[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 138 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42738-42742]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18235]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 03189]


Blindness and Vision Loss Prevention Program; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

    Application Deadline: August 18, 2003.

A. 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, 317H of the Public Health Service Act 42 
U.S.C. 247 (b)(9), and section 301(a) of the Public Health Service Act, 
42 U.S.C. 241(a) and 247b(k)(2), as amended. The Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance number is 93.988.

B. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2003 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for a Blindness and Vision Loss Prevention Program. This 
program addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of Diabetes 
and Vision.
    The purpose of this program is to develop, deliver, and evaluate a 
program of comprehensive vision screening, outreach and referral, 
public education, and surveillance of vision problems. This program is 
intended to serve persons at risk of blindness and vision loss 
including persons with diabetes, the elderly, racial and ethnic 
minorities, and children. This program is also intended to increase 
awareness nationwide of the need for routine eye examinations, 
screenings for vision loss, and the need for action to preserve and 
protect eyesight by developing a national model prevention program to: 
(a) Raise awareness of the risks of vision loss and eye disease; (b) 
recognize the early signs of eye disease; (c) identify appropriate and 
effective prevention practices; (d) implement screenings and eye 
examinations in target populations; (e) locate and identify where to 
find services for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; and (f) 
develop and maintain a national database which defines the extent of 
eye disease and vision loss.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goal for the National Center for Chronic Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion: Increase the capacity of state 
diabetes control

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programs to address the prevention of diabetes and its complications at 
the community level.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Private, non-profit, health organizations with a national scope, 
that provide a comprehensive eye disease prevention program addressing 
diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular 
degeneration are eligible. The organization must provide proof of 
501(c)(3) non-profit status and must have the ability to receive, 
manage, and account for federal funds.


    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which engages 
in lobbying activities shall not be eligible for the receipt of 
Federal funds constituting an award, grant, loan or any other form.

D. Funding

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $875,000 is available in FY 2003 to fund one award. 
It is expected that the award will be made on or about September 15, 
2003 and will be made for a 12-month budget period with a project 
period of up to five years. The Funding estimate may vary depending on 
availability of funds.
    Continuation awards in subsequent years will be based upon the 
availability of funds and satisfactory progress as evidenced by 
required reports and achievement of the objectives set forth under 
``Program Requirements''.

Use of Funds

    Cooperative agreement funds may be used to expand, enhance, or 
complement existing activities to accomplish the objectives of this 
program. Funds may be used to pay for, but are not limited to, the 
following: staffing, consultants, contractors, grants to affiliates, 
materials and supplies, equipment, travel, and other associated 
expenses to implement and evaluate intervention activities such as 
screenings for vision and risk assessment for eye disease, public 
outreach, referrals to health professions for follow-up, public 
education, professional education, and the collection of representative 
data to define the problem and evaluate the program.
    Funding under this program announcement may not be used to: (1) 
Support direct patient care services, individual health services, or 
the treatment of diabetes; (2) duplicate existing efforts the federal 
system has established for outpatient diabetes education reimbursement 
for the Medicare population through the Diabetes Education Program 
Recognition administered by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare 
Services (CMS); or (3) supplant existing funding.

Recipient Financial Participation

    Matching funds, that is, a specific percentage of program costs 
that must be contributed by the recipient in order to be eligible for 
this announcement, are not required. Applicants are encouraged, 
however, to identify financial and in-kind contributions from their own 
organizations and partners to support and sustain the activities of 
this program.

E. Program Requirements

    The recipient funded under this program announcement will utilize, 
complement, and expand existing program activities and capabilities, 
but should not duplicate such activities. In conducting activities to 
achieve the purpose of this program announcement, the applicant will be 
responsible for the activities listed in 1. Recipient Activities, and 
CDC will be responsible for the activities listed in 2. CDC Activities:

