[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 162 (Monday, August 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51832-51841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19232]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-2004-0098; FRL-7365-4]


National Pesticide Information Center & National Pesticide 
Medical Monitoring Program; Notice of Funds Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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[[Page 51833]]

SUMMARY:  The Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) is soliciting 
proposals from universities and colleges to develop or continue the 
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) and the National Pesticide 
Medical Monitoring Program (NPMMP). NPIC is a toll-free telephone 
service that provides science-based information about a wide variety of 
pesticide-related subjects to anyone within in the Unites States, 
Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. Medical emergency cases involving 
humans and domestic animals are provided diagnostic and crisis 
management assistance. NPMMP is a service that provides a rapid 
response in the form of skilled technical assistance to persons 
suspected of being adversely affected by pesticide exposures to all 
inquiries from within the United States. OPP will award two separate 
cooperative agreements to run these projects. It is anticipated that an 
annual budget of about $1,475,000 would be available in fiscal year 
(FY) 2005 to support NPIC's overall objectives and maintain the 
services at a level currently offered. The annual funding for the NPMMP 
project is anticipated to be approximately $158,000 in FY 2005. These 
will be 5-year cooperative agreements with annual periods of 
performance and funding depending on the Agency budget in outlying 
years.

DATES: Applications must be received by EPA on or beforeOctober 7, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Applications may be submitted by mail, fax, or 
electronically. Please follow the detailed instructions provided in 
Unit III.H.1. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank L. Davido, Information Resources 
and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-7576; fax 
number: (703) 305-4646; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Overview Information

    The following listing provides certain key information concerning 
the funding opportunity.
     Federal agency name: Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA).
     Funding opportunity title: National Pesticide Information 
Center (NPIC) & National Pesticide Medical Monitoring Program (NPMMP).
     Announcement type: The initial announcement of a funding 
opportunity.
     Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number: 
Research Grants No. 66.500.

II. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action may be of particular interest to universities and 
colleges who have experience and expertise in pesticide toxicology; 
environmental chemistry; environmental fate; human and animal medical 
diagnostic and crisis management assistance; workings with health care 
providers; quantitative analyses of environmental and biological 
samples pertaining to pesticides; pesticide poisonings; integrated pest 
management (IPM); information technology and information management 
(IT/IM); telecommunication networks; outreach and marketing; and the 
Federal statutes involved within the Office of Pesticide Programs 
(OPP), e.g., Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
(FIFRA), Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), and Food Quality 
Protection Act (FQPA). Since other entities may also be interested, the 
Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may 
be interested by this action. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of This 
Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0098. The 
official public docket is the collection of materials that is available 
for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity 
Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., 
Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone 
number is (703) 305-5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings athttp://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. An electronic version of the 
public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and 
comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets athttp://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to access the index listing of the contents of the 
official public docket, and to access those documents in the public 
docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket 
materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of 
the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility 
identified in Unit II.B.1. Once in the system, select ``search,'' then 
key in the appropriate docket ID number.

III. Introduction

A. NPIC

    Since the 1980's OPP has provided funding for the National 
Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) formerly called the National 
Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN).
    FIFRA, as amended, authorizes EPA to monitor incidental exposure to 
man, animals and the environment, and to identify pesticide pollution, 
secular trends (continuing trends) and sources of contamination and 
their relationship to human and environmental effects. FIFRA also calls 
for a National Monitoring Plan; a national plan for monitoring 
pesticides in cooperation with other Federal, state or local agencies.
    Since the inception of EPA, the Agency has attempted in many ways 
to conduct specific monitoring projects. NPIC is a part of that effort 
and is included in the National Monitoring Plan. The idea of a toll 
free telephone service was initiated in 1978 for exclusive use by 
health professionals in the recognition and management of pesticide 
poisonings. Later the telephone service was extended to include the 
general public and expanded to provide a variety of other pesticide 
information. Over the years, the number of telephone calls handled has 
fluctuated annually from about 2,000 to a high of 53,598 in 1990, 
whereas in the last couple years the annual calls taken range from 
23,000-24,500. In the last several years, inquiries have been received 
from all states plus Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, 
Argentina, Germany, and numerous other foreign countries. Calls are 
received from hundreds of organizations; however, the general public 
constitutes the largest percent calling group, generally ranging from 
84% to 88% annually.
    The peak call load periods are from April through September each 
year. However, the NPIC has experienced numerous peaks developed from 
external causes; whereby, adjustments had to be made to adequately 
handle the workload, e.g. rebalancing staffing.
    The NPIC telephone number has been promoted through family and 
women's magazines, EPA publications, TV and radio public announcements, 
general

[[Page 51834]]

