[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 161 (Monday, August 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50121-50128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20291]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes National Indian
Health Outreach and Education Program Funding Opportunity
Announcement Type: New Limited Competition.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2012-IHS-NIHOE-0003.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: September 10, 2012.
Review Date: September 12, 2012.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2012.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive
cooperative agreement applications for the Office of Direct Service and
Contracting Tribes on the National Indian Health Outreach and Education
(NIHOE-III) program funding opportunity that includes outreach and
education activities on the following: The Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148 (PPACA), as amended by the
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-
152, collectively known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), as amended. This national outreach
and educational program is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at
25 U.S.C. 13, and the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 2001(a). This
program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
under CFDA number 93.933.
Background
The NIHOE-III programs carry out health program objectives in the
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in the interest of
improving Indian health care for all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes
including Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery
systems through self-determination contracts and compacts
[[Page 50122]]
with the IHS and Tribes that continue to receive health care directly
from the IHS. This program addresses health policy and health program
issues and disseminates educational information to all AI/AN Tribes and
villages. These awards require that public forums be held at Tribal
educational consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in
the latest health care information. These awards also require that
regional and national meetings be coordinated for information
dissemination as well as for the inclusion of planning and technical
assistance and health care recommendations on behalf of participating
Tribes to ultimately inform IHS and the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) based on Tribal input through a broad based consumer
network.
The IHS also provides health and related services through grants
and contracts with urban Indian organizations to reach AI/AN residing
in urban communities.
Purpose
The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to encourage
national Indian organizations and IHS, Tribal, and Urban (I/T/U)
partners to work together to implement three distinct program
activities throughout Indian Country: (1) Health Reform and How to
Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes, and Urban Health Clinics, (2)
Medicaid Expansion for AI/ANs under the ACA, and (3) Conduct ACA/IHCIA
Education and Outreach Training and Technical Assistance under the
Limited Competition NIHOE Cooperative Agreement program to further
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with outreach and
education efforts in the interest of improving Indian health care and
to ensure that all AI/AN are prepared to take advantage of the health
reform opportunities, improve the quality of and access to health care
services, and increase resources for AI/AN health care. The goal of
this program announcement is to coordinate and conduct consumer
centered outreach and education, training and technical assistance on a
national scale for the 566 Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal
organizations on the changes, improvements and authorities of the ACA
and IHCIA in anticipation of implementation of the health care reform
date of January 1, 2014 regarding Medicaid expansion revenue
opportunities and individual health insurance coverage and choices.
This collaborative effort will benefit I/T/U as well as the AI/AN
communities (Tribal and urban).
II. Award Information
Type of Award
Cooperative Agreement
The IHS will accept applications for either one of the following:
A. Two entities collaborating and applying as one entity.
B. Two entities applying separately to accomplish appropriately
divided program activities.
Estimated Funds Available
The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year,
FY 2012, is approximately $600,000. Individual award amounts are
anticipated to be $300,000 each if awarded to two entities applying
separately; $600,000 if awarded to two entities applying as one entity.
Competing awards issued under this announcement are subject to the
availability of funds. In the absence of funding, the IHS is under no
obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this
announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
One or two awards will be issued under this program announcement.
Project Period
The project period will be for one year and will run consecutively
from September 30, 2012 to September 29, 2013.
Cooperative Agreement
In the HHS, a cooperative agreement is administered under the same
policies as a grant. The funding agency (IHS) is required to have
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire
award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of
involvement required for both IHS and the grantee. IHS will be
responsible for activities listed under section A and the grantee will
be responsible for activities listed under section B as stated:
Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
A. IHS Programmatic Involvement
IHS will have final approval of the selection of any
consultants.
IHS will approve the training and education curriculum
content, facts, delivery mode, pre- and post-assessments, and
evaluation before any materials are printed and the training is
conducted.
IHS will review and approve the final draft products
before they are published and distributed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
Facilitate an open exchange of ideas and foster an
atmosphere of open communication regarding outreach, educational
training and technical assistance about these Acts.
Provide the outreach and educational training and
technical assistance about these Acts and their changes and
requirements that will affect AI/AN whether doing so independently or
jointly via a partnership as described previously. FY 2012 funding for
ACA/IHCIA NIHOE and Implementation will focus on all national Indian
organizations and I/T/U partners working together to implement three
distinct program activities throughout Indian Country: (1) Health
Reform and How to Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes, and Urban
Indian Health Clinics, (2) Medicaid Expansion for A IANs under the ACA,
and (3) Conduct ACA/IHCIA Education and Outreach Training and Technical
Assistance. The project goals are two-fold for the IHS and the selected
entities:
1. Communicate IHS approved communication about the content and
meaning of the ACA and the IHCIA.
