95-15703. National Institutes of Health Construction Grants  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 129 (Thursday, July 6, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 35266-35272]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-15703]
    
    
    
    
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    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Health and Human Services
    
    
    
    
    
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    Public Health Service
    
    
    
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    42 CFR Part 52b
    
    
    
    National Institutes of Health Construction Grants; Proposed Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 129 / Thursday, July 6, 1995 / 
    Proposed Rules
    
    [[Page 35266]]
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    
    Public Health Service
    
    42 CFR Part 52b
    
    RIN 0905-AD49
    
    
    National Institutes of Health Construction Grants
    
    AGENCY: Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services 
    (HHS).
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposes to revise its 
    regulations governing construction grants for the purpose of making 
    them applicable to all NIH financial assistance programs with 
    construction grant authority, including programs transferred to NIH by 
    the ADAMHA Reorganization Act and two new programs authorized by the 
    National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993. The 
    regulations are also being revised for the purpose of correcting Public 
    Health Service (PHS) Act section numbers referenced in the regulations 
    and adding new administrative and technical requirements for the 
    awarding of these grants and cost recovery procedures for the recovery 
    of grant funds for facilities no longer used for biomedical research 
    purposes.
    
    DATES: Comments on these proposed regulations must be received on or 
    before September 5, 1995 in order to ensure that NIH will be able to 
    consider the comments in preparing the final rule.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to: Mr. Jerry E. Moore, NIH 
    Regulatory Affairs Officer, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 
    Room 1B25, 31 Center DR MSC 2075, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, 
    Maryland 20892-2340.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jerry E. Moore, NIH Regulatory 
    Affairs Officer, at the address above, or telephone (301) 496-4606 
    (this is not a toll-free number).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 
    as amended (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), construction or modernization grant 
    authority exists in sections 413(b)(6)(B) and 414(b) for the National 
    Cancer Institute (construction grants); sections 421(b)(2)(B) and 
    422(c)(3) for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
    (construction grants); section 441(a) for the National Institute of 
    Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (modernization grants); 
    section 455 for the National Eye Institute (construction grants); 
    section 464C(a) for the National Institute on Deafness and Other 
    Communication Disorders (modernization grants); section 464P(b)(3) for 
    the National Institute on Drug Abuse (construction grants); section 
    481A(a) for the Director of NIH, acting through the Director of the 
    National Center for Research Resources (construction and modernization 
    grants); section 481B(a) for the Director of NIH (construction grants); 
    and section 2354(a)(5)(B) for NIH AIDS research programs (construction 
    grants).
        NIH proposes to revise the existing regulations at 42 CFR part 52b 
    (National Cancer Institute Construction Grants) to make them applicable 
    to all NIH financial assistance programs with construction or 
    modernization grant authority. Part 52b would be retitled and the 
    authority citation would be amended to add the additional construction 
    and modernization grant authorities. Sections 52b.2 and 52.3 would be 
    revised in their entirety. Section 52b.4 would be amended by revising 
    paragraph (d) to reference Executive Order 12372 and adding a new 
    paragraph (e) regarding the protection of Historical Properties listed 
    on National and State Historical Registers. Section 52b.5 would be 
    revised in its entirety. Sections 52b.6, 52b.7, 52b.8, 52b.9, 52b.10, 
    and 52b.11 would be revised and moved to Secs. 52b.14, 52b.6, 52b.10, 
    52b.11, 52b.13 and 52b.12, respectively. The PHS Act sections 
    referenced in the regulations would be corrected. Three new sections 
    would be added to part 52b. A new Sec. 52b.7 would be added specifying 
    facility usage requirements; a new Sec. 52b.8 would be added concerning 
    NIH monitoring of the usage of biomedical research facilities 
    constructed with Federal funds; and a new Sec. 52b.9 would be added 
    concerning procedures to recover Federal funds for facilities that 
    cease to be used for biomedical research purposes. Section 52b.10 would 
    add new requirements relating to the recording of notice of Federal 
    interest and the purchasing of insurance. Section 52b.12 concerning 
    minimal requirements of construction and equipment would be revised to 
    incorporate by reference additional published standards relating to 
    facility design, construction, and operation standards. In accordance 
    with section 552(a) of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) 
    and implementing regulations, 1 CFR part 51, NIH will request the 
    approval of the Director of the Federal Register prior to incorporating 
    by reference any new published material in the final rule.
        Section 52b.14 would be revised to cite additional HHS regulations 
    and policies that apply to part 52b. These regulations do not apply to 
    minor alterations and renovations that are included in applications for 
    research project grants. Minor alterations and renovations are covered 
    under the regulations at 42 CFR part 52. These regulations also do not 
    cover alterations and renovations under NIH center grants. These 
    alterations and renovations are covered under the regulations at 42 CFR 
    part 52a. The purpose of this notice is to invite public comment on 
    these proposed changes.
        PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
    free workplace and to promote the nonuse of all tobacco products, and 
    Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in 
    certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education, 
    library, day care, health care, and early childhood development 
    services are provided to children.
        The following statements are provided for the information of the 
    public.
    
