[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 7 (Friday, January 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1463-1467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-486]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

[Program Announcement 03012]


Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program; 
Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    The CDC program is authorized under section 317 (k) (2) of the 
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241] as amended. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
    The ATSDR program is authorized under sections 104 (i)(14) and (15) 
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments 
and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), [42 U.S.C. 9604(i)(14) and 
(15)]. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.161 for 
ATSDR.

B. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency 
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announce the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2003 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for Public Health Conference Support. This program addresses 
the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus areas of Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and 
Chronic Back Conditions, Cancer, Diabetes, Disability and Secondary 
Conditions, Educational and Community-Based Programs, Environmental 
Health, Heart Disease and Stroke, Immunization and Infectious Diseases, 
Injury and Violence Prevention, Maternal, Infant and Child Health, 
Occupational Safety and Health, Oral Health, Physical Activity and 
Fitness, Public Health Infrastructure, Respiratory Diseases, Sexually 
Transmitted Diseases, and Tobacco Use. HIV Conferences are not 
permitted under this announcement For a copy of ``Healthy People 
2010,'' visit the Internet site http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
    The purpose of conference support funding is to provide partial 
support for specific non-Federal conferences (not a series) in the 
areas of health promotion and disease prevention information and 
education programs, and applied research.
    Conference support by CDC/ATSDR creates the appearance of CDC/ATSDR 
co-sponsorship and Congress has required that there will be active 
participation by CDC/ATSDR in the development and approval of the 
conference agenda to make sure there are no subjects that would 
embarrass the Government or be an improper use of funds. CDC/ATSDR 
funds will be expended only for approved portions of the conference.
    The mission of CDC is to promote health and improve the quality of 
life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
    CDC supports faith-based organizations, local, Tribal, State, 
academic, national, and international health efforts to prevent 
unnecessary disease, disability, and premature death,

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and to improve the quality of life. This support often takes the form 
of education, and the transfer of high quality research findings and 
public health strategies and practices through symposia, seminars, and 
workshops. Through the support of conferences and meetings (not a 
series) in the areas of public health research, education, prevention 
research in program and policy development in managed care and 
prevention application, CDC is meeting its overall goal of 
dissemination and implementation of new cost-effective intervention 
strategies.
    ATSDR focus areas are: (1) Health effects of hazardous substances 
in the environment; (2) disease and toxic substance exposure 
registries; (3) hazardous substance removal and remediation; (4) 
emergency response to toxic and environmental disasters; (5) risk 
communication; (6) environmental disease surveillance; and (7) 
investigation and research on hazardous substances in the environment. 
The mission of ATSDR is to prevent both exposure and adverse human 
health effects that diminish the quality of life associated with 
exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, 
and other sources of pollution present in the environment.
    ATSDR's systematic approaches are needed for linking applicable 
resources in public health with individuals and organizations involved 
in the practice of applying such research. Mechanisms are also needed 
to shorten the time frame between the development of disease prevention 
and health promotion techniques and their practical application. ATSDR 
believes that conferences and similar meetings (not a series) that 
permit individuals to engage in hazardous substances and environmental 
health research, education, and application (related to actual and/or 
potential human exposure to toxic substances) to interact, are critical 
for the development and implementation of effective programs to prevent 
adverse health effects from hazardous substances.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Applications for CDC support may be submitted by public, private 
non-profit, and faith-based organizations. Public and private non-
profit entities include State and local governments or their bona fide 
agents, faith-based organizations, voluntary associations, foundations, 
civic groups, scientific or professional associations, universities, 
and Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian tribes, or 
Indian tribal organizations. Only conferences planned for July 1, 2003 
through September 30, 2004 are eligible to apply under this 
announcement.

    Note: Title 2 of the United States Code, Chapter 26, Section 
1611 states that an organization described in section 501(c)(4) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages in lobbying 
activities is not eligible to receive Federal Funds constituting an 
award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, or any other 
form.

    Applications for ATSDR support may be submitted by the official 
public health agencies of the States, or their bona fide agents. This 
includes the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, 
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, The Republic of the Marshall 
Island, the Republic of Palau, and Federally-recognized Indian Tribal 
governments. State organizations, including State universities, State 
colleges, and State research institutions must establish that they meet 
their respective State's legislature definition of a State entity or 
political subdivision to be considered an eligible applicant. Also 
eligible are nationally recognized associations of health professionals 
and other chartered organizations generally recognized as demonstrating 
a need for information to protect the public from the health effects of 
exposure to hazardous substances. Faith-based organizations are also 
encouraged to apply.