2. Strengthen and unify partnerships to strategically identify and
conduct activities that will be implemented throughout the I/T/U
community by no later than December 31, 2013 to take full advantage of
the January 1, 2014 implementation date for health care reform
regarding Medicaid expansion revenue opportunities and individual
health insurance coverage and choices.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit entities who meet
the following criteria.
Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are
national Indian organizations.
The national Indian organization must have the infrastructure in
place to accomplish the work under the proposed program.
Eligible entities must have demonstrated expertise in the following
areas:
Representing all Tribal governments and providing a
variety of services to Tribes, Area health boards, Tribal
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in
focusing attention on Indian health care needs,
[[Page 50123]]
resulting in improved health outcomes for AI/ANs.
Promoting and supporting Indian education, and
coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect
Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health
care.
Administering national health policy and health programs.
Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly
supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of
improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
Providing education and outreach on a national scale (the
applicant must provide evidence of at least ten years of experience in
this area).
Qualified national Indian organizations/entities must have
experience and expertise on the variety of issues related to the
provision of health care to Indian people.
Qualified national American Indian organizations/entities
much have at least two years of experience and expertise in addressing
urban communities. *Note: At least one of the partnering applicant
organizations must have the required time in providing health education
and outreach to urban communities.
Note: Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application
Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents
required, such as proof of non-profit status, etc.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants
or cooperative agreements.
3. Other Requirements
If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined
under the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will
not be reviewed for further consideration. IHS will not return the
application. The applicant will be notified by email or certified mail
by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
The funding level noted includes both direct and indirect costs.
Administrative costs are capped.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
A copy of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with your
application submission by the deadline due date of September 10, 2012.
Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding
opportunity announcement.
Applicants submitting any of the above additional documentation
after the initial application submission due date are required to
ensure the information was received by the IHS by obtaining
documentation confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return
receipt, etc.).
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Obtaining Application Materials
The application package and detailed instructions for this
announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
Questions regarding the electronic application process may be
directed to Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114.
2. Content and Form Application Submission
The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants
include:
Table of contents.
Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
Application forms:
[cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
[cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
[cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced
and not exceed five pages).
Project Narrative (must not exceed ten pages).
[cir] Background information on the national Indian organizations.
[cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
501(c)(3) Certificate.
Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope
of work.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC)
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
Organizational Chart (optional).
Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial
Audit (if applicable).
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
[cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC)
that audits were submitted; or
[cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC
Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/sac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database.
Public Policy Requirements
All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception
of the Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word
document that is no longer than ten pages and must: be single-spaced,
be type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side
only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or
scored. These narratives will assist the Objective Review Committee
(ORC) in becoming more familiar with the grantee's activities and
accomplishments prior to this possible grant award. If the narrative
exceeds the page limit, only the first ten pages will be reviewed. The
10-page limit for the narrative does not include the work plan,
standard forms, table of contents, budget, budget justifications,
narratives, and/or other appendix items.
There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be
included in the narrative.
Part A: Program Information (4 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Needs
Describe how each national Indian organization has the experience
to provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent
changes and updates in health care listed herein.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (4 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
Describe fully and clearly the direction the national Indian
organization plans to address the
[[Page 50124]]
NIHOE III requirements, including how the national Indian organization
plans to demonstrate improved health education and outreach services to
all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes, as well as collaborative efforts
regarding the urban organizations as described herein. Include proposed
timelines as appropriate and applicable.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal and urban
communities to encourage appropriate changes by increasing knowledge
and awareness resulting in informed choices. Identify anticipated or
expected benefits for the Tribal constituency and urban communities.
Part C: Program Report (2 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months.
Identify and describe significant program achievements associated with
the delivery of quality health outreach and education. Provide a
comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for
the project period, or if applicable, provide justification for the
lack of progress.
Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
Identify and summarize recent major health related outreach and
education project activities of the work performed during the last
project period.
B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget
requested and match the scope of work described the project narrative.
The budget narrative should not exceed five pages.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by
12 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on September 10, 2012.
Any application received after the application deadline will not be
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for
funding. The applicant will be notified by the DGM via email or
certified mail of this decision.
If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via
email to [email protected] or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on
Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact Paul Gettys, DGM
([email protected]) at (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr.
