[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47371-47382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-18111]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 02179]


National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program; 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 to support development of a National Environmental Public 
Health Tracking (Surveillance) Program. This program addresses the 
``Healthy People 2010'' focus areas of Environmental Health and Public 
Health Infrastructure.
    The purpose of this program is to (1) develop plans and components 
of a standards-based, coordinated, and integrated environmental public 
health tracking (surveillance) system at the state and national level 
that allows linkage and reporting of health effects data with human 
exposure data and environmental hazard data; and (2) to increase 
environmental public health capacity at the local, state, and national 
level.
    This program deals specifically with chronic diseases and other 
non-infectious health effects that may be related to exposure to 
chemicals, physical agents, biomechanical stressors, or biologic toxins 
in the environment. Appendix I provides background information about 
environmental public health tracking (surveillance) and further 
describes the health effects and environmental factors targeted by this 
program. The need for an environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance) network was well documented by the Pew Environmental 
Health Commission in its report ``America's Environmental Health Gap: 
Why the Country Needs a Nationwide Health Tracking Network''. The 
Internet address of this report is available in Appendix II.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goal for the National Center for Environmental 
Health (NCEH): Increase the understanding of the relationship between 
environmental exposures and health effects.
    This program announcement contains two separate projects, Part A 
and Part B, in order to accommodate differences in existing 
environmental public health capacity and infrastructure at the state 
and local level. The applicant can only apply for Part A or Part B, but 
not both. These projects will move the nation toward improved 
environmental public health surveillance and response capacity for 
development of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(surveillance) Network:
    Part A: Planning, capacity building, and developing or enhancing 
health effect, exposure, and/or hazard surveillance systems that can be 
integrated into a statewide and national environmental public health 
tracking (surveillance) network.
    Part B: Developing a blueprint for environmental public health 
tracking, developing or enhancing exposure and/or health effect 
surveillance systems and conducting projects to (1) demonstrate 
feasibility, (2) develop surveillance methods, and (3) assess the 
utility of linking and reporting health effect data with exposure and/
or hazard data for the purpose of guiding appropriate public health 
action or practice.
    Both the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have 
other large ongoing efforts to develop, standardize, and promote 
electronic reporting of data and to improve collaboration across 
categorical programs. For example, currently all states have received 
funding from CDC to move toward implementation of the National 
Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) (which to date has 
focused on infectious disease reporting) and bioterrorism preparedness. 
Appendix II contains the Internet addresses for NEDSS, the Public 
Health Information Technology Functions and Specifications (for 
Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism), and a list of state NEDSS 
coordinators. The Internet addresses for information on EPA's National 
Environmental Information Exchange Network are also provided in 
Appendix II.

B. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 301 of the Public Health 
Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241], as amended. The Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to the health departments of 
States or their bona fide agents, including the District of Columbia. 
In consultation with States, assistance may be provided to the local 
health departments of Chicago IL, Houston TX, New York City, NY, 
Philadelphia PA, and Los Angeles County CA. Competition is limited to 
accommodate legislative appropriations language, which specifies 
capacity development of environmental health at state and local health 
departments.
    These state/local health departments are invited to apply under 
either Part A or Part B of this announcement, but not both. Only one 
application will be accepted from eligible applicants.
    The intent of this announcement is to build partnerships between 
and within environmental and health agencies/departments/staff, 
applicants under both Part A and Part B must demonstrate that their 
program will be a collaborative effort by including the following with 
their application:
    1. A letter of intent signed by both the state (or local) 
Secretary/Director of Health or equivalent and the state (or local) 
Secretary/Director of Environmental Quality/Protection/Natural 
Resources or the equivalent agency/department confirming that 
partnerships exist or will be developed:
    a. Across Health and Environmental Agencies/Departments. (Evidence 
of a partnership may be a confirmation of an existing memorandum of 
understanding (MOU) between Health and Environment that covers 
activities related to this program announcement).

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    b. Between appropriate organizational units within each Agency/
Department.
    c. If Health and Environment are organized under one State/local 
agency/department, a letter of intent from the Secretary/Director or 
equivalent of that agency/department confirming that partnerships 
exists or will be developed across appropriate organizational units 
within the Agency/Department is required.
    2. Designation of public health liaison within the environmental 
agency/department and an environmental liaison within the health 
agency/department.
    3. Eligible local health departments must provide assurances that 
activities related to this program will be coordinated with the State 
Health Department.
    4. If the applicant is a bona fide agent of the State/local health 
department, a letter from the State/local health department designating 
the applicant as such must be provided.
    These documents should be placed directly behind the face page 
(first page) of your application. Applications that fail to submit 
evidence requested above will be considered non-responsive and returned 
without review.


    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.

D. Availability of Funds

Part A

    Approximately $6,000,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund 
approximately ten awards. It is expected that the average award will be 
$500,000, ranging from $400,000 to $600,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about September 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.

Part B

    Approximately $4,000,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund 
approximately five awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $700,000, ranging from $600,000 to $800,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about September 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.
    Matching funds is not a requirement for this program announcement.

E. 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

Part A
    a. Develop and implement a work plan to address recipient 
activities 1.b through 1.o for Part A funding.
    b. Evaluate existing environmental public health capacity and 
health surveillance and environmental monitoring and biomonitoring 
activities.
    (1) Assess the capacity of health/environmental staff to analyze 
and build an environmental public health tracking network and to 
respond to potential environmental health problems. Identify training 
needs.
    (2) Develop a comprehensive inventory of existing hazard and 
exposure monitoring and non-infectious health effect surveillance 
systems maintained at the state and local level.
    (a) Describe the purpose and operation of the system and the 
resources used to operate the system as discussed in CDC's Updated 
Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems (Internet 
address for this document is listed in Appendix II) and refer to 
Appendix IV for Guidance for Preliminary Inventory and Future 
Assessment of Health Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring 
Information Systems.
    (b) Describe how these systems have been used to affect public 
health action and policy.
    (c) Evaluate existing organization, personnel, and technical 
infrastructure against CDC's Public Health Information Technology 
Functions and Specifications (for Emergency Preparedness and 
Bioterrorism) and NEDSS and EPA National Environmental Information 
Exchange Network architecture and specifications, and identify issues 
to be addressed for integrating/linking data and establishing the 
Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network.
    c. Develop partnerships with local, state, tribal, and Federal 
governments; health care providers; non-governmental organizations; and 
private for profit and nonprofit groups whose participation is critical 
to the success of the program. Partners should participate in the 
planning of a coordinated and integrated environmental public health 
tracking (surveillance) network.
    d. Establish a planning consortium consisting of technical experts, 
community members and other key stakeholders who can provide 
substantive recommendations on planning and implementing a coordinated 
and integrated environmental public health tracking (surveillance) 
network. This group should meet at least quarterly to assist in 
planning.
    e. Identify needs and concerns of governmental and non-governmental 
data users and stakeholders. Refer to the Protocol for Assessing 
Community Excellence in Environmental Health (PACE EH) for examples of 
how to generate citizen input (The PACE EH website is listed in 
Appendix II).
    f. Prioritize state/local/other stakeholders' needs related to 
tracking of health effects, exposures, and hazards.
    g. Examine existing state legislation and/or regulations to 
determine if additional authority is required to collect new data, 
integrate data, and share data (with appropriate security and 
confidentiality restrictions).
    h. Develop training tools and provide training to state and local 
staff on surveillance methods, environmental assessment, biomonitoring, 
evaluation, risk communication, and other topics in collaboration with 
the Centers of Excellence for Environmental Public Health Tracking (see 
Appendix III).
    i. Develop/enhance priority health effects, exposure, and/or hazard 
surveillance systems identified in Activity f. This effort can 
supplement existing activities, but funding associated with this effort 
should not supplant existing funding.
    j. Develop a plan for staged development of a standard-based 
environmental public health tracking (surveillance) network that allows 
direct electronic data reporting and linkage within and across health 
effect, exposure, and hazard data and can interoperate with other 
public health systems. It is expected that the architecture and 
information technology functions and specifications used for enhancing 
existing data systems and developing an overall plan for the 
Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network will be 
compatible with those being developed under other programs such as 
NEDSS, Bioterrorism, and EPA's National Environmental Information 
Exchange Network. (See Appendix II for the Internet addresses and a 
list of state NEDSS coordinators). The Environmental Public Health 
Tracking (surveillance) Network should be based on specifications and 
an environmental

