[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 125 (Tuesday, June 30, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35592-35594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17300]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
[Program Announcement 98096]
Economic Evaluation of Engineering Control Interventions for
Drywall Sanding Construction Activities; Notice of Availability of
Funds
A. Purpose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1998 funds for a cooperative agreement
program to conduct an economic evaluation and variable analyses of
engineering control interventions during drywall sanding construction
activities. This program addresses the ``Healthy People 2000'' priority
area of Occupational Safety and Health.
The purpose of the program is to identify the financial and
behavior factors which are affected by implementing drywall sanding
engineering controls. These factors may occur throughout the
construction-model hierarchy from the individual worker on up to the
building owner. A successful project will serve as an example
throughout the construction industry that the cost and benefits of
providing a clean and safe working environment should be evaluated from
the big-picture perspective as opposed to the level of acquisition.
Such an example could lead to new implementation strategies to increase
the use of engineering controls and ultimately improve the construction
work environment.
B. Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit and
for-profit organizations and by governments and their agencies; that
is, universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other
public and private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, State and
local governments or their bona fide agents.
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 $95,000 is available in FY 1998 to fund one award. It
is expected that the award will be renewed on an annual basis for an
additional two years at an approximate amount of $95,000 per year. It
is expected that the awards will begin on or about September 1, 1998,
with 12-month budget periods within project periods of up to three
years. The funding estimate is subject to change.
Continuation awards within an approved project period will be made
on the basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports
and the availability of funds.
Use of Funds: The applicant should allocate funds for at least one
annual CDC/NIOSH directed meeting.
Programmatic Interest: The applicant should address the
availability of drywall sanding dust exposure reduction interventions
and the economic impact and related variable analyses of some or all of
the identified interventions upon the various organizational layers
(e.g. worker, subcontractor, general contractor, building owner) within
the building construction process.
D. Program Agreement Requirements
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program,
the recipient will be responsible for activities under A. (Recipient
Activities), and CDC/NIOSH will be responsible for the activities
listed under B. (CDC/NIOSH Activities).
A. Recipient Activities
1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a study protocol.
2. Provide statistical analysis of the data.
3. Disseminate study results to the construction safety and health
community.
4. Collaborate with CDC/NIOSH on these activities and the
activities listed below.
B. CDC/NIOSH Activities
1. Providing scientific and technical collaboration including study
design and protocol development, and data analysis.
2. Monitor and evaluate scientific and operational accomplishments
of the project through site visits, telephone calls, and review of
technical reports and interim data analysis.
3. Collaborate with awardee(s) on data analysis, and interpretation
of findings.
4. Review the results of the study and collaborate, where
appropriate, in the preparation and publication of results in peer-
reviewed journals and construction industry trade publications.
E. Application Content
Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other
Requirements, and
[[Page 35593]]
Evaluation Criteria 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 25 double-spaced pages, printed on one side,
with one inch margins, and unreduced font.
F. Submission and Deadline
Submit the original and five copies of PHS-398 (OMB Number 0925-
0001) (adhere to the instructions on the Errata Instruction Sheet for
PHS 398). Forms are in the application kit. On or before August 10,
1998, submit the application to: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management
Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office,
Announcement 98096, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, Georgia
30305-2209.
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 (i.e., receipt from U.S. Postal Service or a
commercial carrier; private metered postmarks are not acceptable).
G. Evaluation Criteria
Each application will be evaluated individually against the
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
1. Understanding of the Problem (15 Percent)
Responsiveness to the objective of the cooperative agreement
including: (a) applicant's understanding of the general objectives of
the proposed cooperative agreement, and (b) evidence of ability to
design an effective evaluation study.
2. Experience (15 Percent)
The extent to which the applicant's prior work and experience in
evaluating occupational safety and health intervention efforts and/or
experience within the construction trades affected by drywall finishing
operations.
