in further developing and implementing programs for the 
control of arthritis. The extent to which the funds will fill the gaps 
in the State's arthritis activities.

2. Work Plan ( Total 85 Points)

    The extent to which the work plan includes objectives for each of 
the following areas: staffing, partnership, surveillance, and 
interventions. For each proposed objective, the extent to which there 
is a description of methods, a time-line for completion, identification 
of the program staff responsible for its achievement, and process 
evaluation measures. The extent to which all activities are realistic 
and feasible.
a. Staffing and Management (25 Points)
    The degree to which the existing or proposed staff have the 
relevant background, qualifications, and experience. Specifically, the 
applicant should:
    (1) (15 points) Describe the existing or proposed health department 
staff role in promoting an arthritis program within the State; their 
specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. The 
degree of staff coordination between relevant programs within the state 
health department; the degree to which the organizational structure 
supports staff's ability to conduct proposed activities. An 
organizational chart, job descriptions, and resumes if available, 
should be included.
    (2) (10 points) Describe the 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 a reasonable 
time after receiving funding. If all positions are filled, this 
criterion will be considered met.
b. Partnerships (20 Points)
    (1) (10 points) The extent to which the applicant describes the 
roles of advisory groups, partnerships, or coalition in the development 
and implementation of activities in the State Plan for Arthritis. The 
extent to which letters of support describe the nature and extent of 
involvement by outside partners.

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    (2) (10 points) The extent to which the applicant has shown that 
partnerships have been ongoing and viable and have included copies of 
the following: (1) Agendas for all partnership meetings for calendar 
years 1999 and 2000; and (2) the executive summary and table of 
contents from the State Plan for Arthritis.
c. Surveillance (15 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes the status of existing 
state-based arthritis surveillance. The extent to which the applicant 
describes future surveillance plans including data to be collected, the 
rationale for its selection and its programmatic application.
d. Interventions (25 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes the proposed 
intervention(s) activity, the rationale for selection, the target 
population, the appropriateness of the intervention for the target 
population, and the implementation and evaluation strategies.
3. Budget (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed budget and 
narrative justification consistent with stated objectives and planned 
program activities.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Semi-annual progress reports.
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period;
    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 each, see Attachment III in the 
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

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 301(a) and 317 of the 
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. section 241(a) and 247(b)], as 
amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.945.

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''. Should you have questions after reviewing 
the contents of all the documents, business management technical 
assistance may be obtained from:

Michelle Copeland, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, Program Announcement 01097, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 
3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone number: (770) 488-2686,E-mail 
address: [email protected]

    For program technical assistance, contact: Sakeena Smith, MPH, 
Senior Project Officer, Arthritis Program, National Center for Chronic 
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop K-45, Atlanta, GA 
30341, Telephone number: (770) 488-5440, E-mail address: 
[email protected]

    Dated: May 7, 2001.
Henry S. Cassell III,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office,Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 01-11896 Filed 5-10-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P