Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention; Notice of Availability of Funds

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11911-11914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5867]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 99002]


Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement Program 
for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention; Notice of 
Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal years (FY) 1999 and (FY) 2000 funds for a 
cooperative agreement program for Public Health Conference Support for 
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention. This program addresses 
the ``Healthy People 2000'' priority area of HIV infection.
    Topics concerned with issues and areas other than HIV prevention 
should be directed to other public health agencies or in accordance 
with the current Federal Register notice (see Federal Register Notice 
99006, [61 FR 19296] published on June 9, 1998).

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit 
organizations and by governments and their agencies; that is, 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private nonprofit organizations, and local governments or their 
bona fide agents, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments, 
Indian tribes, or Indian tribal organizations. State and local health 
departments may apply for funding only under Category 2 (See E. 
Application Content). Conferences planned for June 1, 1999, through May 
31, 2000, are eligible. Foreign organizations are not eligible to 
apply.

    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.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $250,000 is available in FY 1999 to fund 
approximately 15 to 25 awards. It is expected that the average award 
will be $20,000, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Organizations will be 
funded in rank order within each of the three categories. It is 
expected that the awards will begin on or after June 1, 1999, and will 
be funded for a 12-month budget and project period. Funding estimates 
may vary and are subject to change.
    Contingency awards will be made allowing usage of only 10 percent 
of the total amount to be awarded until a final full agenda is approved 
by CDC. This will provide funds to support costs associated with 
preparation of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released only 
upon CDC approval of the final full agenda. CDC reserves the right to 
terminate co-sponsorship at any time.

Use of Funds

    a. CDC funds may be used for direct cost expenditures: salaries, 
speaker fees (for services rendered), rental of conference related 
equipment, registration fees, and transportation costs (not to exceed 
economy class fares) for non-Federal individuals.
    b. CDC funds may not be used to purchase equipment, pay honoraria 
(for conferring distinction) or organizational dues, support 
entertainment, personal expenses, travel costs or payment of a Federal 
employee, or per diem and expenses, other than mileage, for local 
participants.
    c. CDC funds may not be used to reimburse indirect costs.
    d. CDC funds may not be used to purchase novelty items (e.g., bags, 
T-shirts, hats, pens) distributed at meetings.
    e. CDC will not fund 100 percent of the proposed conference. Part 
of the cost of the proposed conference must be supported with non-
federal funds.
    f. CDC will not fund a conference after it has taken place.
    g. CDC funds may be used for only those parts of the conference 
specifically supported by CDC as documented on the notice of award.
    h. This program is not meant for conferences to educate the general 
public or to deliver prevention interventions to persons at risk for 
HIV infection. Such conferences cannot be supported through this 
announcement.

Funding Preferences

    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; and
    c. health departments collaborating with other State agencies and 
community-based organizations;
    No preference will be given to organizations that have received 
funding in past years.

D. Program Requirements

    Development of HIV prevention conferences may require substantial 
CDC collaboration and involvement. Because conference support by CDC 
creates the appearance of CDC co-sponsorship, there will be active 
participation by CDC in the development and approval of the conference 
agenda. In addition, CDC will reserve the right to approve or reject 
the content of the full agenda, press events, promotional materials 
(including press releases), speaker selection, and site selection.
    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed under 1, 
Recipient Activities, and CDC will be responsible for the activities 
listed under 2, CDC Activities.

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Manage all activities related to conference content (e.g., 
objectives, topics, participants, session design, workshops, special 
exhibits, speakers, fees, agenda composition, printing). Many of these 
items may be developed in concert with CDC personnel assigned to 
support the conference.
    b. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary 
activities to the CDC Grants Management Office for review and comment. 
Submit a copy of

