[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1385-1388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-566]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[Announcement Number 611]
Grants for Violence-Related Injury Prevention Research Notice of
Availability of Funds for Fiscal Year 1996
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces
applications are being accepted for Violence-Related Injury Prevention
Research Grants for fiscal year (FY) 1996. The Public Health Service
(PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease
prevention objectives of ``Healthy People 2000,'' a PHS-led national
activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of
life. This announcement is related to the priority area of Violent and
Abusive Behavior (To order a copy of ``Healthy People 2000,'' see the
Section ``Where to Obtain Additional Information.'')
Authority
This program is authorized under Sections 301, 391, 393, and 394 of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241, 280b, 280b-1a and 280-b-
3). Program regulations are set forth in Title 42 CFR, Part 52.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include all non-profit and for-profit
organizations. Thus State and local health departments, State and local
governmental agencies, universities, colleges, research institutions,
and other public and private organizations, including small, minority
and/or woman-owned businesses are eligible for these research grants.
Current holders of CDC injury control research projects are eligible to
apply.
Smoke-Free Workplace
PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and to promote the non-use 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, child care, health care, and early childhood development
services are provided to children.
Availability of Funds
Approximately $1.2 million is expected to be available for injury
research grants in the areas of suicidal behavior, assaultive behavior
among youth, and family and intimate violence. The specific program
priorities for these funding opportunities are outlined with examples
in this announcement under the section, ``Programmatic Priorities.'' It
is expected that the awards will begin on or about September 1, 1996,
and will be made for a 12-month budget period within the appropriate
(see below) project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject
to change.
For research projects targeted at areas of suicidal behavior and
assaultive behavior among youth, approximately $500,000 is available to
fund 2-3 grants. Each grant will be supported for a maximum project
period of three years at $250,000 per year (including both direct and
indirect costs).
For research projects targeted on family and intimate violence,
approximately $500,000 is available to fund 2-3 grants. Each grant will
be supported for a maximum project period of three years at $250,000
per year (including both direct and indirect costs). In addition,
$200,000 (including both direct and indirect costs) is available for
one research project for population-based research to define the
occurrence of injury and disability among women as a result of violence
by their intimate partner. Awards will be made for a 12-month budget
period within a project period not to exceed three years.
[[Page 1386]]
Grant applications that exceed the $250,000 or $200,000 per year
caps will be returned to the investigator as non-responsive. Special
consideration may be given to grant applicants who request smaller
amounts of funding for project periods of one or two years duration.
Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis
of satisfactory progress demonstrated by investigators at work-in-
progress monitoring workshops, the achievement of workplan milestones
reflected in the continuation application, and the availability of
Federal funds. In addition, continuation awards will be eligible for
increased funding to offset inflationary costs depending upon the
availability of funds.
Note: Grant funds will not be made available to support the
provision of direct care services.
Eligible applicants may enter into contracts, including consortia
agreements (as set forth in the PHS Grants Policy Statement) as
necessary to meet the requirements of the program and strengthen the
overall application.
Purpose
The purposes of this program are to:
A. Build the scientific base for the prevention of injuries and
deaths due to violence in the following three priority areas: suicidal
behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and intimate partner
violence as delineated in ``Injury Control in the 1990s: A National
Plan for Action,'' (Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1993) and ``Healthy People 2000.''
B. Identify effective strategies to prevent violence-related
injuries.
C. Expand the development and evaluation of current and new
intervention methods and strategies for the primary prevention of
violence-related injuries.
D. Encourage professionals from a wide spectrum of disciplines such
as medicine, health care, public health, criminal justice, and
behavioral and social sciences, to undertake research to prevent and
control injuries from assaultive youth behavior, family and intimate
violence, and suicidal behavior.
E. Encourage the training of pre-doctoral minority investigators to
work in the area of violence research.
Program Requirements
The following are applicant requirements:
A. A principal investigator who has conducted research, published
the findings, and has specific authority and responsibility to carry
out the proposed project.
