2384 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 10 / Friday, January 14, 2000 / Notices

Street, NW, Washington, DC 20307–

5001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Beverly Chidel, Public Affairs Officer, at

(202) 782–7177 or

beverly.chidel@na.amedd.army.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The

purpose of the EA is to identify the

environmental impacts that could be

associated with the proposed excessing

action and to ensure that the Army

makes an informed decision based on

full and informed public participation.

An EA, rather than an EIS, normally is

prepared for proposals that may lead to

excessing Army real property (Army

Regulation (AR) 200–2, Section 5–3,

‘‘Environmental Effects of Army

Actions,’’ dated December 23, 1988). In

accordance with the National

Environmental Policy Act, the

regulations published by the Council on

Environmental Quality (Title 40 CFR

parts 1500–1508) and AR 200–2, the EA

will identify all relevant direct, indirect,

and cumulative environmental impacts

associated with the proposed action and

alternatives.

The NPSHD is part of the Walter Reed

Army Medical Center’s Forest Glen

Annex, which is located in the Silver

Spring area of Montgomery County,

Maryland, approximately 1.5 miles

north of the District of Columbia. The

NPSHD has been listed as an historic

district on the National Register of

Historic Places since 1972 and was the

first historic district to be designated by

Montgomery County in 1979. As a result

of consolidation and replacement of

outmoded facilities, Walter Reed Army

Medical Center’s mission-related

activities have been relocated and the

historic buildings on this property now

are mostly vacant.

The EA will address a series of

alternatives for the immediate future of

the NPSHD. Alternatives may include:

Excessing (declaring the NPSHD to be

an excess property, which would allow

the disposal process to begin); the noaction alternative (retaining the property

indefinitely in its current underutilized

condition); or ‘‘mothballing’’ the

historic buildings and retaining the

property. As part of the excessing

alternative, the EA will address

measures for interim maintenance of the

historic buildings, pending their

ultimate disposal.

Because GSA is responsible for

screening and marketing the property

for disposal and reuse, consideration of

specific reuse alternatives is beyond the

scope of the Army’s EA. Therefore, the

EA will be limited to the Army’s

proposed excessing action and

alternatives, as described above, and

will evaluate the potential

environmental effects of disposal and

reuse only as indirect and cumulative

effects of the Army’s excessing action.

As noted, if the property is declared

excess, GSA will market and dispose of

the NPSHD and will consider any

relevant disposal alternatives and their

potential impacts, in compliance with

the requirements of the National

Environmental Policy Act, as a part of

its subsequent disposal action. Public

comments are welcome at any time

during preparation of the EA. Public

information meetings were held (May 11

and Oct. 28, 1999), while the EA was

being prepared and were announced in

the ‘‘Washington Post,’’ the

‘‘Washington Times,’’ and the

‘‘Montgomery Journal’’ newspapers.

Copies of the EA will be made available

for public review and a public notice

will be published in these same

newspapers to advise the public of the

availability of the EA.

Dated: January 10, 2000.

Raymond J. Fatz,

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army

(Environment, Safety, and Occupational

Health) OASA (I&E).

[FR Doc. 00–913 Filed 1–13–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3710–08–M

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Science Financial Assistance

Program Notice 00–10; Human

Genome Program—Ethical, Legal, and

Social Implications

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice inviting grant

applications.

SUMMARY: The Office of Biological and

Environmental Research (OBER) of the

Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department

of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its

interest in receiving applications in

support of the Ethical, Legal, and Social

Implications (ELSI) subprogram of the

Human Genome Program (HGP).

Applications should focus on issues of

(1) genetics and the workplace, (2)

storage of genetic information and tissue

samples, (3) education, or (4) complex

or multigenic traits. The HGP is a

coordinated, multidisciplinary, directed

research effort aimed at obtaining a

detailed understanding of the human

genome at the molecular level. This

particular research notice invites

research grants that address ethical,

legal, and social implications from the

use of information and knowledge

resulting from the HGP.

DATES: Potential applicants are strongly

encouraged to submit a brief

preapplication. All preapplications,

referencing Program Notice 00–10,

should be received by 4:30 p.m., E.S.T.,

February 17, 2000. Early submissions

are encouraged. A response discussing

the potential program relevance and

encouraging or discouraging a formal

application generally will be

communicated within 20 days of

receipt.