news media, and word of mouth. Additionally, attendance of NPIC 
personnel at professional meetings, e.g., American Academy of 
Occupational Medicine, National Professional Lawn Care Association, 
American College of Emergency Physicians, and Annual Pest Control 
Operators, has increased the visibility of NPIC services. NPIC also 
devotes considerable resources to its wide range outreach program and 
is continually addressing under served audiences.
    With the formation of an EPA NPIC Oversight and Monitoring 
Committee (OMC) in the early 1990's and meetings presently continuing, 
helps information sources used by NPIC to remain accurate, current, and 
impartial. NPIC operates 10 hours a day, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Sunday, providing toll free telephone service in the United 
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. NPIC maintains a library 
of up-to-date information on a wide variety of pesticide subjects, 
providing the caller with:
     Pesticide product information.
     Information on recognition and management of pesticide 
poisonings.
     Toxicology and symptomatic reviews.
     Environmental chemistry.
     Referrals for laboratory analyses, investigation of 
pesticide incidents, and emergency treatment information.
     Safety information.
     Health and environmental effects.
     Clean-up and disposal procedures.
    In emergency situations where additional expertise is needed, human 
and animal poisonings are referred via a telephone switching system to 
either the Oregon Poison Center or the National Animal Poison Control 
Center. Both organizations, being under retainer to NPIC, provide 
extensive experience in handling pesticide poisonings.
    NPIC has continually evolved to better serve its users. It 
currently provides its callers information in real time by furnishing 
requested information via the telephone, through e-mail, and fax. 
Individuals can report pesticide incidents toll free, acquire extensive 
pesticide-related information via their Web site, and receive current 
periodic EPA information. Also, OPP can refer a variety of calls 
received directly to NPIC for reply. NPIC acts as a ``sounding board'' 
from the general public as to their awareness and concerns about 
pesticides.
    In addition, the NPIC provides information assistance directly to 
the OPP's Pesticide Incident Response Officer (PIRO) in order to 
promote an on-going rapid response to unanticipated, major incidents 
which may require immediate evaluation and action in emergency 
situations to persons suspected of being adversely exposed to 
pesticides. The NPIC possesses expertise to provide highly skilled 
consultants, diagnostic treatment, and laboratory assistance to the 
general public via the PIRO.

B. NPMMP

    Since the 1980's OPP has provided funding for the National 
Pesticide Medical Monitoring Program (NPMMP).
    FIFRA, as amended, authorizes EPA to monitor incidental exposure to 
man, animals and the environment, and to identify pesticide pollution, 
secular trends and sources of contamination and their relationship to 
human and environmental effects. FIFRA also calls for a National 
Monitoring Plan; a national plan for monitoring pesticides in 
cooperation with other Federal, state or local agencies.
    Since the inception of EPA, the Agency has attempted in many ways 
to conduct specific monitoring projects. NPMMP is a part of that effort 
and is included in the National Monitoring Plan.
    In the past 10 years, the NPMMP has received nearly 6,000 referrals 
from a variety of sources including: State public health departments, 
health care providers, government agencies, the general public, as well 
as NPIC. NPMMP is an invaluable resource for many organizations that 
need to refer inquiries of a complex medical nature to an expert in the 
field. It is not unusual for an individual to have contacted numerous 
agencies in search for assistance relating to a suspected pesticide 
exposure. Callers referred to NPMMP are frequently frustrated or 
confused, given some of the uncertainties with respect to pesticide 
exposures, as well as the vast amount of information (sometimes 
conflicting) that is available to the general public. NPMMP presents an 
empathetic yet science-based approach to responding to these inquiries. 
The project offers field investigations, medical toxicological 
consultations, and laboratory analyses of both biological and 
environmental samples.
    The NPMMP is recognized by many state agencies and health care 
providers as a national ``one of a kind'' reliable source for medical 
consultation for individuals exposed to pesticides. The availability of 
a laboratory that can analyze various biological samples, i.e., human 
blood and urine and environment also adds to the uniqueness of the 
project.

C. NPIC and NPMMP

    To continue the NPIC and the NPMMP projects, EPA is soliciting 
applications from universities and colleges with expertise and working 
knowledge in the following areas:
    1. NPIC. Pesticide toxicology; environmental chemistry; 
environmental fate; human and animal medical diagnostic and crisis 
management assistance; emergency medicine; integrated pest management 
(IPM); extension service; risk communication; conventional pesticides 
including antimicrobials and products of biotechnology; communication 
skills with the public; IT/IM; telecommunication networks; outreach and 
marketing; and the Federal statutes involved within the Office of 
Pesticide Programs (OPP), e.g., FIFRA, FFDCA, and FQPA.
    2. NPMMP. Emergency medicine; pesticide clinical toxicology; 
environmental chemistry; environmental fate; human and animal medical 
diagnostic and crisis management assistance; risk communication; 
workings with health care providers; conventional pesticides including 
antimicrobials and products of biotechnology; quantitative analyses of 
environmental and biological samples pertaining to pesticides; 
pesticide poisonings; extension service; IPM; IT/IM; telecommunication 
networks; outreach and marketing; and the Federal statutes involved 
within OPP, e.g., FIFRA, FFDCA, and FQPA.
    This document outlines the application requirements and procedures 
for the NPIC and the NPMMP projects.

III. Program Description

A. Purpose and Scope

    1. NPIC. It is well established that the public has difficulty in 
obtaining accurate, unbiased pesticide information and NPIC fills that 
void. The mere numbers of telephone calls received yearly (23,000-
25,000) by NPIC and over 780,000 hits on its World Wide Web site 
clearly illustrates the interest the public has concerning pesticide 
issues. The financial assistance provided under this project will 
support the delivery to the public of objective, science-based 
information, on a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, in real 
time. In part, on-line pesticide specialist should be capable of 
providing information in a user-friendly manner and be adept at 
communicating scientific information to the lay person which in turn 
promotes informed decision-making on the part of the