3. Goals, Objectives and Methods (35 Percent)
The extent to which the proposed goals and objectives are clearly
stated, time-phased, and measurable. The extent to which the methods
are sufficiently detailed to allow assessment of whether the objectives
can be achieved for the budget period. Clearly state the evaluation
method for evaluating the accomplishments. The extent to which a
qualified plan is proposed that will help achieve the goals stated in
the proposal.
This includes: (a) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both
sexes and racial and ethnic minority populations for appropriate
representation; (b) The proposed justification when representation is
limited or absent; (c) A statement as to whether the design of the
study is adequate to measure differences when warranted; (d) 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. Facilities and Resources (10 Percent)
The adequacy of the applicant's facilities, equipment, and other
resources available for performance of this project. The proposal
should include a commitment from the participating institution, as
evidenced by a written agreement. For applicants who have already
identified potential construction site(s) to conduct the evaluation,
the proposal should include a commitment, as evidenced by a written
agreement, from the building owner, general contractor, and relevant
subcontractors with jurisdiction over the drywall finishing and budget
management operations, when such exist at the applicant's anticipated
study location(s).
5. Project Management and Staffing Plan (15 Percent)
The extent to which the management staff and their working partners
are clearly described, appropriately assigned, and have pertinent
skills and experiences. The extent to which the applicant proposes to
involve appropriate personnel who have the needed qualifications to
implement the proposed plan. The extent to which the applicant has the
capacity to design, implement, and evaluate the proposed intervention
program.
6. Collaboration (10 Percent)
The extent to which all partners are clearly described and their
qualifications and the extent to which their intentions to participate
are explicitly stated. The extent to which the applicant provides proof
of support (e.g., letters of support and/or memoranda of understanding)
for proposed activities. Evidence or a statement should be provided
that these funds do not duplicate already funded components of ongoing
projects.
7. Budget Justification (Not Scored)
The budget will be evaluated to the extent that it is reasonable,
clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of funds.
8. Human Subjects (Not Scored)
If human subjects will be involved, how will they be protected,
i.e., describe the review process which will govern their
participation.
H. Other Requirements
Technical Reporting Requirements
Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
1. Semi-annual progress reports including a brief program
description and a listing of program goals and objectives accompanied
by a comparison of the actual accomplishments related to the goals and
objectives established for the 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: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist,
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East Paces Ferry
Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209
The following additional requirements are applicable to this
program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum I (included
in the application package).
AR98-1 Human Subjects Requirements
AR98-2 Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic
Minorities in Research
AR98-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR98-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR98-11 Healthy People 2000
AR98-12 Lobbying Restrictions
I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
This program is authorized under Sections 20(a) and 22(e)(7) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [29 U.S.C. 669(a) and
671(e)(7)]. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.262
for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
J. Where To Obtain Additional Information
To receive additional written information call 1-888-GRANTS4. You
[[Page 35594]]
will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone number and will
need to refer to NIOSH Announcement 98096. You will receive a complete
program description, information on application procedures, and
application forms. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or
express mail. Please refer to NIOSH announcement number 98096 when
requesting information and submitting an application.
If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained by
contacting: Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist, Grants
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 98096,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 300, 255 East
Paces Ferry Road, NE., M/S E-13, Atlanta, GA 30305-2209, telephone
(404) 842-6804, Email address: vxw1@cdc.gov.
See also the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
For program technical assistance contact: Kenneth Mead, P.E.,
telephone (513) 841-4319, Email kcm3@cdc.gov, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, 4676
Columbia Parkway, Mailstop R-5, Cincinnati, OH 45226.
National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA): CDC, NIOSH is
committed to the program priorities developed by NORA. Copies of the
publication, ``The National Occupational Research Agenda'' may be
obtained from The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health,
Publications Office, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998
or telephone 1-800-356-4674, and is available through the NIOSH Home
Page, ``http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora.html''.
Dated: June 23, 1998.
Diane D. Porter,
Acting Director, National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 98-17300 Filed 6-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
