[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 93 (Monday, May 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24380-24382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-12002]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 01061]


Longitudinal Studies of Rodent Reservoirs of Hantaviruses in the 
Southwestern United States; 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 
to provide assistance for longitudinal studies of rodent reservoirs of 
hantaviruses in the Southwestern United States. This program addresses 
the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of Immunization and Infectious 
Diseases.
    The purpose of the program is to continue to improve understanding 
of the ecological dynamics of the transmission cycle of hantaviruses in 
their natural host populations and to provide precise data linking 
environmental changes to changes in rodent population densities and 
prevalence of infection. These data will be used to parameterize 
mathematical models that will use satellite-derived environmental 
descriptors to predict changes in risk of hantavirus disease at precise 
times and places in North America.
    The preliminary success of the current studies in identifying 
environmental factors that lead to increased risk of human disease has 
illustrated that (1) more precise and detailed measurements of 
environmental variables are required as input parameters and to 
calibrate accurate, predictive, mathematical models of disease risk; 
(2) mathematical models must be calibrated using data from many years 
and geographically dispersed sites; and (3) fine-scale remotely sensed 
(satellite) data must be used in order to make predictive models 
generalizable and applicable across wide geographic areas.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to the University of New Mexico 
(UNM), Colorado State University (CSU), and Yavapai College (YC).
    Hantaviruses have been shown in the United States to be responsible 
for serious human disease, specifically, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome 
(HPS). There have been over 280 identified cases of HPS, the majority 
of which have occurred in the Southwestern United States. Other North 
American species of Hantavirus have now been described from various 
sigmodontine rodent reservoirs, including Sigmodon hispidus, Peromyscus 
leucopus, Oryzomys palustris, Peromyscus boylii, and Reithrodontomys 
megalotis. All of these species, except O. palustris, coexist in the 
Southwestern U.S.
    A complete understanding of the cycle of HPS in humans will require 
knowledge of the dynamics of viral infection in the rodent reservoir. 
Cross-sectional studies have identified several reservoir species, 
demonstrated the widespread distribution of infection in populations of 
these species and shown that the prevalence of infection is highly 
variable on a spacial scale. Long-term studies of reservoir populations 
are necessary to determine temporal patterns of infection, incidence 
rates, mechanisms of transmission, effects of climate, habitat quality, 
and host populations dynamics on the transmission cycle, and effects of 
infection on host movements, growth, longevity and population dynamics.
    Longitudinal mark-recapture studies of reservoir populations have 
been conducted at established trapping sites in Arizona, Colorado, and 
New Mexico since 1994 through separate cooperative agreements with UNM, 
CSU, and YC. These academic institutions established the trapping 
sites, performed the research, collected and interpreted the data, and 
published the results in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Due to 
the inherent temporal variability in environmental, climatological, and 
population parameters at the sites, comparative data must be collected 
over a period of many years for the objectives of long-term studies to 
be met.
    The previous longitudinal studies have greatly improved 
understanding of hantivirus-host ecology and have elucidated general 
patterns that implicate environmental factors that are associated with 
increased risk of human hantaviral disease. Nevertheless, these data 
have shown that discerned patterns vary tremendously both spatially and 
temporally. In addition, many environmental changes are extremely rare 
events and conditions that lead to rodent population irruptions and 
human epidemics are infrequent. Thus, the ultimate usefulness of these 
studies depends upon adequate replication in time and space and their 
long-term maintenance.

    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

[[Page 24381]]

award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, or any other 
form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $625,000 is available in FY 2001 to fund 
approximately three awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $208,000, ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. 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 five 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 availability of funds.

D. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Conduct longitudinal mark recapture studies of rodents on 
existing established webs in the Southwestern United States to identify 
and determine the dynamics of populations of rodents that are confirmed 
or potential reservoirs of hantaviruses.
    b. Develop a plan that will use ecological techniques that will 
provide continuity of rodent sampling and processing so that data can 
be appropriately analyzed and integrated with previously collected 
ecological data from the established sites. Ecological techniques 
should include capture-mark-release and may be supplemented by radio-
tracking.
    c. Collect and submit blood samples on all captured animals for 
further laboratory analysis and storage.
    d. Identify, characterize, and archive samples of all rodents 
collected. Perform morphological measurements, karyotypes, allozyme 
studies, molecular genetic studies, and other appropriate studies 
necessary for characterization of rodents.
    e. Design and conduct concurrent/parallel studies of vertebrate 
populations at sites of future HPS investigations as appropriate, 
including identification, characterization, and archiving of samples.
    f. Carefully monitor environmental variables that are likely to be 
associated with changes in rodent population density and prevalence of 
hantavirus infection. Variables should include, but are not limited to: 
Local precipitation, temperature, and humidity; vegetative cover and 
greenness; availability of food items (seeds of grasses and forbs; oak, 
pinyon, and juniper mast; arthropod biomass).
    g. Collaborate with all partners to analyze and publish study 
results.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide consultation and scientific and technical assistance in 
the design, conduct, and evaluation of the project.
    b. As necessary, perform appropriate laboratory testing and 
analysis of blood samples from captured animals.
    c. Collaborate with the recipient to analyze and publish study 
results, as requested.

E. Application Content

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the 
application content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria 
listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your program 
plan. The narrative should be no more than 14 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced font.

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and five copies of PHS-398 (OMB Number 0925-
0001) (adhere to the instructions on the Errata Instruction Sheet for 
PHS 398). Forms are in the application kit.
    On or before June 30, 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:
    (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

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

1. Background and Need (33 Points)

    Extent to which applicant demonstrates a clear understanding of the 
purpose and objectives of this proposed cooperative agreement and 
demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements, 
responsibilities, interactions, problems, constraints, complexities, 
etc., that may be encountered in conducting the project and performing 
the studies.

2. Capacity and Personnel (33 Points)

    Extent to which applicant demonstrates experience and 
qualifications of professional personnel in are suitable for conducting 
the studies proposed in this cooperative agreement. Extent to which 
applicant demonstrates it has adequate administrative personnel and 
support. Extent to which applicant demonstrates it has adequate 
scientific resources and facilities to successfully conduct the 
activities.

3. Objectives and Technical Approach (34 Points)

    Extent to which applicant describes objectives of the proposed 
project which are consistent with the purpose and goals of this grant/
cooperative agreement program and which are measurable and time-phased. 
Extent to which applicant presents a detailed operational plan for 
initiating and conducting the project, which clearly and appropriately 
addresses all Recipient Activities. Extent to which applicant clearly 
identifies specific assigned responsibilities of all key professional 
personnel. Extent to which the plan clearly describes applicant's 
technical approach/methods for conducting the proposed studies and 
extent to which the plan is adequate to accomplish the objectives. 
Extent to which applicant describes specific study protocols or plans 
for the development of study protocols that are appropriate for 
achieving project objectives. Extent to which applicant describes 
adequate and appropriate collaboration with CDC and/or others during 
various phases of the project. Extent to which applicant provides a 
detailed and adequate plan for evaluating study results and for 
evaluating progress toward achieving project objectives.

4. Budget (Not Scored)

    Extent to which applicant presents a detailed, line-item budget 
with a detailed narrative justification (by line-item) that is 
consistent with the purpose and objectives of this cooperative 
agreement.

[[Page 24382]]

5. Animal Subjects (Not Scored)

    Does the application adequately address the requirements of PHS 
Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee 
Institutions?

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

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

AR-3  Animal Subjects Requirements
AR-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11  Healthy People 2010
AR-12  Lobbying Restrictions
AR-15  Proof of Non Profit Status

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is authorized under section(s) 301a (42 U.S.C. 
241(a)), 311 (42 U.S.C. 243), 317 (k)(3) (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(3), and 
319(a)) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page 
Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov Click on ``Funding'' then ``Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements.''
    To obtain additional information, contact: Gladys Gissentanna, 
Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and 
Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Room 3000, 
2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone number: 770-
488-2753, Email address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Dr. James Mills, 
National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone 
number: 404-639-1396, Email address: [email protected].

    Dated: May 8, 2001.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 01-12002 Filed 5-11-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P