[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37001-37004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15590]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 03108]


National Information Center for Traumatic Brain Injury; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

    Application Deadline: July 30, 2003.

A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under sections 391, 317, and 301 of the 
Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. 280b, 241, and 247b). The Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.136.

B. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year 2003 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for phasing in the development of a ``one-call'' national 
information center for traumatic brain injury. This program addresses 
the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of Injury and Violence 
Prevention.
    The purpose of the program is to support the initial phase of 
development of a national information center that will provide persons 
with brain injury, their families, and agencies that serve them, with 
information on state-specific resources and services available to them. 
The ``one-call'' information center will include a national toll-free 
telephone number (800 number) with automatic down-links to telephone 
numbers of state and/or local agencies that can provide information 
about resources at the local level.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with one or 
more of the following performance goals for the National Center for 
Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC): (1) Increase the capacity of 
injury prevention and control programs to address the prevention of 
injuries and violence; (2) Monitor and detect fatal and non-fatal 
injuries; and (3) Conduct a targeted program of research to reduce 
injury-related death and disability.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by:

[sbull] Public nonprofit organizations
[sbull] Private nonprofit organizations
[sbull] Universities
[sbull] Colleges
[sbull] Hospitals
[sbull] State and local governments or their bona fide agents (this 
includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic 
of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau)
[sbull] Faith-Based Organizations
[sbull] Community-Based Organizations


    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 $250,000 of FY 2003 funds is expected to be available 
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 three years. The funding estimate 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.

Recipient Financial Participation

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

[[Page 37002]]

E. Program Requirements

    In conducting the activities to achieve the purpose of this 
program, the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed in 
1. Recipient Activities, and CDC will be responsible for the activities 
in 2. CDC Activities.
1. Recipient Activities
    (a) Prepare a proposed plan for all phases of development of a 
``one-call'' national information center.
    (b) Conduct the initial phase of development of such an information 
center, including the following:
    (1) Development of a core set of basic resource materials to be 
made available to people who call the information center.
    (2) Development of a telephone interview guide and protocol for 
providing information, for use by staff who will answer calls to the 
information center.
    (3) Development of a data system for tracking of calls, including 
how many calls are received and the geographic distribution of the 
calls received by the information center.
    (4) Development of a prototype of the ``one-call'' system to be 
implemented in two or more states.
    (5) Pilot testing of the prototype of the ``one-call'' system in 
two or more states.
    (c) Establish an external advisory committee for the ``one-call'' 
information center.
2. CDC Activities
    (a) Provide technical advice and consultation on all aspects of 
recipient activities.
    (b) Participate as ex-officio members of the ``one-call'' center 
advisory committee.
    (c) Provide technical assistance for the development and 
maintenance of a ``one call'' national information center, including:

    a. Technical assistance for the development of a core set of 
resource materials for distribution by the call center to those who 
call for information.
    b. Technical assistance for the development of a telephone 
interview guide for those answering calls for information.
    c. Technical assistance for the development of a data system to 
track the calls. This would include how many calls were received, 
geographic distribution of calls received, and information system.
    d. Technical assistance for the development of the prototype ``one-
call'' system for implementation in two or more states.
    e. Assist with pilot testing in two or more states; and assist with 
evaluation and subsequent recommendations for improvement based on the 
pilot testing of the ``one call'' system.

