[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 146 (Tuesday, July 30, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49359-49363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-19169]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 02198]


International Programs To Prevent and Control Micronutrient 
Malnutrition; 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 the international prevention and control of micronutrient 
malnutrition.
    The purpose of this program is to achieve the elimination of 
micronutrient malnutrition, especially iron, iodine and vitamin A 
deficiencies by: Component 1 supporting and strengthening program 
development, epidemiology, laboratory, intervention, and communications 
capacity of nutrition/micronutrient programs in selected countries 
through regional strategies activities, including distribution of 
vitamin A capsules, iron, and folic acid supplements to target 
populations worldwide; component 2 developing and implementing program 
policy and standards, maintaining relationships with ministries of 
health (MOH) and other policy makers, and setting international 
standards for nutritional status; component 3 testing the usefulness of 
the micronutrient version of CDCynergy as a planning, training or 
evaluation tool for developing countries participating in national or 
regional food fortification and supplementation programs.

B. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 301(a) and 317(k)(2) of 
the Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(2)), as amended. The 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.945.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to those potential applicants that 
are eligible as described below:
    All components must involve work with developing countries only.

Eligibility for Component 1

    Assistance will be provided only to the United Nations Children's 
Fund (UNICEF), New York, New York. No other applications are solicited.
    UNICEF is the only organization that has country-based offices to 
support direct delivery of public health programs and services in 
nearly every country in the world. Additionally, UNICEF's mandate also 
address educational related health issues. This focus has enabled 
UNICEF programs to develop a leadership role in micronutrient 
deficiency intervention programs across multiple sectors of society 
because of the significant impact of such programs on health and 
population-based health education. In addition to national offices, 
UNICEF supports sub-national programs which provide direct access to 
local public health and education programs.
    UNICEF supports micronutrient deficiency intervention programs 
around the world through the distribution of vitamin A capsules, as 
well as iron and folic acid supplements to target populations. UNICEF 
supports country-based salt iodization programs around the world to 
reduce the burden of iodine deficiency disorders.

Eligibility for Component 2

    Assistance will be provided only to the World Health Organization 
(WHO) and its Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO). No other 
applications are solicited.
    WHO is the most appropriate and qualified agency to conduct the 
activities under this component because it is the only organization 
that (a) has demonstrated the necessary expertise and experience in 
technical, policy, and program issues relating to micronutrient 
malnutrition; (b) maintains relationships with MOH officials and other 
policy makers throughout the region; and (c) serves as the source of 
international standards for nutritional status, including micronutrient 
status.
    WHO supports micronutrient malnutrition intervention programs. WHO 
is a partner in a global initiative to eliminate micronutrient 
malnutrition.
    In the past ten years WHO/EMRO has made progress in working towards 
the prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the elimination of 
iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). WHO/EMRO identified flour 
fortification with iron and folate as the best preventive and most 
sustainable strategy for IDA, as bread and other wheat-flour products 
are widely consumed in the countries of region. Through regional 
workshops, WHO/EMRO has helped countries write action plans for flour 
fortification with iron and folate, and at present, six countries have 
either begun or are in the process of beginning flour fortification. 
Additionally, WHO/EMRO supports country-based salt iodization programs 
throughout the region which has had a significant impact on reducing 
the burden of iodine deficiency disorders.

Eligibility for Component 3

    Applicants must have a presence and/or office in a country and 
demonstrate the ability to implement the activity within the country.
    Assistance will be provided to public and private nonprofit 
organizations and institutions working in developing countries; such 
as, educational institutions, universities, colleges, research 
institutions, hospitals, faith-based organizations and other 
organizations and institutions. Applicants must have the authorization 
and overall resources to implement a micronutrient program in a country 
or region of a country.

    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.


