[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23992-23994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11140]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 03082]


Coordination of Activities Between the CDC, National Immunization 
Program and State and Local Immunization Programs; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

    Application Deadline: June 20, 2003.

A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 311 of the Public Health 
Service Act, (42 U.S.C. 243), as amended and section 317 (k)(1) of the 
Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(1)), as amended. The 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.185.

B. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2003 funds for a grant program for the 
coordination of activities between the National Immunization Program 
(NIP) and state and local public health immunization programs. This 
program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus areas of 
Immunization and Infectious Diseases.
    The purpose of this program is to develop, establish, enhance, and 
manage an organizational network among immunization programs which 
would facilitate, coordinate, integrate, and expand state and local 
efforts to improve overall national immunization prevention programs. 
Specifically, the program will (1) maintain an effective communication 
capacity among the nation's immunization program managers and CDC; (2) 
establish a platform for integrated problem solving, national policy 
analysis and decision making among immunization program managers; and 
(3) establish a capacity to coordinate the consultations and 
collaborations that will enable state and local immunization programs 
to assimilate and implement the latest programmatic, scientific and 
technological developments and concepts affecting the goal of 
immunizing our nation's citizens.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with NIP 
performance goals that apply to state and local public health 
immunization programs:
    1. Reduce the number of indigenous cases of vaccine-preventable 
diseases.
    2. Ensure that two year-olds are appropriately vaccinated.
    In addition, focus should be placed on the ``Healthy People 2010'' 
goals to:
    1. Increase routine vaccination coverage levels of adolescents.
    2. Increase hepatitis B vaccine coverage among high-risk groups.
    3. Increase the proportion of adults who are vaccinated annually 
against influenza and are vaccinated, as recommended, against 
pneumococcal disease.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public or private national 
nonprofit organizations with a comprehensive state and local area 
representation of key officials who are actively engaged in directing 
immunization program efforts.
    Assistance will be provided to one applicant that can demonstrate 
the ability to accomplish the objectives stated above. Applicant should 
be able to demonstrate ability to provide technical expertise in the 
areas of program management, vaccine management, information 
technology, quality assurance, health care delivery, health education 
and disease surveillance which is required to ensure effective 
implementation of population-based immunization programs.

    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. Funding

    Availability of Funds: Approximately $150,000 is available in FY 
2003 to fund one award. It is expected that the award will begin on or 
about September 15, 2003, and will be made for a 12-month budget period 
within a project period of up to five years. Funding estimates may 
change.
    Continuation awards within an approved project period will be made 
on the basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports 
and the availability of funds.
    Use of Funds:
    Funds cannot be used for construction or renovation, to purchase or 
lease vehicles or to purchase office space.
    Recipient Financial Participation: No matching funds are required 
for this program.

E. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the following activities:
    1. Organize, establish and maintain liaison activities to 
collaborate with NIP and other affiliate organizations to attain 
national immunization goals.
    2. Provide information on key immunization developments to state 
and local Immunization Program Managers, other key Immunization Program 
staff, and other organizations via newsletters, conference calls and 
other multimedia sources.
    3. Develop and maintain a forum for state and local Immunization 
Program Managers to exchange epidemiologic and other programmatic 
information, respond to emerging issues, develop policy positions, and 
advise key officials, including CDC, on the prevention of Vaccine 
Preventable Diseases.
    4. Sponsor and provide leadership for a nationally recognized forum 
(i.e., an annual meeting) for state and local immunization program 
managers across the nation in which to exchange and disseminate 
epidemiologic and other public health information, respond to emerging 
issues, develop and foster consistent state and local policy positions, 
and advise key officials, including CDC, on the prevention of Vaccine 
Preventable Diseases. Organize and convene meetings and workshops on an 
as needed basis for the purpose of exchanging information and program 
updates.
    5. Identify and assess the immunization-related public health 
infrastructure needs of state and local Immunization Programs.
    6. Assist in developing the agenda and selecting and obtaining 
speakers for the National Immunization Conference and the Annual 
Immunization Program Managers Meeting.
    7. Promote the adequate and efficient allocation of resources to 
immunization efforts.

F. Content

    Letter of Intent (LOI): A LOI is optional for this program. The 
Program Announcement title and number must appear in the LOI. The 
narrative should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, printed on 
one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced 12-point font. Your 
letter of intent will not be evaluated, but will be used to assist CDC 
in planning for the objective review for

[[Page 23993]]

this program. The letter of intent should include the following 
information:
    1. The name of the organization.
    2. The primary contact person's name, mailing address, phone 
number, fax number and email address (if available).
    3. The mission/activities of the organization.
    4. The number of members in the organization.
    Application: 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 25 pages, double-spaced, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced 12-point 
font.
    The narrative should consist of, at a minimum, Background, a 
Program Plan, Objectives, Methods of Operation, Program Management, 
Evaluation Plan and Budget Information.

