[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25629-25632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12248]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Program Announcement Number 742]
Implementing Hazardous Substance Training for Emergency
Responders; Notice of Availability of Funds for Fiscal Year 1997
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Nation's
prevention agency, announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 1997
funds for a cooperative agreement to conduct a training program for
emergency responders, primarily firefighters, who are exposed to
hazardous materials.
CDC is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease
prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a national activity to
reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life. This
announcement is related to the priority area of Occupational Safety and
Health. (For ordering Healthy People 2000 see the section Where to
Obtain Additional Information.)
Authority
This program is authorized under sections 21(a) and 22(e)(7) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 670(a) and
671(e)(7)).
Smoke-Free Workplace
CDC strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and promote the nonuse of all tobacco products, and
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in
certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education,
library, day care, health care, and early childhood development
services are provided to children.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by public and private, nonprofit and
for-profit organizations and governments and their agencies. Thus,
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public
and private organizations, State and local governments or their bona
fide agents, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian
tribes or Indian tribal organizations, and small, minority-and/or
woman-owned businesses are eligible to apply.
Note: Public Law 104-65 dated December 19, 1995, prohibits an
organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the IRS Code of 1986,
that engages in lobbying activities to influence the Federal
Government, from receiving Federal funds.
Availability of Funds
Approximately $1,806,000 will be available in Fiscal Year 1997 to
fund one cooperative agreement. This award is expected to begin on or
about September 30, 1997, for a 12-month budget period within a project
period of five years. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to
change. Continuation awards within the project period will be made on
the basis of satisfactory progress and the availability of funds.
Use of Funds
Restrictions on Lobbying
Applicants should be aware of restrictions on the use of HHS funds
for lobbying of Federal or State legislative bodies. Under the
provisions of 31 U.S.C. section 1352 (which has been in effect since
December 23, 1989), recipients (and their subtier contractors) are
prohibited from using appropriated Federal funds (other than profits
from a Federal contract) for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in
connection with the award of a particular contract, grant, cooperative
agreement, or loan. This includes grants/cooperative agreements that,
in whole or in part, involve conferences for which Federal funds cannot
be used directly or indirectly to encourage participants to lobby or to
instruct participants on how to lobby.
[[Page 25630]]
In addition, the FY 1997 HHS Appropriations Act, which became
effective October 1, 1996, expressly prohibits the use of 1997
appropriated funds for indirect or ``grass roots'' lobbying efforts
that are designed to support or defeat legislation pending before State
legislatures. This new law, Section 503 of Pub. L. No. 104-208,
provides as follows:
Sec. 503(a) No part of any appropriation contained in this Act
shall be used, other than for normal and recognized executive-
legislative relationships, for publicity or propaganda purposes, for
the preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet,
publication, radio, television, or video presentation designed to
support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress, * * *
except in presentation to the Congress or any State legislative body
itself.
(b) No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall be
used to pay the salary or expenses of any grant or contract
recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any
activity designed to influence legislation or appropriations pending
before the Congress or any State legislature.
Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, as enacted by the
Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, Division A, Title I,
Section 101(e), Pub. L. No. 104-208 (September 30, 1996).
Background
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that there
were 7,116 CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act) section 103(a) notifications to the Federal
Government of release of CERCLA hazardous substances. During that same
year, the Federal Government received 35,284 notifications to the
Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) data base at the
Department of Transportation.
It is estimated that there are between 2-3 million emergency
responders in the country. Firefighters comprise the largest group.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated there were a
total of 1,073,600 firefighters in 1994 and 250,000 fire department
calls related to hazardous materials.
Emergency responders are at high risk for injury and illness due to
uncontrolled exposures. An assessment of the mortality experience of
firefighters using information from the National Occupational Mortality
Surveillance (NOMS) systems found a high risk for falls, an excess of
deaths from fire-related exposures and an excess of deaths from
leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
This agreement will expand the current occupational health and
safety education efforts of the CDC by targeting emergency responders
who have a responsibility for responding to and controlling hazardous
emergencies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
regulated the safety and health of employees involved in operations
related to uncontrolled waste sites and in any emergency response to
incidents involving hazardous substances (29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)).
Training is conducted in emergency response for the purpose of
protecting nearby persons, property and the environment. This
cooperative agreement will significantly strengthen the occupational
public health infrastructure by integrating resources for occupational
safety and health research and public health prevention programs at the
State and local levels.
Purpose
The purpose of the award is to assist in the implementation of a
national hazardous substance training program for emergency responders,
primarily firefighters, in the area of hazardous materials emergency
response. The specific objectives are:
A. Assess the need for training nationally;
B. Develop a five-year training plan to meet those needs;
C. Conduct direct training and develop faculty expertise on site;
and,
D. Evaluate the training program and the impact of the training.
Program Requirements
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program,
the recipient shall be responsible for conducting activities under
A.(Recipient Activities), below, and CDC/NIOSH be responsible for
conducting activities under B.(CDC Activities), below.