Formal applications submitted in

response to this notice must be received

by 4:30 p.m., E.D.T., April 6, 2000, to be

accepted for merit review and to permit

timely consideration for award in Fiscal

Year 2000.

ADDRESSES: Preapplications, referencing

Program Notice 00–10, should be sent

to: Dr. Daniel W. Drell, Office of

Biological and Environmental Research,

SC–72, 19901 Germantown Road,

Germantown, MD 20874–1290.

Formal applications, referencing

Program Notice 00–10, should be

forwarded to: U.S. Department of

Energy, Office of Science, Grants and

Contracts Division, SC–64, 19901

Germantown Road, Germantown, MD

20874–1290, ATTN: Program Notice 00–

10. This address also must be used

when submitting applications by U.S.

Postal Service Express Mail, or any

commercial mail delivery service, or

when hand carried by the applicant. An

original and seven copies of the

application must be submitted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.

Daniel W. Drell, Office of Biological and

Environmental Research, SC–72, Office

of Science, U.S. Department of Energy,

19901 Germantown Road, Germantown,

MD 20874–1290, telephone: (301) 903–

6488 or E-mail:

daniel.drell@science.doe.gov. The full

text of Program Notice 00–10 is

available via the Internet using the

following web site address: http://

www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/

grants.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DOE

encourages the submission of

applications that will address, analyze,

or anticipate ELSI issues associated with

human genome research in four broad

areas:

I. Genetics and the Workplace

Research is encouraged on the uses,

impacts, implications of, and privacy of

genetic information in the workplace. A

particular emphasis of this solicitation

is screening and monitoring programs

that involve the collection and

evaluation of genetic information.

Research is also encouraged on the use

of the workplace as a research venue.

Research could explore historical

experiences, current practices,

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 10 / Friday, January 14, 2000 / Notices 2385

international practices, the economics

of, and lessons learned as they pertain

to the collection and use of worker

genetic information. Research can

include issues arising from the creation,

use, maintenance, privacy and

disclosure of genetic information

obtained in workplace settings that can

include, but is not limited to,

workplaces at which DOE activities are

taking place or have in the past.

II. Storage of Information and Samples

Research is encouraged on access to,

and protection of genetic information

stored in databases (especially

computerized databases), or obtained

from stored human tissue or sample

archives. Research can explore threats

to, issues surrounding, and protection of

the confidentiality of genetic data in

databanks and databases, ways to

anonymize existing or new genetic

records and samples, to assess the

economics of genetic data collection,

and to explore the intellectual property

protection of genetic information and

genome research tools, technologies,

and resources.

III. Education

Research is encouraged to disseminate

relevant educational materials in any

appropriate medium that will enhance

understanding of the ethical, legal, and

social aspects of the HGP among the

public or specified groups. A particular

interest of this solicitation is the

provision of innovative and novel

materials to Institutional Review Boards

(IRB) and Ethics Boards that review

protocols involving the gathering of

genetic information or from genome

investigators who work with human

subjects or materials from which human

genetic information can be obtained.

Educational efforts should not target

specific groups that have already been

the subject of past ELSI awards (for

further information about past awards

under previous ELSI solicitations, see

http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/resource/

elsi.html#doe.)

IV. Complex or Multigenic Traits

Research is encouraged that addresses

the ethical, legal, and societal

implications of advances in the

scientific understanding of complex or

multi-genic characteristics and

conditions, gene-environment

interactions that result in diseases or

disease susceptibilities, and human

polymorphisms. In particular, the DOE

is interested in studies that explore the

novel issues raised by research on

complex conditions. Such conditions

may include, but are not limited to,

behavioral conditions, diseases of aging,

vulnerability to substance abuse,

susceptibility to workplace exposure

hazards, or other common conditions

with a partial genetic basis. In addition,

research is encouraged on the responses

of institutions (e.g., courts, employers,

companies or company health officers,

schools, etc., including Federal

Agencies) that must deal with ‘‘genetic

uncertainty,’’ e.g., uncertainty about the

significance of results of screening for

susceptibility genes, uncertainty about

the role of yet-undefined environmental

influences, and uncertainty about the

implications of different alleles at

highly polymorphic genes when those

alleles are not fully characterized.