Gettys at least ten days prior to the application deadline. Please do
not contact the DGM until you have received a Grants.gov tracking
number. In the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call
the DGM as soon as possible.
If an applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of
submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval must be
requested and obtained (see Section IV.6 below for additional
information). The waiver must be documented in writing (emails are
acceptable), before submitting a paper application. A copy of the
written approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy that is
mailed to the DGM. Once the waiver request has been approved, the
applicant will receive a confirmation of approval and the mailing
address to submit the application. Paper applications that are
submitted without a waiver from the Acting Director of DGM will not be
reviewed or considered further for funding. The applicant will be
notified via email or certified mail of this decision by the Grants
Management Officer of DGM. Paper applications must be received by the
DGM no later than 5 p.m., EDT, on the application deadline date. Late
applications will not be accepted for processing or considered for
funding.
Other Important Due Dates
Proof of Non-Profit Status 501(c)(3) Certificate: Due date
September 10, 2012.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are not allowable.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and
appropriate indirect costs.
Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per
applicant.
IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the
http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage.
Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and
then upload and submit the completed application via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS
employees or offices.
Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application
documents must follow the rules and timelines that are noted below. The
applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to the
application deadline.
Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or
that fail to request timely assistance with technical issues will not
be considered for a waiver to submit a paper application.
Please be aware of the following:
Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
If you experience technical challenges while submitting
the application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support
directly at: [email protected] or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on
Federal holidays).
Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical
issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the agency must be
obtained.
If it is determined that a waiver is needed, the applicant
must submit a request in writing (emails are acceptable) to
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Please
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from our standard
electronic submission process.
If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent
directly to the DGM by the deadline date of September 10, 2012.
Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as
the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could take up to
fifteen working days.
Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGM.
All applicants must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this Funding Announcement.
After electronically submitting the application, the
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the
application from
[[Page 50125]]
Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency
officials. Neither the DGM nor the ODSCT will notify applicants that
the application has been received.
Email applications will not be accepted under this
announcement.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the CCR database.
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge.
To obtain a DUNS number, access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-5711.
Effective October 1, 2010, all HHS recipients were asked to start
reporting information on subawards, as required by the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency
Act'').
Accordingly, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier
subrecipients that no entity may receive a first-tier subaward unless
the entity has provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee
organization. This requirement ensures the use of a universal
identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the
public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
Organizations that have not registered with CCR will need to obtain
a DUNS number first and then access the CCR online registration through
the CCR home page at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx (U.S.
organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification
Number from the Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-
5 weeks to become active). Completing and submitting the registration
takes approximately one hour to complete and your CCR registration will
take 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the CCR is free of
charge. Applicants may register online at https://www.bpn.gov/ccrupdate/NewRegistration.aspx.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.
V. Application Review Information
The instructions for preparing the application narrative also
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses.
The narrative is limited to ten pages. The narrative section should be
written in a manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with
prior related activities of the applicant. It should be well organized,
succinct, and contain all information necessary for reviewers to
understand the project fully. Points will be assigned to each
evaluation criteria adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score
of 60 points is required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:
1. Criteria
Criteria--Program Requirements
Project Objectives, Activities, Work Plan, Evaluation and Budget
A. Health Reform and How To Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes and
Urban Indian Health Clinics
(1) Identify health care economist or expert to develop models or
tools that can be used by Tribes and Tribal organizations to identify
revenue opportunities in the ACA and Health Insurance Exchanges.
(2) Develop a small, medium and large health care system model that
Tribes and Tribal organizations can use to maximize Health Insurance
Exchanges.
(3) Develop an electronic template that Tribes and Tribal
organizations can use to populate data fields and generate Tribal
specific analysis for informed decision making regarding health
insurance coverage and choices to meet the January 1, 2014 ACA
implementation date.
B. Maximize Medicaid Expansion for AI/ANs Under the ACA
(1) Identify health care economist or expert to develop models or
tools that can be uses by Tribes and Tribal organizations to maximize
revenue opportunities in the ACA Medicaid Expansion.
2. Develop a small, medium and large health care system model that
Tribes and Tribal organizations can use to maximize Medicaid Expansion
opportunities.
3. Develop an electronic template that Tribes and Tribal
organizations can use to populate data fields and generate Tribal
specific analysis for informed decision making regarding the Medicaid
Expansion revenue opportunities and health care access and coverage to
meet the January 1, 2014 ACA implementation date.
