63592 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

Dated: October 17, 2000.

George Strader,

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Finance.

[FR Doc. 00–27192 Filed 10–23–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4150–04–M

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND

HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention

[Program Announcement 01010]

Pregnancy Risk Assessment

Monitoring System; Notice of

Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) announces the

availability of fiscal year (FY) 2001

funds for a cooperative agreement

program for a Pregnancy Risk

Assessment Monitoring System

(PRAMS) program. 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 Maternal, Infant, and Child

Health. For the conference copy of

‘‘Healthy People 2010,’’ visit the

Internet site: www.health.gov/

healthypeople.

The purpose of the program is to

assist State public health agencies in

generating State-specific data for

informing perinatal health programs and

policies. This will be accomplished by

assisting the State public health

agencies to (1) establish or maintain

State-specific, population-based

surveillance of selected maternal

behaviors and experiences that occur

around the time of pregnancy and early

infancy, (2) enhance the basic PRAMS

surveillance system in order to more

effectively reach special or related

populations which are typically

considered hard-to-reach populations,

and (3) to implement alternative

methodologies for surveying women

about selected maternal behaviors and

experiences. This announcement

includes three separate categories:

Category A (Core Activities): To

establish or maintain State-specific

population-based surveillance of

selected maternal behaviors and

experiences that occur around the time

of pregnancy and early infancy.

Category B (Enhanced Activities): To

enhance regular PRAMS surveillance to

reach special population groups, to test

new data collection or analytic

methodologies related to pregnancy or

infant health, or to gather additional

information on specific topics from

women or others. Category B funds

cannot be used for ongoing sampling

from data sources other than vital

records.

1. Special or related population

groups: Special populations may

include teenagers, groups with low

response rates, cultural groups, women

whose first language is something other

than English, low-income women,

women from urban or rural areas, or

incarcerated women. Related

populations could include follow-up of

women who have experienced a fetal

death and women with children less

than 5 years of age. Special or related

populations to be considered for

ongoing surveillance must be

identifiable for sampling from vital

records.

2. New data collection or analytic

methodologies: Methodologies that

might enhance regular PRAMS mail/

telephone data collection could include

in-person interviews, additional mail

and telephone follow-up with in-person

interviews, Internet-administered

surveys, or use of community health

workers or an organization (e.g., church,

civic, cultural groups) to deliver the

surveys. Methodologies that might

enhance analytic capacity could include

conducting small area analysis or GIS

(Geographic Information Science),

testing the validity and reliability of

measures, or performing linkages with

other data sets that focus on maternal

and infant health issues (e.g., Medicaid

data, WIC (Women, Infant, and

Children) data, databases with potential

contact information for pregnant

women).

3. Specific topics: Special surveys

focusing on specific topics or specific

populations might include in-depth

surveys of the PRAMS sample on a

time-limited basis (e.g., additional

detailed questions on a specific topic

added to existing an questionnaire) or

special surveys of other populations on

topics related to PRAMS (e.g., prenatal

care providers, hospitals, health

insurance providers).

Category C (Alternative

Methodologies): To implement one time

(point-in-time) surveys for Statespecific, population-based surveillance

of selected maternal behaviors and

experiences that occur around the time

of pregnancy and early infancy.

B. Eligible Applicants

Applicants may apply for core

activities (Category A), either as an

existing grantee or as a new grantee, or

they may apply for alternative

methodologies (Category C). In order to

apply for enhanced activities (Category

B), applicants must also apply for and

receive Category A funding. A separate

narrative must be provided for each

category for which an applicant applies.

Applications in each category will be

evaluated separately.

For Category A (Core Activities):

Assistance will be provided only to the

official State or territorial public health

agencies designated as registration areas

for vital statistics, including the District

of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the

Federated States of Micronesia, the

Republic of the Marshall Islands, and

the Republic of Palau.

Applicants can apply for Category A

funds, either as an existing or new state.

Existing PRAMS States are States that

are funded under program

announcement 96059 or 99070. These

are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas,

Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,

Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine,

Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New

Mexico, New York State, New York

City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,

South Carolina, Utah, Vermont,

Washington, and West Virginia. All

other States must apply as a new State.

All applicants for Category A must

provide the following evidence of

support letters:

1. Written assurance, signed by the

head of the State’s Vital Statistics unit,

that:

a. the recipient PRAMS program will

have timely (i.e., able to draw a sample

from birth certificates within 2 to 4

months after delivery) access to edited

birth certificate information needed for

sampling and data collection,

b. the recipient program will identify

and commit a person from the Vital

Statistics unit to act as a liaison to the

PRAMS program to develop and

maintain the sampling program and

make any modifications needed

throughout the life of the program,

c. final birth tape will be available by

December 1 of the following data year

for the purpose of weighting the annual

data set, and,

d. any changes in the vital statistics

system, such as with file layouts, will be

communicated in writing to the

recipient PRAMS program in a timely

fashion, as it can affect the monthly

sampling process.

2. A joint letter of commitment from

the State Directors of the Maternal and

Child Health (MCH), the Vital Statistics,

and the Data Processing units, that they

will work collaboratively to support the

PRAMS program. This letter should

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices 63593

specify evidence of past collaboration

among these groups and identify which

unit will be the lead in implementing

the PRAMS program and what roles

each unit will play.

For Category B (Enhanced Activities):

Assistance will be provided only to

applicants funded under Category A. All

applicants for Category B must provide:

1. Written assurance from all potential

data sources that the applicant’s project

will have access to the needed data for

conducting the enhanced activities.

2. A joint letter of commitment from

all the units participating in the core

PRAMS activities and the enhanced

activities that they will work together to

support the enhanced activities.

For Category C (Alternative

Methodologies): Assistance will be

provided to the official State or

territorial public health agencies. In

addition, Federally recognized Indian

tribal governments with more than

1,000 births per year may apply if the

population to be surveyed does not

reside in a State or territory with an

existing PRAMS project. Tribal

applications must include coinvestigators from the State or territorial

health departments providing vital

statistics data. Tribes located within

States with existing PRAMS projects

should work with the State’s health

department to develop a category A or

B proposal to sample tribal women.

In Category C, a State, territory or

tribal government may propose to

include other States, territories, or

tribes. Throughout this document for

Category C, the term ‘‘State’’ is used to

define any State, territory, or tribe that

meets the eligibility requirements.

Applicants that apply for Category C

can not apply for Category A or Category

B. Category C is an opportunity for

States or territories that want to collect

population-based data but not on an ongoing basis.

All applicants for Category C must

provide the following evidence of

support letters:

1. Written assurance, signed by the

head of the State’s Vital Statistics unit,

that:

a. the recipient PRAMS program will

have timely (i.e., able to draw a sample

from birth certificates within 2 to 4

months after delivery) access to edited

birth certificate information needed for

sampling and data collection,

b. the recipient program will identify

and commit a person from the Vital

Statistics unit to act as a liaison to the

PRAMS program to develop and

maintain the sampling program and

make any modifications needed

throughout the life of the program.

