[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 20, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38938-38941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18503]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Discretionary Cooperative Agreements To Support Seat Belt
Enforcement in Major Metropolitan Areas
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT
ACTION: Announcement of Discretionary Cooperative Agreements in
conjunction with the Buckle Up America campaign to increase seat belt
enforcement in major metropolitan areas.
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SUMMARY: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
announces a discretionary cooperative agreement program to solicit
support for the Buckle Up America (BUA) campaign. NHTSA solicits
applications from law enforcement agencies which have jurisdiction in
major metropolitan areas to participate in the BUA under this program.
NHTSA seeks the participation and support of these law enforcement
agencies to increase the use of seat belts and child safety seats, the
most effective safety devices for reducing injuries and fatalities in
traffic crashes.
DATES: Applications must be received at the office designated below on
or before August 19, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Contracts and Procurement
(NAD-30), ATTN.: Joseph Comella, 400 7th Street S.W., Room 5301,
Washington, D.C. 20590. All applications submitted must include a
reference to NHTSA Program No. NTS-01-9-05102.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General administrative questions may
be directed to Joseph Comella, Office of Contracts and Procurement, at
(202) 366-9568. Programmatic questions should be directed to Mr. Philip
Gulak, Occupant Protection Division, NHTSA,
[[Page 38939]]
Room 5118 (NTS-12), 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 (202)
366-2725. Interested applicants are advised that no separate
application package exists beyond the contents of this announcement.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Each year, approximately 42,000 Americans die in traffic crashes
and another three million are injured. Sadly, many of these deaths and
injuries could have been prevented if the victims had been wearing seat
belts or were properly restrained in child safety seats.
Seat belts, when properly used, are 45 percent effective in
preventing deaths in potentially fatal crashes and 50 percent effective
in preventing serious injuries. No other safety device has as much
potential for immediately preventing deaths and injuries in motor
vehicle crashes. The current level of seat belt use across the nation
prevents more than 9,500 deaths and well over 200,000 injuries
annually. Through 1997, more than 100,000 deaths and an estimated 2.5
million serious injuries have been prevented by seat belt use.
But, seat belt use rates and the resulting savings could be much
higher. As of 1998, the average use rate among States in the U.S. was
still well below the goal of 85 percent announced by the President for
the year 2000 and at least a dozen States have use rates below 60
percent. On the other hand, use rates of 85-95 percent are a reality in
most developed nations with seat belt use laws, and at least six States
and the District of Columbia achieved use rates greater than 80 percent
in 1998. A national use rate of 90 percent, among front seat occupants
of all passenger vehicles, would result in prevention of an additional
5,500 deaths and 13,000 serious injuries annually. This would translate
into a $9 billion reduction in societal costs, including 356 million
for Medicare and Medicaid.
In April 1997, the Buckle Up America (BUA) campaign established
ambitious national goals: (a) To increase seat belt use to 85 percent
and reduce child-related fatalities (0-4 years) by 15 percent by the
year 2000; and (b) to increase seat belt use to 90 percent and reduce
child-related fatalities by 25 percent by the year 2005. This campaign
advocates a four-part strategy: (1) Building public-private
partnerships; (2) enacting strong legislation; (3) maintaining high
visibility law enforcement; (4) and conducting effective public
education. Central to this Campaign's successes is the implementation
of two major enforcement mobilizations each year (Memorial Day and
Thanksgiving holidays).
Objectives
To help achieve the new national seat belt goals, NHTSA seeks to
establish cooperative efforts between NHTSA and qualified major
metropolitan law enforcement agencies to increase the use of seat belts
and child safety seats. Specific objectives for this cooperative
agreement program will be to support the BUA campaign by increasing
periodic waves of high visibility enforcement and promoting
participation in Operation: America Buckles Up Children (ABC) national
mobilizations (May and November).