[[Page 11912]]

the final agenda and proposed ancillary activities to the CDC Grants 
Management Office for acceptance/approval.
    c. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title, 
logo, announcements, mailers, press). CDC must review and approve the 
use of any materials with reference to CDC involvement or support.
    d. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitees, 
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference 
materials and hand-outs, badges, registration procedures).
    e. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements, 
including all audio-visual needs.
    f. Develop and conduct education and training programs on HIV 
prevention.
    g. If the proposed conference is or includes a satellite broadcast:
    (1) Provide individual, on-camera rehearsals for all presenters,
    (2) 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,
    (3) Provide full scripting and Teleprompter use for the moderator 
and all presenters,
    (4) Select a professional moderator.
    h. Collaborate with CDC staff in reporting and disseminating 
results and recommendations and relevant HIV/AIDS prevention and 
education and training information to appropriate Federal, State, and 
local agencies, health-care providers, HIV/AIDS prevention and service 
organizations, and the general public.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide technical assistance through telephone calls, 
correspondence, and site visits in the areas of program agenda 
development, implementation, and priority setting related to the 
cooperative agreement.
    b. Provide scientific collaboration for appropriate aspects of the 
program, including selection of speakers, pertinent scientific 
information on risk factors for HIV infection, preventive measures, and 
program strategies for the prevention of HIV infection.
    c. Review draft agendas and the Grants Management Officer will 
issue approval or disapproval of the final agenda and proposed 
ancillary activities prior to release of restricted funds.
    d. Assist in the reporting and dissemination of research results 
and relevant HIV prevention education and training information to 
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, health-care providers, 
the scientific community, and HIV/AIDS prevention and service 
organizations, and the general public.

E. Application Content

    Organizations should submit separate applications in any of the 
three following categories:

Category 1--Sharing Lessons Learned From HIV Prevention Program or 
Service Delivery and Networking With Other Organizations and Agencies

    Regional, national, or international conferences for individuals or 
organizations responsible for implementing HIV prevention programs or 
providing relevant services. The focus will be on information exchange 
including lessons learned from program or service delivery and sharing 
information about successful or unsuccessful program experiences. 
Conferences may also provide opportunity for staff of different 
organizations and agencies involved in HIV prevention programs and 
services to meet and develop joint plans or activities or other 
collaborations and working relationships;

Category 2--Technical Support for HIV Prevention Program Services for a 
Defined Population or Geographic Area

    Local, statewide, or regional conferences supported by local or 
State health departments, providing information or training on HIV 
prevention interventions believed or proven to be effective for a 
defined population within a specific locality including a State, or 
multi-state area. The focus will be on technology transfer, guidelines 
for program implementation, lessons learned from program or service 
delivery experience, successful program delivery models, and 
development of professional skills. State and local health departments 
may apply only under Category 2; and

Category 3--Technology Transfer Training

    Regional, national, or international conferences for researchers to 
impart information or guidelines on how to implement theoretically 
based or empirically demonstrated health research. The main goal is to 
train health and other professionals in new, innovative, and enhanced 
interventions.

Letter Of Intent (LOI)

    Interested applicants must submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) to CDC. 
They will be used to eliminate potential applicants. Upon review of the 
LOIs, CDC will extend written invitations to prospective applicants to 
submit applications. CDC will accept applications by invitation only. 
Availability of funds may limit the number of applicants, regardless of 
merit, that receive an invitation to submit an application. CDC will 
notify prospective applicants within 30 days following receipt of the 
LOI.
    Applicants must submit an original and two copies of a two-page 
typewritten LOI that briefly describes:
    a. The application category (1, 2, or 3)
    b. The title of the proposed conference
    c. The location of the proposed conference
    d. Proposed conference dates
    e. The purpose of the proposed conference
    f. The intended audience of the proposed conference (number and 
description)
    g. Target population(s) (e.g., youth, women, men who have sex with 
men [MSM], injecting drug users [IDU])
    h. The estimated total cost of the proposed conference
    i. The percentage of the total cost (which must be less than 100 
percent) being requested from CDC
    j. The relationship of the conference to CDC Topics of Special 
Interest below.

Topics of Special Interest

    Prevention of HIV infection related to:
    a. Populations in special settings (e.g., correctional 
institutions);
    b. Under-served geographic areas, especially rural populations;
    c. Communities of color;
    d. Support of comprehensive primary and secondary prevention 
programs for persons living with HIV;
    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. Current recipients of CDC HIV funding must provide 
the award number and title of the funded programs. No attachments, 
booklets, or other documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. 
THE TWO PAGE LIMITATION (INCLUSIVE OF LETTERHEAD AND SIGNATURES), MUST 
BE OBSERVED OR THE LETTER OF INTENT WILL BE RETURNED WITHOUT REVIEW.
    CDC will review the LOIs based on the following criteria:
    a. documented need for the proposed conference;
    b. potential contribution to the prevention of HIV/AIDS;
    c. national HIV prevention priorities based on emerging trends in 
the epidemic:
    (1) Prevention of HIV transmission through behavior change

[[Page 11913]]

    (2) Providing comprehensive prevention services to persons living 
with HIV
    (3) Building capacity and enhancing HIV prevention programs for 
populations at higher risk for infection (e.g., MSM, IDU, and their sex 
and needle-sharing partners), especially in communities of color.
    d. the proposed conference's relationship to the CDC determined 
topics of special interest;
    e. timing of the conference that will allow for CDC input; and
    f. availability of funds.

