[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 160 (Thursday, August 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45261-45265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21505]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic 
Substances and Disease Registry
[Program Announcement 00017]


Public Health Conference Support Grant Program (Includes HIV 
Prevention); Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency 
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announce the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2000 funds for a grant program for 
Public Health Conference Support (Includes HIV Prevention). This 
program addresses the following ``Healthy People 2000'' priority 
area(s) for CDC and ATSDR, with the exceptions of Mental Health, and 
Substance Abuse.
    CDC priority areas are; Physical Activity and Fitness; Nutrition; 
Tobacco; Violent and Abusive Behavior; Unintentional Injuries; 
Occupational Safety and Health; Environmental Health; Oral Health; 
Maternal and Infant Health; Heart Disease and Stroke; Cancer; Diabetes 
and Chronic Disabling Conditions; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Human 
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Immunization and Infectious Disease. 
Conferences on Mental Health and Substance Abuse should be directed to 
other Federal Agencies.
    The purpose of conference support funding is to provide PARTIAL 
support for specific non-federal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information and education programs, 
and applied research.
    Because conference support by CDC/ATSDR creates the appearance of 
CDC/ATSDR co-sponsorship, there will be active participation by CDC/
ATSDR in the development and approval of the conference agenda. CDC/
ATSDR funds will be expended only for approved portions of the 
conference.
    The mission of CDC is to promote health and quality of life by 
preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
    CDC supports local, State, academic, national, and international 
health efforts to prevent unnecessary disease, disability, and 
premature death, and to improve the quality of life. This support often 
takes the form of education, and the transfer of high quality research 
findings and public health strategies and practices through symposia, 
seminars, and workshops. Through the support of conferences and 
meetings in the areas of public health research, education, prevention 
research in program and policy development in managed care and 
prevention application, CDC is meeting its overall goal of 
dissemination and implementation of new cost-effective intervention 
strategies.
    ATSDR priority areas are: (1) health effects of hazardous 
substances in the environment; (2) disease and toxic substance exposure 
registries; (3) hazardous substance removal and remediation; (4) 
emergency response to toxic and environmental disasters; (5) risk 
communication; (6) environmental disease surveillance; and (7) 
investigation and research on hazardous substances in the environment.
    The mission of ATSDR is to prevent exposure and adverse human 
health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure 
to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other 
sources of pollution present in the environment.
    ATSDR's systematic approaches are needed for linking applicable 
resources in public health with individuals and organizations involved 
in the practice of applying such research. Mechanisms are also needed 
to shorten the time frame between the development of disease prevention 
and health promotion techniques and their practical application. ATSDR 
believes that conferences and similar meetings that permit individuals 
to engage in hazardous substances and environmental health research, 
education, and application (related to actual and/or potential human 
exposure to toxic substances) to interact, are critical for the 
development and implementation of effective programs to prevent adverse 
health effects from hazardous substances.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications for CDC support may be submitted by public and private 
non-profit organizations. Public and private non-profit entities 
include but are not limited to State and local governments or their 
bona fide agents, voluntary associations, foundations, civic groups, 
scientific or professional associations, universities, and Federally-
recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal 
organizations.
    ONLY Conferences planned for May 01, 2000 through April 30, 2001 
are eligible to apply under this announcement.

    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages 
in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds 
constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, 
or any other form.

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

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $900,000 is available from CDC in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately 35 to 45 awards. It is expected that the average award 
will be $20,000. Funding estimates may change. For FY 2000 awards will 
be made for three cycles A, B & C each for a 12-month budget period 
within a 12-month project period. See (Appendix 3) for suggested dates 
of when to apply for funds. No awards will be made during a cycle 
between the LOI due date and the Award Date unless approved by the 
awarding office.
    State and local health departments applying for HIV prevention 
conference support funds may only apply under Category 2 (See Appendix 
4 Applications Content for HIV Applicants).
    Approximately $50,000 is available from ATSDR in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately six awards. It is expected

[[Page 45262]]

that the average award will be $8,000, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. 
It is expected that the awards will begin on or about thirty days 
before the date of the conference and will be made for a 12-month 
budget period within a 12-month project period. Funding estimates may 
change.

