[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 101 (Tuesday, May 26, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31522-31529]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11210]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
National Indian Health Outreach and Education
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2020-IHS-NIHOE-0001.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.933.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: June 29, 2020.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 14, 2020.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a
cooperative agreement for the National Indian Health Outreach and
Education program. This program is authorized under: The Snyder Act, 25
U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001; the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. 1621b; and Section 330C of the Public
Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c-3. The HIV/AIDS Outreach and
Education component is funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Health (OASH), HHS, and is being made available through an intra-
Departmental Delegation of Authority (IDDA) to IHS to award funding to
be carried out pursuant to Section 301 of the Public Health Service
Act. This program is described in the Assistance Listings located at
https://beta.sam.gov (formerly known as Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance) under 93.933.
Background
The Indian Health Service is committed to providing quality health
care, consistent with its statutory authorities and its government-to-
government relationship with each Indian tribe. The IHS mission is to
raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American
Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. To further mission
success, the IHS seeks support on a national scale. The IHS serves as
the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for
approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 574
federally recognized Tribes in 37 states, through a network of over 605
hospitals, clinics and health stations on or near Indian reservations
and predominantly in rural locations. Tribes administer over half of
the annual IHS discretionary appropriation. The IHS also enters into
agreements with 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). These 41 UIOs are
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that provide culturally appropriate
and quality health care and referral services for Urban Indians
throughout the United States in 22 states. The IHS seeks to collaborate
with local communities, not-for-profit organizations, universities and
schools, foundations, businesses, and Federal agencies. This effort
will foster outreach and education addressing health policy and health
program issues; broadcast educational information to all American
Indian and Alaska Native people; provide policy/legislative updates,
advocacy, and technical assistance.
Purpose
The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further IHS's
mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN
community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on
improving Indian health care, promoting awareness, visibility,
advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts. This
program includes the following seven components, as described in this
announcement: ``Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funds;''
``Health Care Policy Analysis and Review;'' ``Substance Abuse and
Suicide Prevention (SASP) program,'' formerly known as the
Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative; ``Domestic Violence
Prevention (DVP) program,'' formerly known as the Domestic Violence
Prevention Initiative--national awareness, visibility, advocacy,
outreach and education award; the ``Human Immunodeficiency Virus/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)'' outreach and
education; the ``Special Diabetes Program for Indians'' (SDPI); the
``Affordable Care Act (ACA)''; and the ``Indian Health Care Improvement
Act (IHCIA).''
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument
Cooperative Agreement.
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2020 is
approximately $842,311. The award amount for the first budget year is
anticipated to be between $246,311 and $842,311. $246,311 is estimated
for Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach (this amount could vary
based on Tribal shares assumptions); $125,000 for the Health Care
Policy Analysis and Review; $150,000 for activities related
[[Page 31523]]
to the SASP program; $50,000 for activities related to the DVP program;
$100,000 for HIV/AIDS outreach and education; $66,000 associated with
providing legislative education, outreach and communication on the
SDPI; and $105,000 for outreach and education activities on the ACA,
and the IHCIA. The funding available for competing and subsequent
continuation awards issued under this announcement is subject to the
availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency.
The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for
funding under this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
Approximately one award will be issued under this program
announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for three years.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a
grant. However, the funding agency (IHS) is anticipated 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 IHS.
Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
1. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of personnel,
deployment of resources, release of public information materials,
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports,
budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis,
interpretation of findings and reporting.
2. The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall
progress of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the award
noted below, as well as their adherence to the terms and conditions of
the cooperative agreement. This includes providing guidance for
required reports, development of tools and other products, interpreting
program findings and assisting with evaluation and overcoming any
slippages encountered.
3. The IHS assigned program official will also coordinate the
following:
Routinely scheduled conference calls.
Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each
participating IHS program.
4. IHS will jointly, with the awardee, plan and set an agenda for
events that:
Shares the outcomes of the outreach and health education
training provided.