C. Conduct ACA/IHCIA Education and Outreach Training and Technical
Assistance
(1) Evaluate all available ACA/IHCIA training material available
for AI/AN and create additional materials as needed that are related to
ACA/IHCIA.
(2) Describe how to ensure the training curriculum content
addresses all new regulations implementing the ACA or IHCIA
requirements.
(3) Describe the review and approval of the training course
evaluation instrument.
(4) Record training sessions and describe how they will be made
available to the I/T/U and AI/AN community on the Web sites of the
national Indian organizations and partners.
D. Work Plan
Describe the activities or steps that will be used to achieve each
of the activities proposed during the 12-month budget period.
(1) Provide a Work Plan that describes the sequence of specific
activities and steps that will be used to carry out each of the three
objectives.
(2) Include a detailed timeline that links activities to project
objectives for the 12-month budget period.
(3) Identify challenges, both opportunities and barriers, that are
likely to be encountered in designing and implementing the activities
and approaches that will be used to address such challenges.
(4) Describe communication methods with partners.
E. Evaluation
(1) Provide a well-conceived logical plan for assessing the
achievement of the project's process and outcome objectives and for
evaluating changes in the specific problems and contributing factors.
(2) Identify performance measures by which the project will track
its progress over time. A performance measure is a quantifiable
indicator of progress and achievement that includes outcome, output,
input, efficiency, and explanatory indicators.
F. Budget
Provide a functional categorically itemized budget and program
narrative justification that supports accomplishing the program
objectives, activities, and outcomes within the timeframes specified.
[[Page 50126]]
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
1. Describe the individual entity's and/or partnering entities' (as
applicable) current health, education and technical assistance
operations as related to the broad spectrum of health needs of the AI/
AN community. Include what programs and services are currently provided
(i.e., Federally funded, State funded, etc.), any memorandums of
agreement with other National, Area or local Indian health board
organizations, HHS' agencies that rely on the applicant as the primary
gateway organization that is capable of providing the dissemination of
health information, information regarding technologies currently used
(i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), and identify the source(s)
of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house staff,
contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how long the
applicant has been operating and its length of association/partnerships
with Area health boards, etc. [historical collaboration].
2. Describe the organization's current technical assistance
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided,
programs and services projected to be provided, etc.
3. Describe the population to be served by the proposed project.
Include a description of the number of Tribes and Tribal members who
currently benefit from the technical assistance provided by the
applicant.
4. State how previous cooperative agreement funds facilitated
education, training and technical assistance nation-wide for AI/ANs and
relate the progression of health care information delivery and
development relative to the current proposed project. (Copies of
reports will not be accepted.)
5. Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national,
area and local Indian health boards.
6. Describe how the project relates to the purpose of the
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the
proposed project will address the changes and requirements of the Acts.
B. Project Objective(s), Work-Plan and Approach (45 Points)
1. Proposed project objectives must be:
a. Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
b. Results oriented.
c. Time-limited.
2. Submit a work-plan in the appendix which includes the following
information:
a. Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing the
proposed project objective(s).
b. Identify who will perform the action steps.
c. Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
d. Identify what tangible products will be produced during and at
the end of the proposed project objective(s).
e. Identify who will accept and/or approve work products during the
duration of the proposed project and at the end of the proposed
project.
f. Include any training that will take place during the proposed
project and who will be attending the training.
g. Include evaluation activities planned.
3. If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed
project, please include the following information in their scope of
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used):
a. Educational requirements.
b. Desired qualifications and work experience.
c. Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
d. If a potential consultant/contractor has already been
identified, please include a resume in the Appendix.
C. Program Evaluation (15 Points)
Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation
activities in the work-plan. Describe the proposed plan to evaluate
both outcomes and process. Outcome evaluation relates to the results
identified in the objectives, and process evaluation relates to the
work-plan and activities of the project.
1. For outcome evaluation, describe:
a. What the criteria will be for determining success of each
objective.
b. What data will be collected to determine whether the objective
was met.
c. At what intervals will data be collected.
d. Who will collect the data and their qualifications.
e. How the data will be analyzed.
f. How the results will be used.
2. For process evaluation, describe:
a. How the project will be monitored and assessed for potential
problems and needed quality improvements.
b. Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing project
improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements and their
qualifications.
c. How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the project.
d. Any products, such as manuals or policies, that might be
developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by others.
3. How the project will document what is learned throughout the
project period. Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to
occur after the grant periods.