A. Recipient Activities
1. Develop a complete plan of action to establish a five year
national training program for hazardous materials emergency responders.
Include collaboration with communities to establish a network among
representatives of firefighters, police, hospitals and other community
emergency responders.
2. Identify and select regions and populations for training based
on a list of criteria to be developed by the applicant and
identification of needs by the organization.
3. Designate groups to be trained per year, including specific
levels of training and amount of training and types of trainees (e.g.,
volunteers and career firefighters).
4. Select participants and conduct training programs for emergency
responders, coordinating efforts with local, State and community
agencies.
5. Develop additional curricula on special topics or hazard areas
as identified in needs surveys. Course materials utilized will be those
which exist and meet Federal, national and State requirements and which
have been developed specifically for emergency responders under
federally supported programs such as those from the National Institute
of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and revised as appropriate.
6. Develop a plan to select and train faculty to conduct training
classes. Audio-visual support, space, facilities, and equipment will be
provided by the recipient.
7. Develop and conduct an evaluation program to test knowledge, the
effectiveness of training and the impact of the training.
8. Maintain profile information on trainees (e.g., State, employer,
based on existing records held by the organization.
9. Disseminate training information to appropriate groups.
B. CDC/NIOSH Activities
1. Provide technical assistance and consultation, through site
visits and correspondence, in the areas of identifying needs, program
development and implementation.
2. Provide scientific and technical assistance in the development
of curriculum materials.
3. Provide on site technical consultation if needed during the
training programs with recommendations to assist the trainers.
4. Provide training materials, such as video tapes and published
documents to the recipient for duplication and distribution, when
appropriate and needed.
5. Provide technical assistance in the development of an evaluation
plan.
6. Assist in the dissemination of training information to
appropriate personnel.
Technical Reporting Requirements
An original and two copies of the quarterly progress reports are
due within 30 days after the end of each quarter and should include a
summary of activities performed and any new materials developed. A
progress report and financial status report is due 90 days after the
end of each budget period. Final financial and performance reports are
required no later than 90 days after the end of the project period. All
reports are submitted to the Grants Management Branch, CDC.
[[Page 25631]]
The quarterly progress reports must include, in addition to
activities performed:
A. A list of training courses delivered in the quarter, their
location, title of the course and number of persons trained and a
general summary of activities performed in the quarter;
B. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established
for the period; and,
C. Reasons for lack of success if goals were not met.
The annual progress reports should include a summary of yearly
activities, number and type of courses delivered, number of people
trained and a profile of trainees, including gender, State, employer,
type of firefighter (career or volunteer), etc.
Application Content
The entire application, including appendices, should not exceed 75
pages and the Proposal Narrative section contained therein should not
exceed 30 pages. Pages should be clearly numbered and a complete index
to the application and any appendices included. The original and each
copy of the application must be submitted unstapled and unbound. All
materials must be typewritten, double-spaced, with unreduced type (font
size 12 point) on 8\1/2\'' by 11'' paper, with at least 1'' margins,
headers, and footers, and printed on one side only.
The applicant should provide a detailed description of first-year
activities and briefly describe future-year objective and activities.
A. Title Page
The heading should include the title of grant program, project
title, organization, name and address, project director, and telephone
number.
B. Abstract
A one page, singled-spaced, typed abstract must be submitted with
the application. The heading should include the title of grant program,
project title, organization, name and address, project director and
telephone number. This abstract should include a work plan identifying
specific activities to be developed, specific activities to be
completed, and a time-line for completion of these activities.
C. Narrative
The narrative of each application must:
1. State the applicant's understanding of the need or problem and
the purpose of this cooperative agreement.
2. Document and describe the need for the program.
3. Document the applicant's expertise in developing materials and
in providing training to emergency responders, primarily firefighters,
in the area of hazardous materials exposures.
4. Document the applicant's ability to provide qualified staff,
knowledge, financial, and other resources necessary to perform the
applicant's responsibilities in this project, and describe the approach
to be used in carrying out those responsibilities.
5. Describe clearly the objectives of the project for the five-year
period, the steps to be undertaken in planning, implementing and
evaluating this project, and the respective responsibilities of the
applicant and any other entities for carrying out those steps.
6. Provide a proposed schedule for accomplishing each of the tasks
to be carried out during the project period (include a timeline for
activities) and a method for evaluating the accomplishments.
7. Describe the names and qualifications of the proposed staff and
time allocated for them to accomplish program activities; the support
staff available for the project; the instructors for the program; and
audio-visual support, the facilities, space, and equipment available
for the project. Submit biographical sketches on each (Use form CDC
2.145A).
8. Specify a proposed plan for administering this project and the
name, qualifications, and time commitments of the Program Director who
will be responsible for the administration of the cooperative
agreement.