[[Page 51835]]

caller. NPIC is a direct service to the public.
    It is also well noted that most health care providers are not well 
acquainted with the recognition, management, and prevention of health 
effects from pesticide exposures. Unique to NPIC is that one of the 
toxicologists is also a physician trained in clinical toxicology and 
emergency medicine and board certified in the specialties of Public 
Health and General Preventive Medicine. With a strong background in 
pesticide toxicology, this physician adds additional depth to the NPIC 
project in being able to communicate not only with state public health 
departments and health care providers but also with the general public.
    The most tangible and direct interface between NPIC and its 
clientele is the telephone. This is via a toll-free telephone system. 
NPIC should provide quality user-friendly service to callers. NPIC must 
have well qualified pesticide specialists, with the technical expertise 
to address a variety of types of inquiries ranging from simple to very 
complex and often controversial. In addition to delivery of information 
by a toll-free telephone system, fax, mail, and e-mail, the Internet 
must be made available. Current and accurate information on a wide 
variety of pesticide subjects must be readily available to the public. 
This project must be on the cutting edge of, IT/IM, extremely 
knowledgeable in the world of pesticides, promote an aggressive 
marketing and outreach program with emphasis on the under-served 
populations, and sustain excellent customer service.
    NPIC must strive to integrate the values of professionalism, 
teamwork, integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to the 
public, as well as, the professional and medical communities, in order 
to help fulfill their mission and provide exceptional and respectful 
customer service. Part of this is best accomplished by funding in the 
form of a cooperative agreement. This allows the university the 
flexibility to quickly react to new needs for pesticide-related 
information as initiated by pesticide incidents; new regulations; 
public interests; IT/IM technology; and specific needs by either the 
project or EPA. Further, this flexibility encourages involvement of and 
makes available to NPIC and thus to the public, the full capabilities 
of the university community with respect to access to: Pesticide 
specialists from a number of disciplines, e.g., IPM experts, 
biotechnology, and entomology. In addition, the specialist have 
opportunities to advance their education through on the job-training; 
advanced classroom work; exposure at national meetings and symposiums; 
and numerous interactions with many individuals in OPP. A cooperative 
agreement at a university setting allows creative thinking and 
scholarship.
    The continual success of NPIC will promote a better understanding 
into the world of pesticides for all communities (general public, 
professional, and medical) and help reduce pesticide poisonings. These 
programs are included in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
under number 66.500 athttp://www.cfda.gov/public/whole.pdf.
    2. NPMMP. It is widely known that a high percent of the health care 
providers in the United States are not properly prepared to identify, 
diagnose, treat, or provide advice to individuals suspected of 
pesticide exposure. It is also evident that the general public finds it 
difficult to locate a physician that fully understands pesticide 
exposure scenarios and who is also capable of discussing the many 
issues that may be involved and relating this information in a way that 
is understandable to the lay person. The financial assistance provided 
under this project will support the delivery to the general public, 
health care providers, and government agencies information pertaining 
to both the clinical and basic toxicology of pesticides. NPMMP will 
provide immediate information and assistance to health care providers, 
regulatory officials, and other agencies involved in the investigation 
and management of suspected human illnesses associated with pesticide 
exposures. The information provided will benefit inquiries by providing 
unique expertise in pesticide toxicology, and informational assistance 
relating to the recognition, management, and prevention of pesticide 
exposures. Thus, this project provides information in real time on 
suspected pesticide-related illness in both acute and chronic 
scenarios. Information provided benefits inquiries by answering 
questions as well as, in some cases, providing assistance in the 
investigation of suspected illnesses or in an ancillary role in the 
treatment of acute or chronic disease. NPMMP communicates to the public 
on a variety of issues relating to pesticides, and directs individuals 
towards appropriate resources in cases where additional assistance is 
needed. This assistance is provided by a physician through his/her 
professional knowledge and experience, and from the added ability of 
utilizing a laboratory that is capable of analyzing environmental 
samples and biological (human blood and urine). This physician is 
trained in clinical toxicology and emergency medicine and board 
certified in the specialties of Public Health and General Preventive 
Medicine.
    NPMMP provides medical histories and environmental analysis of 
suspected pesticide illnesses that relate to the current use of 
pesticides in structural, agricultural, or other environmental 
situations. It brings attention to the possibility of human illnesses 
which may not have been suspected by basic toxicology screens but which 
may exist and require more extensive clinical or basic scientific 
testing. Some scenarios may relate to specific formulations or based 
upon the nature of the inquiries received, may indicate that there are 
problems existing with the exact active ingredients used regardless of 
formulation. NPMMP will also bring attention to potential cases of 
illness which may not have been suspected or identified through the 
regulatory review process for pesticides, as well as cases developing 
through the misapplication of pesticides.
    The NPMMP library of pesticide information that has been assembled 
by current and previous investigators is being expanded to incorporate 
new publications from the scientific literature, as well as regulatory 
decisions relating to pesticides. The library is being electronically 
scanned in order to enable investigators to have immediate access to 
important documents, and to facilitate the electronic transfer of 
information to inquirers in situations where such information is 
requested or immediately necessary.
    Information must be collected from all callers with inquiries to 
the NPMMP. Data should include basic demographic information, the 
circumstances surrounding the exposure incident or informational 
inquiry, the pesticide that is the subject of inquiry, and a certainty 
and severity index rating. No direct patient care should be provided, 
since this project is information in nature. However in some cases, 
medical records may be provided to the investigators in the process of 
responding to inquiries. The NPMMP investigators must complete training 
for the implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accounting Act (HIPAA). The protocol for the NPMMP should undergo 
review and approval by the Institutional Review Board of the university 
or college selected.
    The continual success of NPMMP provides immediate assistance to 
both the general public and health care providers involved in pesticide 
incidents/exposures. This project brings attention to potential cases 
of illness

[[Page 51836]]

which may not have been suspected or identified through the regulatory 
review process for pesticides, as well as cases developed through the 
misapplication of pesticides. These programs are included in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under number 66.500 athttp://www.cfda.gov/public/whole.pdf.