[[Page 47373]]

public health tracking logic model(s) as addressed in Activity m. 
below. These will follow data and technical specifications derived from 
industry standards for data types, code sets and vocabularies, messages 
for data exchange, and technology systems standards as available.
    k. Discuss project accomplishments, barriers, and lessons learned 
with Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Program 
partners and other critical stakeholders by attending quarterly 
conference calls, attending meetings, and by posting information and 
queries to an environmental public health tracking website.
    l. Develop and evaluate strategies for communicating information 
generated by an environmental public health tracking network and 
related program activities to diverse audiences.
    m. Attend workgroups with Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(surveillance) Program partners (Appendix III) to develop standardized 
data definitions; examine the availability and applicability of 
existing data standards and data exchange messages (Industry standards 
include, but are not limited to the Health Level Seven (HL7) Reference 
Information Model and its vocabularies.); define new data 
specifications based on these standards as needed in collaboration with 
national standards setting organizations; define a logical data model 
and data exchange messages for implementing the Environmental Public 
Health Tracking (surveillance) Network; and set standards for 
completeness, timeliness, and quality for the Statewide and National 
Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network.
    n. Evaluate new/improved surveillance methods, training activities, 
and the impact of increased capacity on the applicant's ability to 
progress toward development of an integrated environmental public 
health tracking (surveillance) network. Refer to the Morbidity and 
Mortality Weekly Report titled ``Framework for Program Evaluation in 
Public Health'' (See Appendix II for website).
    o. Examine the feasibility of using the Environmental Public Health 
Indicators (EPHI) Project for surveillance in collaboration with 
Centers of Excellence for Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(Appendix III). (See Appendix II for CDC EPHI Project website). 
Determine how proposed EPHIs fit into identified state and local 
priorities, examine whether the proposed EPHIs are realistic in terms 
of available data and integration of these data, assess whether the 
selected measures could be useful for state or local program and policy 
planning, and determine the accuracy of selected measures for community 
health assessment.
Part B
    a. Develop and implement a work plan to address recipient 
activities 1.b through 1.o for Part B funding.
    b. Prioritize state and local needs related to tracking of health 
effects, exposures, and hazards with the goal of incorporating these 
data into an environmental public health tracking (surveillance) 
network. This effort should take into account gaps in types of health 
effect surveillance, environmental exposure, and hazard information 
systems currently available to the applicant, the timeliness of 
reporting, completeness (in terms of population, facility, locales 
covered), data quality, technical infrastructure, compatibility with 
NEDSS and EPA's National Environmental Information Exchange Network, 
inclusion of data elements that would allow linkage to data sets, and 
stakeholders' needs (see Appendix IV for Guidance for Preliminary 
Inventory and Future Assessment of Health Surveillance and 
Environmental Monitoring Information Systems). The applicant may refer 
to (PACE EH) for examples of how to generate citizen input. (Appendix 
II).
    c. Develop partnerships related to the development and 
implementation of the environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance) network with local, state, tribal, and Federal 
governments, health care providers and non-governmental organizations 
and other for-profit and nonprofit groups.
    d. Establish a planning consortium consisting of technical experts, 
community members and other key stakeholders who can provide 
substantive recommendations on planning and implementing a coordinated 
and integrated environmental public health tracking (surveillance) 
network. This group should meet at least quarterly.
    e. Examine existing state/local legislation and/or regulations to 
determine if additional authority is required to collect new data, 
integrate data, and share data (with appropriate security and 
confidentiality restrictions).
    f. Develop training tools and provide training to state and local 
staff on surveillance practices, environmental assessment, 
biomonitoring, evaluation, and risk communication in collaboration with 
Centers of Excellence for Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(Appendix III).
    g. As needed, enhance environmental public health capacity and 
tracking of health effects, exposures, and/or hazards. This effort can 
supplement existing activities, but funding associated with this effort 
should not supplant existing funding.
    h. Develop a plan for staged development of a standards-based 
environmental public health tracking (surveillance) network that allows 
direct electronic data reporting and linkage within and across health 
effect, exposure, and hazard data and can interoperate with other 
public health systems. It is expected that the architecture and 
information technology functions and specifications used for enhancing 
existing data systems and developing an overall plan for the 
Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network will be 
compatible with those being developed under other programs such as 
NEDSS, Bioterrorism, and EPA's National Environmental Information 
Exchange Network. (See Appendix II for the Internet addresses and a 
list of state NEDSS coordinators). The Environmental Public Health 
Tracking (surveillance) Network should be based on specifications and 
an environmental public health tracking logic model(s) as addressed in 
Activity m. These will follow data and technical specifications derived 
from industry standards for data types, code sets and vocabularies, 
messages for data exchange, and technology systems standards as 
available.
    i. Implement a project to demonstrate (a) an approach for 
instituting direct electronic reporting and linkage of health effect 
data with exposure and/or hazard data and (b) the utility of this 
linked data in guiding public health policy and practice. This project 
should include at a minimum: one or more health effects with a possible 
relationship to the environment, one or more measures of human 
exposure, and/or one or more types of environmental hazard (as defined 
in section A and Appendix I). Selection of health effects/exposures/
hazards should be in line with state/local priorities. Additionally, 
the project should include the analysis and dissemination of data in a 
timely manner for use in public health practice or environmental 
protection programs.
    j. Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of this project and use 
lessons learned to guide/modify the applicant's plan for establishing 
an environmental public health tracking (surveillance) network. Refer 
to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report titled ``Framework for 
Program Evaluation in Public Health'' (See Appendix II for website).