1. Recipient Activities

    The organization must demonstrate a national capacity through an 
affiliate organizational structure that has established organizational 
units at the state level. The organization must have demonstrated 
ability to acquire, implement, and manage a national database 
sufficient to describe the causes of blindness and vision loss.
(a) Leadership and Management
    Establish and maintain an effective national leadership structure, 
an overall management structure that relies upon state-level affiliates 
to carry out the program activities, and an organization which is based 
upon a strategic plan. The overall management plan of the organization 
should include effective accountability of funds, plans for managing 
federal funds, and plans for disbursement of funds to affiliates. The 
management plan should also include strategies to collaborate with 
other similar national organizations and how the efforts of these other 
organizations will support the overall program.
(b) Screening
    Build upon and expand existing screening activities to include 
children, the elderly, and other target populations such as racial and 
ethnic minorities disparately affected by vision loss. Screenings must 
be comprehensive, that is, you must screen for diabetic retinopathy, 
glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Screenings 
should be community-based, involve other vision partners, and should be 
evaluated in terms of numbers screened, findings, and referrals. (No 
personally identifiable data shall be collected or maintained by the 
recipient of this program cooperative agreement).
    The screening activity must also include appropriate training and 
certification of the screeners to assure the highest standards of 
competency are provided to the public.
(c) Outreach for Treatment and Rehabilitation
    Implement and/or expand the screening activity with a comprehensive 
referral program to assure that persons identified with vision 
disorders will receive appropriate referrals to professionals for 
necessary follow-up, care and treatment. Such a referral program should 
include identification of appropriate services prior to screenings, 
appropriate education of the screened persons (or parents or guardians) 
of the results of the screening, appropriate education of the screened 
persons (or parents or guardians) regarding the community services 
available, and follow-up with referral and treatment services to 
determine the number of persons identified as at-risk from the 
screenings that are taking advantage of referral services. The referral 
program should also determine the outcome of the referral to determine 
the types of treatment utilized to serve the patient. (No personally 
identifiable data shall be collected or maintained by the recipient of 
this cooperative agreement).
(d) Public Health Assessment
    Conduct an assessment of the current level of programs and services 
provided by the public health sector to determine program areas which 
are complementary, or duplicative, and where gaps in services exist. 
Assessments should be conducted in selected States and communities to 
gather representative data regarding the current capacity of public 
health to collaborate with national vision organizations in a 
comprehensive blindness and vision loss prevention program. The 
assessments should, at a minimum, include identification of all the 
public health programs with an element of screening or education, the 
level of resources devoted, funding sources, evaluation methods (if 
any), responsible organizations, gaps in services, and areas for 
collaboration. (No more than nine states and/or

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communities may receive such an assessment).
(e) Public Education
    Design, expand, and implement programs to educate the public 
regarding the importance of periodic eye examinations, the symptoms of 
vision problems, the risk factors associated with vision loss, and the 
availability of services locally. Education campaigns should be 
conducted periodically targeting high-risk populations, the elderly, 
and other populations deemed to need the education. The messages should 
be designed for the target population and should be culturally 
relevant.
(f) Professional Education
    Conduct various education campaigns designed to reach vision 
professionals and primary care physicians with information regarding 
vision loss problems, services available, professional standards and 
standards of care, and where to acquire additional information. 
Professional education campaigns may utilize Web sites, conferences, 
workshops, symposia, printed material, professional journals, and other 
appropriate literature. Professional education should also include the 
latest information on vision screening and diagnostic procedures as 
well as progress in other areas of the Blindness and Vision Loss 
Prevention Program.
(g) Program Evaluation and Surveillance
    Describe how existing program evaluation and surveillance 
activities will be expanded to determine the prevalence and numbers of 
persons with blindness, vision loss, and other related causes. 
Implement or expand data collection activities to determine the numbers 
of people receiving appropriate eye examinations, the types of 
examinations, and actions taken to prevent or treat vision loss. 
Program evaluation and surveillance activities should not initiate new 
data collection but should utilize existing data sources. Program 
evaluation strategies should include numbers of persons reached by the 
program, estimated number of persons affected by blindness and vision 
loss, and numbers of persons with blindness and vision loss under 
treatment for the disease. (No personally identifiable data may be 
collected with these cooperative agreement funds).
    Surveillance activities should identify existing data sources and 
how they can be utilized for the purposes of this program. Evaluation 
activities should include design of new program measures and future 
data sources, with an emphasis evaluating program performance measures 
consistent with long-term program objectives.

2. CDC Activities

    (a) Assist as needed, in the development of a national evaluation 
framework that includes measurement methods, surveillance instruments 
for future use, data standards and definitions, and a structure for 
evaluating the effectiveness of program services.
    (b) Provide assistance as required to develop a CDC technical 
advisory committee to guide program services, share information in 
professional settings, and ensure collaboration among relevant programs 
within CDC.
    (c) Provide the expertise, staff, and evidence-based resources of 
CDC programs to assist and enhance the work of the funded organization.
    (d) Support the recipient's activities by providing scientific and 
public health consultation and assistance in the development of 
activities under Recipient Activities. This includes providing 
technical assistance, training, and support to the funded organization 
in the areas of program standards, evaluation, surveillance, and 
service delivery through public health structures.
    (e) Assist with the public health assessment in state and local 
health agencies to identify gaps in services and to encourage and 
support opportunities for collaboration and coordination.

F. Content

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    A letter of intent is requested (not required) from potential 
applicants for the purpose of planning the competitive review of 
applications. The narrative should be no more than one page, single-
spaced, and printed on one side. The letter of intent should identify 
the program announcement, the applicant organization, document proof of 
the applicant's non-profit status, 501(c)(3) status, and the extent to 
which the organization meets the eligibility requirements.