B. Goal and Objectives

    Through the proposals sought under these projects, EPA intends to 
work with universities and colleges to develop or continue the NPIC and 
the NPMMP.
    1. NPIC. NPIC is to serve as a source of objective, science-based 
information, on a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, in real 
time. These subjects include: Pesticide products; recognition and 
management of pesticide poisonings; toxicology; environmental 
chemistry; safety practices; health and environmental effects; clean-up 
and disposal; emergency treatment for humans and animals; pesticide 
regulations and corresponding Federal statutes; and laboratory analyses 
and pesticide incident investigation assistance.
    The objectives of NPIC are to develop or continue to:
     Operate a toll-free telephone service providing a variety 
of accurate, impartial pesticide information to callers in the United 
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, in real time. The project 
will operate Monday through Sunday, 10 hours daily. A recording device 
will be provided to capture off-hour calls.
     Provide access to NPIC and pesticide-related information 
through a state of the art World Wide Web site and e-mail.
     Serve as a source of factual unbiased information on 
pesticide chemistry, toxicology, and environmental fate to all 
inquiries, including industry, government, medical, agricultural 
sector, news media, as well as the general public.
     Provide the medical community with diagnostic and crisis 
management assistance involving pesticide incidents in situations 
pertaining to both human and animal patients.
     Acquire accurate and complete information on all inquiries 
considered to be pesticide incidents.
     Computerize all inquiry information as well as pesticide 
incident data for easy retrieval.
    2. NPMMP. NPMMP provides a rapid response in the form of skilled 
technical assistance to persons suspected of being adversely affected 
by pesticide exposures. The project will consist of field 
investigations, medical toxicological consultations, and laboratory 
analyses of both biological and environmental samples.
    The objectives of the NPMMP are to develop or continue to:
     Make information pertaining to both the clinical and basic 
toxicology of pesticides available to all inquiries from the United 
States.
     Provide written information on pesticide toxicology, when 
available and requested, to respond to inquiries.
     Provide quantitative laboratory measurements of pesticides 
in environmental samples, as well as in select cases, in biological 
samples of exposed human beings.
     Define inquiries and incidents relating to human pesticide 
exposures.
     Develop and maintain computer access to toxicology 
databases including Toxline (National Library of Medicine), Poisindex 
(Micromedex), SciFinder Scholar, etc.
     Expand the library of basic and clinical toxicology 
journals, reports of industry and government, textbooks, and other 
paper and electronic resources pertaining to pesticides and their 
impact on human health.

C. Eligibility

    1. Applicants. Grant funds are available to universities and 
colleges who have experience and expertise in pesticide toxicology; 
environmental chemistry; environmental fate; human and animal medical 
diagnostic and crisis management assistance; extension service; 
pesticide poisonings; emergency medicine; quantitative analyses of 
environmental and biological samples; conventional pesticides including 
antimicrobials and products of biotechnology; IPM; IT/IM; 
telecommunication networks; outreach and marketing; and the Federal 
statutes involved within OPP, e.g., FIFRA, FFDCA, and FQPA.
    To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet all of the 
following criteria. Failure to meet the following criteria will result 
in the automatic disqualification for consideration of the proposal for 
funding:
     Be an applicant who is eligible to receive funding under 
this announcement.
     The proposal must address all of the high priority areas 
for consideration.
     The proposal must meet all format and content requirements 
contained in this notice.
     The proposal must comply with the directions for submittal 
contained in this notice.
    There is a 5% cost share requirement for these projects.
    2. Qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate experience and 
expertise in the following high priority areas for consideration to 
serve as the source that is to provide objective science-based 
information, on a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, in real-
time and to fulfill the objectives of this program. Applicants will be 
evaluated on the following criteria:
i. National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC):
    a. Academic experience requirements:
     A university containing one or more of the following: 
School of Medicine; School of Public Health; School of Veterinary 
Medicine; and/or College of Allied Sciences.
     Documented experience and expertise in four or more of the 
following disciplines: Epidemiology; occupational health; industrial 
hygiene; environmental health; agricultural health; pesticide 
toxicology; animal toxicology; risk assessment; and health education.
     Documented experience and expertise in three or more of 
the following: Environmental biology; agricultural ecology; fish/
wildlife biology; agronomy; horticulture; environmental chemistry; 
extension service; IPM; genetic engineering; gene research; water 
quality; and food safety.
     Documented experience and expertise in survey design and 
bio-statistics.
     Documented experience and expertise in marketing; 
outreach; communications; and IT/IM.
     Documented experience and expertise in basic toxicology; 
clinical toxicology; and clinical laboratory analyses.
     Knowledge of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, 
specifically section 33(c)(B), Worker Protection.
    b. Technical experience requirements:
     Documented experience of the proposed staff to establish 
and maintain a large-scale telecommunications network, including 
telephone, fax, e-mail, and Web site.
     Demonstrated expertise and experience with creation of an 
up-to-date, modern Web site for posting and delivery of NPIC 
information and for links to objective or otherwise relevant pesticide 
information on the World Wide Web.
     Demonstrated expertise and experience in the establishment 
of an information management retrieval system which can be used to 
``mine'' objective pesticide-related information from selected sites on 
the World Wide

[[Page 51837]]