D. Funding

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $1,100,000 may be available from CDC in FY 2003 to 
fund approximately 60 to 80 awards. It is expected that the average 
award will be $20,000. For FY 2003, awards will be made for one cycle 
with a 12-month budget period within a 12-month project period. Funding 
estimates may change.
    Approximately $50,000 is available from ATSDR in FY 2003 to fund 
approximately six awards. It is expected that the average award will be 
$8,000, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It is expected that the awards 
will begin on or about sixty days before the date of the conference and 
will be made for a 12-month budget period within a 12-month project 
period. Funding estimates may change.

Use of Funds

    1. Funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: Salaries; 
speaker fees (for services rendered); rental of necessary conference--
related equipment; registration fees; and transportation costs (not to 
exceed economy class fare) for non-Federal individuals.
    2. Funds may be used for only those parts of the conference 
specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in the grant 
award.
    3. Funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment; payments of 
honoraria (for conferring distinction); alterations or renovations; 
organizational dues; support entertainment or personal expenses; food 
or snack breaks; cost of travel and payment of a Federal employee; per 
diem or expenses for local participants (other than local mileage). 
Travel for Federal employees will be supported by CDC/ATSDR. Travel for 
other Federal employees will be supported by the employees' Federal 
agency.
    4. Funds may not be used for reimbursement of indirect costs.
    5. CDC and ATSDR will not fund 100 percent of any conference 
proposed under this announcement. Part of the cost of the proposed 
conference must be supported with other than Federal funds.
    6. CDC and ATSDR will not fund a conference after it has taken 
place.
    7. Federal funds may not be used to fund novelty items or 
souvenirs.

E. Program Requirements

CDC and Recipient Activities

    Grantees must meet the following requirements:
    1. The conference organizer(s) may use CDC's/ATSDR's name only in 
factual publicity for the conference. CDC/ATSDR involvement in the 
conference does not necessarily indicate support for the organizer's 
general policies, activities, products, or the content of speakers' 
presentations.
    2. Any conference co-sponsored under this announcement shall be 
held in facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required 
by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines 
(ADAAG). Accessibility under ADAAG addresses accommodations for persons 
with sensory impairments as well as persons with physical disabilities 
or mobility limitations.
    3. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, attendees, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speaker's fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of 
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC or ATSDR 
project personnel.
    4. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to CDC or ATSDR for approval. All but 10 percent of the 
total funds awarded for the proposed conference will be initially 
restricted pending approval of a full,

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final agenda by CDC or ATSDR. The remaining 90 percent of funds will be 
released by letter to the grantee upon the approval of the final 
agenda. CDC and ATSDR reserve the right to terminate co-sponsorship at 
any time.
    5. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press, etc.). CDC or ATSDR must review 
and approve any materials with reference to CDC or ATSDR involvement or 
support.
    6. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitees, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and handouts, badges, registration procedures, etc.).
    7. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    8. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the 
impact of prevention.
    9. Adequately assess the increase of knowledge, and change in 
attitudes, and behaviors of the target audience.