2. A joint letter of commitment from

the State Directors of the Maternal and

Child Health (MCH), the Vital Statistics,

and the Data Processing units, that they

will work collaboratively to support the

PRAMS program. This letter should

describe past collaboration among these

groups, specify which unit will be the

lead in implementing the PRAMS

program, and define the roles each unit

will play.

In Category C applications, projects

that span more than one State or

territory must provide letters from each

State and territory involved.

C. Availability of Funds

For Category A (New States):

Approximately $1,500,000 is available

in FY 2001 to fund approximately 8–12

awards. It is expected that the average

award will be $150,000, ranging from

$75,000 to $175,000. It is expected that

the awards will begin on or about April

1, 2001, and will be made for a 12-

month budget period within a project

period of up to 5 years. Funding

estimates may change.

For Category A (Existing States):

Approximately $3,750,000 is available

in FY 2001 to fund approximately 25

awards. It is expected that the average

award will be $150,000, ranging from

$75,000 to $175,000. It is expected that

the awards will begin on or about April

1, 2001, and will be made for a 12-

month budget period within a project

period of up to 5 years. Funding

estimates may change.

For Category B (New or Existing

States): Approximately $2,500,000 is

available in FY 2001 to fund

approximately 5 awards. It is expected

that the average award will be $500,000,

ranging from $175,000 to $750,000. It is

expected that the awards will begin on

or about April 1, 2001, and will be made

for a 12-month budget period within a

project period of up to 3 years. Funding

estimates may change.

For Category C: Approximately

$500,000 is available in FY 2001 to fund

approximately 5 awards. It is expected

that the average award will be $100,000,

ranging from $75,000 to $125,000. It is

expected that the awards will begin on

or about April 1, 2001, and will be made

for a 12-month budget period within a

project period of up to 3 years. Funding

estimates may change.

Continuation awards within an

approved project period will be made

on the basis of satisfactory progress as

evidenced by required reports and the

availability of funds.

Use of Funds

Funds awarded under this program

may not be used to supplant existing

program efforts funded through other

Federal or non-Federal sources.

Recipient Financial Participation

CDC funding covers some costs for

PRAMS but it is not intended to fully

support all aspects of the program.

Current recipients contribute their own

resources to PRAMS—mostly in the

form of operational resources and staff

support.

D. Program Requirements

Program Requirements are described

separately for each category.

All recipients for Category B must

obtain review and approval from an

Office for Human Research Protection

(OHRP)-approved Institutional Review

Board (IRB). No data collection may

begin until the provisions of 45 CFR 46,

Protection of Human Subjects, have

been met (See ‘‘Other Requirements’’

section below). Each project will be

reviewed by CDC’s IRB.

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).

For Category A (Core Activities, New

States):

1. Recipient Activities:

a. Adopt the standard PRAMS written

protocol.

b. Identify appropriate staff dedicated

to overall coordination and operations

of PRAMS. Also identify a person in

Vital Records indicating the percentage

of their time dedicated to assuring the

sampling procedures.

c. Form a steering committee

consisting of representatives from the

organizational units housing and

collaborating on PRAMS, as well as

other public and private health

community representatives. The

committee should provide oversight and

set directions for the program and serve

in an advocacy role promoting the use

of PRAMS findings. At a minimum, this

group will meet once per year.

d. Assure active cooperation and

collaboration among the participating

organizational units such as MCH, Vital

Records, and Data Processing units.

e. Design a State-wide PRAMS

program that assures access to needed

vital record information. Timely (able to

draw a sample from birth certificates

within 2 to 4 months after delivery)

access to birth certificates is essential.

f. Prepare State-specific questions and

their rationale and pretest the

questionnaire, if needed. Collaborate to

revise the common questions at agreedupon intervals.

63594 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

g. Define the study population and

design and maintain a representative

PRAMS sample.

h. Develop a cycle of sampling and

data collection in accordance with the

protocol and PRAMS software.

i. Train interviewers to conduct

telephone interviewing in accordance

with PRAMS standards for phone

interviewing and ensure that they

follow the standard PRAMS protocol.

j. Develop, maintain, and make

available, using the standardized

PRAMS protocol, electronic files on

birth certificate information of the

sampling frame and of sampled women,

data collection activities, and

questionnaire data on a timely basis for

data management, i.e., sampling,

cleaning, and weighting.

k. Monitor, at least monthly, the

quality of data collected and its

management (through verification and

validation efforts).

l. Develop and implement an analysis

plan, including potential partners and

collaborators in and outside of the

health departments. The analysis plan

should be updated annually.

m. Collaborate on multi-State analyses

combining or comparing data across

PRAMS States.

n. Disseminate PRAMS findings

through presentations and publications

to health departments, professional

societies, voluntary agencies,

universities, other PRAMS States, and

other interested individuals and

organizations.

o. Share program translation and

dissemination material and products

and examples of how the data have been

used to affect programs and policy.

p. Participate in training, workshops,

meetings, and advisory committees at

least once per year.

q. Assure that a final birth tape is

available by December 1 of the

following data year. The birth tape is

needed for weighting the annual data set

which is returned to the State for

analyses.

2. CDC Activities:

a. Provide model protocol and assist

with development of State-specific

written protocols.

b. Assist the recipient agencies with

development and revisions of Statespecific questions and core questions for

States.

c. Provide program software, training,

and ongoing technical support for

operations management, questionnaire

data entry, and development of the

PRAMS analysis database.

d. Assist with the specification of

variable descriptions and format layouts

of all data files.

e. Provide technical assistance for

data editing.

f. Assist with the development of

computer programs for sampling.

g. Provide technical assistance to

resolve problems in data collection

procedures, response rates, sampling

procedures (unbiased sampling and

estimate omissions), and database files

(completeness).

h. Assist in the development of

annual weighted analysis data sets for

recipient agencies, including developing

statistical weights.

i. Assist recipient agency staff in

obtaining training in sample survey

analysis software.

j. Provide recipients with

epidemiological and statistical technical

assistance.

k. Conduct multi-State and singleState analyses, in collaboration with the

States, and facilitate dissemination and

translation of findings.

l. Participate with recipient agencies

in workshops, training, meetings, and

advisory committees to exchange

information among States.

m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS

advisory committee comprised of all

recipients to promote exchange of

information.