B. Demonstrated experience in conducting, evaluating, and
publishing injury control research on the applicant's project team.
C. Effective and well-defined working relationships within the
performing organization and with outside entities which will ensure
implementation of the proposed activities.
D. The ability to carry out injury control research projects.
E. The overall match between the applicant's proposed theme and
research objectives, and the program priorities as described under the
heading, Programmatic Priorities.
Programmatic Priorities
Grant applicants should concentrate on the need to reduce
morbidity, mortality, and disabilities caused by suicidal behavior,
assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate partner
violence.
Applicants are encouraged to propose research that (1) enhances our
understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors that may
affect the frequency and severity of suicidal and assaultive behavior
among youth; and (2) evaluates policies, programs, or interventions
that may reduce suicidal and assaultive behavior among youth via the
modification of social, economic, and environmental factors.
Applicants are also encouraged to propose research that (1)
addresses and defines the needs of mothers and children in families
where intimate partner violence occurs, and (2) utilizies population-
based research that focuses on the occurrence of injury and disability
among women as a result of intimate partner violence.
Examples of possible projects listed under the priority areas below
are by no means exhaustive. Innovative alternative approaches are
encouraged.
Injury From Suicidal and Assaultive Behavior
(1) Enhancing our understanding of social, economic, and
environmental factors that may affect suicidal behavior:
Study how choice of method (firearm, overdosing, etc.) in
planning or attempting suicidal behavior is influenced by cultural,
social, or environmental factors.
Conduct research to determine the nature of suicide risk
among gay and lesbian persons in comparison to the general population.
Evaluate policies, programs, or interventions that may
reduce suicidal behavior via the modification of social, economic, or
environmental circumstances.
Assess the effectiveness of interventions that attempt to
remove access to lethal means in reducing injury and severity of injury
from suicidal behavior.
(2) Enhancing our understanding of the importance of social and
economic factors that influence assaultive behavior among youth:
Study why many socioeconomically disadvantaged youth do
not engage in assaultive behavior despite their socioeconomic status.
Undertake research to increase our understanding of
relationships between poverty and assaultive behavior among youth.
Study how unequal access to criminal justice, health care,
and educational systems is related to assaultive behavior.
Evaluate policies, programs, or interventions that may
reduce assaultive behavior among youth via the modification of social
or economic circumstances.
Family and Intimate Violence Prevention
(1) Address and define the needs of mothers and children in
families where intimate violence occurs.
Undertake research to determine effective interventions
for mothers and children in families with ongoing violence.
Conduct studies to determine which mothers and children
are most likely to be helped by interventions designed for families
with ongoing violence.
Examine variables related to mothers, children, and
families that may predict intervention effectiveness.
Conduct studies related to the impact of children
witnessing violence in their families.
(2) Define the incidence or prevalence of functional limitations
and disabilities among women as a result of intimate partner violence.
Quantify injuries sustained (nature and severity) and
subsequent short and long-term (1-year) functional limitations and
disability.
Quantify the use of acute care, mental health,
rehabilitation, and social services.
Identify risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Also of interest is research that more accurately defines the cost
of violent injuries and the cost effectiveness or prevention
effectiveness of interventions. Cost analysis should be included in the
plans, where appropriate, to evaluate an intervention(s) that addresses
one of the three priority areas of violence-related
[[Page 1387]]
injury research previously outlined, (i.e., suicidal behavior,
assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate violence). A
more complete discussion of methodologies for assessing cost analysis
is presented in ``A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of
Disease and Injury Prevention,'' (CDC, ``Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report,'' March 27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11). (To
receive information on these reports see the section Where to Obtain
Additional Information.)