F. Content

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    A letter of intent (LOI) is required for this Program Announcement.
    Letter of Intent (LOI) instructions: Interested applicants are 
required to submit an original and two copies of a two to three-page 
in-depth, typewritten Letter of Intent (LOI). Use English only and 
avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. Upon review of the LOIs, CDC or 
ATSDR will extend written invitations to perspective applicants to 
submit applications. CDC or ATSDR will accept applications by 
invitation only. Availability of funds may limit the number of 
applicants that receive funding. The LOI should specifically describe 
and will be evaluated on the following criteria:
    1. Summary of conference format--projected agenda (including list 
of principal areas or topics to be addressed), including speakers or 
facilitator. Information should also be provided about all other 
national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or similar 
subject during the last three years. Include the following requirements 
on the first page:
    a. The name of the organization
    b. Primary contact person's name
    c. Mailing address
    d. Telephone number and
    e. If available, fax number and e-mail address (30 points)
    2. Justification for the conference, including the problems it 
intends to clarify and the developments it may stimulate, and a full 
description of your organization's purpose, experience and mission. (25 
Points)
    3. Expected registration `` the intended audience, approximate 
number, and profession of persons expected to attend. (15 points)
    4. Date(s) of conference--inclusive dates (not a series) of 
conference (LOIs without date of conference will be considered non-
responsive to this program announcement and returned to the applicant 
without review). (15 points)
    5. Location of city, state, and physical facilities required for 
the conduct of the meeting. (10 points)
    6. Title of the proposed conference--include the term 
``conference,'' ``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or similar designation. (5 
points)
    The LOI must include the estimated total cost of the conference and 
the percentage of the total cost (which must be less than 100 percent) 
being requested from CDC or ATSDR. Requests for 100 percent funding 
will be considered non-responsive to this program announcement and will 
be returned to the applicant without review. No appendices, booklets, 
or other documents accompanying the LOI will be considered.
    An invitation to submit an application will be made on the basis of 
the proposed conference's relationship, as outlined in the LOI, to the 
CDC or ATSDR funding priorities and the availability of funds. LOIs 
should be sent using overnight mail service, or U.S. postal service.
    The three-page limitation, (inclusive of letterhead and Signatures) 
must be observed or the LOI will be returned without review.

Applications

    Applicants may apply to CDC or ATSDR for conference support only 
after their LOI has been reviewed by CDC, ATSDR, and a written 
invitation, including an application form, has been received by the 
prospective applicant.
    An invitation to submit an application does not constitute a 
commitment on the part of CDC or ATSDR to fund the application.
    In addition to the following required information, use the 
information in the Program Requirements and Evaluation Criteria 
sections to develop the application content:
    1. A project summary cover sheet that includes:

a. Name of organization
b. Name of conference
c. Location of conference
d. Date(s) of conference
e. Intended audience and number
f. Dollar amount requested
g. Total conference budget amount

    2. A brief background of the organization--include the 
organizational history, purpose, and previous experience related to the 
proposed conference topic.
    3. A clear statement of the need for and purpose of the conference. 
This statement should also describe any problems the conference will 
address or seek to solve, and the action items or resolutions it may 
stimulate.
    4. An elaboration on the conference objectives and target audience. 
A list should be included of the principal areas or topics to be 
addressed. A proposed or final agenda must be included.
    5. A clear description of the evaluation plan and how it will 
assess the accomplishments of the conference objectives. A sample of 
the evaluation instrument that will be used must be included and a 
step-by-step schedule and detailed operation plan of major conference 
planning activities necessary to attain specified objectives.
    6. Biographical sketches are required for the individuals 
responsible for planning and implementing the conference. Experience 
and training related to conference planning and implementation as it 
relates to the proposed topic should be noted.
    7. Letters of endorsement or support--Letters of endorsement or 
support for the sponsoring organization and its capability to perform 
the proposed conference activity.
    8. Budget plan and justification--A clearly justified budget 
narrative that is consistent with the purpose, objectives, and 
operation plan of the conference. The narrative will consist of a 
budget that includes the share requested from this grant as well as 
those funds from other sources, including organizations, institutions, 
conference income, and/or registration fees.
General Instructions
    The narrative should be longer than 12 double-spaced pages, printed 
on one side, with one-inch margins, and 12-point font. Use English only 
and avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. Pages must be clearly 
numbered, and a complete index to the application and its appendices 
must be included. The original and two required copies of the 
application must be submitted unstapled and unbound. Materials that are 
part of the basic plan should not be in the appendices.
    Send LOIs and Applications to: Technical Information Management 
Section, PA03012, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, 2920

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Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4146.

G. Submission and Deadline

    For conferences July 1, 2003-Sept. 30, 2004
    Letter of Intent (LOI) due date: March 1, 2003.
    Application due date: May 1, 2003.
    Expected Award date: July 1, 2003.
    Submit an original and two signed copies of the LOI to the: 
Technical Information Section PA03012, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 
3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.

Application Forms

    Applicants invited to apply should also submit the original and two 
copies of PHS form 5161-1, (OMB Number 0937-0189). Forms are in the 
application kit. Forms are also available at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/PHS/PHS-5161-1.pdf.