[[Page 49360]]



Special Guidelines for Technical Assistance Conference Call

    Technical assistance will be available for potential applicants for 
Component 3 on a conference call to be held August 6, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. 
Eastern Standard Time.
    Potential applicants are requested to call in using only one 
telephone line. The conference call can be accessed by calling 1-800-
311-3437 (Federal call (404) 639-3277) and entering access code 750237. 
The purpose of the conference call is to help potential applicants to:
    1. Understand the scope and intent of the program Announcement for 
the International Micronutrient Malnutrition Program.
    2. Be familiar with the Public Health Service's funding policies 
and application and review procedures.
    Participation in this conference call is not mandatory. At the time 
of the call, if you have problems accessing the call, contact 404-639-
7550.

D. Availability of Funds

    Approximately 1,900,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund 
approximately four awards.

Component Funding

    Approximately $1,400,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund UNICEF 
(Component 1) and WHO (Component 2). It is expected that $1,000,000 
will be awarded for component 1 and $400,000 will be available for 
Component 2. Approximately $500,000 is available in FY 2002 to fund two 
awards under Component 3. The average award for Component 3 is expected 
to be $250,000.
    Matching funds are not required for this program.
    It is expected that awards under this program announcement will 
begin on or about September 30, 2002 and will be made for a 12-month 
budget period within a project period of one year. Funding estimates 
may change.

Use of Funds

    1. Cooperative agreement funds may be used to support personnel and 
to purchase equipment, supplies, and services directly related to 
project activities consistent with the scope of the cooperative 
agreement. Funds provided under this program cannot be used to supplant 
existing program funds, provide personal health services, medications, 
patient rehabilitation or to support facilities construction or 
renovation.
    2. All requests for funds, including the budget contained in the 
application, shall be stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, 
the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will not compensate 
foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through the 
issuance of supplemental awards.
    3. The costs that are generally allowable in grants to domestic 
organizations are likewise allowable to foreign institutions and 
international organizations, with the following exceptions: Indirect 
Costs: With the exception of the American University, Beirut, the 
Gorgas Memorial Institute, and the WHO, indirect costs will not be paid 
(either directly or through a sub-award) to organizations located 
outside the territorial limits of the United States or to international 
organizations regardless of their location, major alteration and 
renovation, customs and import duties, and, with limited exception, 
patient care.

E. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities for Component 1

    a. Identify, prioritize and support developing countries based on 
demonstration of interest and commitment of government to support 
population-based micronutrient deficiency interventions. Through 
surveys, assess the burden of micronutrient deficiencies, in support of 
recognized population-based intervention strategies, (i.e. food 
fortification and/or micronutrient supplementation). Assessment 
projects may include (1) an analysis of quantitative and qualitative 
data to determine micronutrient status and needs of populations; (2) 
assess relevant knowledge, attitudes and practices of target 
populations, health professionals and programs, and other relevant 
entities; (3) assess the infrastructure needed for various intervention 
strategies; and (4) allow for basic formative research needed for 
health communication strategies.
    b. Survey data should be used for program development and 
determination of baseline data on process and/or impact indicators to 
allow for intervention program monitoring and assessing impact on 
micronutrient status of the population.
    c. Identify, prioritize, and support developing countries to design 
and implement innovative surveillance systems to monitor and evaluate 
the process of the intervention programs (e.g. quality control of 
fortified foods at production, retail and/or household level; and 
population coverage of intervention program) and their impact on the 
micronutrient status of the population. Developing countries should: 
(1) Implement or have existing population-based micronutrient 
deficiency intervention programs, specifically, food fortification or 
universal supplementation strategies, and (2) demonstrate national 
support for surveillance system maintenance after initial development.
    d. Support selected country programs to plan, implement and 
evaluate population-based intervention strategies to prevent and 
control iron deficiency among preschool children (especially 6-24 
months old) with an emphasis on fortification of complementary foods 
and/or supplementation.
    e. Strengthen micronutrient epidemiology and health communication 
capacity through training activities.
    f. Identify staff personnel to be housed in selected regional 
office(s), to provide oversight and support for country level 
activities.
    g. Utilize a grass roots approach to carry out micronutrients 
activities in selected countries.

