[Federal Register: June 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 110)]
[Notices]
[Page 34391-34394]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09jn03-51]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement 03095]
Evaluation of Web-Based HIV Risk Behavior Surveillance Among Men
Who Have Sex With Men; Notice of Availability of Funds
Application Deadline: July 9, 2003.
A. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
This program is authorized under section 301(a) and 317K(2) of the
Public Health Service Act, (42 U.S.C. 241(a) and 274b (k)(2)), as
amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.943.
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 evaluating web-based risk behavior surveillance among men
who have sex with men (MSM). This program addresses the ``Healthy
People 2010'' focus area of HIV.
The purpose of the program is to: (1) Field test Internet-based
behavioral surveillance as an alternate venue for the national
behavioral surveillance system; (2) identify the proportion of men who
have sex with men (MSM) who are internet users and who do not attend
venues where MSM are more commonly known to attend (MSM-identified
venues); and (3) examine the comparability of behavioral risks between
MSM recruited through Internet-based versus more traditional venue-
based sampling methods.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
following performance goal for the National Center for HIV/STB/TB
Prevention (NCHSTP): Strengthen the capacity nationwide to monitor the
epidemic, develop and implement effective HIV prevention interventions
and evaluate prevention programs.
Background
A national behavioral surveillance system for MSM is expected to
begin in 20 United States cities in 2003 using a venue-based, time-
space sampling method. While several studies suggest that venue-based
sampling is representative of most MSM, an increasing proportion of MSM
may be using the Internet to meet sex partners and may not be available
for sampling through a more traditional venue-based approach. Previous
reports have identified high Internet usage (50 to 75 percent) and
seeking of sex partners through the Internet (35 to 67 percent) among
MSM. An outbreak of syphilis was also identified among an Internet-
originated network of MSM denoting that men who meet partners through
the Internet are at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
(For additional information please see Klausner JD, et al. ``Tracing a
syphilis outbreak through cyberspace'' JAMA 2000; 284(4): 447-9.) Other
studies have shown that an
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Internet-based approach to collecting behavioral risk data are
comparable to more conventional methods such as mail, telephone and in-
person surveys, and may be superior in sampling MSM that are hard to
reach at traditional MSM venues. Methodologies have also been developed
to address confidentiality and duplication of data.
C. Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by sites that are currently funded by
CDC to conduct behavioral surveillance under Program Announcement
00005, entitled, ``HIV/AIDS Surveillance Cooperative Agreements,'' and
other specified sites that are eligible to apply for funding in 2003.
These other sites are the state or local health departments whose
jurisdictions include the top 15 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's)
by number of people living with AIDS at the end of 1999 as reported in
``HIV/AIDS Surveillance Supplemental Report,'' (2000; 7(No.1: 10-11).
These sites are the directly funded city health departments of:
New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL;
Houston, TX; Philadelphia, PA.
These sites are the state health departments containing the
following MSA's:
Washington, DC; Miami, FL and Ft Lauderdale, FL; Atlanta, GA;
Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; San Juan, PR; Newark, NJ; Dallas, TX.
An additional five areas are also eligible to apply in 2003: these
are State health departments containing the following MSAs:
Detroit, MI; New Haven, CT; New Orleans, LA; San Diego, CA;
Seattle, WA.
One of the purposes of this program is to compare the web-based
behavioral surveillance project with the new national behavioral
surveillance initiative. This requires that project activities be
conducted in the same project areas previously funded for comparability
of data.
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 $500,000 is available in FY 2003, to fund
approximately four awards. It is expected that the average award will
be $125,000, ranging from $125,000 to $250,000. It is expected that the
awards will begin on or about August 1, 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 are awarded for a specifically defined purpose and may not be
used for any other purpose or program. Funds may be used to support
personnel and to purchase equipment, supplies, and services directly
related to project activities. Funds may not be used to supplant state
or local health department funds available for HIV Prevention and
Surveillance. Funds may not be used to provide direct medical care or
prevention case management.
Funding Preference
Funding preferences may be given to achieve geographic
distribution.
Recipient Financial Participation
Matching funds are not required for this program.
E. Program Requirements
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program,
the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed under 1.
Recipient Activities, and CDC will be responsible for the activities
listed under 2. CDC Activities.