Use of Funds

    a. CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: 
Salaries; speaker fees (for services rendered); rental of necessary 
conference related equipment; registration fees; and transportation 
costs (not to exceed economy class fare) for non-Federal individuals.
    b. CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for only those parts of the 
conference specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in the 
grant award.
    c. CDC and ATSDR funds may NOT be used for the purchase of 
equipment; payments of honoraria (for conferring distinction); 
alterations or renovations; organizational dues; support entertainment 
or personal expenses; food or snack breaks; cost of travel and payment 
of a Federal employee; per diem or expenses other than local mileage 
for local participants. Travel for CDC/ATSDR employees will be 
supported by CDC/ATSDR. Travel for other Federal employees will be 
supported by their respective agencies. When certain meals are an 
integral and necessary part of a conference (i.e., working meal where 
business is transacted and/or a bonafide business product is produced), 
grant funds may be used for such meals (Where meals and/or lodgings are 
furnished without charge or at a nominal cost, e.g., as part of the 
registration fee, the proposed per diem or subsistence allowance will 
take this into consideration.).
    d. CDC and ATSDR funds may NOT be used for reimbursement of 
indirect costs.
    e. CDC and ATSDR will NOT fund 100 percent of any conference 
proposed under this announcement. Part of the cost of the proposed 
conference must be supported with other than Federal funds.
    f. CDC and ATSDR will NOT fund a conference after it has taken 
place.
    g. Although the practice of handing out novelty items at meetings 
is often employed in the private sector to provide participants with 
souvenirs, Federal funds cannot be used for this purpose.
Funding Preference
For HIV Applicants Only
    Preference may be given to:
    a. Conferences sponsored by organizations that serve high-risk 
populations especially populations and geographic areas that are under-
served.
    b. Applications consistent with the CDC national goal of assisting 
in building and maintaining State, local, and community infrastructure 
and technical capacity to carry out necessary HIV and STD prevention 
programs.
    No preference will be given to organizations that have received 
funding in past years.

D. Program Requirements

    CDC and ATSDR grantees must meet the following requirements:
    1. The conference organizer(s) may use CDC's/ATSDR's name only in 
factual publicity for the conference and should understand that CDC/
ATSDR involvement in the conference does not necessarily indicate 
support for the organizer's general policies, activities, or products 
or the content of speakers' presentations.
    2. Any conference sponsored by CDC shall be held in facilities that 
are fully accessible to the public as required by the Americans with 
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Accessibility under 
ADAAG addresses accommodations for persons with sensory impairments as 
well as persons with physical disabilities or mobility limitations. The 
Director, or his/her designee, of the CIO(s) providing funds or 
approving CDC sponsorship of a conference must assure that the proposed 
meeting facilities comply with ADAAG.
    3. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, attendees, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speaker's fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of 
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC or ATSDR 
project personnel.
    4. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to CDC or ATSDR for approval. All but 10% of the total funds 
awarded for the proposed conference will be restricted pending approval 
of a full final agenda by CDC or ATSDR. The remaining 90% of funds will 
be released by letter to the grantee upon that approval. CDC and ATSDR 
reserve the right to terminate co-sponsorship at any time.
    5. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press, etc.). CDC or ATSDR must review 
and approve any materials with reference to CDC or ATSDR involvement or 
support.
    6. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitee, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and handouts, badges, registration procedures, etc.).
    7. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    8. If the proposed conference is or includes a satellite broadcast:
    (i) Provide individual, on-camera rehearsals for all presenters,
    (ii) Provide at least one full dress rehearsal involving the 
moderator, all presenters, equipment, visuals, and practice telephone 
calls at least one day before the actual broadcast and as close to the 
actual broadcast time as possible,
    (iii) Provide full scripting and Teleprompter use for the moderator 
and all presenters,
    (iv) Select a professional moderator. Analyze data from conference 
activities that pertain to the impact on prevention. Adequately assess 
increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target audience.
    9. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the 
impact of prevention. Adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, 
and behaviors of the target audience.
    10. ATSDR grantees must collaborate with ATSDR staff in reporting 
and disseminating results and relevant prevention education and 
training information to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, 
and the general public.

E. Application Content

    Note: HIV applicants go to Appendix 4.
Letter of Intent (LOI)
    Interested applicants are required to submit an original and two 
copies of a two to three-page in-depth typewritten Letter of Intent 
(LOI). Upon review of the LOI's, CDC or ATSDR will extend written 
invitations to perspective applicants to submit applications. CDC or 
ATSDR will accept applications by invitation only. Availability of 
funds may limit the number of applicants, regardless of merit, that 
receive an invitation to submit applications. The LOI should 
specifically describe the following required information:
    1. Title of the proposed conference--include the term 
``conference,'' ``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or similar designation;
    2. Location of conference--city, state, and physical facilities 
required for the conduct of the meeting;
    3. Expected registration--the intended audience, approximate number 
and profession of persons expected to attend;
    4. Date(s) of conference--inclusive dates of conference (LOIs 
without date