Web and/or hard copy resources. The information should be indexed and 
made searchable and selectively retrievable by the general public 
through a user-friendly web browser-based interface.
     Documented experience and expertise in the creation and 
management of a computer system, including a computer network, with 
workstations for pesticide specialists and a UNIX server for housing 
the NPIC web site, information base (repository of electronic pesticide 
information), and related software (e.g., Apache Web server, Oracle 
data base) capable of supporting the needs of NPIC. Also, including the 
implementation and management of a firewall to provide a high-level of 
security for NPIC computers, data, and information.
     Broad, multidisciplinary experience in knowledge of 
pesticide, uses, formulations, toxicity, health and environmental 
effects, and disposal and considerable experience and knowledge in the 
Federal statutes, e.g., FIFRA, FFDCA, and FQPA, involving OPP, 
including risk assessment, water quality, food safety, and OPP's entire 
regulatory process.
     Demonstrated experience and expertise with all pesticides 
(including antimicrobials and biopesticides), pesticide-related issues 
and pesticide regulations.
     Experience with the medical community, health care 
providers, poison control centers and others including all levels of 
government that are involved in the diagnostic and crisis management 
concerning human and domestic animal poisonings.
    c. Staffing requirements:
     The university/college will consist of a project director; 
co-principal investigators; a project coordinator; and core staff.
     The university/college must have a physician with 
extensive knowledge in medical/clinical toxicology and pesticides. This 
individual must be able to demonstrate the ability to handle pesticide 
cases of clinical importance or unexpected outcome and also be able to 
interpret human health information in the context of the regulatory 
risk assessment process. This physician must be well-versed in the 
major federal/state statutes governing the use of pesticides in the 
United States. Also, it is strongly preferred this physician be 
physically located on the same campus as NPIC.
     The university/college must have the ability to adequately 
handle spanish speaking inquiries; therefore, they must demonstrate an 
ability to present and provide all pertinent pesticide information in 
spanish.
    ii. National Pesticide Medical Monitoring Program (NPMMP):
    a. Academic experience requirements:
     A university containing one or more of the following: 
School of Medicine; School of Public Health; School of Veterinary 
Medicine; and/or College of Allied Sciences.
     Documented experience and expertise in four or more of the 
following disciplines: Epidemiology; occupational health; emergency 
medicine; industrial hygiene; environmental health; agricultural 
health; pesticide toxicology; animal toxicology; risk assessment; and 
health education.
     Documented experience and expertise in three or more of 
the following: Environmental biology; agricultural ecology; agronomy; 
horticulture; environmental chemistry; extension service; IPM; genetic 
engineering; gene research; water quality; and food safety.
     Documented experience and expertise in survey design and 
bio-statistics.
     Documented experience and expertise in marketing; 
outreach; communications; and IT/IM.
     Documented experience and expertise in basic toxicology; 
clinical toxicology; and clinical laboratory analyses.
    b. Technical experience requirements:
     Broad, multidisciplinary experience in knowledge of 
pesticide, uses, formulations, toxicity, health and environmental 
effects, and disposal and considerable experience and knowledge in the 
Federal statutes, e.g., FIFRA, FFDCA, FQPA, involving OPP, including 
risk assessment, water quality, food safety, and OPP's entire 
regulatory process.
     Demonstrated experience and expertise with all 
pesticides(including antimicrobials and biopesticides), pesticide-
related issues and pesticide regulations.
     Experience with the medical community, health care 
providers, poison control centers and others including all levels of 
government that are involved in the diagnostic and crisis management 
concerning human and domestic animal pesticide poisonings.
     Has published on the topic of pesticide poisonings and 
other pesticide-related issues.
     Experience with the migrant worker health problems, 
especially as it relates to pesticides, as well as, other under served 
occupational populations.
    c. Staffing requirements:
     The university/college will consist of a principal 
investigator and appropriate staff.
     The university/college must have a physician with 
extensive knowledge in medical/clinical toxicology and pesticides. This 
individual must be able to demonstrate the ability to handle pesticide 
cases of clinical importance or unexpected outcome and also be able to 
interpret human health information in the context of the regulatory 
risk assessment process. This physician must be well-versed in the 
major federal/state statutes governing the use of pesticides in the 
United States. Also, it is strongly preferred this physician be 
physically located on the same campus as NPIC and have a working 
knowledge of the overall mission and objectives of NPIC.

D. Authority

    EPA expects to enter into cooperative agreements under the 
authority provided in FIFRA section 20 which authorizes the Agency to 
issue grants or cooperative agreements for research, public education, 
training, monitoring, demonstration, and studies. Regulations governing 
these cooperative agreements are found at 40 CFR part 30 for 
institutions of higher education, colleges and universities, and non-
profit organizations; and 40 CFR part 31 for states and local 
governments. In addition, the provisions in 40 CFR part 32, governing 
government wide debarment and suspension; and the provisions in 40 CFR 
part 40, regarding restrictions on lobbying apply. All costs incurred 
under this program must be allowable under the applicable OMB Cost 
Circulars: A-87 (states and local governments), A-122 (nonprofit 
organizations), or A-21 (universities). Copies of these circulars can 
be found athttp://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. In accordance with 
EPA policy and the OMB circulars, as appropriate, any recipient of 
funding must agree not to use assistance funds for lobbying, fund-
raising, or political activities (e.g., lobbying members of Congress or 
lobbying for other Federal grants, cooperative agreements, or 
contracts). See 40 CFR part 40.

