[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-15739]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 29, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Announcement Number 487]
Computer Image-Based Cytology Proficiency Test Pilot Program
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the
availability of funds for fiscal year (FY) 1994 for a cooperative
agreement with professional organizations to provide a Computer Image-
Based Cytology Proficiency Test (PT) Pilot Program.
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of ``Healthy People
2000,'' a PHS-led national activity to reduce morbidity and mortality
and improve the quality of life. This announcement is related to the
priority area of Preventive Services. (For ordering a copy of ``Healthy
People 2000,'' see the section ``Where To Obtain Additional
Information.'')
Authority
This program is authorized under sections 317 and 353 of the
Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 247b and 263a], as amended.
Smoke-Free Workplace
The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients
to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all
tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect
and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
Eligible Applicants
Assistance will be provided to private non-profit professional
organizations whose membership includes cytopathologists and/or
cytotechnologist who: (1) are concerned with the screening and
interpretation of gynecologic cytology specimens and, (2) currently use
computer imaging for testing purposes, or conducting cytology
proficiency testing programs or other forms of performance evaluation
in cytology.
These organizations would be the most appropriate applicants
because:
1. The organization's membership has the expertise and experience
needed to conduct quality proficiency tests.
2. The organizations have a demonstrated interest in improving the
performance of cytology professionals.
3. The direct impact of proficiency tests on the membership of the
organizations provides a strong incentive to develop effective PT
programs.
4. The memberships of the organization provide a ready source of
participants for the pilot project. Participation would familiarize the
professionals with computer-based PT.
Availability of Funds
Approximately $200,000 is available in FY 1994 to fund up to three
cooperative agreements. It is expected that the average award will be
$66,000. It is expected that the awards will begin on or about
September 23, 1994, and will be made for a 12-month budget and project
period.
Purpose
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to assist
professional organizations in the development of effective alternatives
to the use of glass slides in cytology proficiency tests by conducting
computer image-based cytology PT pilot programs.
Program Requirements
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program,
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under A.
(Recipient Activities), and CDC will be responsible for the activities
listed under B. (CDC Activities).
A. Recipient Activities
1. Conduct a cytology PT pilot project that is patterned after the
cytology PT requirements in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendment (CLIA) regulations except that:
a. computer images will be used in lieu of glass slides,
b. testing may be performed off-site (for example, at national
or regional meetings) but must be supervised, wherever it is
conducted,
c. samples must be classified according to the Bethesda system,
d. participation will be voluntary,
e. individual results will be compiled, but without personal
identifiers.
2. Develop computer images from glass slides, the classification of
which has been agreed upon by three pathologists.
3. Evaluate participant acceptance of PT using a computer instead
of a microscope.
4. Identify logistical or other issues that could affect the
feasibility or acceptance of using computer imaging on an ongoing
basis.
B. CDC Activities
1. Assist in the review of slide sets that are selected for
digitizing.
2. Collaborate on the development of the computer imaging that is
created and the computer software that is used.
3. Participate in the planning of scheduled testing events.
4. Provide technical assistance in the planning of measures to
assess participant acceptance.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the
following criteria:
1. Responsiveness to the objectives of the cooperative agreement
including: a) applicant's understanding of the objectives of the
proposed cooperative agreement; and b) relevance of the proposal to the
stated objectives. (25 points)
2. Ability to provide staff, knowledge, participants, and other
resources required to perform the applicant's responsibilities of this
project. The qualifications and time allocations of key personnel,
facilities, equipment and other resources available for performance of
this project. Curricula vitae of key personnel should be provided. (25
points)
3. Methods to be used in carrying out the responsibilities of this
project. Steps to be taken in planning and implementation of this
project. (25 points)
4. Schedule for accomplishing the activities of this project and
methods for evaluating the accomplishments. (25 points)
5. The budget will be evaluated to the extent that it is
reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of
funds. (Not scored)
Executive Order 12372 Review
This program is not subject to the Executive Order 12372 review.
Public Health System Reporting Requirement
This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting
Requirements.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.
Application Submission and Deadline
The original and two copies of the application Form PHS-5161-1
(Revised 7/92, OMB Control Number 0937-0189) must be submitted to
Elizabeth M. Taylor, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., room 305, Mailstop E-
16, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, on or before August 3, 1994.
1. 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
submission to the objective review group. (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.)
Where To Obtain Additional Information
A complete program description and information on application
procedures are contained in the application package. Business
management technical assistance may be obtained from Marsha D.
Driggans, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch,
Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., room 305, Mailstop E-
16, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, telephone (404) 842-6523.
Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from MariBeth C.
Gagnon, Cytotechnologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), Public Health Practice Program office, Division of Laboratory
Systems, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Mailstop F-11, Atlanta, Georgia
30341-3724, telephone (404) 488-7670.
Please refer to Announcement 487 when requesting information and
submitting an application.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of ``Healthy People 2000''
(Full Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or ``Healthy People 2000''
(Summary Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) referenced in the
``Introduction'' through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 738-3238.
Dated: June 23, 1994.
Ladene H. Newton,
Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 94-15739 Filed 6-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