    Regulatory Impact Statement
    
        Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, Regulatory Planning 
    and Review, requires us to prepare an analysis for any rule that meets 
    one of the E. O. 12866 criteria for a significant regulatory action; 
    that is, that may--
        Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
    adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
    economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
    health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
    communities;
        Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        Materially alter the budgetary impact of grants, user fees, or loan 
    programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or
        Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, 
    the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in E.O. 12866.
        In addition, the Department prepares a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 
    U.S.C. chapter 6), if the rule is expected to have a significant impact 
    on a substantial number of small entities.
        For the reasons outlined below, we do not believe this NPRM is 
    economically significant nor do we believe that it will have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. In 
    addition, this NPRM is not inconsistent with the actions of any other 
    agency. 
    
    [[Page 35267]]
    
        This NPRM would merely update internal policies and procedures of 
    the Federal government which are used by the NIH to administer 
    construction grants awarded under the authority set forth in section 
    413(b)(6)(B), 414(b), 421(b)(2)(B), 422(c)(3), 441(a), 455, 464C(a), 
    464P(b)(3), 481A(a), 481B(a) and 2354(a)(5)(B) of the PHS Act. These 
    grants do not have significant economic or policy impact on a broad 
    cross-section of the public. Furthermore, the revised regulations would 
    only affect the limited number of public or private nonprofit agencies 
    of institutions which are interested in participating in the 
    construction grant program. No agency or institution is required to 
    participate in the program. The revised regulations include no 
    standards or requirements which would burden small entities.
        For these same reasons, the Secretary certifies this NPRM will not 
    have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities, and that a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, as defined under 
    the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, is not required.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        This proposed rule contains information collection requirements 
    which are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval 
    under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). The 
    title, description, and respondent description of the information 
    collection requirements in this proposed rule are presented below with 
    an estimated annual burden. The information collection requirements 
    contained in these regulations have been submitted to OMB for review. 
    Other organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the 
    information collection requirements should send their comments to (1) 
    Dr. Charles MacKay, Project Clearance Officer, National Institutes of 
    Health, Building 31, Room 5B33, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 
    20892-2174, and (2) the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
    OMB, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, 725 17th St., N.W., 
    Washington, D.C. 20503. Attention: Desk Officer for the National 
    Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. After 
    OMB approval is obtained, the OMB control number will be published in 
    the Federal Register.
        Title: NIH Construction Grants.
        Description: The information collections will be used by NIH to 
    evaluate grant applications, oversee the transfer of the title of a 
    constructed facility, and monitor the use being made of a constructed 
    facility.
        Respondent Description: Public or private nonprofit agencies or 
    institutions.
    
                                   Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Annual number      Annual      Average burden                            
                                          of respondents     frequency     per response       Annual burden hours   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Reporting:                                                                                                      
        Sec.  52b.9(b)..................               1               1             .50                         .50
        Sec.  52b.10(f).................              15               1               1                       15   
        Sec.  52b.10(g).................              30              12               1              360   
        Sec.  52b.11(b).................             100               1               1                  * (100)   
                                                                                         ---------------------------
            Subtotal....................                                                                      375.5 
                                                                                         ---------------------------
    Recordkeeping:                                                                                                  
        Sec.  52b.10(g).................              30             260               1             7800   
                                                                                         ---------------------------
            Total.......................                                                                     8175.5 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * This burden is approved under OMB Approval Number 0937-0189                                                   
     Based on an average of 30 active grants in the construction phase.                                     
    
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
    
        The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbered programs 
    affected by these proposed regulations are:
    
    93.392--Cancer Construction
    93.131--Shared Research Facilities for Heart, Lung, and Blood 
    Diseases
    93.846--Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research
    
    List of Subjects in Part 52b
    
        AIDS research facilities construction; Basic biomedical research 
    laboratory facilities construction; Cancer research facilities 
    construction; Clinical biomedical and behavioral research facilities 
    construction; Grants--construction; Incorporation by reference; Primate 
    research facilities construction; Research facilities construction for 
    AIDS; Research facilities construction for arthritis, musculoskeletal 
    and skin diseases; Research facilities construction for heart, lung, 
    and blood diseases; Vision research facilities construction.
    
        Dated: December 28, 1994.
    Philip R. Lee,
    Assistant Secretary for Health.
    
        Approved: June 19, 1995.
    Donna E. Shalala,
    Secretary.
    