E. Activities to be Funded

    The cooperative agreements will fund activities that fulfill the 
objectives of the NPIC and NPMMP.
    1. NPIC. The objectives of the NPIC are as follows:
     To operate a toll-free telephone service providing a 
variety of accurate, impartial pesticide information to callers in the 
United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, in real time. The

[[Page 51838]]

project will operate Monday through Sunday, 10 hours daily. A recording 
device will be provided to capture off-hour calls.
     To provide access to NPIC and pesticide-related 
information through a state of the art World Wide Web site and e-mail.
     To serve as a source of factual unbiased information on 
pesticide chemistry, toxicology, and environmental fate to all 
inquiries, including industry, government, medical, agricultural 
sector, news media, as well as the general public.
     To provide the medical community with diagnostic and 
crisis management assistance involving pesticide incidents in 
situations pertaining to both human and animal patients.
     To acquire accurate and complete information on all 
inquiries considered to be pesticide incidents.
     To computerize all inquiry information as well as 
pesticide incident data for easy retrieval.
    2. NPMMP. The objectives of the NPMMP are as follows:
     To make information pertaining to both the clinical and 
basic toxicology of pesticides available to all inquiries from the 
United States.
     To provide written information on pesticide toxicology, 
when available and requested, to respond to inquiries.
     To provide quantitative laboratory measurements of 
pesticides in environmental samples, as well as in select cases, in 
biological samples of exposed human beings.
     To define inquiries and incidents relating to human 
pesticide exposures.
     To develop and maintain computer access to toxicology 
databases including Toxline (National Library of Medicine), Poisindex 
(Micromedex), SciFinder Scholar, etc.
     To expand the library of basic and clinical toxicology 
journals, reports of industry and government, textbooks, and other 
paper and electronic resources pertaining to pesticides and their 
impact on human health.

F. Technical Proposals

    1. NPIC. The technical proposal should fully describe an approach 
to fulfilling the objectives of NPIC. It should include but not be 
limited to:
     Administrative and operational infrastructure that will 
support NPIC' s goal and objectives.
     The establishment of quality assurance/quality control 
procedures for, training of pesticide specialists; information 
materials created and distributed by NPIC; information collected on all 
calls; and information acquired for use in answering inquiries from the 
public.
     Training of specialists in all areas of pesticide 
information, regulations, pesticide toxicology, risk assessment, etc., 
and especially relating this information to the public.
     Total estimated budget by cost category, e g., personnel, 
travel, equipment, supplies, contractual services, and most important--
indirect rate and costs.
     Other management techniques and procedures necessary to 
ensure the quality and timeliness of all objectives.
     A complete description of the qualifications of each 
selected NPIC staff member.
Sample tasks
    Prepare a description of the optimal approach to each task, 
including a working definition of anticipated problems, a description 
of specific features of the approach to the task, specific staff 
personnel involved, timing and logistical considerations, estimated 
resource requirements, and expected work products. Avoid generalized 
statements, e.g., following established procedures.
     Task 1: Develop a plan to handle calls/inquiries from the 
general public and medical community involving pesticide incidents, 
e.g., alleged pesticide-related health concerns, pesticide exposures, 
whereby expertise in medicine and pesticide toxicology is required. 
Include all benefits realized by NPIC.
     Task 2: Develop a written and schematic plan that 
illustrates a comprehensive computer infrastructure and state of the 
art World Wide Web site that will adequately meet the requirements of 
NPIC presently and in the future.
     Task 3. Develop a plan to respond to the activities funded 
by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, (Section 33(c)(3)(B)), 
Worker Protection, that will enhance current scientific and regulatory 
activities related to worker protection. This plan should include, but 
not be limited to staffed positions that:
    -- Respond to calls received from around the country during the 
agricultural work day, as well as during evening and weekend hours.
    -- Have the ability to respond to calls in English and in Spanish.
    -- Have access to translation services to handle calls in Haitian, 
Creole, and Asian languages.
    -- Have the ability to make referrals to relevant health services, 
when appropriate.
    -- Have the ability to make referrals to state enforcement 
agencies, when appropriate.
    -- Have the ability to aggregate call and referral information/data 
into reports which may be distributed to various organizations involved 
in the overall Worker Protection effort.
    2. NPMMP. The technical proposal should fully describe an approach 
to fulfilling the objectives of NPMMP. It should include but not be 
limited to:
     Administrative and operational infrastructure that will 
support NPMMP's goal and objectives.
     The establishment of quality assurance/quality control 
procedures for information materials created and distributed by NPMMP; 
information collected on all calls; and information acquired for use in 
answering inquiries from the public.
     Total estimated budget by cost category, e g., personnel, 
travel, equipment, supplies, contractual services, and specifics on how 
laboratory dollars should be allocated.
     Other management techniques and procedures necessary to 
ensure the quality and timeliness of all objectives.
     A complete description of the qualifications of each 
selected NPMMP staff member.
Sample tasks
    Prepare a description of the optimal approach to each task, 
including a working definition of anticipated problems, a description 
of specific features of the approach to the task, specific staff 
personnel involved, timing and logistical considerations, estimated 
resource requirements, and expected work products. Avoid generalized 
statements, e.g., following established procedures.
     Task 1. Develop a detailed plan on how to handle a call 
received from an individual reporting the following information: A 
private pesticide company treated the individuals home for ants and 
crickets and applied an organophosphate pesticide which the applicator 
said was extremely safe and could be applied while the family and pet 
cat was present. When questioned about the product being applied, the 
applicator refused to provide any additional information except that he 
had being using these products for years and was never ill from them. 
The caller explained that the application was made throughout the 
entire house and some carpets and furniture were actually soaked with 
the material. The caller also reported that within 24 hours she and her 
and two children were all complaining of headaches and dizziness, and 
that the 2-year child appeared to show an overall weakness.

[[Page 51839]]

 In addition, her cat was acting lethargic. The caller did not know 
whether they could all be getting the flu or whether it was really 
related to the pesticide treatment.
     Task 2: Develop a plan that will provide an efficient 
outreach method in order to better reach health care providers and 
other public health professionals in the services and findings provided 
by the NPMMP including the cost for such a project.

