[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36145-36148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14267]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00062]


Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Infectious Diseases; 
Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2000 funds for a cooperative agreement 
program for Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Programs in Infectious 
Diseases. CDC is committed to achieving the health promotion and 
disease prevention objectives of ``Healthy People 2010,'' a national 
activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of 
life. This announcement is related to the focus area of Immunization 
and Infectious Disease.
    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist recipients 
in the development and implementation of a two- to three-year 
Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Infectious Diseases (PFTP) 
which provides a combination of clinical training and basic laboratory 
or epidemiologic training in infectious diseases. The goal is to 
improve the ability of the U.S. public health system to respond to the 
problem of infectious diseases by increasing the number of academic 
infectious disease physicians with demonstrated skills in the public 
health aspects of infectious diseases and to provide them with the 
essential, pertinent clinical and research skills.
    PFTPs should be implemented as new distinct fellowship positions/
tracks in recipient's existing infectious disease

[[Page 36146]]

postdoctoral training program. PFTPs should be aimed at physicians with 
training in infectious diseases who wish to pursue a career in academic 
infectious diseases of public health importance. The objective is to 
offer a combination of research and clinical training which will lead 
to eligibility for certification in infectious diseases by the American 
Board of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty Board of Infectious Diseases 
(the cognizant member board of the American Board of Medical 
Specialties). Specific areas of clinical concentration may include: 
Clinical rotations in infectious diseases, infectious diseases in 
transplant recipients, clinical microbiology, outpatient infectious 
diseases, pediatric infectious diseases, or infectious disease 
pharmacology. The recipient must be able to provide support for 
physicians of unusual ability and promise or proven achievement by 
giving them an opportunity to conduct clinical, laboratory, and 
epidemiologic research on significant public health problems caused by 
infectious diseases. Specific areas of research concentration may 
include: Viral and rickettsial infections, nosocomial infections, 
antimicrobial resistance, vector-borne infectious diseases, respiratory 
and food-borne bacterial diseases, parasitic diseases, sexually 
transmitted diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
    In 1994, CDC initiated the Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program 
in Infectious Diseases (PFTP) and made awards to two U.S. medical 
schools. The PFTP was renewed competitively in 1997 and continued 
programs at the original two schools and added a third. Under all three 
awards, the PFTP was integrated into the school's existing postdoctoral 
program as a separate PFTP track and several physicians have been 
enrolled.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Assistance will be provided only to university affiliated schools 
of medicine with infectious disease programs accredited by the 
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages 
in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds 
constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, 
or any other form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $180,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately three awards. It is expected that the average award will 
be $60,000, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. It is expected that the 
awards will begin on or about September 30, 2000, 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

    Grantee cost-sharing is required under this program. CDC will 
provide up to 50 percent of the total cost for items directly related 
to the support of fellows such as stipends (consistent with PHS 
policies) and professional travel. CDC funds will not be provided for 
supplies and equipment or for direct salaries/fringe, travel, space, 
etc., for recipient's faculty or administrative personnel. In a 
training grant, recipient's indirect charges are limited to 8 percent 
of direct costs. CDC funds are not intended to supplant recipient's 
existing infectious disease fellowships, rather they are intended to 
support new fellowship opportunities that are consistent with the 
stated Purpose of this cooperative agreement program.

D. Program Requirements

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

1. Recipient Activities

    a. As a distinct and separate track of recipient's existing 
infectious disease postdoctoral fellowship program, develop and conduct 
a two- to three-year PFTP that combines clinical and basic laboratory 
or epidemiologic research in prevention and control of infectious 
diseases of public health importance.
    b. Design and conduct the PFTP such that, upon completion of the 
fellowship, fellows will become eligible for certification in 
infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    c. Provide preceptors for training.
    d. Develop a fellowship candidate application, review, ranking, and 
selection process. Based on this process, select applicants to be 
awarded two- to three-year PFTP fellowships.
    e. Provide administrative support to fellows during their tenure in 
the PFTP including the payment of stipends, professional travel, etc. 
(see Availability of Funds for cost sharing requirements).
    f. Assist fellows in publishing and/or otherwise disseminating 
results of their research.
    g. Monitor and evaluate the progress of fellows and progress toward 
achieving program goals. To measure the overall success of the PFTP, 
establish a mechanism to follow-up and report on fellows (e.g., where 
they work, in what field, etc.) periodically for up to five years after 
they complete the PFTP.
    h. If fellow's research involves the use of human subjects, assure 
appropriate IRB review by all cooperating institutions participating in 
the project.