4. Describe the ultimate benefit for the AI/ANs that will be
derived from this project.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15
Points)
1. Describe the organizational structure of the organization.
2. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in
scope and financial assistance as well as other cooperative agreements/
grants and projects successfully completed.
3. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer,
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use
during the proposed project.
4. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title
used in the work-plan. In the appendix, include position descriptions
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications
and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out
the proposed project activities. If a position is to be filled,
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
1. Provide a categorical budget for 12-month budget period
requested.
2. If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current
negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in
the appendix.
3. Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item
is necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Appendix Items
Work-plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed
objectives.
Position descriptions for key staff.
Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter
of commitment (if applicable).
[[Page 50127]]
Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
Organizational chart(s) highlighting proposed project
staff and their supervisors as well as other key contacts within the
organization and key community contacts.
Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data
tables, key news articles, etc.).
2. Review and Selection
Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement.
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. Applicants will
be notified by DGM, via email or letter, to outline minor missing
components (i.e., signature on the SF-424, audit documentation, key
contact form) needed for an otherwise complete application. All missing
documents must be sent to DGM on or before the due date listed in the
email of notification of missing documents required.
To obtain a minimum score for funding by the Objective Review
Committee (ORC), applicants must address all program requirements and
provide all required documentation. Applicants that receive less than a
minimum score will be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be
informed via email or regular mail by the IHS Program Office of their
application's deficiencies. A summary statement outlining the strengths
and weaknesses of the application will be provided to each disapproved
applicant. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorized
Organizational Representative (AOR) that is identified on the face page
(SF-424), of the application within 60 days of the completion of the
Objective Review.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification
of the grant award. The (NoA) will be initiated by the DGM and will be
mailed via postal mail or emailed to each entity that is approved for
funding under this announcement. The NoA is the authorizing document
for which funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the
amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms
and conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and the
budget/project period.
Disapproved Applicants
Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding
level for approval, 60, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC,
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS Program Office
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the weaknesses
and strengths of their application submitted. The IHS program office
will also provide additional contact information as needed to address
questions and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if
desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved,'' but were not funded due
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the
course of FY 2012, the approved application maybe re-considered by the
awarding program office for possible funding. You will also receive an
Executive Summary Statement from the IHS Program Office within 30 days
of the conclusion of the ORC.
Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by
an IHS Grants Management Official announcing to the Project Director
that an award has been made to their organization is not an
authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.
2. Administrative Requirements
Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the
following regulations, policies, and Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) cost principles:
A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal
Governments.
45 CFR Part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and other Non-profit Organizations.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
Title 2: Grant and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
Title 2: Grant and Agreements, Part 230--Cost Principles
for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
E. Audit Requirements:
OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments,
and Non-profit Organizations.
3. Indirect Costs
This section applies to all grant recipients that request
reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires
applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The
rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office.
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current
award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM
at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted.
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to
the DGM.
Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) http://rates.psc.gov/ and the
Department of Interior (National Business Center) http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx. If your organization has questions
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to
request assistance.
4. Reporting Requirements
Grantees must submit required reports consistent with the
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of
the reports.
The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required semi-annually. These reports
must include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals
established for the period, or, if applicable, provide sound
justification for the lack of progress, and other
[[Page 50128]]
pertinent information as required. A final report must be submitted
within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are
due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Division
of Payment Management, HHS at: http://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is
recommended that you also send a copy of your FFR (SF-425) report to
your Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely reports may
cause a disruption in timely payments to your organization.
Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and
Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to
report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
Effective October 1, 2010 IHS implemented a Term of Award into all
IHS Standard Terms and Conditions, NoAs, and funding announcements
regarding this requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all
IHS grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1,
2010, with a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any
specific reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS
awards (where the project period is made up of more than one budget
period) and where: (1) The project period start date was October 1,
2010 or after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will
be required to conduct address the FSRS reporting. For the full IHS
award term implementing this requirement and additional award
applicability information, visit the Grants Management Grants Policy
Web site at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.
Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY
(301) 443-6394.
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms.
Roselyn Tso, Acting Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220,
Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, Fax: (301) 443-
4666, EMail: [email protected].
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Mr. Andrew Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, 801
Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301)
443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, EMail: [email protected].
VIII. Other Information
The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative
agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and
promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law
103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain
facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early
childhood development services are provided to children. This is
consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and
mental health of the American people.
Dated: August 12, 2012.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20291 Filed 8-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P