G. Award and Distribution of Funds

    1. Available funding--i. NPIC. The funding for the selected award 
project is in the form of a cooperative agreement awarded under FIFRA 
section 20. The total funding available for award for NPIC in FY 2005 
is expected to be approximately $1,475,000. At the conclusion of the 
first 1 year period of performance, incremental funding of up to 
$1,500,000 may be made available for each year allowing the project to 
continue for a total of 5 years and totaling up to $8,000,000 to 
$9,000,000 for the 5-year period, depending on the Agency budget in 
outlying years.
    ii. NPMMP. The funding for the selected award project is in the 
form of a cooperative agreement awarded under FIFRA section 20. The 
total funding available for award for the Medical Monitoring project in 
FY 2005 is expected to be approximately $150,000. At the conclusion of 
the first 1 year period of performance, incremental funding of up to 
$150,000 may be available for each year allowing the project to 
continue for a total of 5 years and totaling up to $750,000 for the 5-
year period, depending on the Agency's budget in outlying years.
    Should additional funding become available for award, the Agency 
may make available additional funds under the cooperative agreements 
based on the solicitation and in accordance with the final selection 
process, without further notice of competition.
    2. Evaluation process and criteria--i.NPIC. Applicants will be 
screened to ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria and will be 
disqualified if they do not meet all eligibility criteria. All eligible 
proposals will be reviewed, evaluated, and ranked by a selected panel 
of EPA reviewers based on the following evaluation criteria and weights 
(Total: 100 points):
    Technical proposal(see Unit III.F.1. for details)----(Weighting: 30 
points)
    Academic experience(see Unit III.C.2.i.a. for details)----
(Weighting: 15 points)
    Technical experience(see Unit III.C.2.i.b. for details)----
(Weighting: 25 points)
    Sample Tasks(see Unit III.F.1. details)----(Weighting: 30 points, 
each task is worth 10 points)
    ii. NPMMP. Applicants will be screened to ensure that they meet all 
eligibility criteria and will be disqualified if they do not meet all 
eligibility criteria. All proposals will be reviewed, evaluated, and 
ranked by a selected panel of EPA reviewers based on the following 
evaluation criteria and weights (Total: 100 points):
     Technical proposal(see Unit III.F.2. for details)----
(Weighting: 30 points)
     Academic experience (see III.C.2.ii.a. for details)----
(Weighting: 15 points)
     Technical experience(see III.C.2.iii.b. for details)----
(Weighting: 25 points)
     Sample tasks(see Unit III.F.2. for details)----(Weighting: 
30 points, each task is worth 15 points)
    3. Selection official. For both NPIC and NPMMP, the funding 
decision will be made from the group of top rated proposals by the 
Division Director of the Information Resources and Services Division, 
Office of Pesticide Programs. The Agency reserves the right to reject 
all proposals and make no awards.
    4. Dispute resolution process. The procedures for dispute 
resolution at 40 CFR 30.63 and 40 CFR 31.70 apply.

H. Application Requirements

    The following application requirements apply for both NPIC and 
NPMMP projects.
    1. Content requirements. Proposals must be typewritten, double 
spaced in 12 point or larger print using 8.5 x 11 inch paper with 
minimum 1 inch horizontal and vertical margins. Pages must be numbered 
in order starting with the cover page and continuing through the 
appendices. One original and one electronic copy (e-mail or disk) is 
required.
    All proposals must include:
     Completed Standard Form SF 424*, Application for Federal 
Assistance. Please include organization fax number and e-mail address. 
The application forms are available on line athttp://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm.
     Completed Section B--Budget Categories, on page 1 of 
Standard Form SF 424A* (see allowable costs discussion below). Blank 
forms may be located athttp://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm.
     Detailed itemization of the amounts budgeted by individual 
Object Class Categories (see allowable costs discussion below).
     Statement regarding whether this proposal is a 
continuation of a previously funded project. If so, please provide the 
assistance number and status of the current grant/cooperative 
agreement.
     Executive Summary. The Executive Summary shall be a stand 
alone document, not to exceed one page, containing the specifics of 
what is proposed and what you expect to accomplish regarding measuring 
or movement toward achieving project goals. This summary should 
identify the measurable environmental results you expect including 
potential human health and ecological benefits.
     Table of contents. A one page table listing the different 
parts of your proposal and the page number on which each part begins.
     Proposal narrative. Includes Parts I-V as identified below 
(not to exceed 10 pages).
     Part I--Project title. Self explanatory.
     Part II--Objectives. A numbered list (1, 2, etc.) of 
concisely written project objectives, in most cases, each objective can 
be stated in a single sentence.
     Part III--Justification. For each objective listed in Part 
II, discuss the potential outcome in terms of human health, 
environmental and/or pesticide risk reduction.
     Part IV--Approach and methods. Describe in detail how the 
program will be carried out. Describe how the system or approach will 
support the program goals.
     Part V--Impact assessment. Please state how you will 
evaluate the success of the program in terms of measurable results. How 
and with what measures will humans be better protected as a result of 
the program.
    2. Appendices. These appendices must be included in the cooperative 
agreement proposal. Additional appendices are not permitted.
    3. Timetable. A timetable that includes what will be accomplished 
under each of the objectives during the project and when completion of 
each objective is anticipated.
    4. Major participants. List all affiliates or other organizations, 
educators, trainers and others having a major role in the proposal. 
Provide name, organizational affiliation or occupation and a 
description of the role each will play in the project. A brief resume 
(not to exceed two pages) should be submitted for each major project 
manager, educator, support staff, or other major participant.
    5. Allowable costs. EPA grant funds may only be used for the 
purposes set forth in the cooperative agreement, and