Application

    The program announcement title and number must appear in the 
application. Utilize the information in the Program Requirements, Other 
Requirements, Evaluation Criteria, and this section to develop the 
application content. Applications will be evaluated on the criteria 
listed. The content requirements as well as the evaluation criteria 
should be followed closely. Applications should be no more than 35 
pages double-spaced, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and 
unreduced 12-point font. In addition to the application forms, the 
application must contain the following in this order:
    1. A Table of Contents with page numbers for each of the sections.
    2. A description of the background and need for the program.
    Data that describes the problem of blindness and vision loss in the 
United States, as well as any social or economic data which further 
defines the problems should be included. Historical and other relevant 
information should be provided which demonstrates the applicant's 
understanding of the problem and how to address it. A description of 
the applicant organizational structure, including financial and 
programmatic capabilities, as well as an inventory of current 
organizational activities related to this announcement. The affiliate 
structure should also be described and how the organization achieves 
its mission through the affiliates. A description of the proposed 
staff, including attached resumes or job descriptions for a full-time 
project coordinator and other key staff, the qualifications and 
responsibilities of each staff member and the percent of time each are 
committing to the program should also be included.
    3. A detailed work plan for:
    (a) Screening; (b) Outreach for treatment and rehabilitation; (c) 
Public Health Assessment; (d) Public and Professional education; and 
(e) Program Evaluation and Surveillance. The work plans should be time-
phased, and should include one-year and five-year program objectives 
including an implementation plan.
    4. A budget and budget justification.
    Provide a budget and budget justification including allocation to 
program areas, budgeted amounts by categories (personnel, fringe 
benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, and other direct 
costs), allocations to affiliates, and a description of the funding 
mechanisms and timelines that will be used to disperse funds. The 
budget should be detailed for one year but should include a proposed 
summary budget for subsequent years (four additional years). Financial 
contributions should be included where appropriate.
    5. Appendices.
    Supporting materials including letters of support, organizational 
background and history, data to describe blindness and vision loss, and 
strategic plans should be included in the appendices section of the 
application.

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G. Submission and Deadline

LOI Submission

    A letter of intent is requested by August 1, 2003. Submit the LOI 
to: Regina Hardy, Division of Diabetes Translation, CDC National Center 
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford 
Highway, NE., Mailstop K-10, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Application Forms

    Submit the signed original and two copies of the PHS 5161 Form. 
Forms are available 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, please contact the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) at: 770-488-2700. Applications forms can be mailed to you.

Submission Date, Time, and Address

    The application must be received by 4 p.m. Eastern Time, August 18, 
2003. Submit the application to: Technical Information Management--PA 
03189, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Rd., Atlanta, 
GA 30341-4146.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically.

Acknowledgement 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. 
Applications sent 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 returned to the applicant. The applicant 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 cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must 
relate to the performance goal 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 objective review group appointed by CDC will 
evaluate each application against the following criteria:

1. Work Plan (40 points)

    The degree to which the applicant describes a plan that is time-
phased, feasible and measurable. The work plan must be specific and 
meet the expectations in the Program Requirements and Application 
Content sections of this program announcement. The degree to which the 
plans reflect and build upon existing capabilities and assets, and 
utilize the capacity of the affiliates. The extent to which the plan 
includes efforts to sustain the program long-term. The extent to which 
the application describes plans to collaborate with CDC in developing 
an evaluation framework and performance measures. The extent to which 
appropriate data sources are available to define the problems of 
blindness and vision loss and plans to acquire additional data sources. 
The extent to which the application provides clear definitive plans to 
make the program nationwide in scope.

2. Program Leadership and Management (25 points)

    The extent to which the organizational structure is designed to 
implement the proposed work plan including leadership and decision-
making processes. The extent to which the proposed staffing will have 
the appropriate qualifications and experience to implement the proposed 
work plan. The extent to which the applicant describes clearly defined 
roles for program staff and the roles of the affiliates.
    The extent to which the application demonstrates a capacity to 
guide and support their affiliates.

3. Background and Need (25 points)

    The extent to which the problem of blindness and vision loss is 
described and supported by institutional data. The extent to which the 
application identifies the strengths and weakness of the current 
prevention programs in the United States. The extent to which the 
application identifies potential collaborators and the strengths they 
offer to the program. The extent to which the applicant has the 
necessary organizational capabilities to deliver the services of the 
program including database development and management. The extent of 
the applicant's ability to train and certify screeners and screening 
activities. The extent to which the application demonstrates a history 
and evidence of delivering vision loss and blindness program services.

4. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 points)

    The extent to which the budget appears reasonable and consistent 
with the proposed activities and intent of the program.

I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original and two copies of:
    1. Interim progress report will be due April 1, 2004 containing a 
brief description of the program accomplishments/narrative and progress 
made in the first six months of the program; reasons for not achieving 
proposed objectives and activities; progress in allocating and 
dispersing the budget; and details for changes in the program for the 
remainder of the time for which funds are provided.
    2. An annual progress report summarizing the past year's 
accomplishments, and a financial status report, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the budget period.
    3. Final financial, performance, and evaluation reports, no more 
than 90 days after the end of the five-year project period (depending 
upon availability of funds).
    Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.

Additional Requirements

    The following 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-8 Public Health Systems Reporting Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2010
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions

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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 Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341-2700, Telephone: 770-488-2700.
    For business management and budget assistance, contact: Ann 
Gatwood, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants 
Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: 770-
488-2895, E-mail address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: Jinan Saaddine, Division 
of Diabetes Translation, CDC National Center for Chronic Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Mailstop K-
10, Atlanta, GA 30341, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: (770) 488-
1274.

    Dated: July 14, 2003.
Sandra R. Manning,
CGFM, Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-18235 Filed 7-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P