All applications should demonstrate

knowledge of the relevant literature, any

related completed activities, and should

include detailed plans for the gathering

and analysis of factual information and

the associated ethical, legal, and social

implications. All applications should

include, where appropriate, detailed

discussion of human subjects protection

issues, e.g., storage of, manipulation of,

and access to data. Provisions to ensure

the inclusion of women, minorities, and

potentially disabled individuals must be

described, unless specific exclusions are

scientifically necessary and justified in

detail. All proposed research

applications should address the issue of

efficient dissemination of results to the

widest appropriate audience as well as

a time line for their production and

dissemination. In the absence of

tangible products, rigorous assessments

must be included to facilitate evaluation

of progress. All applications should

include letters of agreement to

collaborate from potential collaborators;

these letters should specify the

contributions the collaborators intend to

make if the application is accepted and

funded.

If an educational effort for a specific

group is proposed, the value to the

Human Genome Program of that group

or community should be explained in

detail. In addition, the DOE encourages

applications for the support of novel

and innovative conferences focusing on

the concerns addressed in this notice,

e.g., privacy and access to research

materials, workplace uses of genetic

information, education of targeted

groups such as IRBs and investigators,

and susceptibility/sensitivity genes, and

polymorphisms. Educational and

conference applications should

demonstrate awareness of the relevant

literature, include detailed plans for the

accomplishment of project goals, and

clearly describe the outcome or

‘‘deliverables’’ from the activity. For

conference applications, a detailed and

largely complete roster of speakers is

necessary. Educational and conference

applications must also demonstrate

awareness of the need to reach the

widest appropriate audience, and not be

focused exclusively on a local

community or group. For all

conferences supported under this

notice, a summary report is required

following the conference. In

applications that propose the

production of educational materials, the

DOE requests that samples of previous

similar work by the producers and

writers be submitted along with the

application. In applications for the

support of educational activities, the

DOE requires inclusion of a plan for

assessment of the effectiveness of the

proposed activities.

DOE does not encourage applications

dealing with issues consequent to the

initiation or implementation of genetic

testing protocols. Also, DOE does not

encourage survey-based research, unless

a compelling case is made that this

methodology is critical to address an

issue of uncommon significance. DOE

generally discourages applications for

local efforts (e.g., college or school

curricula that will not be widely

disseminated) and requests detailed

justification of the need for external

support, beyond normal departmental

and college resources, evidence of

commitment from the parent

department or college, and a

dissemination plan. Applications for the

writing of scholarly publications or

books should include justifications for

the relevance of the publications or

book to the goals of the Human Genome

Project as well as discussion of the

estimated readership and impact. DOE

ordinarily will not provide unlimited

support for a funded program and thus

strongly encourages the inclusion of

plans for transition to self-sustaining

status.

The dissemination of materials and

research data in a timely manner is

essential for progress toward the goals of

the DOE Human Genome Program. The

OBER requires the timely sharing of

resources and data. Applicants should,

in their applications, discuss their plans

for disseminating research results and

materials that may include, where

appropriate, publication in the open

literature, wide-scale mailings, etc.

Once OBER and the applicant have

agreed upon a distribution plan, it will

become part of the award conditions.

Funds to defray the costs of

disseminating results and materials are

allowable; however, such requests must

be sufficiently detailed and adequately

justified. Applicants should also

provide time lines projecting progress

toward achieving proposed goals.

2386 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 10 / Friday, January 14, 2000 / Notices

Additional Request for Small Grants

The DOE also encourages small grant

applications, to a maximum of $33,000

total costs, for innovative and

exploratory activities within the

previously described areas. Such

exploratory grants could be used to

carry out pilot or investigative research

on an issue consistent with any of the

above areas of ELSI research, support a

sabbatical leave to organize and hold a

conference, or to initiate start-up studies

that could generate preliminary data for

a subsequent grant application. This

program could be appropriate for a

research scientist interested in exploring

a related area of ELSI research, or a

scholar conducting ELSI research of one

type to explore an ELSI research topic

of a different type. Such applications

must use the standard DOE application

forms which can be found on the

Internet at: http://www.sc.doe.gov/

production/grants/grants.html, but the

description of research activities should

not be more than five pages and

curriculum vitae should not exceed two

pages. These small grants, which will be

peer reviewed, will not extend beyond

one year from the award date. It is

expected that up to nine of these awards

might be made in FY 2000. As with

larger applications to this notice,

applications should be sent to the

address given above.