Evaluation Criteria
Upon receipt, applications will be screened by CDC staff for
completeness and responsiveness as outlined under the previous heading,
Program Requirements (A-E). Incomplete applications and applications
that are not responsive will be returned to the applicant without
further consideration. Applications which are complete and responsive
may be subjected to a preliminary evaluation by a peer review group to
determine if the application is of sufficient technical and scientific
merit to warrant further review (triage); the CDC will withdraw from
further consideration applications judged to be noncompetitive and
promptly notify the principal investigator/program director and the
official signing for the applicant organization. Those applications
judged to be competitive will be further evaluated by a dual review
process. Awards will be made based on priority score ranking by the
Injury Research Grants Review Committee (IRGRC), programmatic
priorities and needs by the Advisory Committee for Injury Prevention
and Control, and the availability of funds.
A. The first review following the preliminary review will be a peer
review to be conducted on all applications. Factors to be considered
will include:
1. The specific aims of the research project, i.e., the broad long-
term objectives, the intended accomplishment of the specific research
proposal, and the hypothesis to be tested.
2. The background of the proposal, i.e., the basis for the present
proposal, the critical evaluation of existing knowledge, and specific
identification of the injury control knowledge gaps which the proposal
is intended to fill.
3. The significance and originality from a scientific or technical
standpoint of the specific aims of the proposed research, including the
adequacy of the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research.
4. For competitive renewal applications, the progress made during
the prior project period. For new applications, (optional) the progress
of preliminary studies pertinent to the application.
5. The adequacy of the proposed research design, approaches, and
methodology to carry out the research, including quality assurance
procedures, plan for data management, statistical analysis plan, and
plans for inclusion of minorities and both sexes.
6. The extent to which the evaluation plan will allow for the
measurement of progress toward the achievement of the stated
objectives.
7. Qualifications, adequacy, and appropriateness of personnel to
accomplish the proposed activities, including pre-doctoral minority
investigator(s).
8. The degree of commitment and cooperation of other interested
parties (as evidenced by letters detailing the nature and extent of the
involvement).
9. The reasonableness of the proposed budget to the proposed
research and demonstration program.
10. Adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources.
11. An explanation of how the research findings will lead to
feasible, cost-effective injury interventions.
B. The second review will be conducted by the Advisory Committee
for Injury Prevention and Control. The factors to be considered will
include:
1. The results of the peer review.
2. The significance of the proposed activities in relation to the
objectives outlined under the section, Programmatic Priorities.
3. National needs.
4. Overall distribution among:
The three priority areas of violence-related injury
research: suicidal behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and
family and intimate violence;
The major disciplines of violence-related injury
prevention: social and behavioral science, biomechanics, and
epidemiology;
Populations addressed (e.g., adolescents, racial and
ethnic minorities, the elderly, children, urban, rural).
5. Budgetary considerations (e.g., preference may be given to
applicants who submit proposals requesting funding for research
projects of one to two years duration).
6. Additional consideration will be given to those applicants who
provide evidence of an injury research training program for pre-
doctoral minority investigators.
C. Continued Funding: Continuation awards made after FY 1996, but
within the project period, will be made on the basis of the
availability of funds and the following criteria:
1. The accomplishments reflected in the progress report of the
continuation application indicate that the applicant is meeting
previously stated objectives or milestones contained in the project's
annual workplan and satisfactory progress has been demonstrated through
monitoring presentations or work-in-progress workshops;
2. The objectives for the new budget period are realistic,
specific, and measurable;
3. The methods described will clearly lead to achievement of these
objectives;
4. The evaluation plan will allow management to monitor whether the
methods are effective; and
5. The budget request is clearly explained, adequately justified,
reasonable and consistent with the intended use of grant funds.
Executive Order 12372 Review
Applications are not subject to the review requirements of
Executive Order 12372 review.
Public Health System Reporting Requirement
This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting
Requirements.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.136.
Other Requirements
Human Subjects
If the proposed project involves research on human subjects, the
applicant must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services
Regulations, 45 CFR Part 46, regarding the protection of human
subjects. Assurance must be provided to demonstrate that the project
will be subject to initial and continuing review by an appropriate
institutional review committee. The applicant will be responsible for
providing assurance in accordance with the appropriate guidelines and
forms provided in the application kit.
