[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31813-31816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11710]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 02118]


Fellowship Training Programs In Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases; 
Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2002 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for a graduate level Fellowship Training Program in Vector-
Borne Infectious Diseases, leading to a master's or doctoral degree. 
This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of 
Immunization and Infectious Diseases.
    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist recipients 
in the development and implementation of a two to three year Fellowship 
Training Program (FTP) in entomology, arbovirology, and microbiology, 
which provides a combination of entomologic, virologic, and 
microbiologic techniques, basic laboratory or epidemiologic training in 
vector-borne infectious diseases. The goal is to improve the ability of 
the U.S. public health system to respond to the problem of vector-borne 
infectious diseases by increasing the number of specialists with 
demonstrated skills in the public health aspects of vector-borne 
infectious diseases and to provide them with the essential, pertinent 
field and research skills.
    FTPs should be implemented as new, distinct fellowship positions/
tracks in recipient's existing graduate training program. FTPs should 
be aimed at individuals who wish to pursue an academic career in 
vector-borne

[[Page 31814]]

diseases of public health importance. The objective is to offer a 
combination of field, laboratory, and research training which will lead 
to a masters or doctoral degree in entomology, arbovirology, or 
microbiology. Specific areas of concentration may include mosquito and 
tick biology, ecology, physiology or behavior, basic arbovirology, 
serology, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention, and control 
of vector-borne viral and bacterial diseases. Specific areas of 
research concentration may include entomology, ecology, arbovirology, 
microbiology, vector-borne bacterial diseases, and vector-borne 
infectious diseases.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit 
organizations and by governments and their agencies; that is, 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private non-profit organizations, State and local governments 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, federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, 
Indian Tribes, or Indian Tribal Organizations and Faith-based 
organizations are eligible to apply.
    Assistance will be provided only to organizations with established 
research and training programs in one or more of the following 
disciplines: Medical entomology, arbovirology, vector-borne bacterial 
diseases, and/or vector-borne infectious diseases.

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

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $750,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund 
approximately three awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $250,000, ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about August 30, 2002, 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.

Use of Funds

    Recipient cost sharing is required under this program. CDC will 
provide up to 75 percent of the total cost for items directly related 
to the support of fellows such as stipends (consistent with Public 
Health Service policies) and professional travel. CDC funds will not be 
provided for supplies and equipment or for direct salaries/fringe, 
travel, space, etc., for recipient's faculty or administrative 
personnel. In a training grant, recipient's indirect charges are 
limited to eight percent of direct costs. CDC funds are not intended to 
supplant recipient's existing infectious disease fellowships, rather 
they are intended to support new fellowship opportunities that are 
consistent with the stated purpose of this cooperative agreement 
program.

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 and conduct a two to three year FTP that combines 
entomological, arboviral, microbiological, and bacterial zoonoses 
field, basic laboratory, and epidemiologic research in prevention and 
control of vector-borne infectious diseases of public health importance 
as a distinct and separate track of any existing graduate-level 
fellowship program.
    b. Design and conduct the FTP such that, upon completion of the 
fellowship, fellows will receive a graduate degree in the field of 
study.
    c. Provide preceptors for training.
    d. Develop a fellowship candidate application, review, ranking, and 
selection process. Based on this process, select applicants to be 
awarded two-to three-year FTP fellowships.
    e. Provide administrative support to fellows during their tenure in 
the FTP, including the payment of stipends, professional travel, etc. 
(see Availability of Funds for cost sharing requirements).
    f. Assist fellows in publishing and/or otherwise disseminating 
results of their research.
    g. Monitor and evaluate the progress of fellows and progress toward 
achieving program goals. To measure the overall success of the FTP, 
establish a mechanism to follow up and report on fellows (e.g., where 
they work, in what field, etc.) periodically for up to five years after 
they complete the FTP.
    h. Assure appropriate IRB review by all cooperating institutions 
participating in the project if the fellows research involves the use 
of human subjects.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide preceptors and facilities for research training that 
occurs at CDC facilities. The entomological, arboviral, 
microbiological, and laboratory or epidemiologic research training may 
occur at CDC facilities.
    b. Assist in the development of a research protocol for 
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review by all cooperating institutions 
participating in the research project. The CDC IRB will review and 
approve the protocol initially and on at least an annual basis until 
the research project is completed.