9. Provide a detailed budget for the first 12-months and an annual
budget for the projected five year project which indicates anticipated
costs for staff, instructors, equipment, facilities, training, travel,
postage, supplies, etc., and all sources of funds to meet those needs.
Use Budget Form CDC 2.145A. Provide justification for costs.
10. Provide letters of support from professional/community
organizations, agencies and worker groups whose participation is
essential for program success (such as firefighter groups, potential
trainees, groups who will provide replacement teams, community and
State agencies, other Federal agencies, etc.).
11. Submit a plan for evaluating the training program and impact of
the program.
D. Budget
Provide a detailed budget which indicates anticipated costs for
personnel, equipment, travel, communications, supplies, postage, and
the sources of funds to meet these needs. The applicant should be
precise about the program purpose of each budget item. For contracts
described within the application budget, applicants should name the
contractor, if known; describe the services to be performed; and
provide an itemized breakdown and justification for the estimated costs
of the contract; the kinds of organizations or parties to be selected;
the period of performance; and the method of selection. Place the
budget narrative pages showing, in detail, how funds in each object
class will be sent, directly behind form CDC 2.145A. Do not put these
pages in the body of the application. CDC may not approve or fund all
proposed activities.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the
following criteria:
A. Responsiveness to the objectives of the cooperative agreement
including: (1) The applicant's understanding of the objectives of the
proposed cooperative agreement, and (2) the relevance of the proposal
to the objectives. (20%)
B. Feasibility of meeting the proposed goals of the cooperative
agreement including; (1) the proposed schedule for initiating and
accomplishing each of the activities of the cooperative agreement; and,
(2) the proposed method for evaluating the accomplishments. (20%)
C. Strength and comprehensiveness of the training program plan
which addresses the distinct characteristics and needs of the target
audience and which includes the essential program elements for
planning, conducting and evaluating training programs. (25%)
D. Training and experience of the Program Director and staff
including: (a) Program Director with technical expertise and education
in the hazardous substance field, (b) faculty with training and
experience in the appropriate technical content areas, and (c) staff
with experience in developing curricula in hazardous materials
emergency response and studying health and safety issues in the target
population. (15%)
E. The capability of accessing national firefighters who have
responsibility for hazardous materials emergency response in order to
ensure consistency in delivering training programs; credibility with
State and local institutions, fire marshals and firefighters; the
ability to bring in replacement teams for trainees; and accessibility
to State and local educational institutions for target worker
populations. (10%)
[[Page 25632]]
F. Experience in curriculum development and in delivering health
and safety emergency response programs for the target population,
particularly in a labor education cooperative environment and
documentation of past performance and productivity. (10%)
G. Proposed Budget (Not Scored)
The extent to which the budget request is clearly explained,
adequately justified, reasonable, sufficient for the proposed project
activities, and consistent with the intended use of the cooperative
agreement funds.
Executive Order 12372 Review
Applications are not subject to review by Executive Order 12372.
Public Health System Reporting Requirement
The program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting
Requirements.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program
is 93.263.
Other Requirements
Paperwork Reduction Act
Projects that involve the collection of information from ten or
more individuals and funded by this cooperative agreement will be
subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Application Submission and Deadlines
A. Application
The original and two copies of the application PHS Form 5161-1
(Revised 7/92, OMB Number 0937-0189) and the CDC 2.145A budget form
must be submitted to Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist,
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers of
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE.,
Room 321, Atlanta, GA 30305, on or before June 19, 1997.
1. Deadline: Applications will be considered as meeting the
deadline if they are either:
(a) Received on or before the deadline date, or
(b) Sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for
submission to the objective review group. (The applicants must request
a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a receipt from a
commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered
postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
2. Late Applicants: Applications that do not meet the criteria in
1.(a) or 1.(b) above are considered late applications. Late
applications will not be considered in the current competition and will
be returned to the applicants.
Where To Obtain Additional Information
To receive additional written information call (404) 332-4561. You
will be asked to leave your name, address, and telephone number and
will need to refer to Announcement 742. You will receive a complete
program description, information on application procedures, and
application forms. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or
express mail. Please refer to announcement number 742 when requesting
information and submitting an application.
If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained
from Victoria Sepe, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Mailstop E-13, Room 321, 255 East Paces Ferry Road,
NE., Atlanta, GA, 30305, telephone (404) 842-6804, Internet:
[email protected].
Programmatic technical assistance may be obtained from Bernadine B.
Kuchinski, Ph.D., Office of Extramural and Special Projects, National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE., MS D-40, Atlanta,
GA 30333, telephone (404) 639-3342, Internet address: [email protected].
This and other CDC announcements are available through the CDC
homepage on the Internet. The address for the CDC homepage is: http://
www.cdc.gov.
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.
Dated: May 5, 1997.
Diane D. Porter,
Acting Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
[FR Doc. 97-12248 Filed 5-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-P