[Federal Register: April 28, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 81)]
[Notices]
[Page 22045-22050]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28ap05-79]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Development of Influenza Surveillance Networks
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: AA011.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.283.
Key Dates:
Letter of Intent Deadline: May 31, 2005.
Application Deadline: June 27, 2005.
Executive Summary: An influenza pandemic has greater potential than
any other naturally occurring infectious disease event to cause large
and rapid global and domestic increases in deaths and serious
illnesses. Preparedness is the key to substantially reducing the
health, social, and economic impacts of an influenza pandemic and other
public health emergencies. One component of preparedness involves
understanding the impact that annual epidemics of influenza have on the
population. These data regarding impact are critical to the development
of prevention and control measures such as vaccination policies.
Vaccination efforts are the cornerstone of influenza prevention and
will be the primary means of mitigating the impact of an influenza
pandemic.
The systematic collection of influenza surveillance data over time
is necessary to monitor and track influenza virus and disease activity
and is essential to understanding the impact influenza has on a
country's population. Improving surveillance systems by developing
influenza surveillance networks is critical for the rapid detection of
new variants, including those with pandemic potential, to contribute to
the global surveillance system. Global collaboration, under the
coordination of the World Health Organization (WHO), is a key feature
of influenza surveillance. WHO established an international laboratory-
based surveillance network for influenza in 1948. The network currently
consists of 112 National Influenza Center (NIC) laboratories in 83
countries, and four WHO Collaborating Centers for Reference and
Research of Influenza (including one located at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention). The primary purposes of the WHO network are to
detect the emergence and spread of new antigenic variants of influenza,
to use this information to update the formulation of influenza vaccine,
and to provide as much warning as possible about the next pandemic.
This system provides the foundation of worldwide influenza prevention
and control.
Monitoring of influenza viruses and providing contributions to the
global surveillance system will assure that data used in annual WHO
vaccine recommendations are relevant to each country that participates.
Increased participation in the global surveillance system for influenza
viruses will enhance each country's ability to monitor severe
respiratory illness, to develop vaccine policy, and to help build
global and regional strategies for the prevention and control of
influenza. Monitoring influenza disease activity is important to
facilitate resource planning, communication, intervention, and
investigation.
This announcement seeks to support foreign governments through
their Ministries of Health or other responsible Ministries for human
health in the development or improvement of epidemiologic and virologic
influenza surveillance networks. These networks will focus on the
systematic collection of virological and epidemiological information
for influenza. This support is meant to enhance, and not to supplant,
current influenza surveillance activities. Proposals should build upon
infrastructure already in place. Preference will be given to countries
where resources are currently limited and influenza surveillance is not
well established due to lack of resources.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: This program is authorized under sections 301(a) and 307
of the Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. sections 241(a), and
242l], as amended.
Purpose: The purpose of the program is to provide support and
assistance to foreign governments for the development or improvement of
influenza surveillance networks. These networks will focus on the
systematic collection of virological and epidemiological information
for influenza. Countries applying for support must have an active WHO
NIC recognized by WHO. This program addresses the ``Healthy People
2010'' focus area(s) of Immunization and Infectious diseases.
The objectives of this program are to (1) establish or enhance an
active influenza surveillance network that uses standardized data
collection instruments, operational definitions, and laboratory
diagnostic tests to enhance surveillance for influenza at three or more
sites within the country; (2) use the experience gained to expand the
surveillance system to include additional sites; (3) improve local
laboratory diagnostic capabilities by supporting and enhancing those
local laboratories that participate in influenza surveillance; (4)
develop educational and training opportunities for local public health
practitioners as part of broader efforts to improve public health
infrastructure in the region; and (5) improve communications and data
exchange between laboratories and epidemiologists in the global
influenza surveillance network by expanding the
[[Page 22046]]
network and improving the reporting of data from surveillance sites,
laboratories, and NICs.
Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
following performance goal(s) for the National Center for Infectious
Diseases (NCID): Protect Americans from infectious diseases.
