[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 29, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71649-71652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34375]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 99025]
Emerging Infections Sentinel Networks; Notice of Availability of
Funds
A. Purpose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1999 funds for a cooperative agreement
program for the operation of provider-based Emerging Infections
Sentinel Networks (EISN). This program addresses the ``Healthy People
2000'' priority area of Immunization and Infectious Diseases. The
purpose of the program is to assist recipients in operating and
enhancing established EISNs or in setting up new networks for assessing
emerging infections. These networks will assess emerging infectious
diseases, including drug-resistant, foodborne and waterborne, and
vaccine-preventable or potentially vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sentinel networks linking groups of participating individuals or
organizations are helpful in monitoring a variety of infectious disease
problems and enhancing communication among participants, and between
participants and the public health community. They also can serve as
readily accessible mechanisms to address urgent public health
infectious disease problems rapidly. Three sentinel networks are
currently receiving funds through this cooperative agreement program:
Infectious Disease Society of America Emerging Infections Network;
Emergency ID Net, a network of academically affiliated emergency
departments; and GeoSentinel, a network operated by the International
Society for Travel Medicine. Further development of the sentinel
network concept will continue to improve understanding of specific
public health issues and enhance preparedness to meet new infectious
disease threats.
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, State and local governments or
their bona fide agents, and federally recognized Indian tribal
governments, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal organizations.
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 $525,000 is available in FY 1999 to fund
approximately three awards. It is expected that the average award will
be $175,000, ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. It is expected that the
awards will begin on or about May 1, 1999, and will be made for a 12-
month budget period within a project period of up to five years. The
funding estimate may change.
Continuation awards within an approved project period will be made
on the basis of satisfactory progress as
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evidenced by required reports and the availability of funds.
Funding Preferences
Although applications for new EISNs are encouraged, funding
preference will be given to competing continuation applications over
applications for programs not already receiving support under the EISN
program. Current awardees have implemented new sentinel networks that
require continued support to become fully developed and to realize the
benefits of the network activities.
D. Program Requirements
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program,
the recipient shall be responsible for the activities under Recipient
Activities, below, and CDC shall be responsible for conducting
activities under CDC Activities, below:
Recipient Activities
1. Continue to develop an emerging infections sentinel network or
develop a new sentinel network for assessing emerging infectious
diseases. Organize the EISN around a specific group of providers, e.g.,
emergency department physicians, infectious disease specialists, travel
and tropical medicine clinics, etc. EISNs must be sufficiently flexible
to be engaged swiftly to address emergent problems in infectious
diseases.
2. Analyze, present, and publish the results of projects
collaboratively with CDC.
3. In collaboration with CDC:
a. Focus and/or redirect projects as indicated through critical
review of data and evaluation of various projects; and
b. Consider and initiate novel methods of surveillance for emerging
infectious diseases; develop and modify as necessary methods for
management and communication of information within the network; and
c. In order to take full advantage of the network capacity and to
facilitate integration of surveillance and health information systems,
undertake additional projects in other public health areas (e.g,
chronic diseases, injury, etc.), as appropriate.
4. Monitor and evaluate scientific and operational accomplishments
of the EISN and progress in achieving the purpose and overall goals of
this program.
5. If a proposed project involves research on human participants,
ensure appropriate Independent Review Board (IRB) review.
CDC Activities
1. Provide consultation and scientific and technical assistance in
developing or establishing the EISN and in selecting and conducting
EISN projects.
2. Assist in monitoring and evaluating scientific and operational
accomplishments of the EISN and progress in achieving the purpose and
overall goals of this program.
3. Participate in analysis, publication, and dissemination of
information and data gathered from EISN projects.
4. If during the project period research involving human subjects
should be conducted and CDC scientists will be co-investigators in that
research, assist in the development of a research protocol for IRB
review by all institutions participating in the research project. The
CDC IRB will review and approve the protocol initially and on at least
an annual basis until the research project is completed.
E. Application Content
Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other
Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the
application content. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria
listed, so it is important that your narrative follow the criteria in
the order presented.
Provide a brief (no more than two pages) abstract of the
application. The narrative should be no more than 15 double-spaced
pages (excluding abstract, budget, and appendices), printed on one
side, with one inch margins and unreduced font on white 8.5'' x 11''
paper. All pages must be clearly numbered, a complete index to the
application and its appendices must be included, and the required
original and two copies must be submitted unstapled and unbound.
F. Submission and Deadline
Letter of Intent (LOI)
All parties intending to submit an application are requested to
inform CDC of their intention to do so at least ten (10) business days
prior to the application due date. The LOI is not required and will not
be used for accepting or evaluating applications. The sole purpose of
the LOI is to assist CDC in timely planning and administration of the
evaluation process. The LOI should be a brief notice that includes (1)
the name and address of the institution, (2) the name, address, and
telephone number of the contact person, and (3) a very brief
description (e.g., 2-3 sentences) of the EISN that will be proposed.
LOIs should be provided by facsimile, postal mail, or Email to
Catherine Spruill, Office of the Director, National Center for
Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Mailstop C-12, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Facsimile: (404) 639-4197. Email address: [email protected]
Application
Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are in the application kit.
On or before February 15, 1999, submit the application to: Andrea
Wooddall, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch,
Procurement and Grants Office Announcement 99025, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry Road,
N.E., Mailstop E18, Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2209.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline
if they are either:
(a) Received on or before the deadline date; or
(b) Sent 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 U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks
shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
G. Evaluation Criteria
Each application will be evaluated individually against the
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
1. Understanding the Objectives of the EISN: (10 Points)
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear
understanding of the purpose and objectives of this cooperative
agreement program and of the requirements, responsibilities, problems,
constraints, and complexities that may be encountered in establishing
and operating the EISN.