        For reasons set out in the preamble, it is proposed to revise part 
    52b of title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations to read as set forth 
    below.
    
    PART 52b--NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
    
    Sec.
    52b.1  To what programs do these regulations apply?
    52b.2  Definitions.
    52b.3  Who is eligible to apply?
    52b.4  How to apply.
    52b.5  How will NIH evaluate applications?
    52b.6.  What is the rate of Federal financial participation?
    52b.7  How is the grantee obligated to use the facility?
    52b.8  How will NIH monitor the use of facilities constructed with 
    Federal funds?
    52b.9  What is the right of the United States to recover Federal 
    funds when facilities are not used for research or are transferred?
    52b.10  What are the terms and conditions of awards?
    52b.11  What are the requirements for acquisition and modernization 
    of existing facilities?
    52b.12  What are the minimum requirements for construction and 
    equipment?
    52b.13  Additional conditions.
    52b.14  Other HHS regulations and policies that apply.
    
    
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        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 216, 285a-2, 285a-3, 285b-3, 285b-4, 285d-
    6, 285i, 285m-3, 285o-4, 287a-2, 287a-3, 300cc-41.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.1  To what programs do these regulations apply?
    
        The provisions of this part apply to grants authorized by: section 
    413(b)(6)(B) of the Act for construction or renovation of basic cancer 
    research laboratory facilities, including clinical facilities; section 
    414(b) of the Act for the construction of centers for basic and 
    clinical research into, training in, and demonstration of advanced 
    diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for cancer; 
    section 421(b)(2)(B) of the Act for the construction or renovation of 
    heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease and blood resource 
    laboratories, research, training, and other facilities as the Director 
    determines necessary; section 422(c)(3) of the Act for the construction 
    of centers for basic and clinical research into, training in, and 
    demonstration of, the management of blood resources and advanced 
    diagnostic, prevention, and treatment methods for heart, blood vessel, 
    lung, or blood diseases; section 441(a) of the Act for the 
    modernization of existing buildings to serve as centers for basic and 
    clinical research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, 
    prevention, control, and treatment of and rehabilitation from arthritis 
    and musculoskeletal diseases, including research into implantable 
    biomaterials and biomechanical and other orthopedic procedures; section 
    455 of the Act for the construction of vision research facilities; 
    section 464C(a) for the modernization of existing buildings to serve as 
    multipurpose centers for basic and clinical research into the cause, 
    diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control and treatment of 
    disorders of hearing and other communication processes including 
    research into rehabilitative aids, implantable biomaterials, auditory 
    speech processors, speech production devices, and other otolaryngologic 
    procedures; section 464P(b)(3) of the Act for the construction of 
    pharmacotherapeutic research centers, laboratories, and other necessary 
    facilities and equipment to conduct research on the development and use 
    of medications to treat drug addiction; section 481A(a) of the Act for 
    the expansion, remodeling or alteration of existing research 
    facilities, or the construction of new research facilities; section 
    481B(a) of the Act for the construction or renovation of regional 
    centers for research on primates; and section 2354(a)(5)(B) of the Act 
    for the construction of facilities for acquired immunodeficiency 
    syndrome (AIDS) research. The provisions of this part do not apply to 
    minor alteration and renovation that is included in the application for 
    a research project grant. This type of alteration and renovation is 
    covered under the regulations at 42 CFR part 52.
    Sec. 52b.2  Definitions.
    
        As used in this part:
        Act means the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 201 
    et seq.).
        Construction means the construction of new buildings or the 
    modernization of, or the completion of shell space in, existing 
    buildings (including the installation of fixed equipment), but 
    excluding the cost of land acquisition and off-site improvements.
        Construction grant means funds awarded for construction in 
    accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act and with this 
    part.
        Director means the director of an NIH national research institute, 
    center, or other component of NIH, authorized to award grants for 
    construction under the applicable provisions of the Act, and any 
    official to whom the authority involved is delegated.
        Federal share with respect to any construction project means the 
    proportion, expressed as a percentage, of the cost of the project to be 
    paid by a grant award under the Act.
        HHS, DHHS, and Department mean the Department of Health and Human 
    Services.
        Institute means any national research institute, center, or other 
    agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth in or 
    established by the Secretary under section 401 of the Act.
        Modernization means the alteration, renovation, remodeling, 
    improvement, expansion, and repair of existing buildings and the 
    provision of equipment necessary to make the building suitable for use 
    for the purposes of the particular program.
        NIH means the National Institutes of Health and its organizational 
    components that award grants.
        Nonprofit as applied to any agency or institution means an agency 
    or institution which is a corporation or an association, no part of the 
    net earnings of which inures or may lawfully inure to the benefit of 
    any private shareholder or individual.
        Project means the particular construction activity which is 
    supported by a grant under this part.
        Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services and any 
    official to whom the authority involved may be delegated.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.3  Who is eligible to apply?
    