[[Page 47374]]

    k. Discuss project accomplishments, barriers, and lessons learned 
with Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Program 
partners and other critical stakeholders by attending quarterly 
conference calls, attending meetings, and by posting information and 
queries to an environmental public health tracking website.
    l. Develop and evaluate strategies for communicating information 
generated by an environmental public health tracking (surveillance) 
network and related program activities to diverse audiences.
    m. Attend workgroups with Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(surveillance) Program partners to develop standardized data 
definitions; examine the availability and applicability of existing 
data standards and data exchange messages (Industry standards include, 
but are not limited to the HL7 Reference Information Model and its 
vocabularies.); define new data specifications based on these standards 
as needed in collaboration with national standards setting 
organizations; define a logical data model and data exchange messages 
for implementing the Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(surveillance) Network; and set standards for completeness, timeliness, 
and quality for the Statewide and National Environmental Public Health 
Tracking (surveillance) Network.
    n. Examine the feasibility of using EPHI Project for surveillance 
in collaboration with Centers of Excellence for Environmental Public 
Health Tracking (Appendix III). (See Appendix II for CDC EPHI Project 
website). Determine how proposed EPHIs fit into identified state and 
local priorities, examine whether the proposed EPHIs are realistic in 
terms of available data and integration of these data, assess whether 
the selected measures could be useful for state or local program and 
policy planning, and determine the accuracy of selected measures for 
community health assessment.
    o. Collaborate as needed with environmental public health tracking 
partners (Appendix III) on epidemiology studies.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide technical assistance in work plan development, and the 
design and implementation of program activities, including analysis and 
dissemination of data.
    b. Provide coordination between and among recipient organizations 
by assisting in the sharing of information through an environmental 
public health tracking website, an annual stakeholders meeting, and 
direct interactions.
    c. Coordinate activities at the national level between Centers, 
Institutes and Offices at CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and 
Disease Registry and with other Federal Agencies such as the 
Environmental Protection Agency.
    d. Ensure involvement of other key governmental and non-
governmental partners in planning and development of the Environmental 
Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network. These may include the 
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the Environmental 
Council of States, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the 
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National 
Association of City and County Health Officers, the National 
Association of Health Data Organizations, the American Lung 
Association, the American Medical Association, the American Water Works 
Association, Chronic Disease Directors, the North American Association 
of Central Cancer Registries, the National Birth Defects Prevention 
Network, and others.
    e. Convene workgroups to develop standardized data definitions; 
examine the availability and applicability of existing data standards 
and data exchange messages (Industry standards include, but are not 
limited to the HL7 Reference Information Model and its vocabularies.); 
define new data specifications based on these standards as needed in 
collaboration with national standards setting organizations; define a 
logical data model and data exchange messages for implementing the 
Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) Network; and set 
standards for completeness, timeliness, and quality for the Statewide 
and National Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) 
Network.
    f. Provide assistance in development of training materials on 
surveillance methods, evaluation, risk communication, and other topics.
    g. Participate in the protocol development, study implementation, 
data analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination of 
epidemiology study findings including report writing and oral 
presentation.

F. Content

Pre-Application Conference Call

    Two pre-application conference calls are scheduled for interested 
applicants. These will occur August 1, 2002, from 1 to 3 p.m. (eastern 
standard time [EST]) and August 2, 2002, from 3 to 5 p.m. (EST). The 
purpose of these calls is to discuss program requirements and to 
respond to any questions regarding the program announcement. Two calls 
are scheduled in order to provide all applicants the opportunity to 
gather information and ask questions. It is not necessary to 
participate in both calls, though applicants are welcome to do so if 
they desire. To confirm your intent to participate and receive a 
meeting agenda and call-in instructions, applicants should send an e-
mail or write Regina Seider at [email protected] or 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, 
MS E19, Atlanta, GA 30333.

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    A LOI is required for this program. The Program Announcement title 
and number must appear in the LOI. The narrative should be no more than 
two pages, double-spaced, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, 
and unreduced fonts. Your letter of intent will be used to enable CDC 
to determine level of interest in the announcement and estimate 
potential review workload, and should include the following 
information:
    a. Number and title of the announcement.
    b. Name, organization, address, telephone number, fax number, and 
e-mail address of the Principal Investigator(s).
    c. Indication as to whether the applicant will be applying for Part 
A or Part B.
    d. If applying for Part B, applicants should include a very brief 
description of the data linkage demonstration project being proposed.

Applications

    The program announcement title and number must appear in the 
application. 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 35 pages, double-spaced, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced fonts.
    Applicants should also submit appendices including curriculum 
vitae, letters of support, organizational charts, and other similar 
supporting information. The total appendices should not exceed 25 
pages, printed on one side.
    All pages in the application should be clearly numbered and a 
complete index to the application and any appendices included. All 
materials should be provided in an unbound, one-sided, with one-inch 
margins, suitable for photocopying.

[[Page 47375]]

    The applicant should provide a detailed description of first-year 
objectives and activities and briefly describe future-year objectives 
and activities. The application should contain the following:

Applicants for Part A or Part B

1. Executive Summary (2 pages, double-spaced)
    Provide a clear concise summary of the application, which includes 
a description of the type of federal assistance requested (Part A or B) 
and the activities to be undertaken.
2. The Narrative
    Should specifically address the ``Program Requirements'' and should 
contain the following sections:
    a. Understanding of the need for environmental public health 
tracking (surveillance);
    b. Existing resources and needs;
    c. Collaborative relationships;
    d. Operational plan and methods;
    e. Organizational and program personnel capability;
3. Budget and Justification
    a. Provide a detailed budget and line item justification of all 
proposed operating expenses consistent with the program activities 
described in this announcement.
    b. The annual budget should include funding for three staff members 
to make three three-day trips to Atlanta for stakeholders/workgroup 
meetings and one two-day trip to Atlanta for a reverse site visit.
    c. If applicable, applicants proposed contracts should include the 
name of the person or firm to be contracted, a description of services 
to be performed, an itemized and detailed budget including 
justification, the period of performance and the method of selection.
    d. Funding levels for years two and three should be estimated.

G. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    On or before August 5, 2002, submit the LOI to the Grants 
Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional 
Information'' section of this announcement.
Application
    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB number 0920-
0428). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm. Forms may also be obtained by 
contacting the Grants Management Specialist identified in the ``Where 
to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this announcement.
    Application forms must be submitted in the following order:

Cover Letter
Table of Contents
Application
Budget Information Form
Budget Justification
Checklist
Assurances
Certifications
Disclosure Form
HIV Assurance Form (if applicable)
Human Subjects Certification (if applicable)
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
Executive Summary
Narrative
Appendices

    Application must be received by 5 p.m. EST, August 22, 2002. 
Applications may not be submitted electronically.
    Submit the application to: Technical Information Management 
Section, PA02179, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline 
if they are received before 5 p.m. EST on the deadline date. Applicants 
sending applications by the United States Postal Service or commercial 
delivery services must ensure that the carrier will be able to 
guarantee delivery of the application by the closing date and time. If 
an application is received after closing due to (1) carrier error, when 
the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the 
closing date and time, or (2) significant weather delays or natural 
disasters, CDC will upon receipt of proper documentation, consider the 
application as having been received by the deadline.
    Applications, which do not meet the above criteria, will not be 
eligible for competition and will be discarded. Applicants will be 
notified of their failure to meet the submission requirements.