Deadline

    Filing deadlines have now been imposed for all conference support 
grants, and dates should be strictly followed by applicants to ensure 
that their LOI's are received in a timely manner.
    There will be one conference support review this year and awards 
will be made in the month of July, 2003.
    If your conference dates fall between Oct 1, 2002 and June 30, 
2003, you should have applied under the previous Program Announcement 
02004, otherwise your LOI will be considered unresponsive to Program 
Announcement 03012.
    If your conference dates fall between July 1, 2003 to September 30, 
2004, you should apply under this program announcement.
    Letters of intent and applications shall be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date. Any applicant who sends their application 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.
    Any application that does not meet the above criteria will not be 
eligible for competition, and will be discarded. The applicant will be 
notified of their failure to meet the submission requirements.

H. Evaluation Criteria

Letter of Intent

    A conference is a symposium, seminar, workshop, or any other 
organized and formal meeting lasting one day or more (not a series), 
where persons assemble to exchange information and views, explore, or 
clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge, whether or 
not a published report results from such meeting. The conference should 
support CDC or ATSDR's public health principles in furtherance of CDC's 
mission or ATSDR's mission. CDC will review the LOIs and compare 
conference objectives with our respective missions and funding 
priorities to determine if a full application will be invited. Less 
than 33 percent of LOI applicants are invited to submit full 
applications.

Application

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
    Section 1.a., is ATSDR specific.
    Section 1.b., is CDC specific.
    Section 1.c., and all other sections in these criteria are 
applicable to both CDC and ATSDR. Each application will be given a pass 
of fail based on the following criteria:
1. Proposed Program and Technical Approach
    a. The public health significance of the proposed conference, 
including the degree to which the conference can be expected to 
influence the prevention of exposure and adverse human health effects 
and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous 
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases and other sources of 
pollution present in the environment. (Applicable to ATSDR applications 
only)
    b. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it 
relates to specific non-Federal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs (except 
mental health, and substance abuse), including the public health need 
of the proposed conference and the degree to which the conference can 
be expected to influence public health practices. Evaluation will also 
be based on the extent of the applicant's collaboration with other 
organizations serving the intended audience (Applicable to all CDC 
applications except ATSDR). The applicant's description of conference 
objectives in terms of quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the 
conference based on the operational plan will also be evaluated.
2. Applicant's Capability
    The applicant's capability includes the adequacy of the applicant's 
resources (additional sources of funding, organization's strengths, 
staff time, proposed physical facilities, etc.) available for 
conducting conference activities.
3. The Qualifications of Program Personnel
    Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the application has 
described:
    a. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and their ability to devote adequate time and effort to 
provide effective leadership.
    b. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
speakers, and presenters to accomplish conference objectives.
    c. The degree to which the applicant demonstrates the knowledge of 
nationwide and educational efforts currently underway which may affect, 
and be affected by, the proposed conference.
4. Conference Objectives
    a. The overall quality, reasonableness, feasibility, and logic of 
the designed conference objectives, including the overall work plan and 
timetable for accomplishment.
    b. The likelihood of accomplishing conference objectives as they 
relate to disease prevention and health promotion goals, and the 
feasibility of the project in terms of the operational plan.
5. Evaluation Methods
    Evaluation instrument(s) for the conference should adequately 
assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target 
audience.
6. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities
    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, and consistency with 
the intended use of grant funds. The application will also be reviewed 
as to the adequacy of existing or proposed facilities and resources for 
conducting conference activities.

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I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide the CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. A performance report, or in lieu of a performance report, 
proceedings of the conference, no later than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    2. Financial status report, no later than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.

Additional Requirements

    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the 
application kit.

AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2010
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
AR-13 Prohibition on Use of CDC Funds for Certain Gun Control 
Activities
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
AR-20 Conference Support

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-
888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name and address and 
will be instructed to identify the Announcement number of interest. See 
also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/03012.htm.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Rick Jaeger, Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 
Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4146, Telephone: 
(770) 488-2727, Email address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Janet Telman, Funding 
Resource Specialist, Office of the Director Extramural Services 
Activity, Public Health Practice Program Office (PHPPO), Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K38, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3714, Telephone: (770) 488-2834, Email address: 
[email protected].

    Dated: January 6, 2003.
Sandra R. Manning, CGFM,
Director, Program and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-486 Filed 1-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P