For Category A (Core Activities,

Existing States):

1. Recipient Activities:

a. Review operational components to

assure concordance with standard

PRAMS written protocol. Adapt the

State-specific portions of the written

protocol to meet State needs.

b. Maintain a State-wide PRAMS

program that assures access to needed

vital record information. Timely (able to

draw a sample from birth certificates

within 2 to 4 months after delivery)

access to birth certificates is essential.

c. Maintain a prescribed cycle of

sampling and data collection in

accordance with the PRAMS written

protocol.

d. Use the PRAMS standard software

for the operational components of the

program.

e. Select the State-specific questions

and their rationale and pretest the

questionnaire, if needed. With other

participating States, revise the common

questions at agreed-upon intervals.

f. Maintain and make available, using

the standardized PRAMS protocol,

electronic files on birth certificate

information of the sampling frame, and

of sampled women, data collection

activities, and questionnaire data on a

timely basis for data management, i.e.,

sampling, cleaning, and weighting.

g. Conduct an annual sampling

evaluation and adjustment of the sample

to ensure it is representative of the

study population.

h. Maintain a Steering Committee

consisting of representatives from

organizational units housing and

collaborating on PRAMS, as well as

other public and private health

community representatives. The

committee should provide oversight and

set directions for the program as well as

serve in an advocate role promoting the

use of PRAMS findings. At a minimum,

this group will meet once per year.

i. Assure appropriate staff dedicated

to overall coordination and operations

of PRAMS. Also specify a person in

Vital Records indicating the percentage

of their time dedicated to assuring the

sampling procedures.

j. Assure active cooperation and

collaboration among the participating

organizational units such as MCH, Vital

Records, and Data Processing units.

k. Monitor, at least monthly, the

quality of data collected and its

management (through verification and

validation efforts).

l. Train interviewers to conduct

telephone interviewing in accordance

with PRAMS standards for phone

interviewing and ensure that they

follow the standard PRAMS protocol.

m. Develop and implement an

analysis plan including potential

partners and collaborators in and

outside of the health departments.

Update the analysis plan annually.

n. Collaborate on multi-State analyses

combining or comparing data across

PRAMS States.

o. Disseminate PRAMS findings

through presentations and publications

to health departments, professional

societies, voluntary agencies,

universities, other PRAMS States, and

other interested individuals and

organizations.

p. Share examples of dissemination

products and examples of how the data

have been used to affect programs and

policy.

q. Participate with other States in

training, workshops, meetings, and

advisory committees at least once per

year.

r. Assure that a final birth tape is

available by December 1 of the

following data year. The birth tape is

needed for weighting the annual data set

for analyses.

2. CDC Activities:

a. Provide model PRAMS protocol

and assist with development of Statespecific written protocols.

b. Assist the recipient agencies with

development and revisions of Statespecific questions and core questions for

new States.

c. Provide program software, training,

and ongoing technical support for

operations management, questionnaire

data entry, and development of the

PRAMS analysis database.

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices 63595

d. Assist with the specification of

variable descriptions and format layouts

of all data files.

e. Provide technical assistance for

data editing.

f. Assist with the development of

computer programs for sampling.

g. Provide technical assistance to

resolve problems in data collection

procedures, response rates, sampling

procedures (unbiased sampling and

estimate omissions), and database files

(completeness).

h. Assist in the development of

annual weighted analysis data sets for

recipient agencies, including developing

statistical weights.

i. Assist recipient agency staff in

obtaining training in sample survey

analysis software.

j. Provide recipients with

epidemiological and statistical technical

assistance.

k. Conduct multi-State and singleState analyses, in collaboration with the

States, and facilitate dissemination and

translation of findings.

l. Participate with recipient agencies

in workshops, training, meetings, and

advisory committees to exchange

information among States.

m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS

advisory committee comprised of all

recipients to promote exchange of

information.

For Category B (Enhanced Activities):

1. Recipient Activities:

a. Develop a written protocol that

includes a plan for staffing, sampling,

design, methodology, analyses, and

dissemination and translation of data.

b. Identify special features that

distinguish the enhanced activities from

the core activities and describe their

impact on the core activities, assuring

that the integrity of the core PRAMS

activities is maintained.

c. Acquire resources and technical

assistance to carry out the enhanced

activities including staff, software, data

systems, and analytic expertise, as

needed.

d. Assure active cooperation and

collaboration among all units involved

with the core PRAMS activities and the

enhanced activities.

e. Identify and assure access to all

needed sources of data.

f. Form a special advisory committee

to advise and oversee the enhanced

activities. This group should include

representatives from the core PRAMS

project.

g. Define the study population and

sampling design.

h. Prepare the data collection

instruments, if needed.

i. Carry out data collection in

accordance with the written protocol for

the enhanced activities.

j. Train interviewers and assure that

they follow the written protocol for

enhanced activities.

k. Develop, maintain, clean, and edit

electronic files with information on the

sampling frame, sampled women, data

collection activities, and questionnaire

data.

l. Monitor, at least monthly, the

quality of data collected and its

management (through verification and

validation efforts).

m. Develop and implement an

analysis, dissemination, and translation

plan for the enhanced activities

including potential partners and

collaborators in and outside the health

department.

n. Disseminate PRAMS findings

through multiple sources such as

presentations, publications, and special

training.

o. Provide examples of how, through

the enhanced activities, the program has

been able to translate findings in order

to influence policy and programs for

special populations.

p. Summarize and evaluate the

enhanced activities and share widely.

q. Collaborate with other States on

multi-State projects.

2. CDC Activities:

a. Review and provide

recommendations on the protocol for

the enhanced activities, including

staffing, sample design, methodology,

analyses, and dissemination and

translation of data.

b. Review the impact of the enhanced

activities on the core PRAMS activities.

c. Provide technical assistance to

resolve issues that arise in performing

the enhanced activities.

d. Provide recipients with

epidemiological and statistical technical

assistance.

e. Collaborate on analytic projects that

summarize the multi-State efforts to

carry out enhanced activities to reach

special populations through alternative

methodologies.

f. Provide a forum for recipient

agencies to exchange information from

their enhanced activities.

g. Assist in the development of a

research protocol for IRB review by all

cooperating institutions participating in

the research project.

h. The CDC IRB will review and

approve the protocol initially and on at

least an annual basis until the research

project is completed.

For Category C (Alternative

Methodologies):

1. Recipient Activities:

a. Adopt the standard PRAMS written

protocol for one time (point-in-time)

surveys.

b. Identify appropriate staff dedicated

to overall coordination and

implementation of PRAMS, analytic

staff, and support staff for the actual

survey period. Also specify a person in

Vital Records in each involved

registration area responsible for assuring

the sampling procedures.

c. Form an Advisory Committee

consisting of representatives from the

organizational units collaborating on

PRAMS, as well as other public and

private health community

representatives. The committee should

provide oversight and set directions for

the program as well as serve in an

advocacy role promoting the use of

PRAMS findings. At a minimum, this

group will meet once per year.

d. Assure active cooperation and

collaboration for all recipient areas

among the participating organizational

units such as MCH, Vital Records, and

Data Processing units.

e. Design a State-wide PRAMS survey

that assures access to needed vital

records information. Timely (able to

draw a sample from birth certificates

within 2 to 4 months after delivery)

access to birth certificates is essential.

f. Prepare State-specific questions and

their rationale and pretest the

questionnaire, if needed.

g. Define the study population and

design and select a representative

PRAMS sample.

h. Develop a cycle of sampling and

data collection in accordance with the

protocol and PRAMS software during

the survey period.

i. Train interviewers to conduct

telephone interviewing in accordance

with PRAMS standards for phone

interviewing and ensure that they

follow the standard PRAMS protocol.

j. Develop, maintain, and make

available, using the standardized

PRAMS protocol, electronic files on

birth certificate information of the

sampling frame, and of sampled women,

data collection activities, and

questionnaire data on a timely basis for

data management, i.e., sampling,

cleaning, and weighting.

k. Monitor the quality of data

collected and its management (through

verification and validation efforts).

l. Develop and implement an analysis

plan including potential partners and

collaborators in and outside of the

health departments.

m. Collaborate on multi-State analyses

combining or comparing data across

PRAMS States.

n. Disseminate PRAMS findings

through presentations and publications

to health departments, professional

societies, voluntary agencies,

universities, other PRAMS States, and

other interested individuals and

organizations.

