01-12983. Initiatives To Develop and Implement Programs To Enhance Epilepsy Public Awareness and Partnership, Education, and Communication; Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2001 funds for a cooperative agreement program for “Initiatives to Develop and Implement Programs to Enhance Epilepsy Public Awareness and Partnership, Education, and Communication.” This program addresses the “Healthy People 2010” focus areas of Disability and Secondary Conditions.

The purpose of this program is to conduct epilepsy programs to promote public awareness and partnerships; to provide epilepsy education for the general public and for health care providers; and to develop and enhance communication channels to allow for improved interaction and information sharing among those with epilepsy and their families, as well as those who advocate for persons with epilepsy and those who provide care and services for persons with epilepsy, researchers, public health specialists, and the general public.

B. Eligible Applicants

Assistance will be provided only to private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is a national voluntary health organization dedicated to assisting persons with epilepsy. Specifically, CDC was directed to expand epilepsy surveillance, public awareness activities, public and provider education, prevention research, and activities to combat stigma.

Note:

Title 2 of the United States Code, Chapter 26, Section 1611 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 $1,300,000 is available in FY 2001 to fund one award. It is expected that the award will begin on or about September 30, 2001, and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to five years. Funding estimates may 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.

D. Program Requirements

In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, the recipient will be responsible for the activities under 1. (Recipient Activities), and CDC will be responsible for the activities listed under 2. (CDC Activities).

1. Recipient Activities

The applicant shall conduct activities in one or more of the following three priority areas listed in the application instructions.

a. Partnership Building

(1) Provide financial and personnel support to epilepsy affiliates/chapters to facilitate building collaborative public health partnerships with state and local health departments.

(2) Provide financial and personnel support to health related organizations (other than epilepsy affiliates/chapters) to facilitate building collaborative partnerships.

(3) Expand ongoing communication vehicles (i.e., listservs, web sites, newsletters, conference calls, meetings) to facilitate problem solving and idea sharing among organizations involved in collaborative activities to strengthen programs to promote public awareness of epilepsy, provide education for those with epilepsy, the general public, and for health care providers, and enhance communication channels.

b. Create Awareness/Improve Health Communications

(1) Expand a sustained multifaceted media relations outreach program.

(2) Expand, implement and evaluate strategies to disseminate existing educational materials, particularly those that focus on teens with epilepsy, to those with epilepsy who are under served.

c. Consumer and Provider Education

(1) Expand the development or adaption, evaluation, and dissemination of low-literacy epilepsy education materials and/or educational materials for large minority groups (e.g., Hispanic, Asian, American Natives, African American).

(2) Develop, evaluate, and disseminate epilepsy self-management materials delivered through traditional and/or alternative delivery mechanisms (i.e., Internet-based, CD ROM, other).

(3) Develop appropriate training on selected epilepsy interventions with demonstrated cost-effectiveness with appropriate experts including international organizations.

(4) Develop, evaluate, and disseminate continuing medical education (CME) or CME and continuing education units (CEU) granting self study professional education through alternative delivery mechanisms (i.e., Internet based, CD-ROM).

2. CDC Activities

a. Collaborate in planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies and programs.

b. Assist in the analysis and interpretation of the evaluation phase of projects or programs.

c. Provide programmatic consultation and guidance in support of the program.

d. Assist in the planning and implementation of linkages with local, national, or international epilepsy organizations or agencies.

E. 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 to follow them in laying out your program plan. The narrative should be no more than 30 double-spaced pages, printed on one side, with one inch margins, and unreduced font. The application should be organized in the following sections.

1. Executive Summary

Provide a clear, concise, and objectively written statement of the major objectives and components of proposed activities, proposed time frame, and evaluation plan. Document your organization's national network by providing a list of your affiliate locations. Also, include proof of your non-profit status.

2. Existing Resources and Needs Assessment

Describe the documented need for the proposed activities and current activities that provide relevant experience and expertise to perform the proposed activities.

3. Collaborative Relationships

Describe collaborative relationships with other agencies and organizations that will be involved in the proposed activities.

4. Operational and Evaluation Plan

Describe the specific outcome and process objectives for each proposed activity, the major steps required to achieve the objectives, and a projected timetable for completion that displays dates for the accomplishment of specific proposed activities. Describe how achievement of outcome and process objectives, and program effectiveness will be evaluated.

5. Management and Staffing Plan

Describe how the program will be effectively managed including:

(a) Management structure including the lines of authority and plans for fiscal control.

(b) The staff positions responsible for implementation of the program.

(c) Qualifications and experience of the designated staff.

6. Budget and Justification

Provide a detailed budget request and line-item justification of all proposed operating expenses.

F. Submission and Deadline

Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0920-0428). Forms are available in the application kit and at the following Internet address: http://forms.pcs.gov

On or before July 7, 2001, submit the application to the Grants Management Specialist identified in the “Where to Obtain Additional Information” section of this announcement.

Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they are either:

1. Received on or before the deadline date; or

2. Sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for submission to the independent 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.)

Late: Applications which do not meet the criteria in 1. or 2. above will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria (100 Points)

Each application will be evaluated individually against the following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.

1. Resources and Needs Assessment: (25 points)

The relevance of the needs assessment and extent to which the applicant demonstrates that current activities provide experience and expertise for the proposed projects.

2. Collaboration: (15 points)

The extent to which the applicant provides evidence of collaborative relationships with other agencies and organizations relevant to successful completion of the proposed projects. The extent to which the applicant documents their nationwide affiliate network.

3. Proposed Operational and Evaluation Plan: (35 points)

The extent to which the applicant clearly identifies the specific outcome and process objectives for the proposed activities, and the major steps required to meet the objectives; provides a realistic plan for involving others in the project; and proposes an evaluation plan that is likely to provide meaningful information about the achievement of the projects.

4. Proposed Implementation Schedule: (10 points)

The extent to which the projected timetable for completion of tasks and for meeting objectives is reasonable and realistic.

5. Project Management and Staffing Plan: (15 points)

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates management structure and staff positions with clear lines of authority and plans for fiscal control, and that designated staff have appropriate qualifications and experience. This includes:

A. The proposed justification when representation is limited or absent.

B. A statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to measure differences when warranted.

C. 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.

6. Budget: (Not Scored)

The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed budget and justification consistent with the proposed program objectives and activities.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

Provide CDC with an original plus two copies of:

1. semiannual progress reports;

2. financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of the budget period; and

3. final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days after the end of the project period.

Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in the “Where to Obtain Additional Information” section of this announcement.

The following additional requirements are applicable to this program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the application kit.

AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements

AR-11 Healthy People 2010

AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions

AR-14 Accounting System Requirements

AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

This program is authorized under the sections 301(a) and 317(k)(2) the Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241(a) and 247b(k)(2)], as amended. The Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.283.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page Internet address—http://www.cdc.gov Click on “Funding” then “Grants and cooperative Agreements.”

Should you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the documents, business management assistance may be obtained from: Michelle Copeland, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Announcement 01134, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail].

For program technical assistance, contact: Mike Waller, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, Telephone: [phone],E-mail: [e-mail].

Dated: May 17, 2001.

John L. Williams,

Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).