Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice for the proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address any of the following: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and (e) Assess information collection costs.

To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570 or send an email to omb@cdc.gov. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice should be directed to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Evaluation of Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships—New—National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

In an effort to refocus attention on domestic HIV and AIDS, CDC launched the Act Against AIDS (AAA) initiative in 2009 with the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AAA is a multifaceted national communication initiative that supports reduction of HIV incidence in the U.S. through multiple, concurrent communication and education campaigns for a variety of audiences including, the general public, populations most affected by HIV and health care providers. All campaigns support the comprehensive HIV prevention efforts of CDC and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Within this context, the CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) is implementing various partnership activities to increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections among disproportionately impacted populations, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV and AIDS in United States and its territories. For example, DHAP is funding the “Enhancing HIV Prevention Communication and Mobilization Efforts through Strategic Partnerships” program. Partners funded under the partnership program will (1) support the dissemination of Act Against AIDS (AAA) campaign materials, messaging, and other CDC resources that support HIV prevention and (2) implement national engagement efforts focusing on HIV prevention and awareness. Partners represent civil, media, and LGBT-focused organizations.

In addition, DHAP will continue to support the Business Responds to AIDS (BRTA) program. Founded in 1992, the purpose of the BRTA program is to engage and support the private sector in promoting HIV education, awareness, and policies in the workplace. This partnership between CDC, business, labor, and the public health sector aims to encourage businesses to implement HIV/AIDS policies and education programs in the workplace with the overarching goal of increasing public understanding of, involvement in, and support for HIV prevention. Other partnership efforts serve the same purpose: To increase HIV awareness among the general public, reduce new HIV infections among disproportionately impacted populations, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States and its territories.

The project will evaluate the extent to which activities implemented by partners meet the initiative's goals for disseminating, communicating, and engaging the public in HIV prevention and education activities. We will collect information from partners on their activities for disseminating HIV messages through materials distribution at national and local events, media and advertising, HIV testing facilitation, and formation and coordination of strategic partnerships; barriers and facilitators to implementation of these activities, and factors that may help contextualize their progress towards meeting the initiative's goals; and their involvement in promoting HIV education, awareness, and policies in their organization. We will collect this information through these five sources: (a) Metrics Database: Partners will be required to report quarterly data to CDC and CDC's evaluation contractor through a metrics database. (b) Biannual key informant interviews: The point of contacts from some partner organizations will be interviewed twice yearly via telephone. (c) Interim Progress Reports: Partners will complete a standardized progress report on a biannual basis via a user-friendly electronic form. The progress reports will gather information on key successes, facilitators and barriers, and major achievements. (d) Partner Survey: Partners will complete a brief online survey to assess their involvement in promoting HIV education, awareness, and policies in their organization. (e) Partnerships Activities Form: Partners may be asked to complete a brief electronic form to provide information on each partner activity that they complete. The form will collect information on information such as the type of event, the audience, and key highlights; the number of HIV tests administered (if any) and the number of preliminary positives; the number and type of materials distributed. This information will allow CDC to know what partners are doing to advance HIV prevention and education, and how CDC can alter their partnership efforts to facilitate HIV prevention and education in the future. The organization (and not the individual) will be the unit of analysis. As such, no personally individually identifiable information will be collected.

There is no cost to participants other than their time. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 5,083.