E. Content

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    An LOI is optional for this program. The narrative should be no 
more than 5 double spaced pages, printed on one side, with one-inch 
margins, and unreduced font. Your letter of intent will be used to 
assist CDC in planning the evaluation of applications submitted under 
Program Announcement 02118 and should include (1) name and address of 
institution; (2) name, address, and telephone number of contact person; 
and if proposing that research component be conducted at CDC 
facilities, (3) name and telephone number of CDC scientist agreeing to 
participate.

Applications

    Use the information in this section and 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 10 single spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced fonts.

Specific Instructions

    All pages must be clearly numbered, and a complete index to the 
application and its appendices must be included. All pages of the 
application and appendices must be easily run through an automatic 
document feed copier. Thus, do not bind, staple, or paperclip any pages 
of any copy of the application, and do not include any bound documents 
(e.g., pamphlets or other publications) in the appendices. Do not 
include cardboard, plastic, or other page separators between sections.

[[Page 31815]]

    The application narrative must not exceed 10 pages (excluding 
abstract, budget, and appendices). Unless indicated otherwise, all 
information requested below must appear in the narrative. Materials or 
information that should be part of the narrative will not be accepted 
if placed in the appendices. The application narrative must contain the 
following sections in the order presented below:
1. Abstract
    Provide a brief (less than two pages) summary of the proposed FTP.
2. Background and Need
    Demonstrate an understanding of the background and need for the 
FTP. Discuss how your proposed FTP track differs from existing tracks/
opportunities in your fellowship program and how your proposed FTP 
track meets the purpose of this cooperative agreement program.
3. Capacity and Personnel
    a. Describe applicant's goals, objectives, and efforts to promote 
the field of entomology and vector-borne infectious diseases. Describe 
relevant degree programs and sponsored regular national meetings, 
seminars, and/or workshops devoted to pertinent issues in academic 
vector-borne infectious diseases with relevance to public health.
    b. Demonstrate applicant's experience in academic vector-borne 
infectious disease education and training in general, including 
experience in maintaining programs that lead to awarding of graduate 
degrees in the field. Describe applicant's existing graduate degree 
fellowship training programs for entomologists, arbovirologists, and/or 
bacteriologists.
    c. Describe applicant's resources, facilities, and professional 
personnel that will be involved in conducting the project. Include (in 
an appendix) curriculum vitae for all professional personnel involved 
with the project. Describe plans for administration of the project and 
identify administrative resources/personnel that will be assigned to 
the project. Provide (in an appendix) letters of support from all key 
participating non-applicant organizations, individuals, etc., which 
clearly indicate their commitment to participate as described in the 
operational plan.
    d. If proposing that fellows conduct their field, laboratory, or 
epidemiologic training at CDC facilities, include a letter of support 
(in an appendix) from the appropriate CDC scientist (cosigned by their 
Division/Program Principal Management Officer) that clearly indicates 
their commitment to participate as described in your application 
Operational Plan, including agreement to (1) serve as preceptor for the 
research training and (2) provide space, facilities, supplies, etc., 
for fellows.
4. Operational Plan
    Present a detailed and time phased plan for establishing and 
conducting the FTP. Describe procedures to accomplish all of the 
required recipient activities. Describe how the field, laboratory, and 
research activities will be coordinated within the FTP. Present a plan 
for monitoring and evaluating the progress of fellows and the progress 
toward achieving program goals. Describe how the plan will ensure that 
all fellows become eligible for graduation by the end of fellowship 
tenure. Describe procedures and plans for assuring any fellow's 
research that involves the use of human subjects will receive 
appropriate IRB review by all cooperating institutions participating in 
the project.
5. Budget
    Provide a line item budget and accompanying detailed, line by line 
justification that demonstrates the request is consistent with the 
purpose and objectives of this program. Clearly indicate by line item 
both (a) the full cost and (b) the amount requested from CDC (see 
Availability of Funds section for further information regarding cost-
sharing).

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent

    On or before June 5, 2002, submit the LOI to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' 
section of this announcement.