This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by
CDC/ATSDR. If research is proposed, the application will not be
reviewed. For the definition of research, please see the CDC Web site
at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm
.
Activities:
Awardee activities for this program are as follows:
Develop a nationwide system to collect virologic and
epidemiologic data for influenza by establishing five or more sites
with good geographic distribution throughout the country. Each site
will consist of a local laboratory and one or more clinics or hospitals
for data collection. Each site should:
[ctrcir] Conduct virologic and epidemiologic surveillance for
influenza by collecting information year round in countries or regions
of countries with tropical and subtropical climates; and/or by
collecting surveillance information during the period of respiratory
illness circulation in countries or regions of countries with temperate
climates.
[ctrcir] Have laboratory capacity for performing influenza virus
isolation and typing.
[ctrcir] Collect information on influenza like illnesses and/or
severe respiratory disease at each site by building on information that
is already available. Possible sources of information include (1)
recording influenza-like-illness visits to physicians or primary care
clinics or hospitals based on a standard case definition, or (2)
monitoring hospital admissions for severe respiratory illness and
pneumonia based on a case definition. Patient information such as age,
patient history and other relevant information should be collected.
[ctrcir] Collect a subset of at least 10 (and preferably up to 25)
specimens from the patient populations under surveillance with febrile,
acute upper respiratory illness. These specimens should be collected
weekly during the period of surveillance (based on climate) using a
standard case definition (preferably WHO) and should be submitted to
the local laboratory for the site.
[ctrcir] During unusual outbreaks of influenza, such as outbreaks
with unusual epidemiologic characteristics, or those related to
infections by avian or other animal influenza viruses, collect
epidemiologic information to characterize the outbreak and collect
additional samples for viral isolation and submittal to the site
laboratory. Report the outbreak to the NIC.
[ctrcir] Prepare and provide regular weekly reports on the
epidemiologic information that has been collected (influenza-like-
illness and/or severe respiratory illness) to the local laboratory and
to the NIC.
[ctrcir] The laboratory will perform viral isolation for influenza
viruses either in tissue culture or in eggs. Type positive isolates for
influenza A and B, and if possible, subtype influenza viruses.
[ctrcir] Store original clinical materials at -70 degrees until the
beginning of the next influenza season.
[ctrcir] Submit viral isolates to the NIC within the country on at
least a monthly basis for more complete analysis.
The WHO NIC within a country can be one of the
surveillance sites and as such conduct all the activities listed above.
If there are two or more NICs within a country each NIC could
participate as a site, however NICs within a single country should work
together and place emphasis on the addition of new surveillance sites.
In addition, the NIC(s) should act as the focal point and authority
within their country on influenza surveillance and be the main point of
communication with WHO and WHO Collaborating Centers for the submittal
of virus isolates and information into the global surveillance system.
Each NIC also will be responsible for the following activities:
[ctrcir] Performing preliminary antigenic and, if possible genetic,
characterization on the virus isolates submitted from the laboratories
in the surveillance sites (including those isolates grown at the NIC).
[ctrcir] Send representative virus isolates to one of the four WHO
Collaborating Centers for Influenza, including any low reacting
viruses, as tested using the WHO reagent kit, each month during the
period of surveillance and more frequently, if possible.
[ctrcir] If any viruses are unsubtypable as tested using the WHO
kit, alert WHO and send the virus isolate to one of the four WHO
Collaborating Centers for Influenza immediately.
[ctrcir] During the period of surveillance, provide weekly
influenza surveillance information to WHO through FluNet.
[ctrcir] Provide an annual national summary on influenza activity,
virological information and other relevant information on influenza to
WHO and the WHO Collaborating Center in Atlanta, GA.
[ctrcir] Provide technical expertise and training to support the
surveillance sites and laboratories in the national network.
Foreign Governments applying for funding through this
cooperative agreement should play a substantial role in the development
and support of the influenza surveillance network.
