[Federal Register: May 5, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 86)]
[Notices]               
[Page 23722-23725]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05my03-82]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 03081]

 
Using Private Provider Partnerships To Strengthen the 
Immunization Message; Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 317(k)(1) of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(1)), as amended. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.185.

B. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2003 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for national private health care provider organizations to 
inform their constituency on immunization issues, identify best 
practices and successful immunization programs, promote the improvement 
of immunization coverage in primary care settings, and enhance and 
create partnerships with state and local health departments, non-
governmental organizations, and other professional organizations to 
collaborate on immunization programs around the country. This program 
addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area of Immunization and 
Infectious Diseases.
    The purposes of the program are to:

[[Page 23723]]

    1. Establish partnerships with national private provider 
organizations and associations to effectively utilize the combined 
resources of the public and private health care delivery systems.
    2. Establish a mechanism to promote successful immunization 
programs, distribute current immunization information to the recipient 
constituency, and to gather information regarding the status of current 
programs at the grass-roots level.
    3. Establish open lines of communication with the recipient 
organization and it's members for the purpose of sharing national goals 
and objectives for immunization programs.
    Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the 
following performance goals for the National Immunization Program 
(NIP):
    1. Reduce the number of indigenous cases of vaccine-preventable 
diseases by increasing the number of children, adolescents and adults 
receiving vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on 
Immunization Practices (ACIP).
    2. Ensure that two year-olds are appropriately vaccinated.
    3. Increase the proportion of adults who are vaccinated annually 
against influenza and are vaccinated, as recommended, against 
pneumococcal disease.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by:

[sbull] Public nonprofit organizations
[sbull] Private nonprofit organizations

    Health care providers have the greatest impact on the health of the 
public through provision of services and health information. To ensure 
that providers are receiving the most up-to-date and appropriate 
immunization information, it is important to form a collaboration 
between CDC and those organizations that providers are most likely to 
turn to for up-to-date practice information (i.e., their professional 
medical organizations). To maximize the number of providers who benefit 
from this collaboration, the application is limited to professional 
associations with active memberships of at least 3,000 health care 
providers.

    Note: Title 2 of the United States Code section 1611 states that 
an organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal 
Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to 
receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant or loan.

D. Funding

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $800,000 is available in FY 2003 to fund up to six 
awards. It is expected that the average award will be $130,000, ranging 
from $125,000 to $140,000. It is expected that the awards will begin on 
or about September 15, 2003, and will be made for a 12-month budget 
period within a project period of up to three 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.

Use of Funds

    Funds cannot be used for construction or renovation, to purchase or 
lease vehicles or vans, to purchase a facility to house project staff 
or carry out project activities, or to substitute new activities and 
expenditures for current ones.

Recipient Financial Participation

    Matching funds are not required for this program.

Funding Preferences

    Preference for funding may be given to:
    1. Organizations with an immunization or public health focus that 
can be expanded or enhanced through funds.
    2. Organizations with proven strategies to reach the largest 
audience.
    3. Organizations showing new and innovative ways to reach new 
segments of the provider community.

E. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Utilize recommendations by NIP, Advisory Committee on 
Immunization Practices (ACIP), American College of Physicians (ACP), 
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of 
Family Physicians (AAFP) to create and distribute materials to promote 
the understanding, adoption, and use of those recommendations by health 
care providers, parents, and patients.
    b. Establish and implement mechanisms for promoting effective 
immunization practices and programs, and support the incorporation of 
such practices within the facilities operated by affiliates.
    c. Establish and implement a mechanism for distribution of current 
immunization news, practices, and strategies to health care providers 
within the constituency.
    d. Participate in the planning of the organization's conferences 
and meetings on the national, regional, and state levels to ensure that 
appropriate priority is placed on strategies and model programs that 
increase immunization coverage levels.
    e. Establish and implement mechanisms for evaluating the 
effectiveness of communication with the constituency regarding 
increased awareness in implementation of recommended practices.

