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Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program;
Notice of Availability of Funds
[Federal Register: January 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 7)]
[Notices]
[Page 1463-1467]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10ja03-58]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
[Program Announcement 03012]
Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program;
Notice of Availability of Funds
A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
The CDC program is authorized under section 317 (k) (2) of the
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241]
as amended. The Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
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 for
ATSDR.
B. 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) 2003 funds for a cooperative agreement
program for Public Health Conference Support. This program addresses
the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus areas of Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and
Chronic Back Conditions, Cancer, Diabetes, Disability and Secondary
Conditions, Educational and Community-Based Programs, Environmental
Health, Heart Disease and Stroke, Immunization and Infectious Diseases,
Injury and Violence Prevention, Maternal, Infant and Child Health,
Occupational Safety and Health, Oral Health, Physical Activity and
Fitness, Public Health Infrastructure, Respiratory Diseases, Sexually
Transmitted Diseases, and Tobacco Use. HIV Conferences are not
permitted under this announcement For a copy of ``Healthy People
2010,'' visit the Internet site http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
The purpose of conference support funding is to provide partial
support for specific non-Federal conferences (not a series) in the
areas of health promotion and disease prevention information and
education programs, and applied research.
Conference support by CDC/ATSDR creates the appearance of CDC/ATSDR
co-sponsorship and Congress has required that there will be active
participation by CDC/ATSDR in the development and approval of the
conference agenda to make sure there are no subjects that would
embarrass the Government or be an improper use of funds. CDC/ATSDR
funds will be expended only for approved portions of the conference.
The mission of CDC is to promote health and improve the quality of
life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
CDC supports faith-based organizations, local, Tribal, State,
academic, national, and international health efforts to prevent
unnecessary disease, disability, and premature death,
[[Page 1464]]
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 (not a
series) 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 focus 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 both exposure and adverse human
health effects that diminish the 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 (not a series) 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.
C. Eligible Applicants
Applications for CDC support may be submitted by public, private
non-profit, and faith-based organizations. Public and private non-
profit entities include State and local governments or their bona fide
agents, faith-based organizations, 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 July 1, 2003
through September 30, 2004 are eligible to apply under this
announcement.
Note: Title 2 of the United States Code, Chapter 26, Section
1611 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. Faith-based organizations are also
encouraged to apply.
D. Funding
Availability of Funds
Approximately $1,100,000 may be available from CDC in FY 2003 to
fund approximately 60 to 80 awards. It is expected that the average
award will be $20,000. For FY 2003, awards will be made for one cycle
with a 12-month budget period within a 12-month project period. Funding
estimates may change.
Approximately $50,000 is available from ATSDR in FY 2003 to fund
approximately six awards. It is expected 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 sixty 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
1. 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.
2. Funds may be used for only those parts of the conference
specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in the grant
award.
3. 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 for local participants (other than local mileage).
Travel for Federal employees will be supported by CDC/ATSDR. Travel for
other Federal employees will be supported by the employees' Federal
agency.
4. Funds may not be used for reimbursement of indirect costs.
5. 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.
6. CDC and ATSDR will not fund a conference after it has taken
place.
7. Federal funds may not be used to fund novelty items or
souvenirs.
E. Program Requirements
CDC and Recipient Activities
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. CDC/ATSDR involvement in the
conference does not necessarily indicate support for the organizer's
general policies, activities, products, or the content of speakers'
presentations.
2. Any conference co-sponsored under this announcement 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.
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 percent of the
total funds awarded for the proposed conference will be initially
restricted pending approval of a full,
[[Page 1465]]
final agenda by CDC or ATSDR. The remaining 90 percent of funds will be
released by letter to the grantee upon the approval of the final
agenda. 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, invitees,
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. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the
impact of prevention.
9. Adequately assess the increase of knowledge, and change in
attitudes, and behaviors of the target audience.
F. Content
Letter of Intent (LOI)
A letter of intent (LOI) is required for this Program Announcement.
Letter of Intent (LOI) instructions: Interested applicants are
required to submit an original and two copies of a two to three-page
in-depth, typewritten Letter of Intent (LOI). Use English only and
avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. Upon review of the LOIs, 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 that receive funding. The LOI should specifically describe
and will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Summary of conference format--projected agenda (including list
of principal areas or topics to be addressed), including speakers or
facilitator. Information should also be provided about all other
national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or similar
subject during the last three years. Include the following requirements
on the first page:
a. The name of the organization
b. Primary contact person's name
c. Mailing address
d. Telephone number and
e. If available, fax number and e-mail address (30 points)
2. Justification for the conference, including the problems it
intends to clarify and the developments it may stimulate, and a full
description of your organization's purpose, experience and mission. (25
Points)
3. Expected registration `` the intended audience, approximate
number, and profession of persons expected to attend. (15 points)
4. Date(s) of conference--inclusive dates (not a series) of
conference (LOIs without date of conference will be considered non-
responsive to this program announcement and returned to the applicant
without review). (15 points)
5. Location of city, state, and physical facilities required for
the conduct of the meeting. (10 points)
6. Title of the proposed conference--include the term
``conference,'' ``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or similar designation. (5
points)
The LOI must include the estimated total cost of the conference and
the percentage of the total cost (which must be less than 100 percent)
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. No appendices, 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 the availability of funds. LOIs
should be sent using overnight mail service, or U.S. postal service.