[ctrcir] Facilitate the sharing of influenza surveillance
information with the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance network by
facilitating the regular exchange of information and viruses with one
of the four WHO Collaborating Centers.
[ctrcir] Provide continued support for influenza activities within
the country and develop a plan for increased participation in the
global influenza surveillance network over a five-year period.
[ctrcir] Consider developing a task force or working group for
influenza to determine ways to improve national influenza surveillance,
develop prevention and control measures such as vaccine policy and work
on pandemic preparedness.
[ctrcir] Facilitate communication between the veterinary and the
human side of influenza surveillance. Develop systems for the sharing
of information.
In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in
the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.
CDC Activities for this program are as follows:
Provide technical assistance on techniques and reagents
for the identification of influenza viruses. Annually provide the WHO
reagent kit, which is produced and distributed by the WHO Collaborating
Center for Influenza in Atlanta, GA.
Provide epidemiological and laboratory training.
Provide technical consultation on the development of
country networks.
Provide confirmation of antigenic analysis and more
detailed characterization information on the influenza virus isolates
submitted to CDC with written reports back to the NIC.
Provide technical advice on the conduct of epidemiologic
outbreak investigations.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
CDC involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section
above.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
Approximate Total Funding: $1,000,000 (This amount is an estimate,
[[Page 22047]]
and is subject to availability of funds.) Approximate Number of Awards:
5-10.
Approximate Average Award: $50,000 to 250,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $250,000 (This ceiling is for the first 12-
month budget period.)
Anticipated Award Date: August 1, 2005.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: 5 years.
Throughout the project period, CDC's commitment to continuation of
awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of
satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best
interest of the Federal Government.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by foreign governments through their
Ministries of Health or other national government offices responsible
for disease surveillance in humans. Only one application per country
will be accepted.
Applicants in countries that were funded last year under CDC
Program Announcement 04106 are not eligible to apply under
this new Program Announcement.
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required for this program. However, the
support provided through this cooperative agreement is meant to
enhance, and not supplant, current influenza surveillance activities.
III.3. Other
If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the
award range, your application will be considered non-responsive, and
will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that
your application did not meet the submission requirements.
Special Requirements
If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special
requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the
review process. You will be notified that your application did not meet
submission requirements.
Late applications will be considered non-responsive. See
section ``IV.3. Submission Dates and Times'' for more information on
deadlines.
This program is not designed or intended to support
research, therefore no research will be supported under this
cooperative agreement. Any applications proposing research will be
considered non-responsive.
In order to apply and be eligible for this funding, your
country must have at least one NIC of record at WHO. CDC will confirm
with WHO the status/existence of NIC for each application received.
Participation of NICs is a requirement because to meet the goal of this
announcement, a significant number of the recipient activities require
information and work to be conducted, reported and submitted through
the WHO surveillance network.
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.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV.1. Address To Request Application Package
To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS
5161-1.
CDC strongly encourages you to submit your application
electronically by utilizing the forms and instructions posted for this
announcement on http://www.Grants.gov.
Application forms and instructions are also available on the CDC
Web site, 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) staff at: 770-488-2700. Application forms can be mailed to
you.
IV.2. Content and Form of Submission
Letter of Intent (LOI): Your LOI must be written in the following
format:
Maximum number of pages: 4
Font size: 12-point unreduced
Single spaced
Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
Page margin size: One inch
Printed only on one side of page
Written in English using plain language, avoid jargon
Your LOI must contain the following information:
List this Program Announcement Number (AA011)
Name of the government entity that is applying
Name and contact information for the person who will be
responsible for preparing and submitting the application
Name of NIC(s) that will be involved
Application: You must submit a project narrative with your
application forms. The narrative must be submitted in the following
format:
Maximum number of pages: 25. If your narrative exceeds the
page limit, only the first pages which are within the page limit will
be reviewed.
Font size: 12 point unreduced
Single spaced
Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches
Page margin size: One inch
Printed only on one side of page
Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not
bound in any other way.
Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the
entire project period, and must include the following items in the
order listed:
Background and Need: Describe the background and justify
the need for the proposed project to enhance or expand influenza
surveillance networks in the country. Describe the current
infrastructure/influenza surveillance system and how it is used,
describe the geographical area and demographics, and describe
identified gaps or shortcomings of the current surveillance system.
Capacity: Describe adequate resources and facilities (both
technical and administrative) for enhancing or expanding influenza
surveillance. This includes the capacity to conduct quality laboratory
measurements and produce and distribute reports. Describe the
qualifications and past experience and achievements of professional
personnel in research and programs related to this project.
Objectives and Technical Approach:
[ctrcir] Goals--Describe the overall goals of enhancing or
expanding your influenza surveillance network.
[ctrcir] Objectives--Describe specific objectives of the proposed
influenza surveillance network that are measurable and time-phased and
are consistent with the objectives for this Cooperative Agreement
program as provided in the Purpose section at the beginning of this
Program Announcement.
[ctrcir] Operational Plan--Present a detailed operational plan for
initiating and conducting the influenza surveillance program. Be sure
to address each of the specific Activities listed in the Activities
section of this Program Announcement. Clearly identify specific
assigned responsibilities for all key professional personnel. Identify
appropriate surveillance sites with adequate geographic distribution
for
[[Page 22048]]
network. Clearly describe the applicant's technical approach/methods
for developing and conducting the proposed influenza surveillance
network. Describe the existence of or plans to establish partnerships
necessary to develop and conduct the proposed network, including
particularly with each NIC in the country.
[ctrcir] Collaborations--Describe adequate and appropriate
collaborations with other health agencies during the various phases
required to enhance or expand your influenza surveillance network.
Measures of Effectiveness and Evaluation Plan:
[ctrcir] Measures: Provide specific measures of effectiveness that
can be used to demonstrate accomplishment of the objectives of this
cooperative agreement program. Be sure to address each of the five
program objectives listed in the Purpose section of this Program
Announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative so that they
can provide meaningful outcome evaluation.
[ctrcir] Evaluation Plan: Provide a detailed, adequate and feasible
plan for evaluating the results of the influenza surveillance network.
This includes plans for evaluating the improvement of the influenza
surveillance network as well as plans for evaluating other aspects of
the collaboration (e.g., training, sharing of data/information).
Budget and justification (not included in page limit)
With staffing breakdown and justification, provide a line item
budget and a narrative with justification for all requested costs. Be
sure to include, if any, in-kind support or other contributions that
will be provided by your country as part of the total project, but for
which you are not requesting funding. Budgets should be consistent with
the purpose, objectives and program activities and include:
[ctrcir] Line-item breakdown and justification for all personnel,
i.e., name, position title, annual salary, percentage of time and
effort, and amount requested.
[ctrcir] For each contract: (1) Name of proposed contractor; (2)
breakdown and justification for estimated costs; (3) description and
scope of activities to be performed by contractor; (4) period of
performance; (5) method of contractor selection (e.g., sole-source or
competitive solicitation); and (6) methods of accountability.
Additional information should be included in the application
appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative
page limit. This additional information includes:
Curriculum Vitae and/or Resumes
Organizational Charts
Letters of Support from participating organizations and
institutions.
You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative
agreement from the Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities.
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a
DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711.
For more information, see the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.htm
.
Additional requirements that may require you to submit additional
documentation with your application are listed in section ``VI.2.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements.''
IV.3. Submission Dates and Times
Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline Date: May 31, 2005.
CDC requests that you send a LOI if you intend to apply for this
program. Although the LOI is not required, not binding, and does not
enter into the review of your subsequent application, the LOI will be
used to gauge the level of interest in this program and to allow CDC to
plan the application review.
Application Deadline Date: June 27, 2005.
Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC
Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on the deadline
date.
If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your
application will be electronically time/date stamped which will serve
as receipt of submission. You will receive an e-mail notice of receipt
when CDC receives the application.