F. Content

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 developing your program 
plan. The narrative should be no more than 32 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced 12-point 
font.
    The narrative should consist of:
1. Abstract
    A one page abstract and summary of the proposed effort.
2. Background and Need
    Application should describe the background and need for a ``one-
call'' national information center for traumatic brain injury.
3. Methods
    Describe activities required to implement the initial phase of 
development of a ``one-call'' national information center for TBI. 
Provide (a) goals and objectives for implementation; (b) timeline for 
implementation of activities that is logically sequenced. Describe the 
coordination of the center with other organizations that will 
participate and how this will occur. Include letters of support from 
all involved individuals and organizations.
4. Objectives
    Describe long and short-term objectives, which are specific, 
measurable, attainable, and realistic. Process and outcome objectives 
should be designed to accomplish all activities of the program during 
the project period. The program plan should briefly address activities 
to be conducted over entire three-year project period.
5. Evaluation
    Describe the evaluation to document program process and 
effectiveness in delivering information about traumatic brain injury 
resources and services. Document staff availability, expertise, and 
capacity to perform this evaluation.
6. Staff and Resources
    Describe the responsibilities of the program coordinator and each 
of the other staff members responsible for carrying out the program, 
including experience, professional education, and time devoted to the 
program. A curriculum vita should be included for each critical staff 
member.
7. Budget
    Include a detailed budget with accompanying narrative justifying 
all individual budgets that make up the total amount of funds 
requested. The budget should be consistent with the stated goals and 
objectives.
8. Performance Measures
    Describe measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the 
accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative 
agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the performance 
goals stated in the purpose section of this announcement. Measures must 
be objective and quantitative and must measure the intended outcome.

G. Submission and Deadline

Application Forms

    Submit the signed 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.
    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. Submit the 
application to: Technical Information Management--PA 03108, 
CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 
30341-4146.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically.

CDC Acknowledgment of Application Receipt

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

Deadline

    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

[[Page 37003]]

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

Application

    Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that 
will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must 
relate to the performance goals stated in the purpose section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative and must 
measure the intended outcome. These measures of effectiveness must be 
submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.
    An independent review group appointed by CDC will evaluate each 
application against the following criteria:
1. Background and Need (25 percent)
    The extent to which the applicant a) presents a clear understanding 
of the need for a ``one-call'' national information center for 
traumatic brain injury; b) demonstrates experience in developing and 
disseminating a wide range of information about traumatic brain injury 
at the national, state, and local levels; and c) demonstrates prior 
experience in implementing an (800) number to provide information about 
traumatic brain injury that is inclusive of diverse populations.
2. Staff and Resources (25 percent)
    The extent to which the applicant can provide adequate facilities, 
staff and/or collaborators; including a full-time coordinator and 
resources to accomplish the proposed goal(s)and objectives during the 
project period. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates staff 
and/or collaborator availability, expertise, previous experience, and 
capacity to perform the undertaking successfully, including experience 
in implementing and managing a national level (800) number providing 
information about traumatic brain injury resources and services, and to 
deliver this information to diverse populations. The extent to which 
the applicant describes demonstrated capacity to ensure the 
sustainability of the ``one-call'' information center after it is 
established.
3. Methods (20 percent)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed description 
of all proposed activities and collaboration needed to achieve each 
objective and the overall program goal(s). The extent to which the 
applicant provides a reasonable logically sequenced and complete 
schedule for implementing all activities. The extent to which position 
descriptions, lines of command, and collaborations are appropriate to 
accomplishing the program goal(s) and objectives.
4. Objectives (15 percent)
    The extent to which the applicant describes long and short-term 
objectives which are specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic 
and which are time-framed process and outcome objectives designed to 
accomplish all activities of the program.
5. Evaluation (10 percent)
    The extent to which the proposed evaluation plan is detailed and 
capable of documenting program process and outcome measures. The extent 
to which the applicant demonstrates staff and/or collaborator 
availability, expertise, and capacity to perform the evaluation.
6. Performance Goals (5 percent)
    The extent to which the applicant provides measures of 
effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various 
identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of 
effectiveness must relate to the performance goals stated in the 
purpose section of this announcement. Measures must be objective and 
quantitative and must measure the intended outcome.
7. Budget and Justification (not scored)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed budget and 
narrative justification consistent with the stated objectives and 
planned program activities.

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 Financial Progress.
    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-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-14 Accounting System Requirements
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status

J. Where to Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements, the necessary applications, and 
associated forms can be found on the CDC Web site, 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 and budget assistance, contact: Angie 
Nation, Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: 770-488-2719, E-mail address: 
[email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Stacy Harper, Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury 
Prevention and Control, 4770 Buford Highway N.E., Mail stop F41, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724,

[[Page 37004]]

Telephone: 770-488-4031, E-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: June 13, 2003.
Edward Schultz,
Acting Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-15590 Filed 6-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P