[[Page 45263]]

of conference will be considered non-responsive to this program 
announcement and returned to the applicant without review);
    5. Summary of conference format, projected agenda (including list 
of principal areas or topics to be addressed), including speakers or 
facilitator. In addition, information should be provided about all 
other national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or 
similar subject during the last three years; and
    6. Justification of the conference, including the problems it 
intends to clarify and the developments it may stimulate.
    Also include the name of the organization, primary contact person's 
name, mailing address, telephone number, and if available, fax number 
and e-mail address. The LOI must include the estimated total cost of 
the conference and the percentage of the total cost (which must be less 
than 100%) being requested from CDC or ATSDR. Requests for 100 percent 
funding will be considered non-responsive to this program announcement 
and will be returned to the applicant without review. Current 
recipients of CDC and ATSDR funding must provide the award number and 
title of their funded programs. No Appendixes, booklets, or other 
documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. An invitation to 
submit an application will be made on the basis of the proposed 
conference's relationship, as outlined in the LOI, to the CDC or ATSDR 
funding priorities and availability of funds. LOIs should be provided 
by over night mail service, or U.S. postal service.
    THE THREE PAGE LIMITATION (INCLUSIVE OF LETTERHEAD AND SIGNATURES) 
MUST BE OBSERVED OR THE LETTER OF INTENT WILL BE RETURNED WITHOUT 
REVIEW.

Application

(HIV applicants go to Appendix 4 for HIV application content.)
    A letter of intent (LOI) is required for this Program Announcement. 
Applicants may apply to CDC or ATSDR for conference support only after 
their LOI has been reviewed by CDC and ATSDR and a written invitation, 
including an application form, has been received by the prospective 
applicant. An invitation to submit an application does not constitute a 
commitment on the part of CDC or ATSDR to fund the application.
    In addition to the following required information, use the 
information in the Program Requirements and Evaluation Criteria 
sections to develop the application content.
    1. A project summary cover sheet that includes:
    (a) Name of organization.
    (b) Name of conference.
    (c) Location of conference.
    (d) Date(s) of conference.
    (e) Intended audience and number.
    (f) Dollar amount requested.
    (g) Total conference budget amount.
    2. A brief background of the organization--include the 
organizational history, purpose, and previous experience related to the 
proposed conference topic.
    3. A clear statement of the need for and purpose of the conference. 
This statement should also describe any problems the conference will 
address or seek to solve, and the action items or resolutions it may 
stimulate.
    4. An elaboration on the conference objectives and target audience. 
A list should be included of the principal areas or topics to be 
addressed. A proposed or final agenda must be included.
    5. A clear description of the evaluation plan and how it will 
assess the accomplishments of the conference objectives. A sample of 
the evaluation instrument that will be used must be included.
    6. A step-by-step schedule and detailed operation plan of major 
conference planning activities necessary to attain specified 
objectives.
    7. Biographical sketches are required for the individuals 
responsible for planning and implementing the conference. Experience 
and training related to conference planning and implementation as it 
relates to the proposed topic should be noted.
    8. Letters of endorsement or support--Letters of endorsement or 
support for the sponsoring organization and its capability to perform 
the proposed conference activity.
    9. Budget plan and justification--A clearly justified budget 
narrative that is consistent with the purpose, objectives, and 
operation plan of the conference. This will consist of a budget that 
includes the share requested from CDC or ATSDR as well as those funds 
from other sources, including organizations, institutions, conference 
income and/or registration fees.
    The narrative should be no more than 12 double-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and 12-point font. Pages 
must be clearly numbered, and a complete index to the application and 
its appendices must be included. The original and two required copies 
of the application must be submitted UNSTAPLED AND UNBOUND. Materials 
which should be part of the basic plan should not be in the appendices.

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI), Letter of Intent Due Dates: Cycle A: October 1, 
1999 For conferences May 1, 2000-April 30,2001
Cycle B: January 3, 2000, For Conferences August 1, 2000-July 31, 2001
    Cycle C: April 3, 2000, For Conferences November 1, 2000-September 
30, 2001
    On or before October 1, 1999, January 3, 2000, or April 3, 2000, 
applicant must submit an original and two (2) copies of the LOI to the 
Grants Management Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain 
Additional Information'' section of this announcement.

Application

    Applicant invited to apply should submit the original and two 
copies of PHS application form 5161-1, revised 7/92 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are in the application kit with the letter inviting 
submission for one of these three dates.