2. CDC Activities

    a. The laboratory or epidemiologic research training may occur at 
CDC facilities. Provide preceptors and facilities for research training 
that occurs at CDC facilities.
    b. If CDC researchers participate in fellow's research that 
involves the use of human subjects, assist in the development of a 
research protocol for IRB review by all cooperating institutions 
participating in the research project. The CDC IRB will review and 
approve the protocol initially and on at least an annual basis until 
the research project is completed.

E. Application Content

    Use the information in this section and 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 10 single-spaced pages, 
printed on one side, with one inch margins (including headers and 
footers), and unreduced font.

Typing and Mailing

    All pages must be clearly numbered and a complete index to the 
application and its appendices must be included. All pages of the 
application and appendices must be easily run through an automatic 
document feed copier, thus do not bind, staple, or paperclip any pages 
of any copy of the application and do not include any bound documents 
(e.g., pamphlets or other publications) in the appendices. Do not 
include cardboard, plastic, or other page separators between sections.

Specific Instructions

    The application narrative must not exceed 10 pages (excluding 
abstract, budget, and appendixes). Unless indicated otherwise, all 
information requested below must appear in the narrative. Materials or 
information that

[[Page 36147]]

should be part of the narrative will not be accepted if placed in the 
appendices. The application narrative must contain the following 
sections in the order presented below:

1. Abstract

    Provide a brief (less than two pages) summary of the proposed PFTP.

2. Background and Need

    Demonstrate an understanding of the background and need for the 
PFTP. Discuss how your proposed PFTP track differs from existing 
tracks/opportunities in your fellowship program and how your proposed 
PFTP track meets the Purpose of this cooperative agreement program.

3. Capacity and Personnel

    a. Describe applicant's goals, objectives, and efforts to promote 
the field of academic infectious diseases. Describe relevant degree 
programs and sponsored regular national meetings, seminars, and/or 
workshops devoted to pertinent issues in academic infectious diseases 
with relevance to public health.
    b. Demonstrate applicant's experience in academic infectious 
diseases education and training in general, including experience in 
maintaining programs that lead to eligibility for certification in 
infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 
Describe applicant's existing postdoctoral fellowship training programs 
for physicians in infectious diseases.
    c. Describe applicant's resources, facilities, and professional 
personnel that will be involved in conducting the project. Include (in 
an appendix) curriculum vitae for all professional personnel involved 
with the project. Describe plans for administration of the project and 
identify administrative resources/personnel that will be assigned to 
the project. Provide (in an appendix) letters of support from all key 
participating non-applicant organizations, individuals, etc., which 
clearly indicate their commitment to participate as described in the 
operational plan.
    d. If proposing that fellows conduct their laboratory or 
epidemiologic training at CDC facilities, include a letter of support 
(in an appendix) from the appropriate CDC scientist (co-signed by their 
Division/Program Principal Management Officer) that clearly indicates 
their commitment to participate as described in your application 
Operational Plan including agreement to 1) serve as preceptor for the 
research training and 2) provide space, facilities, supplies, etc., for 
fellows.

4. Operational Plan

    Present a detailed and time-phased plan for establishing and 
conducting the PFTP. Describe procedures to accomplish all of the 
required recipient activities. Describe how the clinical and research 
activities will be coordinated within the PFTP. Present a plan for 
monitoring and evaluating the progress of fellows and the progress 
toward achieving program goals. Describe how the plan will ensure that 
all fellows become eligible for certification in infectious diseases by 
the American Board of Internal Medicine by the end of fellowship 
tenure. Describe procedures and plans for assuring any fellow's 
research that involves the use of human subjects will receive 
appropriate IRB review by all cooperating institutions participating in 
the project.

5. Budget

    Provide a line-item budget and accompanying detailed, line-by-line 
justification that demonstrates the request is consistent with the 
purpose and objectives of this program. Clearly indicate by line-item 
both (a) the full cost and (b) the amount requested from CDC (see 
Availability of Funds section for further information regarding cost-
sharing).

F. Submission and Deadline

Letter of Intent (LOI)

    In order to assist CDC in planning the evaluation of applications 
submitted under this Program Announcement, all parties intending to 
submit an application are requested to submit an LOI to inform CDC of 
their intention to do so as soon as possible but not later than 30 days 
prior to the application due date. The LOI should include (1) Name and 
address of institution, (2) name, address, and telephone number of 
contact person, and if proposing that research component be conducted 
at CDC facilities, (3) name and telephone number of CDC scientist 
agreeing to participate. Notification can be provided by facsimile, 
postal mail, or Email to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.