Fosters collaboration amongst the participating IHS
program offices.
Increases visibility for the partnership between the
awardee and IHS.
5. IHS may provide guidance in preparing articles for publication
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned and new
findings.
6. IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS for accuracy
and may, if requested by the awardee, provide relevant articles.
7. IHS will communicate, via routine conference calls and meetings,
individual or collective (all participating programs) site visits to
the awardee.
8. IHS will provide technical assistance to the awardee as
requested.
9. IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, participate
on study groups, attend board meetings, and recommend topics for
analysis and discussion.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this ``New Announcement,'' an eligible applicant
must be a 501(c)(3) organization that has demonstrated expertise as
follows:
Representing 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, resulting in improved health outcomes for
Tribes.
Promoting and supporting health education for AI/AN 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 healthcare in Indian Country.
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
tribal resolutions, 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
Applications with budget requests that exceed the highest dollar
amount outlined under the Award Information, Estimated Funds Available
section, or exceed the Period of Performance outlined under the Award
Information, Period of Performance section will be considered not
responsive and will not be reviewed. The Division of Grants Management
(DGM) will notify the applicant.
Additional Required Documentation
Proof of Non-Profit Status
Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit a current copy
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Obtaining Application Materials
The application package and detailed instructions for this
announcement are hosted on https://www.Grants.gov.
Please direct questions regarding the application process to Mr.
Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.
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:
Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
Application forms:
1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
Project Narrative (not to exceed ten pages for each of the
components listed in Section I Purpose). See Section IV.2.A Project
Narrative for instructions.
1. Background information on the organization.
2. Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide
a description of what the applicant plans to accomplish.
Budget Justification and Narrative (not to exceed five
pages). See Section IV.2.B Budget Narrative for instructions.
One-page Timeframe Chart.
Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
[[Page 31524]]
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 Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Financial Audit (if applicable).
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
1. Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that
audits were submitted; or
2. Face sheets from audit reports. Applicants can find these on the
FAC website: https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
Public Policy Requirements
All federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative
agreements with the exception of the Discrimination Policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate document
that is no more than ten pages per component and must: (1) Have
consecutively numbered pages; (2) use black font 12 points or larger;
(3) be single-spaced; (4) and be formatted to fit standard letter paper
(8-1/2 x 11 inches).
Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation Criteria) and
place all responses and required information in the correct section
noted below or they will not be considered or scored. If the narrative
exceeds the page limit, the application will be considered not
responsive and not be reviewed. The ten-page limit for the narrative
does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions,
budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.
There are three parts to the narrative: Part 1--Program
Information; Part 2--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part 3--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be
included in the narrative.
The page limits below are for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part 1: Program Information (limit--two pages)
Section 1: Capabilities and Qualifications
Describe how the applicant has the expertise to provide outreach
and education efforts on a continuing basis regarding the pertinent
changes and updates in health care for each of the seven components
listed herein.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (limit--six pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
Describe fully and clearly how the applicant plans to address the
NIHOE requirements, including how the applicant plans to demonstrate
improved health education and outreach services to all federally-
recognized Tribes for each of the components 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 communities.
Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
Describe fully and clearly how each project objective will be
evaluated, including a sample list of data variables to be collected
(i.e., health education and outreach services, response from community
surveys, rating of program or project's ability to use technology,
program or project's ability to cover costs of peripherals and software
to manage grant). Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the
tribal community or target population.
Part 3: Program Report (limit--two pages)
Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program
activities and accomplishments over the past five years associated with
the goals of this announcement.
Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
Please identify and summarize recent major health related project
activities of the work done regarding each of the four components
during the project period.
B. Budget Narrative (limit--five pages).
Provide a budget narrative that explains the amounts requested for
each line item of the budget. The budget narrative should specifically
describe how each item will support the achievement of proposed
objectives. Be very careful about showing how each item in the
``Other'' category is justified. For subsequent budget years, the
narrative should highlight the changes from year 1 or clearly indicate
that there are no substantive budget changes during the period of
performance. Do NOT use the budget narrative to expand the project
narrative.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date. Any
application received after the application deadline will not be
accepted for review. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if
the application is rejected. If technical challenges arise and
assistance is required with the application process, contact Grants.gov
Customer Support (see contact information at https://www.grants.gov).