63596 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

o. Share examples of dissemination

products and examples of how the data

have been used to affect programs and

policy.

p. Participate with other States in

training, workshops, meetings, and

advisory committees at least once per

year.

q. Provide a final birth tape covering

the survey period by December 1 of the

year following the data year. The birth

tape is needed to check for adequate

coverage of the sampling frame.

2. CDC Activities:

a. Provide model PRAMS protocol

and assist with development of State-or

area-specific written protocols.

b. Assist the recipients with

development of State-specific questions.

c. Provide program software, training,

and technical support for operations

management, questionnaire data entry,

and development of the PRAMS

analysis database.

d. Assist with the specification of

variable descriptions and format layouts

of all data files.

e. Provide technical assistance for

data editing.

f. Assist with the development of

computer programs for sampling.

g. Provide technical assistance to

resolve problems regarding data

collection procedures.

h. Assist in the development of a

weighted analysis data set for recipient

agencies, including developing

statistical weights.

i. Assist recipient agency staff in

obtaining training in sample survey

analysis software.

j. Provide recipients with

epidemiological and statistical technical

assistance.

k. Conduct multi-State and singleState analyses, in collaboration with the

State, and facilitate dissemination and

translation of findings.

l. Participate with recipient agencies

in workshops, training, meetings, and

advisory committees to exchange

information among States.

m. Establish and maintain a PRAMS

advisory committee comprised of all

recipients to promote exchange of

information.

R. Application Content

Use the information in the Program

Requirements, Other Requirements, and

Evaluation Criteria sections to develop

the application content. Your

application will be evaluated on the

criteria listed, so it is important to

follow them in laying out your program

plan. Provide a separate narrative for

each of the Categories (A, B, and C).

Each narrative should be no more than

30 double-spaced pages, printed on one

side, with one inch margins, and

unreduced (12 CPI)font.

For Category A (Core Activities, New

States):

1. Background and Need:

a. Describe the composition of the

birth population, giving the numbers of

overall births and births in each subpopulation of interest. Describe the

scope and severity of the problems of

poor pregnancy outcomes, including

infant mortality, low birth weight, and

related risk factors such as inadequate

prenatal care or unintended pregnancy.

This may apply on a Statewide basis or

to high risk sub-populations in defined

geographical areas and may be assessed

in relation to relevant national rates,

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

indicators, or the ‘‘Healthy People 2010

Objectives’’.

b. Describe the reproductive health

and maternal and child health priorities

for the State and how PRAMS data can

be integrated into the State’s activities to

address those priorities.

c. Identify gaps in needed information

concerning adverse pregnancy and

infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant

risk factors, and provide a description of

how PRAMS data may be used to fill

these gaps.

d. Describe how data from PRAMS

will complement the analyses of vital

records by increasing understanding of

previously identified maternal and

infant health problems and identifying

new problems.

2. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process:

a. Describe, in detail, the State process

for registering births, to include each

step from collection of information at

the birth site, having an initial

computerized file (the sampling frame

from which the PRAMS sample will be

drawn), and having a clean, edited file

from which other information can be

drawn. Present a time line for the

cleaning of critical variables, such as

name, address, and date of birth.

Document that the sample could be

drawn from birth certificate information

within 2 to 4 months after the date of

birth. Describe any validity and

reliability studies that have been

conducted on birth certificate data.

b. Describe the schedule on which

vital records information (frame files

and end-of-year birth files, such as

NCHS standard birth files) will be

available.

c. Describe the extent to which you

can link birth certificate data to other

data sources, e.g., infant deaths,

Supplemental Nutrition Program for

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),

Medicaid.

d. Describe any State laws or policies

that place restrictions on the release of

vital records data for research purposes

and indicate the impact of these laws or

policies on PRAMS.

e. Describe any plans for dealing with

the upcoming revision of the birth

certificate.

3. Plan of Operation:

a. Describe how and when the major

project components, such as sampling,

mail and telephone operations, data

analysis, staffing plan, protocol

development, steering committee, will

be developed and implemented.

b. Provide any available data that

describe the extent to which the data

collection approach is likely to produce

adequate response rates among the

sampled population, including high-risk

sub-populations. Provide examples of

previous surveys, including past

experiences with PRAMS or other data

collection activities, and the response

rates in the proposed populations.

Describe and provide for the inclusion

of women, racial, and ethnic minority

populations in the proposed project to

include:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representations.

(1) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement whether the design of

the study is adequate to measure

differences when warranted.

(4) A statement whether the plans for

recruitment and outreach for study

participants include the process of

establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

c. Describe the roles, responsibilities,

and supervision of key personnel who

will be contributing to the PRAMS

program during the next budget period.

d. Document, with curriculum vitae,

the relevant expertise and experience of

proposed personnel involved in PRAMS

program direction, operational

management, and data analysis and

dissemination, and their placement

within the organization. It is strongly

recommended that a minimum of two

full-time equivalents at the State level

be committed to working on daily

operations and coordination of PRAMS.

e. Describe the specific roles and

responsibilities of participating

organizational units, such as MCH, vital

records, and data processing units.

Provide an organizational chart that

shows the location of units that

participate in PRAMS.

f. Describe a plan for data analysis

that integrates the MCH priorities

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices 63597

previously identified that can be

addressed by PRAMS.

g. Describe how findings from PRAMS

analyses will be disseminated through

various channels, including steering

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

translated into public health action.

Describe existing partnerships and how

findings from previous studies have

been disseminated. Identify future

partnerships for dissemination and

translation activities.

4. Timetable:

Provide a general time-line of major

milestones for the project period and a

schedule of activities for the first 12

months of the project period.

5. Budget:

Provide a detailed budget and lineitem justification of all operating

expenses that are consistent with the

planned activities of the project. The

budget should also address funds

requested, as well as in-kind or direct

support. Indicate if funds are already

committed to PRAMS and adjust the

amount requested under this

announcement accordingly.