1. Periodic ``Waves'' of High Visibility Enforcement
The history of efforts to increase seat belt use in the U.S. and
Canada suggests that highly visible enforcement of seat belt laws must
be the core of any successful program to increase seat belt use. No
State has ever achieved a high seat belt use rate without such a
component.
Canada currently has a national seat belt use rate well above 90
percent. Nearly every province first attempted to increase seat belt
use through voluntary approaches involving public information and
education. These efforts were effective in achieving only very modest
usage rates (no higher than 30 percent). By 1985, it became obvious to
Canadian and provincial officials that additional efforts would be
needed to achieve levels of 80 percent or greater. These efforts,
mounted from 1985 to 1995, centered around highly publicized ``waves''
of enforcement, a technique that had already been shown to increase
seat belt use in Elmira, New York. When these procedures were
implemented in the Canadian provinces, seat belt use generally
increased from about 60 percent to well over 80 percent, within a
period of 3-5 years.
The Canadian successes using periodic, highly visible ``waves'' of
enforcement, as well as successes of such efforts implemented in local
jurisdictions in the U.S., prompted NHTSA to implement Operation Buckle
Down (also called the ``70'' by ``92'' Program) in 1991. This two-year
program focused on Special Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEPs) to
increase seat belt use. It was followed by a national usage rate
increase from about 53 percent in 1990 to 62 percent by the end of 1992
(as measured by a weighted aggregate of State surveys). Neither the
level of enforcement nor its public visibility was uniform in every
State. Had these ``waves'' of enforcement been implemented in a more
uniform fashion in every state, the impact would likely have been much
greater.
In order to demonstrate the potential of periodic, highly visible
enforcement in a more controlled environment, the State of North
Carolina implemented its Click-It or Ticket program in 1993. In this
program, waves of coordinated and highly publicized enforcement efforts
(i.e., checkpoints) were implemented in every county. As a result, seat
belt use increased statewide, from 65 percent to over 80 percent, in
just a few months. This program provided the clearest possible evidence
to demonstrate the potential of highly visible enforcement to increase
seat belt use in a large jurisdiction.
2. National Mobilizations
National law enforcement mobilizations have also proven effective
in increasing seat belt use. The BUA campaign supports two national
mobilizations each year (Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays).
During the 1998 mobilizations conducted throughout the week surrounding
Memorial Day and the week surrounding Thanksgiving, between 4,000 and
5,000 law enforcement agencies participated in Operation ABC. Their
efforts were covered by several hundred national and local television
organizations in all major media markets. More than 1,500 print
articles were written in response to each mobilization. As a result of
the May mobilization, seat belt use increased significantly nationwide
as more than 6,000,000 motorists were convinced to buckle up. Since
that time, seat belt use has continued to increase significantly.
NHTSA Involvement
NHTSA will be involved in all activities undertaken as part of the
cooperative agreement program and will:
1. Provide a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR)
to participate in the planning and management of the cooperative
agreement and to coordinate activities between the selected major
metropolitan law enforcement agencies and NHTSA;
2. Provide information and technical assistance from government
sources, within available resources and as determined appropriate by
the COTR;
3. Act as a liaison between the selected metropolitan law
enforcement agencies and with other government and private agencies as
appropriate; and
4. Stimulate the exchange of ideas and information among
cooperative
[[Page 38940]]
agreement recipients through periodic meetings.
Availability of Funds and Period of Support
Cooperative agreements may be awarded for a period of support for
(1) year and (1) option year. The application for the funding period
(12 months) should address what is proposed and can be accomplished
during that period.