Competing Application

    Use the information in the Program Requirements, Evaluation 
Criteria, and Other Requirements sections to develop the application 
content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria listed, so 
it is important to follow them in laying out your program plan. 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.
    Include the following information:
    a. A project summary cover sheet that includes:

(1) application category (1, 2, or 3)
(2) name of organization
(3) name of conference
(4) location of conference
(5) date(s) of conference
(6) target population(s) (e.g., youth, women, MSM, IDU)
(7) intended audience and number
(8) dollar amount requested
(9) total conference budget

    b. Biographical sketches and job descriptions of the individuals 
responsible for planning and coordinating the conference.
    c. A Budget Narrative separately identifying and justifying line 
items to which the requested Federal funds would be applied.
    d. A draft agenda for the proposed conference.
    e. Award number and title of funded programs for current recipients 
of CDC HIV funding. Applicants must not have submitted the same 
proposal for review for funding to other parts of CDC.

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    The original and two copies of the LOI must be postmarked by the 
following deadline dates in order to be considered in either of this 
announcement's two cycles. (Facsimiles are not acceptable).

Letter of Intent Due Dates

    Cycle A: April 2, 1999
    Cycle B: July 30, 1999 *

    * LOI's due July 30, 1999 will support funding for calendar year 
2000.

    Submit to: Juanita Crowder, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 99002, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, M/S 
E-15, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    If your LOI does not arrive in time for submission to the review 
group, it will not be considered in the current competition unless you 
can provide proof that you mailed it on or before the deadline (e.g., 
receipt from U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier; private 
metered postmarks are not acceptable).

Application

    If invited, submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161 (OMB 
Number 0937-0189). Forms are in the application kit.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Application due dates             Earliest possible award date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cycle A: April 30, 1999..............  June 1, 1999.
Cycle B: September 17, 1999 *........  November 1, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Applications due September 17, 1999 will support funding for calender
  year 2000.

    Submit to: Juanita Crowder, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 99002, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
M/S E-15, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 
30341-4146.
    If your application does not arrive in time for submission to the 
independent review group, it will not be considered in the current 
competition unless you can provide proof that you mailed it on or 
before the deadline (e.g., receipt from U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier; private metered postmarks are not acceptable).

G. Evaluation Criteria

Letter of Intent

    LOIs will be reviewed by CDC and an invitation to submit a full 
application will be made based on the following criteria:
    1. Documented need for the proposed conference;
    2. Potential contribution to the prevention of HIV/AIDS;
    3. National HIV prevention priorities based on emerging trends in 
the epidemic:
    a. Prevention of HIV transmission through behavior change.
    b. Providing comprehensive prevention services to persons living 
with HIV.
    c. Building capacity and enhancing HIV prevention programs for 
populations at higher risk for infection (e.g., MSM, IDU, and their sex 
and needle-sharing partners), especially in communities of color.
    4. The proposed conference's relationship to the CDC determined 
topics of special interest;
    5. Timing of the conference that will allow for CDC input; and
    6. Availability of funds.

Application

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria (TOTAL 100 POINTS) by an independent review group 
appointed by CDC. Use these headings in preparing your application.
1. Category-Specific Criterion (20 points)
    a. If applying under Category 1--Sharing Lessons Learned From HIV 
Prevention Program or Service Delivery and Networking With Other 
Organizations and Agencies: Extent to which the applicant provides 
evidence that participants and presenters will have the opportunity to 
interact during the conference, share information on successful and 
unsuccessful program experiences, and develop collaborative working 
relationships.
    b. If applying under Category 2--Technical Support for HIV 
Prevention Program Services for a Defined Population or Geographic 
Area: Extent to which the applicant specifically relates the content of 
the conference to HIV prevention community planning priorities for a 
defined population or within a specific geographic area and the extent 
to which the Applicant justifies the need for the proposed conference.
    c. If applying under Category 3--Technology Transfer Training: 
Extent to which the applicant demonstrates the scientific soundness of 
the technology to be transferred as evidenced by its inclusion in HIV 
prevention research publications, peer reviewed journals, or scientific 
consensus panel review; and the extent of the need for applying the new 
technology or knowledge by HIV prevention programs.
    The following criteria apply to all applications:

[[Page 11914]]

2. Proposed Program and Technical Approach (30 points)
    a. The extent to which the applicant's description of the proposed 
conference demonstrates that the conference relates to HIV prevention 
and education, responds to a specific public health need, and can be 
expected to influence public health practices; and the extent of the 
applicant's collaboration with other agencies serving the intended 
audience, including local health and education agencies concerned with 
HIV prevention.
    b. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of 
quality, specificity, and the feasibility of the conference based on 
the operational plan, and the extent to which evaluation mechanisms for 
the conference adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes, and 
behaviors of the target participants.
    c. The relevance and effectiveness of the proposed agenda in 
addressing the chosen HIV prevention and education topic(s).
    d. The degree to which conference activities proposed for CDC 
funding strictly adhere to the prevention of HIV transmission. For 
conferences dealing with people living with HIV/AIDS the degree to 
which conference activities focus on primary and secondary prevention 
goals.
3. Applicant Capability and Experience (25 points)
    a. The adequacy and commitment of institutional resources to 
administer the program for the proposed conference.
    b. The adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources 
for conducting conference activities.
    c. The degree to which the applicant has established and used 
critical linkages with health and education departments and community 
planning groups with the mandate for HIV prevention. Letters of support 
(limit of 5) from such agencies which address related capability and 
experience should be included. They must explain how the agency will 
work with the applicant to plan the proposed conference. Letters that 
do not pertain directly to the proposed conference will not be 
considered.
4. Qualifications of Program Personnel (25 points)
    a. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal 
staff person, and his or her ability to devote adequate time and effort 
to provide effective leadership.
    b. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders, 
and speakers to accomplish conference objectives.
    c. The degree to which the application demonstrates that all key 
personnel have education and expertise relative to the conference 
objectives, are informed about the transmission of HIV, and understand 
nationwide information and education efforts currently underway that 
may affect, and be affected by, the proposed conference.
5. Budget Justification: (not scored)
    The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its 
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, consistency with the 
intended use of cooperative agreement funds, and the extent to which 
the applicant documents financial support from other sources.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with the original plus two copies of the final 
financial status report (reporting actual expenses) and performance 
report, no more than 90 days after the end of the budget/project 
period. The performance report should include:
    1. the cooperative agreement number;
    2. title of the conference;
    3. name of the principal investigator, program director or 
coordinator;
    4. name of the organization that conducted the conference;
    5. a copy of the agenda;
    6. a list of individuals who participated in the formally planned 
sessions of the meeting;
    7. a summarization of the meeting results, including a discussion 
of its achievement of the stated conference objectives; and
    8. the Program Review Panel's report that all written materials 
have been reviewed as required.
    With the prior approval of CDC, copies of proceedings or 
publications resulting from the conference may be substituted for the 
final performance report, provided they contain the information 
requested in items 1 through 8 above.
    Send all reports to: Juanita Crowder, Grants Management Specialist, 
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 
99002, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine 
Road, M/S E-15, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the 
application kit:

AR-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
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
See Attachment II for Background Statement

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act, 
Section 301(a), 42 U.S.C. 241(a), as amended and Section 317(a), 42 
U.S.C. 247b(a), as amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
number is 93.941.

J. Where to Obtain Additional Information:

    To receive additional written information and to request an 
application kit, 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 (99002).
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Juanita Crowder, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 99002, Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, M/S E-15, Room 
3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone (770) 488-2734, E-mail address 
jdd2@cdc.gov.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Linda LaChanse, Program 
Analyst, Training and Technical Support Systems Branch, Division of 
HIV/AIDS Prevention--Intervention Research and Support, National Center 
for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, M/S E40, 
Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone (404) 639-0964, E-mail address 
lml5@cdc.gov.
    See also the CDC home page on the Internet: https://www.cdc.gov

    Dated: March 4, 1999.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 99-5867 Filed 3-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-p