Program Funding

It is anticipated that approximately

$1,200,000 will be available for multiple

grant awards including any small grants

to be made during Fiscal Year 2000,

contingent upon the availability of

appropriated funds. Multiple year

funding of grant awards is expected, and

is also contingent upon the availability

of funds. Previous awards have ranged

from $50,000 per year up to $500,000

per year with terms from one to three

years; most awards average about

$200,000 per year for two or three years

not applicable for any small grants as

stated above. Similar award sizes are

anticipated for new grants. Generally,

conference awards do not exceed

$25,000 and indirect costs are not

allowed as part of conference grant

awards.

Collaboration

Applicants are encouraged to

collaborate with researchers in other

institutions, such as: universities,

industry, non-profit organizations,

federal laboratories and federally

funded research and development

centers (FFRDCs), including the DOE

National Laboratories, where

appropriate, and to incorporate cost

sharing and/or consortia wherever

feasible. Additional information on

collaboration is available in the

Application Guide for the Office of

Science Financial Assistance Program

that is available via the Internet at:

http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/

grants/Colab.html.

Preapplications

A brief preapplication should be

submitted. The preapplication should

identify, on the cover sheet, the

institution, Principal Investigator name,

address, telephone, fax and E-mail

address, title of the project, and the field

of scientific research. The

preapplication should consist of a two

to three page narrative describing the

research project objectives and methods

of accomplishment. These will be

reviewed relative to the scope and

research needs of the DOE’s Human

Genome Program. Preapplications are

strongly encouraged but not required

prior to submission of a full application.

Please note that notification of a

successful preapplication is not an

indication that an award will be made

in response to the formal application.

Applications will be subjected to a

scientific merit review (peer review) and

will be evaluated against the following

evaluation criteria listed in descending

order of importance as codified at 10

CFR 605.10(d):

1. Scientific and/or Technical Merit of

the Project,

2. Appropriateness of the Proposed

Method or Approach,

3. Competency of Applicant’s Personnel

and Adequacy of Proposed Resources,

4. Reasonableness and Appropriateness

of the Proposed Budget.

The evaluation will include program

policy factors such as the relevance of

the proposed research to the terms of

the announcement and an agency’s

programmatic needs. Note external peer

reviewers are selected with regard to

both their scientific expertise and the

absence of conflict-of-interest issues.

Non-federal reviewers may be used, and

submission of an application constitutes

agreement that this is acceptable to the

investigator(s) and the submitting

institution.

Information about development and

submission of applications, eligibility,

limitations, evaluation, selection

process, and other policies and

procedures may be found in 10 CFR part

605 and in the Application Guide for

the Office of Science Financial

Assistance Program. Electronic access to

the Guide and required forms is made

available via the World Wide Web at:

http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/

grants/grants.html. DOE is under no

obligation to pay for any costs

associated with the preparation or

submission of applications if an award

is not made. DOE policy requires that

potential applicants adhere to 10 CFR

part 745 ‘‘Protection of Human

Subjects’’, or such later revision of those

guidelines as may be published in the

Federal Register.

The Office of Science, as part of its

grant regulations, requires at 10 CFR

605.11(b) that a recipient receiving a

grant and performing research involving

recombinant DNA molecules and/or

organisms and viruses containing

recombinant DNA molecules shall

comply with the National Institutes of

Health ‘‘Guidelines for Research

Involving Recombinant DNA

Molecules,’’ which is available via the

World Wide Web at: http://

www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/biosafe/nih/

rdna-apr98.pdf, (59 FR 34496, July 5,

1994), or such later revision of those

guidelines as may be published in the

Federal Register.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance number for this program is

81.049, and the solicitation control

number is ERFAP 10 CFR part 605.

Issued in Washington, DC on January 7,

2000.

John Rodney Clark,

Associate Director of Science for Resource

Management.

[FR Doc. 00–957 Filed 1–13–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450–01–U

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission

[Docket Nos. CP99–579–000 and CP99–580–

000]

Southern LNG Inc.; Notice of

Availability of the Environmental

Assessment for the Proposed Elba

Island Terminal Recommissioning

Project

January 10, 2000.

The staff of the Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission (FERC or

Commission) has prepared an

environmental assessment (EA) on the

natural gas facilities proposed by

Southern LNG Inc. (Southern LNG) in

the above-referenced docket.

The EA was prepared to satisfy the

requirements of the National

Environmental Policy Act. The staff

concludes that approval of the proposed

project, with appropriate mitigating

measures, would not constitute a major

Federal action significantly affecting the

quality of the human environment.