H. Evaluation Criteria

    Applicants are required to provide Measures of Effectiveness that 
will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the grant or cooperative agreement. Measures of 
Effectiveness must relate to the performance goal (or goals) as stated 
in section ``A. Purpose'' of this announcement. Measures must be 
objective and quantitative and must measure the intended outcome. These 
Measures of Effectiveness shall be submitted with the application and 
shall be an element of evaluation.
    An independent review group appointed by CDC will evaluate each 
application individually against the following criteria:

Applications for Part A

1. Operational Plan and Methods (30 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has clearly described a proposed 
approach to carrying out the activities listed under Section E. This 
includes: (1) Descriptions of project objectives that are specific, 
measurable and realistic; inclusion of an implementation schedule/
timeline that is reasonable and appropriately reflects major steps in 
recipient activities; (2) sound scientific methods for conducting needs 
assessments, evaluations, systems analysis and design, data linkage and 
other activities; (3) commitment to using existing standards and 
specifications referred to in recipient activities and to the 
development of specifications with environmental health tracking 
partners and standards setting organizations; and (4) a plan for 
coordination across existing surveillance activities to promote the 
development of a state-wide and national network of integrated and 
interoperable public health systems.
    In order to address CDC Policy Requirements, the following should 
also be addressed: Does the application adequately address 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.
2. Existing Resources and Needs (20 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has described the need for 
funding under Part A including the following: (1) A description of 
results from any previous needs assessments and inventories of hazard, 
exposure, and health tracking (surveillance) or a preliminary

[[Page 47376]]

assessment and inventory of current needs and systems, (2) level of 
integration of current surveillance systems, (3) coordination with 
other state programs/initiatives to improve surveillance, (4) a 
description of existing and potential data sources, and (5)a 
description of existing computer hardware and software. (Guidance for 
Preliminary Inventory and Future Assessment of Health Surveillance and 
Environmental Monitoring Information Systems is included in Appendix 
IV.)
3. Collaborative Relationships (20 points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes past, current and 
proposed collaborations with relevant organizations and agencies within 
the state/local government/tribal government (if applicable) and 
provides evidence that these organizations/agencies are willing to 
support and be actively involved in carrying out the project.
    The extent to which the applicant describes past, current and 
proposed collaborations with other relevant organizations such as state 
medical associations, national organizations, and the Federal 
Government.
4. Understanding the Need for Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(Surveillance) (15 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has a clear, concise 
understanding of the requirements, objectives, and purpose of the 
cooperative agreement. The extent to which the application reflects an 
understanding of the utility of environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance), the complexity of developing a state-wide (or local if 
applicant is not a state) network with direct electronic reporting and 
linkage capabilities, integration and standardization principles, and 
the importance of data dissemination.
5. Organizational and Program Personnel Capability (15 points).
    The extent to which the proposed staffing, organizational 
structure, staff experience and background, job descriptions indicate 
that the applicant is capable of carrying out this program. The 
resumes/curricula vita of key personnel should be included in the 
application. The applicant should document commitment of staff and 
resources from both environment and health to the project. The resource 
documentation may be in the form of percent time dedicated to the 
project, in kind resources, travel, etc.

Applications for Part B

1. Operational Plan and Methods (35 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has clearly described a proposed 
approach to carrying out the activities listed under Section E. This 
includes: (1) descriptions of project objectives that are specific, 
measurable and realistic; (2) inclusion of an implementation schedule/
timeline that is reasonable and appropriately reflects major steps in 
recipient activities; (3) a protocol for conducting the pilot project 
that is methodologically sound, includes key stakeholders, and provides 
adequate justification for selection of the specific hazard/exposure/
health effect data to be linked; (4) sound scientific methods for 
conducting needs assessments, evaluations, systems analysis and design, 
data linkage and other activities; (5) commitment to using existing 
standards and specifications referred to in recipient activities and to 
the development of specifications with environmental health tracking 
partners and standards setting organizations; and (6) a plan for 
coordination and integration across surveillance activities to promote 
the development of a state-wide and national network of interoperable 
public health systems.
    In order to address CDC Policy Requirements, the following should 
also be addressed: Does the application adequately address 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.
1. Existing Resources and Needs (20 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has described the need for 
funding under Part B including the following: (1) A description of 
results from any previous needs assessments and inventories of hazard, 
exposure, and health tracking (surveillance) or a preliminary 
assessment and inventory of current needs and systems, (2) level of 
integration of current surveillance systems, (3) coordination with 
other programs/initiatives to improve surveillance, (4) a description 
of existing and potential data sources, and (5) a description of the 
needed computer hardware and software to replace or upgrade existing 
resources. (See Appendix IV for Guidance for Preliminary Inventory and 
Future Assessment of Health Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring 
Information Systems).
3. Collaborative Relationships (20 points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes past, current and 
proposed collaborations with relevant organizations and agencies within 
the State/local government/tribal government (if applicable) and 
provides evidence that these organizations/agencies are willing to 
support and be actively involved in carrying out the project. The 
extent to which the applicant describes past, current and proposed 
collaborations with other relevant external organizations such as state 
medical associations, national organizations, and the Federal 
Government.
1. Organizational and Program Personnel Capability (15 points)
    The extent to which the proposed staffing, organizational 
structure, staff experience and background, and job descriptions 
indicate that the applicant is capable of carrying out this program. 
The resumes/curricula vitae of key personnel should be included in the 
application. The applicant should document commitment of staff and 
resources from both environment and health to the project. The resource 
documentation may be in the form of percent time dedicated to the 
project, in kind resources, travel, etc.
5. Understanding of the Need for Environmental Public Health Tracking 
(Surveillance) (10 points)
    The extent to which the applicant has a clear, concise 
understanding of the requirements, objectives, and purpose of the 
cooperative agreement. The extent to which the application reflects an 
understanding of the utility of an environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance), the complexity of developing a state-wide (or local if 
applicant is not a state) network with direct electronic reporting and 
linkage capabilities, and the importance of data dissemination.

[[Page 47377]]

Part A and Part B

6. Budget and Justification (Not scored)
    The extent to which the proposal demonstrates appropriateness and 
justification of the requested budget relative to the activities 
proposed.
7. Human Subjects Review (Not scored)
    Does the application adequately address the requirements of Title 
45 CFR Part 46 for the protection of human subjects? (Not scored; 
however, an application can be disapproved if the research risks are 
sufficiently serious and protection against risks is so inadequate as 
to make the entire application unacceptable).

I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with the original plus two copies of:
    1. Semi-annual progress reports (The progress report will include a 
data requirement that demonstrates measures of effectiveness). The 
progress report shall include the following items:
    a. A brief project description.
    b. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals and 
objectives established for the period.
    c. In the case that established goals and objectives may not be 
accomplished or are delayed, documentation of both the reason for the 
deviation and the anticipated corrective action or a request for 
deletion of the activity for the project.
    d. A financial summary of obligated dollars to date as a percentage 
of total available dollars.
    e. Other pertinent information (i.e. curriculum vitae for new key 
personnel).
    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 IV of the 
application kit.

AR-1  Human Subjects Requirements
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
AR-22  Research Integrity

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements, applications, and associated 
forms can be found on the CDC Home Page Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov. Click on ``Funding'' then ``Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements.''
    For business management technical assistance, contact:Mike Smiley, 
Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants Office,Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000Atlanta, 
GA 30341-4146, Telephone number: (770) 488-2718,Email address: 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact:Sandy Thames, National 
Center for Environmental Health,Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, MS-E19,Atlanta, GA 30338, Telephone 
number:(404) 498-1805,Email address: [email protected].