If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure that the carrier will
be able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If CDC
receives your submission 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, you will be given the opportunity to submit documentation of
the carriers guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier
problem, CDC will consider the submission as having been received by
the deadline.
Otherwise, CDC will not notify you upon receipt of your submission.
If you have a question about the receipt of your LOI or application,
first contact your courier. If you still have a question, contact the
PGO-TIM staff at: 770-488-2700. Before calling, please wait two to
three days after the submission deadline. This will allow time for
submissions to be processed and logged.
This announcement is the definitive guide on LOI and application
content, submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information
provided in the application instructions. If your submission does not
meet the deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and will
be discarded. You will be notified that you did not meet the submission
requirements.
IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
IV.5. Funding Restrictions
Restrictions, which must be taken into account while writing your
budget, are as follows:
Funds may not be used for research.
Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes,
including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. Equipment may be
purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives,
however, prior approval by CDC officials must be requested in writing.
The costs that are generally allowable in grants to
domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and
international organizations, with the following exception: With the
exception of the American University, Beirut and the World Health
Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or
through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial
limits of the United States or to international organizations
regardless of their location.
The applicant may contract with other organizations under
this program; however the applicant must perform a substantial portion
of the activities (including program management and operations, and
delivery of prevention services for which funds are required.)
All requests for funds contained in the budget, shall be
stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, CDC will not compensate
foreign grantees for
[[Page 22049]]
currency exchange fluctuations through the issuance of supplemental
awards.
You must obtain annual audit of these CDC funds (program-
specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international branches
and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance with
International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s) approved
in writing by CDC.
A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required,
prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business
management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S.
Federal funds.
Guidance for completing your budget can be found on the CDC Web
site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm
.
IV.6. Other Submission Requirements
LOI Submission Address: Submit your LOI electronically to http://www.Grants.gov.
Fill out the required Grants.gov information and attach
a word document with the necessary information from IV.2. ``Content and
Form of Submission''.
OR,
Submit your LOI by express mail, delivery service, fax, or E-mail
to: Ann Moen, CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Mailstop G-
16, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 404-639-4652,
FAX: 404-639-2334, E-mail: AMoen@cdc.gov.
Application Submission Address: Submit your application
electronically at: http://www.Grants.gov You will be able to download a copy of the application package from http://www.Grants.gov., complete
it offline, and then upload and submit the application via the
Grants.gov site. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. If you are
having technical difficulties in Grants.gov they can be reached by E-
mail at http:http://www.support@grants.gov">//www.support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-
800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. CDC recommends that you
submit your application to Grants.gov early enough to resolve any
unanticipated difficulties prior to the deadline. You may also submit a
back-up paper submission of your application. Any such paper submission
must be received in accordance with the requirements for timely
submission detailed in Section IV.3. of the grant announcement. The
paper submission must be clearly marked: ``BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC
SUBMISSION.'' The paper submission must conform with all requirements
for non-electronic submissions. If both electronic and back-up paper
submissions are received by the deadline, the electronic version will
be considered the official submission. It is strongly recommended that
you submit your grant application using Microsoft Office products
(e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.). If you do not have
access to Microsoft Office products, you may submit a PDF file.
Directions for creating PDF files can be found on the Grants.gov Web
site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft Office or PDF may result
in your file being unreadable by our staff.
OR,
Submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail
or express delivery service to: Technical Information Management--RFA
AA011, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road,
Atlanta, GA 30341.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Criteria
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.
Your application will be evaluated against the following criteria:
Objectives and Technical Approach (50 points total)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant describe specific objectives of the
proposed program that are consistent with the purpose and goals of this
announcement and which are measurable and time-phased? (10 points)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant identify appropriate sites with
adequate geographic distribution for the network? (10 points)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant present a detailed operational plan for
initiating and conducting the program, which clearly and appropriately
addresses all recipient activities? Does the applicant clearly identify
specific assigned responsibilities for all key professional personnel?