        In order to be eligible for a construction grant under this part, 
    the applicant must:
        (a) Be a public or private nonprofit agency or institution;
        (b) Be located in a State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 
    the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, Guam, American Samoa, or the 
    successor States of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (the 
    Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
    and the Republic of Palau); and
        (c) Meet any additional eligibility criteria specified in the 
    applicable provisions of the Act.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.4  How to apply.
    
        Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made 
    in such form and at such times as the Secretary may specify.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.5  How will NIH evaluate applications?
    
        (a) In evaluating and approving applications for construction 
    grants under this part, the Director shall take into account, among 
    other pertinent factors, the following:
        (1) The priority score,
        (2) The relevance of the project for which construction is proposed 
    to the objectives and priorities of the particular statutory program 
    under the Act,
        (3) The scientific merit of the research program activities which 
    will be carried out in the proposed facility,
        (4) The scientific or professional standing or reputation of the 
    applicant and of its existing or proposed officers and research staff,
        (5) The availability, by affiliation, or other association, of 
    other scientific or health personnel and facilities to the extent 
    necessary to carry out effectively the program proposed for the 
    facility, including the adequacy of an acceptable biohazard control and 
    containment program when warranted,
        (6) The need for the facility and its total effects on similar or 
    related facilities in the locale, and the need to accomplish 
    appropriate geographic distribution of similar facilities, and
        (7) The financial need of the applicant.
        (b) The priority score of the application shall be based, among 
    other pertinent factors, on the following criteria:
        (1) The scientific merit of the total program and its component 
    parts to be carried out in the facility,
        (2) The administrative and leadership capabilities of the 
    applicant's officers and staff, 
    
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        (3) The organization of the applicant's research program and its 
    relationship with the overall institutional settings,
        (4) The anticipated effect of the project on other relevant 
    research programs and facilities in the geographic area, and nation-
    wide,
        (5) The need for the project or additional space, and
        (6) The project cost and design.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.6  What is the rate of Federal financial participation?
    
        (a) Unless otherwise specified in statute, the rate of Federal 
    participation in a construction project supported by a grant under this 
    part shall not be more than 50 percent of the necessary allowable costs 
    of construction as determined by the Director, except that when the 
    Director finds good cause for waiving this limitation, the amount of 
    the construction grant may be more than 50 percent of the necessary 
    allowable costs of construction.
        (b) Subject to paragraph (a) of this section, the Director shall 
    set the actual rate of Federal financial participation in the necessary 
    allowable costs of construction taking into consideration the most 
    effective use of available Federal funds to further the purposes of the 
    applicable provisions of the Act.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.7  How is the grantee obligated to use the facility?
    
        (a) The grantee shall use the facility (or that portion of the 
    facility supported by a grant under this part) for its originally 
    authorized purpose so long as needed for that purpose, unless that 
    grantee obtains advance written approval from the Director to use the 
    facility for another purpose. Use for other purposes shall be limited 
    to, in order of priority:
        (1) Projects or programs supported by other Federal grants or 
    assistance agreements,
        (2) Activities not supported by other Federal grants or assistance 
    agreements, but whose purposes are consistent with those of the 
    legislation under which the original grant was made.
        (b) The Director, in determining whether to approve an alternative 
    use of the facility, shall take into consideration the extent to which:
        (1) the facility will be devoted by the grantee or other owner to a 
    use described in paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section; or
        (2) there are reasonable assurances that for the remainder of the 
    useful life of the facility, alternative facilities not previously used 
    for NIH supported research will be utilized for this purpose and are 
    substantially equivalent in nature and extent for these purposes.
        (c) Sale, transfer, or change in use; general. Approval may be 
    requested from the Director to transfer title to a third party eligible 
    under Sec. 52b.3 for continued use for authorized purposes in 
    accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. If approval is 
    permissible under the Act or other Federal statute and is granted, the 
    terms of the transfer shall provide that the transferee shall assume 
    all the rights and obligations of the transferor set forth in 45 CFR 
    part 74, subpart O, or other terms of the grant.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.8  How will NIH monitor the use of facilities constructed with 
    Federal funds?
    
        NIH may monitor the use of each facility constructed with funds 
    awarded under this part to ensure its continued use for the original 
    authorized research purpose, by means of requesting periodic facility 
    use certifications or reports, site visits, and other appropriate 
    means.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.9  What is the right of the United States to recover Federal 
    funds when facilities are not used for research or are transferred?
    