    Dated: July 11, 2002.
Sandra R. Manning,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention.

Appendix I

Background and Scope of Program

    Public health surveillance is the ongoing, systematic 
collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data on 
health effects in a population for the purpose of preventing and 
controlling morbidity and mortality. An environmental public health 
tracking (surveillance) network allows linkage and reporting of data 
available from health effects surveillance data, exposure data 
(measures of contaminants in the human body), and environmental 
hazard data (measures of contaminants in the environment). A 
coordinated and integrated environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance) network will (1) provide information on levels of 
contaminants in the environment from available monitoring data, 
levels of actual exposure in the population, health effect rates, 
and spatial and temporal trends; (2) facilitate research on possible 
associations between health effects and exposures/hazards; and (3) 
measure the impact of interventions such as regulatory and 
prevention strategies. With this information, federal, state and 
local agencies will be better prepared to develop and evaluate 
effective public health action to prevent or control diseases across 
our nation. The applicant may want to review additional references 
listed in Appendix II.
    In fiscal year 2002, Congress appropriated funds to the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for ``development and 
implementation of a nationwide environmental public health tracking 
network and capacity development in environmental health in state 
and local health departments''. Toward this end, CDC is currently 
soliciting applications from state and local health departments 
through this program announcement.
    It is important to note that this program announcement deals 
specifically with non-infectious diseases and other health effects 
that may be associated with environmental exposures. Health effects 
may include: birth defects, developmental disabilities, asthma and 
chronic respiratory disease, cancer, and neurological diseases. 
Additional environmentally related health effects targeted by 
``Healthy People 2010'' and of interest to this program include 
health effects such as lead poisoning, pesticide poisoning, 
methemoglobinemia, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The applicant 
should refer to ``Healthy People 2010'' (objective 8-27 and related 
objectives from other focus areas [page 8-32]) for a complete list 
of ``Healthy People 2010'' targeted health effects. (The Internet 
address for ``Healthy People 2010'' is listed in Appendix II).
    Environmental factors targeted by the National Environmental 
Public Health Tracking Program include chemicals, physical agents, 
biomechanical stressors, and biological toxins. The applicant should 
review the Environmental Health focus area of ``Healthy People 
2010'' and the Pew Environmental Health Commission report, 
``America's Environmental Health Gap: Why the Country Needs a 
Nationwide Health Tracking Network'', for more information about 
targeted environmental factors. ``Healthy People 2010'' objectives 
for reducing human exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, persistent 
chemicals (such as dioxin), organochlorine compounds, air 
contaminants (outdoor and indoor), and other non-infectious agents 
contaminating the environment are pertinent to this environmental 
public health tracking initiative.
    This program offers applicants an opportunity to form 
partnerships between state and local health and environmental 
agencies and to bridge across programs within each to achieve common 
goals. Appendix II provides examples of other CDC surveillance and 
capacity building projects and links to website descriptions for 
these projects. Additionally, the National Environmental Public 
Health Tracking program also offers applicants an opportunity to 
form partnerships to develop and carry out action plans with non-
governmental organizations such as CDC funded Centers of Excellence 
for Environmental Public Health Tracking (Appendix III), the health 
insurance industry, health provider organizations, and non-
traditional sources of data.

Appendix II

References

 CDC Environmental Public Health Indicators Project: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/indicators.htm
 CDC National Electronic Disease Surveillance System 
(NEDSS): http://www.cdc.gov/nedss.
    Public Health Data Conceptual Model: http://www.cdc.gov/nedss/DataModels/index.html.

[[Page 47378]]

 CDC Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health 
Surveillance Systems: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5013.pdf.
 Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental 
Information Exchange Network: The Information Integration 
Initiative: http://www.epa.gov/oei/iiilive.htm.
    National Environmental Information Exchange Grant Program: 
http://www.epa.gov/neengprg.
    State/EPA Information Management Workgroup: http://www.epa.gov/oei/imwg/.
    Environmental Data Standards Council: http://www.epa.gov/edsc .
 Healthy People 2010: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
 PEW Environmental Health Commission Reports: ``America's 
Environmental Health Gap: Why the Country Needs a Nationwide Health 
Tracking Network'': http://healthyamericans.org/resources/reports/healthgap.pdf.
 Protocol for Assessing Community Excellence in 
Environmental Health (PACE EH) (Note: First copy is free to all 
Local Public Health Agencies): http://www.naccho.org/prod87.cfm.
 Public Health Information Technology Functions and 
Specifications (for Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism): http://www.cdc.gov/cic/function-specs.
 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Sept 17, 1999: 
48(rr-11): ``Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health'': 
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4811a1.htm.
 Thacker SB, Stroup DF, Parrish RG, Anderson HA. 
Surveillance in Environmental Public Health: Issues, Systems, and 
Sources. ``American Journal of Public Health'', 86(5):633-8; 1996.

Related Projects

 Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program: 
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ables.html.
 Assessment Initiative: http://www.cdc.gov/epo/dphsi/ai/index.htm.
 ATSDR's Geographic Analysis Tool for Health and 
Environmental Research (GATHER): http://gis.cdc.gov/atsdr.
 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/brfss/index.htm.
 Birth Defects Surveillance: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/bdsurv.htm.
 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lead.htm.
 Chronic Disease Indicators: http://cdi.hmc.psu.edu.
 Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, 
Environmental Health Indicators: http://www.cste.org/pdffiles/Environmentalpublichealthindicators.pdf.
 Environmental Health Services Branch, CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/default.htm.
 Evaluation of State Websites for Data Dissemination: http://www.cdc.gov/epo/dphsi/ASB/orcmacro.htm.
 Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HS/HSEES.
 National Asthma Control Program: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/asthma/default.htm.
 National Program of Cancer Registries: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/npcr/index.htm.
 NCHS Surveys and Data Collection Systems: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/express.htm.
 Population-based Surveillance of Autism Spectrum Disorders 
and Other Developmental Disabilities: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddautism.htm#state.
 The Dataweb: http://www.thedataweb.org.
 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS): http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/yrbs.