1. Recipient Activities for Component 2

    a. Develop and provide strategies for training capacity building 
and organizing regional training programs and strategies on 
surveillance and monitoring of population-based micronutrient 
deficiency interventions, (especially flour fortification), and for 
formative research in support of micronutrient communication 
strategies. Training should be linked to relevant follow up activities 
at the country levels.
    b. Develop and provide guidance on food fortification and 
micronutrient status assessment. Provide policy, technical and other 
support to countries in the region in developing and carrying out 
micronutrient status surveys to estimate the prevalence of 
micronutrient deficiencies; assess relevant knowledge, attitudes and 
practices of target populations, health professionals and programs, and 
other relevant entities.
    c. Provide policy and technical support for countries within a 
region with existing population-based micronutrient deficiency 
intervention programs to design and implement innovative surveillance 
systems to monitor the process and impact of the intervention programs, 
especially flour fortification.
    d. Convene regional meetings to develop policy and program 
strategies,

[[Page 49361]]

guidance and standards for food fortification, and micronutrient status 
assessment and monitoring strategies.
    e. Identify staff person to be housed in selected regional 
office(s) to provide oversight and support to regional level 
activities.

1. Recipient Activities for Component 3 Activities (a) through (e) are 
first priority activities.

    a. Conduct assessment activities to identify communication gaps and 
needs in a country with an existing micronutrient programs, and utilize 
CDCynergy for Micronutrients to create and begin implementation of a 
micronutrient communication plan. Activities specified in the plan 
should include: (1) Conduct stakeholder meetings to plan communication 
activities; (2) gather country- and region-specific background 
information on micronutrient program, in general and specific to 
communication; (3) conduct formative research to clarify communication 
goals; (4) develop communication concepts and messages to test; (5) 
conduct pre-testing research and pilot tests; (6) draft and disseminate 
creative materials (e.g. print, audio, video); (7) produce and 
disseminate materials; and (8) conduct process and impact evaluation at 
the level of behavior change. Translate the text of the existing 
tutorial and examples, on an as needed basis.
    b. Develop performance measures to assess the overall usefulness of 
CDCynergy and its applicability to country or regional efforts in 
micronutrient communication planning.
    c. Train staff at appropriate professional levels to use CDCynergy. 
Prepare a micronutrient communication ``case-study'' in a step-wise 
fashion, of a relevant national or regional experience to be used on 
future editions of CDCynergy.
    d. Conduct training for students, international trainees and other 
learners about communication planning for nutrition programs. Prepare 
model curricula for multiple teaching and training situations.
    e. Provide technical support on a short-term basis to manage 
applications of CDCynergy.
    f. Establish necessary operational links with global partners in 
country or region in which CDCynergy is to be tested.
    g. Customize CDCynergy for Micronutrients for Country/Regional Use. 
NOTE: This activity should be considered a secondary priority to be 
started after activities (a) through (f) have been completed.
    Customization would begin with: (1) Translation of tutorial into a 
language appropriate to the target population and in common use 
throughout the region or country (such as, Chinese, Arabic, French, 
Portugese, Russian, Spanish or other widely-used language in country or 
region; (2) identify culturally and geographically relevant examples, 
drawing on the ``case study'' examples created during CDCynergy 
training workshops, of successful communication interventions for 
fortification or supplement distribution programs. Prepare the examples 
as ``case study'' according to CDCynergy Phases and steps. (3) identify 
and make available data and planning documents that support the example 
(e.g. Country/Regional versions of ``State of the World's Children,'' 
National planning documents for micronutrients, etc.); and (4) identify 
language appropriate, current references to explain methodological 
issues (e.g. health communication, education or health promotion 
theories, program evaluation).
    h. Conduct model training and evaluation of ``draft'' version of 
customized version by:
    (1) Identifying up to 20 persons engaged in communication planning 
for micronutrients;
    (2) Train program staff to use CDCynergy to plan communication 
activities over the natural course of a communication program;
    (3) Develop process measures for how CDCynergy has affected program 
planning, implementation or evaluation; and
    (4) Evaluate training activities.
    i. Finalize custom version of the appropriate revised components 
within CDCynergy. Based on training and program utility, develop final 
version of CDCynergy.
    j. Develop and disseminate the new customized version of CDCynergy 
through training and collaborative activities with partners.