For Category A (Core Activities,

Existing States):

1. Background and Need:

a. Describe the composition of the

birth population giving the numbers of

overall births and births in each subpopulation of interest. Describe the

scope and severity of the problems of

poor pregnancy outcomes, including

infant mortality, low birth weight, and

related risk factors such as inadequate

prenatal care or unintended pregnancy.

This may apply on a Statewide basis or

to high risk sub-populations in defined

geographical areas and may be assessed

in relationship to relevant national

rates, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

indicators, or the ‘‘Healthy People 2010

Objectives.’’

b. Describe the reproductive health

and maternal and child health priorities

for your State and how PRAMS data can

be integrated into your State’s activities

to address those priorities.

c. Identify gaps in needed information

concerning adverse pregnancy and

infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant

risk factors, and describe how PRAMS

data can be used to fill these gaps.

d. Describe how data from PRAMS

will complement the analyses of vital

records by increasing understanding of

previously identified maternal and

infant health problems and identifying

new problems.

2. Capacity:

Note: States that have been in PRAMS for

less than 2 years may not be able to report

on certain elements in this section. If you

have been in PRAMS for less than 2 years,

focus on process and implementation issues

and indicate where you are not able to

comment on a section because of lack of data.

a. Describe progress to date in

implementing PRAMS operational

activities, including sampling, data

collection, and data management; and

any barriers that precluded complete

and successful implementation of the

project, e.g., sources of contact

information or staffing patterns.

b. Document the staffing pattern for

the project over the last 2 years and any

impact of that pattern on the project.

c. Identify and describe the State staff

who contribute to the PRAMS project

(project coordinator, data manager, data

analyst, vital records contact, and other

PRAMS participants), including their

roles, the proportion of their time spent

on PRAMS, and a summary of their

activities and accomplishments during

the last funding period.

d. Document PRAMS response rates,

overall and by stratification variables

(70 percent is considered a minimum

level of response) for the last 12 months.

e. Document the extent to which

PRAMS data are available for analysis

and have been analyzed.

f. Describe the extent to which

PRAMS data have been used for

program planning, policy development,

and resource allocation. Provide specific

examples of dissemination and

translation of PRAMS data and existing

partners in these efforts.

g. Describe data linkages that have

been accomplished between PRAMS

and other data sources and identify how

the linked data sets have been used.

3. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process:

a. Summarize the State process for

registering births. Include each step

from collection of information at the

birth site, having an initial

computerized file (the sampling frame

from which the PRAMS sample will be

drawn), and having a clean, edited file

from which other information can be

drawn. Present a time line for the

cleaning of critical variables, such as

name, address, and date of birth.

Document that the sample could be

drawn from birth certificate information

within 2 to 4 months after the date of

birth. Describe any validity and

reliability studies that have been

conducted on birth certificate data.

b. Describe the schedule on which

vital records information (frame files

and end-of-year birth files, such as

NCHS standard birth files) will be

available. These files are used to assist

the State with evaluation of the sample

and weighting the data.

c. Describe the extent to which you

can link birth certificate data to other

data sources, e.g., infant deaths,

Supplemental Nutrition Program for

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),

Medicaid.

d. Describe any State laws or policies

that place restrictions on the release of

vital records data for research purposes

and indicate the impact of these laws or

policies on PRAMS.

e. Describe any plans for dealing with

the upcoming revision of the birth

certificate.

4. Plan of Operation:

a. Describe how and when major

project components (sampling, mail and

telephone operations, data analysis) are

carried out and any proposed changes

for the next budget period.

b. Provide any available data that

describe the extent to which the data

collection approach is likely to produce

adequate response rates among the

sampled population, including high-risk

sub-populations. Provide examples of

previous surveys, especially past

experiences with PRAMS or other data

collection activities, and their response

rates in the proposed populations.

Describe and provide for the inclusion

of women, racial, and ethnic minority

populations in the proposed research to

include:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representations.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement whether the design of

the study is adequate to measure

differences when warranted.

(4) A statement whether the plans for

recruitment and outreach for study

participants include the process of

establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

c. Describe the roles and

responsibilities of key personnel who

will be contributing to the PRAMS

program during the next budget period.

d. Document, with curriculum vitae,

the relevant expertise and experience of

key personnel involved in PRAMS

program direction, operational

management, data analysis and

dissemination, and their placement

within the organization. It is suggested

that a minimum of two full-time

equivalents at the State level be

committed to working on daily

operations and coordination of PRAMS.

e. Describe the specific roles and

responsibilities of participating

organizational units, such as MCH, vital

records, and data processing units.

Provide an organizational chart that

shows the location of units participating

in PRAMS.

63598 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

f. Describe a plan for data analysis

that integrates the MCH priorities

previously identified that can be

addressed by PRAMS.

g. Describe how findings from PRAMS

analyses will be disseminated through

various channels, including steering

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

translated into public health action.

Identify future partnerships for

dissemination and translation activities.

5. Timetable:

Submit a general time-line of major

milestones for the project period and a

schedule of activities for the first 12

months of the project period.

6. Budget:

Provide a detailed budget and lineitem justification of all operating

expenses that is consistent with the

planned activities of the project.

Address funds requested, as well as inkind or direct support.

For Category B (Enhanced Activities):

1. Background and Need:

a. Describe the rationale for

conducting the enhanced activities.

b. Describe the maternal and child

health priorities for your State

indicating how the enhanced activities

can be integrated into your State’s

efforts to address those priorities.

c. Describe how the information

gained by the enhanced activities may

be used for health program planning,

policy development, and resource

allocation.

2. Plan of Operation:

a. Describe how the major program

components of the enhanced activities

(such as staffing, sample design,

methodology, data analysis, data

dissemination and translation, and

advisory committee) will be developed

and implemented.

b. Describe special features that

distinguish the enhanced activities from

the core activities and describe their

impact on the core activities, assuring

that the integrity of the core PRAMS is

maintained.

c. Describe how resources and

technical assistance (including staff,

software, data systems, and analytic

expertise) needed to carry out the

enhanced activities will be obtained.

d. Describe the study population and

provide for the inclusion of women,

racial, and ethnic minority populations

in the proposed research to include:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representations.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement whether the design of

the study is adequate to measure

differences when warranted.

(4) A statement whether the plans for

recruitment and outreach for study

participants include the process of

establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

e. Describe all phases of the data

collection process, identifying the data

collection instruments, data sources,

persons responsible for collecting data,

and the steps involved.

f. Describe the plan for obtaining

resources and expertise to carry out the

enhanced activities.

g. Describe how all units involved

with the core PRAMS activities and the

enhanced activities will cooperate and

collaborate.

h. Describe the composition and

function of the advisory committee that

will advise and oversee the enhanced

activities.

i. Describe the roles, responsibilities,

and supervision of key personnel who

will be contributing to the enhanced

activities during the duration of the

project. Document the relevant expertise

and experience of proposed personnel

involved in enhanced activities, and

their placement within the organization.

j. Describe the specific roles and

responsibilities of any additional

participating organizational units or

groups.

k. Describe a plan for data analysis

that integrates the MCH priorities for the

targeted special populations.

l. Describe how findings from PRAMS

analyses will be disseminated through

various channels and translated into

public health actions.