The three-page limitation, (inclusive of letterhead and Signatures)
must be observed or the LOI will be returned without review.
Applications
Applicants may apply to CDC or ATSDR for conference support only
after their LOI has been reviewed by CDC, 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 and a
step-by-step schedule and detailed operation plan of major conference
planning activities necessary to attain specified objectives.
6. 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.
7. Letters of endorsement or support--Letters of endorsement or
support for the sponsoring organization and its capability to perform
the proposed conference activity.
8. Budget plan and justification--A clearly justified budget
narrative that is consistent with the purpose, objectives, and
operation plan of the conference. The narrative will consist of a
budget that includes the share requested from this grant as well as
those funds from other sources, including organizations, institutions,
conference income, and/or registration fees.
General Instructions
The narrative should be longer than 12 double-spaced pages, printed
on one side, with one-inch margins, and 12-point font. Use English only
and avoid jargon and unusual abbreviations. 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 that are
part of the basic plan should not be in the appendices.
Send LOIs and Applications to: Technical Information Management
Section, PA03012, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2920
[[Page 1466]]
Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4146.
G. Submission and Deadline
For conferences July 1, 2003-Sept. 30, 2004
Letter of Intent (LOI) due date: March 1, 2003.
Application due date: May 1, 2003.
Expected Award date: July 1, 2003.
Submit an original and two signed copies of the LOI to the:
Technical Information Section PA03012, Procurement and Grants Office,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room
3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
Application Forms
Applicants invited to apply should also submit the original and two
copies of PHS form 5161-1, (OMB Number 0937-0189). Forms are in the
application kit. Forms are also available at: http://forms.psc.gov/
forms/PHS/PHS-5161-1.pdf.
Deadline
Filing deadlines have now been imposed for all conference support
grants, and dates should be strictly followed by applicants to ensure
that their LOI's are received in a timely manner.
There will be one conference support review this year and awards
will be made in the month of July, 2003.
If your conference dates fall between Oct 1, 2002 and June 30,
2003, you should have applied under the previous Program Announcement
02004, otherwise your LOI will be considered unresponsive to Program
Announcement 03012.
If your conference dates fall between July 1, 2003 to September 30,
2004, you should apply under this program announcement.
Letters of intent and applications shall be considered as meeting
the deadline if they are received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the
deadline date. Any applicant who sends their application by the United
States Postal Service or commercial delivery services must ensure that
the carrier will be able to guarantee delivery of the application by
the closing date and time. If an application is received after closing
due to (1) carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a
guarantee for delivery by the closing date and time, or (2) significant
weather delays or natural disasters, CDC will upon receipt of proper
documentation, consider the application as having been received by the
deadline.
Any application that does not meet the above criteria will not be
eligible for competition, and will be discarded. The applicant will be
notified of their failure to meet the submission requirements.
H. Evaluation Criteria
Letter of Intent
A conference is a symposium, seminar, workshop, or any other
organized and formal meeting lasting one day or more (not a series),
where persons assemble to exchange information and views, 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. CDC will review the LOIs and compare
conference objectives with our respective missions and funding
priorities to determine if a full application will be invited. Less
than 33 percent of LOI applicants are invited to submit full
applications.
Application
Each application will be evaluated individually against the
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
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. Each application will be given a pass
of fail based on the following criteria:
1. Proposed Program and Technical Approach
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 also
be based on the extent of the applicant's collaboration with other
organizations serving the intended audience (Applicable to all CDC
applications except ATSDR). The applicant's description of conference
objectives in terms of quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the
conference based on the operational plan will also be evaluated.
2. Applicant's Capability
The applicant's capability includes the adequacy of the applicant's
resources (additional sources of funding, organization's strengths,
staff time, proposed physical facilities, etc.) available for
conducting conference activities.
3. The Qualifications of Program Personnel
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 their 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
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
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
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.
[[Page 1467]]
I. Other Requirements
Technical Reporting Requirements
Provide the CDC with original plus two copies of:
1. A performance report, or in lieu of a performance report,
proceedings of the conference, no later than 90 days after the end of
the budget/project period.
2. Financial status report, no later than 90 days after the end of
the budget/project period.
Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this
announcement.
Additional Requirements
The following additional requirements are applicable to this
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the
application kit.
AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2010
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
AR-13 Prohibition on Use of CDC Funds for Certain Gun Control
Activities
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
AR-20 Conference Support
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/funding/03012.htm.
If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained
from: Rick Jaeger, Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920
Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4146, Telephone:
(770) 488-2727, Email address: rjaeger@cdc.gov.
For program technical assistance, contact: Janet Telman, Funding
Resource 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 K38,
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3714, Telephone: (770) 488-2834, Email address:
jtelman@cdc.gov.
Dated: January 6, 2003.
Sandra R. Manning, CGFM,
Director, Program and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-486 Filed 1-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
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