1. Recipient Activities
a. Collaborate with CDC and other funded sites to develop a
protocol for an Internet-based behavioral surveillance project.
b. Participate in required planning meetings with other funded
sites and CDC.
c. Conduct formative research to determine sites (chat rooms, Web
sites, etc.) in which recruitment of study participants will occur.
d. Collaborate with CDC and other funded sites to develop and test
an Internet-based behavioral risk factor survey.
e. Collaborate with CDC and other funded sites to identify or
develop a local project Web site where the survey instrument will
reside.
f. In accordance with a study protocol, administer the survey to a
minimum of 500 MSM sampled through time-space or probability sampling
methods, including significant representation of persons of color.
g. Collaborate with CDC and other funded sites to develop and
implement a local public information campaign.
h. Maintain a secure environment to protect the security and
confidentiality of data obtained in this activity.
i. Report project data to CDC in a timely manner according to
established protocols for data collection, quality assurance, storage
and transfer.
j. Disseminate findings for use in state/local prevention and
treatment services planning and evaluation.
2. CDC Activities
a. Develop and test an Internet-based survey instrument.
b. Create and maintain a project database and data management
system, including systems to address data security and duplication of
participants.
c. Provide technical assistance and expertise for Web site
selection and development.
d. Provide technical support on all web-based technologies,
software and data base issues.
e. Facilitate the development of site-specific operational plans.
f. Provide technical assistance to support implementation of agreed
upon methods to accomplish project objectives.
g. Participate in the analysis and dissemination of data. Conduct
and/or coordinate analyses of the multi-site data and distribute
information to support national HIV prevention and surveillance
efforts.
F. Content
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 20 pages, double-spaced,
printed on one side, with one-inch margins, and unreduced 12-point
font. Include evidence of your ability to target racial/ethnic minority
populations and enroll samples of racial/ethnic minority MSM through
the Internet.
The narrative should consist of, at a minimum, a Plan, Objectives,
Methods, Evaluation and Budget. The program plan should address
activities to be conducted over the entire three-year project period.
The budget must cover the first one-year budget period.
In addition, CDC is particularly interested in promoting improved
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understanding of behavioral risk factors in communities of color.
Therefore, all applicants are encouraged to include a plan that
directly addresses how racial/ethnic minorities will be reached through
this project.
G. Submission and Deadline
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
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 July 9,
2003. Submit the application to:
Technical Information Management-PA 03095, CDC Procurement
and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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
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 applications 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. Applicants will be
notified of their failure to meet the submission requirements.
H. Evaluation Criteria
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 goal stated in section ``B. Purpose'' of this
announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative and must
measure the intended outcome. These measures of effectiveness shall be
submitted with the application and shall be an element of evaluation.
An independent review group appointed by CDC will evaluate each
application against the following criteria:
1. The quality of the applicant's plan to develop, implement and
administer the project operations and the degree to which the
objectives and time schedules are reasonable, time-phased, address
activities to be conducted over the entire three-year project period,
and are appropriate for accomplishing project goals. The extent to
which the applicant provides evidence of their ability to implement the
proposed methodology. The quality of the applicants plan to address
Recipient Activities outlined in the ``Program Requirements'' section
of this announcement.
The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC policy
requirements regarding the inclusion of ethnic and racial groups in the
proposed research. This includes:
(1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes, racial and
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
(2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or
absent.
(3) A statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate
to measure differences when warranted.
(4) 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.
(45 points.)
2. The degree to which the qualifications, duties,
responsibilities, and time allocation of proposed staff (including
potential contractors), are justified and appropriate to accomplish
study objectives. The degree to which the proposed staff will be able
to provide appropriate scientific oversight, as well as programmatic
and administrative support for the proposed activities. The extent to
which collaborating entities (e.g., community groups, community
gatekeepers, CBOs, behavioral scientists) are appropriate (i.e., meet
specific needs), sufficient, promote project objectives, and document
their ability in letters of support. (30 points.)
3. The degree to which the applicant provides evidence of their
understanding of the project and objectives. (25 points.)
4. The extent to which the budget, which should cover the first
one-year budget period, is reasonable, clearly justified, and
consistent with the intended use of funds. (Not scored.)
5. Does the application adequately address the requirements of
title 45 CFR part 46 for the protection of human subjects? Not scored;
however, an application can be disapproved if the research risks are
sufficiently serious and protection against risks is so inadequate as
to make the entire application unacceptable.
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-1 Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2 Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic
Minorities in Research
AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions
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AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-8 Public Health System Reporting Requirements
AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2010
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
AR-14 Accounting System Requirements
AR-22 Research Integrity
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: Brenda
Hayes, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants Office,
2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146. Telephone: 770-488-2741.
E-mail address: bkh4@cdc.gov. For program technical assistance, contact: Ken Bell, Public Health
Advisor, Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, National Center
for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road Mailstop E46, Atlanta, GA 30333.
Telephone: 404-639-2970. E-mail address: kbell@cdc.gov.
Dated: June 3, 2003.
Sandra R. Manning,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 03-14386 Filed 6-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P