If problems persist, contact Mr. Paul Gettys ([email protected]),
Acting Director, DGM, by telephone at (301) 443-2114 or (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.
IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are allowable up to 90 days before the
start date of the award provided the costs are otherwise allowable if
awarded. Pre-award costs are incurred at the risk of the applicant.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect
costs.
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded per
applicant.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Please use the
https://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application. Find the
application by selecting the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage.
Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package
tab. No other method of application submission is acceptable.
If the applicant cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, a
waiver must be requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained
from Mr. Paul Gettys, Acting Director, DGM. A written waiver request
must be sent to [email protected] with a copy to
[email protected]. The waiver request must: (1) Be documented
[[Page 31525]]
in writing (emails are acceptable) before submitting an application by
some other method, and (2) include clear justification for the need to
deviate from the required application submission process.
Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will
receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission
instructions. A copy of the written approval must be included with the
application that is submitted to the DGM. Applications that are
submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Director of the
DGM will not be reviewed. The Grants Management Officer of the DGM will
notify the applicant via email of this decision. Applications submitted
under waiver must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT,
on the Application Deadline Date. Late applications will not be
accepted for processing. Applicants that do not register for both the
System for Award Management (SAM) and Grants.gov and/or fail to request
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a
waiver to submit an application via alternative method.
Please be aware of the following:
Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number or the
Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of
this announcement.
If you experience technical challenges while submitting
your application, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see
contact information at https://www.grants.gov).
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 a waiver from the agency must be
obtained.
Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as
the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to twenty
working days.
Please follow the instructions on Grants.gov to include
additional documentation that may be requested by this funding
announcement.
Applicants must comply with any page limits described in
this funding announcement.
After submitting the application, the applicant will
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. IHS will not notify the applicant that the
application has been received.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
Applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain a DUNS
number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. The
DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by D&B
that 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, please access the request service through https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or call (866) 705-5711.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires all HHS recipients to report
information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS grantees must notify
potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-
tier sub-award 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.
System for Award Management (SAM)
Organizations that are not registered with SAM will need to obtain
a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (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). Please see SAM.gov for details on the registration process and
timeline. Registration with the SAM is free of charge, but can take
several weeks to process. Applicants may register online at https://www.sam.gov.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, are available on
the DGM Grants Management, Policy Topics web page: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
V. Application Review Information
Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. The ten-
page project narrative should include only the first year of
activities; information for multi-year projects should be included as
an appendix. See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this
section for more information. 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 possible points. Points
are assigned as follows:
1. Evaluation Criteria
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
(1) Describe the organization's 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. This could also include HHS agencies that
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization to AI/AN
communities that are capable of providing the dissemination of health
information. Include information regarding technologies currently used
(i.e., hardware, software, services, websites, 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, memorandums of
agreement with other national Indian organizations that deem the
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN,
memorandums of agreement with other area Indian health boards, etc.
(3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects.
(4) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects'
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nationwide for
AI/ANs and relate the progression of health care information delivery
and development relative to the current proposed projects. (Copies of
reports will not be accepted.)
(5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national,
area and local Indian health boards.
[[Page 31526]]
(6) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
(7) If the proposed projects include information technology (i.e.,
hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed projects will
not create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., negatively
or adversely affect IHS interface capability, Government Performance
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements,
information technology compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
(8) Describe the effect of the proposed projects on current
programs (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.) and, if
applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services,
etc.). Include the effect of the proposed projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
(9) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding each of
the components listed.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
(1) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the four
projects, as applicable. Objectives should be:
Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
Results oriented.
Time-limited.
Example: Issue quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and quantify
number of contacts with Tribes.
Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable,
feasible and attainable for each of the selected projects.
(2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed
project objective for all of the projects. Also address what tangible
products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e., policy
analysis, outreach events, summits, etc.).
(3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide,
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target
population. Include a current strategic plan and business plan that
includes the expanded services. Include the plan(s) with the
application submission.
(4) Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following
information.
Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
Identify who will perform the action steps.
Identify who will supervise the action steps.
Identify what tangible products will be produced during
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
Identify who will accept and/or approve work products
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the
proposed projects.
Include any training that will take place during the
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
(5) 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).
Educational requirements.
Desired qualifications and work experience.
Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified,
please include a resume in the Appendix.
(6) Describe what updates will be required for the continued
success of the proposed projects. Include when these updates are
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 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:
What will the criteria be for determining success of each
objective?
What data will be collected to determine whether the
objective was met?
At what intervals will data be collected?
Who will collect the data and their qualifications?
How will the data be analyzed?
How will the results be used?
(2) For process evaluation, describe:
How will each project be monitored and assessed for
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements
and their qualifications?
How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the
projects?
Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by
others.
How will the organization document what is learned
throughout each of the projects' periods?
(3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period
has ended.
(4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15
Points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects
outlined in the work plan.
(1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
(2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed
projects. 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 projects. Include information about any equipment
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative
agreement/grant.
(4) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title
used in the work plans. 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 projects. Resumes
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out
the proposed projects' activities. If a position is to be filled,
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
[[Page 31527]]
(5) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder
of the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects'
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative
agreement period. The budgets and budget justifications should be
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plans.
(1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget
periods requested for each of the four projects.
(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.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements
Applications must include a brief project narrative and budget (one
additional page per year) addressing the developmental plans for each
additional year of the project. This attachment will not count as part
of the project narrative or the budget narrative.
Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
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).
Current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
Organizational chart.
Map of area identifying project location(s).
Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data
tables, key news articles, etc.).
2. Review and Selection
Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and
completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications that
meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the
Objective Review Committee (ORC) based on evaluation criteria.
Incomplete applications and applications that are not responsive to the
administrative thresholds will not be referred to the ORC and will not
be funded. The applicant will be notified of this determination.
Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all
required documentation.
3. Notifications of Disposition
All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the
IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes within 30 days of
the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and weaknesses of
their application. The summary statement will be sent to the
Authorizing Official identified on the face page (SF-424) of the
application.
A. Award Notices for Funded Applications
The Notice of Award (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. Each entity approved for funding must have a
user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve the NoA. Please see
the Agency Contacts list in Section VII for the systems contact
information.
B. Approved But Unfunded Applications
Approved applications not funded due to lack of available funds
will be held for one year. If funding becomes available during the
course of the year, the application may be reconsidered.
Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA executed 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 the IHS.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Administrative Requirements
Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the
following regulations and policies:
A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
located at 45 CFR part 75.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
E. Audit Requirements:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.
2. Indirect Costs
This section applies to all recipients that request reimbursement
of indirect costs (IDC) in their application budget. In accordance with
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to
obtain a current IDC rate agreement, and submit it to DGM, prior to DGM
issuing an 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
agreement 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 agreement is provided to the DGM.
Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ or the
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please
call the Grants Management Specialist listed under ``Agency Contacts''
or the main DGM office at (301) 443-5204.
3. Reporting Requirements
The awardee 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
awardee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions.
Personnel responsible for submitting
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reports will be required to obtain a login and password for
GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts list in section VII for
the systems contact information.
The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required semi-annually, within 30 days
after the budget period ends (specific dates will be listed in the NoA
Terms and Conditions). These reports must include a brief comparison of
actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period, a
summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of
expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports
are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the
Payment Management Services, HHS at https://pms.psc.gov. The applicant
is also requested to upload a copy of the FFR (SF-425) into our grants
management system, GrantSolutions. Failure to submit timely reports may
result in adverse award actions blocking access to funds.