2. CDC Activities

    a. Provide technical assistance in implementing activities.
    b. Identify major immunization issues.
    c. Identify effective immunization programs.
    d. Assist with setting program priorities.
    e. Provide scientific collaboration for appropriate aspects of the 
activities.
    f. Provide information on disease impact, vaccination coverage 
levels, and prevention strategies utilizing the recommendations of 
ACIP, ACP, AAP and AAFP.
    g. Review immunization information developed by the recipient for 
accuracy and compliance with national recommendations.
    h. Assist the recipient in evaluating the reach of the program and 
effectiveness of the materials produced.

F. Content

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    A LOI is required for this program. The Program Announcement title 
and number must appear in the LOI. The narrative should be no more than 
two pages, single-spaced, printed on one side, with one-inch margins, 
and unreduced 12-point font. Your letter of intent will not be 
evaluated, but will be used to assist CDC in planning for the objective 
review for this program. The letter of intent should include the 
following information:
    1. The name of the organization.
    2. The primary contact person's name, mailing address, phone 
number, fax number and email address (if available).
    3. The mission/activities of the organization.
    4. The number of members in the organization.

[[Page 23724]]

Applications

    The Program Announcement title and number must appear in the 
application. 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 35 pages, double-spaced, 
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced 12-point 
font.
    The narrative should consist of:
1. Organization Profile
    a. Provide a narrative, including background information and 
information on the applicant organization, evidence of relevant 
experience in coordinating activities among constituents, and a clear 
understanding of the purpose of the project.
    b. Include details of past experiences working with the 
constituency regarding promotion and education of immunization issues, 
or other healthcare issues. Provide information on organizational 
capability to conduct proposed project activities.
    c. Profile qualified and experienced personnel who are available to 
work on the project and provide evidence of an organizational structure 
that can meet the terms of the project. Include an organizational chart 
of the applicant organization specifying the location and staffing plan 
for the proposed project.
2. Program Plan
    a. Include goals and measurable impact and process objectives that 
are specific, realistic, and time-phased. Include an explanation of how 
the objectives contribute to the purposes of the request for assistance 
and evidence that demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the 
proposed objectives.
    b. Detail an action plan, including a timeline of activities and 
personnel responsible for implementing each segment of the plan. The 
timeline should address activities to be conducted over the entire 
three-year project period.
    c. Prepare a plan to include impact and process evaluation 
utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measures for the 
achievement of program objectives to determine the reach and 
effectiveness of the message promoted by the grantee, and monitor the 
implementation of proposed activities. Indicate how the quality of 
services provided will be ensured.
    d. Provide a plan for disseminating project results indicating 
when, to whom, and in what format the material will be presented.
    e. Provide a plan for obtaining additional resources from non-
federal sources to supplement program activities and ensure 
continuation of the activities after the end of the project period.
3. Collaboration Activities
    a. Obtain and include letters of support from local organizations 
and constituents indicating or committing to support the activities of 
this program.
    b. Provide any memoranda of agreement from collaborating 
organizations indicating a willingness to participate in the project, 
the nature of their participation, period of performance, names and 
titles of individuals who will be involved in the project, and the 
process of collaboration. Each memorandum should also show an 
understanding and endorsement of immunization activities.
    c. Provide evidence of collaborative efforts with health 
departments, provider organizations, coalitions, and other local 
organizations.
4. Budget Information
    Provide a detailed budget with justification. The budget proposal 
should be consistent with the purpose and program plan of the proposed 
project.

G. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission

    On or before May 26, 2003, submit the LOI to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' 
section of this announcement.

Application Forms

    Submit the signed original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 
0920-0428). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.
    If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have 
difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the CDC 
Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section 
(PGO-TIM) at: 770-488-2700. Application forms can be mailed to you.

Submission Date, Time, and Address

    The application must be received by 4 p.m. Eastern Time June 19, 
2003. Submit the application to: Technical Information Management-
PA03081, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine 
Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically.

CDC Acknowledgement of Application Receipt

    A postcard will be mailed by PGO-TIM, notifying you that CDC has 
received your application.