3. Applicability of the Proposed

Enhanced Activities to MCH

Surveillance:

Describe the merit of the enhanced

activities in terms of reaching special

populations, using alternative

methodologies, or expanding knowledge

about MCH issues.

4. Timetable:

Provide a general time-line of major

milestones for the project period and a

schedule of activities for the first 12

months of the project period.

5. Budget:

Provide a detailed budget and lineitem justification of all operating

expenses that is consistent with the

planned activities of the project.

Address funds requested, as well as inkind or direct support.

For Category C (Alternative

Methodologies):

1. Background and Need:

a. Describe the composition of the

birth population, giving the numbers of

overall births and births in each subpopulation of interest. Describe the

scope and severity of the problems of

poor pregnancy outcomes, including

infant mortality, low birth weight, and

related risk factors such as inadequate

prenatal care or unintended pregnancy.

This may apply on a State-wide basis or

to high risk sub-populations in defined

geographical areas and may be assessed

in relationship to relevant national

rates, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

indicators, or the ‘‘Healthy People 2010

Objectives.’’

b. Describe the reproductive health

and maternal and child health priorities

for the State and how PRAMS data can

be integrated into the State’s activities to

address those priorities.

c. Identify gaps in needed information

concerning adverse pregnancy and

infant outcomes, pregnancy and infant

health risk factors, and provide a

description of how PRAMS data may be

used to fill these gaps.

d. Describe how data from PRAMS

will complement the analyses of vital

records by increasing understanding of

previously identified maternal and

infant health problems and identifying

new problems.

e. Describe how a point-in-time

survey would meet your needs (e.g., a

small birth population, lack of

electronic birth records, inadequate

resources to maintain ongoing

surveillance).

2. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process (if more than one State is

involved, provide the following

information for each State):

a. Describe, in detail, the State process

for registering births. Include each step

from collection of information at the

birth site to availability of a clean,

edited file from which other information

can be drawn. Present a time line for the

cleaning of critical variables, such as

name, address, and date of birth.

Document that the sample could be

drawn from birth certificate information

within 2 to 4 months after the date of

birth. Describe any validity and

reliability studies that have been

conducted on birth certificate data.

b. Describe any State laws or policies

that place restrictions on the release of

vital records data for research purposes

and indicate the impact of these laws or

policies on PRAMS.

3. Plan of Operation:

a. Describe how and when the major

project components, such as sampling,

mail and telephone data collection

procedures, data analysis, staffing plan,

protocol development, advisory

committee, will be developed and

implemented. Include details of

proposed sample size and sampling

scheme.

b. Provide any available data that

describe the extent to which the data

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices 63599

collection approach is likely to produce

adequate response rates among the

sampled population, including high-risk

sub-populations. Provide examples of

previous surveys, including past

experiences with PRAMS or other data

collection activities, and their response

rates in the proposed populations.

c. Describe and provide for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations in the proposed

project to include:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representation.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement whether the design of

the study is adequate to measure

differences when warranted.

(4) A statement whether the plans for

recruitment and outreach for study

participants include the process of

establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

d. Describe the roles, responsibilities,

and supervision of key personnel who

will be contributing to the PRAMS

program. Document the relevant

expertise and experience of proposed

personnel involved in PRAMS program

direction, operational management, and

data analysis and dissemination, and

their placement within the organization.

e. Describe the specific roles and

responsibilities of participating

organizational units, such as MCH, vital

records, and data processing units.

Provide an organizational chart that

shows the proposed location of units

that participate in PRAMS.

f. Describe a plan for data analysis

that integrates the MCH priorities

previously identified that can be

addressed by PRAMS.

g. Describe how findings from PRAMS

analyses will be disseminated through

various channels, including advisory

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

translated into public health action.

Provide a description of existing

partnerships and how findings from

previous studies have been

disseminated. Identify future

partnerships for dissemination and

translation activities.

4. Timetable:

Provide a general time-line of major

milestones for the project period and a

schedule of activities for the entire three

years of the project period.

5. Budget:

Provide a detailed budget and lineitem justification of all operating

expenses that is consistent with the

planned activities of the project.

Address funds requested, as well as inkind or direct support. Indicate if funds

are already committed to PRAMS and

adjust the amount requested under this

announcement accordingly.

F. Submission and Deadline

Application

Submit the original and two copies of

CDC 0.1246. Forms are available at the

following Internet address:

www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm. On

or before January 12, 2001, 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:

1. Received on or before the deadline

date; or

2. Sent on or before the deadline date

and received in time for submission to

the independent review group.

(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 that

do not meet the criteria in 1 or 2 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. Application for each

category will be evaluated separately

against the criteria as listed below.

For Category A (Core activities, New

States) (Total 100 points):

1. Background and Need (25 points):

a. The extent to which problems of

poor pregnancy outcome exist, their

severity, and whether they exist on a

Statewide basis, within high-risk subpopulations, or defined geographical

areas, and may be assessed in relation

to relevant national rates, the Maternal

and Child Health Bureau indicators, and

the ‘‘Healthy People 2010 Objectives’’ (5

points).

b. The programmatic relevance of

PRAMS data to the reproductive health

and maternal and child health program

priorities (8 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

describes the surveillance information

needed and how it may be used for

health program planning, policy

development, and resource allocation (7

points).

d. The extent to which the applicant

has used vital records data or other data

sources, (e.g., infant deaths, WIC,

Medicaid, or PRAMS) to identify and

analyze maternal and infant health

problems (5 points).

2. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process (30 points):

a. The extent to which the process is

thorough; birth certificate information is

computerized, edited, and available for

sampling within 2 to 4 months after date

of birth (10 points).

b. The extent to which vital records

information schedule provides timely

access for sample evaluation and

weighting (7 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

can link to other data sources (e.g.,

infant deaths, WIC, Medicaid) (3

points).

d. The extent to which State laws and

policies support the release of vital

records data for surveillance purposes (5

points).

e. The extent to which the Vital

Records Unit has a plan for dealing with

the upcoming revision of the birth

certificate (5 points).

3. Plan of Operation (40 points):

a. The adequacy of the plan to carry

out major project components (i.e.,

sampling, mail and telephone

operations, data analysis, staffing plan,

protocol development, steering

committee) (10 points).

b. The extent to which the sampling

method appears appropriate and likely

to produce adequate response rates

among the sampled populations.

Applicants have provided evidence of

previous experience, including PRAMS,

with the sample populations. (10

points).

c. The degree to which the applicant

has met the CDC Policy requirements

regarding the inclusion of women,

ethnic, and racial groups (4 points). This

includes:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representation.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement as to whether the

design of the study is adequate to

measure differences when warranted.