Animal Subjects
If the proposed project involves research on animal subjects, the
applicant must comply with the ``PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions.'' An applicant organization
proposing to use vertebrate animals in PHS-supported activities must
file an Animal Welfare Assurance with the
[[Page 1388]]
Office of Protection from Research Risks at the National Institutes of
Health.
Women and Minority Inclusion Policy
It is the policy of the CDC to ensure that women and racial and
ethnic groups will be included in CDC supported research projects
involving human subjects, whenever feasible and appropriate. Racial and
ethnic groups are those defined in OMB Directive No. 15 and include
American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, Black and
Hispanic. Applicants shall ensure that women, racial and ethnic
minority populations are appropriately represented in applications for
research involving human subjects. Where clear and compelling rationale
exist that inclusion is inappropriate or not feasible, this situation
must be explained as part of the application. In conducting the review
of applications for scientific merit, review groups will evaluate
proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and both sexes as part of
the scientific assessment and assigned score. This policy does not
apply to research studies when the investigator cannot control the
race, ethnicity and/or sex of subjects. Further guidance to this policy
is contained in the Federal Register, Vol. 60, No. 179, Friday,
September 15, 1995, pages 47947-47951.
Application Submission and Deadlines
A. Preapplication Letter of Intent
Although not a prerequisite of application, a non-binding letter of
intent-to-apply is requested from potential applicants. The letter
should be submitted to the Grants Management Specialist (whose address
is reflected in section B, ``Applications''). It should be postmarked
no later than one month prior to the planned submission deadline,
(e.g., February 14 for March 14 submission). The letter should identify
the announcement number, name the principal investigator, and specify
the priority area of violence-related injury research (i.e., suicidal
behavior, assaultive behavior among youth, and family and intimate
violence) addressed by the proposed project. The letter of intent does
not influence review or funding decisions, but it will enable CDC to
plan the review more efficiently, and will ensure that each applicant
receives timely and relevant information prior to application
submission.
B. Applications
Applicants should use Form PHS-398 (OMB No. 0925-0001 Revised 5/95)
and adhere to the ERRATA Instruction Sheet for Form PHS-398 contained
in the Grant Application Kit. Please submit an original and five
copies, on or before March 14, 1996, to: Lisa G. Tamaroff, Grants
Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East
Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 321, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
C. Deadlines
1. Applications shall be considered as meeting a deadline if they
are either:
A. Received at the above address on or before the deadline date, or
B. Sent on or before the deadline date to the above address, and
received in time for the review process. Applicants should request a
legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated
receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private
metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailings.
2. Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered
late applications and will be returned to the applicant.
Where to Obtain Additional Information
To receive additional written information call (404) 332-4561. You
will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone number and will
need to refer to Announcement 611. You will receive a complete program
description, information on application procedures, and application
forms. The announcement is also available through the CDC homepage on
the Internet. The address for the CDC home page is [http://
www.cdc.gov]. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or
express mail.
If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained
from Lisa Tamaroff, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Mailstop E-13,
Atlanta, GA 30305, telephone (404) 842-6796.
Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Ted Jones,
Project Officer, Extramural Research Grants Branch, National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Mailstop K-58, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Atlanta, GA
30341-3724, telephone (404) 488-4824.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of ``Healthy People 2000''
(Full Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or ``Healthy People 2000''
(Summary Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent
of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325,
telephone (202) 512-1800.
Copies of ``Injury Control in the 1990s: A National Plan for
Action,'' (Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1993)
and ``A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease and Injury
Prevention,'' (CDC, ``Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,'' March
27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11) may be obtained by
calling (404) 488-4265.
Information for obtaining the suggested readings, ``Violence and
the Public's Health,'' ``Understanding and Preventing Violence,'' and
``Violence in America: A Public Health Approach,'' is included on a
separate sheet with the application kit.
Dated: January 11, 1996.
Joseph R. Carter,
Acting Associate Director for Management and Operations, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 96-566 Filed 1-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P