[[Page 51840]]

must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. 
Cooperative agreement funds may not be used for matching funds for 
other Federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory 
or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used 
to sue the Federal government or any other governmental entity. All 
costs identified in the budget must conform to applicable Federal Cost 
Principles contained in OMB Circular A-87; A-122; and A-21, as 
appropriate.
    4. Federal requirements for recipients. All applicants should be 
aware that formal requests for assistance (i.e., SF 424 and associated 
documentation) may be subject to intergovernmental review under 
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.'' Applicants should contact their state's single point of 
contact (SPOC) for further information. There is a list of these 
contacts at the following web site:http:/whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

I. Application Procedures

    1. Submission instructions. You may submit an application through 
the mail, by fax, or electronically. Regardless of submission method, 
all applications must be received by EPA on or before September 22, 
2004.
    As indicated above, each application must include the original 
paper copy of the submission, along with one electronic copy. The 
electronic copy of your application package, should be consolidated 
into a single file, and that you use Word Perfect WP8/9 for Windows, or 
Adobe pdf 4/5. Please check your electronic submissions to ensure that 
it does not contain any computer viruses.
    Submit your application using one of the following methods:
    By mail to: Frank L. Davido, Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Information Resources and Services Division, Mail code 7502C, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460.
    By fax to: Frank Davido at fax number: (703) 305-4646.
    By e-mail to: [email protected].
    2. Notification process. The NPIC/NPMMP Project Officer, Frank L. 
Davido, Public Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information 
Resources and Services Division, in OPP will mail an acknowledgment to 
applicants upon receipt of the application. Once all of the 
applications have been reviewed, evaluated, and ranked, applicants will 
be notified of the outcome of the two competitions. A listing of the 
successful proposals will be posted on the www.epa.gov/pesticides 
website at the conclusion of the competition. The website may also 
contain additional information about this announcement including 
information concerning deadline extensions or other modifications.

J. Recipient Reporting Requirements

    1. NPIC. The recipient will submit monthly, quarterly, an annual 
reports to the EPA Project Officer. The monthly and quarterly reports 
are due within 30 days after each reporting period. The monthly reports 
will include:
     A summary of number of calls for the month by major call 
group.
     A summary of pesticides from a certainty index 
classification, only those considered as definite/probable (certainty 
index classification and procedures will be provided to the recipient).
     Detailed summaries of those calls classified as definite 
and probable.
     A listing of the top 10 active ingredients involved in 
NPIC calls, including the incident calls.
     Issues of concern (possible trends/issues).
     Unusual events.
    The quarterly reports should include: Work status; work progress; 
difficulties encountered; preliminary data results and a statement of 
activity anticipated during the subsequent reporting period, including 
a description of equipment, techniques, and materials to be used or 
evaluated. A discussion of expenditures along with a comparison of the 
percentage of the project completed to the project schedule and an 
explanation of significant discrepancies shall be included in the 
report. The report should also include any changes of key personnel 
concerned with the project. The annual report will be of high quality 
and submitted within 3 months after the reporting period. At minium, it 
should include an executive summary; project mission statement; NPIC 
update (inquiry update, achievements, personnel up date, facilities); 
and traffic report (details will be provided to the recipient). In 
addition, a separate financial report is required annually. It will 
include an annual accounting, a quarter, and monthly expenditures by 
budget categories, e.g., personnel, travel, and supplies. Financial 
reports/accounting can also be requested at any time.
    The Project Officer may request additional information relative to 
the scope of work in the cooperative agreement which may be useful for 
Agency reporting under the Government Performance and Results Act.
    2. NPMMP. The recipient will submit quarterly and an annual reports 
to the EPA Project Officer. The quarterly reports are due within 30 
days after each reporting period. The quarterly reports should include: 
Work status; work progress; a description of inquiries and incidents 
relating to human pesticide incidents/exposures; unusual exposure 
scenarios cases and misapplications; difficulties encountered; 
preliminary data results and a statement of activity anticipated during 
the subsequent reporting period, including a description of equipment, 
techniques, and materials to be used or evaluated. A discussion of 
expenditures along with a comparison of the percentage of the project 
completed to the project schedule and an explanation of significant 
discrepancies shall be included in the report. The report should also 
include any changes of key personnel concerned with the project. The 
annual report will be of high quality and submitted within 3 months 
after the reporting period. At minium, it should include an executive 
summary; project mission statement; NPMMP update (inquiry update, 
achievements, personnel up date, facilities); and traffic report 
(details will be provided to the recipient). In addition, a separate 
financial report is required annually. It will include an annual 
accounting, a quarter, and monthly expenditures by budget categories, 
e.g., personnel, travel, and supplies. Financial reports/accounting can 
also be requested at any time.
    The Project Officer may request additional information relative to 
the scope of work in the cooperative agreement which may be useful for 
Agency reporting under the Government Performance and Results Act.

IV. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

    Grant solicitations such as this are considered rules for the 
purpose of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). 
The CRA generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the 
agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes 
a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the 
Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report 
containing this grant solicitation and other required information to 
the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller 
General of the United States prior to its publication in the Federal 
Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).

[[Page 51841]]

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Grants, Pesticides, Training.


    Dated: August 12, 2004.
Susan B. Hazen,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and 
Toxic Substances.
[FR Doc. 04-19232 Filed 8-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S