Subject to the availability of funds, the agency anticipates
awarding up to four (4) cooperative agreements in the amount of
$250,000 each, totaling $1,000,000. NHTSA may choose to extend the
period of performance under this agreement for an additional 12 months,
subject to the availability of funds. If NHTSA elects to do so, it will
notify the recipients within 50 days prior to the expiration of this
agreement and the recipient will submit a proposal for an additional 12
months of performance. Federal funding should be viewed as seed money
to assist local law enforcement agencies in the development of traffic
safety initiatives. Monies allocated for cooperative agreements are not
intended to cover all of the costs that will be incurred in the process
of completing the projects. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment
of financial or in-kind resources to the support of the proposed
projects.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to participate in this cooperative
agreement program, an applicant must be a metropolitan law enforcement
agency and must meet the following requirements:
--have jurisdiction to enforce traffic safety laws within the
metropolitan area;
--have support and political permission from the Mayor or other chief
executive officer (in the form of a proclamation or letter of support)
to conduct seat belt enforcement with the metropolitan area;
--have a population of at least 400 thousand within their metropolitan
area's jurisdiction;
--obtain written support from the Governor's Representative or his/her
designee in the State Highway Safety Agency (SHSA) demonstrating that
the applicant's proposal is consistent with the State's overall plan;
Application Procedure
Each applicant must submit one original and two copies of their
application package to: NHTSA, Office of Contracts and Procurement
(NAD-30), ATTN.: Joseph Comella, 400 7th Street, S.W., Room 5301,
Washington, D.C. 20590. An additional five copies will facilitate the
review process, but are not required. Applications are due no later
than August 19, 1999. Only complete application packages received by
the due date shall be considered. Applications must be typed on one
side of the page only. Applications must include a reference to NHTSA
Program No. NTS-01-9-05102. The proposal shall not exceed 25 pages, not
including budget, letters of endorsement, and resumes.
Application Contents
The application package must be submitted with OMB Standard Form
424 (Rev. 4-88), Application for Federal Assistance, including 424A,
Budget Information--Nonconstruction Program, and 424B Assurances--
Nonconstruction Programs, with the required information filled in and
the certified assurances included. The OMB Standard Forms SF-424, SF-
242A and SF424B may be downloaded directly from the OMB Internet web
site, http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/OMB/Grants/. While the Form 424-
A deals with budget information, and Section B identifies Budget
Categories, the available space does not permit a level of detail which
is sufficient to provide for a meaningful evaluation of the proposed
costs. A supplemental sheet should be provided which presents a
detailed breakdown of the proposed costs (direct labor, including labor
categories, level of effort and rate; direct material, including
itemized equipment; travel and transportation, including projected
trips and number of people traveling; subcontracts/subgrants with
similar cost detail, if known; and overhead costs), as well as any
costs which the applicant proposes to contribute in support of this
effort. The budget should be a 1-year plan. Also, the application shall
include a program narrative statement which addresses the following:
1. A description of the project to be pursued which provides:
a. A detailed explanation of the proposed strategy to increase seat
belt use in the metropolitan area, including methods for gaining
support (both within the community and law enforcement leadership). In
addition, strategies for participation in the operation ABC national
mobilizations and plans to conduct ``waves'' of highly publicized seat
belt enforcement. A description of efforts to address training needs
(i.e., differential enforcement or diversity sensitivity).
b. The goals, objectives, and the anticipated results and benefits
of the project (supporting documentation from concerned interests other
than the applicant can be used.)
c. A summary which includes the population of the metropolitan area
for which the law enforcement agency has traffic enforcement
jurisdiction and evidence of support of the enforcement program. The
project must have the written support from the State Highway Safety
Agency; however additional written support may be provided from
Mayoral, and other law enforcement agencies (with overlapping
jurisdictions).
d. List the project activities in chronological order to show the
schedule or accomplishments and their target dates.
e. An explanation demonstrating the need for assistance.
f. Description of any unusual features, such as design or
technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary
social/community involvement.
2. A description of the applicant's previous experience related to this
proposed program effort, i.e., past participation in highly publicized
enforcement or participation in the Operation ABC national seat belt
mobilizations.