(4) A statement as to whether the

plans for recruitment and outreach for

study participants include the process

of establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

d. The extent to which the roles and

responsibilities for organizational units,

such as MCH, vital records, and data

processing units; and key personnel and

their expertise and experience, are

63600 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

documented and appear reasonable and

appropriate; and whether two full-time

equivalents are committed to working

on PRAMS (8 points).

e. The extent to which the plan for

data analysis assures attention to

reproductive health and MCH priorities,

dissemination of findings through

multiple channels, to include steering

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

formation of partnerships for

dissemination and translation activities

(8 points).

4. Timetable (5 Points):

The extent to which the timetable

incorporates major PRAMS activities

and milestones and is specific,

measurable, and realistic.

5. Budget (Not Scored):

The extent to which the budget is

detailed, clear, justified, provides inkind or direct project support, and is

consistent with the proposed program

activities.

For Category A (Core activities,

Existing States) (Total 100 points):

1. Background and Need (5 points):

a. The extent to which problems of

poor pregnancy outcome exist, their

severity, and whether they exist on a

Statewide basis, within high-risk subpopulations, or defined geographical

areas, and may be assessed in

relationship to relevant national rates,

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

indicators, or ‘‘Healthy People 2010

Objectives’’.

b. The programmatic relevance of

PRAMS data to reproductive health and

maternal and child health program

priorities.

c. The extent to which the applicant

describes the surveillance information

needed and how it may be used for

health program planning, policy

development, and resource allocation.

d. The extent to which the applicant

has used vital records data, PRAMS, or

other data sources, (e.g., infant deaths,

WIC, and Medicaid) to identify and

analyze maternal and infant health

problems.

2. Capacity (30 points):

Note: States that entered PRAMS under the

program announcement 99070 and do not yet

have their first year’s analytic data set will

only be scored on criteria a through d. The

scores for these States will be: a (20 points);

b (5 points); and c (5 points).

a. The extent to which the applicant

describes the progress to date in

carrying out PRAMS operational

activities including a discussion of any

barriers that precluded complete and

successful implementation of the project

(8 points).

b. The extent to which the program

has remained fully staffed with

vacancies minimized and the extent to

which staff contributions, roles, time,

and accomplishments in support of the

PRAMS program appear reasonable and

appropriate (3 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

has maintained minimal levels of

response (70 percent) overall and strataspecific (5 points).

d. The extent to which the available

PRAMS data have been analyzed and

linkages have been made with other

data sources (6 points).

e. The extent to which PRAMS data

have been used for program planning,

policy development, and resource

allocation. Specific examples of

dissemination and translation have been

shared and partners in these activities

identified (8 points).

3. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process (20 points):

a. The extent to which the process is

thorough; birth certificate information is

computerized, edited, and available for

sampling within 2 to 4 months after date

of birth (6 points).

b. The extent to which the vital

records information schedule provides

timely access for sample evaluation and

weighting (6 points).

c. The extent to which applicant can

link to other data sources (e.g., infant

deaths, WIC, Medicaid) (2 points).

d. The extent to which State laws and

policies support the release of vital

records data for surveillance purposes (3

points).

e. The extent to which the Vital

Records Unit has a plan for dealing with

the upcoming revision of the birth

certificate (3 points).

4. Plan of Operation (40 points):

a. The adequacy of the plan to carry

out major project components (i.e.,

sampling, mail and telephone

operations, data analysis, staffing plan,

protocol development, steering

committee) (8 points).

b. The extent to which the sampling

method appears appropriate and likely

to produce adequate response rates

among the sampled populations.

Applicant has provided evidence of

previous experiences, including

PRAMS, with the sampled populations

(8 points).

c. The degree to which the applicant

has met the CDC Policy requirements

regarding the inclusion of women,

ethnic, and racial groups (4 points). This

includes:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representation.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement as to whether the

design of the study is adequate to

measure differences when warranted.

(4) A statement as to whether the

plans for recruitment and outreach for

study participants include the process

of establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

d. The extent to which the roles and

responsibilities for organizational units,

such as MCH, vital records, and data

processing units; and key personnel and

their expertise and experience, are

documented and appear reasonable and

appropriate; and whether two full-time

equivalents are committed to working

on PRAMS (10 points).

e. The extent to which the plan for

data analysis assures the attention to

reproductive health and MCH priorities,

dissemination of findings through

multiple channels, to include steering

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

formation of partnerships for

dissemination and translation activities

(10 points).

5. Timetable (5 Points):

The extent to which the timetable

incorporates major PRAMS activities

and milestones and is specific,

measurable, and realistic.

6. Budget (Not Scored):

The extent to which the budget is

detailed, clear, justified, provides inkind or direct project support, and is

consistent with the proposed program

activities.

For Category B (Enhanced Activities,

New or Existing States) (Total 100

points):

1. Background and Need (20 points):

a. The extent to which the rationale

for conducting the enhanced activities is

appropriate (8 points).

b. The programmatic relevance of the

enhanced activities in terms of the

State’s maternal and infant health

program priorities is evident (6 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

describes how the information gained

from the enhanced activities may be

used for health program planning,

policy development, and resource

allocation (6 points).

2. Plan of Operation (60 points):

a. The adequacy of the plan to carry

out major project components (i.e.,

staffing, sampling, design, methodology,

data analysis, data dissemination and

translation, and advisory committee) (10

points).

b. The extent to which special

features of the enhanced activities are

described and enhanced activities

interface smoothly with the core

PRAMS activities (10 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

has adequately described the study

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices 63601

population and 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 (4 points). This

includes:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representation.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement as to whether the

design of the study is adequate to

measure differences when warranted.

(4) A statement as to whether the

plans for recruitment and outreach for

study participants include the process

of establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

d. The extent to which the data

collection process has been adequately

described including the data collection

instruments, data sources, persons

responsible for collecting data, and

steps involved (8 points).

e. The extent to which the plan for

obtaining resources and expertise to

carry out the enhanced activities is

detailed and appropriate (8 points).

f. The extent to which the

composition of the advisory committee

and the roles, responsibilities, and

supervision of key personnel

contributing to the enhanced activities

and their expertise and experience are

documented and appear reasonable and

appropriate (5 points).

g. The extent to which specific roles

and responsibilities of any additional

participating organizational units or

groups are documented and appropriate

(5 points).

h. The extent to which the plan for

data analysis integrates the MCH

priorities for the targeted special

populations (5 points).

i. The extent to which findings from

analyses will be disseminated through

multiple channels and translated into

public health action (5 points).

3. Applicability (15 points):

The extent to which the enhanced

activities will add to MCH surveillance

in terms of reaching special

populations, utilizing alternative

methodologies, or expanding knowledge

about MCH issues.

4. Timetable (5 points):

The extent to which the timetable

incorporates major PRAMS activities

and milestones and is specific,

measurable, and realistic.

5. Budget (not scored):

The extent to which the budget is

detailed, clear, justified, provides inkind or direct project support, and is

consistent with the proposed program

activities.