Applications

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0920-
0428). Forms are available in the application kit and at www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm. On or before July 5, 2002, submit the application 
to the Technical Information Section, 2920 Brandywine Road, Suite 3000 
Atlanta, Georgia 30341.
    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.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Applicants are required to provide Measures of Effectiveness that 
will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of Effectiveness must 
relate to the performance goal (or goals) as stated in section ``A. 
Purpose'' of this announcement.
    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.

1. Background and Need (15 points)

    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of 
the background and need for the FTP. Extent to which they clearly 
demonstrate that their proposed FTP fellowship positions add to and do 
not supplant existing positions in their fellowship program. The extent 
to which they demonstrate how the proposed FTP track meets the Purpose 
of this cooperative agreement program.

2. Capacity (Total 50 points)

a. Institutional
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that they have been 
and are devoted to promoting the field of vector-borne infectious 
diseases. Extent to which the applicant has promoted the field of 
vector-borne infectious diseases by conducting regular national 
meetings and workshops devoted to current topics. The extent to which 
the applicant documents experience in education and training in 
entomology, arbovirology, and vector-borne infectious diseases, 
including documentation of relevant degree programs offered and 
evidence of experience in successfully preparing students to work in 
the field. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates significant 
institutional experience in managing graduate-level fellowship training 
programs in the area of vector-borne infectious diseases. The extent to 
which the applicant documents they have a successful existing 
program(s) in vector-borne infectious diseases. (25 points)

[[Page 31816]]

b. Staff and Administrative
    The extent to which the applicant describes adequate resources and 
facilities (clinical, academic, and administrative) for conducting the 
FTP. The extent to which the applicant documents the past experience 
and qualifications of their professional personnel who will be involved 
in the FTP by curriculum vitae, publications, etc. If proposing that 
fellow's research be conducted at CDC facilities, the extent to which 
applicant includes a letter of support as described in Application 
Content section 3.b., above (i.e., that is signed by the appropriate 
CDC officials and that clearly indicates their commitment to 
participate as proposed in the application). (25 points)

3. Operational Plan (25 points)

    The extent to which the proposed operational plan is clear, 
detailed, time-phased, and meets the purpose and goals of this 
cooperative agreement program. The extent to which the proposed 
operational plan addresses all required Recipient Activities. If 
specific fellow(s) research projects are proposed that involve the use 
of human subjects, the degree to which the applicant has met the CDC 
Policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and 
racial groups in the proposed research. This includes:
    a. The proposed plan for the inclusion 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.
    d. A statement as to whether the plans for recruitment and outreach 
for study participants include the process of establishing partnerships 
with community(ies) and recognition of mutual benefits.

4. Evaluation Plan (5 points)

    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the quality of the 
proposed plan to monitor, evaluate, and track individual fellows and 
overall plan to evaluate activities and objectives.

5. Measures of Effectiveness (5 points)

    The extent to which the applicant provides Measures of 
Effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various 
identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures must be 
objective/quantitative and must measure the intended outcome.

6. Budget (Not scored)

    The extent to which the proposed budget is reasonable, clearly 
justified, and consistent with the intended use of cooperative 
agreement funds.

7. Human Subjects (Not scored)

    Does the application adequately address the requirements of Title 
45 CFR part 46 for the protection of human subjects?

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.
    3. Final financial and performance reports no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    4. Applicants are required to provide Measures of Effectiveness 
that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the cooperative agreement.
    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 the 
announcement.

AR-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR-3  Animal Subjects Requirements
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 [42 U.S.C. 241] and 
317(k)(2) [42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(2)] 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.''
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Rene Benyard, Grants Management Specialist, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office, Acquisition and 
Assistance, Branch B, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000 Atlanta, GA 
30341-4146, Telephone number: (770) 488-2722, E-mail: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Mel Fernandez, Program 
Management Official, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Vector-Borne 
Infectious Diseases, P. O. Box 2087, Rampart Road, Foothills Campus, 
Fort Collins, CO 80521 Telephone: (970) 221-6426, E-mail: 
[email protected].

    Dated: May 4, 2002.
Sandra R. Manning,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 02-11710 Filed 5-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P