        (a) If, during its useful life, a facility supported by a 
    construction grant under this part ceases to be used for the particular 
    biomedical research or training purposes for which it was constructed 
    (or alternate use authorized under Sec. 52b.7(a)), or the grantee sells 
    or decides to sell or transfer title to an entity ineligible for a 
    grant under Sec. 52b.3, the grantee shall request disposition 
    instructions from NIH. Those instructions will provide for one of the 
    following alternatives:
        (1) The facility may be sold and the grantee or transferee shall 
    pay to the United States an amount computed by multiplying the Federal 
    share of the facility times the proceeds from the sale (after deducting 
    the actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the 
    sales proceeds), plus interest, if any, as may be allowed by law. 
    Proper sales procedures shall be used that provide for competition to 
    the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
        (2) The grantee may retain title and shall pay to the United States 
    an amount computed by multiplying the market value of the facility by 
    the Federal share of the facility.
        (3) The grantee shall transfer the title to either the United 
    States or to an eligible non-Federal party approved by the Director. 
    The grantee shall be entitled to be paid an amount computed by 
    multiplying the market value of the facility by the non-Federal share 
    of the facility.
        (b) The transferor of a facility which is sold or transferred, or 
    the owner of a facility the use of which has changed, as described in 
    paragraph (a) of this section, shall provide the Director written 
    notice of the sale, transfer, or change not later than 30 days from the 
    date on which the sale, transfer, or change occurs.
        (c) The Secretary may waive the recovery rights of the United 
    States set forth in paragraph (a) of this section with respect to a 
    facility if the Secretary determines that there is good cause for 
    waiving the rights with respect to the particular facility. In 
    determining whether there is good cause, the Secretary shall take into 
    consideration the extent to which (and the grantee or transferee 
    provides reasonable assurances that):
        (1) the facility will be utilized for the remainder of its useful 
    life, in order of priority:
        (i) For other health related activities consistent with the 
    purposes of one or more of the activities of the awarding Institute 
    authorized under title IV of the Act,
        (ii) To provide training or instruction in the health fields for 
    health professionals or health related information programs for the 
    public, or
        (iii) Other health related purposes consistent with one or more 
    purposes authorized under the Act; or,
        (2) facilities of substantially comparable value or utility will be 
    utilized for the remainder of the facility's useful life to carry out 
    the biomedical research or training purpose for which the grant was 
    awarded. Alternative facilities (and the grantee) shall be subject to 
    the same use obligation and the other requirements imposed on the 
    grantee by this part.
        (d) The right of recovery of the United States set forth in 
    paragraph (a) of this section shall not, prior to judgment, constitute 
    a lien on any facility with respect to which funds have been paid under 
    this part.
        (e) Any amount recovered under this section will be paid to the 
    awarding institute for disposition as required by law.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.10  What are the terms and conditions of awards?
    
        In addition to any other requirement imposed by law or determined 
    by the Director to be reasonably necessary with respect to any 
    particular grant to fulfill the purposes of the grant, each 
    construction grant shall be subject to the terms and conditions, and 
    the grantee shall provide the assurances, required by this section, 
    supported by such documentation as the Director may 
    