6. Human Subjects: (not scored):

Does the application include a plan to

adequately address the requirements of

Title 45 CFR Part 46 for the protection

of human subjects (see AR–1 below)?

For Category C (Alternative

Methodologies) (Total 100 points):

1. Background and Need (35 points):

a. The extent to which problems of

poor pregnancy outcome exist, their

severity, and whether they exist on a

State-wide basis, within high-risk subpopulations, or defined geographical

areas, and may be assessed in

relationship to relevant national rates,

the Maternal and Child Health Bureau

indicators, and the ‘‘Healthy People

2010 Objectives’’ (5 points).

b. The programmatic relevance of

PRAMS data to the reproductive health

and maternal and child health program

priorities (8 points).

c. The extent to which the applicant

describes the surveillance information

needed and how it may be used for

health program planning, policy

development, and resource allocation (7

points).

d. The extent to which the applicant

has used vital records data or other data

sources, (e.g., infant deaths, WIC,

Medicaid, or PRAMS) to identify and

analyze maternal and infant health

problems (5 points).

e. The extent to which a point-in-time

survey methodology is justified and

appropriate, such as a small birth

population, lack of electronic birth

records, or inadequate resources to

maintain ongoing surveillance. (10

points)

2. Profile of State Birth Registration

Process (20 points):

a. The extent to which the process is

thoroughly documented; birth certificate

information is cleaned, edited, and

available for sampling within 2 to 4

months after date of birth (15 points).

b. The extent to which the State laws

and policies support the release of vital

records data for surveillance purposes (5

points).

3. Plan of Operation (40 points):

a. The adequacy of the plan to carry

out major project components (i.e.,

sampling, mail and telephone

operations, data analysis, staffing plan,

protocol development, steering

committee) (10 points).

b. The extent to which the sampling

method appears appropriate and likely

to produce adequate response rates

among the sampled populations.

Applicant has provided evidence of

previous experiences with the sampled

populations (10 points).

c. The degree to which the applicant

has met the CDC Policy requirements

regarding the inclusion of women,

ethnic, and racial groups (4 points). This

includes:

(1) The proposed plan for the

inclusion of women, racial, and ethnic

minority populations for appropriate

representation.

(2) The proposed justification when

representation is limited or absent.

(3) A statement as to whether the

design of the study is adequate to

measure differences when warranted.

(4) A statement as to whether the

plans for recruitment and outreach for

study participants include the process

of establishing partnerships with

communities and recognition of mutual

benefits.

d. The extent to which the roles and

responsibilities for organizational units,

such as MCH, vital records, and data

processing units; and key personnel and

their expertise and experience, are

documented and appear reasonable and

appropriate; and whether sufficient staff

are committed to working on PRAMS (8

points).

e. The extent to which the plan for

data analysis assures attention to

reproductive health and MCH priorities,

dissemination of findings through

multiple channels, to include steering

committee members, health policy

makers, and health providers and

formation of partnerships for

dissemination and translation activities

(8 points).

4. Timetable (5 Points):

The extent to which the timetable

incorporates major PRAMS activities

and milestones and is specific,

measurable, and realistic.

5. Budget (Not Scored):

The extent to which the budget is

detailed, clear, justified, provides inkind or direct project support, and is

consistent with the proposed program

activities.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

Provide CDC with original plus two

copies of:

1. progress report, no more than 90

days after the end of the budget period;

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

63602 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 24, 2000 / Notices

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–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(a) and 317(k) of the Public

Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. sections

241(a) and 247b(k)], 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 obtain additional information,

contact:

Van A. King, Grants Management Specialist,

Grants Management Branch, Procurement

and Grants Office, Announcement 01010,

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000,

Atlanta, GA 30341–4146, Telephone: (770)

488–2751, Email Address: vbk5@cdc.gov

For program technical assistance,

contact:

Mary M. Rogers, Dr. P.H., Project Officer,

PRAMS, Division of Reproductive Health,

National Center for Chronic Disease

Prevention and Health Promotion

(NCCDPHP), 4770 Buford Highway, NE,

MS K–22, Atlanta, Georgia 30341,

Telephone: (770) 488–5220, E-Mail

Address: mjr3@cdc.gov

Dated: October 16, 2000.

Sandra Manning,

Acting Director, Procurement and Grants

Office, Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC).

[FR Doc. 00–27303 Filed 10–23–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4163–18–P

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND

HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and

Families

Proposed Information Collection

Activity; Comment Request

Proposed Projects

Title: Development Disabilities State

Plan.

OMB No.: 0980–0162.

Description: A Developmental

Disabilities Council State Plan is

required by federal statute. Each State

Developmental Disabilities Council

must develop the plan, provide for

public comments in the State, provide

for approval by the State’s Governor,

and finally submit the plan once every

five years. On an annual basis, the

Council must review the plan and make

any amendments. The State Plan will be

used (1) by the Council as a planning

document; (2) by the citizenry of the

State as a mechanism for commenting

on the plans of the Council; and (3) by

the Department as a stewardship tool,

for ensuring compliance with the

Developmental Disabilities Assistance

and Bill of Rights Act and as one basis

for providing technical assistance (e.g.,

during site visits).

Respondents: State Government.

ANNUAL BURDEN ESTIMATES

Instrument Number of

respondents

Number of

responses

per

respondent

Average

burden

hours per

response

Total

burden

hours

Developmental Disabilities State Plan ............................................................................. 55 1 80 4,400

Estimated Total Annual Burden

Hours: 4,400.

In compliance with the requirements

of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the

Administration for Children and

Families is soliciting public comment

on the specific aspects of the

information collection described above.

Copies of the proposed collection of

information can be obtained and

comments may be forwarded by writing

to the Administration for Children and

Families, Office of Information Services,

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20447, Attn: ACF

Reports Clearance Officer. All requests

should be identified by the title of the

information collection.

The Department specifically requests

comments on: (a) Whether the proposed

collection of information is necessary

for the proper performance of the

functions of the agency, including

whether the information shall have

practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the

agency’s estimate of the burden of the

proposed collection of information; (c)

the quality, utility, and clarity of the

information to be collected; and (d)

ways to minimize the burden of the

collection of information on

respondents, including through the use

of automated collection techniques or

other forms of information technology.

Consideration will be given to

comments and suggestions submitted

within 60 days of this publication.

Dated: October 16, 2000.

Bob Sargis,

Reports Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 00–26929 Filed 10–23–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184–01–M

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND

HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and

Families

Submission for OMB Review;

Comment Request

Title: Head Start Family and Child

Experiences Survey (FACES).

OMB No.: Revision of a currently

approved collection (OMB No. 0970–

0151).

Description: The Administration on

Children, Youth and Families (ACYF),

Administration for Children and

Families (ACF) of the Department of

Health and Human Services (DHHS) is

requesting comments on plans to extend

the Head Start Family and Child

Experiences Survey (FACES). This

study is being conducted under contract

with Westat, Inc. (with Ellsworth

Associates and the CDM Group as their