2. CDC Activities (a, b and c Applicable for Both Components and 2; d 
and e Applicable to Component 3)

    a. Provide epidemiologic, laboratory and communications technical 
assistance in support of regional or country-based activities.
    b. Provide technical assistance and support in development and 
provision of policy, guidance and standards for food fortification, 
micronutrient status assessment and monitoring strategies.
    c. Participate in process to identify staff person(s) to be housed 
in selected regional offices of UNICEF and WHO.
    d. Provide implementation training technical assistance, including 
development of Epi Info-based software to help standardize 
micronutrient status assessment and reporting procedures.
    e. Assist in the development and dissemination of a customized 
version(s) of CDCynergy focused on micronutrient malnutrition.

F. Application Content

    All applicants should use the information in the Program 
Requirements, Other Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to 
develop the application content. Your application will be evaluated 
using the criteria listed, so it is important to follow them in laying 
out your program plan. Applications should not exceed 30 double-spaced 
pages, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, in 12-point font, 
excluding budget, justification, and appendixes. All applicants 
applying for component three should also submit appendices including 
resumes, job descriptions, organizational chart, and any other 
supporting documentation as appropriate. All materials must be suitable 
for photocopying (i.e., no audiovisual materials, posters, tapes, 
etc.).
    Applicants must designate in the Executive Summary of their 
application the component (1, 2, or 3) for which they are applying. 
Provide the following information:

1. Executive Summary

    All applicants must provide a summary of the program described in 
the proposal (two pages maximum).

2. Background and Need (eight pages)

    Describe the need and the current resources available for component 
activities, to include: Development of a plan for building capacity 
through training and support.
    a. Existing initiatives, capacity, and infrastructure (e.g. 
collaborations/partnerships; surveillance activities and systems; 
evaluation activities; information, media and health communications; 
and education and outreach strategies) within which elimination of 
micronutrient malnutrition is possible.
    b. The overall country/region barriers currently faced related to 
developing and implementing a program for the elimination of 
micronutrient malnutrition.
    c. The overall micronutrient malnutrition burden for the country/
region.
    d. Description of the need for micronutrient malnutrition funding 
to enhance existing efforts.

[[Page 49362]]

    e. The gaps in resources, staffing, capabilities, and programs 
that, if addressed, might further the progress of the elimination of 
micronutrient malnutrition.

3. Staffing (not included in 20-page limitation)

    Describe program staffing. Provide resumes or job descriptions for 
budgeted positions at regional levels.

4. Training Capacity (five pages)

    Provide a description and evidence of training capabilities deemed 
appropriate to the program.

5. Work Plan (five pages)

    The applicant should provide a detailed work plan that describes 
how the proposed activities will be conducted. The work plan should 
include the following:
    a. Goals and objectives.
    b. Activities planned to achieve objectives.
    c. Data that will be used to assess program activities.
    d. Time line for assessing progress.
    e. Who is responsible for activities.
    f. Overall measures of effectiveness.

6. Organizational Support (five pages)

    Provide a plan for program management, including an organizational 
chart. Describe those positions which have oversight responsibility. 
Address leadership and administrative plans for the next budget period. 
Discuss strategies for ensuring appropriate communication among key 
staff on the status of program implementation, maintenance, and related 
issues.

7. Budget and Budget Justification

    Provide a detailed line-item budget with justifications consistent 
with the purpose and proposed objectives.

Requested Budget Information

    Applicants are urged to submit a separate budget for each component 
applied for in response to this program announcement: (1) A detailed 
budget and narrative justification that supports the activities for 
funding in response to this program announcement, and (2) a categorical 
budget consistent with budget Form 424A.

G. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0920-
0428). Forms are available at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm. They may also be obtained by calling 
the Grants Management Specialist listed in the where to obtain 
Additional Information Section of this announcement.
    Applications must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., EST, August 
29, 2002. Submit the application to:
    Technical Information Management Section--PA 02198, Procurement and 
Grants Office, Centers of Disease Control, 2920 Brandywine Drive, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30341.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline 
if they are received on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date.
    Applications which do not meet the criteria above will be returned 
to the applicant.

H. Evaluation Criteria

Measures of Effectiveness

    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 
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.
    The applications received will be evaluated against the following 
component criteria and will be reviewed by an independent review group 
appointed by CDC.
1. All Components (1, 2, and 3) Evaluation Criteria (total 100 points)
    a. Work Plan (60 Points total)
    (1) The extent to which the plan for achieving the proposed 
activities appears realistic and feasible and relates to the stated 
program requirements and purposes of this cooperative agreement (30 
Points).
    (2) The extent to which the proposed plan for evaluating progress 
toward meeting objectives appears reasonable and feasible (10 Points).
    (3) The degree to which the collaboration on development of a 
training plan with partners is demonstrated through documented and 
collaborative activities (10 Points).
    (4) The degree to which objectives are specific, time-phased, 
measurable, realistic, and related to identified needs, program 
requirements, and purpose of the program (10 Points)
    b. Staffing (20 Points)
    The degree to which the proposed staff have the relevant 
background, qualifications, and experience; and the degree to which the 
organizational structure supports staffs' ability to conduct proposed 
activities and provide staff in country/regional areas.
    c. Background and Need (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant identifies specific needs, 
resources and interest (commitment of government) available for the 
activities and presents data justifying the need for the program in 
terms of the magnitude of the burden.
    d. Training capacity (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant provides evidence of other 
training capabilities deemed appropriate to the program.
    e. Budget (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the budget appears reasonable and consistent 
with the proposed activities and intent of the program.
    f. Human Subjects
    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

Progress Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Semi-annual progress reports. The first report is due April 30, 
2003. The final report is due 90 days after the end of the budget 
period. Semi-annual progress reports should include:
    a. A comparison/description of actual accomplishments (narrative) 
to the goals established during the first six months of the budget 
period and should consist of no more than 20 pages.
    b. The reason for which established goals were not met and 
strategies to be implemented to achieve unmet objectives.
    c. A description of any new objectives to support the implementing 
of the findings from research and other assessment activities.
    d. Provide measures of effectiveness to evaluate the accomplishment 
of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. 
These measures must be objective and must measure the intended outcome. 
These measures shall be reported in semi-annual and annual progress 
reports.
    2. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.

Fiscal Reporting Requirements

    a. Awardee is required to obtain annual audit of these CDC funds 
(program-specific audit) by a U.S. based

[[Page 49363]]

audit firm with International branches and current licensure/authority 
in country, and in accordance with International Accounting Standards 
or equivalent standard(s) approved in writing by CDC.
    b. A Fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, pre or 
post award, with potential awardee in order to review their business 
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. 
Federal funds.
    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-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-12 Lobby Restrictions
AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status

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: Cynthia Collins, Grants Management Specialist, International/
Territories Acquisition and Assistance Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Program Announcement 02198, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Rd., Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-
5539, Telephone: 770-488-2757, E-mail address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, for Components 1 and 2 contact: 
Dan Sadler, Deputy Director, Division of Nutrition and Physical 
Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford 
Highway, NE., MS K-24, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone number: 770-488-
6042, FAX: 770-488-6000, E-mail address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, for Component 3 contact: Dr. 
Claudia Parvanta, Director, Division of Health Communications, Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., MS D-42, 
Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone number: 404-639-7281, FAX: 404-639-7391, 
E-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: July 24, 2002.
Rebecca B. O'Kelley,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 02-19169 Filed 7-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P