3. An evaluation section which describes how the recipient will
evaluate and measure the project activities and outcomes. Describe the
methods for assessing actual results achieved. Outcomes can be
documented in a number of ways (e.g., number of citations, seat belt
use surveys, level of earned media coverage, etc.). Increases in
observed seat belt and child safety seat use are the ultimate measure
of success. Other measures may include: (i) Increases in number of law
enforcement personnel trained to enforce occupant protection laws; (ii)
increased metropolitan participation in Operation ABC enforcement
mobilizations; (iii) increased perception of ongoing enforcement and
public education activities; (iv) incentive programs to complement
enforcement efforts or (v) integration of occupant protection
enforcement activities with other local enforcement activities. Data
sources should be identified and collection and analysis approaches
should be described.
4. A statement of any technical assistance which the applicant may
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require of NHTSA in order to successfully complete the proposed
project.
5. Identification of the proposed program coordinator and other key
personnel identified for participation in the proposed project effort,
including a description of their qualifications, the nature of their
contribution, and their respective organizational responsibilities.
6. A detailed breakdown of the proposed costs, as well the applicant's
financial or in-kind resources to the support of the proposed projects.
Review Process and Criteria
Initially, all applications will be screened to ensure that they
meet the eligibility requirements.
Each complete application from an eligible recipient will then be
evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee. The applications will be
evaluated using the following criteria:
1. The potential of the proposed project effort to significantly
increase the enforcement of seat belt laws, with a corresponding
increase in seat belt use within the major metropolitan area. (80
percent)
The evaluation will include the proposed strategy for participating
in the Operation: America Buckles Up Children (ABC) national seat belt
mobilizations and the applicant's proposed strategy to coordinate this
effort with other law enforcement agencies with overlapping
jurisdictions. The applicant's ability to demonstrate support from
local government officials and national organizations will also be
considered in evaluating the potential impact of the proposed project.
(See Application Contents paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 4)
2. The program management experience and technical expertise of the
proposed personnel and the financial merit of the proposed project (20
percent)
Program management and technical expertise will be estimated by
reviewing the qualifications and experience of the professional team,
the various disciplines represented, and the relative level of effort
proposed for professional, technical, contractual, and support staff.
Consideration will be given to the adequacy of the organizational plan
for accomplishing the proposed project effort. Also, the adequacy of
the facilities, equipment, and other resources identified to accomplish
the proposed project effort will be considered. Financial merit will be
estimated by the cost of the cooperative agreement to be borne by NHTSA
and the in-kind contribution provided by the applicant as compared to
the anticipated benefits. (See Application Contents paragraphs 5 and 6)
Terms and Conditions of Award
1. Prior to award, the recipient must comply with the certification
requirements of 49 CFR part 20, Department of Transportation New
Restriction on Lobbying, and 49 CFR Part 29, Department of
Transportation Government-wide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants).
2. During the effective period of the cooperative agreement(s) awarded
as a result of this notice, the agreement(s) shall be subject to
NHTSA's General Provisions for Assistance Agreements (7/95).
3. Reporting Requirements
a. Monthly Reports, which shall be due 15 days after the end of
each month, shall be submitted to document project efforts and results.
The reports should include up to date information (including
summarizing accomplishments, obstacles and problems encountered,
noteworthy activities) and should be suitable for public dissemination.
b. Final Report: The recipient shall submit a final report
summarizing the project effort within 30 days after the completion of
the project. The final report will include an evaluation section as
proposed in the initial proposal. An original and three copies of each
of these reports shall be submitted to the COTR. The recipient shall
submit a draft final report to the NHTSA COTR 60 days prior to end of
the performance period. The COTR will review the draft report and
provide comments to the recipient within 30 days of receipt of the
document.
c. Briefing to NHTSA: The recipient may be requested to conduct an
oral presentation of project activities for the COTR and other
interested NHTSA personnel. For planning purposes, assume that these
presentations will be conducted at the NHTSA Office of Traffic and
Injury Control Programs, Washington, D.C. An original and three copies
of briefing materials shall be submitted to the COTR.
Issued on: July 15, 1999.
Rose A. McMurray,
Associate Administrator for Traffic Safety Programs.
[FR Doc. 99-18503 Filed 7-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