                                                 NEDSS Contacts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               State                           Contact                          Address/Email/Phone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama............................  Charles Woernle............  Alabama Department of Public Health, The RSA
                                                                   Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL
                                                                   36130-3017, [email protected], 334-
                                                                   206-5325.
Alaska.............................  Bernard Jilly..............  Chief, Public Health, 527 East 4th Avenue,
                                                                   Suite 7, Anchorage, AK 99501, [email protected], 907-269-7941.
Arizona............................  Ken K. Komatsu.............  Epidemiology Program Manager, Infectious
                                                                   Disease Epidemiology Section, Arizona
                                                                   Department of Health Services, 3815 N. Black
                                                                   Canyon Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85015,
                                                                   [email protected], 602-230-5932.
Arkansas...........................  Talmage Holmes.............  Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West
                                                                   Markham Street, Slot 32, Little
                                                                   Rock, AR 72205, [email protected],
                                                                   501-661-2546.
California.........................  Mark Starr.................  Department of Health Svcs., Surveillance and
                                                                   Statistics Section, 601 N. 7th Street, MS
                                                                   486, PO Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-
                                                                   7320, [email protected], 916-445-5936.
Colorado...........................  John McIntyre..............  Colorado Department of Public Health and
                                                                   Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South,
                                                                   Denver, Colorado 80246,
                                                                   [email protected], 303-692-
                                                                   2256.
Connecticut........................  Mathew L. Cartter..........  Epidemiology Program Coordinator, Connecticut
                                                                   Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol
                                                                   Avenue, MS 11EP1, Hartford, CT 06134,
                                                                   [email protected], 860-245-4405.
Connecticut........................  James L. Hadler............  State of Connecticut, Department of Public
                                                                   Health, Director, Division of Infectious
                                                                   Diseases, 410 Capitol Avenue, MS11FDS, Hartford, CT 06134-0308.
Delaware...........................  A. LeRoy Hathcock..........  State Epidemiologist, Delaware Division of
                                                                   Public Health, Health Monitoring & Program
                                                                   Consultation Section, Jesse Cooper Building,
                                                                   Federal and Waters Street, P.O. BOX 637,
                                                                   Dover, DE 19903, [email protected], 302-
                                                                   739-5617.
Florida............................  Donald Ward................  Florida Department of Health Bureau of
                                                                   Epidemiology, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-
                                                                   12, Tallahassee, FL 32399-172, [email protected], 850-245-4405.
Georgia............................  Carol Hoban................  Surveillance Program Manager, Georgia Division
                                                                   of Public Health, 2 Peachtree St. NW, Suite
                                                                   14.403, Atlanta, GA 30303,
                                                                   [email protected], 404-657-2588.
Hawaii.............................  Paul Effler................  Hawaii Department of Health, 1250 Punchbowl
                                                                   Street, Room 443, Honolulu, HI 96813,
                                                                   [email protected], 808-586-
                                                                   8356.
Houston............................  Raouf R. Arafat............  8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054,
                                                                   [email protected], 713-794-9185.

[[Page 47379]]

 
Illinois...........................  Donald Kauerauf............  Illinois Department of Health, 525 West
                                                                   Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761, 217-
                                                                   782-3984.
Illinois...........................  Sree Nair..................  525 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL
                                                                   62761, [email protected], 217-557-0028.
Indiana............................  Hans Messersmith...........  Indiana State Department of Health,
                                                                   Epidemiology Resource Center, 3D, 2 North
                                                                   Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204,
                                                                   [email protected], 317-233-7861.
Iowa...............................  Cort Lohff.................  Iowa Department of Public Health, Lucas State
                                                                   Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319,
                                                                   [email protected], 515-281-4269.
Kansas.............................  Gianfranco Pezzino.........  Kansas Department of Health and Environment,
                                                                   1051 S Landon State Office Building, Topeka,
                                                                   KS 66612, [email protected], 785-296-
                                                                   6536.
Kentucky...........................  Michael Auslander..........  Kentucky Department of Health, Division of
                                                                   Epidemiology & Hlth Planning, 275 E. Main
                                                                   Street, HS2C-B, Frankfort, KY 40621,
                                                                   [email protected], 502-564-
                                                                   3418.
Los Angeles........................  Barbara Pavey..............  313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 808, Los Angeles,
                                                                   CA 90012, [email protected], 213-240-
                                                                   8353.
Los Angeles........................  David Dassey...............  Deputy Chief, Acute Communicable Disease
                                                                   Control, 313 N. Figueroa Street, 212, Los Angeles, CA 90012,
                                                                   [email protected], 213-240-7941.
Louisiana..........................  Karen Kelso................  Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
                                                                   1201 Capitol Access Road/P.O. Box 3214, Baton
                                                                   Rouge, LA 70821-3214, 504-568-5005.
Louisiana..........................  Terri Wong.................  NEDSS Coordinator, Office of Public Health,
                                                                   325 Loyola Avenue, Room 615, New Orleans, LA
                                                                   70112, [email protected], 504-568-2559.
Maine..............................  Geoff Beckett..............  Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of
                                                                   Health, 157 Captiol Street, Station House II,
                                                                   Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Maine..............................  Kathleen Gensheimer........  Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of
                                                                   Health, 157 Capitol Street, Station House II,
                                                                   Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Maine..............................  Paul Kuehnert..............  Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of
                                                                   Health, 157 Capitol Street, Station House II,
                                                                   Augusta, ME 04333-0011, 207-287-5179.
Maine..............................  Sandy Dyzak................  Maine Bureau of Health, 11 State House
                                                                   Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011,
                                                                   [email protected], 207-287-5182.
Maryland...........................  Dale Rohn..................  Chief, Division of Communicable Disease
                                                                   Surveillance, Maryland Department of Health
                                                                   and Mental Hygiene, [email protected],
                                                                   410-767-6701.
Massachusetts......................  Alfred Demaria.............  Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
                                                                   State Laboratory Institute, 303 South Street,
                                                                   Room 557, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3597,
                                                                   [email protected], 617-983-6800.
Massachusetts......................  Michele Jara...............  Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 305
                                                                   South Street, Rm 557, Jamaica Plain, MA
                                                                   02130, [email protected], 617-983-
                                                                   6569.
Michigan...........................  Dr. Gillian A..............  Director, Division of Communicable Disease and
                                                                   Immunization, Michigan Department of
                                                                   Community Health, 3423 N. Martin Luther King
                                                                   Blvd, Lansing, MI 48909,
                                                                   [email protected], 517-335-8159.
Minnesota..........................  Debora Boyle...............  Minnesota Department of Health, 717 Delaware
                                                                   Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55440,
                                                                   Boyled1.POMPLS.MDHDOM@md, 612-676-5765.
Minnesota..........................  Harry F. Hull..............  Minnesota Department of Health, 717 Delaware
                                                                   St. SE/P.O. Box 9441, Minneapolis, MN 55440-
                                                                   9441, 612-676-5508.
Mississippi........................  Joe Surkin.................  Surveillance Branch Director, Mississippi
                                                                   Department of Health, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson,
                                                                   MS 39218-1700, [email protected], 601-
                                                                   576-7725.
Missouri...........................  Garland Land...............  Missouri Department of Health, 920 Wildwood,
                                                                   PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102,
                                                                   [email protected], 573-751-6272.
Montana............................  Jim Murphy.................  State of Montana Department of PublicHealth
                                                                   and Human Services, 1400 Broadway,Cogswells
                                                                   Building, C-216,Helena, MT 59620
                                                                   [email protected], 406-444-0274.
Montana............................  Todd Damrow................  State of Montana Department of PublicHealth
                                                                   and Human Services, 1400 Broadway,Cogswells
                                                                   Building, C-216,Helena, MT 59620.
Nebraska...........................  Tom Safranek...............  Nebraska Health and Human Services, Department
                                                                   of Regulation and Licensure, 301 Centennial
                                                                   Mall South, PO Box 95007,Lincoln, NE 68508,
                                                                   [email protected], 402-471-0550.
Nevada.............................  Drew Mather................  Health Resource Analyst,Nevada State Health
                                                                   Division, 505 East King Street Room
                                                                   101,Carson City, NV 89701,
                                                                   [email protected], 775-684-4152.