1. Background

    a. Provide background information on the applicant organization 
that includes evidence of relevant experience in coordinating 
activities among constituents and a clear statement of the purpose of 
the project.
    b. A copy of the applicant organization's By-Laws and a list of the 
current office holders and Executive Committee members should be 
attached.

2. Program Plan

    a. Provide a position description for all proposed staff.
    b. Indicate the proposed location for the project.
    c. Describe the problems to be addressed with the requested 
assistance and briefly propose a programmatic plan for each.
    d. Provide a plan for disseminating reports of project activities 
indicating the frequency, timing, format and intended recipients of the 
reports.

3. Objectives

    a. Establish long-term (five years) and short-term (one year) 
objectives for the programmatic plan.
    b. Objectives must be specific, realistic, measurable, and time-
phased.

4. Methods of Operation

    a. Describe the operational plan for achieving each objective 
established. Concisely describe each component or major activity and 
how it will be carried out.
    b. Include a time-line for completing each component or major 
activity.

5. Program Management

    Describe the professional personnel involved in the management of 
this project and their qualifications.

6. Evaluation Plan

    Describe the plan for monitoring progress toward achievement of 
each of the objectives.

7. Budget Information

    a. Provide a detailed budget with justification. The budget 
proposal should be consistent with the purpose and program plan.
    b. Provide an itemized (line-item) budget categorized by objective.

G. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission

    On or before June 5, 2003, submit the LOI to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' 
section of this announcement.

Application Forms

    Submit the signed original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Numb 
0920-0428). Forms are available in the application kit and at the 
following Internet address:
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) at: 770-488-2700. Application forms can be mailed to you.

Submission Date, Time, and Address

    The application must be received by 4 p.m. Eastern Time June 20, 
2003. Submit the application to: Technical Information Management-
PA03082, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    Forms must be submitted in the following order:

Cover Letter
Table of Contents
Application
Budget Information Form
Budget Justification
Checklist
Assurances
Certifications
Disclosure Form
Narrative

    Applications may not be submitted electronically.

CDC Acknowledgement of Application Receipt

    A postcard will be mailed by PGO-TIM, notifying you that CDC has 
received your application.

Deadline

    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

    The Letter of Intent will not be evaluated, but will be used to 
assist in planning for the objective review of applications.

Application

    Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that 
will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the grant. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the 
performance goals as stated in the purpose section 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 against the following criteria: (100 points maximum)
1. Experience (15 points)
    The extent to which the applicant documents experience in 
representing program officials who are actively engaged in directing 
immunization program efforts, in providing a national network of 
communications and support to state and local immunization programs, 
and in expanding national level partnerships to support the

[[Page 23994]]

development of immunization staff and the enhancement of immunization 
program efforts.
2. Collaboration (15 points)
    The extent to which organization includes representatives of 
immunization programs who are actively engaged in directing 
immunization program efforts, and who represent state and local 
immunization program efforts from all parts of the nation.
3. Understanding of the Project (15 points)
    Extent to which the applicant understands the requirements, 
problems, objectives, complexities, and interactions required of this 
project
4. Objectives (15 points)
    Degree to which the proposed objectives are clearly stated, 
realistic, time phased, and related to the purpose of this project
5. Operational Plan and Timetable (15 points)
    The extent to which the applicant's plan to carry out the 
activities proposed is feasible and consistent with the stated 
objectives in this proposal. The extent to which the timetable 
incorporates major activities and milestones that are specific, 
measurable and realistic. Dates, tasks, and persons responsible for 
accomplishing tasks should be included.
6. Staff Capacity (15 points)
    Extent to which the professional personnel proposed to be involved 
in administering this project and the professional personnel proposed 
to provide program leadership have the capacity to perform the work 
proposed. This would include individual qualifications with evidence of 
past achievements for staff identified.
7. Evaluation Plan (10 points)
    The extent to which the evaluation plan appears feasible for 
monitoring progress toward meeting the stated project objectives. In 
addition to evaluating outcome-related project objectives, the plan 
should clearly describe how the grantee will use performance measures 
to track internal processes.
8. Budget (not scored)
    The budget should be reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent 
with the intended use of funds.
9. Performance goals (not scored)
    The extent to which the application will further the NIP 
performance goals stated in the purpose section of this announcement.

I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Interim progress report, no less than 90 days before the end of 
the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-competing 
continuation application, and must contain the following elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Detailed Line-Item Budget and Justification.
    e. Additional Requested Information.
    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.

Additional Requirements

    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I of the 
program announcement, as posted on the CDC Web site.

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

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements, the necessary 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 general questions about this announcement, contact: Technical 
Information Management, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: (770) 488-2700.
    For business management assistance, contact: Peaches Brown, Grants 
Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 
30341-4146, Telephone number: (770) 488-2738, Email address: 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Kenneth Sharp, Program 
Operations Branch, ISD, National Immunization Program, Mailstop E-52, 
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone number: (404) 639-8215, 
E-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: April 30, 2003.
Edward Schultz,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-11140 Filed 5-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P