Does the plan clearly describe the applicant's technical approach/
methods for developing and conducting the proposed program and
evaluation and does it appear feasible and adequate to accomplish the
objectives? Does the applicant describe the existence of or plans to
establish partnerships? (10 points)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant describe adequate and appropriate
collaborations with other health agencies during various phases of the
project? (10 points)
[ctrcir] Has the applicant provided a detailed, adequate and
feasible plan for evaluating program results? This includes plans for
evaluating the improvement of the influenza surveillance network as
well as plans for evaluating other aspects of the collaboration (e.g.,
training). (10 points)
Capacity (35 points total)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant describe adequate resources and
facilities (both technical and administrative) for conducting the
project? This includes the capacity to conduct quality laboratory
measurements and produce and distribute reports? (20 points)
[ctrcir] Does the applicant provide documentation that professional
personnel involved in the project are qualified and have past
experience and achievements in research and programs related to the
program (as evidenced by curriculum vitae, publications, etc.)? (15
points)
Background and Need (10 points)
Does the applicant adequately discuss the background for the
proposed project and demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose
and objectives of this cooperative agreement program? Does the
applicant illustrate and justify the need for the proposed project that
is consistent with the purpose and objectives of this program?
Measures of Effectiveness (5 points)
Does the applicant provide Measures of Effectiveness that will
demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of
the cooperative agreement? Are the measures objective/quantitative and
does it appear they will adequately measure the intended outcome?
Budget and Justification (not scored):
Does the applicant propose a budget that is reasonable, clearly
justifiable, and consistent with the intended use of cooperative
agreement funds?
V.2. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement
and Grants Office (PGO) staff, and for responsiveness by NCID.
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the
eligibility criteria will not advance through the review process.
[[Page 22050]]
Applicants will be notified that their application did not meet
submission requirements.
An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive
applications according to the criteria listed in the ``V.1. Criteria''
section above. The panel will consist of CDC or other Federal employees
from outside of NCID.
In addition, the following factors may affect the funding decision:
Funding preference will be given to countries where resources are
currently limited and influenza surveillance is not well established
due to lack of resources. This would include countries in the following
geographic regions: Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central America and South
America. Additional preference will be given to those countries
directly affected by avian influenza.
CDC will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank
order.
V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
August 1, 2005.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NOA) from CDC
PGO. The NOA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between
the recipient and CDC. The NOA will be signed by an authorized Grants
Management Officer, and mailed to the recipient fiscal officer
identified in the application.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of
the application review by mail.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92
For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the
National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
An additional Certifications form from the PHS5161-1 application
needs to be included in your Grants.gov electronic submission only.
Refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1Certificates.pdf.
Once the form is filled out attach it to your Grants.gov submission as
Other Attachments Form.
The following additional requirements apply to this project:
AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11 Healthy People 2010
AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions
AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status
Additional information on these requirements can be found on the
CDC web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm
.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
You must provide CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of the
following reports:
1. Interim progress report, due 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. Budget.
e. Measures of Effectiveness.
f. Additional Requested Information.
2. Financial status report and annual progress 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.
These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management or Contract
Specialist listed in the ``Agency Contacts'' section of this
announcement.
VII. Agency Contacts
We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement. For general
questions, contact: Technical Information Management Section, CDC
Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341,
Telephone: 770-488-2700.
For program technical assistance, contact: Ann Moen, Project
Officer, CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Mailstop G-16,
1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 404-639-4652, e-
mail: AMoen@cdc.gov.
For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:
Steward Nichols, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and
Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone:
(770) 488-2788, e-mail: shn8@cdc.gov.
VIII. Other Information
This and other CDC funding opportunity announcements can be found
on the CDC web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov. Click on
``Funding'' then ``Grants and Cooperative Agreements.''
Dated: April 22, 2005.
William P. Nichols,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 05-8506 Filed 4-27-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P