[[Page 47380]]

 
New Hampshire......................  Jesse Greenblatt...........  State Epidemiologist,New Hampshire Department
                                                                   of Health and HumanServices, 6 Hazen
                                                                   Drive,Concord, NH 03301,
                                                                   [email protected], 603-271-4477.
New Hampshire......................  Veronica Malmberg..........  New Hampshire Department of Health and Human
                                                                   Services,Division of Community Support, 6
                                                                   Haven Drive,Concord, NH 03301
                                                                   [email protected], 603-271-4657.
New Jersey.........................  Arnold Miller..............  Chief Information Officer,New Jersey State
                                                                   Department of Health & Senior Services,P.O.
                                                                   Box 360,Trenton, NJ 08625-0360,
                                                                   [email protected], 609-633-9597.
New Mexico.........................  Joan Baumbach..............  New Mexico Department of Health, 1190 S. St.
                                                                   Francis Dr.,Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502-6110,
                                                                   [email protected], 505-827-0011.
New York...........................  Dale Morse.................  New York State Department of Health,Division
                                                                   of Epidemiology,Wadsworth Cnter, ESP, Room
                                                                   E127,P.O. Box 509,Albany, NY 12237-0509,
                                                                   [email protected]. 518-473-4959.
New York...........................  Ivan Gotham................  New York State Department of Health,Empire
                                                                   State Plaza, Corning Tower,Albany, NY 12237-
                                                                   0608, [email protected], 518-473-1809.
New York...........................  Perry Smith................  New York State Department of Health,Empire
                                                                   State Plaza, Corning Tower,Albany, NY 12237-
                                                                   0608,[email protected], 518-474-1055.
New York...........................  Mike Davisson..............  New York State Department of Health, Room
                                                                   148,Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower,Albany,
                                                                   NY 12237-0608,[email protected], 518-
                                                                   473-1809.
New York City......................  Polly Thomas...............  NYC Department of Health, 125 Worth Street,
                                                                   Room 315,New York, NY 10013,
                                                                   [email protected], 212-788-4398.
New York City......................  Marcelle Layton............  New York City Department of Health, 125 Worth
                                                                   Street, Room 300, CN22A,New York, NY 10013,
                                                                   [email protected], 212-442-3537.
New York City......................  Robert Brackbill...........  NYC Department of Health, 125 Worth Street,
                                                                   Room 315,New York, NY 10013,
                                                                   [email protected], 212-788-5331.
North Carolina.....................  Sandy Linthicum............  Computer Consultant,NC Department of
                                                                   Health,Cooper Building,Raleigh, NC 27612,
                                                                   [email protected], 919-715-7399.
North Carolina.....................  Steve Cline................  North Carolina Department of Health andHuman
                                                                   Services, 1902 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,
                                                                   NC 27699-1902,919-733-3419.
North Dakota.......................  Larry Shireley.............  North Dakota Department of Health, 600 East
                                                                   Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301, Bismarck, ND
                                                                   58505-0200, [email protected], 701-328-
                                                                   2378.
Ohio...............................  Robert Campbell............  Ohio Department of Health, 246 North High
                                                                   Street, PO Box 118, Columbus, OH 43266-0118,
                                                                   [email protected], 614-466-0295.
Oklahoma...........................  Lauri Smithee..............  Director, Communicable Disease Division,
                                                                   Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 NE
                                                                   10th ? 0305, Oklahoma City, OK 73117,
                                                                   [email protected], 405-271-4060.
Oregon.............................  Melvin Kohn................  Department of Human Resources, State Health
                                                                   Division, 800 NE Oregon 21,
                                                                   Portland, OR 97232,
                                                                   [email protected], 503-731-4023.
Oregon.............................  Susan Strohm...............  NEDSS Project Manager, Oregon Health Division,
                                                                   800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232,
                                                                   [email protected], 503-872-6713.
Pennsylvania.......................  David Andrews..............  PA Dept. of Health, 2150 Herr St., 2nd Floor,
                                                                   P.O. Box 8758, Harrisburg, PA 17105,
                                                                   [email protected], 717-787-9764.
Pennsylvania.......................  James Rankin...............  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of
                                                                   Health, PO Box 90, Harrisburg, PA 17108,
                                                                   [email protected], 717-787-3350.
Philadelphia.......................  Robert Levenson............  Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, 500 S.
                                                                   Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA
                                                                   19146, [email protected], 215-685-6740.
Rhode Island.......................  Thomas Bertrand............  Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol
                                                                   Hill, Room 106, Providence, RI 02908,
                                                                   [email protected], 401-222-3283.
South Carolina.....................  James Gibson...............  South Carolina Department of Health &
                                                                   Environmental Control, 2600 Bull Street,
                                                                   Columbia, SC 29201,
                                                                   [email protected], 803-898-
                                                                   0861.
South Carolina.....................  Ken Stuber.................  Consultant, Bureau of Disease Control, South
                                                                   Carolina Department of Health and
                                                                   Environmental Control, P.O. Box 101106,
                                                                   Columbia, SC 29211,
                                                                   [email protected], 803-256-
                                                                   4406.
South Dakota.......................  Debra Nold.................  BIT-Programmer, State of South Dakota, 500
                                                                   East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501,
                                                                   [email protected], 605-773-6832.
Tennessee..........................  Allen Craig................  State of Tennessee Department of Health, 425
                                                                   5th Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37247,
                                                                   [email protected], 615-741-7247.
Texas..............................  Julie Rawlings.............  Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th
                                                                   Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199,
                                                                   [email protected], 512-458-7228.

[[Page 47381]]

 
Utah...............................  Abdoul Shmohamed...........  Epidemiologist II, NEDSS Project Coordinator,
                                                                   Utah Department of Health, 288 North 1460
                                                                   West, P.O. Box 142104, Salt Lake City, Utah
                                                                   84114-210, [email protected], 801-538-
                                                                   6191.
Utah...............................  Charles Brokopp............  Utah Department of Health/Box 142102, 288
                                                                   North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-
                                                                   2104, [email protected], 801-538-6129.
Utah...............................  Sam LeFevre................  Utah Department of Health/Box 142102, 288
                                                                   North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-
                                                                   2104.
Vermont............................  Arthur Limacher............  Chief of Information Services, Vermont
                                                                   Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, P.O.
                                                                   Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402-0070,
                                                                   [email protected], 802-863-7294.
Vermont............................  Patsy Tassler..............  Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry St.,
                                                                   Burlington, VT 05401, 802-863-7240.
Virginia...........................  Diane Woolard..............  Director, Virginia Department of Health, P.O.
                                                                   Box 2448, Room 113, Richmond, VA 23218,
                                                                   [email protected], 804-786-6261.
Washington.........................  Gregory Smith..............  NEDSS Development Director, DOH/EHSPHL, 1101
                                                                   Eastside St., Olympia, WA 98504,
                                                                   [email protected], 360-236-4099.
Washington.........................  Jac Davies.................  Washington State Department of Health
                                                                   Epidemiology, Health Statistics and Public
                                                                   Health Lab, 1102 SE Quince Street, PO Box
                                                                   47811, Olympia, WA 98504-7811,
                                                                   [email protected], 206-361-4883.
West Virginia......................  Judy Ray...................  Health Information Systems Coordinator, West
                                                                   Virginia Department of Health and Human
                                                                   Resources, 350 Capitol Street, Room 702,
                                                                   Charleston, WV 25301, [email protected], 304-
                                                                   558-0056.
West Virginia......................  Loretta Haddy..............  West Virginia Department of Health and Human
                                                                   Resources, 350 Capitol Street, Room 125,
                                                                   Charleston, WV 25301-3715,
                                                                   [email protected], 304-558-5358.
Wisconsin..........................  Larry Hanrahan.............  State of Wisconsin Dept of Health and Family
                                                                   Services, 1 W. Wilson Street, Room 150, PO
                                                                   Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701-2659
                                                                   [email protected], 608-267-7173.
Wisconsin..........................  Mary Proctor...............  State of Wisconsin Dept of Health and Family
                                                                   Services, 1 W. Wilson Street, Room 150, PO
                                                                   Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701-2659.
Wyoming............................  Karl Musgrave..............  Wyoming Department of Health, 2300 Capitol
                                                                   Avenue, Hathaway Building, 4th floor,
                                                                   Cheyenne, WY 82002, [email protected], 307-
                                                                   777-7172.
Wyoming............................  Ken Gillaspie..............  NEDSS Coordinator, Wyoming Department of
                                                                   Health, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hathaway
                                                                   Building, Room 437, [email protected], 307-
                                                                   777-7146.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix III