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Earliest possible award
           Application due dates                        dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYCLE A: December 13, 1999................  April 1, 2000
CYCLE B: March 13, 2000...................  July 1, 2000
CYCLE C: June 16, 2000....................  September 30, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applications with a conference date that occurs within sixty days 
of date of submission of application will be considered non-responsive.
    Submit the application to the Grants Management Specialist 
identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of 
this announcement.
    Deadline: Letters of Intent and Applications shall be considered as 
meeting the deadline if they are either:
    (1) Received on or before the date, or
    (2) Postmarked on or before the deadline date and received in time 
for orderly processing. (Applicants must request a legibly dated U.S. 
Postal Service Postmark or obtain a legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered 
postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
    (3) Late Applications: Applications, which do not meet the criteria 
in (1) or (2) above, are considered late

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applications, will not be considered, and will be returned to the 
applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    (HIV applicants go to Appendix 5 for Evaluation criteria)
Letter of Intent
    A conference is a symposium, seminar, workshop, or any other 
organized and formal meeting lasting portions of 1 or more days, where 
persons assemble to exchange information and views or explore or 
clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge, whether or 
not a published report results from such meeting. The conference should 
support CDC or ATSDR's public health principles in furtherance of CDC's 
mission or ATSDR's mission.

Application

    CDC and ATSDR Public Health Conference Support Grant Program 
applications are each objectively reviewed utilizing the following 
evaluation criteria:
    Section 1.a., is ATSDR specific
    Section 1.b., is CDC specific
    Section 1.c., and all other sections in these criteria are 
applicable to both CDC and ATSDR,
    except for HIV Prevention (see Appendix 5)
    1. PROPOSED PROGRAM AND TECHNICAL APPROACH (25 points)
    a. The public health significance of the proposed conference 
including the degree to which the conference can be expected to 
influence the prevention of exposure and adverse human health effects 
and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous 
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases and other sources of 
pollution present in the environment. (Applicable to ATSDR applications 
only).
    b. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it 
relates to specific non-Federal conferences in the areas of health 
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs (except 
mental health, and substance abuse), including the public health need 
of the proposed conference and the degree to which the conference can 
be expected to influence public health practices. Evaluation will be 
based also on the extent of the applicant's collaboration with other 
organizations serving the intended audience. (Applicable to all CDC 
applications except ATSDR and HIV.)
    c. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan.
    2. APPLICANT'S CAPABILITY (10 points)
    Adequacy of applicants' resources (additional sources of funding, 
organization's strengths, staff time, proposed physical facilities, 
etc.) available for conducting conference activities.
    3. THE QUALIFICATION OF PROGRAM PERSONNEL (20 points)
    Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the application has 
described:
    a. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and his/her ability to devote adequate time and effort to 
provide effective leadership.
    b. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
speakers, and presenters to accomplish conference objectives.
    c. The degree to which the applicant demonstrates the knowledge of 
nationwide and educational efforts currently underway which may affect, 
and be affected by, the proposed conference.
    4. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES (25 points)
    a. The overall quality, reasonableness, feasibility, and logic of 
the designed conference objectives, including the overall work plan and 
timetable for accomplishment.
    b. The likelihood of accomplishing conference objectives as they 
relate to disease prevention and health promotion goals, and the 
feasibility of the project in terms of the operational plan.
    5. EVALUATION METHODS (20 points)
    Evaluation instrument(s) for the conference should adequately 
assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target 
audience.
    6. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION AND ADEQUACY OF FACILITIES (not scored)
    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness; concise and clear justification; and consistency with 
the intended use of grant funds. The application will also be reviewed 
as to the adequacy of existing or proposed facilities and resources for 
conducting conference activities.

H. Other Requirements

    Technical Reporting Requirements
    Provide the Grants Management Office with original plus two copies 
of:
    1. A Performance Report, or in lieu of a performance report, 
proceedings of the conference, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    2. A Financial Status Report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget/project period.
    Send all reports to:
    Julia L. Valentine, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, Koger Center, Colgate Bldg., 2920 Brandywine Road, MS E-15, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Appendix I.
    AR-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements.
    AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review.
    AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements.
    AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements.
    AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements.
    AR-11 Healthy People 2000.
    AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions.
    AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status.
    AR-20 Conference Support.

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    The CDC program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act, 
section 301 (42 U.S.C. 241, as amended). The Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
    The HIV Prevention program is authorized under the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 317 (k) (2) of the Public Health Service Act, as 
amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.941.
    The ATSDR program is authorized under sections 104(i) (14) and (15) 
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments 
and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), (42 U.S.C. 9604(i) (14) and 
(15)). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.161.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-
888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name and address and 
will be instructed to identify the Announcement number of interest. See 
also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/
forminfo.htm.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from:
    Julia L. Valentine, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease

[[Page 45265]]

Control and Prevention (CDC), Koger Center, Colgate Bldg., 2920 
Brandywine Road, MS E-15, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, Telephone (770) 
488-6871, Email address: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact: C.E. Criss Crissman, 
Resource Analysis Specialist, Office of the Director/Extramural 
Services Activity, Public Health Practice Program Office (PHPPO), 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, 
NE, MS K-38, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3714, Telephone (770) 488-2513, 
Email address [email protected].

    Dated: August 13, 1999.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 99-21505 Filed 8-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P