Awardees are responsible and accountable for accurate information
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and
Federal Financial Report.
C. Post Conference Grant Reporting
The following requirements were enacted in Section 3003 of the
Consolidated Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, and Section 119 of
the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014; Office of Management and
Budget Memorandum M-12-12: All HHS/IHS awards containing grants funds
allocated for conferences will be required to complete a mandatory post
award report for all conferences. Specifically: The total amount of
funds provided in this award/cooperative agreement that were spent for
``Conference X'', must be reported in final detailed actual costs
within 15 days of the completion of the conference. Cost categories to
address should be: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3)
Registration website, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-
Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees, (8) Other.
D. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award 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 sub-awards and executive
compensation under federal assistance awards.
IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and
Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting
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 sub-award obligation dollar threshold met for any specific
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards
(where the period of performance is made up of more than one budget
period) and where: (1) The period of performance start date was October
1, 2010 or after, and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 sub-
award obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period
will be required to address the FSRS reporting.
For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy
website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding
Opportunity Announcements
Recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must
administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights laws
that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, religion,
conscience, and sex. This includes ensuring programs are accessible to
persons with limited English proficiency. The HHS Office for Civil
Rights provides guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced
by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/index.html and http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/section1557/index.html.
Recipients of FFA must ensure that their programs are
accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. HHS provides
guidance to recipients of FFA on meeting their legal obligation to take
reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to their programs by
persons with limited English proficiency. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/index.html and https://www.lep.gov. For further guidance on providing culturally and
linguistically appropriate services, recipients should review the
National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate
Services in Health and Health Care at https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.
Recipients of FFA also have specific legal obligations for
serving qualified individuals with disabilities. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/disability/index.html.
HHS funded health and education programs must be
administered in an environment free of sexual harassment. Please see
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html; https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html; and https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/fs-sex.cfm.
Recipients of FFA must also administer their programs in
compliance with applicable federal religious nondiscrimination laws and
applicable federal conscience protection and associated anti-
discrimination laws. Collectively, these laws prohibit exclusion,
adverse treatment, coercion, or other discrimination against persons or
entities on the basis of their consciences, religious beliefs, or moral
convictions. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/index.html and https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/index.html.
Please contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights for more information
about obligations and prohibitions under federal civil rights laws at
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/index.html or call 1-800-
368-1019 or TDD 1-800-537-7697.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)
The IHS is required to review and consider any information about
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity
Information System (FAPIIS), at https://www.fapiis.gov, before making
any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
[[Page 31529]]
$150,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may review and
comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency
previously entered. IHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in
addition to other information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the
applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under
federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants
as described in 45 CFR 75.205.
As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance,
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to
NFEs that receive federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, the IHS must require a non-
federal entity or an applicant for a federal award to disclose, in a
timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-through entity all
violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or
gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award.
Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all
information related to violations of federal criminal law involving
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the
federal award. See 45 CFR 75.113.
Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants
Management, ATTN: Paul Gettys, Acting Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail
Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, (Include ``Mandatory Grant
Disclosures'' in subject line), Office: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-
0899, Email: [email protected]; AND U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant
Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue SW, Cohen
Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201, URL: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/, (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in
subject line), Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include ``Mandatory Grant
Disclosures'' in subject line) or Email:
[email protected].
Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance,
including suspension or debarment (see 2 CFR parts 180 & 376).
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Mr.
Kenneth Coriz, Program Analyst, ODSCT, Mail Stop, 8E17, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Phone: (301) 443-1104, Email:
[email protected].
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Patience Musikikongo, Grants Management Specialist, 5600
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
2059, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: [email protected].
3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys,
Acting Director, DGM, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville,
MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204,
Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: [email protected].
VIII. Other Information
The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant,
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.
Michael D. Weahkee,
Assistant Surgeon General, RADM, U.S. Public Health Service, Director,
Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-11210 Filed 5-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P