Centers of Excellence for Environmental Public Health Tracking

    In fiscal year 2002, Congress appropriated funds to CDC for 
development and implementation of a nationwide environmental public 
health tracking (surveillance) network and infrastructure and 
capacity development in environmental health at State and local 
health Departments. Toward this end, CDC is currently soliciting 
applications (Program Announcement 02180) from U.S. Schools of 
Public Health accredited by the Council on Education of Public 
Health to collaborate with CDC, state health departments, and other 
relevant agencies and organizations to:
    1. Participate in the development of definitions, standards, and 
systems models related to environmental public health tracking 
(surveillance);
    2. Evaluate current surveillance methodology and develop 
innovative, cost-effective data collection strategies;
    3. Develop data linkage methods for combined analysis of health 
and environmental data;
    4. Develop statistical algorithms for state and local 
environmental public health programs to analyze trends and detect 
patterns of health effect occurrence, population exposure, or hazard 
levels in the environment that may indicate a problem;
    5. Collaborate with CDC and state and local health departments 
to conduct an epidemiology study examining the relationship between 
a health effect and an environmental exposure and/or hazard;
    6. Support health departments in determining the feasibility of 
using proposed Environmental Public Health Indicators in public 
health practice;
    7. Communicate with CDC and state and local environmental public 
health tracking (surveillance) network partners about project 
accomplishments, barriers, and lessons learned;
    8. Develop and evaluate strategies for communicating 
environmental health effect, exposure, and hazard information that 
take into account risk perspective differences among various 
audiences;
    9. Provide training as needed to state and local partners funded 
under CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking (surveillance) 
Program and other critical stakeholders on surveillance methods, 
environmental assessment, biomonitoring, evaluation, and risk 
communication.
    The purpose of funding these Centers is to provide expertise and 
support to CDC and State and local health departments in (1) the 
development and utilization of data from state and national 
environmental public health tracking (surveillance) networks and (2) 
the investigation of the potential links between health effects and 
the environment.

Appendix IV

Guidance for Preliminary Inventory and Future Assessment of Health 
Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring Information Systems

    A. Preliminary inventory included in this application: The 
applicant should briefly describe any surveillance/ongoing 
monitoring systems currently operating within the state/locale that 
systematically collect data on the occurrence or levels of the 
following:
    1. Non-infectious diseases and other health effects described in 
Section A of the program announcement or Appendix I.
    2. Human exposures to chemical or physical agents, biomechanical 
stressors, and biological toxins.
    3. Environmental hazards including chemical or physical agents, 
biomechanical stressors, biologic toxins (e.g., criteria air 
pollutants, noise, harmful algal blooms). The description should 
address the following features of each system:

[[Page 47382]]

    1. Coverage--statewide, regional, specific to a subpopulation.
    2. Source--vital statistics, medical records, Medicaid, 
insurance databases, area environmental monitoring, facility 
monitoring.
    3. Reference year--year system began operation.
    4. Timeliness--length of time between diagnosis/testing/
environmental sampling and reporting to appropriate state/local 
agency.
    5. Types of data elements--general categories such as geographic 
coordinates, demographics, measurements.
    6. Mode of reporting--active vs. passive system; electronic 
(diskette, web-based, etc) vs. paper, etc).
    7. Use of data--Has data been analyzed and reported to 
appropriate stakeholders? Has it been used in planning public health 
actions, hazard mitigation, special studies, etc?
    B. Future assessment of health surveillance and environmental 
monitoring information systems: Future assessment of current 
surveillance information systems should include the following 
information on personnel, management practices and technical 
infrastructure.
    1. A description of the health department and environmental 
department information technology (IT) infrastructure and 
architecture.
    a. Describe relevant policies; the organization and decision-
making processes; and decision-making responsibility and authority 
for surveillance and related IT in the health and environmental 
departments. Describe how they relate to state policies, etc. How 
does the loci of decision-making for surveillance and IT relate to 
one another and how are decisions made regarding IT for 
surveillance. Also, provide a description of how cross-program 
decisions are made.
    b. Describe current technical infrastructure, including comments 
on: (1) whether the health department and environmental departments 
have a local area network that supports TCP/IP; (2) whether the 
health department and environmental department have firewalls; (3) 
what kind and version of server is used in the health department and 
environmental department (e.g., NT, Unix, other); (4) are local 
health departments included in state health department intranet? Are 
local environmental departments included in state environmental 
intranet? If so, through what kind of connection?
    2. Comprehensive description of public health surveillance and 
environmental monitoring information systems.
    a. Describe the purpose, scope, and capabilities of each system.
    b. Describe the technical characteristics of each system, 
including information about the number and kind of platforms and 
technologies, and tools used (specifically, include information 
about communications and networking technologies).
    c. Enumerate and describe functions of personnel dedicated to 
each system (e.g., epidemiologists, programmers, data base managers, 
data entry personnel, support staff).
    d. Examine the comparability of data element specifications, 
data sources, and methods of data collection.
    3. Describe the administration and operation of the health 
department's network, including staff and resources currently in 
place to support it, functions performed, and relationship to the 
state government's network administration and support.
    4. Describe surveillance systems software development capacity, 
including resources in place to support this capacity, and 
description of current activities.
    5. Identify current sources of support for surveillance and 
related IT (e.g., Federal funds other than the Environmental Public 
Health Tracking (surveillance) Network, State funds, etc.).
    6. Describe interaction between state public health surveillance 
and environmental monitoring information systems and local health 
departments.
    C. Additional guidance: Applicants should contact their State 
NEDSS Coordinator to determine if information obtained through NEDSS 
assessment and planning activities can contribute to the activities 
required in this program announcement.

[FR Doc. 02-18111 Filed 7-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P