2. Description of Existing Capacity: (30 Points)
a. For competing continuation applicants, the extent to which the
applicant has successfully established and operated an EISN and
provides documentation of the accomplishments of the network.
For applicants proposing new networks, the extent to which the
applicant: (1) demonstrates the capacity and ability to establish a
provider-based EISN, including description of the applicant's
qualifications, standing, and relationships to represent a group of
providers in a sentinel network, (2) describes the niche that the
proposed EISN will fill that is not currently filled
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by other networks or systems (EISN or otherwise), (3) comments on the
long-term potential of the network to provide important information for
public health.
b. The extent to which the applicant describes past experience in
conducting: (1) infectious disease surveillance and/or applied research
in infectious diseases, particularly public health-related work; (2)
surveillance or research related to emerging infectious diseases,
including drug-resistant, foodborne and waterborne, and vaccine-
preventable or potentially vaccine-preventable diseases.
c. The extent to which the applicant: (1) demonstrates ability to
develop and maintain strong cooperative relationships with various
public and private, local and regional, medical, public health,
academic, and community organizations, (2) provides letters of support
from non-applicant participating agencies, institutions, organizations,
individuals, consultants, etc., identified in applicant's operational
plan, and the extent to which the letters of support clearly indicate
the signatory's willingness to participate in the EISN (e.g., as
sources of information or members of the network). (The letters of
support should be placed in an appendix. Letters of support from CDC
scientists should not be included.)
3. Operational Plan: (50 points)
a. For both new and continuation applications, the extent to which
the applicant provides a detailed and time-phased plan for establishing
and operating the EISN. The extent to which applicant's operational
plan clearly describes (1) the organizational and operating structure
and procedures for accomplishing all Recipient Activities, (2)
agreements currently in place with potential participants in the
network, (3) what new agreements with potential participants will be
necessary, and the likelihood that these agreements can be implemented
promptly, (4) plans to collaborate with CDC in the establishment and
operation of the EISN, including planning and development of projects,
management and analysis of data, and synthesis and dissemination of
findings. The extent to which applicant's plan is consistent with and
adequate to accomplish the purpose and objectives of this program.
b. The extent to which the applicant: (1) clearly identifies and
describes the EISN participants and sources of information, (2)
describes the structure of the EISN ``network'', such as number,
location, etc., of sites or surveillance information sources, (3)
describes procedures and mechanisms to transfer information between
network participants and the network's central data collection point.
c. The extent to which applicant clearly identifies specific
diseases or conditions (e.g., notifiable diseases, foodborne and
waterborne diseases, drug-resistant infections, or infectious disease
syndromes) which will be addressed. The extent to which the applicant's
current or proposed activities are appropriate for the participants/
sources in the network and address significant emerging syndromes,
diseases, conditions, events, etc. For a new network, the extent to
which these projects appear feasible and the likelihood they can be
successfully conducted.
d. The extent to which the applicant clearly describes how the EISN
(or its design for a new EISN) is flexible and able to swiftly address
new public health challenges in infectious diseases.
e. The extent to which the applicant describes an appropriate and
effective process for providing necessary information to State and
local health departments and appropriate others about findings related
to notifiable conditions.
f. The extent to which applicant: (1) identifies professional staff
who have the knowledge, experience, and authority to carry out
recipient activities as evidenced by job descriptions, curricula vitae,
organizational charts, etc., (2) clearly describes the respective roles
of the personnel in the management and operation of the EISN.
(Curricula vitae and organizational charts should be placed in an
appendix.)
g. The extent to which the applicant describes support staff
services to be provided for the program.
h. If any research involving human subjects is proposed, the degree
to which the applicant has met the CDC Policy requirements regarding
the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial groups in any proposed
research. This includes:
(1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial
and ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
(2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or
absent.
(3) A statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate
to measure differences when warranted.
(4) A statement as to whether the plans for recruitment and
outreach for study participants include the process of establishing
partnerships with community(ies) and recognition of mutual benefits.
4. Evaluation: (10 Points)
The extent to which the applicant provides a plan for monitoring
and evaluating: (1) scientific and operational accomplishments of the
EISN and its projects, (2) progress in achieving the purpose and
overall goals of this program.
5. Budget: (Not Scored)
The extent to which the proposed budget is reasonable, clearly
justified, and consistent with the intended use of the cooperative
agreement funds.
6. Human Subjects: (Not Scored)
If any research involving human subjects is proposed, does the
application adequately address the requirements of Title 45 CFR Part 46
for the protection of human subjects? ______ Yes ______ No
Comments: ____________________
H. Other Requirements
Technical Reporting Requirements
Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
1. Progress reports (annual), no more than 90 days after the end of
the budget period;
2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of
the budget period; and
3. final financial status and performance reports, no more than 90
days after the end of the project period.
Send all reports to: Andrea Wooddall, Grants Management Specialist,
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry
Road, N.E., Mailstop E18, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209.
The following additional requirements are applicable to this
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment 1 in the
application kit.
AR-1 Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2 Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic
Minorities in Research
AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2000
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
This program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act
Sections 301(a) [42 U.S.C. 241(a)], 317(k)(1) and 317(k)(2), [42 U.S.C.
247b(k)(1)] and [247b(k)(2)], as amended. The Catalog of
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Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
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 (this is Announcement number 99025).
If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained
from: Andrea Wooddall, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 99025, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry
Road, N.E., Mailstop E18, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209, telephone (404) 842-
6522. Email address: ayw3@cdc.gov
See also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov
For program technical assistance, contact Catherine Spruill, Office
of the Director, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mailstop C-12, 1600 Clifton Road,
N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30333. Phone: (404) 639-2603.
Dated: December 22, 1998.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 98-34375 Filed 12-28-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