Application

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-
0189). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
www.cdc.gov/ . . . Forms, or in the application kit. On or before 
Friday, June 30, 2000, submit the application to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' 
section of this announcement.
    Deadline: Applications shall 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 
orderly processing. (Applicants must request a legibly dated U.S. 
Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks 
shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
    Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria in 
(a) or (b) above are considered late applications, will not be 
considered, and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Each application will be evaluated individually against the 
following criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.

1. Background and Need (15 Points)

    Extent to which applicant demonstrates an understanding of the 
background and need for the PFTP. Extent to which they clearly 
demonstrate that their proposed PFTP fellowship positions add to and do 
not supplant existing positions in their fellowship program. Extent to 
which they demonstrate and how the proposed PFTP track meets the 
Purpose of this cooperative agreement program.

2. Capacity (50 Points)

    a. Institutional (25 points): The extent to which the applicant 
demonstrates that they have been and are devoted to promoting the field 
of academic infectious diseases. The extent to which the applicant has 
promoted the field of academic infectious diseases by conducting 
regular national meetings and workshops devoted to current topics. The 
extent to which the applicant documents experience in education and 
training in academic infectious diseases, including documentation of 
relevant degree programs offered and evidence of experience in 
successfully preparing students for certification in infectious 
diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The extent to 
which the applicant demonstrates significant institutional experience 
in managing postdoctoral fellowship training programs for physicians in 
the area of infectious diseases. The extent to which applicant 
documents they have a successful existing postdoctoral

[[Page 36148]]

fellowship program in infectious diseases.
    b. Staff and administrative (25 points): The extent to which 
applicant describes adequate resources and facilities (clinical, 
academic, and administrative) for conducting the PFTP. The extent to 
which applicant documents that their professional personnel involved in 
the PFTP are qualified and have past experience and achievements 
related to that proposed as evidenced by curriculum vitae, 
publications, etc. If proposing that fellow's research be conducted at 
CDC facilities, the extent to which applicant includes a Letter of 
Support as described in Application Content section 3.b., above (i.e., 
that is signed by the appropriate CDC officials and that clearly 
indicates their commitment to participate as proposed in the 
application).

3. Operational Plan (30 Points)

    The extent to which the proposed operational plan is clear, 
detailed, time-phased, and meets the purpose and goals of this 
cooperative agreement program. The extent to which the proposed 
operational plan addresses all required Recipient Activities. If 
specific fellow(s) research projects are proposed that involve the use 
of human subjects, the degree to which the applicant has met the CDC 
Policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and 
racial groups in the proposed research. This includes:
    a. The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial and 
ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
    b. The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    c. A statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to 
measure differences when warranted.
    d. 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.

4. Evaluation Plan (5 Points)

    The quality of the proposed plan to monitor, evaluate and track 
individual fellows; and overall plan to evaluate activities and 
objectives.

5. Budget (Not Scored)

    The extent to which the proposed budget is reasonable, clearly 
justified, and consistent with the intended use of cooperative 
agreement funds.

    6. If research involving the use of human subjects is proposed, 
does the application adequately address the requirements of Title 45 
CFR Part 46 for the protection of human subjects? Yes____ No____

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of--
    1. Annual progress reports (included with each noncompeting 
continuation application);
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period; and
    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.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment I in the 
application kit.
AR-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR-3  Animal Subjects Requirements
AR-7  Executive Order 12372 Review
AR-9  Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11  Healthy People 2010
AR-12  Lobbying Restrictions

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under Sections 301 [42 U.S.C. 241] and 
317(k)(2) [42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(2)] of the Public Health Service Act, as 
amended. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.283.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page 
Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov. Click on ``Funding'' then 
``Grants and Cooperative Agreements.''
    To receive additional written information and to request an 
application kit, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-888-472-6874). You will be asked 
to leave you name and address and will be instructed to identify the 
Announcement number of interest.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Andrea Wooddall, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, Room 3000, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, 
Telephone number: (770) 488-2749, Email address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb8a929cd8ab888f88c58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2948505e1a694a4d4a074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    For program technical assistance, contact: Greg J. Jones, M.P.A., 
Office of the Director, National Center for Infectious Diseases, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mailstop C-12, 1600 
Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30333, Phone: (404) 639-4180, 
Facsimile: (404) 639-3106, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#74333e3e1b1a1107341710175a131b02"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c3b36361312190f3c1f181f521b130a">[email protected]</span></a>.

    Dated: June 1, 2000.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-14267 Filed 6-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P


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