    [[Page 35270]]
    reasonably require. The Director may, by general policy or for good 
    cause shown by an applicant, approve exceptions to these terms and 
    conditions or assurances where the Director finds that the exceptions 
    are consistent with the applicable provision of the Act and the 
    purposes of the particular program:
        (a) Title. That the applicant has a fee simple or such other estate 
    or interest in the site, including necessary easements and rights-of-
    way sufficient to assure for the estimated useful life of the facility, 
    as determined by the Director, undisturbed use and possession for the 
    purpose of the construction and operation of the facility.
        (b) Plans and specifications. That approval by the Director of the 
    final working drawings, specifications, and cost estimate shall be 
    obtained before the project is advertised or placed on the market for 
    bidding. The approval shall include a determination by the Director 
    that the final plans and specifications conform to the minimum 
    standards of construction and equipment as set forth in Sec. 52b.12 of 
    this part.
        (c) Relocation assistance. That in the case of a public applicant 
    with an approved project which involves the displacement of persons or 
    businesses on or after January 4, 1971, the applicant will comply with 
    the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property 
    Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) and the 
    applicable regulations issued under that Act (45 CFR part 15).
        (d) Approval of changes in estimated cost. That the applicant will 
    not enter into any construction contract or contracts for the project 
    or a part thereof, the cost of which is in excess of the estimated cost 
    approved in the terms of an award for that portion of the work covered 
    by the plans and specifications, without the prior approval of the 
    Director.
        (e) Completion responsibility. That the applicant will construct 
    the project, or cause it to be constructed, to final completion in 
    accordance with the grant application, the terms of award, and the 
    approved plans and specifications.
        (f) Construction inspection. Prior to the start of construction, 
    the grantee shall submit an approved copy of the construction schedule 
    (critical path method) to the Director.
        (g) Construction management. That the applicant will provide and 
    maintain competent and adequate construction management services for 
    inspection at the construction site to ensure that the completed work 
    conforms with the approved plans and specifications. Construction 
    management services will also include daily construction logs and 
    monthly status reports which will be maintained at the job site and 
    shall be submitted to the Director at the time and in the form and 
    manner as the Director may prescribe.
        (h) Non-Federal share. That sufficient funds are available to meet 
    the non-Federal share of the costs of constructing the facility.
        (i) Funds for operation. That sufficient funds will be available 
    when construction is completed for effective use of the facility for 
    the purposes for which it is being constructed.
        (j) Inspection. That the Director and the Director's 
    representatives shall have access at all reasonable times to all work 
    during any stage of construction and the contractor shall provide 
    proper facilities for this access and inspection.
        (k) Accessibility to handicapped. That the facility shall be 
    designed to comply with the Federal Accessibility Standards (41 CFR 
    subpart 101-19.6), as modified by other standards prescribed by the 
    Director or the Administrator of General Services. The applicant will 
    be responsible for conducting inspections to insure compliance with 
    these specifications by the contractor.
        (l) Notice of Federal interest. The grantee shall record a Notice 
    of Federal Interest in the appropriate official records of the 
    jurisdiction in which the property is located.
        (m) Title insurance. The grantee shall purchase a title insurance 
    policy unless a legal opinion has been provided which certifies that 
    the grantee institution has fee simple title to the site free and clear 
    of all liens, easements, rights-of-way, and any other adverse interests 
    which would encumber the project. A waiver to this requirement may be 
    obtained if the grantee is adequately self-insured against the risks 
    involved.
        (n) Physical destruction insurance. At the time construction is 
    completed or at the time of beneficial occupancy, whichever comes 
    first, the grantee shall purchase an insurance policy which insures the 
    facility at the full appraised value of the property using State 
    certified appraisers. The insurance policy must protect the property 
    from total or partial physical destruction and must be maintained 
    throughout the period of Federal interest. A waiver to this requirement 
    may be obtained if the grantee is adequately self-insured against the 
    risks involved.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.11  What are the requirements for acquisition and 
    modernization of existing facilities?
    
        In addition to the other requirements of this part, the following 
    requirements are applicable to the acquisition and modernization of 
    existing facilities.
        (a) Minimum standards of construction and equipment. A 
    determination by the Director that the facility conforms (or upon 
    completion of any necessary construction will conform) to the minimum 
    standards of construction and equipment as set forth in Sec. 52b.12 of 
    this part, shall be obtained before entering into a final or 
    unconditional contract for the acquisition and/or remodeling of 
    facilities. Where the Director finds that exceptions to or 
    modifications of construction or equipment would be consistent with the 
    purposes of the applicable section of the Act under which the 
    acquisition is supported, the Director may authorize the exceptions or 
    modifications.
        (b) Estimated cost of acquisition and remodeling: Suitability of 
    facility. Each application for a project involving the acquisition of 
    existing facilities shall include in the detailed estimates of the 
    costs of the project, the cost of acquiring these facilities, and any 
    cost of remodeling, renovating or altering the facilities to serve the 
    purposes for which they are acquired. The application shall demonstrate 
    to the satisfaction of the Director that the architectural, mechanical, 
    electrical, plumbing, structural, and other pertinent features of the 
    facility, as modified by any proposed expansion, remodeling, 
    renovation, or alteration, will be clearly suitable for the purposes of 
    the applicable sections of the Act.
        (c) Bona fide sale. Grant awards for the acquisition of existing 
    facilities shall be subject to the condition that the acquisition 
    constitutes a bona fide sale involving an actual cost to the applicant 
    and will result in additional or improved facilities for purposes of 
    the applicable provisions of the Act.
        (d) Facility which has previously received a Federal grant. No 
    grant for the acquisition or modernization of a facility which has 
    previously received a Federal grant for construction, acquisition, or 
    equipment shall serve either to reduce or restrict the liability of the 
    applicant or any other transferor or transferee from any obligation of 
    accountability imposed by the Federal Government by reason of the prior 
    grant. 
    
    [[Page 35271]]
    
    
    
    Sec. 52b.12  What are the minimum requirements for construction and 
    equipment?
    