Deadline

    Letters of intent and applications shall be considered as meeting 
the deadline if they are received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
deadline date. Any applicant who sends their application by the United 
States Postal Service or commercial delivery services must ensure that 
the carrier will be able to guarantee delivery of the application by 
the closing date and time. If an application is received after closing 
due to (1) carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a 
guarantee for delivery by the closing date and time, or (2) significant 
weather delays or natural disasters, CDC will upon receipt of proper 
documentation, consider the application as having been received by the 
deadline.
    Any application that does not meet the above criteria will not be 
eligible for competition, and will be discarded. The applicant will be 
notified of their failure to meet the submission requirements.

H. Evaluation Criteria

Letter of Intent

    The Letter of Intent will not be evaluated, but will be used to 
assist CDC in planning for the review of applications.

Application

    Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that 
will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified 
objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must 
relate to the performance goals stated in the purpose section of this 
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative and must 
measure the intended outcome. These measures of effectiveness must be 
submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.
    An independent review group appointed by CDC will evaluate each 
application against the following criteria:
    1. Capability (40 points): The extent to which the applicant 
appears likely to succeed in implementing proposed activities as 
measured by relevant past experience, a sound management structure, and 
staff qualifications, including the appropriateness of their proposed 
roles and responsibilities and job descriptions.

[[Page 23725]]

    The applicant must:
    a. Have a demonstrated history of a constituency that provides 
immunization services including services to underserved, low-income, or 
minority populations.
    b. Have a system in place for communicating with their constituents 
and providing them information in a timely manner.
    2. Program Plan (30 points): The feasibility and appropriateness of 
the applicant's action plan to identify immunization issues and new 
developments, communicate with and reach targeted populations, and 
translate technical immunization information into appropriate formats.
    3. Background and Need (20 points): The extent to which the 
applicant understands the problem of under-immunization and proposes a 
plan to address the issues specific to their constituents.
    4. Evaluation Plan (10 points): The extent to which the applicant 
proposes to evaluate the proposed plan, including impact and process 
evaluation, as well as quantitative and qualitative measures for 
achievement of program objectives, determining the improvement in level 
of immunization knowledge among the constituency, identify improvements 
made in immunization delivery by providers within the constituency, and 
monitoring the implementation of proposed activities.
    5. Budget and Justification (not scored): The extent to which the 
proposed budget is adequately justified, reasonable, and consistent 
with the proposed project activities and this program announcement.

I. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Interim progress report, no less than 90 days before the end of 
the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-competing 
continuation application, and must contain the following elements:
    a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.
    b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.
    c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.
    d. Detailed Line-Item Budget and Justification.
    e. Additional Requested Information.
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period.
    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.

Additional Requirements

    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I of the 
program announcement, as posted on the CDC web site.

AR-10--Smoke-Free Workplace
AR-11--Healthy People 2010
AR-12--Lobbying Restriction
AR-14--Accounting System Requirements
AR-15--Proof of Non-Profit Status
AR-20--Conference Support

    Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements, the necessary applications, and 
associated forms can be found on the CDC web site, Internet address: 
http://www.cdc.gov.
    Click on ``Funding'' then ``Grants and Cooperative Agreements''.
    For general questions about this announcement, contact: Technical 
Information Management, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 
Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: 770-488-2700.
    For business management and budget assistance, contact: Peaches 
Brown, Grants Management Specialist, Procurement and Grants Office, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2920 Brandywine Road, 
Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, Telephone: 770-488-2738, E-mail address: 
prb0@cdc.gov.    For program technical assistance, contact: Valerie Morelli, Health 
Communication Specialist, Education, Information, and Partnership 
Branch, Immunization Services Division, National Immunization Program, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, M/S E-
52, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, Telephone: 404-639-8091, E-mail address: 
vxm4@cdc.gov.
    Dated: April 30, 2003.
Sandra R. Manning,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-10980 Filed 5-2-03; 8:45 am]

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