        In addition to being subject to other regulations and policies 
    referred to in Sec. 52b.14, the standards set forth in this section 
    have been determined by the Director to constitute minimum requirements 
    for construction and equipment, including the expansion, remodeling, 
    renovation, or alteration of existing buildings, and these standards as 
    may be amended, or any revisions or successors of these standards, 
    shall apply to all projects for which Federal assistance is requested 
    under the applicable sections of the Act. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
    552(a)(1), the publications to which reference is made in this section, 
    unless otherwise indicated, are hereby incorporated by reference and 
    made a part of the regulations in this part. The Director may for good 
    cause shown approve plans and specifications which contain deviations 
    from the requirements prescribed, if the Director is satisfied that the 
    purposes of the requirements have been fulfilled. In addition to these 
    requirements, each project shall meet the requirements of State and/or 
    local codes and ordinances relating to construction.
        (a) Mandatory design and construction standards. The facility 
    design and construction shall comply with the following standards:
        (1) ``Guidelines for Construction and Equipment for Hospital and 
    Medical Facilities'' (current edition). American Institute of 
    Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
        (2) ``Laboratories Chapter, American Society of Heating, 
    Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Handbook'' 
    (current edition). ASHRAE, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE., Atlanta, Georgia 
    30329.
        (3) ``Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards,'' Federal Standard 
    795 (current edition). General Services Administration.
        (4) Seismic safety for federally assisted construction--Earthquake 
    Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) and 
    Executive Order 12699, ``Seismic Safety of Federal and Federally 
    Assisted or Regulated New Building Construction,'' dated January 5, 
    1990. The Executive Order requires that, effective January 5, 1993, new 
    federally assisted or regulated buildings are to be designed and 
    constructed using appropriate seismic standards. The latest edition of 
    the model codes listed below provide a level of seismic safety that is 
    considered appropriate for implementing E.O. 12699 and are applicable 
    to all federally assisted construction, depending on geographical 
    location. State, county, or local jurisdictional building ordinances 
    adopting and enforcing these model codes in their entirety, without 
    significant revisions in the direction of less seismic safety, are also 
    acceptable.
        (i) 1991 International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) 
    Uniform Building Code;
        (ii) 1992 Supplement to the Building Officials and Code 
    Administrators International (BOCA) National Building Code;
        (iii) 1992 Amendments to the Southern Building Code Congress (SBCC) 
    Standard Building Code; and
        (iv) ``Recommended Lateral Force Requirements and Commentary'' of 
    the Seismology Committee, Structural Engineers Association of 
    California.
        (5) ``Life Safety Code'' (current edition). National Fire 
    Protection Association (NFPA) Publication 101. NFPA, 1 Batterymarch 
    Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
        (6) ``Standards on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using 
    Chemicals'' (current edition). National Fire Protection Association 
    (NFPA) Publication No. 45. NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, 
    Massachusetts 02269.
        (7) ``Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in 
    Laboratories.'' (National Academy Press (1981)) National Research 
    Council, 2001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20007.
        (8) ``National Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 49 for Class II 
    (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry'' (current edition). National 
    Sanitation Foundation (NSF), 3475 Plymouth Road, P.O. Box 1468, Ann 
    Arbor, Michigan 48106.
        (9) ``Industrial Ventilation'' (current edition). American 
    Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 6500 Glenwood Avenue, 
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.
        (10) ``Health Care Facilities Handbook'' (current edition). 
    National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, 
    Massachusetts 02269.
        (11) ``Standards for Nonflammable Medical Gas Systems'' (current 
    edition). National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Publication No. 
    99. NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
        (12) ``National Electric Code'' (current edition). National Fire 
    Protection Association (NFPA) Publication No. 70. NFPA, 1 Batterymarch 
    Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
        (13) ``Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals'' (current 
    edition). DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 85-23.
        (14) ``Laboratory Ventilation'' standards, ANSI/AIHA (current 
    edition).
        (15) ``Design Policy and Guidelines'' (current edition). Division 
    of Engineering Services, National Institutes of Health.
        (b) [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 52b.13  Additional conditions.
    
        The Director may with respect to any grant award impose additional 
    conditions consistent with the regulations of this part prior to or at 
    the time of any award when in the Director's judgment the conditions 
    are necessary to assure or protect advancement of the approved project, 
    the purposes of the applicable provisions of the Act, or the 
    conservation of grant funds.
    
    
    Sec. 52b.14  Other Federal regulations and policies that apply.
    
        Several other Federal regulations and policies apply to grants 
    under this part. These include, but are not necessarily limited to:
        (a) Regulations.
    
    9 CFR part 3--Animal welfare; standards.
    29 CFR part 1910--Occupational safety and health standards; 
    Sec. 1910.1450--Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in 
    laboratories.
    36 CFR part 1190--Minimum guidelines and requirements for accessible 
    design.
    42 CFR part 50, subpart A--Responsibility of PHS awardee and 
    applicant institutions for dealing with and reporting possible 
    misconduct in science.
    42 CFR part 50, subpart D--Public Health Service grant appeals 
    procedure.
    45 CFR part 16--Procedures of the Departmental Grant Appeals Board.
    45 CFR part 46--Protection of human subjects.
    45 CFR part 74--Administration of grants.
    45 CFR part 75--Informal grant appeals procedures.
    45 CFR part 76--Governmentwide debarment and suspension 
    (nonprocurement) and governmentwide requirements for drug-free 
    workplace (grants).
    45 CFR part 80--Nondiscrimination under programs receiving Federal 
    assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services--
    effectuation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    45 CFR part 81--Practice and procedure for hearings under part 80 of 
    this title.
    45 CFR part 84--Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in 
    programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.
    45 CFR part 86--Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education 
    programs and activities receiving or benefiting from Federal 
    financial assistance.
    45 CFR part 91--Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in HHS 
    programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance.
    45 CFR part 93--New restrictions on lobbying.
    
    [[Page 35272]]
    
    45 CFR part 92--Uniform administrative requirements for grants and 
    cooperative agreements to State and local governments.
    
        (b) Policies.
        (1) 51 FR 16958 (May 7, 1986)--NIH Guidelines for Research 
    Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. [Note: this policy is subject to 
    changes, and interested persons should contact the Office of 
    Recombinant DNA Activities, NIH, Suite 323, 6006 Executive Blvd., MSC 
    7052, BETHESDA, MD 20892-7052 (301-496-9838; not a toll-free number) to 
    obtain the current version and any amendments. There may be a charge 
    for materials provided.]
        (2) 59 FR 14508 (March 28, 1994)--NIH Guidelines on the Inclusion 
    of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research. [Note: this 
    policy is subject to changes, and interested persons should contact the 
    Office of Research on Women's Health, NIH, Room 201, Building 1, MSC 
    0161, BETHESDA, MD 20892-0161 (301-402-1770; not a toll-free number) to 
    obtain the current version and any amendments. There may be a charge 
    for materials provided.]
        (3) ``Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of 
    Laboratory Animals,'' Office for Protection from Research Risks, NIH 
    (Revised September 1986). [Note: this policy is subject to changes, and 
    interested persons should contact the Office for Protection from 
    Research Risks, NIH, Suite 3B01, 6100 Executive Blvd., MSC 7507, 
    ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-7507 (301-496-7005; not a toll-free number) to 
    obtain the current version and any amendments. There may be a charge 
    for materials provided.]
        (4) ``PHS Grants Policy Statement,'' DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 
    94-50,000 (Rev.) April 1, 1994. [Note: this policy is subject to 
    changes, and interested persons should contact the Grants Policy 
    Branch, OASH, Room 17A45, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, 
    Rockville, MD 20857 (301-443-1874; not a toll-free number) to obtain 
    the current version and any amendments. There may be a charge for 
    materials provided.]
        (5)``Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.'' 
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). DHHS Publication No. 
    (CDC) 88-8395. [Note: this policy is subject to changes, and interested 
    persons should contact the Division of Safety, Occupational Safety and 
    Health Branch, NIH, Room 3K04, 13 South Drive, MSC 5760, BETHESDA, MD 
    20892-5760 (301-496-2960; not a toll-free number) to obtain the current 
    version and any amendments. There may be a charge for materials 
    provided.]
        (6) ``NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical 
    Carcinogens.'' DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 81-2385. [Note: this policy 
    is subject to changes, and interested persons should contact the 
    Division of Safety, Occupational Safety and Health Branch, NIH, Room 
    3K04, 13 South Drive, MSC 5760, BETHESDA, MD 20892-5760 (301-496-2960; 
    not a toll-free number) to obtain the current version and any 
    amendments. There may be a charge for materials provided.]
        (7) ``Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.'' DHHS 
    Publication No. (NIH) 85-23. Office for Protection from Research Risks, 
    NIH (Revised September 1986). [Note: this policy is subject to changes, 
    and interested persons should contact the Office for Protection from 
    Research Risks, NIH, Suite 3B01, 6100 Executive Blvd., MSC 7507, 
    ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-7507 (301-496-7005; not a toll-free number) to 
    obtain the current version and any amendments. There may be a charge 
    for materials provided.]
    
    [FR Doc. 95-15703 Filed 7-5-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/06/1995
Department:
Public Health Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
95-15703
Dates:
Comments on these proposed regulations must be received on or before September 5, 1995 in order to ensure that NIH will be able to consider the comments in preparing the final rule.
Pages:
35266-35272 (7 pages)
RINs:
0905-AD49
PDF File:
95-15703.pdf
CFR: (19)
42 CFR 52b.11(b)
42 CFR 52b.9(b)
42 CFR 52b.10(f)
42 CFR 52b.10(g)
42 CFR 52b.1
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